Locks of Love

We did it!

Bella and I cut our hair and donated it to Locks of Love. 

Bella insisted that we get it cut. I was a little hesitant.
When sitting in the chair, I told the hairdresser, "Go for it!"  Bella was in the other chair saying things like, "I'm not ready," "it's going to be short."
We did it.  We know it's for a good cause.  Our heads feel a little lighter and we know that, eventually, our hair will grow back.

Trail Mix

I got tired of buying trail mix at the store.  It seems so much easier to just do it on my own.  I can add what I want and adjust the amount based on my likes/dislikes.

There is a trail mix that I really enjoy.  I tried to duplicate it.

1 cup each:
raisins
peanuts
almonds
dried cranberries
dark chocolate chips *
sunflower seeds *

*I might have added less than a cup for these...a full cup of sunflower seeds is quite a bit.  Too much chocolate and the vultures pick that out for themselves.

mix it up

and you are ready to go.

What to do with your Daisy Girl Scout Uniform

I have had quite a few hits on this one, and I don't think I even talked about it on my blog??

One suggestion I have is to make the uniform into a pillow.  Sew up one side and bottom, stuff with pillow stuffing, sew up the other side and  neck opening.  This way you can display both sides of the uniform (and all of the patches that the girl scout has earned).  Pillow can be placed on the bed so the girl scout can proudly display the badges/petals/patches that she earned in her two years of Daisy Scouts.

I am hoping to find some time to do this and I will post a picture once I have this completed.

Happy Memorial Day

Thought I put this post up yesterday.

We marched in our towns Memorial Day Parade with our Brownie Troop. This was part of our Community Badge.  At our meeting, we discussed community and ways to get involved.  We also discussed Memorial Day and why it is so important in our country.  The girls made a poster (in patriotic colors) that they could carry during the parade.   It was a hot day. Luckily we had a wagon with cold water and it was a short parade. :) 

Hope you had a great day! 

Deer

Thought I would show you the deer I saw on my walk today.  I turned a corner and there, on the street, two deer, staring at me.  A car was driving down the street just as i was about to take the picture. The deer got scared and took off diwn the street. Only got one deer in the picture. 

Sorry it's so blurred. An action phone picture. :)

Overheard this at work. While ringing up a customer (buying a gift and a few goodies for her two daughters) the older girl thanks her mom for buying them something.  A few seconds later, the girl says, "Mommy, would this be a bad time to ask for candy corn?"

The mom said yes, this would be a bad time.

*no candy corn. 

A new meaning for "Purse Therapy"

I need a new purse.

I have needed a new purse for quite some time now. (We're talking 5, maybe 10 years now)

I go looking at purses but don't seem to find anything that I like.

Yesterday, I went purse shopping (once again) with the intent of buying a purse.  (this purse buying excursion happens regularly, resulting in no purse purchases). You see, RT told me that I needed to get a new purse.  I think the words, "I'm going to throw that one out" were mixed in with, "that one looks bad"  and "it's time."  He has a way with the few words that flow out of his mouth. 

I went to a couple of stores that had a large selection of purses. I walked through, looked at and maybe tried a couple out. I walked out of both stores without a purse. 

After leaving the second store, I realized that I have commitment issues with purse buying.  I'm thinking of starting a support group. Let me know if you are interested.

RT said I need to just take the plunge and buy a purse.

It's hard. I have to imagine myself in all situations with the purse. Most don't measure up. 

Can I wear this purse everywhere on every occaision?  Does it look good?  Will everything (including the kitchen sink) fit in there?  (I'm not a huge purse person) Do I like that color?  Does it match anything and everything in my wardrobe?  

It's really a marriage for me, not purse buying. 

I am trying to work through my purse issues. The purse that I have now I don't like and has holes in it.  Yea, I know. Somehow I let myself get away with wearing that one and I dismiss all the normal ones they have at the store. 

Like I said, I have to work through these issues. I am hoping, in time, I will be able to take the plunge and buy a purse. 

Until then, I have to hide my current purse so RT doesn't throw it out. 

Butterscotch Chip Cookies

I found another recipe to share.

I bought some butterscotch chips.  I don't know why.  They were there and they were begging me to buy them.  I've never made butterscotch chip cookies before, so I had to look around for a recipe.

Found this recipe for Butterscotch Cookies on Food.com and thought I would give it a try.

They turned out delicious!

Here's the recipe.

Butterscotch Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups flour

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup butter

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 large eggs

2 cups butterscotch chips

Directions:

Mix together the flour, salt and baking soda in a small bow and set aside.
Cream the sugars and the butter together.  Add the vanilla.  Add eggs one at a time.
Slowly add flour mixture.  When completely mixed, add the butterscotch chips.
Drop by the spoonful on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375F for 8-10 minutes.

*I used 1/3 cup of brown sugar and 1/3 cup sugar.  No taste difference that I noticed.

I had to quickly get a picture.  Cookies (and any type of sweet) don't last long around here.  The cookie monsters in my house were out and gobbling up all cookies in their sight.  I don't think they will last 24 hours.

Again, if you make them, let me know what you think.

Enjoy!

Remind me to never get sick 

Ice Cream Social

Every year the elementary school has an Ice Cream Social.  It's one of the main fundraisers for the school.  Full of games, raffles, food, bounce houses and, of course, ice cream.

RT and I joke about being the longest running Ice Cream Social attendees.  Our children are so far apart in age that we have attended (so far) for 13 years.  (we have another three years to go)

A couple of years ago, we brought along one of Alex's friends.  Alex and his friend, Joey, were in 6th grade.  Yes, even after they leave the school, they still want to attend the Ice Cream Social.  It's that fun.

One of the first activities that the boys did was the Cake Walk.  That's where they play music, you walk around a bunch of chairs, when the music stops, you sit down in an empty chair (kind of like musical chairs, but you don't take away a chair).  A number is called, if that's the number of the chair you are sitting on, you win.  You get to choose from the sweet table (cake, pie, cup cakes, cookies, etc).  Well, Joey won.  He chose a chocolate cake.  He comes back and asks RT to hold it for him.

Now, remember, this is the start of the Ice Cream Social.  It lasts about 2 1/2 hours.

For 2 1/2 hours, RT is walking around, holding Joey's cake.  (it's forever called, "the year I held Joey's cake")  Everyone was asking him about the cake and how they would like a piece of it.  He had to give the story that Joey won it, he has to carry it around, and that he would love a piece of it, too.

RT did not attend last year or this year.  I think Joey's Cake did him in.

One year Bella did spin art twice (the paper spins and you squirt paint and it creates a pretty design).  Guess who carried those around the whole night waiting for them to dry?  me  Spin art has been banned since, unless Bella carries it herself for the rest of the night.

This year, Bella was determined to win at the cake walk.  She played again and again and again.  Her friend won (and shared some of her cookies).  They kept on playing and, guess what?

           She won!

Oh, and guess who had to carry those cupcakes around the rest of the night?

*remind me to bring a bag with me next year to carry these things

Remembering the Bad

This could probably be a regular post here.  It seems there are quite a few memories of bad things that happen to me.  I thought I would share one more.

When I was pregnant with Nick, RT and I went to this new baby store.  I heard so much about the store that I wanted to go check it out.

RT parks the car and we start walking up to the store.

I could just stop there and you could imagine the lovely experience that we had and the wonderful baby items in the store.  A happy time for all of us.

Of course, this is the Scary Journey inside my Life, so, obviously there is more to the story.

Honestly, I don't recall the store being that great.  In fact, I don't really remember much of the store at all. Nothing stands out.

Now, if you ask RT about the experience, he will give you a different story. 

One day, I remember asking RT, "Do you remember that baby store that we went to?

RT:  Is that the one where you stepped in gum in the parking lot?

Yes, it was an awful experience.  I remember saying,

"Who throws their gum on the ground?" 

"What are garbage cans for!"  "

"That's disgusting!"

It was awful.  Just awful.  A moment in my life that I wanted to just go away. Never to happen again.  Never to hear about it again.  And yet, here is my husband, reminding me about it.  Not just reminding me, but, this is embedded in his brain.  A moment he has not forgotten.  And, now, after writing this, it is a moment for everyone else to remember.
 
Thanks, honey for remembering....If you didn't remind me, maybe I would forget......

Walking Buddies

I think I mentioned that I started walking again.  This go 'round I have two neighbors who have joined me.  We walk every morning after the kids get on the bus.  Some days its a quick walk while other days it a little longer. Our walks are filled with talk about kids and past experiences.

My two walking sidekicks:  one is from England the other is from South Africa.  These two have lived in various countries, having to set up their home and start over numerous times with schools and friends.  Their stories of living in other countries are quite amusing and make the walks go by quickly (and painlessly).
 
A side note:  I have never moved and have lived in the same State and Country forever.  I might have to start making stuff up as I go along....

As predicted (by me), our house is the hang out after school for junior high (we are a block away).  Every day after school, there are usually a handful of boys playing basketball in our drive way.  Alex and his friends from school.

Today, the basket ball play did not happen.  Our Volvo is stuck in the driveway, directly under the basket ball hoop.  The car starts and can go forward, but, is unable to reverse.  

Must get Volvo to work (or move).  It seems to be cramping Alex's social life.

Figured out why there is a gasoline smell in my van.

It only took me 24 hours, too.  (I'm quick)

RT left a gas can in the trunk of the van.

Funny thing is, he was going along with how the van must be starting to go because of the gasoline smell.

The Talk

I did it. I had to give "The Talk" to each of the kids.

Um, no, not THAT talk.   The other one. 

I think you might recall me writing about Newton. My third (hairy) child.  Newton is 11. He's been slowing down over the last year. Hey, when your 77, you've earned that right. 

Last week, I noticed Newton was kind of dragging.  His tale was between his legs and he was sleeping quite a bit. (not much of a give a way when he normally sleeps alot).   He was hanging out in the basement, sleeping. Normally he hangs upstairs and sleeps (waiting to hear a crumb fall on the floor) that's his selective hearing. He hears only what he wants to hear. Those words are "cookie" and "walk."  He does give a little bark now and again if someone sets foot on our property. He might not get up, but he gives a good low "woof" warning. 

For the last week I have been warning the kids. Giving them updates on how Newton is doing that day. 

After last nights walk, Newton just laid in the grass about 30 feet from out yard. He got sick a couple of times and he needed a rest. I have seen that look before on Sheddy (the dog we had growing up). Newton tried to smile and look happy while he was resting. I had to get RT out to help me walk Newton to the yard. That's when we decided it was time for the talk. 

I'm not sure if Bella totally understands. This time I had to stress the fact that we won't see Newton (if it happens...). Trying to give comfort that Poppy would take care of him.   

The tough talk was with Alex. He was two when we got Newton. He grew up with him.  He remembers (a little) when we got Newton.  Newton has always been around for him.

It's hard with pets.  They are part of the family.  It's hard watching them get old.  Just hoping Newton isn't in any pain.

Responsibility

I have these talks with my kids. I tell them how they need to be more responsible.

A few months back, Alex was having a problem with his phone.  It wouldn't turn on. He had no idea what happened to his phone. (It wasn't the fact that he took it sledding with him and kept it in his sweat pants) I took it to the cell phone provider only to find out that the phone has water damage. (Again, Alex has no idea how it got wet. He said he never took it out of his room)

Nick has been having problems with his phone. Right now it doesn't work at all. I keep telling him to bring it in and have it checked out.  I think it takes too much effort to drive there.  (although, driving all around town for hours and hours doesn't seem to have any affect on him)

There was the incident of the lost calculator.  Yea, the one that runs about $100.  (luckily, I found it) 

Nick recently lost his flash drive. He has been looking everywhere for it.  I told him to check the lost and found at school.  Maybe someone turned it in?  He said that no one would turn something like that in, they would just keep it.  I said, you won't know unless you look.

Last week, I realized that I lost the key for work.  I don't lose things so this one has been hard for me.  The key can be anywhere.  It was on my key chain (loose).  I have a clip that I use to clip my keys onto my belt loop.  I think the key might have fallen off when I clipped my keys.  But, when?

All of these talks about responsibility and I lose my key for work.  Great role model, huh?

I think I had it when I took the girl scouts to Build a Bear and out for pizza.  I called both places and they could not find it.  I called mall security.  I searched the parking lots at both places.  I asked at Carson's (we walked through the store to get to Build a Bear).  No luck.

I had to fess up.  The next time I worked, I told my boss how I lost the key.  I felt so bad.  She was relieved.  I think she thought I was quitting.  She said, "I lose my key all the time!  I think I've lost 5 or 6 keys!"  (yea, glad she isn't giving the responsibility talks to my kids)  I got a new key and all is well.  (I'm still looking for the other key, hoping it will turn up)

The other morning, Alex said that he needs a new calculator.  (the $100 calculator)  I said, what's wrong with your calculator?  He said it doesn't work. 

Here we go again.......

He is currently using  my calculator from high school.  I told him not to lose or break it.  I said I took care of it...it's lasted this long, let's try to get it to last even longer...

Frozen

Am I the only one who has not seen the movie, "Frozen"?

Teacher Appreciation Day Gift - Big Smartie

It's Teacher Appreciation Week here.  Time to thank the teacher's for all that they do.

Last year, if you remember, Bella gave her teacher the M & M jar.  Take a look HERE.

This year we thought we would do something a little different.  There are SO many ideas online (and on Pinterest).  I decided on the Smarties candy.  I bought a giant Smarties (is it supposed to be plural?), got out my pretty paper and let Bella cut it out.

WHAT?

You heard me.  I had the child do it.

I know.  I know.  Pinterest makes you feel like you, the adult, have to do it and make it look absolutely perfect.  The gift is from the student and that is who should be in charge of making the gift, right?

Getting back to what Bella did for this teacher gift.

Bella cut out some pretty paper and made sure both sides looked nice.  I let her use some fancy scissors so the edges look nice.  She wrote on a piece of white paper, "Thank you for helping me become a big Smartie" and glued that to the pretty paper.  Used the hole punch, tied some ribbon on the card and onto the Smarties (I had to help a little here) and it was ready to gift.

Supplies needed:
Big Smarties candy
Pretty paper
White paper
Pen
glue
scissors
hole punch 
ribbon

Pretty simple, huh?

*unfortunately I do not have a picture at this time.  Bella snatched it up and took it to school before I could snap a picture.  I'm sure you can use your imagination.

***Looking for other ideas for Teacher Appreciation gifts?  Check these out:

 Thank you for making me a Sharpie
Thank you for being my M & M
Thank you for your Commit "mint"

Vanilla Pudding Cookies

I'm always looking for easy dessert recipes.  Usually it's to bring along to someones house.  Most of the time it's to satisfy all of the sweet tooth's (teeth?) in this house.

I found this recipe on Sweet Bella Roos and had to try these cookies.  I needed a quick and easy dessert to bring to a party and thought I would try them.  You can find the recipe here .  These cookies are super delicious and will disappear quickly.

Vanilla Pudding Cookies

from SweetBellaRoos

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 1 pkg vanilla pudding

Instructions

Beat butter and sugar until fluffy; gently beat in eggs. Mix flour, salt, baking powder, and vanilla pudding mix in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet. Stir in vanilla. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-10 minutes.

*I found this recipe on Pinterest and, on another post, SweetBellaRoos made these cookies and rolled them in sprinkles.  Tried the sprinkle version and they were a hit!

**For the vanilla pudding, a small box is used.  Use the instant pudding.**

Alex said that these are the "best cookies ever."