REBECCA LYNN

Rebecca Lynn ... two words I heard A LOT growing up. Yes, it is my name, but it was also my "in trouble name" as well. Although I am grown up, I still get "Rebecca Lynn-ed" a lot. One thing that I have learned is to go ahead and "Rebecca Lynn" myself before I say something - kind of as a Free Pass.

That being said, please let me take this moment to say ...

REBECCA LYNN!!!!

Ok, now that that is over, let me show you a picture I saw this weekend on Pinterest. As a disclaimer, this is by far the WORST Halloween costume EVER!! It is one of those things that is so bad you have to share it - you can't just keep something like this to yourself!! If you have to see it, others should too! 

So here we go...

There are some MESSED UP people in this world!!!

Online Yard Sale

I'm not sure if this is a proper use of the blogging world, but I'm not typically a rule follower and I don't care. This is my blog (world), so I can do what I want, right?!

Anywho...I have some Pampered Chef products that I have acquired that I don't need and want to sell. They are all in the packages and haven't been opened. The prices are discounted, plus there is no tax or shipping - unless I have to ship it to you, then I will see what the post office charges and we can talk. I've got one of each, so everything is First Come, First Serve.

Appetizer Plates and Caddy Set $50.00

 Ultimate Mandolin $50.00
(Not in Box)

 Stackable Cooling Rack $12.00

 Measuring Cup Set $12.00

 Cut N Seal $8.00

 Outdoor Plates $9.00

 Outdoor Utensil Set $11.00

Outdoor Tumblers $20.00

 *Plate and Utensil Set Combo $18.00

 *Plate, Utensil Set and Tumbler Combo *35.00

Collapsible Serving Bowl - 2Qt $14.00

 Corn Cob Nobs $3.00

 Corn Butterer $3.00

 *Corn Cob Nob and Butterer Combo $5.00

Cooking For Two Cookbook $14.00

 Dinner in Your Deep Covered Baker Cookbook $7.00

Festive Holiday Desserts Cookbook $7.00

 Sweet and Sour Sauce $10.00

 Teriyaki Sauce $10.00

Corn, Pumpkins, and Fire

This past weekend we crossed off a few more on the Fall Bucket List. David and I went with our friends Savannah and John Lewis to the Denver Downs Farm. We had fun, but I will say it was a bit of a let down.

We were excited about the Corn Maze, and I, personally, was excited to know that it was Civil War themed with Civil War trivia throughout. Yes, I am a dork and like US History - so what?!

Our excitement quickly died, when we got to the farm and saw the Corn Maze. This was by far our biggest disappointment of the day! "Due to the drought" the corn did not grow very well. The corn was waist high in a few places, but most of it was mid-shin high. It was HIGHLY disappointing, especially since there was no entry price discount. We did go through the maze and complete the trivia - and laughed a lot about the tiny corn.

Then it was off to the Pumpkin Patch to pick out some pumpkins for carving later that afternoon. This was quite hilarious to watch JL as he searched for the PERFECT pumpkin! He walked and looked, walked and looked, picked them up, carried them around, etc. We finally got to a point where we just stopped and laughed at him!

They did offer hayrides around the farm and through the pumpkin patch. We didn't take one, because we didn't want to wait in line. This may be one that I am not going to mark off the list. I'm ok with that since we did come kind of close.

These are the pumpkins that we picked. Ours is the short one. Savannah and JL's is the tall one. (Stay tuned for the end results!!)

Before we left, the boys played a little Farm Football. There were several tires nailed to posts that they had to throw footballs through. It was actually quite tough, but fun to watch.

 Savannah and I just stood to the side and watched.

When we got back to Savannah's house, we carved the pumpkins. I couldn't tell you the last time that I carved a pumpkin, but it has become quite a tradition in the Stroud home. I don't like all the scary things that people put on pumpkins, so I just drew a smiley jack-o-lantern pic on ours. David carved it.

Our guy had one tiny eye - just like me!! David said it was due to my drawing skills (or lack there of), but I think it was fate.

Savannah is also addicted to Pinterest. She found a super cute Porcupine Pumpkin that they were going to try. JL spent a lot of time carving their "perfect pumpkin". His quote of the night was "some call me the master pumpkin carver."

 Although it didn't turn out exactly like the one she saw on Pinterest, it was super cute!! They used Christmas lights as the quills.

After carving pumpkins and eating some of Connie's famous White Chicken Chili, we headed out to the fire where we roasted marshmallows and made s'mores. We stayed out there chatting until the fire died and it was too cold to stay outside.

We went back in to watch some more football and have some Nutella Hot Chocolate (also a Pinterest idea). The day was 100% like we had hoped, but all in all, it was another great day with the Stroud Family!!

Me and My Dumb Adventures!

I have let Mir talk me in to yet another one of her ideas! I saw her blog post about starting a new program called Couch to 5K. I have actually seen several of my friends post on FB about this program, but when she mentioned it, I got interested.

Let me start by saying, I am NOT a runner nor have I ever been!! Even at my thinnest and strongest, I wasn't able to run long distances. I basically feel like this describes me...

I have blammed not being able to run on my flat foot and bum knee for years. I do think those play a significant role, but it may have to do with training too - we'll see.

That's where this program comes into play. Ideally, this is a 9 week program that teaches you to run and at the end of the 9 weeks you should be able to run a 5k. I am (and have always been) a bit of a realist. I know me, and I know my schedule. I am not saying that I will be able to complete this program in 9 weeks. I have already come to grips with that. Right now, I am just aiming at completing the program.

So this is me, on day one of the Couch to 5k Program. (notice my awesome shirt that Mir had made for all of us when we went to Gatlinburg!)

As you can guess, since I am writing this, I survivied. It wasn't quite as bad as I thought it would be. I guess this means I am on my way (SLOWLY) to running a 5k. Have a signed up for any? No! Do I plan on signing up for any? Prob not. I just think this is a good way to get healthy and try something new. You know me, always up for trying new things. After all, you never know if you like something until you try it! We'll see...

Recipe For Carol

This post is for Carol since she seems to be the only one that appreciates and tries the recipes that I post!! This one was super easy and really good!! I won't tell you where I found the recipe, because if you read my blog at all, you should already know!

Super Easy Super Yummy Crock Pot Soup:
1 can of rotel, 1 can of corn, 1 can of black beans (drained & rinsed), 2 frozen chicken breasts, 8 oz cream cheese, 1 packet dry ranch dressing, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder. Put all ingredients in crock pot and cook 6-8 hours. Shred chicken, and enjoy!

I, of course, didn't follow the recipe exactly. I used frozen corn instead of canned. I also used real black beans instead of a can. I'm sure I will use cans in the future when I make this again. just had the others on hand, so I used them. I also added some cooked rice (boil in a bag to be exact) at the end - just for fun. We ate it with some tortilla chips and it was YUMMY!!!

Hope you enjoy, Carol!! :)

First Fall Festival

My nieces, Molly and Eve, go to school at Greenville Classical Academy. For the past few years, the school has done Fall and Spring Festivals to help raise money. This year was the biggest event that they have ever had with over 90 vendors, a kid zone, concessions, a silent auction, and much more!!

Today marks the first time that I have ever participated in a Fall Festival as a vendor. I have been a "goer" to these events all my life, but never the seller. It was a nice twist. I believe I shall do it again one day.

I set up a Pampered Chef/Canned Goods booth. I was able to give out PC info, sell some PC products, and make some money on all the fun things that I have canned this summer. It was a great combo!

My sister in law, Crystal, was in charge of the Silent Auction. She did and AMAZING job getting donations from a ton of places!! There were various themed baskets, cookware, kitchen appliances, jewelry, toys, tons of gift cards (food, fun, lodging), etc. I could not believe all the places that donated things for this event!!

For those of you that know David, you know that if he was there (and he was), we would walk away with at least something. He manned his battle station at a Canopy Zipline Tour in North GA and Indoor Skydiving in TN. Although he put in a valiant effort at trying to win both, thanks to a last minute bid from some random guy, he was only able to walk away with one - Indoor Skydiving.

We have talked for years about wanting to do that when we are in Pigeon Forge, but never wanted to pay that much to do it. Thanks to GCA's Fall Festival, we will be able to go at a MUCH lower price!!  

I wasn't going to buy anything (outside of the silent auction) until I saw this sign made by Nina who was a few booths down from mine. I thought it was way too cute to pass up. I mean, really?! Who doesn't love Elf?!



Omelet Mug

I finally tried the Omelet Mug this morning. I really wish I was one of those people that woke up in time to do everything I need to in the mornings plus sit down and eat a good breakfast. Breakfast, however, is always a struggle for me since I am doing well to get out of the house on time!! This recipe was VERY successful, VERY easy, and I HIGHLY recommend it!! I wish I had planned ahead even more and had some extras to put in my omelet, but the homemade salsa I threw on top was sufficient for today. Maybe tomorrow I'll throw in some of the black beans that I cooked in the crock pot last night?!?

I found this recipe on Pinterest - which took me to Homemade Mamas

What You Need:

• 2 eggs
• splash of milk
• 2 tablespoons or so of cheese
• salt and pepper
• veggies, meat...whatever else you want to throw in!
• cooking spray

First, spray the inside of your mug with the cooking spray. Then add your two eggs, cheese, milk, and other tasty ingredients. Mix them up and throw your mug into the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute. Stir, then cook for an additional 30 to 60 seconds.

Mom's Birthday Celebration

A super HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the bestest momma in the whole wide world!!

Glyn had the best idea for her birthday - a week long getaway in the mountains for the whole family!! It has been an amazing week of togetherness - relaxing at the cabin, watching the bears, cruising through Cades Cove, walking the streets of Gatlinburg, hiking in the mountains, going to see Courageous, eating sushi, playing games, going to Dixie Stampede ... and the list goes on and on ...

Happy Birthday, Glyn!! We Love Ya!!

The Best Bear Video EVER

I told you about the bears that came to visit while my dad was grilling steaks the other night. Well, they came back today. Chris (my bro in law) heard something on our porch and looked out to see that mama bear ON THE PORCH PULLING OUR TRASH CAN OVER THE RAILING!! When she got it on the ground, she opened it and ate our trash. We stood out and watched her eat for a while taking pics and videos (see my facebook page for more pics). When we thought she was done, we all went back inside.

Then someone noticed that she came back and brought one of her babies with her. I went out on the front porch to see what was going on. This video is what happened next. 

Beware - THIS IS HILARIOUS!!  



More Bucket List Mark Offs

During a family trip to Cades Cove, TN this afternoon, I was able to mark off 3 more on the Fall Bucket List. This brings me to 7 out of 16, which I don't think is so bad in 3 weeks!

Photo Shoot in a Leaf Pile

Take a Nature Walk

Picnic

Ben

I can't believe I am even writing this blog post.

Today is Ben's 3rd birthday. It is so hard to believe since it seems like just the other day I was at the hospital with Ryan and Leigh Ann waiting for him to be born.

Can you believe this...

 Has grown into this?!?

Me either!!

One thing I do know is I sure do love that sweet boy!!

Happy Birthday, BenPie!! May all your super hero dreams come true this year!!

BEARS in Gatlinburg

This is a TRUE STORY!!

We (my family) are in Gatlinburg, TN for the week.
We got here this afternoon.
We had a BYOM (bring your own meat) dinner.
Dad grilled the meat for dinner.
While getting the coals heated, dad looked up and saw this...

THREE BEARS - one mom and two babies!
Can you believe that?!?


Watch this video and you'll see just how close they really are!