Moms Make the Best Forts

An Afternoon with Auntie Kitty & Cousin Mark

I picked rocks & Mark skipped them in the pond. David downed a birch tree by the road as we watched. Kids blew bubbles & drew on the sidewalk. We enjoyed the beautiful & very early spring day out in the sunshine. Elizabeth was pretty pooped by days end. Mission accomplished. :)

What a Difference a Year Makes! (Videos)

Two Thumbs Up Mr Coffee!

I bought a really nice Mr Coffee coffee maker a couple of months back. Loved it. Unfortunately it started leaking from the bottom every time it brewed. I had no warranty & none of the packaging, but I still had the manual - so I called. I had to give them a few #'s from the machine, and then they shipped me a new one & a prepaid UPS label to send back the old one. NO CHARGE! Two thumbs up Mr. Coffee! I am a proud owner of Mr Coffee & will share your great customer service, timely response, & great products with many. Good job!

Steve Jobs February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011

Pro-life Corner: How different our world would be if Joanne Simpson had chosen to abort her unintended pregnancy. Instead she gave birth to a boy who was adopted by a loving couple. That boy was Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, Inc. and the creative genius behind the iPhone, IPod, and IPad and creator of tens of thousands of jobs.

“Before embarking, he’d looked at his sister Patty, then for a long time at his children, then at his life’s partner, Laurene, and then over their shoulders past them. Steve’s final words were: OH WOW. OH WOW. OH WOW.”

So there...

Grandma & Grandpa home from Tx

Elizabeth & I went to welcome Grammy & Papa home from their vacation in Tx. Short but sweet visit. It's so good to have them home! Here's a couple of pictures of the ice sculptures we stopped to see during our visit.

Baby proofing 101

How to keep a toddler out of your drawers: yard stick!

(Can you tell by her body language she's trying to crack this code?)

Blizzard of '12

We got between 6-8" today. Not exactly a "blizzard" per say, but it's the most snow we've accumulated in one day all winter. It's been such a mild winter and we're very thankful for the beautiful winter and mild temps. We deperately need the moisture, and we had lots of fun playing in the white fluff today!

Sweet Adelynne Turns 1

Miss Adelynne turned 1 on Friday and had a wonderful birthday with an elephant cake from Auntie Kim and many hugs and kisses and well wishers. Wow that year went by fast. Happy birthday, Sweetie!

What to Give Up for Lent

"When we give up something for Lent, we endure our sacrifice as a reminder of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. When we add something to our daily lives, we experience the sacrifice of carrying our cross in a deeper way."
Well, what should I give up? I'm baffled. So I Googled. I can't very well give up TV, Internet, eating out, credit cards, shopping, sweets, or alcohol, I hardly do/use those things. It's not a true sacrifice because I couldn't care less to give those up.
So, I am giving up procrastination...starting tomorrow. Hahaha. No really -- it's 8:00 PM. I can't procrastinate on anything for the rest of today. I'm not a horrible procrastinator, but it's enough to bother me and cause an umbrella effect over many parts of my life.

And what to take up? Being on time? That's the opposite of procrastination. Hmmm, or maybe just spending more time with the Lord. I have my hour of adoration a week & mass on Sundays, but what about the Saturday Latin Mass? Or reconciliation more than once a month? Or my favorite: Stations of the Cross. Spending more time reading scripture. More time in prayer. Yes, I think all of the above should work for the next 40 days.

February: A Sick Month

Two weeks ago Elizabeth was diagnosed with RSV - a cold virus that can potentially become very serious and could lead to pneumonia. Thank God it didn't get any worse and all we had to do was provide pain relievers & neb treatments. David was great & took two days off to spend it with our Itty Bitty because we didn't want her to go to daycare and get anyone else sick.

Sunday night we noticed sores on her mouth, fingers and legs. Since Urgent Care was closed by that time, we took her in to the ER so that we knew what it was and whether she could go to daycare. Dx: the coxsackie virus, also called hand, foot, and mouth disease. Another week off of daycare. And now Daddy is down with the flu. I think we're ready to leave this ill February behind us!

Locks of Love - Ponytail #4

I label this "hobbies" because I guess for me it is. Just about every 2-2.5 years I cut off a 10" ponytail for Locks of Love. I started January 2005 & here you see tail #4.

David's New Toy

We found this 2000 truck online for a great price and in pretty good condition. So we made a call, took a trip, met some really nice people, and bought their truck. The man we bought it from had to clean out the bed of all their fishing stuff because they weren't really trying too hard to sell it & were still using it on a semi-daily basis (good news for us). It's got a little bit of rust, but it is otherwise all over pretty good. We've had our eyes peeled for the past few months (years) for a good deal and we found it. Here's hoping it treats us as good as we will treat it. Welcome to the family -- Big Red.

Fun Ideas for Kids

5 cheap and fun baby activities

Let 'er rip: Maybe it's that pleasing shredding sound or maybe it's the satisfaction of making a permanent change in something, but babies love to tear up paper. So plunder your recycling box for magazines or junk mail – when you see that gappy smile on your baby's face as she gets to work, you won't even mind the mess.

Dog days: You could take your baby to the zoo, but don't be surprised if he falls fast asleep – or favors the water fountain over the orangutans. Instead, try a park where he can see dogs playing. It's a lot less overwhelming and every bit as exciting, plus it doesn't cost a penny. Just be sure to practice good doggy-and-child safety habits. You might want to carry your baby in your arms or a baby carrier to make sure he's safe when watching and petting the pups (with permission, of course).

Flashlight games Kids' Activities Turn off the lights, close the blinds, grab a flashlight, and lie back on the floor for a rockin' light show with your little one. Dance the light beam along the ceiling and walls as your baby stares in delight. An older baby might like to try holding the flashlight herself (though you shouldn't be surprised if all she does is gum it). Just don't let her shine it directly in her eyes – or, for that matter, in yours.

Dining out For a change of pace, set up your baby's highchair in the backyard or out on the front stoop and, between bites, let him fling the food wherever he likes. He'll feel like he's won the lottery! A bit short in the yard department? No worries – bring a booster chair to the park and set it right on the grass. Throw in some bubbles and you've got a perfect recipe for a fun-filled morning.

Go clubbing In your living room, that is. Turn on your favorite music and dance with your baby in your arms. She'll be in seventh heaven – after all, she'll be enjoying three of her favorite things in the world simultaneously: music, bouncing, and closeness to you.

Hop a freight: Toddlers love transportation, especially if it's a departure from the same-old-same-old car seat. Check out your local airport or hospital – many have a free shuttle or tram that you can ride as often as your little one's heart desires. If you don't usually travel by bus, check your local bus system and take a spin around town, enjoying things from a thrilling new vantage point.

Play dough: Borrow a tip from kid-friendly restaurants and let your toddler play with a gratifying hunk of pizza dough. Not too sticky and not too runny, it's the perfect consistency for little fingers. Get some from your local grocery store or pizza parlor or mix up your own. A rolling pin is the icing on the cake for this activity (or, shall we say, the cheese on the pie). If you're feeling motivated, you can bake a pizza with the rest of the dough while your child plays with his portion. Otherwise, simply freeze or refrigerate the rest for future playtime.

Fancy wrappings: If you've ever watched a toddler open a present, you know that she's likely to ignore what's inside and focus all her attention on the box, wrapping paper, and ribbon. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em! Wrap up something small, such as a pretty postcard or a toy you already own. Make sure to use lots of ribbon and paper (Sunday comics work great). Present it to her with a flourish.

It's a plane! Check with your local airport to see whether it has an observation tower – or a room with huge windows where your toddler can watch planes take off and land. Bring along some lunch and enjoy the show.

Baker's man: While your toddler isn't yet old enough to wield an electric mixer or flour sifter, he may be ready to be put in charge of the cookie-sprinkle department. So bake up a batch of cookies (you can even buy pre-made dough) and let him go nuts with a container of sprinkles. You'll probably end up with several bare cookies and a few heavily sprinkled ones. Don't forget to take a picture! 5 cheap and fun preschooler activities

Bathing in the pink: Or the green, or the blue… A few drops of food coloring can go a long way toward making bath time something special. It's especially fun to mix a couple of primary colors together, such as blue and red to make purple. And no, your child won't emerge from his bath looking like a grape – a few drops of food coloring diluted in a tub of water won't dye your child's skin.

Time travel: You know those old photographs of your own third birthday party or your ninth-grade dance? Dig them out and snuggle with your preschooler for a trip down memory lane. Wedding videos work well too! Of course, she'll also enjoy seeing pictures and videos of herself when she was "little." So break out the snacks and make an evening of it.

Ravishing radishes: When it comes to instant gardening gratification, radishes are the way to go – they pop up in a matter of weeks! After winter's last frost, take your preschooler to the gardening store and let him pick out the package of seeds with the picture he likes best. (It'll cost just a few dollars.) At home, find a sunny patch of yard and have your child plant the seeds directly in the ground or in a small planter. You can even grow radishes inside in a container set in a sunny south-facing window. Your little gardener will love digging a hole, sprinkling in the seeds, and covering them up. The fun continues as he gets to water the radishes and watch them grow.

Monochrome meal: We grown-ups like a little variety in our meals – but kids, who often love uniformity, get a kick out of having a special dinner in which everything is the same color. So serve up a meal that's entirely orange (macaroni and cheese, sweet potato, orange juice, carrots), green (pesto pasta, limeade, broccoli), or yellow (lemonade, scrambled eggs, corn, pineapple).

Hunting down nature: Give your child a bag or bucket and go on an old-fashioned nature hunt. Take your time and let him collect whatever he likes – pinecones, leaves, rocks, sticks, burrs. When you get home, break out the glue and cardboard and get him started making a collage or sculpture. He may also enjoy painting a rock or two (it could become his new favorite pet).

Bon appétit!: Let your child be in charge of dinner – with you as her helpful assistant. She gets to decide what to make. Some suggestions: English muffin pizzas, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, pudding or gelatin for dessert. She can act as the "head cook" and even draw up some fancy menus. She may especially enjoy doing this activity with a friend.

Rest for the weary: You know those nights when you're beyond exhausted, and you just wish someone would put you to bed for a change? Here's your chance! Tell your child that you need a special helper to put you to bed early – and ask if he'd like to do the honors. He can pick out your pajamas, make sure you brush your teeth and wash your face, read you a book, tuck you in, give you a kiss, and turn out the light. It's a safe bet that you'll hear some delighted giggles from beyond your closed door! (Of course, this assumes your partner or another responsible adult has agreed to take on the nighttime duties for your child – and you'll likely find yourself returning the favor sometime soon.)

Camp in: Wait for a dark and dreary day. If your child has a case of the "nothing-to-do" doldrums, all the better! Now suggest that you go camping – in your family room. Make a "tent" with sheets and blankets draped over chairs. If you have sleeping bags, dig them out – or just create some bedrolls with blankets and pillows. Tell stories and sing songs around an imaginary fire. And when the lights go out, make a beautiful galaxy appear on the ceiling of your tent by shining a flashlight through a colander.

Kid's choice day: Let your child "run" the day. She can make the important decisions such as what to eat, what show to watch, and what activities to do. Give this day a special name so that she can plan it, as in, "On my next 'Ali Day,' I want to ride bikes, wash the dog, and eat spaghetti. (Helpful hint: To avoid power struggles with your child's teacher, don't do this on a school day!)

Treasure hunt: Send your child on a treasure hunt, right in your own house. It takes a little preparation, but the excitement is worth it! Give him a note that says something like, "Look in the flour canister." Or make it a bit trickier by writing a clue he has to solve, such as "Look for the white powder that we use for baking." (If your child's reading skills are still primitive, simplify your notes, help him read them, or draw pictures instead.) In the flour canister, he'll find another note telling him where to look next, such as in the refrigerator or under the welcome mat. Let the hunt include a few more hiding places, and put a prize in the very last one (try under his pillow). The prize can be very small – for example, a piece of candy or a pad of paper. As in all true treasure hunts, the real joy is in the search.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_cheap-fun-for-kids-simple-ways-to-make-your-childs-day_10309947.bc?showAll=true#articlesection2

Cabbage Casserole

(If you like Sarmas, you'll love this Cabbage Casserole - similiar taste with much less work)
1.5# hamburger
1 C. cooked rice
8 slices cooked bacon
1 small onion, diced
Salt, pepper, & basil to taste
1 head cabbage (boil 5-10 minutes until partially cooked)
1 15 oz tomato sauce
1 15 oz sauerkraut

Brown hamburger with onion & spices. Layer roasting pan with cabbage, hamburger mixture, and top with sauerkraut them tomato sauce. Cook 1.5 hrs @ 350 covered.

*I wrote this verbatim how it was given to me. However, I made mine in the crock pot & it turned out great (remember to still brown hamburger & onions prior to crock-potting). I also made the following changes.
** I didn't pre-cook the cabbage, but I did lay it down 1st in the pot & it cooked nicely.
** I dislike the bacon. Next time I'm going to use either just ground beef or ground beef & pork.
** I decreased it to 1# ground beef vs 1.5#.
** Instead of tomato sauce, I used a 15 oz can of stewed tomatoes and added a little water. I liked that much better.
** The whole dish doesn't have much of a strong sauerkraut flavor, but a mild taste of it. My spouse & brother Derik don't care much for kraut, so one 15 Oz can would be good enough for them. For me, I'd recommend the larger can, jar, or bag. Yum

Bon Appetit

The Do-It-All ... Pizza Cutter

David makes fun of me because while we rarely eat pizza, we wash our pizza cutter daily, especially when the little Miss started eating solids. It's the do-a-lot tool. One that my mom always used it for was cutting waffles, pancakes, & french toast. You can also cut the crust off sandwiches, esp grilled cheese, make strips for the lattice on pies, cookie cut outs, mill herbs, cut hotdogs or sausage, fruit rollups, cut sheet cake, cut brownies or fudge, cut quesadillas or make steam slits, and defend yourself in a bar fight. (Hey, no one's gonna mess with someone with a razor sharp pizza cutter in her hand.)

Cute Pictures of my Baby Girl

Making cookies for Auntie & Uncle for their anniversary.

Swiffering up the floors before we mop. What a good little helper!

These boots are made for walkin'...

Play time before daycare.

Just cause I thought it was a cool pic...

Happy 20th Wedding Anniversary D&K!

Wow! February 1st is Derik & Kelly's 20th wedding anniversary.

Good job, guys. May God continue to bless you over and over and over again!