Clyde

A good shot of the neutral color tile. Faucets are rubbed bronze along with the vanity lights & shower head.

On Face Book many friends have been journaling what they are thankful for each day in November. I didn't do this but have enjoyed reading every one's comments on thankfulness. I am thankful for the usual "biggies" like God (first and foremost), family, home (shelter, food, needs, etc.) However, I am most thankful for Clyde (not including the Big man upstairs).

We married when I was very young. When we talked of a family, it was decided to wait five years so that we could "grow up" together. We worked, saved, vacationed, and bought our first home before we started our family. Then we moved up to a bigger house, with a basement, and soon came Jason. A couple of years later, we were blessed with Becky Lou.

In October, on the 7th, we celebrated 39 years. Clyde had wanted to go on a train trip as it was something he hadn't done, sort of on his "bucket list". So, he started planning it for our anniversary. Since fall break was around this time, and the New River Train had an excursion for that time, that's what we did (earlier post had pictures).

The one thing I wanted to say (or journal) is this. I dreamed of marrying a man like my momma did. My daddy babied my mom, took care of her every need, made sure she was happy and thought of her above his self. She, in turn, loved him to no end. They had many stories of their married life and one that I loved when they were dating. My dad's family owned a little grocery store on Limestone, Stinnett's Market (or something similar). My mom lived out of town (not sure where or how far). This particular night he had been visiting mom at her house and had gone home. He got a bottle of soda and called her. As they were talking, she noticed he was drinking a soda and said she wished she had one. After hanging up, dad got a taxi (not cheap or easy) and showed up on her doorstep with a bottle of soda. How sweet was that???

My dad could do anything. Really we never had to hire a handy man that I know of, as dad could do it and do it well. You got it, so can Clyde. Really....he is the best. We have hired experienced men to lay tile and that's about it. Case in point, a few weeks ago I noticed that the wall above my shower needed to be replaced. He cut it out and put in new drywall (thanks Harley for the help with the finishing drywall). Then he took up the toilets (one at a time), put in new faucets, two new vanity lights, painted, replaced the trim against the floor, cut off the doors to fit and replaced everything. Whew, what a week. It wasn't a big renovation but doors off bathrooms, toilets up and working with the sink, drawers in the hallway...all this the week we hosted Thanksgiving. We had someone cut and lay the ceramic tile and love it. Makes a big difference. I have to say he is my hero. Love him so much. Very blessed. Thanks babe!

Thanksgiving & more

There are time I think of things I need to journal (blog) about then I have writers block:) Like now. I have the time, energy and the laptop on, but can't recall what I wanted to say. Well, I'll just share my Thanksgiving for 2011.
Each year one of my husband's siblings take a turn hosting Baker Thanksgiving. This year it was my turn. Now, when Becky got married and finally bought the house biggest of all, she got into the rotation! That's not the reason, she is a great cook and truly house size does not matter. We all manage to fit in wherever we are. This is a loving family; the siblings are very close. Clyde (my hubs) is the oldest, followed by Vernon (Sue), Martha (Jerry) and baby Harley (love his daughter Erin). Since Erin is in her second year of college in the nursing program at UK, you know Harley isn't actually a baby. Saying all that to say, Sue was hosting Easter for years, each and every, so Becky took Sue's place in the rotation for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
This past Sunday, the one each year before Thanksgiving Day, is our big spread. The hostess cooks the turkey (22+ lbs) and I cooked a smoked, boneless ham. I make this yummy dressing in a big casserole. I use Paula Deen's Southern cornbread recipe. I love it. I made it the day before this year, and was concerned when I was baking it that the bread had turned to mush and wouldn't soak up the liquids the way it's suppose to. However, after the time for baking was up, it came out just as moist, but not too moist, as it did in the past. Love it. I also made a very big side of green beans; I use Allen's brand and think they may be as good as any store bought ones. These were what my Aunt Mable used and she told me about them. I don't like the "canned" taste, so I use a colander and rinse them first, add fresh water back (or I guess chicken stock would be good!) and season them up. My favorite by far veggie is green beans.
I also made a layer fresh fruit salad, using a fresh pineapple, kiwi, bananas, red grapes, oranges and strawberries (that Kroger was out of!) You make this dressing of sorts, and pour over the layers of fruit. It is one tsp. lemon zest and one tsp. orange zest, orange juice, brown sugar and a Cinnamon stick. You simmer this for five mins. and refrigerate for several hours (after you pour over dish). I made a brownie chocolate trifle, a large glass jar of candy (I tried layering brown, orange, fallish colors) and provided the drinks, ice tea and lemonade. We had lots more food. A few of them were: huge fresh veggie tray & Caesar salad-Becky; corn pudding & cushaw-Sue, cheese ball & crackers-Sarah (newly wed this past year), broccoli slaw & sweet potatoes (2 kinds)-Harley, mashed potatoes-Erin, spinach tortillas roll ups & baked beans-Jason & Cassie, mac & cheese-my MIL (she makes the best), a fluffy gelatin type salad-Delores, Sister Shubert rolls-Katie (came from Louisville), and the best pumpkin & pecan pies you will eat, along with her famous dressed eggs-Martha. She is the only girl of the family (Baker) and her birthday is in November. A few years past, Clyde thought it would be nice to acknowledge all the work she does for their mother. The boys do a lot. They take turns staying overnight at her small studio apt. when she is sick, etc., but Martha takes her to appts., grocery shopping, and more. So, they go together and buy her a gift card. She deserves it and so much more!
Back to Sunday dinner. It was raining so no one was able to get out. However, the children didn't run through the house or even make much of a sound (what?) and they were enjoyed by all. We didn't make it a long afternoon, but the UK game was on, then the Bengals game followed, so afternoon in front of the TV provided enough entertainment. I believe a good time was had by all. Who could ask for more?

Fall and Trick or Treat at Horse Park

That's Matthew head over heals winning the pumpkin roll.
Austin was pretty good at the sack race.

This is the costume parade.

My little pumpkin.

Becky & Jason's life group kiddos. Minus, Ava & Lindsay (Lindsey).

This has been a beautiful fall, hasn't it? The golds, reds, purples & oranges are bright. Just so pretty. We have had a few convertible rides (not enough) and one good trip to the horse park for camping, well Clyde and I visited, while the Keiths stayed overnight! They started with a movie on Friday night, Sat. magic show, games with pumpkins, sack races, and more. Then later there was a parade of costumes that all got to walk around the arena being judged. Austin was so embarrased, but he did it. Then there was trick or treat, a hayride (that didn't go well, due to the fact they wanted to get off and go through the haunted house, but dad knew that would not be good) and a campfire. Good day!