Planning ahead for Christmas, Kids' Quotes, Book Give-a-way, Recipe

Things to do in November to get ready for Christmas

1. Deep Clean your house – It’s not fun to decorate a dirty house. So start now – especially with big projects like cleaning the carpets. Take it one room per week and by the first of December your house will be clean and ready for decorations.
2. Get haircuts for all the kids, yourself and your spouse
3. Schedule, Schedule, Schedule -  Get big calendar and write down EVERYTHING that is already scheduled for you – school parties, family parties, church parties, parades, pageants, band concerts, etc. so you won’t commit to something else on a date that’s already spoken for. Be sure to include family traditions (and reserve time for them). Review your calendar at least weekly during the holidays so you can adjust for last minute things that always come up.
4. Stock up – Buy extra staples like flour, sugar, butter, etc. that you'll need for holiday baking
5. Whenever you cook – double the recipe -  Then freeze half for busy December days
6. Kick off the Holiday season in style – On the last day of November have everyone dress in pajamas and watch a favorite Christmas movie while sipping hot chocolate.

September Book Give-A-Way –

This month I am giving away a Halloween Gift box. The winner will receive one of my books – autographed – that can be used as a Christmas gift if you already own it! It will also have some Halloween goodies to help you get your house ready for the FIRST upcoming holiday.

All you have to do for a chance to win is comment on my blog at least once during the month of September. NOTE: When you comment on the blog there will be a delay before it posts (it has to be approved to avoid SPAM posts). If you check back and your comment still isn’t posted just send an email to me at betsyb8@yahoo.com and I will enter you in the contest.

Good luck!!!!

Kids say – and do – the darndest things… Quotable Quotes from my Grandkids

Abbie called me to get information about my parents for a genealogy project. Once she had asked for their birthdates and places she asked for death dates. I gave her my mother’s information but reminded her that my father is still alive. Our conversation continued and when we were hanging up she said, “Gram, I’m sorry that I thought your dad was dead.”

Recently several grandkids spent the night. The next morning during breakfast Andie had Cocoa Krispies and her milk turned chocolate. When she proudly showed the others Abbie said, “Well chocolate milk isn’t very healthy.” Andie said, “Yes it is. It still has protein and Vitamin D.”

When I was in Idaho this summer Harrison asked why my teeth were green. We all laughed and then I didn’t think anything else about it. A few weeks later Banx invited me to go swimming with him. Then he added, “But you need to brush your teeth first.” Needless to say I purchased some tooth-whitening strips immediately!

One day Scarlett took some money out of her mom’s purse. Grace told her she had to put it back because, “That’s my money.” To which Scarlett replied, “But remember we’re supposed to share.” Awkward.

Banx told Butch that they were going to ride on his Papa’s boat and Butch thought he said tomorrow (which would have been Sunday). Banx said, “No silly! We can’t ride the boat on Sunday. We have to go to church!”

And last but not least – Emily took Harrison, Atticus and Scarlett to the media room at her apartment complex to watch Lion King. Atticus got scared and Scarlett told him “It’s okay, I’m right here.” To which he replied, “I love you, Scarlett!”

What would I do without them???

Recipe of the Week

Corn Casserole –

1 box of cornbread mix

1 pkg of cream cheese (8 oz. softened)

1 stick of butter (melted)

1 can of cream corn

1 can of whole kernel corn-15 oz size (don't pour off the liquid)

Mix all together with a spoon, pour into a 9 x 13" pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray and bake in a preheated oven on 350 for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.

I haven’t tried this but it sounds so good to me!!!!

Next installment of Writing Tips next week!!!!