60 in 60

If you noticed the title of this blog, I decided to post 60 things I've done in almost 60 years instead of trying to figure out 60 things to do in the next 11 months.  My family & I have been blessed!!  While our children still lived at home we were able to take many vacations, one of my favorites was in 1992 when we went to the Pacific coast and were gone for 25 days (in our RV).

So, here is a list of 60 things I've done in almost 60 years of life (I'm sure I left out a lot of things), but these are the things I could think of today ... and I realize these things are mainly places we've visited, through the years I've also done things like serve lunch to the homeless, but those are for another list...

1. Visited Disneyland {California} (1975,1992, 1999)
2. Visited Disney World {Florida} (2007)
3. Visited the Old Elitch's {Colorado} (multiple times between 1952-1991
4. Visited Knott's Berry Farm {Californai} (1975, 1992, 1999)
5. Visited Stone Mountain Theme Park {Georgia} (2005)
6. Toured Arlington House (Robert E. Lee) {Virginia} (1967)
7. Toured Ashland (Henry Clay) {Kentucky} (2005)
8. Toured Biltmore Estate (Vanderbilts) {North Carolina} (2005)
9. Toured Molly Brown House {Colorado} (1980's, 2008)
10. Toured San Simeon (Randolph Hearst) {California} (1992,1999)
11. Toured Trianon (Baldwin's) {Colorado} (1960's)
12. Visited the Empire State Building (rode elevator to top) {New York City} (1967)
13. Visited the Gateway Arch (never have gone inside) {Missouri} (1967, 2005 +)
14. Visited the Jefferson Memorial {Washington DC} (1967, 1976)
15. Visited the Lincoln Memorial {Washington DC} (1967, 1976)
16. Visited the Space Needle (rode elevator to top) {Washington} (1989)
17. Visited the Statue of Liberty (climbed to the crown) {New York City} (1967)
18. Visited the Washington Monument (climbed to top) {Washington DC} (1967)
19. Toured the Deerfield Village {Michigan} (1994)
20. Toured the Denver Art Museum {Colorado} (1972)
21. Toured the Louisville Slugger Museum {Kentucky} (2010)
22. Visited Agate Fossil Beds Natl. Monument {Nebraska}
23. Visited Devil's Tower Natl. Monument {Wyoming}
24. Visited Florissant Fossil Beds Natl. Monument {Colorado}
25. Visited Muir Woods Natl. Monument {California} (1992)
26. Visited Rainbow Bridge Natl. Monument {Utah}
27. Visited Scott's Bluff Natl. Monument {Nebraska}
28. Visited White Sands Natl. Monument {New Mexico}
29. Visited Banff Natl. Park {Alberta, Canada} (2004)
30. Visited Jasper Natl. Park {Alberta, Canada} (2004)
31. Visited Arches Natl. Park {Utah} (1990's)
32. Visited Badlands Natl. Park {S. Dakota}
33. Visited Black Canyon of the Gunnison Natl. Park {Colorado} (1980's, 2011)
34. Visited Bryce Natl. Park {Utah} (1990's)
35. Visited Glacier Natl. Park {Montana} (2004)
36. Visited Grand Canyon Natl. Park {Arizona} (1964, 1992)
37. Visited Grand Teton Natl. Park {Wyoming} (1963, 1989, 1992, 2003)
38. Visited Great Sand Dunes {Colorado}
39. Visited Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park {Tennessee, NC} (2005, 2011}
40. Visited Mesa Verde Natl Park {Colorado} (1959, 1973, 1992, 2001)
41. Visited Mt. Rushmore {South Dakota}
42. Visited Rocky Mountain Natl. Park {Colorado}
43. Visited Wind Cave Natl Park {South Dakota}
44. Visited Zion Natl Park {Utah}
45. Visited Grand Ole Opry & saw a show {Tennessee} (2005, 2008)
46. Visited a Las Vegas Show & saw Andy Williams & Robert Goulet (1975, 1976)
47. Visited a TV Show as part of the studio audience {New York City} (1967)
48. Visited Wisconsin Dells (world's largest water park) {Wisconsin} (1994)
49. Toured Kennedy Space Center {Florida} (2007)
50. Toured the Queen Mary {California} (1992, 1999)
51. Visited the Chatanooga Choo Choo & Depot {Tennessee} (2005)
52. Visited Niagara Falls (US & Canadian) {New York} (1994)
53. Rode a subway in New York City {New York} (1967)
54. Visited Oahu, HI (Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort {Hawaii} (2006)
55. Attended a Luau while in Hawaii {Hawaii} (2006)
56. Watched Fireworks on July 4th at Lake Couer D'Alene {Idaho} 1989
57. Four-wheeled over Black Bear Pass (& many others) {Colorado}
58. Toured Hostess Cupcake Factory {Colorado} (1965)
59. Swam in Atlantic & Pacific Oceans (1967, 1975, 1989, 2006)
60. Saw President Eisenhower & President Johnson in a Motorcade {Colorado} (1950's, 1960's)

Happy New Year

I will begin this post by noting the fact that I am totally in denial about my next birthday -ugh!!!  BUT, life goes on (unless of course, it doesn't) so I will try to make the most of it.  

Recently my youngest daughter posted on her blog a list of things she wants to do before age 30.  Unfortunately, she could only think of 15 things (and she has over 2 years left).  

Then I read a blog post 40 by 40 - very impressive.  She even has the list categorized.  

So, at the beginning of 2012, I will have 11 months to do 60 things...before I am 60...and hopefully on January 1, 2012 (or shortly thereafter), I will post my 60 by 60 list.  

Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas!!!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
(Isaiah 9:6-7)

Christmas Gift Suggestions

To your enemy - forgiveness

To an opponent - tolerance

To a friend - your heart

To a customer - service

To all - charity

To every child - a good example

To yourself - respect.

~Oren Arnold

White Chocolate Chip/Oatmeal/Cranberry Cookies

One of my personal favorite cookies...

Recipe

Buckeyes

Recipe

Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites

Recipe

Chocolate Reindeer Cookies

Recipe

Christmas Mice Cookies

Recipe

Christmas Gifts Idea

The Tater Tots & Jello blog has these fabulous ideas for crafting homemade

Christmas gifts.

Bird Feeder - A Christmas Gift for your Feathered Friends

Here's a greet repurposing idea.  You can make this whole peanut bird feeder from an old slinky.

Here's how.

Peppermint Eggnog

Recipe

Quick Present for Christmas

Tutorial

Merry Christmas Snack Mix

Another take on Snack Mix.

Dollar Store Christmas Wreath

If you would like to make an easy & inexpensive do-it-yourself wreath, here's an idea here

Melted Snowman Treats

I think these treats are hilarious - see recipe.

Meringue Snowflakes

These cookies are almost too pretty to eat!!
Here's the recipe.

Here's the recipe.

Christmas Printables

Here are some links to various Christmas printables you and your family may enjoy in time for Christmas!!

Hand-Painted Santa Ornament

Here is the tutorial for this adorable Santa Ornament!!!

Easy Fudge Recipe

Christmas just doesn't seem like Christmas without fudge.  Here is a simple recipe.

Cookies in a Jar - Cranberry Hootycreeks

Here's a recipe that is colorful and yummy and make a wonderful gift for Christmas!!

Cherry Pie in a Jar

Cute idea here .

Whimsical Christmas Trees

I think these whimsical little Christmas trees are just adorable.

Click here for directions.

Repurposed Book Christmas Tree

We used to make Christmas Trees like the photo above from old Reader's Digest magazines.  Somehow when I see something repurposed from old books or music, my heart sinks.  Here is the link for directions to make this as well as others crafts from books...

DIY Tree Skirt for $12

I love this tree skirt!!  And you can make it in less than an hour for only $12.
Click here to see how.

Waterless Snowglobes

Here is a very clever idea that you & your kiddos can make at home.  I love that these snowglobes are waterless, but just as cute as ever...

Ten New Ways to Decorate Your Christmas Tree

Here are 10 great new ideas for decorating your Christmas tree.  You can find them here at this a cute blog I just found called Tater Tots and Jello...

Bubble Up Pizza II

Here's a four ingredient bubble up pizza that looks better to me than the one in my previous post.
What do you think?

Recipe

Bubble Up Pizza

A new take on pizza...

Here's the recipe.

Turkey Cupcakes

link

Thanksgiving Pillows

Here's a cute idea for Thanksgiving decorating, but the best part is that these pillows are convertible - simply unbutton the panel and change for any season!!!

Directions

Flower Turkey Placecards

Here's a cute & simple idea for Thanksgiving placecards.  

Directions

Mini Apple Pies

Such a cute idea!!  Click here for recipe.

Hot Chocolate Bar

I saw this on one of the blogs I read and I think it's a clever idea, although there are no real instructions...maybe there is no need for instructions...

Huh?

I don't know how I feel about this - putting your toaster on it's side to make "grilled cheese".

Giveaway

My daughter is giving away these cute earrings on her cooking blog - A Delicious Melody.

Cherry Berry on a Cloud

Recipe

Breakfast on the Go

Recipe

Make Ahead Thanksgiving Favorites

Link

Hair Bow Tutorial

Click here.

Fudge Candy Corn

Recipe

Fabric Pumpkins

Here's the tutorial.

Inside Out Caramel Apples

Here's the recipe.

Candy Corn Coolers

Wow!!  This is beautiful!!

Here's the recipe.

Weiners and Spaghetti

Not exactly a Halloween idea, but something interesting to cook up for your kids or grandkids.

Frogs on a Log

A not-so-scary treat for Halloween.

Homemade Goldfish Crackers

These are really cute (although I can't really imagine all the trouble it would take to cut them out).

Here's the recipe.

Skeleton Gingerbread Men Cookies

Get the recipe for these cute Halloween cookies here.

Trader Joe's

Since I recently was in North Carolina, I decided to stock up on some item from the infamous Trader Joe's store that I have heard so much about through the years.  Colorado just got it's first IKEA, maybe we will soon get a Trader Joe's...

 I love that the mexican food is Trader Jose's

 And the Italian food is Trader Giotto's