Monday Movie Review

For the first time EVER I went to the movies on Christmas - with my family and Mother In Law, Shirley. Being there was marvelous! We saw Marley & Me and... it was pretty good although disjointed at times. I guess I thought it would be a movie about a Dog and his overwhelmed Family instead it seemed to be about a Family that happened to have a really naughty dog. I definitely didn't think it was ideal for some young children. 2 3/4 stars.

Just two "Regal Theater Point Days" later George and I went on a date to see Yes Man. Look, other than In Living Color and Truman, I'm simply not a Jim Carrey - how many ways can you twist your face - fan. However, this was laugh out loud funny. My only challenge was getting past the fact that his love interest was about 1/2 his age... Also, there was one scene that I found objectionable (obviously do not take the kids), but George seemed to really like it... hmmm... other than that.... 3 BIG stars... so I recommend that you turn off your reality gauge and say "SURE" to YES Man!

Old Man - Or is that Old Man Winter? Still Wanted - V-Box Salt Spreader

While normal people are hoping for a snow day - I'm watching the weather and biting my nails... For only a Snow Contractor really knows the pitfalls....

The Punishment of My Departure

SO, After my Panera high, I came home... ready to see my babies... all four of them.... The largest one, curiously enough, in the exact same "La-Z-Boy" position as when I left. Following a glance at the sink and chip bags and more used cups then occupants, I surveyed the girls room..... hmmmmmmmmm..... (Stock Photo provided for dramatic effect - not the actual room)... "Logan, what did you do in here?" she quickly replied, "We played Pinata!"... indeed...

Four Friends-Three Hours-Too Much Coffee-One High Backed Booth

All add up to a recharged battery!

Thank God for impromptu get togethers... Susie, Beth, Trudy and I shared a little time today at Panera - an oasis of peace in this Post-Christmas world... We discussed Disney, kids, Christmas, homes, vacations and so much more... It makes me laugh to think what three hours in a Panera booth would do to any normal man... but for women???? It's like a warm hug.... Happy Birthday Tru!

Another Day In Paradise...

Have you ever scheduled an activity for the children - planning every detail - just knowing that you are giving them a great experience... only to find out (for whatever reason) the mark was missed. Here's Logan's response to a long day at Animal Kingdom Disney World - Asia on a hot Floridian day... "We paid a lot for this - and YOU ARE going to have a good time" was met with this expression. Truth was that she and Camryn (who you can see is just as pleasant in the background) just wanted time in the unspectacular "Value Resort" pool.... They won. I loved Disney, but we could have done this at home!

Mimmie Counting Down!

Three Quarter Century Mark is just TWO Days Away for our Beautiful Mimmie - My Momma.

Button Button Who has the Button?

When the girls were very young we stumbled across Family Fun's version of what we quickly called "Buttons." Now we do these throughout the year - the only true variation being the seasonal color of the M&M's....

Buttons

Large Bag of Pretzels - "Snaps"
Hershey Kisses
Hershey Hugs
M&M's

Preheat oven to 170 degrees
Cover cookie sheets with aluminum foil
Cover the aluminum foil with pretzels
Place Hershey Kisses on pretzels

If using Hershey Hugs it is critical that you use separate cookie sheets for the white chocolate Hugs as they melt quicker

Put cookie sheets in oven
Check every few minutes - once the chocolate is soft (but not totally melted) remove from oven
Push one M&M into each Kiss (or Hug) - I prefer the M&M letters to face down, my children do not seem to care.
Refridgerate or freeze trays for just a few minutes