There's a surprise coming to our house tomorrow...Check back to see what it is!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Big C's Growin' Strawberries!
Big C LOVES fruit. It is so hard to keep fruit in the house, especially in the summer, because he eats it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks during the day. While I'm not complaining in the least about him wanting to eat fruit, my weekly grocery budget is! He and I were out browsing at Lowe's and came across a grow your own strawberry kit. I'm constantly trying to find fun activities for him that are centered around learning...such as creating and caring for his frogs.
When I found an activity under $10 that was not only a learning experience but would hopefully help in the grocery budget, I jumped at the chance! He needed no convincing as well!
As soon as we got home, we started to put the kit together. Big C was super excited to grow strawberries, however I believe he thought it would be instantaneous...oops, guess I forgot to explain that part!
The kit comes with a planter, soil, and 10 strawberry seeds. Have you ever seen strawberry seeds? They are so tiny!! Good thing I went to the eye doctor so I could see them!
First task is to add a couple cups of water to the soil and 'fluff' it up. This was one of the funniest parts because Big C HATES to get his hands dirty! The look of disgust on his face while his hands were in the soil was very entertaining to say the least.
Next was filling the planter with soil. He refused to use two hands. Big C didn't want to get both hands dirty. After the planter was filled, we added the strawberry seeds in all of the holes, covered them, and gave it a little water. Then, Big C was almost at his limit and needed his hands washed...STAT!
He choose a nice sunny place for his strawberries. He has been very responsible in reminding me that the strawberries need to be watered.
When I found an activity under $10 that was not only a learning experience but would hopefully help in the grocery budget, I jumped at the chance! He needed no convincing as well!
As soon as we got home, we started to put the kit together. Big C was super excited to grow strawberries, however I believe he thought it would be instantaneous...oops, guess I forgot to explain that part!
The kit comes with a planter, soil, and 10 strawberry seeds. Have you ever seen strawberry seeds? They are so tiny!! Good thing I went to the eye doctor so I could see them!
First task is to add a couple cups of water to the soil and 'fluff' it up. This was one of the funniest parts because Big C HATES to get his hands dirty! The look of disgust on his face while his hands were in the soil was very entertaining to say the least.
Next was filling the planter with soil. He refused to use two hands. Big C didn't want to get both hands dirty. After the planter was filled, we added the strawberry seeds in all of the holes, covered them, and gave it a little water. Then, Big C was almost at his limit and needed his hands washed...STAT!
He choose a nice sunny place for his strawberries. He has been very responsible in reminding me that the strawberries need to be watered.
I wish that I had some big learning epiphany for my 3 1/2 year old son, but I think that all he got out of this was growing strawberries is dirty!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Oh the Choices!
My kids love to eat Goldfish crackers. They are so easy to throw them in the diaper bag or purse and take as a snack. Not to mention, I think that they are pretty cute. This weekend, I made my weekly grocery shopping trip and saw that they were on sale at our Kroger, which was a perfect opportunity to stock up! However, when I got to the end cap (end of aisle..my training at Target is still paying off!) I was completely overwhelmed. There were 10 DIFFERENT types of Goldfish crackers! Not all of them were even crackers! Some were pretzels, some where graham crackers, some where cookies...talk about overwhelmed! (I also don't think that it was helpful that Big C was with me and needed one of each kind.) After a 10 minute internal debate...LITERALLY...these were the lucky winners that got to come home with us:
S'more Goldfish, Cinnamon Graham Goldfish, Vanilla Cupcake Goldfish, Color Basketball Goldfish, and Pretzel Goldfish...we also have regular Goldfish and Baby Goldfish (not pictured)
My favorite? By far the Vanilla Cupcake Goldfish...DELICIOUS, especially with my morning coffee. Unfortunately, Baby C loves them also and eats them like there is no tomorrow!
So....I did a little research...there are about 15 different varieties of Goldfish crackers and graham crackers! The teacher in me totally thought of doing a Goldfish taste testing and comparing and contrasting them....nope, sorry, I can't just turn the dorkishness (no, spell check does not recognize this as a word, but I'm ok with that!) off and on. During my research, I came across this:
and I got super excited because I thought that it was so cute! I think I'll keep a look out for these!
and I got super excited because I thought that it was so cute! I think I'll keep a look out for these!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Every Day is Father's Day!
So...I've been MIA the past week....but with good reason! Curt had knee surgery about a week and a half ago, which fell during my last week of school...which is busy to say the least. With him out for count, finishing up school, and Big C and Baby C GETTING INTO EVERYTHING, my time has been rather full. Good news, Curt is on the mend and is able to watch the tornado that is our daughter while I am able to get some things done...blogging being one of them!
Since his surgery was 2 days before Father's Day this year, we decided to celebrate early since he is usually pretty doped up after his surgery for a few days. There is no question about how much these two little ones love their Daddy!
He won't like that I posted these, but it is more so for my memory and for the kids to look back on them. This was Curt the day after his surgery. He basically stayed in this position for about a week. Big C was very concerned about him and lined up all of his trucks to keep an eye on him to help him feel better.
Someone had some sympathy pains....however, he only stayed like this for about 5 minutes, then he was walking around on his 'crutches'...which are really paint stir sticks!
They sure are a pair, huh?
Ok...off to get Baby C. She seems to feel the need to climb the stairs in our home about 10,000 times a day, whether we are present to help her not!
Since his surgery was 2 days before Father's Day this year, we decided to celebrate early since he is usually pretty doped up after his surgery for a few days. There is no question about how much these two little ones love their Daddy!
He won't like that I posted these, but it is more so for my memory and for the kids to look back on them. This was Curt the day after his surgery. He basically stayed in this position for about a week. Big C was very concerned about him and lined up all of his trucks to keep an eye on him to help him feel better.
Someone had some sympathy pains....however, he only stayed like this for about 5 minutes, then he was walking around on his 'crutches'...which are really paint stir sticks!
They sure are a pair, huh?
Ok...off to get Baby C. She seems to feel the need to climb the stairs in our home about 10,000 times a day, whether we are present to help her not!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A Little Bit of Updated History
Ever since moving into our new house, I've had the color scheme of browns and teals for all of the common areas in our house. In our formal living room, I have been looking for an old dresser or buffet table to redo. I wanted it to be distressed teal to add a pop of color. I began looking at flee markets, garage sales, and antique stores, but I couldn't find anything that I liked that was big enough or in my price range. My parents decided to do some renovations in their house and were going to get ride of an old buffet table that had been painted hunter green. The buffet actually came from my grandparent's house. They had originally bought the buffet table which was stained a light cherry color.
The buffet has been a process to get it to match the image in my mind. It had to be stripped of the hunter green paint, sanded down, painted, varnished, etc...and it's still not done! I am just so excited about it I wanted to share it with you all!
The doors still need new hardware, but like with everything finding the right ones will be a process!
Even though it is not done, looking at it makes my heart happy...happy with the hard work put into it and that it tells a story of my family.
I'll post the pictures of the final product when it gets completed!
The buffet has been a process to get it to match the image in my mind. It had to be stripped of the hunter green paint, sanded down, painted, varnished, etc...and it's still not done! I am just so excited about it I wanted to share it with you all!
The doors still need new hardware, but like with everything finding the right ones will be a process!
Even though it is not done, looking at it makes my heart happy...happy with the hard work put into it and that it tells a story of my family.
I'll post the pictures of the final product when it gets completed!
Monday, June 13, 2011
"Summer Reading...Had Me a BLAST!"
One of the many things that I love about being a teacher and having summers off is that I can't to spend more time on reading!! I've lined up a few books to start my summer off...however, these books will only last me about 2 weeks. I need suggestions on good books to read by the pool!!! Here is what I have come up with so far...
The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series!
I just finished this series about warrior vampires falling in love with their soul mates and fighting to protect them....it's so good, I might just start them over!
I'm a huge Bethenny Frankel fan...I started watching her on Real Housewives of New York then when she got her own show and then started drinking her skinny girl margaritas! I guess I should read her book as well!
I have heard so many good things about Tina Fey's book, Bossypants. I feel as though this book will give me life changing wisdom that is good to share around a bottle of wine!
Before Carrie Bradshaw was all about having sex in the city, she had to be someone right? Well I intend to find out who after reading her story about she got so fabulous in the city in this book-diary of her pre-sex-in-the-city life.
Ok..so this next book, I have heard mixed reviews. I have heard that it is 'totally amazing' and a 'must read' but also that it is 'raunchy' and 'completely dirty'. I'm torn between rather or not to read it. If you have read it, or have an opinion on it...GIVE IT TO ME!
Ok, what other books am I missing? What should I add to my summer reading list? Oh, and if you haven't read 'The Hunger Games' yet, that should be your FIRST priority!!
The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series!
I just finished this series about warrior vampires falling in love with their soul mates and fighting to protect them....it's so good, I might just start them over!
I'm a huge Bethenny Frankel fan...I started watching her on Real Housewives of New York then when she got her own show and then started drinking her skinny girl margaritas! I guess I should read her book as well!
I have heard so many good things about Tina Fey's book, Bossypants. I feel as though this book will give me life changing wisdom that is good to share around a bottle of wine!
Before Carrie Bradshaw was all about having sex in the city, she had to be someone right? Well I intend to find out who after reading her story about she got so fabulous in the city in this book-diary of her pre-sex-in-the-city life.
Ok..so this next book, I have heard mixed reviews. I have heard that it is 'totally amazing' and a 'must read' but also that it is 'raunchy' and 'completely dirty'. I'm torn between rather or not to read it. If you have read it, or have an opinion on it...GIVE IT TO ME!
Ok, what other books am I missing? What should I add to my summer reading list? Oh, and if you haven't read 'The Hunger Games' yet, that should be your FIRST priority!!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Happy Birthday Sis!
Happy Birthday to YOU!!
Happy Birthday to You!!
Happy Birthday to my amazing SISTER!!
Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!!
Happy Birthday to You!!
Happy Birthday to my amazing SISTER!!
Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
West Baden Springs Hotel
My knowledge of French Lick, Indiana revolved around winery and casino until I spent the past weekend there. When first driving to French Lick, you must past through West Baden, Indiana which is divided from French Lick by simply a bordering line. The first thing that I saw when entering was a massive dome structure. Once getting closer, I saw this:
My curiosity was sparked. I couldn't wait to ask my Dad about it, since he frequents French Lick for many reasons....not just for the wine or casino! What I got was a history lesson that took me back to through the 1900s and ended with a tour of the most majestic hotel I have ever set foot in.
For all of you Indiana history...or even just history..buffs, here is background on the West Baden Springs Hotel:
West Baden earned its fame from its mineral springs. Since the only thing that separates West Baden and French Lick is a boundary line, the two towns share many historical similarities and are locally referred to as "Spring Valley." The towns were build around lavish resort hotels and in West Baden it was the West Baden Springs Hotel, now referred to as the West Baden Springs National Historic Landmark. It took architect Harrison Albright only 277 days in 1902 to complete the current West Baden Springs Hotel for owner Lee Wiley Sinclair. The structure features a 200 foot domed atrium, the largest free-span dome in the world until the Houston Astrodome was built in 1968.
Until the stock market crash and the Great Depression, the town of West Baden had earned from travelers the nickname of "The Monte Carlo of America." While it was the West Baden Springs Hotel that brought the rich and famous..even the infamous gangster Al Capone...to the area, there were other prominent business men who left their marks on West Baden. Before it made its way to French Lick, West Baden was the first stop in the area for the Monon Line. Wealthy travelers from cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and routinely made their way to West Baden via the Monon and B&O railroad lines.
Driving under the sign on the brick laid road is the beginning of being transported back in time. I felt as though I was entering The Great Gatsby.
The dome is larger than the St. Peters Basilica and the Pantheon. It includes a walk in fireplace with pictures of the Greek Gods of Wine....beautifully sculpted.
Rooms with balconies line the dome...
The middle of the dome...so high!
"Mommy...its soooo taaaalllll!"
My curiosity was sparked. I couldn't wait to ask my Dad about it, since he frequents French Lick for many reasons....not just for the wine or casino! What I got was a history lesson that took me back to through the 1900s and ended with a tour of the most majestic hotel I have ever set foot in.For all of you Indiana history...or even just history..buffs, here is background on the West Baden Springs Hotel:
West Baden earned its fame from its mineral springs. Since the only thing that separates West Baden and French Lick is a boundary line, the two towns share many historical similarities and are locally referred to as "Spring Valley." The towns were build around lavish resort hotels and in West Baden it was the West Baden Springs Hotel, now referred to as the West Baden Springs National Historic Landmark. It took architect Harrison Albright only 277 days in 1902 to complete the current West Baden Springs Hotel for owner Lee Wiley Sinclair. The structure features a 200 foot domed atrium, the largest free-span dome in the world until the Houston Astrodome was built in 1968.
Until the stock market crash and the Great Depression, the town of West Baden had earned from travelers the nickname of "The Monte Carlo of America." While it was the West Baden Springs Hotel that brought the rich and famous..even the infamous gangster Al Capone...to the area, there were other prominent business men who left their marks on West Baden. Before it made its way to French Lick, West Baden was the first stop in the area for the Monon Line. Wealthy travelers from cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and routinely made their way to West Baden via the Monon and B&O railroad lines.
Driving under the sign on the brick laid road is the beginning of being transported back in time. I felt as though I was entering The Great Gatsby.
The dome is larger than the St. Peters Basilica and the Pantheon. It includes a walk in fireplace with pictures of the Greek Gods of Wine....beautifully sculpted.
Rooms with balconies line the dome...
The middle of the dome...so high!
"Mommy...its soooo taaaalllll!"
While walking around the hotel, I stopped in the gift shop to look around and was mesmerized by a book. The book is the diary of the hotel owner's daughter Lillian Sinclair. She writes entries throughout the hotel being constructed with pictures...simply captivating. I've officially added spending the night at the West Baden Springs Hotel as something to do on my 'bucket list.'
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Wine Mecca...
If you know me at all, you know that my absolute favorite wine comes from French Lick Winery in Indiana. Well, just so happens that this past weekend, I got to visit the winery for my very first time!!! (This is the actual French Lick Winery, not French Ick Winery....LOL...the umbrella is in the way of the awning.)
Ahhh...glass of my favorite, Catawba. I did take advantage of the free wine tasting too...you know, when in Rome and all of that...
The woman on the trip, my sister, mom, and myself enjoying a glass of wine...deliciousness on our taste buds!
We ate dinner at the winery along with having a somewhat liquid dinner. We took the whole family along with Big C and Baby C. Big C kept commenting on all of the grapes that he saw. I think I'll save the discussion about how grapes turn into a beverage for adults when he gets older...you know, like 30 or so when he takes his first sip...
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