The little Diva

Reagan

Pre-Thanksgiving Preparations

Here's the 35 pound bird. Reese said I look drunk in the picture, but I'm really not....I was just overwhelmed and exhausted.
We cooked the turkey in the convection oven using a programmable meat thermometer that attaches to the oven. It took only six hours to cook and it was the best turkey I've ever eaten. So, I'm going to quit complaining about this big ass bird and probably do the same thing next year!

Putting it in Perspective

I'm beginning to panic.
I worked a shift last night until eleven pm and the spent the night in the Honeymoon suite so I would be ready to work another shift at 7am this morning. Reese had a sports program last night at 5:15pm; a minor detail he never mentioned. So....I missed it. He went by himself. Poor kid. He was more worried about me being upset because he forgot to tell me he had something coming up...than he was about going solo.
The cops have been to the hotel this morning. One of my housekeeper's boyfriend was arrested out in the parking lot. Lovely.
Don's doing a petro-mat job in Lebanon, MO., so he's no help.
I have a 35 pound bird at home that has to be cooked somehow. The rest of the groceries have to be bought. And then cooked.
And most importantly....
I'm driving to Oklahoma tomorrow to get my babies!!!!!
And that, my dear...is all that really matters.

My new best friends...

This is my new 'high end' thimble that fits my finger better and has a ridge that is used to push the needle thru the three layers of the quilt. Then there's the leather pad that saves my finger from being repeatedly gored by a sharp needle. Quilting is dangerous stuff.

Good Times

I still feel cruddy, but life must go on. I was fortunate enough to be able to stay home today. I must work tomorrow and Saturday, as two of my employees are on vacation for the holiday.
Reese and Bridgette just left to go see a play, "Cinderstein" at the high school. They've been tremendous while I've been sick. They're great helpers and very sweet about checking on me. That was a clue that I must really look like hell!
I have a ton of stuff to do...the house is a wreck....I have a busy weekend at work....picking the kids up in Oklahoma next week...., and of course, shopping and preparing for the Thanksgiving meal I'll be cooking. (with the help of my lovely daughters, I'm sure). That means you, too, Sage.
Oh, well....I'm sure it'll all get done somehow.
I'm also making plans to go to Texas and stay with my grandmother for a few days in December. She was always so good to be there when I needed her...especially as far as taking care of my babies. Staying with her for a few days is the least I can do....I should be doing more.
The funny thing is...Don will forever refer to those few days I'll spend in Texas with Ma...as "that time you took that vacation, Amanda."
Hahahahehehe....I don't think so!
Staying with Ma will be as much of a vacation as riding for hours on a bus full of Baptists to go teach little Indians about Jesus out in the desert. He calls that a vacation, too!!!! I compare it to being in hell with your back broke.
...not really....
but kind of.

FFA Greenhand/Chapter Degree Banquet

Future Freaks of America...just kidding.

FFA is a great organization and I'm thrilled the kids are involved in some facet of agriculture. Farm kids are the best.

Ma and Karen in 1945