Sick and Tired.

That's me.

Saturday I started coming down with a nasty bug.
I was thinking, "Great. I don't have time to be sick!" when in reality, there's never a good time for moms to get sick.
I spent all day Sunday in bed.
Wishing I had a snuggie. (for real!)
Running a fever. And chills.
And singing Katy Perry's song "You're hot then you're Cold" over and over in my head.

The Man was nice enough to take care of the kids.
He made them pancakes for dinner.
It's the only thing he knows how to make.
Oh, and brownies. He's the pancake and brownie maker in our house.

At 5:00pm I finally got out of bed and headed downstairs.

And saw this.


(Funky lighting on this one.)


The Man and kids had put up Christmas decorations.
Which really meant, they had dumped every Christmas box they could find, all over the dining room floor.

It was a sweet gesture so I pretended to be happily surprised, although all I was thinking was "Holy cow, I have to clean all this up!!"

I took a long bath and decided that someday when I'm rich and famous, I want a heated bathtub.
I love baths, but I hate the way the cold porcelain tub sucks out the heat so fast!

This morning I was still too sick to take the kids to school.
So I had them ride their bikes. In 20 degree weather.
The Boy couldn't find any gloves. The girl only found one.
What a mess they were, but I sent them off anyway.

I walked them outside and absolutely loved the way that 20 degrees felt on my feverish skin!
So after I sent them off I sat on the porch swing for a few minutes.
For real.

I think I'm slowly rejoining the land of the living now.
I apologize if I owe you an email. I'll get to it soon. I hope.

Just because...

It's the holiday weekend.

And I'm still hopped up on tryptophan.

And company is here.

And it's a major shopping holiday.

And my kids are out of school.

And my schedule is all messed up.

And because .... well I have no nother excuses.

So for those reasons, Fingerprint Friday will not be seen today.
It will be back next week.

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday sale

Free shipping worldwide PLUS 15% rebate with code THANKS15. Exp. 12/1

PamperingBeki.com

(This is not the big news I was referring to. But still big.)

Happy Turkey/family/nap/parade/football day to you!

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."
~Psalm 107:1~

It's here.

The holiday season.
It's officially here.

One of our traditions is to go to Silver Dollar City every year.
It is just beautiful!
They put up over 4 million lights!
Good Morning America called it one of the best light displays in the nation.
I agree.
So last weekend we headed to Missouri.



They do a fabulous version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
Amazing.


We had our very own "Tiny Tim" in the audience.


At the end of the play it "snows" on stage.
And then on the audience too!
It's bubble suds, but it looks like snow. It's so fun to watch the kids go nuts!



I love the rustic signs all over the park.


There's also a light parade after dark.



The kids can meet Santa and he tells them the true story of Christmas.
I've never seen another Santa do that!
He thanks them for sitting on his lap, asks what they'd like, and then begins talking about "Once, long long ago, a baby was born. A very special baby. His name was Jesus and he came to save the world.
We give gifts to honor Him and celebrate His birthday."
The wait for Santa is always long, but because he tells each kid the true story, it's well worth it.
The awe on the kids' faces is so touching.


SDC makes the best hot chocolate in.the.world.
Unbelievable.
I asked them once what they do to make it so insanely good and the lady told me I don't really want to know all the details.
But it involves lots of butter, heavy cream, and Ghirardelli chocolate.
Oh.My.Word.

The next day we went to Bass Pro and The Baby got to meet "Christmas."
That's what he calls Santa.
He sat on Christmas' lap and got a candy cane.


I came face to face with a bear.


The Baby snuggling with Papa in his "yee-haw boy hat.".


And my sweet little niece.
Remember her?
Now she looks just like Betty Boop.


On a personal note, I feel very out of the loop.
I haven't had any time lately to surf blogs or comment like I want.
My business is going extremely well and keeping me so busy!
It's nearly a full time job just keeping up with supplies.
That's a good problem to have.
I'm sure it will slow down after Christmas and I'll be able to connect with all of you a bit more.
I apologize for being so selfish lately.

And I have big news coming up too. Big exciting news.
Happy Thanksgiving!!

Apple Crumb Pie

I love apples.
Seriously love them.
I may have even kissed one before taking a bite once. But let's not discuss that.


We're going to make a delicious easy apple pie with crumb topping.

Slice and peel about 5 or 6 apples.
I don't peel them completely.
Besides being lazy, I like the bits of peel left on for flavor and nutrition.
It's a nice rustic perfectly imperfect kind of thing.

Those go into a premade pie crust. What?!
If it's good enough for B. Smith, it's good enough for me.
While I try not to be a brand snob, when it comes to pie crusts, Pillsbury is the best.
There really is a difference.


After baking for about 35 minutes, you pull it out and sprinkle on the crumb topping.


Bake for another 40-50 minutes.



Ingredients -
1 deep pie crust
5 Tbsp. melted butter
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/4 cups flour
5 or 6 delicious apples, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup sugar
lemon juice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup rolled oats

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine apples, sprinkle of lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, sugar, and 1/4 cup flour. Toss together and let stand 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar.

2. Scrape mixture into pie crust, set on a baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes.

3. While the apples are baking, mix melted butter, brown sugar, remaining 1 cup flour, remaining 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, and rolled oats in a small bowl. Pinch or stir with a fork until crumbly.

4. After 35 minutes, remove pie and sprinkle with crumb topping. Return it to the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Let cool and serve.

My personal serving suggestion -


If you've never made a homemade apple pie, this is a great one to start with.
You can even do it for Thanksgiving dinner! Put it all together and bake the day before.
Easy peasy.

Wonderdrug.

What is it about this stuff that is so good?
Magical, I tell ya.
How did I ever live without it in my life?


Happy caffeine-filled weekend to you!
Wishing you many hugs, many laughs, some warm sun rays, at least 20 minutes of peaceful bliss, and a bit of dark chocolate.

Fingerprint Friday

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of god
So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join in.

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints. Be sure to link back here so others can find the entire list of participants!
2. After you've posted your blog, sign the MckLinky below. Have fun exploring the other links as well! Please only sign in if you're participating. Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week!
-------------------


It's getting colder. Much colder.
Nearly all the trees are bare now.
Winter is practically here.
And while it's not my favorite season, I know God has made a promise to us.
It won't last forever.
He has a plan and I will rejoice in it.

Joel 2:23
Be glad, O people of Zion,
rejoice in the LORD your God,
for he has given you
the autumn rains in righteousness.
He sends you abundant showers,
both autumn and spring rains, as before.

2009 Blogger Ornament Exchange - UPDATE

Okay chickadees.

All ornament swap partners have been assigned.


I know I didn't receive emails from everyone that signed up.
The numbers didn't match up.

But if I got an email from you, I sent you one back with your partner.


If you didn't get an email from me telling you who to send your ornament to, it's because -

1. I didn't have an email from you telling me your address.
2. You sent me an email and I sent you one, but it landed in your spam/junk folder.
So please double check there.

If you didn't get a partner assigned to you but still want to participate, shoot me an email as soon as possible and I'll try to get one for you.
For the full rules and description of the swap, click here.


The pictures have nothing do do with anything.
Just a random glance into my daily life.
Oh, and I put Christmas music on my playlist over on the right.
In case you need some background music while you're working.

What's your favorite Christmas song that I should add?

Don't look at this.

If you're a member of my family, look away now.

Go on.

No really! Click on a different page!

I still see you.

Okay, they're finally gone.
Stubborn bunch.

It has been cold here lately and that brings out my inner Martha.
I've even been known to pop on an apron, just because it is cute.
I dream of being a domestic crafty goddess.

So the kids and I made our Christmas cards.
You may have seen my cards before. I only make them a few times a year and I'm certainly no expert, but it's really fun!

I made a template out of cardstock.
Let the kids trace, cut and glue.
The great thing about this is it cannot be messed up!


I took these pictures at night and the lighting is poor.
But the top paper (swirly pattern) and bottom paper (polka dots) are both fuzzy.
Textured. Cute. On clearance at Hobby Lobby!
My friend actually thought they were fabric and that would be a great idea too.
Use fabric on this design.



I wanted to do a little more embellishing, but I'm lazy busy
so I may have to settle for the way they are.

But I wanted to share them with you, in case you were looking for a crazy easy and cute craft that is kid friendly.

And on the Christmas note, I'm about halfway done sending out emails for the 2009 Blogger Ornament Exchange.
It's no small task.
I need to find about 2 more hours and send the rest.
But they're coming, so don't worry!

I need coffee. See ya.

(p.s. Come see other people's Holiday Inspirations.)

Monday.

Good morning.
It's cold and gray outside.
Leaves are falling, mixed with rain and a few snowflakes.

I have laundry started, candles lit, and cartoons playing in the background.
I'm having coffee.
The Baby is having syrup.
How's your week starting so far?

I am loved.

See?


Waffle cookies. Covered in chocolate. Brought by a friend at a moment when my kids were screaming, dogs were fighting, juice cups were spilling, and all heck was breaking loose.
I needed a chocolate break! They also happened to make a darn good breakfast the next morning. *ahem*
You can see the recipe here. Thanks friend!!

Again, I am loved. See?

See the heart? She loves me.
For those who aren't regular blog junkies like the rest of us, PW/Pioneer Woman/Ree is a blogging rock star.
She writes The Pioneer Woman and is unbelievably talented. She just had her first cookbook published and it shot to the top of the Best Seller List.
Other bloggers are so proud of her and feel a kindred spirit. She's one of us!
She's on a book signing tour around the country and at nearly every stop there is a 3 or 4 hour wait for people to get their books signed.
Thanks friend!

And finally, I am loved. You are loved.
I normally don't post things that are very long and wordy but this is good so stick with me.
It's on a card I received from a friend.

Dear one of Mine,

I see that you need encouragement today. I actually see you every day, all day.
I'm the One who watches over you and even planned your birth.
I couldn't wait to see you born and to see your life unfold.

I love you so much and have since before anything else existed.
I've poured out my love on you from heaven above and earth below.
I've poured out my love from a manger and from a cross.

Both today's enjoyments and difficulties on earth are real, but they are both temporary.
Your forever rejoicing will come soon - when I do.
Until then, know that you are loved and let that love fill you with peace this very day.

Based on Psalm 139:1-18

When you have those days that you're feeling inadequate, unsure, and unloved just remember this.
God created you for this exact moment in time. He knew exactly where you would be at this stage in your life.
He designed you for it. Out of love!
You are a friend of God. He also calls you friend.

Have a great weekend, loved ones!

Fingerprint Friday

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of god
So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join in.

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints. Be sure to link back here so others can find the entire list of participants!
2. After you've posted your blog, sign the MckLinky below. Have fun exploring the other links as well! Please only sign in if you're participating. Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week!
-------------------


This is not just a candle. It's a chance for me, as a woman, to help make my house feel like a home for my family.

It's my right. It's my honor. It's my privelege.
It's my job.

And I feel so blessed to have a family to make a home for!
It's not always perfect and clean, but it is always warm and cozy.
There are throw blankets on the couch.
Candles lit often.
Toys on the floor.
Lots of laughter.

It's a home.

Proverbs 14:1
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

A little spam... Okay, a lot.

I try not to fill up my blog with too much sales junk (a.k.a. Spam) but I've been a busy girl and today I have lots to show you.

All work and no play makes Beki a happy girl.
Because I love my work!

Two Tabs necklace


Ho Ho Ho... necklace


Quiet Elegance necklace


Eat Sleep Read necklace


God is Good


Christmas 2009 custom ornament


I need elves. Elves with coffee.


And because it was a huge hit last time, I'm doing this again.
You can order this Just a Chick necklace directly through my blog at a discounted rate - $18 and free shipping.
When you checkout, just tell me what type of "chick" you want stamped on it. (Beach chick, Family Chick, Crafty Chick, etc.)
I may continue to do an Item of the Week here like this if it continues to be as big a success as it was last time!

Type of Chick:

So there's your Thursday dose of Spam. Enjoy!
(I should've served it with eggs...)

Just because I love you....

Pumpkin Sheet Cake.

You can make others love you too. True story.



You need:
3/4 cup oil
4 eggs
1 2/3 C. Sugar
16 oz. pumpkin
2 C. flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
**I double the spices. It makes people swoon.

Mix well. Bake in a 15x10 pan (jelly roll or cookie sheet size) for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees.

While it's cooling, mix up the frosting.
1 block cream cheese (I use 1/3 less fat.)
1/2 softened stick butter
2 cups confectioners sugar
1 tsp vanilla

My husband usually requests a double batch of frosting.
Frost and enjoy.



You're welcome.

Love,
Me

Sometimes...

there just aren't enough hours in a day.

You know that feeling, right?
A year or two ago, I'd have made sure my pictures were edited before plopping them on my blog.
I like pretty pictures.


Today I'm just tossing them up here, straight out of the camera. (sooc)
For those who've been emailing and asking, I looooove my new camera!


These days I'm having to focus more on priorities than ever before.
And that's a good thing.

So here is a little peek into my week.
Yes, I do have three kids, but one of them is home with me during the daytime so he pops up in pictures more than the others.
He's not my favorite.
Not today anyway. (My favorite kid changes daily, depending on who's doing their chores and being helpful. Is that terrible of me? I didn't think so.)


And while I'd love to stay and chat with you, it happens to be a stunningly beautiful day outside.
And I have three kids and a husband who are home.


So I'm off to enjoy them.
Because this phase of my life will have passed before I know it.
And I don't want to look back and see only great blog posts, intended for other people.


Happy weekend to you lovelies!