Goodbye 2008 - Goodbye to Princesses!

It appears that we did Disney World in the nick-of-time. It's so rare now that anyone wants to be Snow White or Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty - we're more the Disney Channel now than Disney Dreams... It doesn't seem fair. I understand that a 7 year old would be finishing up, but even our 4 year old is following suit...quickly.... So, I guess it is time to say a sweet goodnight to the girls, Aurora, Cindy and the gang... it was a lovely horsedrawn ride... And they Lived Happily Everafter....

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

Just A Head!

Just 3 days until Mom (Mimmie) turns 75!

Love on the Rocks... Ain't No Big Surprise...But THIS Was! :)

Pour me a drink and I'll tell you some lies... now THAT's what I expect from Neil Diamond. And let me say, I really think he's great - Sweet Caroline - however,... this morning on a local Country Station of all things, they played - Neil Diamond sings "Oh Holy Night." Of course, I know that the Lord celebrates when we praise him, perhaps especially in song, but unless Mr. Diamond has had some sort of theological conversion... well, it was as surprising to me as "Pavarotti's - A Pickin' and a Grinnin' Bluegrass Tour"

I have Bagnesia.. do you?

My best friend from growing-up (and my maid of honor) has co-launched a company called Bagnesia. I think it's a great concept and I'm so proud of her (I forget my bags almost everytime!) ....I fully expect to see this become one of Oprah's Favorite Things and I wanted to pass it on to you. ... If you look at the photo gallery Pam is the slender blond walking down the street, sitting at the little 2 seater table, and has the visor on walking out the door....

http://www.bagnesia.shutterfly.com/

The Spaghettiesburg Address ...

I'd been telling the girls that we would go Outlet Shopping soon in Pennsylvania. They had no idea what Outlet Shopping meant, but they were very excited. It would be our first ever - Official Girls Day Out!

The night before, Camryn asked me if we were finally going to "Spaghettiesburg." I told her absolutely we were and prevented her more knowledgable sisters from correcting her...

Later that weekend my 4 year old precious blond was singing with the car radio a winter seasonal favorite... "Let It GO... Let It GO.... Let It GO!".... And isn't that great advice? Out of the mouths of babes... my sweet girl... don't change too fast... I like your language better!