Prayers!

I have a prayer request for my bloggers!
   As most of you all know, my mom has dealt with sickness for the last year...going from one thing to the other...in November we found out that she has Endometrial Cancer....I can honestly say, I hate that word. You never really know what that word means until it hits home. But we serve an "All Mighty God" that is a healer of all!!
    Momma (her name is: Kathy Brock) goes in for surgery this Friday(1/04/13) (unless it is rescheduled). This procedure is supposed to take several hours....My family would greatly appreciate all the prayers that go up for her!! I know that God will be with her, but I don't like the thought of seeing momma in the hospital once again. I guess that's normal though...

 I will give updates on her condition as time goes on!!

Thanks so much for all your prayers!!

Last couple weeks of 2012!

      Wow, it is good to be able to breath!!!! The last couple weeks have been crazy!!!!!!......
#1. On the last Friday of November (for 4 years now) I, along with my sister-n-law have catered all of Dr. Hays (a local Dr.) clinics, Year End Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner (100+ people). This normally takes up a week of my time with going to Lexington, and extra trips to the grocery to gather in all the ingredients to cook with....Our church Christmas revival came a little early this year, and it happen to be the week of the catering!! Not wanting to miss a service meant a little extra work....But it was worth it!
#2. The first Saturday of December (which was the very next day after the catering and revival), Jay and I leave the kids with family and head to Louisville for Jay's Year End meeting with work (GFS). On our way there, we finished our shopping!! It was so good to be out and about with no kids, but at the same time we were some exhausted people from all that weeks activity's.
#3. For 10+ years, my Grandma, Mom and I have taken orders for Christmas Candies,Caramel Apples, Cakes and etc. So from the beginning of December to Christmas eve we fill orders. This year was one of the biggest years we have seen for order.....When all was said and done, we had sold a little over $2,000 worth. On the Thursday before Christmas mom and I were on our feet, 28 hours straight trying to fill all the orders, not counting the delivering! But, those few extra bucks have helped greatly with our kids Christmas list that keeps growing every year!

 #4.We sent our last orders out on Friday, and on Saturday, I had to finish making all my goodies for Jay and the kids that I do every year here at home, like Rice-Chex Mix/Date Balls/Pretzel Delights/Sugar Cookies and more...
#5. On Sunday before Christmas was all our church activity's....Sis. Ann's annual story, Adult Choir, Dinner, Gift Exchange, Youth Program and etc.

Sarah sent me this picture...it was taken on the night of the program!! It is truly, PRICELESS!!

#6. Then comes Christmas Eve.....I go to my Grandma's and Clean, Clean, Clean....FUN, LOL....Come home and get ready for our extended family Christmas eve party....There is nothing like going to Grandma's house and getting to see all your family there....around 37 of a total....its like having a big reunion!!!! I Love it!!
#7. After tucking the kids in our bed (they snuggle with us the night before Christmas), Jay and I get things ready for Christmas Morning/Day!....

We have always done surprise gifts for the kids..they are put together and ready to go when they get up....we also do our traditional stocking as well. Jay always takes the kids out shopping, and they pick out my stocking stuffers...and I do the same! It is so special!

On Christmas morning, we all come out together holding hands....

Daddy Prays.......

And they start opening gifts...with all the excitement, I got very few clear pictures.

After opening all the gifts, I had Ham & Cheese Croissants hot and ready...

We finished the rest of our day at my parents house. Mom took most of the pictures, so I have very few to post. 

While my mom was putting the finishing touch on dinner, LaDessa, my nephew/niece and I decorated our traditional gingerbread house to display on the mantle, and we had a blast!! I had a very hard time keeping little Anna from eating the icing and candy before we could get it done! LOL! 

After dinner, all 15 of us dug into our stockings! I had rather do this than I had open actual gifts....we had like 15-20 little gifts each...each person buys a $1 gift for each other...if that makes since...We open our big gifts one at a time....that's the way my mom orders it to be done! 

We had such a blast.....we always stay at mom and dads until late, playing with the kids and just reminiscing!!

After all of Christmas Day activity's.....we say.....Merry Christmas to all and to all Good-Night!!

Wow, this month has been one more month.....That was only the highlights....I didn't want to bore you any longer..... 

We hope all of you had a Blessed, Merry Christmas...And we wish you all a Happy New Year! 

 

Merry Christmas!

  Christmas is almost here once again! God has so graciously blessed our family with another healthy year, and for that I am so grateful!
     We recently had the kids pictures taken, and I thought they done a wonderful job posing for the camera!
  So....Merry Christmas...From The Wright Family!!

A Yummy Christmas Gift!

In need of a Christmas gift? 

For the last several years (all throughout the year) I have made and sold Loaded Candied Caramel Apples for Businesses and Individuals all over...and I am now taking orders for Christmas...

I use Granny Smith Apples and load them up with: 

Peanuts/Pecans/Mini M&M's/Mini Reese's Pieces/Heath Toffee Chips 

& Drizzled w/White Chocolate/Tagged and ready to go.. 

$6.00 Each  

Here is a Picture..with the Packaged & Tagged Apples in the background!

I also do the Loaded Candied Caramel Pretzel Rods as well. They are made just like my apples are! Delicious they are!!

$2.00 Each 

Here is my Finished/Packaged Candied Caramel Pretzel Rod ready for you to put a name on it!

These make an awesome Gift Card holder! Many of my customers buy them for co-workers/bosses/teachers/etc. and tie a gift card to either a apple or a rod. 

They also make great stocking stuffers!

If you would like to place a order..Let me know!! 

                           

Enjoy some warmth this Christmas!

Its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, Toys in every store!!!....Christmas bring lots of goodies for us to eat as well......so I thought I would help you out by adding some warm dishes to your menu!!!
    Buffalo Chicken Dip:
 1 (8oz.) pkg. Cream Cheese
1/2 cup Blue Cheese Dressing
1/2 cup Blue Cheese Crumbles
1/2 cup Franks Red Hot Sauce
2 cans Chicken (chunks)
    Directions:
Combine; cream cheese, blue cheese dressing, blue cheese crumbles and franks red hot sauce. Mash/ stir until blended, then add Chicken (I prefer shredding it by hand before adding into my mixture). Stir until well blended. Bake on 350 for 20 minutes.
I serve this with; Celery, carrots, tortilla chips, bread and crackers!
 
 And for those of you that know me...I don't like spicy foods....So if you are like me, try this dip that I came up with....
   Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip:
1 (8oz.) pkg. Cream Cheese
1/2-1 cup Ranch Dressing
1/2-1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 cans Chicken (chunks)
1 Tablespoon Real Bacon Bits
1 teaspoon chives (if desired)
    Directions:
Combine; cream cheese, ranch dressing and shredded cheese. Mash/stir until blended, then add bacon bits and chicken (I prefer shredding it by hand before adding into my mixture). Stir until well blended. Bake on 350 for 20 minutes.
I serve this with: Veggies, bread, crackers and tortilla chips! (I have also used this as a spread once it has chilled)!!
    You guys will have to try these dips! They are very easy, inexpensive, quick and best of all.. you will find your dip dishes empty when you go to clean up!
     Go get your ingredients, try them and let me know what you think!!!!
WARNING: Once you start eating, you can't stop!!!!  

Christmas!

   We have been so excited about Christmas this year...Last year we spent Christmas with Jay's family in Washington State, so I didn't do a lot of decorating because we knew we would be gone during the holiday. So this year we have done more decorating than before, mainly for the kids!! Of course we have our traditional 7 ft. tree (Burgundy & Gold) that I put up every year... also, replacing my longaberger basket arrangements and pictures in my living room with Christmas decorations..Putting lights outside, wreaths on the windows....but this year we added something special to Wright family..That is a Big Bear Air-blown Inflatable (for the outside) that shakes and shivers...
    Jay and the kids fell in love with Mr. Bear in Walmart the other day, so Jay insist that we add him to the family...and so we did, and they love it...the only thing is, they go around acting as tho they have a problem....They try to shake there body and shiver like Mr. Bear..LOL!...
   Saying all that to say this, I have added a picture of our traditional tree..... 

It is worth all the hard work when you have kids!! We love setting around the tree at night, when its cold! We read books, eat cookies and drink milk!! I love snugging with them around the tree...What memories!

   

LaDessa's 6th Birthday!!

   I think my eyes have filled with tears more this week that they have in a long time....Just to think, my first born is now 6 years old!
   We have seen so many changes this past year with our baby girl...Starting school, talking about the boys, wanting a cell phone, thinking that the clothes mommy picks out for her to wear looks too Old Woman-y, very seldom ever playing with baby dolls, now its barbies...and this past years list could keep going...
    In her past birthdays we would ask her what Birthday Theme she wanted and it was like asking the wall that question...but this year it was totally different...I ask and I got a quick reply...BARBIE!!
    Here are a few pictures of her Birthday Party Decorations
                                              (November 22, 2012)....

This is what she wanted!!

Her newborn and 1 yr picture was on display!

"Barbie" was visible everywhere...

She insisted that Ken was to be there, so we stuck him in a car over in the corner!

All colors were picked by the Birthday Girl!

                           
                             We had a blast setting up the candy buffet!!

Wow! Were has time gone?

Got lots of Gifts...including a Easy Bake Oven!! She has daddy even more so on her side, now that she has made him chocolate chip cookies...It was adorable to see her serve us for the very first time...she done very good! Now its, "mommy, I think mine are better"...LOL!

Wednesday night LaDessa had went to bed before the decorating was complete... so the next morning (which was Thanksgiving morning) she woke up, saw the finished product, came to me and said "mommy, when I saw my party stuff out,and how pretty it was, it made me sooooo proud"!! (Tears!!) Having party's are worth it!! Just letting them know the are special!

I hope ya'll have enjoyed the pictures!! We had a blast!!!

           

Benjamin's 2nd Birthday!

Wow why has the last two years gone by so fast?..... Friday October 12th was our son Benjamin's Second Birthday! It is very hard to believe he is already in the terrible 2's. I don't even want to think about the Horrible 3's and Awful 4's right now!! LoL!
Here are a few pictures from Day #1....

Tuesday October 12, 2010..... 8 pounds 12oz.    

He now LOVES cake, just like his daddy!

                           

Singing Happy Birthday to him...he got a bit embarrassed! 

And here we are, October 12, 2012....Birthday #2!!

Jay wanted the Army theme, so that is what we went with! I could hardly find anything in the army family to decorate with, but a two year old doesn't really care as long as there is paper to tear off a box!! ha!

Benjamin has been such a blessing to our little family! I am so grateful that God has given us another healthy year!

  

Pacifier Prayers Please!

Bloggers,
  For those of you that do not know, our "now 2 year old" son has been terribly  attached to his pacifier from day #1. For the last 3 weeks I have only been giving it to him at naps and at night. I was not going to completely take it from him until I could endure at least two church services including the preaching without giving it to him! (although, I did feel sorry for those setting around me at times)
   This morning I feel so encouraged about it all!!! Once he woke up yesterday morning and I took it from him, and he has not had it since!!! I felt so sorry for him last night.. he had a hard time going to sleep without it of course, and even though Daddy wanted me to give in, I stuck with my guns!!
   But I still need prayers... that I will have another good day, with the Pacifier being out of the family!!
   Now that the pacifier business is (hopefully) about over.....Potty training is in our, "near" future!! I think he is about ready!!! He now brings me the supplies, lays down in front of me and says, "Mom I poo-pee", and must I add, there is no timing him out on the couch when he has poo-pee'd, he wants to be clean before he sets down, otherwise he cleans himself.. I am excepting all early prayers for that as well!!
   Until next time...Prayers are excepted..  

LaDessa's First Day of School!

Well, I am still trying to get brain to realize, LaDessa is now in school. 

She was so excited about going this morning. I couldn't get ready fast enough! She normally loves to have her picture taken..not this morning...it was "Mom! Lets Go! We Are Gonna Be Late!!.But little brother wanted to say cheese with sleepy eyes at least one time before we headed out!

He didn't know what to think when we left Dessa without him staying with her. She only goes a half a day..I never thought a half a day could feel like forever! Thankfully I had some things to do in London, so I were able to stick around until time for pick-up. (I have to be honest and tell the truth about the matter...I vowed, I was not coming home without her today)...and your not supposed to break a vow, you know.

The moment she got in the vehicle she started telling me what all she did! I was trying to drive with tears in my eyes....I had done so good all day without the tear stuff...I guess the whole thing was, she talked so big about it all! I ask her what she learned and she pulled her paper out and "the letter I". So I said well, what about it?.. her reply was.."the I sound is....i-i-i, and I learned my memory verse too"! It was so exciting for her to be telling me, yet heart breaking at the same time.

You just can't imagine your baby's in school when they are in your arms, or crawling around your feet..Time seems to fly by! I just can't understand were her five (almost six) years have gone so quick....all you have is the memories in pictures...Every day comes new changes!!! I wonder what tomorrow will bring? Ah, I'll just not think about it right now, I have had enough for one day!

  

2nd Stroll for August!

I'm getting with it this month!! I don't plan to let anything get in my way of strolling in August!!
   I am sure all of you know how to do these, but I just have to let you all know the way that I do them in our house....Here we go.....

Mini Fruit Pizza's:

24 Sugar cookies 

1 Small container Marshmallow Creme

1 8oz. pk. Cream Cheese (regular or strawberry flavor)

3-4 Kinds of Fruit, cut/sliced/chopped

Directions:

Bake cookies and let set to cool. Mix together marshmallow cream and cream cheese until smooth. Cut/slice/chop fruit, set aside. After cookies have cooled, spread cream cheese mixture over each cookie and top with fruit. Option-you can also drizzle some chocolate over the top if you wish.

And there you have it..Mini Fruit Pizza's!

   Tip on Apples...If you want your apples to keep there color..cut them the way you are going to serve them, cover them with water and add at least 1-2 tablespoons salt...let set 5 minute (or more depending how many you have) and they will keep there color and not turn brown. 

Just Some of my days being a mother!

I never realized what being a mother really meant until I became a mother. It is such a blessing to have children in good health, active and never stopping! But at the same time some days can be upsetting, hilarious, stressful, loving, not boring,  wishing I had a automated voice to say "go clean your room, Benjamin don't touch, Benjamin mommy is going to spank you if you don't leave my pots and pans a lone, and" ...well you know all the other sayings...and then some days can just be down right cute...Here are a few pictures for those days...
     

Loving his dolphin!

And yes, Jay is one of my kids at times too! ha!

Very photogenic!

                                                         Praying!

 Guess who's "Suit Coat" that would be??

"Trying" to take a shower without mommy and daddy looking!

That's Jay's son there..playing with a baby doll. LOL! 

Being sweet, but only on mommy's "just made bed"! What better place to be?

LaDessa actually letting 'little' brother drive...Fun day at Chuck E.Cheese's

These are just a few pictures, because of course we don't always have these days...if you know what I mean. ha! Its best to think about the cute days than to think about all the other days that I had mentioned above....

I have to say, I am so thankful for my little kiddo's! My husband and children is the best gift that I could have ever received, except for salvation. God's blessings are amazing! I could never repay him!  

August!!

Ok, lets pretend that we didn't even have a July because I was unable to post any strolls for that month. Sometimes life gets so "overwhelming". I have heard people say "I'm gonna have some ME time"....If only I knew what that was!!! I would like to learn all about it, but I'm afraid with a 20 month old and a 5 (almost 6) year old, I'm not gonna know anytime soon.
 So, lets go strolling for the first time in August!!

Buffalo Chicken Stromboli: (Easy as 123)
1 can Pillsbury refrigerated Classic Pizza Crust
2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken (can use pre-cooked canned chicken)
1/4 cup (or more) Buffalo Wing Sauce (your favorite brand)
1/3 cup Crumbled Blue Cheese
1/4 cup (more or less) Chopped Onion
2 tablespoon Chives (option)

Directions:
Heat oven to 425. Lightly Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Unroll dough; place on a cookie sheet. Press dough out with your hands and make it a little bigger. Keep a rectangle shape. In a small bowl combine chicken and buffalo sauce. Spread down the center of dough within 1 inch from edges. Top with cheese, onions and chives. Fold ends of dough up over filling first, then fold the long sides up and over. Pinch all edges together to seal. Bake 14-16 minutes or until golden brown. Let set 3 minutes, slice and serve!!
    For those of you that are like me and don't like all the spice....you can use Barbecue sauce instead of the Buffalo. And if you don't like blue cheese...use your family favorite cheese...Make it your own! This can be made many different ways! 

June Stroll #2

I have tried to keep my promise for at least two recipe strolls per month, and yes, I know that I only posted one stroll for the month May, but unless I get a little more time on my hands this week you all will just have to excuse me for not posting that one.
    Lets Stroll!!

Cream Cheese Pie:
   1 prepared graham cracker crust (9in. pie pan or 9x13 oblong)
   1-8oz. cream cheese
   1/2 cup sugar
   2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix (3 1/2 oz.)
   2 1/2 cup cold milk
Directions:
   Cream together cream cheese and sugar. Add (blended) pudding mix and milk to to cream cheese mixture and blend well (with no lumps). Pour into pie crust and chill several hours. Before serving, top with your favorite pie filling.
  If your a lemon liking person you can use lemon pudding mix instead of vanilla and top it with lemon pie filling. Garnish with graham cracker crumbs.
  This is very simple/easy and is GREAT!! 
    I so enjoyed the recipes that some of you all post and sent by e-mail!! I love trying new recipes in my kitchen!! So, just keep them coming!!

June Recipe #1

Hey recipe friends, you will have to forgive me. I got so busy at the end of May after coming back from vacation that I totally forgot about taking you down May #2 stroll. I will try to make it up this month by taking you down three instead of two.
    I really wish I could get a couple people to start posting a few of there family's favorite recipe's as well! We love trying new recipe's at our house!! Think about it, and lets see how many new recipes we can get for our kitchen cook book!!
    As for now, Let's Go Strolling Down Heather's Recipe Lane!!

"Easy Tasty/Fried Burritos"
1 pound Ground Beef
1 envelope Taco Seasoning
1 can Refried Beans
6 Flour Tortillas (12 inch)
1 cup or more Shredded Cheese
Hot Sauce if desired
4 teaspoons Oil
Sour Cream, Salsa and salad topping if desired

Directions:
  1. In a large skillet, cook beef until no longer pink, drain. Stir in taco seasoning. in a small saucepan, heat refried beans, until heated through.
  2. Spoon about 1/3 cup of beans onto center of each tortilla, top with about 2 rounded tablespoons of beef mixture. Add hot sauce. Sprinkle with cheese. Fold sides and ends of tortilla and roll up.
  3. In a large skillet over medium/high heat, brown burritos in oil on all sides.
  4. Serve with sour cream, salsa and salad.

I you will enjoy these easy making burrito's, just as we have!! Make it your own!!
  Until next time....Thank you for strolling with me!!

Vacation 2012 "Part 3"

From Charleston we head to Myrtle Beach. After checking in to the Harbor Lights Resort  we went out to eat at the German Restaurant. Jay and his family once lived in Germany, so eating there suited Jay just fine. He loved it!
  Sunday was of course Mother's Day. Jay and the kids woke me up with Happy Mother's Day wished and cards. Later that day they treated me to the Empire Fire Mongolian Grill (my favorite place to eat at Myrtle Beach). I was soo happy! And to top Mother's Day off, Jay took me to Medieval Times!
  Monday, we went to the Alligator Adventure. It was truly amazing to see over a thousand alligators, crocodiles, snakes, turtles, tortoise and much more.

The biggest crocodile I want to see. To close for comfort for me!

The tortoise thought LaDessa was sweet, every time we would go visit him, he would come over for LaDessa to pet him. She said he was to big. 

The only reason she pet this guy was because his jaws were taped.

 On Monday evening my parents and grandma came down to spend the last 5 days with us. I was sooo glad to see them..I'll be honest with ya, I knew the kids would leave mommy and daddy for gram-ma and pop-pa..did I say that? Hey, we all need a break every once in a while! We had such a good time with my family! One bad thing about the trip...It rained every day, it was terrible. That's the most I have ever used my umbrella. We only got to go to the beach one time while we were there, and that one time we did get to go, it started thundering and lightning. Running in the sand doesn't feel to good when you have scared kids hanging on to ya. We had a blast what little time we did have at the beach.  Mom took all the pictures that day, so I will try to post beach pictures soon, If I can get them from her that is. 

  The rest of the week, we shopped at the Tanger Outlets, Malls, walked the Board Walk and Barefoot Landing several times, rested and ate!! And ate some more!!

There at the board walk they have a kiddie zone. We spent some quality time with  all the rides! I didn't think we would ever get to leave. And when we did, we had to drag Benjamin away screaming and crying! 

The thing that I wanted to do most, was REST! I do so did!! I enjoyed my time out on the Balcony! Listening to the water! That was so relaxing!

And at last on Saturday Morning it was time to come home, back to the norm! We had a great time while we were gone, especially spending time with family! Can't wait until next year!!
 
                                           This concludes Part 3 of 3!!