Wednesday, December 21, 2011

#634 - red & white stripe pjs

These red and white pj bottoms would be fun to wear on Christmas Eve, or any night of the year.
Too bad they are sold out of my size.
Saw these over on Elise's blog.

Friday, December 16, 2011

#633 - Little People Nativity



Little People Nativity = amazing!

Kids get to play with it and learn the real meaning of Christmas.

Funny story about this Nativity = Oster and I were playing "nativity".  You know, Mary and Joseph are going to be taxed, she rides on a donkey, they knock on doors and there is no room, Mary has a baby in the stable, the angel comes, shepards come, 3 kings come, the end. 

Well, I let Oster tell the story to me and he got it right until the very end when he said, "up yours!"

WHAT!

I calmly asked him, "what does that mean?"

Oster, "it just means you are saying goodbye"

I guess we'll be watching a little less Elf in our home this year.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

#632 - exception to every rule


Ironic...I think the universe is speaking to me.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

#631 - RIP MAC

Sad to hear about Steve Jobs!

And some random thoughts:

I can't believe I haven't blogged for almost a month.

Longest I've ever gone without blogging since I started in 2008. (that's sort of scary)

I sort of missed blogging, but sort of didn't.

Parker spilled water all over my MAC and I haven't gotten it running again, any thoughts on how I might salvage it? (one reason for my lack of blogging)

I got to visit my family for 2 weeks in September, so much fun!  (another reason for not blogging)

I really wish I lived closer to my family.

But I do love living close to Pepe's family.

I have lots I want to share, so hopefully I can get my computer running again soon.

Friday, September 9, 2011

#630 - 9/11 exhibit @ the American History Smithsonian in DC

For all of you that can't make it to this 9/11 exhibit in DC, I wanted to give you a peak.  Be prepared for a picture overload.
 airplane parts, seatbeat, window shade, flight attendant button (Shanksville, Pa site)
 water cooler, announce booklet, logbook, United Air flight handbook (Shanksville, Pa)

 
 a can of burnt money, melted metals, a clock that feel off the wall at the exact time the plane hit the pentagon (Pentagon)
 phone, badge, uniform, m&m dispenser from someone's desk (Pentagon)
 airplane window, beeper, cell phone, doll (twin towers)
 fireman tools, a briefcase, badge, camera that took the first video of the plane flying into the World Trade Center (twin towers)
 Oster writing his thoughts
 Where were you on 9/11/01?  
I had just woken up and was trying to find our phone (back in the day we didn't have cell phones) so I push the button to make the phone beep (does that make sense) and my roommate Mel came in the front door (she had the phone and was at our neighbors watching the twin towers on tv) and she told me.  We didn't own a tv, so we went next door to our neighbors to watch it all unfold. 
 At the exhibit, you can write down your memories of 9/11 and pin them to the wall. 
 This is my friend Rachel reading some of the comments. 

I brought both of my boys to the museum and they were wild!  But while we walked through this 9/11 exhibit, they were surprisingly good.  It's almost like they sensed there was a reverence in this area.

Just every day objects, like a clock on the wall, a tin of coins, the airplane window cover, and a cell phone, have now become part of history.

It's weird to think that my boys will never know a world where we don't have to be concerned about terrorism.

#629 - "30 Parenting Tips, Easy ways to show your children you love them"

Just a photo of Parker on the Jefferson Memorial steps
Wow, it's been a while.  Hope you are well. 

I saw these 30 things on my friend Judith's blog and I thought they were a great reminder.

Source: Hubpages; by In the Doghouse


1. When was the last time you looked deeply into your child's eyes for at least 5 seconds? There is no better way to see--or be seen, by a child. Take time to look into those eyes.
2. Really listen to your child. Don't interrupt them when they are talking, or finish sentences for them.
3. Introduce your children to people. Don't act as if they aren't there.
4. Spend time with each of your children separately. It will be an experience they never forget.
5. Hold hands with your child.
6. If you're wrong, promptly admit it, and be willing to say you're sorry and that you make mistakes sometimes.
7. Always tell your children the truth. Trust, over the years will bring it's own rewards.
8. Always give your children hello and good-bye kisses.
9. Display your child's artwork and schoolwork. That is what a refrigerator door is for. If your child makes it, cherish it.
10. Remember, if your child thinks it's important, it's important. Show them you value their opinions and ideas.
11. Respect your child's privacy.
12. Be genuinely interested in your child's day. Ask about how their day went, and let them share their triumphs and disappointments with you. Make sure you listen carefully.
13. Work on a giant jigsaw puzzle with your child.Use it as quality time to talk; and make sure the TV is off.
14. Make your home a comfortable and safe place for your children to bring their friends, even when they are teenagers.
15. Start a journal for each child when they are born. Write about special moments in their life until they can write in it themselves.
16. Do more bragging than nagging.
17. Include an unexpected love note in your child's lunch box or bag.
18.When you're away, call to tell them you miss them.
19. Share with your children the hobbies that are important to YOU.
20. If you want your children to confide in you, show them that it is safe to do so first. Don't break their confidences and share their secrets with your friends.
21. Never be embarrassed to give hugs or to say "I love you" to your children, no matter what age they are.
22. Take notice of what they like.
23. Eat meals together as a family, without the distractions of TV or cell phones.
24. Take advantage of "chauffeuring" time.
25. Carry up-to-date photos of your children in your wallet or on your cell phone. They love when you show them off.
26. PLAY with your children.
27. PRAY with your children.
28. Make it a big deal when it's your child's birthday.
29. Let your child eat from a "special plate" at mealtime when they have had an extra "good day" or accomplished something great, or maybe just because.
30. Try to attend every event, game, and performance that your child is involved in.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

#628 - scenes from Hurricane Irene


We bought an almost 30 pound watermelon.  That's larger than my 15 month old and only a few pounds from my 3 year old.

We bought 3 cases of water and 36 rolls of toilet paper (we actually ran out of tp they day of the hurricane.)

Pepe and Oster braving the storm...Oster wanted to wear his winter jacket.
We lost our power for 25 hours, but no damage really.  My garden was a bit blown over.  
Yes, I know my garden looks like it's a late bloomer, but I planted in in July, so it's about 2-3 months behind most.  
Do you see the pumpkin growing?!  
Ok, it's really hard to spot, but it is in the lower right corner next to that yellow flower.
Hope you are all well and safe!  




Thursday, August 25, 2011

#627 - Best DC souvenir - big coins


If you are looking for a good souvenir to take home when you visit Washington DC, I highly recommend getting some large coins from the street vendors. 
They are about $3 each (you might be able to talk them down a little, but not much).  Oster has used them to sort coins.

And we use them to play "hide the quarter".  Have you ever played "hide the quarter"?  Basically, one person hides the coin in plain site and then everyone else tries to find it.  

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

#626 - 2 years later

It's amazing how much can change in 2 years!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

#625 - raspberries and trader joe's frozen yogurt

 

raspberries . . . probably one of my most favorite summer foods . . . reminds me of picking them in my grandparents garden when i was a kid . . . yum! 

so currently i'm loving organic raspberries from trader joes atop trader joe's plain non fat frozen yogurt pleasantly tart . . . delicious!
 top photo - me
bottom photo - here

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

#624 - dip dyeing coins

 Or more correctly, dip dyeing pennies.
 
I was going through our coin jar with the boys and decided it would be fun to clean some coins.  It's super easy and fun to watch.

Cleaning Pennies Recipe

1/4 cup vinegar (i used distilled white vinegar)
1 teaspoon salt (i used plain table salt)

Mix in a clear glass bowl.  Toss pennies in for 10-60 seconds (or longer). Rise with cold water.



And before I knew it I was half dyeing the coins.   I just held the half the coin in the "cleaning pennies solution" for about 30 seconds, pulled it out and washed it in cold tap water.

The boys were quickly over the excitement of dyeing coins (they were on to mixing up stuff in my cupboards - see below), but I was just getting started.  I was looking through my coins to find birth and anniversary years for my family, so that I could make "lucky us" keychain charms.
 Do you notice the different coin above?
I found my sister's birth year and put her name in vinyl letters on the coin.  ( I think you could make tape work).  I only dyed the coin for about 15-20 seconds because I didn't want the solution to get under the letters.

I'm so excited to try this again with initials, fun words, and cool designs.  And the awesome part is that I didn't deface the coins (at least I don't think it's defacing), because I was just cleaning them.

Let me know if you try this...I'd love to see pics!   I'm off to build a fort with Oster before he mixes up another popcorn kernel, balsamic vinegar, ginger, bouillon cube concoction.

ps, casi, this is in the mail (sorry to spoil the surprise on my blog and give away your age)

#623 - basil

Every now and then I like seeing what other people eat for lunch, so I thought I would share my sandwich I had for lunch the other day.

sesame seed ezekial bread
avocado
tomato - picked 10 minutes earlier
organic spinach
basil leaves - also picked 10 minutes earlier

The basil leaves were AMAZING!!!  Mom - you should totally try this with your basil.

Do you like basil?  How do you eat it?  What do you eat for lunch?

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

#622 - wedding/birthday cake

When Pepe and I got married, we opted for a less tradition cake and bought a cake from Whole Foods.   People loved it!  In fact, there were no left over slices by the end of the evening.

So, every now and then, Pepe will buy me our "wedding cake" for my birthday or our anniversary.  It's delicious and I highly recommend Whole Foods "Fresh Fruit Cake".

the pic above is the cake Pepe bought for my birthday this year.


Monday, August 8, 2011

#621 - setting up the chess set

Pepe and Oster love chess!

In fact, they both got a chess set for my birthday....how did that happen?

The other day I was cleaning and I walked into the living room and Oster had set up his chess set all by himself.  I'm not sure I even know where all those pieces go.  And he even knows the names of them...not me, he's teaching me.  Way to go O!

post edit- pepe said it is set up backwards (white is supposed to be on the 1 & 2 row and black on 8 & 9), so not perfect, but sure close.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

#620 - some favorite quotes

Here are a few quotes that I'm loving.  All of them via pinterest.


Are you on pinterest yet?  Careful, it's addicting.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

#619 - which shoes?


I just bought 3 pairs of dress shoes, but I really only need 1 pair.  
(I want all 3, but don't have the space/I feel guilty having too many shoes) 

Which do you like best?

1st pair - wool and patent leather gray flats from Wally World ($15)
2nd pair - black wedges from Target ($12.48 on sale)
3rd pair - black patent leather ballet flats ($12 on sale) - i think i like the red flats the best

And here are the obligatory "me wearing the shoes (with the tags still on) shots":

my thoughts:
comfort - gray #1, ballet flats #2, wedges #3
cuteness - wedges #1, gray #2, ballet #3
gray pros - a new color for me, comfy, flat
gray cons - dull (i think) and look like cold weather shoes
wedges pros - cute, make me tall
wedges cons - not sure if i'll get blisters, i'm taller than Pepe in them, my pointer toe is longer than my big toe :)
ballet pros - flat, comfy, shiny (would love the red ones!)
ballet cons - not sturdy, not the cutest

Now, if you are still reading this (are you?), let me know what you think.

Monday, August 1, 2011

#618 - school supplies


Didn't you love getting new school supplies every year when you were younger?  I got a few school supplies for Oster (and Parker) and they are in heaven!  They love playing "school".

And bonus, they were a steal of a deal:

Pencil Box - $0.97
Crayons - $0.40
Pink Erasers - $0.97
Colored Pencils - $0.97
Notebook - $0.20
Makers - $0.74
Sharpener - $0.97
Scissors $0.74

Total = $5.96

Friday, July 29, 2011

#617 - cutting down a tree

how to make an animated gif

Our big tree died, so we had to cut it down before it fell on our house.  Oster and Parker loved watching it fall!!!

Happy Friday!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

#616 - Waiting for Superman

Have you seen Waiting for Superman?  It's about how our school systems in America are failing the kids.   After seeing this, I think we really need to rethink tenure and teachers' unions.

For the most part, I had some pretty good teachers in school (elementary, middle school, high school).

I do remember one teacher who did not teach us anything and didn't really care because he had tenure...what a waste of my time and his.  They need to pay teachers more, but they also need to get rid of the bad ones.

Have you seen this movie?  What did you think?  I highly recommend it.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

#615 - triple lemon blueberry cake

I used this Triple Lemon cake recipe for Oster's birthday.

Lemon cake + lemon curd filling + lemon cream cheese frosting = triple lemon.

He wanted a Batman cake (see below) and I was craving lemons and blueberries, so it worked out perfectly.
 I added blueberries to the cake batter...so good!
And like usual, I was running behind and didn't get a chance to let the cake cool before I frosted it, so it was a gooey mess.  (this picture was taken after Oster blew out the sparkler candles, so those black specs are from the sparklers)  (And I had grand illusions of making a black fondant or blackberry fruit leather batman logo, but no time!)
My favorite part was the lemon curd (martha stewart's recipe) filling.  I could eat that by the bowl!
Related Posts with Thumbnails