Girl Scout Field Trip - Panera Bread

One of the field trips we decided to take the girls on with the money they earned from their cookie sales was to Panera Bread.  Panera Bread offers a field trip at their restaurant.  The girls are given an apron, chefs hat, a tour of the restaurant and they get to make their own bread to take home.  They are also given milk and a cookie (yum!). 

We arrived at Panera a little early.  They had some coloring sheets for us.  We were outfitted with our chef's hats and aprons

 washed our hands in the kitchen and we got right to work on our bread.

 

The girls were given bread dough.  They were told they can make whatever shape they want out of the dough. 

Bella shaped hers into a dog bone

Some girls made their first initial, a daisy and a heart

The girls brought their shaped bread into the kitchen and our helper put them into the oven.

Look at the steam coming out of the oven!  HOT!

a glimpse of some of the breads being baked

sorry about the bad picture...the flash and the glass on the oven, not a good combination

Our helper took us on a tour of behind the scenes at Panera

I didn't realize how big it was in the back.  When you are out front ordering and eating you don't think about the size of the kitchen, the size of the freezers they use or how many ovens they have or the extra area that they use just for the Drive Thru customers.

 

We sat down for a snack (a huge chocolate chip cookie and some milk)

Then we got back to work

The girls were given a cookie to decorate

The cookie looked like.....a Daisy!

busy at work decorating the cookies

making a rainbow cookie

Lots and lots of icing and candies to choose from

Bella's cookie

I had to get a little closer because she told me what was happening on her cookie

two bears are performing surgery on another bear

 

 

We had a wonderful experience at Panera.   The girls enjoyed making/shaping their own bread dough and decorating a cookie.   And, of course, eating a HUGE chocolate chip cookie.  :)

Makin' Bacon

Whenever Nick makes bacon, an occurrence that has happened quite a few times in the last week or so, Alex and Bella ask him to make them some, too.  Nick gets a little frustrated (not wanting to turn his taste of bacon into a project to feed his siblings) but ends up making enough bacon for everyone.  What a good big brother.

Last night he was making a hamburger and decided he wanted bacon on it.  He got out the bacon and immediately Alex says, "I want some bacon!"  Nick said, "I'm just making enough for my burger."  Bella was walking up the stairs and said, "I want bacon too!"  I'm not sure how she knew he was cooking bacon.  The bacon was not cooking at that time so it wasn't sense of smell that gave it away.  I think my kids must have a bacon radar.  You can just touch the bacon in the refrigerator or freezer,  turn around and one of them will be standing right next to you asking if you are going to make bacon.

Nick said that he is not making bacon for everyone.  He then stated that he is done making bacon for everyone.  Alex and Bella both asked him to make them some bacon.

A few minutes later, everyone is in the kitchen happily eating bacon.

Vegetarian Diaries - Chinese Peanut Sesame Noodles

I'm closing in on a year now being meat free.  Still feeling great and no, I don't miss meat.  Okay, maybe bacon.  How can you not miss bacon?

I have another fun, tasty recipe to share.  I cut this recipe out of a magazine (I think it was Family Fun magazine) awhile ago.  This is a recipe from Andrew Zimmern.  I did make a few adjustments.  This recipe was made for kids and didn't use a lot of vegetables so I decided to add more (because I like vegetables).  Every time I make this recipe I change the vegetables.  I have added mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, carrots and spinach.  I don't feel that it takes anything away from the recipe.  I don't have an exact measurement of what I add.  I like to just look at what I have on hand and just start throwing stuff in.  Yea, I would make a great TV chef.  "Just throw whatever you have on hand into the pot.  You don't have to measure it!"  I'm sure I would have a huge TV audience.  :)

Today's meal is mushrooms, zucchini and red pepper.

(I don't saute the green onion)

Here's the recipe:

Chinese Peanut-Sesame Noodles

by Andrew Zimmern

for the noodles
1 pound Chinese or other thin egg noodles
1 cup julienned cucumber
2 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallion
1/4 cup cilantro sprigs

for the sauce
2 Tablespoons ground sesame paste or tahini
2 Tablespoons of creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon hot chili paste
1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil
2 Tablespoons white vinegar
1 Tablespoon rice wine
3 Tablespoons water

Cook the noodles according to directions.  Drain them, then rinse them in cold water until cooled.  Transfer them to a large bowl.

Place all the sauce ingredients in a blender and pulse for a few seconds to combine them.  Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Combine the noodles and the sauce, then serve. 

*  *  *  *  *

I do a few things differently.  First of all, I do not add sugar.  That's a personal preference.  I add chopped vegetables (I saute them a little before adding to the noodles).  Also, I do not cool down the noodles.  I prefer this as a hot meal, not cold.  If you eat meat you can certainly add it to this meal.

Give it a try and let me know what you think of the recipe.

 

 

Enjoy!!

The Flood

I thought I would share just a few more pictures from the flood that we had on Thursday here in Lisle.

I took this picture because, as you can see, it's a traffic jam.  The traffic jam is on my (quiet, suburban) street in front of my house!  I was stuck in this jam on Friday night trying to get home. 

another picture of the traffic jam

This was taken two days after the flooding.

Trying to show the amount of water and how long it was around.

This is looking onto Naper  Boulevard, which was still flooded on Saturday.  This is the reason for the traffic jam on my street.  This did finally clear up by Sunday and cars were able to go through.

Someone lost the post for their mail box

Found on the path when I went walking on Saturday.

 

Clean up here in Lisle has already begun.  Many donations have been made to help those who lost everything in the flood.  Keep these people in your prayers.

Blogging 101 - Courtesy

This post came about because I was searching other blogs for ideas for a Girl Scout craft for Mother's Day.  I had to write this post because a blog that I sometimes frequent had a post that they made sound "original."  "Original" as in this (their post and what they made) was their own idea.  What got me upset was the fact that I had posted the same idea back in September.  It was not my idea and I referenced the blog (twice, I believe) and post where the idea originated. 

Rule number 1:  Always give credit to the person/place where you find an idea.

I read the entire post, thinking the credit would be listed somewhere in the body of the post.  The person stated that they posted this on another person's blog.  I used that link and found that the post was done in January (of this year).  Again with no reference to the original post. 

It's sad to think that people do this to other's.  I know it wasn't my original idea and I shouldn't be that upset, but, it bothers me.  Especially when the person states on their blog how they are religious.  I don't remember a religion that states that it is okay to steal other people's ideas and run with them.

If you blog, be kind and considerate.  Always give credit where credit is due.  If you are not sure where the idea originated, make sure that you state in your blog post that you did not come up with this idea and that this is just your take (on how to make it / do it, etc.).

I'm not the blog police. 

I'm not trying to be mean. 

I am getting the word out about doing the right thing. 

It Rained

I have just a couple of more pictures to share from yesterday. 

I'm sure you heard about the rains in the midwest.  It really hit our small town of Lisle. 

Schools are closed today.  There are quite a few street closures in the area.  Many homes and businesses have flooding issues.  I hope and pray that it doesn't rain anymore today (there is a chance of rain) and hopefully we see some sunshine to start drying some of this up.  It's hard to believe all of the damage the rains have caused in our area. 

They finally put up cones on our street

and moved them as the water receded

You probably can't see it in this picture unless you are able to zoom in

There is another car stuck in the water way down there

Remember those park pictures?  Well, this isn't the park, but, one of the paths that lead to the park.  (and it's completely under water)  Again, if you can zoom in, between the two evergreens there is a junior high kid on a raft.  In fact, at the park there were quite a few junior high kids with boogie boards and rafts jumping in the water.  Not a safe thing to do since these are retention ponds and end up emptying into another pond.  It was an interesting sight to see, though.

 

By the way, when I let the dogs out this morning, it was.....snowing.  Really tiny (barely visible)  flakes, almost like ice. 

 

Here's to hoping to see the sun shine through today.

The rains came

 

We have had quite a bit of rain in the last 24 hours.

Our Street is flooded

(yes, that's looking down our street)

sorry it's so dark, but it is rainy and gloomy here

The park is flooded

(the park is to the left, no way to get there)

 

I kept Alex and Bella home today. Nick caught the bus this morning (hoping he makes it to school and home safely). For some reason our school district decided to have school today.  I sent the school district an email wondering why they are having school when the buses can't even drive down our street.  I had to send an email because the District office was closed (they don't open until 8:00AM).  In the meantime they were sending out emails that it was okay to send our kids to school, the buses were running, kids might be late getting to class.  After 8:00AM we received a phone call telling us parents that school today is optional.   (I have since received a phone call saying there is early dismissal due to the bad road/weather conditions)  Good planning.

 

Our town has declared a state of emergency.  Some are evacuating their homes because of flooding.  We are staying put (no flooding in our house).

 

Another four inches of rain is suppose to fall today.

 

I do have to say that at least our dogs are having fun with the rain.  Here is a short video of Pippen running through the huge puddle in the park behind our house.  Notice (toward the end) how he does some acrobatic jumps in the water.  He's making the best of all of the rainfall.

  

 

I'm hoping this video works.  I might have to try again.

 

Apparently this only took a screen shot of the video.  I have placed it on YouTube.  You can view it right here.  Hopefully that works.  Otherwise, try this one.

Can I offer you some support?

I can't believe I am posting this on here, but, if you really want a view inside of my scary life, there are some things that I have to post.

Ahem.

(deep breath)

So, I keep finding "support" in the oddest places and thought I would share them with you.  Nothing like walking into areas and finding "support" being offered to you.  Of course at first I was not too happy about it but, then I grabbed my camera because I happened to find the amusement in the locations.  And, of course, felt the need to share with everyone.

support is now being offered on the stairs, incase you need it

We also offer our support getting into bed

 

Anything we can do to help you out. :)

Cork Board Transformation - using old picture frame

I have seen this idea all over the Internet and decided to give it a try.  Taking an old picture frame, painting it and putting a cork board inside it and using it to display (or organize) jewelry.  I opted to cover my cork board with material.

What you need:
picture frame
paint (optional)
cork board
material
staple gun

I found this picture frame and fell in love with the details. 

It was a bright metallic gold color and I felt it would look better white.  On a nice day over spring break (we didn't have many) I brought my frame outside and scrubbed it clean.  Some of that dark stuff is dirt and dust.  Once the frame dried I spray painted it white.  I really had fun spray painting and am thinking of making a career out of it.

Once dry, I had to cut the cork board to fit inside the picture frame (a lot easier said than done).  Always make sure to measure.  I did, but I was off a little.  I forgot about the thickness of the fabric that would go around the cork board.  I used a box cutter and a saw to make the cork board a little smaller.  I was careful not to ruin the cork board.

Once that was done, I cut the fabric.   I used part of a drop cloth (yes, a drop cloth) from Home Depot.  It's new and unused.  Stapled it all together.

All ready to be on display in Bella's room.

Natural Homemade Lip Balm

I have wanted to try this for awhile now.  Bella has a tendency to lick her lips ALOT.  So much so that there is a red ring around her lips.  People ask her if she just drank Kool-aid (sad thing is, she has never had Kool-aid).  She smiles and replies no.  I usually have to explain that its just a bad habit of licking her lips when they are dry and it gets worse and worse.  (I also had to explain to Bella what Kool-Aid was)

Someone gave me some lip balm to try out.  Bella was using it and it was working.  One night, after she put it on, I looked at the ingredients and saw: petrolatum.  Okay, I went off the deep end and did not want gasoline on her lips.  I know it isn't gasoline, but, you understand, right?  I happened to have some balms that did not have that ingredient on them and let her use them.  She now refuses to use anything with that ingredient on it.  Kind of funny, huh? 

Some of the good lip balms can be quite pricey and I wondered how difficult it would be to make my own lip balm.  I found some recipes online here, here and here.  It seemed difficult, but, once I watched a video on "how to" I was pretty confident that I could do it.  (hey, if Martha can do it, so can I, right?)

I used an egg carton to hold up the lip balm tubes.  I cut holes in the bottom to hold the tubes.  You can thoroughly clean out your old lip balm tubes or purchase some new ones online.  I bought mine here. 

Here is the recipe I used:

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons grated beeswax

5 teaspoons carrier oil (such as Castor, sunflower, or jojoba) (I used Castor oil)

1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

6 or 7 drops essential oil (I used tangerine)

1. Melt beeswax, carrier oil and vitamin E oil, stirring to combine. I used a glass Pyrex measuring cup placed in a shallow pot of water over the stove.  Add essential oil right before removing from boiler to pour.

2. Pour mixture into lip balm containers. I used an old egg carton (see below).  I cut holes to hold the tubes so they can stand upright.  (This recipe makes about 6 tubes of balm) * Let cool for about an hour.
*make sure that the bottom of the tubes is all the way down and make sure to fill all the way to the top (things that I did not do this first time around and will make sure I do next time)
The Pyrex measuring cup was nice because it was easy to pour into the tubes.

I didn't add color to my lip balms.  I kept them natural.

I used tangerine essential oil in my first batch (Bella did not want mint)

I think my next batch will be peppermint.

The True test:

A thumbs up from Bella

She has been bringing it to school and the chapped ring around her lips has disappeared.  She said she loves it and it's her favorite.

Success!

Ranch Names

You know how some homes (or ranches) have a name?  Think South Fork from the TV show Dallas.  How about Green Gables or Ponderosa Ranch?  The names are usually given because of some characteristic of the home/ranch.  I even found a site that offers help on how to name your ranch. 

After careful consideration, I have decided that our house's name would be, "Chalet de Smelly Dog Farts."

Ghetto Van

I love my van, even though its ghetto.

The sliding door on the drivers side needs help when opening. You can't just press a button and have it open by itself. You have to physically pull it open. I look at it as a good arm workout.

The van makes some loud sounds when running. You can hear it a block away.  At least my kids know I'm there to pick them up (from their activity). 

Sometimes the door on the driver's side does not open. (sometimes, not all of the time) You can unlock it (and see that it's unlocked), but you can't open it. To get it open you have to open the sliding door (manually, because it doesn't work, remember?) and reach towards the front and open the door from the inside.

There's also the time where the "door ajar" bell just starts going off while you are driving.  All doors are closed but you have to figure out which door is slightly open.  That's when you have to stop at a red light, put the van in park, hop out and start opening and closing the doors.  (I just did this the other day)  The people around you give you some odd looks but, it does make waiting at a stop light more interesting.

I think all of these "quirks" give the car character.

Of course, when these "quirks" happen when I am in a hurry, I'm not thinking about the cool factor.

Cell Phone Bill

Got our first cell phone bill since Alex got his phone.  My last post tells you how he is constantly texting.  We had a bet on how many texts he would have this first month (our cell phone company gives you a running total of how many you use).  Luckily we have an unlimited plan.  My bet was over 5,000 texts.  Alex went with under 1,000.  (I think it was 500 or 700 texts)

And the winner is......(drum roll)....

There isn't a winner.  I did come close, though.  The final count for number of texts by Alex in his first month of having a phone is.... 4,867.  I was only 114 off (I said over 5,000, remember?) 

His challenge for next month is to surpass that number.  I'm sure he will have no problem accepting the challenge and passing last months numbers. 

I'll update you next month with the totals. 

Teenager and Texting

Ever since Alex got his phone, he can be seen texting all of the time.  Sometimes he sets his phone to vibrate and puts it on the floor of his room (which is above the kitchen).  I can hear the ceiling vibrate every 5 seconds.

I was trying to have a conversation with him about his day at school.  Here is how it went.

Me:  How was your day today?
Alex: (chirp - his texting sound) Hold on.  (looks at phone, types something) OK, what?
Me:  I said, how was your day.
Alex:  Well, (chirp - looks at phone, types something) What was I saying?
Me:  You were telling me about your day.
Alex:  (chirp - looks at phone, types something)

I think you get the picture.  I did get a few words out of him, but, not much.  The whole phone and texting has opened up a whole new world for him.

I did make the mistake and ask him what he texts about.  I will edit my answer due to the bad graphic it will put into your head.  At the time he was texting a friend and read the conversation to me.  The friend was telling Alex about how his younger brother did a real big, loud (can't believe I am writing this) fart.  I won't go into any more details.  It was pretty graphic (that's all I have to say about that). 

I guess you can say that we are getting our money's worth out of our texting plan. 

I said that I was glad he was communicating with his friends. 

I also added my famous line:  There are some things that Mom doesn't need to know/hear. (especially when they concern loud, smelly farts).

Jury Duty: Post 2

Well, I just found out I can't blog about my experience as a prospective juror until my term of service is over.  So, I am writing out (long hand) my experience and will post after I am done with my service.

You will be happy to know that they are playing HGTV's "Love it or List it."  I like HGTV and the show is pretty good.  Although, hearing the show continuously for eight hours might be a little annoying.

The one good thing about hanging out here is I am able to write some blog posts without interruptions (except for the "Love it or List it" show blaring in the background).  If I write, "Do you love it or do you want to list it," on any of my posts, you will know why.

I was able to ready a little of my book (again, with the TV blaring behind me).  I was pretty bored around noon but decided to stay put.  You are able to leave the courthouse, but, then I would have to go through security check and disrobe again (problem with a belt buckle, don't ask).  I didn't want to go through that nightmare again and decided to stay and eat my lunch in the jury room.  If you stay, you have to eat in the jury room.  A few people sat down at my table and then I realize that I know the woman across from me.  I have seen her at various events around town (not a close friend, but hey, it's a person to talk to).  That helped me pass about an hour of my time.

After lunch we were told that they still had two trials that might need jurors (the same two that we were told about this morning).

Time passes slowly in the jury waiting room.  I have to say that I am glad I brought all of this paper with me to write some blog posts.  It sure has come in handy!

One woman in the bathroom told me that she has been here two weeks (on a trial, not in the bathroom).  She said one day she was late and the police called her (she was parking her car).  She said, "Show up or the police will come and get you!"

My excitement reached a new level when I was called to a courtroom around 2:00pm.  For two and a half hours I got to watch as they interviewed jurors for a trial.  I did not get selected (it's all random and they had a jury and an alternate selected before they got to me).  I found the whole process fascinating and was glad to have experienced it up close and in person.  (of course, my derriere didn't like it...the seats were a tad uncomfortable and they could have turned the heat on)

All in all, another interesting experience.  A little long and tiring but, I survived.  I have fulfilled my civic duty (twice, because I voted on Tuesday).

Now.  Back to reality.

And a HUGE pile of laundry.

Jury Duty : Day 1

I'm hoping this is just a one day gig. Maybe I should title it Jury Duty: Post 1. That way I can have multiple posts in one day.

I have been pondering this whole random name picking for Jury Duty. Why am I so lucky with getting picked in the jury lottery selection and not the regular lottery? Can you tell its bugging me?

Okay, so they pay me for being here but it's nothing like what I would get if I won the lottery. I wouldn't mind winning the lottery (money lottery) once in awhile. Hmmm... What would I do with all of that money?

Jury Duty

Jury Duty is your civic responsibility. Names are pulled randomly and letters are sent out.

Hold on. Names are pulled randomly?

I just got a letter recently for jury duty in the mail. When talking to my neighbor she told me she has lived here 27 years and has never been called since she moved here. Another person I spoke to (who is a lot older than me) said she has never been called.

I started thinking about it and realized that in the 22 years that I have known RT this is my sixth call for Jury Duty. Yea, six times. That's a lot. That's not counting the one call before I met him for Federal jury duty. I then realized that in that amount of time (22 years), RT has NEVER been called. How is that random? Am I just lucky?

I have to do my duty tomorrow.  I have a book to read, I will also make myself a lunch and maybe I will come up with an odd blog posting. 

Wish me luck.

Vegetarian Diaries - Falafel

When I hear falafel I think of Jeff Foxworthy and his take on falafel.  He refers to it as "feel awful."

I have to admit that I was a little scared to try it (especially after Jeff Foxworthy talking about it).  I thought I would overcome my fear and at least give it a try.  I found a falafel mix at the store and tried it out.

Can you tell that I now love it?  Do you think I have enough?

I have to admit that the box mix is so easy to make.  These can be eaten plain or add a little hummus.  Sometimes I put them in a pita (or a warm tortilla).  (for some reason we have tons of tortillas) 

The directions are on the box.

*by the way, I'm not getting paid for this post, although I should since I obviously enjoy their product

My next adventure is to try my hand at making falafel from scratch.  It can't be THAT hard to make, right?  (famous last words)

Daisy Pink Petal - Be a Sister to Every Girl Scout - Tea Party

Our Daisy troop earned their Pink petal, "Be a Sister to Every Girl Scout" by hosting a tea party for the Kindergarten Daisy troop. 

A couple of girls were our party greeters, showing them where to hang their coats and bringing them over to a table to get a name tag. 

What's a tea party without a fancy hat?  The girls all made flowered headbands.  We had the girls pick their flowers, leaves and ribbon and we (the adults) hot glued them onto the head bands.  (headbands and flowers from the dollar store) (make sure glue dries before girls put headband on.  We had the girls count to 100 before putting the head band on their head)  We had a back drop that said "Daisy Tea Party" (table cloth with letters and flowers attached to it) and took each girls picture with their flower headband.

As the girls finished their craft, we had them gather and we sang some girl scout songs.  We said the promise and the pledge together.  Then we lead our guests to their tables.

The tables were decorated with table cloth (each had a color of a daisy petal), we used large doilies as a place mat.  Our first graders then served their kindergarten sister scouts "tea" (apple juice or water) and a few cookies.  After the meal, our first graders cleaned up the plates and cups for their party guests.

At the end of the party, we had the girls play some games.  We divided the party into 3 groups and had them rotate, playing each game for about 5 minutes (so every girl gets a turn). 

The games we chose:

Sister May I  - Played like "Mother May I"
Coin toss into the tea cup
Stack the sugar cubes - played as a relay game

Daisy says - Played like "Simon Says"
Pass the tea cup - played like "Hot potato"
Sugar cube relays - spoon with a sugar cube, pass to the next person

We also had some coloring pages on the tables in case there was a girl who didn't want to play the games.  All of our girls wanted to play the games.  The coloring pages were something they wanted to do as the parents came to pick them up.  We did send them home with the girls.

We had our troop make the party favors at our meeting (the day before the party).  We used a toilet paper roll, covered in tissue and put candy, the pink daisy petal and a tea party patch inside.  We decorated the outside of the favors with pretty papers and the girls name.

Our party was one and a half hours and was a blast!

Pennies at your door

Alright, already! I'll come and visit you! I get the hint.

When I walked outside my front door to go on my walk this morning...

I found $0.36 outside my door

 

It wasn't all pennies.  Three dimes a nickel and a penny to be exact.

 

I figure that this is either payment for writing my blog or a little gas money so I will go visit Patti.  (um, with gas close to $4 a gallon, I'm going to need a little more than 36 cents...just sayin')

 

Either way, I kind of like having money waiting for me when I walk out the door.  More, please.



Good Morning!

Looks like someone had a little trouble this morning.

Trying to find our house?

Just look for the driveway with chalk drawings and a dirty sock.

Thrifty finds

My friend Patti will be so proud of me!

I have been looking for glass jars for quite awhile now.  I was at a store and saw some new glass containers but didn't want to spend the money on them.  I thought I would wait and see what happens.

There I was, thrifting away and found these two beauties.

We like to juice and these will make excellent containers for our juice.  They were in decent condition (almost new-like) when I bought them (for less than a quarter of the price I saw them new at the other store).

I'm so excited!  I can't wait to use them!

A shopping adventure

Apparently at 6:54pm Nick decided he needed to revamp his entire wardrobe and I was elected to go with him on this adventure.  There must have been a silent election because I didn't know that this excursion was on the table for me this evening.  I really was hoping to kick back and relax.

Nick found a few shirts (a good start) at the first store.  He was happy and we got to end the trip early (well, early meaning before 10pm.  I was afraid this might be a late one)  I told him that this wardrobe shift should be a work in progress.

When we returned home, I found Bella watching TV (it's past her bedtime) and RT is in bed (snoring). 

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I made some more laundry detergent today. This time a double batch. If you need the recipe, just click here.

RT walked in and asked what I was doing.

Me: I'm making laundry detergent.
RT: why?
Me: Because we need it.
RT: Why don't you just buy it?
Me: Nick isn't allergic to this one. It isn't difficult to make and it saves us some money.
RT: I didn't know you did that!

Let me remind you that this conversation happens every time that I make laundry detergent.

Photo Dump - March

Just some things I took pictures of during the month of March and thought I would share them.  Sorry I am dumping them in April.  It took me awhile to figure out how to empty the pictures on my phone onto my computer. 

This is a birthday card to Alex (from Bella).  I thought it was funny.  I had to save it.

On the left is his hair (he got another hair cut) I'm sure you remember in previous posts how he likes to grow his hair long.
On the right side it says, "I love you! Even though you're mean to me I still love you."
That's sibling love for ya'!  Hey!  At least she's honest, right?

We celebrated Pippen's birthday (he turned one on March 15) and this is the only decent picture I have (he was quite excited about the pupcakes I made for him.  That's what I called them.  Doggy cakes = pupcakes.

Me (and Bella) on my birthday

 

 

Alex on his birthday (the big 13!)

yea.  Two teenagers in the house.  Watch out!
I took this next picture during the snow storm we had on March 5

SNOW!

coloring Easter eggs

Went for a hike around Herrick Lake

we took the long loop. 

Love this view (and Newton's back side)

Newton had to get in just about every picture I took

The pasticho I made for "Easter Sunday" dinner

(one of two Easter Sunday's we will celebrate)

WASH YOUR HANDS!

I don't have to say that as much these days. Our house employs the "Hand Washing Police."

The Hand Washing Police (HWP) monitor everyone's trip to the bathroom. As you are leaving the bathroom, the HWP ask if you washed your hands. Sometimes they don't ask because they already know the answer. If there is a violation, the HWP let's everyone within a 5 mile radius know that you did not wash your hands. They do this by yelling, "WASH YOUR HANDS!" Over and over and over until you finally go back to wash your hands.

I haven't been busted by the HWP. Probably because I wash my hands after using the bathroom.

I do know one person who gets busted ALOT. She refuses to listen to the HWP so I have to step in (as the Supreme Hand Washing Authority) and (strongly) suggest to the person that they wash their hands.