Lesson learned today - stay flexible (and no, I don't mean physically)! We had planned on going fishing today and then going to a free outdoor concert this evening. However, the 100 degree weather was not conducive to happy parents or children outside all day. So we made a visit to a local museum of History. It was free and OK. Not great, not bad, just ok. They did have some hands on exhibits for the kiddos that they enjoyed. One was a stage with props and curtains. We enjoyed a show or two!!!
One humorous anecdote - Gigi is afraid of chickens! There were several stuffed chickens in the museum and she screamed and ran when she saw them, chanting, "I skared mommy! Chicken skary!" Made the rest of us giggle...
Then we had ice cream cones and tried really hard to see who could finish theirs without dripping ice cream all over their clothes! LOL
Once again pics weren't allowed in the museum. Sorry. Then NiNi and I did a little shopping and after dinner we all sat down to watch a video.
Low key family togetherness and lots of fun. Big day tomorrow!!!!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Staycation day 3!!
Well, paradise had to end sometime, didn't it?!
We did not start off on the right foot today. We all got out of bed around 7 and everyone was tired and dragging. I had to get after NiNi 5 times minimum to get dressed. Then had to send her back to change twice because the clothes she had picked out were "play in the mud" clothes.
We were all tired and snippy this morning. Bad combo!!!! Strike one.
So we headed off to the City Market. It is a huge farmers market and collection of stores, restaurants, and craftsmen. We bought some produce, Italian sodas and cinnamon rolls and enjoyed live harp music.
We strolled and did a little window shopping. The kiddos weren't impressed. Strike two!!! We were going to stay there and have lunch, but by 10 we were dragging four bored kids!
So we headed for our afternoon destination a little early. We went to the Toy and Miniature museum in Kansas City, MO. It is an old home that has been renovated and built-up to accomodate the collections.
Unfortunately, the only photography allowed was in the storytime/craft room, so I can't show you the amazing exhibits. We spent 3 hours there and didn't peruse nearly as long as we could have. Dolls, dollhouses, trains, pez dispensers, marbles, miniatures of all kinds.....my goodness. It was affordable, however, since we arrived at 10:30 and spent 3 hours, the kiddos got hungry and cranky toward the end. Strike three! BTW - if you are wondering, my 9 and 11 year old daughters loved this, my 6 year old son was good for about the first hour and my toddler for about the first 30 minutes. There isn't a lot of hands-on stuff, although they did have one craft and a couple of scavenger hunts. Definitely a must do for older kids in KC!
Then we had barbecue for late lunch and came home for a rest.
After a mandatory rest period (any Amazing Race fans?) we hit a home-run or two and the day took a turn for the better. We broke out the yard sprinkler and the water guns. The heat index here was over 100 today. The kids had a great time.
Then we enjoyed a dinner of our market bounty! I taught the girls to shuck corn.
Lastly, NiNi wrote and performed a puppet show for us all! Unfortunately I can't share pics because at the beginning of the show, she informed us that cell phones and flash photography were not permitted during the show! LOL NiNi was very patient with GiGi, who kept sneaking up to steal the puppets! We all had a laugh!
It ended up being a pretty great day!
We did not start off on the right foot today. We all got out of bed around 7 and everyone was tired and dragging. I had to get after NiNi 5 times minimum to get dressed. Then had to send her back to change twice because the clothes she had picked out were "play in the mud" clothes.
We were all tired and snippy this morning. Bad combo!!!! Strike one.
So we headed off to the City Market. It is a huge farmers market and collection of stores, restaurants, and craftsmen. We bought some produce, Italian sodas and cinnamon rolls and enjoyed live harp music.
We strolled and did a little window shopping. The kiddos weren't impressed. Strike two!!! We were going to stay there and have lunch, but by 10 we were dragging four bored kids!
So we headed for our afternoon destination a little early. We went to the Toy and Miniature museum in Kansas City, MO. It is an old home that has been renovated and built-up to accomodate the collections.
Unfortunately, the only photography allowed was in the storytime/craft room, so I can't show you the amazing exhibits. We spent 3 hours there and didn't peruse nearly as long as we could have. Dolls, dollhouses, trains, pez dispensers, marbles, miniatures of all kinds.....my goodness. It was affordable, however, since we arrived at 10:30 and spent 3 hours, the kiddos got hungry and cranky toward the end. Strike three! BTW - if you are wondering, my 9 and 11 year old daughters loved this, my 6 year old son was good for about the first hour and my toddler for about the first 30 minutes. There isn't a lot of hands-on stuff, although they did have one craft and a couple of scavenger hunts. Definitely a must do for older kids in KC!
Then we had barbecue for late lunch and came home for a rest.
After a mandatory rest period (any Amazing Race fans?) we hit a home-run or two and the day took a turn for the better. We broke out the yard sprinkler and the water guns. The heat index here was over 100 today. The kids had a great time.
Then we enjoyed a dinner of our market bounty! I taught the girls to shuck corn.
Lastly, NiNi wrote and performed a puppet show for us all! Unfortunately I can't share pics because at the beginning of the show, she informed us that cell phones and flash photography were not permitted during the show! LOL NiNi was very patient with GiGi, who kept sneaking up to steal the puppets! We all had a laugh!
It ended up being a pretty great day!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Operation Organization challenge week #2
If you remember, last Friday was the first week of the Operation Organization Challenge. We are picking one area to organize every week for six weeks. See here if you would like to join us.
Here were my before pics of my shoe mess.
Here are the after!
My challenge for next week is my linen/art supply closet.
Here are the before pics -
Come back next Friday to see the taming of the sheets!!!
Here were my before pics of my shoe mess.
Here are the after!
My challenge for next week is my linen/art supply closet.
Here are the before pics -
Come back next Friday to see the taming of the sheets!!!
Staycation Day two
Today we headed to a local Botanical Garden (Powell Gardens east of KC metro) for their annual butterfly festival. We have never been to this garden before, but it is beautiful!
Don't believe me? See for yourself!
The children helped release butterflies!
The butterfly crafts -
And we even made some butterfly friends!!
The children loved the surprise and so did we!!
We then came home and the kiddos had a Wii carnival games tourney and then homemade pizza and a movie. I'm bushed!!
Don't believe me? See for yourself!
The children helped release butterflies!
The butterfly crafts -
And we even made some butterfly friends!!
The children loved the surprise and so did we!!
We then came home and the kiddos had a Wii carnival games tourney and then homemade pizza and a movie. I'm bushed!!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Staycation Day one
Today was Family Staycation Day One! On the agenda was a round of mini golf and a visit to the outdoor community theatre showing "The Wizard of Oz".
Nini got a hole in one on the second hole, only the second time she has ever played mini golf!
ShaSha took everything very seriously and didn't miss very many of the hazards.
The boy enjoyed "guiding" the ball, OR using the club at a baseball bat.
Gigi enjoyed hitting the ball on the first two holes, but then she discovered the water hazards and enjoyed picking up all the balls and throwing them in!
Then, tonight we went to see the Wizard of OZ. Here everyone is enjoying cotton candy before the show. I am a mean mom. This was the first time that 3 of my kiddos have ever had it! (It was Dad's idea tonight!)
Here they are enjoying the pre-show entertainment.
The acting, staging and costuming was very good! Gigi loved the Munchkins so much she bonked her head into my face and gave me a fat lip! I love the full lips of Angelina Jolie, but not this way! (And no, I am not sharing any photos!)
Our reward for this day? Some great smiling faces, laughter, memories, oh yeah - the fat lip and a sunburn for mom too!
Nini got a hole in one on the second hole, only the second time she has ever played mini golf!
ShaSha took everything very seriously and didn't miss very many of the hazards.
The boy enjoyed "guiding" the ball, OR using the club at a baseball bat.
Gigi enjoyed hitting the ball on the first two holes, but then she discovered the water hazards and enjoyed picking up all the balls and throwing them in!
Then, tonight we went to see the Wizard of OZ. Here everyone is enjoying cotton candy before the show. I am a mean mom. This was the first time that 3 of my kiddos have ever had it! (It was Dad's idea tonight!)
Here they are enjoying the pre-show entertainment.
The acting, staging and costuming was very good! Gigi loved the Munchkins so much she bonked her head into my face and gave me a fat lip! I love the full lips of Angelina Jolie, but not this way! (And no, I am not sharing any photos!)
Our reward for this day? Some great smiling faces, laughter, memories, oh yeah - the fat lip and a sunburn for mom too!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Tile Backsplash DIY
We have lived in our current house almost 6 years. We bought the house with lots of plans to update and change things, but it always seemed like once we had the money saved to do something, there was something more important to dedicate the money to. We have decided to do little things ourselves (or try to) to save money.
I have to admit that we don't have a lot of experience "doing" home projects, but we like to watch DIY. I also admit I was nervous that we might become a "Renovation Reality". If you haven't seen it, it is a show that chronicles the experiences of people doing DIY projects and frequently biting off more than they can chew (so to speak) and practicing Murphy's law.
When we moved in the backsplash was only behind the drop-in range and was pink/blue/white tile (I wish I had pics).
I painted the tile first and the paint peeled.
I didn't start taking pics until after hubby had ripped down the tile and taken down the vent hood.
So - before -
Here are some "during" -
And now the "almost after" (we still need to caulk)-
Hubby did a great job, didn't he?!!
If you want to do this yourself, you can. Just do what we did - google "DIY backsplash tile" and talk to your resident Home Depot expert.
Now, what should we tackle next?
I have to admit that we don't have a lot of experience "doing" home projects, but we like to watch DIY. I also admit I was nervous that we might become a "Renovation Reality". If you haven't seen it, it is a show that chronicles the experiences of people doing DIY projects and frequently biting off more than they can chew (so to speak) and practicing Murphy's law.
When we moved in the backsplash was only behind the drop-in range and was pink/blue/white tile (I wish I had pics).
I painted the tile first and the paint peeled.
I didn't start taking pics until after hubby had ripped down the tile and taken down the vent hood.
So - before -
Here are some "during" -
And now the "almost after" (we still need to caulk)-
Hubby did a great job, didn't he?!!
If you want to do this yourself, you can. Just do what we did - google "DIY backsplash tile" and talk to your resident Home Depot expert.
Now, what should we tackle next?
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Hope of Refuge Review and giveaway
The Amish people and stories surrounding their practices fascinate me. The fact that they live with so few material possessions and so few modern conveniences makes me wonder why I can't make do with less sometimes.
Cindy Woodsmall's books chronicle events that could truly happen and show the hearts of the Amish. I love her characters because they are so real. The hero/heroine often struggles with following what they know is right versus the religious doctrine of the church. I have to make sure I have several hours to dedicate to reading when I pick up one of her books, because it is hard to put them down!!
From the publisher on The Hope of Refuge:
Raised in foster care and now the widowed mother of a little girl, Cara Moore struggles against poverty, fear, and a relentless stalker. When a trail of memories leads Cara and Lori out of New York City toward an Amish community, she follows every lead, eager for answers and a fresh start. She discovers that long-held secrets about her family history ripple beneath the surface of Dry Lake , Pennsylvania , and it’s no place for an outsider. But one Amish man, Ephraim Mast, dares to fulfill the command he believes that he received from God–“Be me to her”– despite how it threatens his way of life.
Completely opposite of the hard, untrusting Cara, Ephraim’s sister Deborah also finds her dreams crumbling when the man she has pledged to build a life with begins withdrawing from Deborah and his community, including his mother, Ada Stoltzfus. Can the run-down house that Ada envisions transforming unite them toward a common purpose–or push Mahlon away forever? While Ephraim is trying to do what he believes is right, will he be shunned and lose everything–including the guarded single mother who simply longs for a better life?
Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years.
Cindy Woodsmall was recently interviewed by ABC's Nightline and you can view it here.
Read more from the publisher and purchase the book here.
If you are in any of these areas - Go meet Cindy at one of her booksignings -
Tuesday, August 11 7 – 8:30pm
Barnes & Noble
5141 Peachtree Parkway, The Forum
Norcross , Georgia 30092
(770) 209-4244
Wednesday, August 12 7 – 8pm
Barnes & Noble Opry Mills
515 Opry Mills Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
(615) 514-5000
Thursday, August 13 6 – 8pm
Barnes & Noble
2540 Futura Pkwy. #135
Plainfield , Indiana 46168
(317) 838-7941
Friday, August 14 6 – 8pm
Barnes & Noble
1550 West 75th
Downers Grove , Illinois 60516
(630) 663-0181
Saturday, August 15 1 – 3pm
Baker Books
2768 East Paris Ave SE
Grand Rapids , Michigan 49546-6139
(616) 957-3110
Sunday, August 16 2 – 4pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
3700 Rivertown Parkway Ste. 2058
Grandville, Michigan 49418
(616) 531-1825
Monday, August 17 7 – 8:00pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
1739 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 298-9516
Tuesday, August 18 7– 8:30pm
Joseph Beth Booksellers
2705 E. Carson Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203
(412) 381-3600
Wednesday, August 19 6 – 8pm
Hackman’s Bible Book Store
1341 Mickley Road
Whitehall, Pennsylvania 18052-4610
(610) 264-8600
Thursday, August 20 1 – 3pm
Rachel’s Country Store (Amish dry goods store)
6352 McClays Mill Road
Newburg, Pennsylvania 17240
(717) 530-9452
AND finally, If you are interested in a copy, leave a comment and let me know. I have one to give away using a random number generator. I'll pick a winner on Friday, August 14.
Cindy Woodsmall's books chronicle events that could truly happen and show the hearts of the Amish. I love her characters because they are so real. The hero/heroine often struggles with following what they know is right versus the religious doctrine of the church. I have to make sure I have several hours to dedicate to reading when I pick up one of her books, because it is hard to put them down!!
From the publisher on The Hope of Refuge:
Raised in foster care and now the widowed mother of a little girl, Cara Moore struggles against poverty, fear, and a relentless stalker. When a trail of memories leads Cara and Lori out of New York City toward an Amish community, she follows every lead, eager for answers and a fresh start. She discovers that long-held secrets about her family history ripple beneath the surface of Dry Lake , Pennsylvania , and it’s no place for an outsider. But one Amish man, Ephraim Mast, dares to fulfill the command he believes that he received from God–“Be me to her”– despite how it threatens his way of life.
Completely opposite of the hard, untrusting Cara, Ephraim’s sister Deborah also finds her dreams crumbling when the man she has pledged to build a life with begins withdrawing from Deborah and his community, including his mother, Ada Stoltzfus. Can the run-down house that Ada envisions transforming unite them toward a common purpose–or push Mahlon away forever? While Ephraim is trying to do what he believes is right, will he be shunned and lose everything–including the guarded single mother who simply longs for a better life?
Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years.
Cindy Woodsmall was recently interviewed by ABC's Nightline and you can view it here.
Read more from the publisher and purchase the book here.
If you are in any of these areas - Go meet Cindy at one of her booksignings -
Tuesday, August 11 7 – 8:30pm
Barnes & Noble
5141 Peachtree Parkway, The Forum
Norcross , Georgia 30092
(770) 209-4244
Wednesday, August 12 7 – 8pm
Barnes & Noble Opry Mills
515 Opry Mills Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
(615) 514-5000
Thursday, August 13 6 – 8pm
Barnes & Noble
2540 Futura Pkwy. #135
Plainfield , Indiana 46168
(317) 838-7941
Friday, August 14 6 – 8pm
Barnes & Noble
1550 West 75th
Downers Grove , Illinois 60516
(630) 663-0181
Saturday, August 15 1 – 3pm
Baker Books
2768 East Paris Ave SE
Grand Rapids , Michigan 49546-6139
(616) 957-3110
Sunday, August 16 2 – 4pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
3700 Rivertown Parkway Ste. 2058
Grandville, Michigan 49418
(616) 531-1825
Monday, August 17 7 – 8:00pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
1739 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 298-9516
Tuesday, August 18 7– 8:30pm
Joseph Beth Booksellers
2705 E. Carson Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203
(412) 381-3600
Wednesday, August 19 6 – 8pm
Hackman’s Bible Book Store
1341 Mickley Road
Whitehall, Pennsylvania 18052-4610
(610) 264-8600
Thursday, August 20 1 – 3pm
Rachel’s Country Store (Amish dry goods store)
6352 McClays Mill Road
Newburg, Pennsylvania 17240
(717) 530-9452
AND finally, If you are interested in a copy, leave a comment and let me know. I have one to give away using a random number generator. I'll pick a winner on Friday, August 14.
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