Wendy's Soapbox

Christmas Disney Surprise - TAKE TWO!

2011-12-21T23:58:00.000-08:00

Here we go again! O.K. You should all know by now Kenneth is obsessed, free 3-day park hoppers have been burning a hole in his pocket and he once again found killer flights and suggested we fly down for the weekend. Ready or not, here we come!

We managed to pull this off last year and the trip was a big success! As seen in last years video, the big reveal was much slower as we woke Awsumb up telling him we were going to some crazy early morning sale and promised he would see Santa later that day. I didn't even plan to video tape his reaction and wish I would have as I just ended up with a dark iPhone video taken when Awsumb started asking why we seemed to be driving to the airport.

This year, as a "too cool for school" 10 year old he was a little more reserved and knowing I was video taping he didn't exactly give me the screaming and jumping for joy reaction I thought he would... but by the time we actually out our shoes on and started loaded up the suitcases in the car he was pretty hyper about our little adventure.

I am glad we were able to pull this off as a surprise because Kenneth was so excited he kept openly talking about it in front of our little guy! ... leaving me constantly scrambling to cover it up.

I sure hope he doesn't think we are doing this EVERY Christmas!

The first day was beautiful, and a little crowded. The second day was POURING rain! Which was fun for us because all the locals stayed home leaving no lines for us! Check back for pictures from our rainy Christmas at Disneyland!

Crackers and Cheese

2011-12-07T06:56:00.000-08:00

Why does Christmas music have to be so cheesy?

And I don't get some of them anyway...Let's start with Pine Cones and Holly Berries, which the elementary school choir teacher tortured us with every. single. year. I still get this song stuck in my head today...

"Popcorn for you, apples for me"

Why can't they both have popcorn AND apples? Who is depriving these kids? Does one of them have braces? And if they do wouldn't apples be bad too? These are the things I think about and it's just a downward spiral from there...

"Nutcracker handy"

Who wrote this song? Meredith Wilson is who pops up on a quick internet search and apparently his parents were too poor to afford both popcorn AND apples.

And then there's Jingle Bells, which plaques me at all time of the year. But at least it's a tune I can actually hmm or drum and get someone to recognize (remember, I'm tune deaf!)

Basically Christmas music can be an OCD nightmare... and not in a good way. After all who wants to be stuck with some of these songs running through your head while your gardening IN JUNE?!

So in an effort to keep The Soundtrack of Kenneth's Life going he searches high and low to find me the very best NON cheesy Christmas music. This year we give you.... CRACKERS AND CHEESE!

Kenneth's comments regarding our selections:

"This Time of Year", The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. On the surface this track might sound a little anti-Christmas and some of you might like that about this song. For me this song is opposed to many of the consumer-oriented customs of Christmas - massive consumer indulgence and Griswold-style Christmas lights - while emphasizing the feeling that "gets me and never lets me act like I don't care" and remembering that Christmas is special "cause all of us get together."

"Happy XMas (War is Over)", Sense Field. Originally recorded by John Lennon, this Christmas song was intended as a call for peace. At the end of the year, "what have you done" to help the "weak and the strong", the "rich and the poor ones" and everyone else have a "very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year?" Someone else asked those questions a couple thousand years ago.

"One Silent Night", Ffh. This track takes the spirit, setting and even snippets of the traditional Silent Night and wraps it all up in a mid-tempo pop anthem. It's a really pretty version.

"The Lights and the Buzz", Jack's Mannequin. This is the time of year when Awsumb always wants it to snow. He says, "if it's going to be this cold anyway, we could at least have some snow!" Sometimes the stress of life can keep us from feeling like it's Christmas. Even if "life has been no holiday", the Christmas break can "remove the splinters" and remind us that "it's good to be alive."

"I Hope That it Snows", Madi Diaz.

"Forget You, Santa! (Cee-Lo Greeen vs. Jackson 5)", Voicedude. Didn't get what you wanted from Santa this year? I love a mashup and this song humorously mashes up the Jackson 5's Santa Claus with "Forget You" (the friendly version of the big 2010 hit song from Cee-Lo Green) and for good measure overlays some lines from great Christmas specials and movies.

"We Three Kings", Greg Simpson. Now pretty hard to find, but it sounds like the Three Kings are driving across the desert, "following yonder star" with their gifts secured in the back. You know, with their hands out the window riding the wind...

"A Cradle in Bethlehem", The Beautiful Mistake.

"Rudolph (You Don't Have to Put On the Red Light)", mojochronic. Another great holiday mash-up combining The Police's Roxanne with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - and sound clips from the classic animated show. You will never hear another Rudolph like this!

"I'll Be Home for Christmas", Matchbook Romance.

"Maybe This Christmas", Ron Sexsmith. Another beautiful Christmas wish that we can find peace on earth, in our own families as well as in the world. "Maybe this Christmas will find us at last in heavenly peace, grateful, at least, for the love we've been shown in the past..."

"Leaving Heaven (feat. Vince Gill)", Matthew West.

"(It Must've Been Ol') Santa Claus", Harry Connick, Jr. This song captures the excitement of a child on Christmas Eve. He's old enough to have doubts about Santa, but young enough to imagine amazing things.

"Hey Santa!", Straight No Chaser.

"Elf's Lament (feat. Michael Buble)", Barenaked Ladies. "Girls and boys, before you wish for what you wish for... consider the price to an Elf." Christmas is the time of year to think about others. This is the theme song of "Occupy North Pole."

"Angel (Holiday)," Jack Johnson. Christmas is good because it reminds us to think about how much we care about those we love. I am lucky to have someone who lights up Christmas for me and makes our home a beautiful place to be, especially at this time of year. "I've got an angel... She give me presents with her presence alone, She gives me every thing I wish for, gives me kisses... just for coming home..." (Anyone who's groaning right now better stop, because we warned you! This mix is called Crackers and Cheese, right?)

"Do You Hear What I Hear", Sawyer Brown.

"To Be Alone With You", Sufjan Stevens. This unique artist is known for making independent "chamber pop" and has a seriously great Christmas album (four discs!) that sounds like no other Christmas album you'll hear. This song is not from that album, but is sweet and powerful and reminds us what the Savior did for us, and is a great way to close this mix.

Previous blogs regarding Christmas music you may be interested in: Mixed Christmas and The Sounds of Christmas

What Christmas music is on your playlist this year?

A Christmas Card

2011-12-05T02:22:00.000-08:00

This year we are reading A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, who also happens to be one of my favorite authors. The first time I was introduced to this story was by Donald Duck and his little Nephews in Mickey's Christmas Carol. Some say Dickens wrote it to revive Christmas traditions which seemed to be dying out. And of course to remind man to forget about himself and give to those less fortunate.

Although some have called A Christmas Carol a secular story, it’s clear to whoever reads it carefully that without Christ, the "mighty Founder" of Christmas, there is no reason to celebrate. As Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, explains, nothing about Christmas can be separate from "the veneration due to its sacred name and origin." This is what gives meaning to Scrooge’s resolution at the end of the story: "I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."

It was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, “God Bless Us, Every One!

If there’s hope for mean old Scrooge, Dickens is saying, there must be hope for each of us. And there is hope for each of us, through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Charles Dickens left his children with his own testimony of Christ and requested it not be published, but that it should be kept in the family. After the last of his children died, the family decided to share the book with the world and published The Life of Our Lord by Charles Dickens. The book begins...

"My Dear Children, I am very anxious that you should know something about the History of Jesus Christ. For everybody ought to know about Him. No one ever lived who was so good, so kind, so gentle, and so sorry for all people who did wrong, or were in any way ill or miserable, as He was."

I can't think of a more beautiful gift, than your own testimony.

Making Christmas, Making Christmas!

2011-12-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

December 1st and so it begins... To some it truly is The Nightmare Before Christmas. Last year at this time I was putting together 150 Christmas boxes at the office. Shredded cardboard was all over the conference room and crinkle cut stuffing was flying about as red and green dust began to fill the air! It was the job nobody wanted to do, but still the office felt obligated to do up special Christmas boxes each year. Although they could have done something as simple as gift cards or a small bonus, they insisted on these frilly boxes and I totally loved every minute of it! Because I cared about sharing something with these people to thank them for a job well done and wish them a Merry Christmas. What's so bad about spending a few hours making mountains move (seriously, I was lost in mountains of gift boxes!) and listening to my favorite Christmas music? This was totally my theme song!
Making Christmas - Nightmare Revisited

Rise Against
Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my favorite movies and I have to watch it every year. Jack, the King of Halloween grows restless, looking for something more. One day while wandering in the woods he finds Christmas land. Curious about the joy and wonder he finds he brings all sort of things home trying to get down to the bottom of this thing called Christmas. Why was it so magical? What was it all about? After kidnapping Santa and making a complete nightmare out of Christmas, Jack never really understands the meaning of Christmas because he spent all his time analyzing the "things of Christmas."

The Corner Critic's review of the movie said, "It is a carefully crafted satire against the blandness of traditional holidays, about how their meanings become diluted to the point of nonexistence."

Tim Burton was inspired to write this story after finding himself in a holiday display at a department store. "Christmas decorations were being combined with Halloween decorations – that was the genesis of the whole concept. So routine are our holidays that department stores almost cannot wait to decorate for them."

And don't forget the Christmas Music! Our family gets a kick out of Straight No Chaser's hit song The Christmas Can Can... because after just a few errands, you've heard them all! And just as Tim Burton discovered the typical store really can become The Nightmare Before Christmas!

The movie is a commentary on how our culture robs symbols of their meaning and mixes them together until they serve a different purpose all together. And every year I notice more and more traditions that just clutter up Christmas and are really more about fueling consumerism.

And it's those things that create holiday stress make the season a nightmare to some people. Maybe Jack and The Grinch need to get together. Jack could never figure out what all the Christmas stuff meant... But Christmas doesn't need to be saved... because as the Grinch knows, even without all the stuff, Christmas comes anyway!

Adults who are asked to remember Christmases when their parents didn't have much, often have fond memories about what they did do or get that year. Kids are more likely to remember a small or special thing than a lot of meaningless things.

What are your plans to create a simple and more meaningful Christmas for your family?

Previous blogs you may like to read:

Don't Let the Grinch Steal Your Christmas!

The Gift of Nothing

The Present

School Photos

2011-11-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

Me - 4th grade

Wow this picture is so embarassing!

I volunteered to help herd the kids through the school picture day line up this year at my sons school and it finally answered my questions about why my sons school photos are more of a mug shot than a portrait.

First I was so surprised to see how nervous so many of the kids were... I quickly realized they just needed to relax and as I was the last person they saw before I assigned them a photographer I tried my best to joke around and be silly with them as a way to distract them from feeling like they were about to visit the dentist.

But it was watching the actual photographers that really shocked me. Throughout elementary school I remember having the same photographer year after year. He makes jokes and poked fun at the kids to help everyone relax and smile. I remember every year he would make a joke about me being Peppermint Patty from Charlie Brown as he did to all the red heads. This bugged me to no end because she was a tom boy and I didn't want anything to do with being a tom boy! But at least he was attempting to make some sort of connection with each child. These photographers were more like the lady at the DMV, stand over there look over here... click...

For some reason I still feel compelled to order a package of these mug shots each year for tradition sake... but now I really see why they never capture who my child is.

Awsumb is now in the 4th grade. At his school 4th grade is more like middle school. There are about 13 kids in his class. The kids have a home room, and different teachers for each subject. The students are required to begin learning how to organize a school planner with their assignments. 4th grade continues to study Spanish and begins learning Latin, which has quickly become Awsumb's favorite subject. He also gleans the most from simple classes like P.E. and music by asking for more details and history behind the songs and games they learn.

Each year during the many conferences scheduled with Awsumb's teachers I walk into them trying to prepare myself to get ready to hear all about how he talks to much... which often leads to other discussions about him learning to be more respectful and not arguing with teachers.

This week it was so refreshing to hear that his skills of communication are finally paying off and to hear how valued he is because of his leadership and communication skills. Awsumb's teachers also report that he shows empathy for all the children in the class and they know they can count on him to acknowledge other students ideas and to bring other students who may feel left out into the group.

But what I am even more excited about is his voracious need to learn everything he can. Awsumb comes out of any lessons, a music lesson, Latin class, etc. with slips of paper on which he has written topics and things he plans to research further... because, he just can't get enough!

Awsumb regularly spends the first 30 minutes after I pick him up, talking nonstop about specific lesson he had during the day. He will repeat it word for word and then tell me all the questions and ideas he has regarding the subject. I am so excited that he has fully gleaned the most out of the Montessori classroom and that he can now see that his education is his responsibility, that if there is anything he wants to learn about to go ahead and read and research and ask all the questions he needs until he gets the answers he is looking for.

And the best thing to hear was that his teachers don't see a disrespectful bone in his body, that they think it would hurt him, to the core, if he thought he had disrespected them in any way. Here I kept thinking he needed to have more fear of adults so that he would be respectful out of fear, but once again, he teaches me, showing me that respect grown out of the desire to be respected in return is soooo much better than fear.

And that because of this respect, Awsumb has taken it upon himself to approach teachers when he needed more specific direction or to work out a plan to catch up on work he had fallen behind on. But even better is that he seeks them out because he values their friendship and is so excited to share his ideas and passions with them because, "We just have so much in common!" as he says about his teachers. He truly considers them mentors and friends and I appreciate the time they have each taken to develop a personal relationship with him.

Oh, how I just love, love, love being the mother of the most Totally Awsumb little boy ever!

Arches National Park

2011-11-07T05:02:00.000-08:00

Awsumb Kenneth Hardy

10th Birthday at Delicate Arch
October 19, 2011

I have been dying to take Awsumb to see some of Southern Utah. So this year when we planned to visit family in Utah I made sure to plan a few days for us to drive down to Arches National Park.

Awsumb was so excited and kept asking, "So we are really going to be IN Arches ON my birthday?" and then there was the "Can I wear my new leather jacket?" questions... He didn't realize how warm it could be in Southern Utah even in October.

First thing, Awsumb was dying to go to

The ROCK SHOP!

After a steak dinner at Jeffrey's Steakhouse

(organic grass fed beef and local veggies)

it was time for bed to rest up for the long day of hiking.

When it comes to accomodations,

Moab leaves much to be desired.

Awsumb was especially excited to see Balancing Rock

because it was featured in an Indiana Jones movie.

Awsumb and Kenneth

sporting his new T-shirt

"UTAH ROCKS"

I wouldn't want to be under this rock this when it falls!

This place makes boys feel like men!

(the base of Balanced Rock)

Cairns

placed by rangers and visitors

mark the trails throughout the park

Tree at Balanced Rock

Awsumb snapped this photo of

some Awesome Rock Climbers

Park rules state that no named

arches or spires should be climbed.

We named the below rock

Kid Rocks!

Can you see it?

Looks a little like a Lego Mini-fig?

Tourette Arch (from the Windows)

The Windows

Wendy and Awsumb

Kenneth under the arch

Awsumb photographs the arch

Awsumb's photo

Through to the backside of The Windows

Both Windows

Parade of The Elephants

Awsumb

Elephant Arch

My favorite, so beautiful!

Let's climb up!

Awsumb enjoyed exploring under these arches,

he wished he could explore the caves,

also seen in an Indiana Jones movie

Awsumb's thought the Kangaroo Squirrel were cute

A Little Birthday Picnic Lunch!

Delicate Arch

A moderate 1.5 mile "trail" up steep rock,

ending with a short distance on a high cliff

until you finally round a corner

and end up on the edge of the

big bowl including Delicate Arch.

AMAZING!

Awsumb has a fear of heights and I knew the hike to

Delicate Arch would test his ability to cope with that,

but that he would feel so accomplished after,

so I pushed him along and in the end he had to wait for me!

Awsumb was more than just a little nervous walking

around the steep bowl and even had

to sit down because he felt so dizzy.

About this time Awsumb decided to tell everyone

about a friend of ours who had an accident falling 100 feet...

Yeah, not a converstation to have just then!

And when he finally made it to stand under Delicate Arch...

Petroglyphs

Awsumb's shot:

And not too long after this the sun begins to set..

Arches National Park is beautiful at dusk

Fins create a Fiery Furnace!

Dinner at Beck's and BED!

Awsumb was so tired he didn't even

want to take a swim in the pool!

Arches National Park - Day Two

Proud of his Jr. Ranger status

after completing all requirements

and of course having a long
converstation with a Ranger

regarding his questions and ideas!

Just a short walk through the fins and sand to...

Sand Dune Arch

Kenneth and Awsumb

The cool sands are perfect place to cool of on a hot afternoon.

I remember playing here for quite some time when I came as a teen.

There is so much exploring to do.

As usual, Awsumb wasn't so interested in digging in the sand!

The day before we left my father gave Awsumb

this official US Army Air Chemical Test Kit.

Awsumb thought it was so great

and filled it with his first aid kit,

pocket knife and compass.

He carried it all over the park

and had to explain to everyone what it was!

Thanks Dad!

This arch is free to be explored...

we saw people climb all through

and up to the top edges of these fins

Skyline Arch

(previously called "An Arch in the Making"

before a huge chunk fell one day!)

Arches is a great park for all ages. Most of the arches can easily be seen in one day. And most of the hikes are pretty easy... Even Delicate Arch can be viewed from a choice of two easier trails (though at a distance). But there is also so much to explore in Arches and you could spend days here or come back again and again. Who knows maybe over the years you will be witness to some of the erosion process!

And then it was off to hunt for DINOS!

(see next post)

The Awsumb family at Delicate Arch in the 80's

Brian, Wendy, Jennie, Katie and Dennis

Dinosaur Hunting in Southern Utah

2011-11-07T05:01:00.000-08:00

Once Awsumb heard there were some easy dinosaur fossils and tracks to see he was pumped for the adventure. So we cut Day 2 in Arches short to make it to these before sunset. These trails are just a mile or so off the road about 15 miles from Moab.

Let me know if you would like more information about exactly how to get to these trails.

On the way to the dino fossils we learned

that our car is an SUV, not and ORV!

I can't be too mad at Kenneth,

much of this drive was through dry riverbeds

full of slippery sand and rock.

Do not attempt during or after rain.

This actual walking trail also leaves a little

to be desired as it is a bit rough (see above).

It takes a minute to understand what to look for

Read the signs and before you know it your discovering unmarked fossils!

Camarasaurus Leg Bones

Camarasaurus Leg Bone close up

Sauropod Foot Bone

Sauropod Rib and Shoulder Blade - Yum?

Sauropod Tail Bones

up close

Sauropod Vertebrae

There are also a few other gems along this trail:

including the sign warning you to avoid exposure to hantavirus!

What you can't see is that at the time you are standing on a narrow ledge

and might be temped to lean into this nest... yuck!

Pack Rats - The Original Hoarders!

Fossilized Wood

You can even see the rings from the tree

The mouth of Mills Canyon

The Old Copper Mill

Ruins

Because this group of fossils wasn't worth digging up
for display they have been left for our discovery.
Free to the public it is our job to preserve such places.
I know my son would love to visit again with his children some day.

Can you see the removed fossil?

The Dino Fossil Trail was a much nicer road (dirt road, but flat and obvious)

with a short hike up this hill:

There is 5 different dino tracks in the immediate area.

And not just one track,

you can follow a handful at a time to see the dino in motion!

How cool is that!?!

These two are obvious Camaraurus (big ones)

Allosaurus (smaller one with pointy toes)

Kenneth read they were easier to see and photograph if you pour water on them.

And some have been marked by previous visitors.

Awsumb found lots of little lizards

Well son, time to head back to Salt Lake City

Years ago I wanted to take Awsumb to Vernal to see this great museum built over a huge dinosaur that was 1/2 exposed... Turns out the buildings were closed as they are not earthquake proof and the ground has been declared unstable. A trip to all the way out to Vernal just didn't seem worth it.

BUT, I have since heard they are open again!

It's amazing how different the landscape is across America.

If you live in Utah and haven't taken your children to Southern Utah, what are you waiting for? There are so many beautiful parks including Bryce, Zions, Canyonlands and Arches.

Family Photos

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

The best thing about this trip to Utah was that I finally got a hold of my childhood family pictures. I was married just a few months before my parents divorce and when I moved out I took everything, all my baby stuff, pictures and scrapbooks, Christmas ornaments, everything. I just had this feeling I needed to take everything and I am so glad that I did. A few months later my parents separated and by the next January they were divorced and as the games began (or should I say continued) the family photo albums became lost in that

BIG BLACK HOLE of

"That's yours and this is mine!"

I was glad to have the photos that I did, but my scrapbooks pretty much make me look like an only child. When I cleaned out my Granparents house my Aunt was kind enough to help me sort through and put together as many "Utah Awsumb" photos as we could. And luckily, my grandmother had not only copies of school photos and posed portraits, but many of our casual family snapshots.

BUT, I always knew there were more and resented the fact that they were not shared.

Well, I guess possesion is 9/10 of the law and I am excited to scan these in and finally share them with my siblings. After all they belong to ALL OF US! I found the above little gem and had so much fun looking at it with my father and siblings. So I guess you now you know what my big project of the moment is!

The dreary weather of the northwest allows you to lock yourself in a cozy house to work on projects guilt free!

More photos of Awsumb's Birthday and such to follow...

Disneyland World of Color

2011-11-07T04:32:00.000-08:00

World Of Color September 2010

In an attempt to keep people in the Disney's California Adventure Park for a longer time into the evening hours, the Imagineer's dreamed up the WORLD OF COLOR water show. And before it was even ready to debut they realized they had made some grave mistakes... the least of these not enough premium viewing space. Who knew it would be so popular? And so the mayhem to get the tickets for the perfect viewing spot began.

More than just a water show, World of Color is AMAZING! it's like colored paint dancing to music and images projected on water. Totally worth the trouble and a must see... video and photos just can't do it justice... so what's the best way to make arrangements for the show?

Like Fantasmic, they don't really have "seating" for World of Color, but they do have a "park" designed for letting people spread out to watch it. And they do have assigned seating - of sorts. Starting at park opening, you can go to the Fast Pass machine for Grizzly River Rapids and get a World of Color fast pass, which gets you access to a specific seating area for a specific show. There are better "seats" and they will run out early in the day. The only "walk-up" areas are on the sides and back and will not get the full experience of the show. There is a map that shows the colors on touringplans.com A couple of other points of interest:

- If you are staying at a Disney hotel, you can go into DCA 30 minutes early to get in line for World of Color tickets. You enter through the Grand Californian park entrance, but all Disney hotel guests can use it. They also open some rides (Soarin, Mermaid etc.) at that time.

- You can buy picnic lunches that include tickets, if you want to spend a little and guarantee "good" seating areas to the "better colored" sections. These lunches are around $16.

- If you want to spend a lot, you can go to one of the table service restaurants and have a lunch ($30) or dinner ($40) package. The meals are multi-course fixed price meals that include a premium seating area reserved for dining packages only. (We dined at Ariel's Grotto, food was plain and not worth the cost, next time we plan to try the Wine Country Trattoria as it has better reviews... I wish they would include Storytellers or Napa Rose!)

- You will still need to go early and line up before show time, even with fast passes or dining package tickets. If you get there late, you might miss the chance to get your section or be in your section looking at the back of someone's head.

- At busy times, there will be more than one showing. The later ones are easier to get tickets to, if you and your kids can stay up late.

What if you don't go to World of Color? Well, there is the classic DCA move - "go over to Disneyland", but you can find lots of good stuff to do if you stay:

- ElecTRONica. The Hollywood Pictures backlot is converted to a nightclub with loud music and flashing lights themed to Tron. (It will be switching to a Mad T Party theme next year...) It is the only "real" west coast Disney nightclub, with dancing and drinks, but it is okay for all ages. They have some live entertainment (Laserman is really cool!) and an arcade full of classic games.

- Rides. They close most of the pier, so a lot of the rides over there like California Screamin and Mickey's Fun Wheel are closed, but they DO leave Toy Story open. This may be your best shot at a short line for that ride after 10:30am. (By short, I mean twenty minutes.) Other areas are open (Soarin, Tower of Terror, GRR, and Little Mermaid) and should have reduced traffic. Cars Land (opening in the summer of 2012) should also be available.

- There is NO Shopping or Eating. We actually tried to eat one time before the second showing of World of Color and the restaurants were shutting down. (This is probably less of a problem in the summer and may have changed since we have last visited.) Also not an option right now - shopping. All the main DCA shops are being rebuilt from the ground up. They will likely be out of commission until summer 2012 when they have a grand re-opening for the Cars land launch.

Disneyland as Summer Turns Into Fall

2011-11-07T04:30:00.001-08:00

In 2010 we discovered a new favorite time to enjoy Disneyland...

The Stolen Summer Days of September!

Kenneth was itching to use our Annual Passes again and planned this late summer visit to see our favorite California relatives and of course visit Mickey!

September weekends can be busy, especially once the Halloween Festivities begin as locals return to the parks. But weekdays are pefect warm and sunny days to visit the park with low crowds.

If you have a DISNEY VISA CARD,

don't forget to get your

Disney Visa Rewards Free 5x7

in California Adventure

each day between 10-11:30am

Years ago we got some great photos wtih Mickey and friends in aloha shirts,

but these days they seem to rotate through Chip and Dale or Pluto.

Sometimes they'll let you pick something else off your Photo Pass,

but you can't always count on it!

So we have TONS of photos with Pluto!

And the best place to cool off

Grizzly River Rapids

The ride I desperately try to avoid in January,

but realized is much more fun in the heat of summer!

(You WILL get wet!)

Yeah, water rides in February (our usual time to visit) aren't so great. And on a day we knew we would be all about SOAKIN' we even let Awsumb wear his swimsuit,

Winnie the Pooh and

Giant Sucker Too!

(I realized my son was not a normal 8 year old

when he only took a taste of this sucker

and decided that was enough)

Toy Story Mania

Yes, a perfect Summer Getaway

at Disney's California Adventure...

And then one day you as you enter the park you realize

SUMMER HAS TURNED INTO FALL!

Make sure to get a photo in front of

the big Mickey Pumpkin

at Disneyland Town Square

Including all the usual

Classic Disney Magic
such as Tinkerbell!

Overnight landscapers turn the park into a

Disney Fall Festival

And the Disney Characters dress up for Halloween

Mickey and Pluto as Vampires!

Kenneth and Donald Duck

Jack and Sally found by The Haunted Mansion,

which becomes all decked with

The Nightmare Before Christmas theme

Disney Villians finally come out to play,

such as Cruella Deville!

And don't forget Space Mountain's Ghost Galaxy

Which actually made me a little sick

and may be too intense for young kids

Most of these photos are from our Photo Pass CD

The going rate is $60. No need to preorder for Disneyland, but it is a better deal for Disney World. If you plan on buying a CD get as many photo ops with Disney photographers as you can. Sometimes I just don't feel like carrying around my big camera. You can combine photo pass cards, so it's best to have a couple in your party if you ever plan to be separated. Great for families and group trips. After your trip simply log in online, enter your Photo Pass ID numbers. Then you can edit photos and add special Disney borders. It does take a week or so to receive the CD in the mail.

Disney Blues

2011-11-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

There's nothing worse for the DisNerd than watching all your friends plan Disney trips.

(Insert sad picture of Kenneth here)

I admit it makes me nostalgic for Disneyland too!

We answer questions and give some tips and live through your trip reports! Say hi to Mickey for us!

So I apologize in advance for a few Disney Posts!

Totally Awsumb Indiana Jones

2011-09-24T23:43:00.000-07:00

Pack up your gear!
It's time for another exciting expedition!
All this boy wanted for his 10th Birthday
was a real leather jacket.
What mother could say no
to a face as cute as this?

Awsumb has been using this little notebook
to keep track of Geocache Expeditions,
which for a 10 year old boy
are an exciting archaeological expedition!

Check back in the next week to see pictures from the big

Indiana Jones Birthday Adventure!

Because here at
AWSUMB EXPEDITIONS
Adventure Is Just Around The Corner!

Showing off his shark tooth necklace
from Auntie and Uncle,

who always send the perfect gifts!

And check out that cool
WWII MKVII Gas Mask Bag
(which I made! click above to learn more)

It's not a purse, It's a satchel!
Indiana Jones wears one!

He about took out all the lights in the studio trying to get some whip shots!

The Idol

It's not the years, It's the MILEAGE!

It really has been fun to be a mother of

The Most Totally Awsumb

little boy on the planet!

Special K Krispy Treats!

2011-08-17T00:28:00.000-07:00

I have never really cared for Rice Krispies. But I do like Special K and always have it in the house... so one day when I needed to take a quick treat somewhere I made these up and am now sharing my famous secret recipe with you!

Wendy's Special K Krispy Treats

Ingredients
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 package of jet puffed marshmallows (must be jet puffed!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 cups Special K
• 1/2 package of Reese's Peanut Butter chips

1. Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and vanilla, stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

2. Add Special K and Reese's Peanut Butter chips, stir until all coated and Peanut Butter chips melted.

3. Using buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture evenly into casserole

4. Cut into squares and serve with large glass of cold milk!

5. Try not to eat the entire pan, or hide all the evidence so your family doesn't get jealous!

Optional: Drizzle with chocolate as pictured above

How do you make Rice Krispies Treats?

Why Doesn't Winnie The Pooh Ever Get Stung By Hunny Bees?

2011-08-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

I was stung by a bee the other night. I have been stung before and knew the second it happened what it was. it was the underside of my arm, which swelled so much that it wasn't until a couple days later I realized I also had 4 mosquito bites on the outside of that arm... I have always relied on After Bite, which is basically ammonia to deal with mosquito bites. It stops the itch. This past couple years I have been having a more severe reaction to mosquito bites. So I had recently picked up some Benadryl gel, which didn't seem to help much... But Caladryl that really did the trick! Soothes, stops any oozing, cool and calming, doesn't smell bad at all. I have bathed my arm in this stuff for a few days and it's doing much better!

This wasn't the first time I was stung. The first time I was shopping in Fred Meyer with Kenneth. The bee was stuck in my finger and Kenneth wouldn't help me! He just backed away insisting he was allergic ... thanks a lot Kenneth!

Then a few years later when Awsumb was only about 6 months old I had been out shopping all day and come home to a warm house. I laid Awsumb on a blanket and opened some windows. We have these windows that open out, so you lift a flap on the screen, push the window out, then you have to shut the flap. We used to have these rhododendron brushes that wrapped around the side of the house and they were a a major attraction to all types of bees. So I go upstairs to put away my goodies from shopping and then I noticed Awsumb making this funny sound. I knew instantly what it was.. he was mimicking a the sound a bee would make if it was swarming around your head! Remembering that Kenneth is supposed to be "deathly allergic" I run downstairs to rescue him and find 3 bees swarming around his head and that stupid flap left open on the window screen. I shut the flap, run him upstairs and shut him in by bedroom. Then I called Kenneth, who refused to come and help... "I'm allergic..." OK so maybe he was in a meeting of something.. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, but his friend Robert came to rescue us!

I was able to chase one out the front door, kill a second and totally lost the third. Needless to say all slept locked in our master bedroom. In the morning I took Awsumb into his room to change him at the changing table and found a dead bee on the floor.

Awsumb 2002 - 6 months
with his Classic Pooh
from our dear friend Robert!

We saw the new Winnie the Pooh movie the other night. (see Awsumb above with his little Pooh bear!) I am so glad that at almost 10 he still loves simple things, such as Winnie the Pooh! As as only child, Awsumb often plays alone. Awsumb is a regular Christopher Robin, always exploring, making things up and usually accompanied by a "stuffy."

So why doesn't Pooh every get stung anyway? Maybe he just doesn't notice with all that fluffy stuffing?

A Totally Awsumb Baseball Birthday Party

2011-07-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

Awsumb 2006

Happy 5th Birthday!

Seatttle Mariner's Safeco Field

This party goes against my usual
kid's birthday party rule
about not going to typical kid's party venues.
But it is a good reminder that
there are much cooler places to go
if you are going to pay

for a Kids Birthday Party Place anyway.

This wasn't really much more $
than a Chuck E. Cheese party.

The Birthday Package At Safeco Field includes:

Stadium Tour - up to 20 people (we paid extra for about 30)

Including the Press Box, Locker Room, Field, Dugout,

and a Suite to serve lunch and birthday cake!

The Hardy family was so excited

when they heard about our plans

So, they all drove up from Utah

including Gpa and Gma Awsumb.

As it was also Greg's birthday

(who is an Totally Awesome Uncle)

We also splurged and had the batting cage
opened up for us under the stadium.

This was more for the adults
so I brought a blow up pitching game
for the kids to play during that time.

Awsumb and Greg in the Dug Out

The Locker Room

The Press Box

The kids at the playground

Blow Up Catcher / Punching Bag

Sandwiches, chips, soda, cracker jacks

Baseball Donuts from Krispy Kreme

The Stadium gave all the kids T-shirts, posters, a train,

And for the birthday boy a special bag of goodies
including an Ichiro Bobble Head!

Because the Hardy family came to town
This party lasted all weekend...

If you have made up your mind to go to a kids party venue

or have a lot of guests coming, start checking around.

All sorts of cool places have kids parties, museum's, etc.

Just be warned if you choose a extra special theme

be prepared for all your out of town family to show up!

We are glad the grandparents and cousins could share this day with Awsumb!

A Totally Awsumb Hot Wheel Birthday Party

2011-07-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

Awsumb 2005

Happy 4th Birthday

Decor:

Cones, Race Flags,

Blue, Orange and Yellow Balloons

Each kid picked out a HOT WHEEL

At the time, Hot Wheels had this neat racer with a pull out track.
Including a push button motor start and finish flag to announce the winner.
In the end the track would wrinkle up and became impossible to roll up properly.
It was a good idea while it lasted and worked fine for the party.

I set up the track and let kids race over and over again

until everyone won their own trophy
(I guess i didn't get any pictures of the trophy awards,
but you can see Awsumb wearing his below)

October Birthdays are always rainy here in the Northwest...

But, by some miracle there was no rain!

So we could set up the Race Car Pinata in the yard.

CAKE!

And of course, you gotta get that classic picture of hte kids lined up on the couch.

Each kid went home with their choice of:

Hot Wheel, Race Flag, Trophy

and pockets full of candy.

A Simple, Fun Party!

Disclaimer:

I usually coordinate Awsumb's Halloween costume

with his Birthday Parties.

But, he was really Batman in 2005

and the above Race Car photo is from 2006,
when he was 5 years old!

Because I like things "just so" this has always bothered me!

At the last minute, Awsumb decided to wear

this cape I had made to his specifications.

At the time he used to ask us to call him "Bruce"

for Bruce Wayne and wanted to be dressed up

underneath so no one knew he was the 'real' Batman! LOL!

A Totally Awsumb Spider-man and Friends Birthday Party

2011-07-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

Awsumb 2004

Happy 3rd Birthday!

I think my husband wanted this party more than my 3 year old!

All the kids were invited to come dressed in their Halloween costumes.

Decor: Poster of Spider-man, red and blue balloons

and a giant spider web made out of black yarn

The kids had fun climbing around in this spider-web.

Eventually we helped them each follow a string from on end to the other to find their prizes:

Spider-man Pez

I took pictures of the kids making their best Hulk faces.

The mayor sent over some award ribbons for all the super-heroes...

Then it was time to the let kids "jump around"

The Bounce House

OK - on one told me that blue frosting would be a mess to clean up!

There are so many fun things

you can do with super hero themes,

depending on the age of the kids.

I kept things pretty simple, it was plenty.

If I hosted a super hero party again I would make each kid their own cape.

This can be a simple cut of fabric

pinned to the kid's shirts

or with a simple tie, snap or velco around the neck.

Awsumb's Big Present:

Spider-man and Friends Playset

(I guess this is the equivelant to the Barbie Dream House?!)

Disclaimer:

I really wanted a Pirate Party and only did this Super Hero Party

to make my little boy and husband happy!
And I wouldn't let Awsumb wear the Spider-man costume for Halloween

because it just wasn't up to my standards! LOL!

I knew I would get to do a Pirate Party eventually,
And I did just that for his 8th Birthday!

Awsumb 2004

A Totally Awsumb Bob the Builder Birthday Party

2011-07-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

Awsumb 2003

Happy 2nd Birthday!

"Can we fix it? Yes we can!"

Awsumb simply LOVED

BOB THE BUILDER!

Decor:

Construction Tape, Cones,
Orange, Blue, Green and Yellow Balloons

Awsumb's big present:

Little People Construction Set

and Bob the Builder Legos (Duplos)

Each kid received a plastic construction hat

Bean Bag "Rock Toss"

I sewed up some simple 'boulders' filled with rice

Parachute Play

You can get a small parachute for about $20

This parachute has been used over and over throughout the years.

Stick the hammer on Bob's Tool Belt

Pull String Pinata's are great for little kids.

One lucky string pulls the pinata open!

Donuts and Juice

Each Kid took home a Little Tikes Plastic Hammer

I ordered these from the Little Tikes Parts department.

Much more fun than disposable goody bag toys from the party store!

The Gifts: Bob the Builder everything!

Including PJ's made by Gma Hardy

As Awsumb's Birthday falls in October his Halloween Costume was a no brainer!

I think you can easily put together costumes

that are much more charming

than any flimsy thing you'll find in the store.

I sewed a little patch Auntie found on some overalls,

let him wear the flannel pajama top Grandma Hardy sewed,

added Little Tikes tools Grandpa Awsumb bought,

his Bob The Builder Party Hat

and he was ready to Trick or Treat!

These ideas will work for Handy Manny or any other construction theme.

A Totally Awsumb Little People Birthday Party

2011-07-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

Awsumb 2002

Decor:

Pictures of Little People such as

firetrucks and boats

glued them to colored paper,

tied up some balloons, passed out hats - instant party!

Awsumb's big present was a Fisher-Price Amusement Park

First Activity - Play with Little People!

Fish Your Prize!

Put the Frog in Eddie's Pocket

(I simply blew up clip-art I found online and pasted this on posterboard)

Awsumb's 1st Birthday Cake

Let them eat Cake!

When you pick a popular theme

the party store will have everything you need including

invites, decor, cups and napkins, prizes, goody bags and thank you notes.

At the time you could get one of these birthday figures free by registering online with Fisher-Price

One year olds don't need anything more than a cupcake,

but I was excited to finally get to plan a kids birthday party.

Just remember simple is best!

Other themes I love for 1st Birthdays:

teddy bears, winnie the pooh,

farm or zoo animals,

gold fish or rubber duckies!

Totally Awesome Kids Birthday Parties

2011-07-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

When your Awsumb it's easy to throw Totally Awesome Kids Birthday Parties. I usually get excited to start planning my son's birthday parties when I attend my best girlfriend's parties in May. This gives me about six months to hide the expense so my husband thinks my parties are inexpensive! I prefer to avoid large party venues, as I think they are impersonal, loud, chaotic and well, I just like that picture of all the kids lined up on the couch.

I don't understand why some people get all stressed about planning a party. Sure some of us like to go all out, but that doesn't mean you have to. A you really need are a few balloons, cake, friends and it's a PARTY! As a child I remember meeting a little boy on a camping trip and attending an impromptu party, pretty much consisting of a 2-pack of Hostess Cupcakes and a cool climbing tree - it was great!

You don't even have to pick a theme as long as there is an activity for the kids and especially if you have a cool backyard or host it at your favorite park. Unfortunately my sons birthday is in October, we live in the northwest and it is always rainy weather. So, we don't get to take advantage of the backyard or local park.

A good suggestion is to invite only the number of kids of your child's age... I have trouble with this because I don't want to leave anyone out. Plus, I am always so excited about my plans I want to share them with everyone. But it's a great way to lower any stress in your party planning.

As a general rule 3 Party Games is plenty.. then just let the kids run around, play the games again or make up their own games. My son attended a spectacular Army party... the floor was covered in those little plastic army guys and although the training course and shooting activities were a lot of fun the kids could have just played with those little green army guys all day!

In my next few blogs I will share some of the simple party ideas I have used for my son...

Click on the themes below to see

Totally Awsumb Kids Parties!

Fisher Price Little People

Bob The Builder

Spider-man and Friends

Hot Wheels

Baseball Bash at Safeco Field

Lego Knights

Lego Star Wars

Pirates Pool Party

Harry Potter

Indiana Jones Adventure

Check back in the following weeks for party ideas that I hope will inspire you!

What was your favorite birthday party?

3-D

2011-07-26T00:43:00.000-07:00

I just hate 3-D. So I was pretty mad when we showed up at the last Harry Potter movie to find out it was in 3-D. I am pretty sure Kenneth knew this and choose not to tell me. At least we got these cool Harry Potter style glasses (more about them later).

Why does every new movie have to be in 3-D anyway? It's like they are just putting it into random things now, not even just movies that go with the whole 3-D effect. I HATE 3-D! It gives me a headache! And when we end up at a movie we didn't realize was in 3-D I always pout about it. I get 3-D for a campy movie like JAWS. But in general the 3-D effect should only enhance the movie - just enough to make it seem more real... The viewer should be able to forget about the effect rather than having something pop up in their face every two minutes reminding them they are sitting in a theater and removing them from the story.

Here are some of my complaints: 3-D glasses are always too big for me. My 3-D glasses are always crooked. My 3-D glasses are always scratched or foggy because they have cheap lenses. 3-D glasses at an IMAX leave that dumb mark on your head. And finally that nasty headache I end up with...

Some people might say it's all in your head, but they are wrong, there is a name for it: vergence-accommodation. And apparently the act of trying to focus can cause headache for some people.

The night after we saw the final Harry Potter movie we went to see Captain America in 3-D. As a joke, partway through the movie when my son left to use the restroom, I swapped my big glasses with his kid sized glasses. OH MY HECK They were soooo much better! And he was so kind he told me I could wear them the rest of the movie. I was able to forget the movie was even in 3-D! Then I realized that besides the fact that my Harry Potter glasses were warped they actually fit better than any 3-D glasses I had worn... The lesson- wear smaller glasses? Maybe that will help me in the future...

Click to read What's the problem with 3-D?

2011 Brain Freeze Rally

2011-07-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

"SUCK FOR YOUR LIFE!"

Sadly, Summertime Lime was no where

to be found on the Seattle Eastside,

but Watermelon Lime is a new favorite of mine!

Kenneth is so busy at work that he just couldn't get away from the office and missed Slurpee Day this year. So I took Awsumb and his friend Trevor. We hit 10 Slurpees in 2hrs 40min... by the end Awsumb's friend thought he was going to be sick! So I didn't push it!

(I have to upload a snap of the boys off my other camera)

We spend the evening at a big Summer Baseball BBQ, but did manage to get Kenneth at least ONE FREE SLURPEE before the day was over... Although we went to a store that was out of free cups they let us fill a small! SCORE!

SLURPEE ART!

Awsumb and SEV!

Sev and Even!

By Awsumb and Wendy

My sister Katie was so anxious to get started

she went just a few hours after midnight and turned up with

THE FASTEST TIME and

The MOST Free Slurpees

15 each - before sunrise!

PRIZES:

Reloadable 7-11 Gift Cards and

INDUSTRIAL SLURPEE STRAWS!

GROUP HONORABLE MENTIONS

The Lowe and Grant Families

We hope the rest of your summer is

WILD!

(click to read our KILLER UNO RULES)

Click to see pictures from 2010 Brain Freeze Rally

Did you get your FREE SLURPEE? Don't forget to mark your calendars for next year!

Tut, Tut, Tut, Looks Like Rain!

2011-07-18T23:21:00.000-07:00

Seattle: Home of the 78 Minute Summer!

Yep, that sounds about right! According to this KOMO News article we have had exactly 78 minutes of temperatures of at least 80 so far. And even if you count temps around only 75 degrees we have still only had 18 hours of summer - that's not even a full day!

INSTALLING SUMMER.....

███████████████░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ 44% DONE

Installation failed. 404 error: Season not found.

The season you are looking for

might have been removed,

had its name changed,

or is temporarily unavailable.

Please try again...

Although one of the reasons I love it here is because of the mild seasons... it's getting a bit annoying to be wet all the time... and I have even started toting around an umbrella like some tourist!

I saw a post card like this when we first moved here...Four Seasons? Not so much... at least that's how it feels sometimes!

So for now, we will just keep enjoying our muddy little hikes, soggy baseball games and make sure to take a jacket with us if we are out after 8pm!

Update: Today we went to the pool to bask in our lovely rain clouds... Awsumb decided if we just wear blue goggles everywhere we'll have blue skies!

Reminds me of my favorite series of commercials by PEMCO Insurance... Awsumb saved all his money to buy Kenneth a tent for Father's Day... I better make sure to buy a BLUE TARP before we try the camping thing later this summer!

"We don't need to check the weather report, we brought our own blue skies!"

7-11 Free Slurpee Brain Freeze Rally!

2011-07-10T15:06:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year again!

Are you ready for the

THE 2011 BRAIN FREEZE RALLY?

Each July 11th, 7-11 offers
Free 7.11 oz. Slurpee's!

THE GOAL:

10 free Slurpees!

That's 71.1 ounces of Slurpee per person!

WHEN:

July 11th, of course!

12:00am-12:00pm
(at participating stores,
many don't start until morning hours)

THE RULES:

Only ONE Free Slurpee per 7-11

You must get a different flavor than the one before
(but may repeat flavors over the course of the event)

You must finish your Slurpee before we get to the next 7-11

And of course, obey all traffic laws!

And that leads us to

THE CHEER:

"Suck for your lives!"

Which you will find yourself yelling

as you chase other cars loads of kids

around town trying to get the last of

the FREE Slurpees cups
before they are all gone!

THE PRIZES:

THE FASTEST TIME

THE MOST FREE SLURPEES

THE BEST SLURPEE CUP ART

The Person or Group who gets

THE MOST FLAVORS

(You will need photo proof of each flavor)

Alienade, Berry Blaster, Summertime Lime, Blue Lightning Blast, K23 Battle Fuel, Crystal Light Strawberry Banana, Peach Dragon Fruit, Mountain Dew White Out, Snow Fruit, Purple for the People, WICKED Apple, 5 React Fruit, Barq's Rootbeer, Goji Berry Cherry, Coca Cola, Crystal Light Peach Mango, Dr. Pepper, Fanta Banana, Fanta Blue Raspberry, Fanta Wild Cherry, Fanta Kiwi Strawberry, Fanta Orange, Pina Colada, Mountain Dew Free, Mountain Dew Blue Shock Freeze, Pepsi

Join us to see how many
FREE SLURPEES
it takes to
FREEZE YOUR BRAIN!

Click here to read about our 2010's Epic Slurpee Adventure

Click here to read about our 2011 Brain Freeze Rally

2010 BRAIN FREEZE RALLY!

2011-07-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

7-11 Free Slurpee Day

This sounds a little crazy, but this is typical

of the silly things we like to do around our house.

Each July 11th, 7-11 offers free 7.11 oz. Slurpee's.

So we spend the evening of July 11th

driving around trying to get 10 free Slurpees.

That's 71.1 ounces of Slurpees per person!

Gotta have a good soundtrack!

7:11 PM

It took us about 6 hours, with a break for dinner at the lake

and we went to over 21 stores
in our area to find locations that still had
the free 7.11 ounce cups!

The rules:
You must get a different flavor each time

and you must finish your Slurpee
before you get to the next 7-11.

Not very convenient!

This lead to the cheer of the night,

"Suck for your lives!"

As we chased other vans full of families and teenagers

around town trying to get the last of

THE FREE Slurpees before they were all gone!

What are some crazy summer traditions you have?

How to make your own Indiana Jones Torch

2011-07-06T00:56:00.000-07:00

If you see this little guy lurking around in your backyard, don't worry, it's only Awsumb one on of his latest archaeological quests!

There is just something about being a 9 year old boy that makes them want to run around in the dark with flashlights. Recently my sons favorite character to play is Indiana Jones. And below is his most prized Indiana Jones gear! All he needs now is a real leather jacket, "Just like Daddy's," he says. Well, that's going to have to wait until his birthday. In the meantime, I have been keeping Awsumb occupied with more exciting things as we plan his TOP SECRET Indiana Jones Birthday Party.

Awsumb's birthday is in October and well, it's always raining... so I just might have to host this one a little earlier in the year so we can go on a real Indiana Jones style adventure! Sounds exciting right? But you'll need to make your own torch. Gather an old flashlight, a paper towel roll, tissue paper and duct tape. Use an exact-o knife to cut a rectangle out for the on/off switch... tape everything together really tight and there you go -your very own torch!

Although I am always encouraging Awsumb to learn all he can as Indy says,

"If you want to be a good archeologist, you got to get out of the library."

Look for more exciting ideas from:

Oh and I finally updated last years

Totally Awsumb Harry Potter Party with Pictures!

Click to view!

Sunkissed?

2011-07-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

I have strawberry blond hair and blue eyes. I never really tan, I mostly just burn... and I've had some nasty burns over the years. Shoulders and back were pretty regular summer burns. One summer my nose peeled all summer and through the winter - yuck. Another year my hands were severely burned after spending a cloudy day on the lake. And don't forget all those times the tops of my ears were burned and at night they would bubble up and my hair would stick to them, them I'd have to rip it off the skin as I pulled my hair back in the morning - ewww!!! I spend many years as a teenager trying to "tan" and even went to a tanning salons for a while when I was 19. Then we moved to the northwest and everything changed for me. I began using heavy sunscreen and decided to just accept my glowing white skin.

This spring was unusually cold and cloudy. We didn't have many of those famous warm Seattle afternoons. Then out of nowhere if finally hits over 70 two days in a row and I end up spending over 8 hours in direct sun both days for a baseball tournament. I started out the day with sunscreen and even sat under an umbrella. I was mostly worried about my face... but I seem to have that pretty much covered these days and rarely get nasty sunburns on my face because I use Bare Minerals make up, which is SPF 15. I usually only need to apply full sunscreen if I am going to be a full day in the sun, at the pool, etc.

Just a few hours in I was so red that people I didn't even know would come up to me and spray me with sunscreen. (incidentally, the sunscreen industry now says those spray on sunscreens may not be as effective as they once thought - duh!) By day two I was an official lobster. For the next day, I had a bit of heat stroke and I realized the sunburn was getting worse. I was bathing in aloe and lotion and trying to drink extra water... And 4 days later the above picture is what I looked like. I was actually quite a bit more red overall that really shows up in this photo, but certain areas on my chest and scalp really started looking different than the rest of my skin and that worried me.

As my arms and legs peeled, these extra red patches blistered up to look even worse! This second picture was taken 1 week after the initial sunburn. I didn't even take photos on it's worst day because it was just so gross. My family doctor wanted to treat it as a 2nd degree burn with antibiotic ointment... but by dermatologist prescribed Biofine, which is often used for cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment.

Things you may not know about sunscreen - It takes 1-2 ounces to completely cover your face. That's at least 1 shot glass!

A typical bottle of sunscreen is good for about 2 full applications (face, shoulders, chest, arms, etc..)

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied about every hour. Some ingredients because down when exposed to UV (that's how they work) and sunscreen is also easily sweated, rubbed, wiped and washed off.

Look for UVA and UVB protection. UVB Rays penetrate the outer layer of skin and are the primary cause of sunburn. UVA penetrate into into the layers of the skin. Neutrogena has been my sunscreen of choice for years.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) helps measure how long you can stay in the sun with sunscreen before getting burned. SPF measurement is quite arbitrary and does NOT measure either wrinkle protection or skin cancer protection. Consequently, ALL manufacturers of sunscreen have recently been sued for false advertising.

Notice, too, that the amount of sunscreen needed to achieve the results quoted is impressive: generally, a hand full of sunscreen is used to cover a body. In other words, a standard tube is good for TWO (2) applications! Which takes us back to were I began...

And here I am on my soapbox reminding you all to use handfuls of sunscreen and cover up this summer!

Blister Block

2011-07-05T23:30:00.000-07:00

BAND-AID^® Friction Block™ Stick has a lubricating formula that glides on smoothly to instantly reduce rubbing on skin. It forms an invisible barrier, making it ideal for open shoes, and provides an easy, non-messy application.

I found this stuff a few years ago and simply LOVE IT! I have very tender feet and have such terrible time with blisters. I have been known to get blisters just from certain patterns or type of socks. I mostly prefer shoes that I can slip my feet into. Before I found this I carried Moleskin with me at all times. And now I can't even remember the last time I used Moleskin!

Blister block works best when applied as soon as you feel and area which may develop into a blister. You must apply before blister forms. Check it out!

You're a Grand Old Flag

2011-07-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

Awsumb Kenneth Hardy 7-4-2002

You're a Grand Old Flag

by George M. Cohan

You're a grand old flag,

You're a high flying flag

And forever in peace may you wave.

You're the emblem of

The land I love.

The home of the free and the brave.

Ev'ry heart beats true

'neath the Red, White and Blue,

Where there's never a boast or brag.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

Crossing Rosemead!

2011-07-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

On holiday weekends such as this people all over the country head home to celebrate with family. I wrote the following on the way to visit my family in February:

When your Grandparents live in the sunshine state the chorus in the old song "Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go.." just doesn't seem to work. But you always knew you were getting close to Grandpa and Grandma's house when Aunt Laurel dialed my Grandparents number on the car phone and exclaimed, "Crossing Rosemead!"

I always looked forward to our annual visits to my Grandparents house. I loved seeing the home my father grew up in. My Aunt Laurel’s bedroom was just the way she left it. And when I had a child of my own, I was excited to take him to the little white house on Youngdale St. Over the years Awsumb played baseball in the front yard, went in and out the squeaky back door… Gpa measured his height on the old kitchen door, and took Awsumb on wagon rides to meet the neighbors. Awsumb shared lunch with Grandpa at the same kitchen table I remember eating breakfast at when we visited his home as a kid. (This table now lives in my family room.) I am so thankful he had the chance to make some memories at my Grandparents home.

Even after they passed we still occasionally drive up to the old neighborhood together and say hello to the neighbors that are still there. Then we take flowers over to the cemetery. And of course have dinner at The North Woods Inn.

My parents divorced when I was just a newlywed. My childhood family no longer exists. My father had since remarried and I knew it was meant to be the instant I saw them together. From the time Dad and Colleen were married they were just as they had always been together. We visit them often and Awsumb looks forward to snuggling with his Grandma Awsumb and going on adventures with my father. But the fact remains that my childhood home no longer exists.

Going home for me is visiting my Aunt Laurel and Uncle C.K. who taught me everything I know about family, commitment, loyalty and love. I love this photo of the two of us at Laurel’s wedding. I was just three years old and sometimes when I glance at this picture I feel as if I am clinging to her as if my life depends on it.

Children of divorced parents quickly learn that many of the things you thought you could depend on can vanish in an instant. I am so lucky to have always been able to depend on my Aunt. Laurel graciously accepted a role that became much more than a distant Auntie and has always been there for me. She is my greatest supporter and I can’t imagine my life without her.

Tonight I am packing up to visit my Aunt Laurel and Uncle C.K. and as we fly over Rosemead and onto Costa Mesa, I know we’re going home!

Now that my Grandparents have passed on the tradition lives on. When Kenneth or I call on our way home we always say, “Crossing Rosemead!” Recently, we realized we needed clarify exactly what street we were referring to because there certainly isn’t a Rosemead Blvd. near our house! Either way, it simply means, “I’m coming home!”

Good Bye Baseball!

2011-06-08T03:15:00.000-07:00

Awsumb Runs Home - 2011

Time to say goodbye to another season of baseball! Kenneth coached the RWLL AAA Nationals. Because the boys are getting older I finally stepped out of the dugout and took a more backstage role. After 4 years of instructional ball this was our first competitive year. Teams were drafted by evaluation scores. We were happy to play with a couple old friends and lucky to make a bunch more! As this was the first year of 'kid pitch' it was still much like an instructional year. We had a pretty good season, although ending it with inter league play against mismatched teams was frustrating. Tonight we were eliminated from the tournament. Although we are sad to say goodbye to the 2011 spring season we are looking forward to cheering on the other teams this weekend.

And now for the fun end of the year festivities. We always host a simple team party. After a quick parents vs. kids game (in which the kids always seem to win), trophies and ice cream. This year I scored some of Nationals batting helmet ice cream bowls. And for trophies the boys will get a game ball signed by all their teammates. A few of our parents were worried about end of season costs. So a few of us parents took photos and I put these together. I think they turned out pretty good.

My own "memory mate" thanks to

Google and Microsoft Publisher

Totally Awsumb Baseball Cards

After each game Kenneth likes to meet with the boys to talk about the game and usually picks a few players of the game. Then all the kids line up to get their baseball cards. They were sure surprised tonight when they got a full deck of their own team! We had a lot of fun making these baseball cards for all the boys.

Although I grow to love our boys each year, this year in particular I was a bit teary eyed. We are looking forward to playing with many of them in Summer Ball!

Sacrifice

2011-05-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

In life we often choose to make personal sacrifices to better our family. And as my brother recently reminded me... Sometimes we end up sacrificing ourselves AND our family to the cause, company, etc. This can especially happen if you are a people pleaser, have a type A personality, are obsessive about things, and always give 110%.

Last year I took a part time job to help pay my sons private school tuition. For the first time in my life instead of taking over the world I really stuck to boundaries I had set up to preserve family life. Over a year later the job is not so flexible and pushing full time. It was time to make a choice about my personal goals for my family and myself. Although I really enjoyed the work and am sure I could have been successful in the future, after much contemplation I felt the apple I had selected to feed my family was now poisoning my family.
My husband has always done well enough for us to be comfortable, even spoiled and sometimes careless. Compared to many I don't have the right to complain. Although new sacrifices will have to be made, I look forward to carefree summer of picnics and free concerts in the park.

Summer Cravings! Lime Cream Vanilla?

2011-05-02T22:15:00.000-07:00

OK, it really has been a long rainy winter here in the NW and it doesn't look to end soon. Because as we all know the sun doesn't come out up here until July 5th. After 13 years the rain and clouds are really getting to me this season and I worried I might be depressed. Turns out I am not the only one. It's been much colder here and apparently the weatherman has charts to prove I am not crazy!

And so I continue on... chasing bits of blue sky in hope of feeling that sun on myself. In the meantime, I am officially diagnosing myself with scurvy because the only thing I seem to crave lately is lime....

All this time I thought there was nothing better than nice cold Coke and Lime! Until one day antique shopping with my Dad we stopped at a 7-11 to let Awsumb pick out a little treat and what do I find....

SUMMERTIME LIME! The new Lime Cream Vanilla Slurpee! I don't even like Slurpee's but the boys do and in the summer I will occasionally get a small one. Well, my obsession led us to a late night hunt this weekend for a 7-11 in our neighborhood that is carrying this new flavor. And boy was it worth it! YUM!

And you know what this means... It's will be my number one flavor on the 2011- Free Slurpee Day - Brain Freeze Rally! That's right, mark your calendar's, it's coming up. July 11th Free Slurpee Day at 7-11. Contest rules coming soon... (click to read about 2010's Epic Free Slurpee Run!) We hope your family will join us as we see how many free Slurpee's it's takes to freeze your brain!

SUCK FOR YOUR LIVES!

So today we stopped for lunch at Taco Time, which just happens to be the chosen restaurant in our area to debut Coke Freestyle. Have you tried these new soda dispensers? What's not to love about a high tech - touch screen soda machine with over 100 choices.. mix and match for unlimited combinations!

So as I am trying to convince my son to try a Lime Rickey (Sprite, Grape Syrup and Lime) it comes to me... A Lime Vanilla Diet Coke... 2/3rds Diet Coke and Lime, 1/3 Diet Coke and Vanilla! PERFECTION!

What's your favorite soda combination?

Easter

2011-04-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

Look at these cute 'sushi peeps' (rice krispy treats wrapped in fruit rollups) some friends dropped off today. Everybody loves springtime... there's baseball, tulips, daylight savings time, chocolate bunnies and of course, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus.

Many years ago a friend of mine brought over this Easter basket filled with numbered eggs, which are filled with small objects and slips of paper that tell about the Resurrection of Jesus. Every year we turn to the basket for a quick object lessons at church and family home evening. Kenneth usually shares it with his home teaching families. I am often asked if I have a copy of the scriptures, so here you are...

Egg 1: One sacrament cup (Matt. 26:39)

“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

Egg 2: Three dimes (Matthew. 26:14)

“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.”

Egg 3: Twine with knots in it (Matt. 27:1)

“When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.”

Egg 4: A piece of soap (Matt. 27:24)

“When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”

Egg 5: Square of red fabric (Matt. 27:28)

“And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.”

Egg 6: Nail (Matt. 27:31)

“And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.”

Egg 7: Two dice (Matt. 27:35)

“And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him there.”

Egg 8: Tiny rocks (Matt. 27:50, 51 & 54)

“Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.”

Egg 9: Strip of white cloth (Matt. 27:57)

“When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathæa, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”

Egg 10: A stone (Matthew 27:65)

“Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”

Egg 11: Tiny bag of spices (Mark 16:1-4)

“And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.”

Egg 12: An empty egg (Mark 16:5-6)

“And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.”

What does your family do to remember the Ressurection?

Popcorn, Peanuts, Cracker Jacks!

2011-04-16T02:07:00.000-07:00

Awsumb, Kenneth and Wendy

August 2003 Safeco Field

Baseball season is finally here! You know you have been season ticket holders too long when you have favorite ushers and you know the vendors at the stadium and all their little silly rhymes... When Awsumb was in preschool the teacher reported he loved to play with the toy cash register and yell, "Beer, here!"

I don't know what it is about baseball, but I just love it! I always have... though Kenneth will beg to differ because his memories of me as a teenager watching baseball were more about me reading a fashion magazine and not paying attention to the game at all. Kenneth and I often argue about what our first "date" was because we didn't "date" so much as become friends and decide to get married. But one of our earliest memories of each other is when on family vacation our parents planned for us all to meet up at a Dodgers-Cubs game in the 80's. I still have my ticket stub!

But that's just the thing... Baseball isn't just baseball, it's being out in the open air on a warm summer evening. Even if you don't like sports, how can you not love an evening at the ballpark?

To some people baseball might seem slow or even boring... which honestly might be some of the reasons I like it - there is plenty of time for me to talk AND figure out what's going on! Actually, it's really a game of strategy and I think that's why I love it so much! It's all about the figures, numbers and stats!

Baseball is like a good novel... introduce characters, set up a basic plot, add a twist and hope for a happy ending!

The game of baseball is not unlike a lifelong, well-worn, comfortable love affair: After a time, you know what to expect, but you can never predict what will happen. You also learn how to forgive," writes Anna Holmes on Why Smart Women Love Baseball

As Kenneth and I come up on 16 years of marriage we are like a baseball game, well worn and comfortable. And although we know what we can expect from each other, we can never predict what will happen next - and yes, we both have learned how to forgive!

From little league to major league I rather be at the ballpark than just about anywhere else on a summer evening! I'm not alone, baseball is often referred to as The Great American Pastime and just maybe it really does have magical powers to heal broken hearts as it did after 9/11 as seen in Nine Innings From Ground Zero.

I do have one pet peeve regarding baseball...If you know what's good for you - you'd better remove that sticker from your cap!

Awesome!

2011-04-16T01:04:00.000-07:00

I guess my little guy is getting too old for Easter pictures with his little argyle sweater vest. But I had to get some spring portraits so I grabbed his new baseball hat, favorite new comic book and we ran out the door to get a couple snaps from the quick photo place at the mall.

Definitely a smug-mug... but too cute for words!

Awsumb just happened to be wearing this shirt today...

he would wear it everyday if I let him!

I just love that every time Awsumb gets a new hat

that's a little big, it make his ears stick out!

I am not sure who wanted this book more,

Awsumb or Daddy,

but as soon as I saw it I knew it would

be coming home to live with us!

The Complete Peanuts

Vol. 1 by Charles Shulz

Vintage comics in chronological order...

Awsumb was just as fascinated by these old Peanuts strips

as the first time he saw original drawings of Mickey Mouse

Little Slugger

All too grown up!

Awesome catch!

You can never buy just one!

Click Summertime to read about the reason I started taking my own props for pictures

Dangerous things you should let your children do...

2011-04-05T02:38:00.000-07:00

Remember when you played in that empty field or lot near your house? Remember when you rode your bike until you were lost and had to find your way home? Remember when you played outside until dark? Remember when you discovered where Dad kept the fireworks in the garage?

We fill our kids schedules with classes and team sports, make them wear bike helmets and football pads to play on anything with wheels. Why are we sheltering our kids so much today and what from? Is the world really so different? Of course we want our kids to be safe. But maybe we are limiting exploration and free play a little too much. It's time to rethink some of our restrictions...

Read 50 Dangerous Things (You should let your children do) by Gever Tulley

In Jean Liedloff's book, The Continuum Concept, she reflects on time spend living with Stone Age Indians in South America. She observed that without boundaries although there were many dangers like pits, fire, knives, etc. Babies quickly learn to avoid such literal pitfalls and young children are taught and trusted to use what we would consider dangerous tools, safely.

My father said he always knew when my brother had gotten into things in the garage (Uh hum.. fireworks)... but he felt letting him have the freedom to explore that a bit kept him from getting into bigger trouble.

Awsumb's Uncle sent him a fancy pocket knife for his birthday when he was 8... although we had all the safety talks and demos... it still took him getting a small cut while he was working on something alone one day for him to learn the full lesson...

OK, So I am not ready to let my 9 year old take the subway alone in NYC... But, I did let my son cook his own breakfast in the toaster oven this morning...

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Read my review of Nurture Shock

What do you remember doing that you would never let your kids do today?

What things do you think we need to let our kids do again?

Killer UNO RULES!

2011-03-31T17:59:00.000-07:00

Coming up on 16 years and here's another piece to The Love Story. You could say that if it wasn't for Killer UNO! I wouldn't have married Kenneth. I always loved to play games, but after the preteen years I just didn't play games very often. I had gone out with Kenneth a couple times 'just because' and one lazy Sunday afternoon while a friend and I were visiting Kenneth called and invited us over for Game Night, which was a weekly Sunday occasion at the Hardy house. "No way," I protested to my friend... "He is such a NERD!" But my friend thought it would be fun to see Kenneth's brother Greg, and it wasn't like we had much else to do.... And that's the beginning of my metamorphose into a Board Game Geek.

After 16 years we have decided these are the most balanced rules...

UNO! Awsumb-Hardy House Rules

1. Dealing- Begin with 2 UNO decks. Dealer chooses how many cards are dealt. (1-?) (Wendy is known for dealing only one card, leaving all players scrambling to quickly turn over their cards and scream UNO! Often a game will end there, other times a one card deal leads to a very long game- it just depends on the cards in the deck!)

2. Play- Play starts with the player to the left of the dealer and continues clockwise until reversed. Play begins the second the dealer flips the first card. (You may flip the top card before all players are ready, or make sure your own cards are in order first! This can be used as strategy because matches may be played immediately after the play begins. Kenneth is known for not sorting his cards as strategy to mix up the person who may receive them later in the game.)

3. Draw 'til you play. If a player has no legal card to play, the play must continue to draw from the pile until a playable card is drawn. Shuffle as needed. If you draw Wild cards, you don't have to play them but you must play the first matching color card you draw.

4. Matching- Any player can play out of turn if you can make an exact match to the current card. Play then continues from that person on, skipping the players in between the last played card and the match. If you have two identical cards in your hand then you can play both at the same time. This is particularly good when it is 2 (identical) draw-cards, or 2 (identical) reverse cards, etc. (2 Reverse= no change. 2 Skip = skip 2 players)

5. Match and play- A variation of the matching rule is to allow the person who matched to match and then play a legal card from their hand, giving them an extra turn. (This rule is controversial, so it is optional.)

6. Draw Stacks- Any Draw card starts a draw stack. Instead of drawing the appropriate cards, a player may “fight” with another draw card, ADDING to the draw effects and sending it on to the next player. You can “fight” a draw with any Draw Two, Reverse, Skip or a Wild Draw Four. Normal color rules apply. The number cards and the standard Wild card cannot be played in the draw stack. (Skip cards may also be stacked, sending the skip around the table)

7. Wild Cards- In normal play, you can play a Wild Draw Four, even if you have any of the appropriate color available. When playing any Wild card, in normal play or in the stack, you must still declare the new color and cannot use the same color.

8. Sixes & Nines- Sixes and nines may be played interchangeably. Beware, if you are caught you must draw six or nine!

9. Pass on Zero- When any one of the "0" cards are played everyone must pass their hand to the adjacent person in the direction of play. Only after a swap or draw stack has completed is a final winner determined… and it may NOT be the person who originally “played their last card.”

10. Switch on Zero- A variation for the “0” card is to allow the player who plays the “0” the option of switching hands with another player.

11. Going Out- Be cautious of playing a draw card or a “0” as your final card, it will trigger additional action! The hand does not end until play is resolved and, if you end up drawing cards, play will continue.

12. Scoring- The winner is the one who gets rid of all their cards first, and then everyone "counts" their remaining cards (as in the usual game- remaining numbers are added together, Draw Two, Reverse, Skip or Wild - 20 points; Wild Draw Four- 50 points). The game stops when the first player gets to 500, and the one with the lowest score wins!

13. Pirates- In honor of Little Awsumb (Optional) Players must cheat – Suggested methods include, but are not limited to…

looking at other players' hands, playing two or more cards at once to get rid of them faster,

hiding cards anywhere you can (up sleeves, under the table or back on the deck),

playing the wrong card when no one is looking (if caught player draw that # of cards),

passing and not playing cards you may want to keep for a future draw stack…

Players must use pirate voices and say "arggh" a lot (adds to the atmosphere)

Killer UNO servers as a really good 'gateway game' to introduce new friends to our board game nights and our ever growing collection of good quality strategy board games.

What are your House Rule variations?

Washing Stuffies

2011-03-30T00:44:00.000-07:00

Official instructions will tell you to spot clean a stuffed animal. But when you live with OCD and severe allergies this just isn't going to cut it! I have successfully been regularly washing my child's favorite furry companions over the past 10 years.

When the preschool class Teddy Bear came for a visit at our house, Teddy had to go through a full decontamination process. Whoever came up with that idea, to pass Teddy around... oh, how did I want to wring their neck! To think of all the homes it had been to simple gave me a panic attack. And to top it off, he came with a full suitcase of blankets, clothes and things the kids had donated to the furry bundle of cooties... I mean, come on, that's what it was. Included with the bear was a journal of all the homes he had been to and places he had been, the movie theater, camping, etc. Yuck, yuck, yuck! I totally washed that thing to death - along with all it's belongings gambling that it wouldn't fall apart!

Before washing always check the seams and make any repairs needed.

Wash in zippered pillow case. This will contain the stuffing in case it falls apart. If you use a thick flannel, it can also keep things like the eyes from getting scratched. I learned that lesson the hard way after I washed The Grinch. Just a few scratches of his eyes and he looked like a green devil. Thus, he was no longer fun to hold and sadly, he was eventually used as some sort of joke gift!

Use fabric softener or dryer sheets and they might even come out softer than before!

The high heat of a drying cycle can also kill dust mites and other cooties.

Other alternatives include: Spot cleaning, which was the best I could do with the beloved Bob the Builder because he contained a sound box... Eventually we just had to put him to rest.

Sprinkle baking soda in a large paper sack, enclose stuffy inside and shake to freshen bad odors.

Freeze stuffies for a day or two. But this one breaks my rules about contamination.

And finally, regularly vacuuming stuffed animals and other things that can't be washed is always a good thing.

I was just thinking that keeping them each enclosed in individual Ziplock bags would be a great idea... But as any literate Kmart shopper knows:

Warning: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep this plastic bag away from babies and children. Do not use this bag in cribs, beds, carriages or playpens. The plastic bag could block nose and mouth and prevent breathing. This bag is not a toy.

My final tip about stuffed animals is where to keep them. I purchased coordinating laundry basket to act as a sort of "dog bed" for Awsumb's stuffed animals. And finally - don't be afraid to throw them out! No matter how much they are loved, if it became too contaminated I would toss one in a heartbeat! Seeing kids drag around filthy blankets and stuffed animals is just beyond gross to me. Because I know this can be hard on a little one I do my best to help my son keep his most favorites safe.

How you do keep your kids stuffed animals clean and contained?

Meet Rusty

2011-03-28T23:26:00.000-07:00

As I rescued Rusty, yet again from another fate worse than death, I realized I needed to photograph this little guy. Awsumb has many stuffies and loves them all equally. There is probably a top 10, but he rotates through them all pretty regularly. Wherever you find Awsumb you will also usually find 2 or 3 of these furry creatures around, just to keep him company while he reads or plays with toys. But none of them compare to his beloved Rusty, with his oversized head, pouty little face, floppy ears and rust colored fur.

When Awsumb was just a baby and could finally sit in the front of the shopping cart we took a trip to Fred Meyer and found this classic stuffed puppy with babysoft fur. Although Awsumb was too little to understand I handed him this tiny stuffy and said, "If you can hold onto him until the checkout stand, you can keep him." He squeezed him tight all the way through the store and just as we were getting in line he dropped him on the floor. Nonetheless... Rusty came home to live with us that day.

Since that time Rusty has been a faithful companion to Awsumb. He often went unnoticed because he was small. But as the years went by it became apparent that he was special. Awsumb reserved him for times he needed the most personal comfort. Awsumb carries him around and holds him by his neck, in which after all these year the stuffing has completely broken down. Rusty is so tiny that he can be jammed into a pocket or at the bottom of a bag.

Unbenounced to me he went to many firsts with Awsumb, including the first week of 1st Grade. Although, Awsumb had been in preschool for 3 years he just had to have his most treasured companion with him when he went to the big new school. At the end of the week when I discovered he had been hiding him in his backpack everyday I questioned Awsumb. Because of my contamination issues I was pretty upset that he had taken him out of the house without asking permission. His reponse was, "I kept him in my backpack so I would know he was there, just in case I needed him."

Because he is just a little guy I don't think I have ever caught him in a photo with Awsumb. And because Awsumb treasures him so, he is usually tucked away safely in his room. Rusty has survived many trips through the washing machine and is softer than the day we brougtht him home. I hope Awsumb has him to love forever!

My little brother had a stuffed dog name Woofy. My Auntie had a favorite doll Tookie. I named all my baby dolls Mary because she was the mother of Jesus. What do you remember about your favorite stuffy?

Update: It's all worth it when you find a little note on your bed. We took Awsumb to the batting cages today And all I'll say about it is that it was epic and I still feel contaminated!

"Thanks for the fun things today. Thank you for cleaning Rusty, I was very worried. You two can share him for the night, you earned it. :) Love, Awsumb"

Oh, and he gave me two Zingers snack cakes. (Which have recently become a hot commodity around our house.)

The Story of the World

2011-03-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

Awsumb as Indiana Jones - March 2011

In his quest to become an archaeologist I suggested Awsumb read all he can about history. When his Hardy Grandparents sent money for Christmas I was excited to finally purchase a series of books I found out about through home school moms. The Story of the World by Susan Wise Bauer is a great series for young elementary age kids. You can purchase workbooks to go along with them, but I just wanted them to be fun reading. I figured we could read a chapter together each day, but Awsumb was so excited about them that he has gone ahead without me and just finished Volume 1. Each chapter he has been so excited to share what he is learning as he connects things from his life in modern times, current events and religion. I am so excited about HIS excitement.

When Awsumb read the chapter on the young King Tut he said, "Mom, King Tut died at age 18. The book didn't say how... I just have to know how, he was so young! Was it disease? What?" The next day checked out and read three children's books about King Tut from the school library.

I am so thrilled for his hunger for knowledge and glad he has a love of reading. These would be great books to read together as a family with young children to inspire them to learn more about history.

I recently read A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. It's a quick read or a fun listen as an audio book. Check out the children's book he wrote, A Really Short History of Nearly Everything. It begins with the Big Bang to What Now? Awsumb also received this at Christmas and loves leisurely looking through the bright illustrations.

Thank you Grandpa and Grandma Hardy!

Potty Time

2011-03-22T16:28:00.000-07:00

The diaper years were a nightmare for me.  And I will admit to calling Kenneth home from the office a time or two. It was just more than I could take... not to mention having to change anyone else's kid (more about that later!) I was very specific about diapering rituals. One of the added benefits of breastfeeding is that breastfed babies diapers are sooo much easier to deal with! Thank goodness! At one point I was asked to be part of a study for a diaper company. Once the lady started going through the specifics with me I knew there was no way I could handle such a thing. "But you'll get paid," they lady kept saying as I told her this was just wasn't going to work!

I couldn't wait to potty train and luckily my child expressed interest quickly. So first off was to find a children's book on the subject. So many books on this subject are so gross and even inappropriate for kids. I didn't want some book with pictures of a kid bending over say, "I have a hole right here." (seriously found one that included and illustration... And then there was the humorous ones... I simply don't tolerate potty humor. I was so happy when I found THE POTTY BOOK by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

The Potty Book comes in a pink and blue version, one for girls and one for boys. The star of the book is Henry, who is growing up and "can do lots of things each day..." One day Mommy brings him home a box, "My very own potty, to use when I am ready." Henry practices sitting on the potty and even has an accident. Then one morning he wakes up and says, "I'm off to the potty, I think this time I'm ready!" His parents celebrate and Henry gets to pick out new underwear. Henry's a big boy now and "can run and jump and play without a wet diaper getting in his way." My little boy just loved this book and quickly had it memorized and felt the need to repeat it loudly in public restrooms!

Much like weaning from the breast children first need to be ready. Expose them to potty time. From most of what I have read it helps if they have seen other people go potty (I know, this is more than you want to know!) But if they know this is what big kids and adults do they aren't as worried about it.

Next - for me was to skip the potty chair. I went out to find the perfect little easy to clean chair. The first time some other kid came over and used it that was it for me! It was contaminated and I wanted nothing more to do with it. Instead pick out a nice stool and seat that clips on the big potty.

No Pullups!  Get some nice thick cotton training pants. Dress your kids in sweats with elastic around the ankles and stay home for a few days. Everyone I know that used Pullups during the day took longer training their child. Even at night I would try to avoid them. Often, especially boys can have issues at night later one, even years after potty training. At that point they can be useful if you are sick of changing sheets in the middle of the night.

It's all or nothing.  In my opinion if your kid isn't trained to go #2, they aren't trained. I can't even tell you the nightmares I have had with other people's kids when it comes to #2. Don't go around bragging that they are trained, then dropping them off to be babysat for the day. Oh and if they haven't gone #2 for a couple days that would be good info to share as well! Enough said! LOL! And please offer to help clean up the mess or at least your own child instead of standing them laughing at the person having a panic attack! I seriously needed some serious meds after that episode!

Rewards - M&M's must be in the invisible parenting book. That's because they work! At the time I potty trained my little boy MINI M&M's were all the rage and even in mini form 2-3 worked like a charm!

What are your best potty training tips?

Softly Scented, Mildly Abrasive

2011-03-18T01:14:00.000-07:00

Kenneth came up with this and well, it's a pretty great description of me. He knows me all too well. I'd rather be naked than be without lipstick and purfume. But sometimes I can be a little abrasive... As in my thoughts regarding these parents:

Read my response Rahna Reiko Rizzuto's decision to
Leave Her Children Behind

and to Amy Chua's article
Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior

So what's my favorite lipstick anyway? Well, since I began wearing Bare Minerals Buxom and Natural Lip Gloss (which my Auntie introduced me too.) I rarely carry a true lipstick anymore and recently realized I only have two tubes of actual lipstick and they are just about gone! My two favorite shades are Heartcake and Sugared Strawberry! Thanks Auntie for feeding my lipgloss addiction! Oh and even better- the smell like cake or sugar cookies!

What's your favorite lipstick?

What's wrong with teaching dance to 6 year olds!

2011-03-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

Recently we saw the movie Adjustment Bureau, which all about destiny. The main character is faced with the choice to let the love of his life lead her life without him as she goes on to be a great dancer and choreographer or spend their life together AND.... wait for it... teach dance to six year olds!

What's so wrong with teaching dance to 6 year olds anyway? Happily Ever After with the love of your life, a family and inspiring six year olds, giving them a love and appreciation for music and movement sounds like a happy ending if I ever heard one! After being released from serving for years in the Children's Primary Presidency at church I was presented with a beautiful framed saying:

One Hundred Years from now

It will not matter

what kind of car I drove,

What kind of house I lived in,

how much money was in my bank account

nor what my clothes looked like.

But the world may be a better place because

I was important in the life of a child.

Sometimes I think people mix up priorities... Besides the fact that this movie was advertised to look like adventure, it was simple a love story and because I don't usually like romance stuff... I didn't think think it was very god.... This movie was so predictable, I actually spent time checking out the decor and lighting in the theater! BLACK SWAN on the other hand - LOVED IT!

What's your version of Happily Ever After?

I am coming up on 16 years of marriage. Click to read about my Love Story

And don't forget this artists version of these Fallen Princesses

To read more about this subject and the Divine Role of Women see my previous blog: Making the Home a Sacred Place

COPY CAT!

2011-03-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

Last week a good friend and I finally met up to celebrate our birthdays. My friend suggest Olive Garden for lunch. We decide to get the salad and soup lunch. I had not been to Olive Garden in some time and had no idea they even had other soups to choose from besides minestrone! After eating multiple bowls of Zuppa Toscana I decided I would have to make this at home... success! Definately needs LOTS of Red Pepper Flakes and the Kosher Salt and some pepper made a big difference.

Years ago we took a friend out to our favorite local Italian place and he was dissapointed they didn't have Toasted Ravioli. I admit those little fried raviolis from the Olive Garden are yummy, but hello, there is so much better Italian food out there! Anyway, because we love him anyway, I found a copycat recipe and made these for him as a suprise and he loved them. This would make a fun addition on soup night!

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana

1 lb. Italian Sausage

2 large Russet Baking Potatoes sliced in half, and then in 1/4 inch slices

1 large Onion, chopped
6 Slices of bacon or 6 tsp. Real Bacon Bits
2 cloves garlic minced
2 C. Kale or Swiss chard or Escarole - chopped
2 (14.5 ounce) cans Chicken Broth
1 qt. Water
1 C. Heavy Whipping Cream or Half and Half

Brown sausage, drain on paper towels and set aside.

Sauté onion until soft. Add potatoes, chicken broth, water, garlic in pot, and cook on medium heat until potatoes are done (about 30 minutes). Add sausage, bacon, salt, and pepper to taste, and simmer for another 10 minutes. Turn to low heat, add kale and cream and heat through. Season with Red Pepper Flakes, Kosher Salt and Black Pepper to taste. Garnish with shaved parmesan cheese. Serves 6.

A lower carb suggestion I found says to use cauliflower instead of potatoes. Because I love cauliflower I am going to try that next time.

Olive Garden Toasted Ravioli

16 oz Package of Meat Filled Ravioli (thawed)

2 Eggs Beaten

1/4 C Water

1 tsp. Garlic Salt

1 C. Flour

1 C. Bread Crumbs Plain

1 tsp. Italian Seasoning

Mix water with eggs and beat well, set aside. Mix Italian seasonings and garlic salt with the bread crumbs and set this aside. Measure flour in bowl and set aside.

Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or skillet to 350 degrees for deep frying.

Dip ravioli in flour then in the egg wash then in bread crumbs and carefully place in hot oil. Fry until golden, remove from oil and drain. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce.

What's your favorite Copy Cat Recipe?

The Boy On Fairfield Street

2011-03-10T21:33:00.000-08:00

Who was this boy that grew up on Fairfield street? None other than the same man that taught children to try new things, celebrate individuality and all about fairness in a funny interesting way. Ted Geisel was born March 2, 1904. His mother's wish was that he would grow up to be a doctor.

If she would have only known that today no children's library would be complete without Ted's books. The Boy on Fairfield Street is not only a book for children, but adults as well. Check it out!

Children all over are celebrating the works of Dr. Seuss this week. I think it only fitting that he be recognized on this day of Awesomeness! LOL! My son's homework this weekend is to create a character inspired by Dr. Seuss and write a story, poem or comic about the character.

(check back for picture)

What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book or character?

IDOA

2011-03-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

Ever wondered what it is like to be Awesome?

Well, it's your day, because today is...

Click here to see what IDOA is all about.

For one day only

YOU TOO

CAN BE AWESOME!

Please note:

to be truly Awesome

you must perform

FEATS OF SKILL!

Check out this book for ideas:

An Awesome Book

What feats of skill

will you perform today

to prove your Awesomeness?

It appears mother nature wins this round of Awesome!
WOW, the earthquake and folllowing tsunami in Japan is just devastating!
Times like this make us realize how small we really are compared to the earth's natural forces.

And to all my friends that send comments and emails...
you ARE Awesome friends, mothers, daughters, wives and sisters everyday!

Too Much Tough Love, Not Enough LOVE!

2011-03-08T15:59:00.000-08:00

"I'm smart; you're dumb;

I'm big, you're little;

I'm right, you're wrong,

and there's nothing you can do about it."

-Roald Dahl

Let's talk... Read this article from the Wall Street Journal by Amy Chua, Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior

I have lived in the fake family before. I lived with the controlling mother who expected perfection. A- was nothing to get excited about ... it was a MINUS and might as well have been and F. And with a parent like that sooner or later you realize nothing will be good enough and you stop caring. There is a difference between being a strict parenting and simply breaking your child's spirit!

While I believe in having high expectations, discipline, and routine I also believe in love and nurturing. Making the home a safe place is part of Making The Home A Sacred Place. By a safe home I mean a home in which children are allowed to fail or having short comings. A loving parent will help a child overcome and work with these shortcomings, not hold it over their heads. Or worse, using their vulnerabilities to manipulate and control them.

When we provide a safe place for children to fall they learn from those stumbles and avoid bigger falls later in life. My father told me about a family he observed. He noticed that the parents sometimes let the teens make choices that he wasn't sure he would want his kids to make. But as he continued to observe them and watch them grow up to become productive members of society he realized that the parents were closely watching their kids and allowing them the room to learn and grow from these small failures.

Don't get me wrong, I believe as a whole, western society does not have high enough expectations regarding behavior, work effort, school work, etc. Tony Wagner, author of The Global Achievement Gap talks a little about this in his lectures regarding education. He noticed that as an educator the western parents came to him at conferences saying, "Why are you giving my kids so much work." While eastern parents wanted to know why the kids were not going more math and science.

I think this is because many eastern families have come to America more recently. They know what they are striving for - education, which will give them security and freedom. While many Americans have begun taking these things for granted. I believe when you expect more out of kids they give you more and if we all should have high expectations regarding behavior and education they would do better. This is evident whenever I work with kids, whether it be at school, church or in my own home, kids quickly learn how I expect them to behave and they quickly live up to it.

During the coverage of the current crises in Japan after the earthquake and tsunami many times has it been mentioned that there is no looting. This is part of the culture of respect, but also about expectations.

All that said, I think Tiger Mom is a joke. She revels in tearing down her children, and laughs if off. I simply have no more to say about her. Recently I found this, "It is easier to build up a child than to repair an adult. Your words and actions have amazing power in your child's life, use them wisely!"

Click to read more about my thoughts regarding High Expectations and Celebrating Your Child.

Leaving Your Children Behind?

2011-03-08T15:54:00.000-08:00

Let's talk...Read this article on SALON.COM about Rahna Reiko Rizzuto's decision to leave her children behind.

For 16 years all I have wanted is to have babies and be a mother. During this time I have gone through all the typical phases of feelings including being upset when friends or family have baby after baby... Although those years were short and it was later much easier to be happy for friends and family who were expecting it was still annoying to hear them complain about being pregnant and having children. And of course we were eventually blessed with our own little miracle...

But before that a friend who had previously commiserated with me during her own fertility struggle, got pregnant and had a baby. So, when she told me that she signed up for the "This Is Not What I Expected Class" at the hospital it was all I could do to not roll my eyes. I think she struggled with PPD and some other issues. But still, just the title of that class still really annoys me at times. I imagine what type of women would sign up for this sort of class. I am sure it included career woman who weren't sure if they ever wanted to have a baby, but might have felt like it was just the next thing to do or just happened to get pregnant.

After all, what DID you expect? The role of being a parent and especially a mother is not easy, the only instruction books are mostly written by male doctors who may not even know what they are talking about (Ezzo). But however it is that one comes about to be a mother - that's it, you a mother! So as you can imagine reading about Rahna Reiko Rizzuto and her decision to leave her children behind as she researches and writes a book about the survivors of Hiroshima just infuriates me. You don't just get to pick and choose when you want to actually live that role. It's day in and day out, the rewards of which may never even be seen in your lifetime!

This is simple abandonment and detachment and makes me sick. Mothers who do this had no business being mother in the first place! My view may seem harsh, but another abandoned child knows exactly how I feel.

While the family I grew up in wasn't Hiroshima it was definitely WW3 behind the scenes. From the time were young my siblings and I talked about our parents divorcing and we even decided who would go with who.

Eventually the day came when my mother had an affair and decided to leave us behind. She told my husband that she knew exactly what she was doing, that we didn't need her anymore (my baby sister was only twelve!) And eventually after an argument in which she tried to tell us why she did nothing wrong (and all the reasons why my own Father didn't love me...) I had it and decided this was the perfect time to let this toxic person go from my life. She then told my husband that she knew that would happen and she was fine with that. What kind of mother tells this to their child? And later went on to tell us how she was now happy and moved on and if WE had a problem with it, maybe WE should seek counseling?
This is so typical of divorced parents. "I'm fine, I'm better off now... if you are still sad or upset or don't understand that's YOUR problem." You can read more about this is in Barbara Defoe Whitehead's The Divorce Culture.

Even in cases of divorce after abuse or other issues where a parent may be better off it is never appropriate to say this to a child. Children know what really happened, they may know about the abuse or affair, but that is still their mother and father and in a perfect world they wish they could be together. So when a parent moves on, leaving the children behind they really twist that knife in just a little deeper.

After years of observing divorced parents I am quick to notice the signs of a parent doing this very thing. Sometimes they may not even actually say something to the child, but actions speak louder than words. I have seen mothers go from really be there for their kids day in and day out to picking and choosing when THEY want to be mom. They leave their kids too fend for themselves. They leave their kids with sitters, the other spouse or let them spend days at a time with other families as they pursue new relationships and a new life. To make it even worse I have seen them begin new families and basically discard their previous kids and families as they dote on the new children.

I realize some of this may be the parents way to deal with the divorce. And I am sure the children remind them of the x-spouse at times and leaving them behind or at least putting distance between them as they pursue new interests, new relationships, new families and personal interests is just their way of coping. But what about the kids? Who will be there to help them cope?

Parents like this will find years later that they really do not have the relationship they thought they had with their kids. Statistics show that young adults these days have decided they don't want to be married and have families because of the bad example of their parents. Thus will come a whole generation of kids from parents who were never really married or committed as they spend their life pursing the above mentioned relationships, career dreams and personal interests.

When I look around the world and see all the problems various people are trying to solve including disease, violence and war, I know that all of these could be solved by placing a higher value on Family, which I believe to be a sacred unit that can save the world, one child at a time! When we place more focus on our own interests we leave our family behind.

When I was a child I loved the story My Turn On Earth by Carol Lynn Pearson and especially the song, It Isn't Good To Be Alone. I believe God didn't mean for us to work our way through this often dreary world alone. He meant for us to have a family.

To read more about this subject and the Divine Role of Women see my previous blog: Making the Home a Sacred Place

Experience Life in the New Year!

2011-02-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

At a time when many people are already giving up on their New Year's goals and resolutions it's time to talk about Goals vs. Experiences. From the Merriam Webster dictionary:

GOAL
Etymology: Middle English gol boundary, limit
1 a : the terminal point of a race b : an area to be reached safely in children's games
2 : the end toward which effort is directed : AIM
3 a : an area or object toward which players in various games attempt to advance a ball or puck and usually through or into which it must go to score points b : the act or action of causing a ball or puck to go through or into such a goal c : the score resulting from such an act
synonym: see INTENTION

Many years ago I was asked to share my thoughts on “Goals” during a church leadership meeting. As I thought about the word goals the first thing that came to my mind was the typical New Year’s Resolutions and the second thing was the endless goals we were expected to pass off in Primary (Children's Sunday School) as part of the Gospel in Action program and later the Young Women Personal Progress Program at church. These goals usually came from a suggested list. They were something quickly finished to earn an award. Although they were often worthwhile activities, they were often overdone projects and I never felt like I personally owned them.So as I prepared to share my thoughts about this subject I went to the dictionary. Although I understood the meaning of the word, I just needed to clear my head. The more I thought about this in terms of spirituality, the definition of the word Goal defined the reason those programs asked us to set goals. And the end point was to return to our Heavenly Father in safety.

Some years ago the LDS church made some changes to the children’s Sunday School award program. The Gospel in Action program was changed to the Faith in God program. And the goals are now called activities. The Young Women organization also revised the Personal Progress program and now refer to the goals as EXPERIENCES! I love this… in order to build their own testimony the youth will need to really feel like they OWN these personal experiences of study, prayer and living the gospel.

Part of the definition of the word experience says, “the fact of state of having been affected by or gained knowledge though direct observation and participation. Practical knowledge, skill or practice derived from direct observation of or participation."

I truly believe the revisions to these programs were inspired… changing the focus to simple, faith promoting experiences. And after the small token award is earned it has hopefully become a habit to continually experience and live the gospel as the youth grow closer to the final goal.

And now as I think about New Year’s goals and resolutions, I feel the important part of goals and resolutions is not about the end result. The important part is about the experience. It is only in the experience that we will learn and grow.

Just as an intention to do something does not always guarantee success goals are often given up. So as you give up on or revise your New Year’s resolutions and goals for you and your family… make sure to focus on the experience, not the end result. I believe our biggest role as a parent is to provide experiences for our children to personally own that will help them learn and grow. In the future rather than give them goals with limits and boundaries, think about providing them with simple experiences. What experiences do you plan to provide for your children this year?

TLC - Freak Show

2011-02-01T18:47:00.000-08:00

Reality TV has brought the old time circus freak show into our living rooms. Really, how far is to far? This is a funny promo parody including many of the current TLC listings with a twist...

I think there is a difference between education and exploitation.

Game Night!

2011-01-23T22:28:00.000-08:00

The holiday season has afforded us much needed family game nights to learn some fun new games. Check out these fun new titles...

The Magic Labyrinth

High powered magnets seem to be the new game gimmick of late and are the secret behind The Magic Labyrinth. Game set up involves moving the walls aroud to create a maze. This is then covered and the board is spun around a number of times before play. Place the magnetic Magician Apprentices in the corners attach a steal ball under each one.

To begin play draw a lost object from the bag and place on matching symbol on the board. Roll the dice to determine the number of moves, using your memory to find our way around the maze to the lost objects. The first person with 5 lost objects wins. Tons of fun a different game every time. Sound effects reccomeded for more joyful play!

Scribblish

Password Pictionary anyone? By the creators of Cranium I saw the cheesey commericals for this and begged for it for Christmas. Kenneth gave in and it's really not a bad game. How else can a bike ride to Saturn turn into a camping trip with a dragon? Or the Three Blind Mice into a musical saddle? Best to play with your wittiest friends!

Dixit

You will fall in love with this game for the artwork alone! After dealing a handful of cards to each player, the first one selects a card and shares a short phrase to describe a story or theme. The other players secretly select their own cards which match the description. All selected cards are shuffled and laid out on the table. Players vote on which one was card was the origional inspiration for the theme.

Each correct answer gives points to the guesser and the active player. Each incorrect answer gives points to the player who submitted the guessed card. However, if all of the guesses are correct -- or none of them are -- then the active player gets no points and all the other players get points. The game ends when the deck is empty. The greatest total wins the game.

Rory's Story Cubes

Simply a box of dice with pictures. Roll and tell a story. The players make up the rules. Awsumb has been spending a lot of time writing his own little stories and of course LOVES make-believe. He picked these up with his own money the other day and has been carrying them around all weekend. The cubes come in their own cute little box with magnetic closure. This is a great activity for children of all ages. An expansion set of Story Cubes with Action words is also availabe. Click here to read more about Rory's Story Cubes.

Dixit is a little pricey and the expansion set of cards is just about as pricey as the original. But, can you imagine the possiblities of the cards from Dixit combined with the Story Cubes?

BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS!?!?!

2010-12-31T02:01:00.000-08:00

Because my son has TOO MANY TOYS! last month I begged everyone we knew to send books this year for Christmas. I knew my son would love it because he can never get enough books. I began thinking about this because some of the most fun he had on his birthday was shopping for books. So when my Uncle said he was brining a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas I decided there was no topping that gift and books it was.

Then one night while kissing Awsumb goodnight, I realized he was in major need of a new bookcase. His little bookcase was double stacked and books were overflowing onto the floor. Not to mention all the shelves he had taken over in other bookcases around the house. And that's when I had the idea to give him a new bookcase full of new books! Friends and family joined in on the fun. I also pulled a few series from Kenneth's collection to pass onto Awsumb.

I wrapped up all the books and then wrapped the entire bookcase. (excuse the iphone shot, I'll update with better photos later). We gave him three guesses. He said, "A rocket ship, a TV, or a bunk bed!"

He loved it and was pretty suprised! After the weekend everyone started emailing me this You Tube video...

His parents have since removed comments and keep saying, "he's only 3!" At any age that kind of talk is not allowed in my house. In an attempt to redeem their child this year they made a new video of their child opening books for Christmas.

I'm so glad that my child love to read and loves books. Awsumb has been wandering around with books tucked under his arm since he was a toddler. He never destroyed or ruined books, even as a baby... Awsumb wondered in awe over the words and illustrations as he carefully turned one page at a time. But even more, I am glad that he is thankful for gifts of any kind. Including 45 new pairs of socks!

Maybe Kenneth will edit some video of Awsumb's reaction later. I think this will be a pretty memorable Christmas! And one that he will use for years to come!

No crib for a bed...

2010-12-31T01:34:00.000-08:00

This tiny little manger, is empty you can see.

Fill it with straw, to make it as soft as can be.

In December add a piece of straw each day,

For service you give and kind words you say.

Show daily acts of kindness. Do them secretly

So this manger will be ready, for a special baby.

This Christmas I placed each piece of a new Playmobil Nativity set in Awsumb's Playmobil Winter Forest Friends Advent Calendar. I also cut a few pieces of embroidery thread into hay for Awsumb to earn for the baby Jesus. One night Awsumb had the idea to quickly unload the entire dishwasher before Daddy got home. This is a new responsiblity for Awsumb and he often doesn't put large dishes or pans away or forgets to do the top rack. So there he was furiously trying to unload every single dish and put them away before he was caught... when I heard such a clatter! Instantly I knew what it was and told him to stay put. Awsumb had climbed up on the counter with a large Pyrex dish to put it away on the top shelf. What made him think it even went up there in the first place I'll never know?! And of course not only did it break into a million little pieces, but it took a few dishes with it as well.

Awsumb was so upset it took me a while to figure out if he was hurt. And even after that he wouldn't calm down. He kept asking how we was "ever going to earn enough soft hay before the baby Jesus arrived, when he coulnd't even do a simple job like unload the dishwasher?"

Awsumb was sure that I was going to be sad and that old Pyrex must have cost at least $100. "I don't have that kind of money," he kept saying. There was no soothing him. To distract him I sent him to open the next box to his nativity. He came out of his room carrying this shepherd complete with hobo stick and exclaimed, "What is this? A hint that I'm kicked out of the family."

He thought it was a homeless guy, not a shepherd!

And of course that led him back to being upset there would not be enough soft hay for he baby Jesus.

In frustration he said,

"Maybe we should just get him a blanket!"

The funny part is that the Pyrex was a replacement gift from my father after I had a major Pyrex disaster of my own 15 years ago. Let's just say I learned that night not to put a pyrex dish on hot burner! The pan exploded EVERYWHERE and the hot shards of glass melted into the vinyl flooring making clean up impossible.

Looks like I need a new Pyrex, Dad!

Best and Worst of Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T00:39:00.000-08:00

KLEENEX! That's right my husband gave me a box of Kleenex.... Under the tree, wrapped with a bow and everything! OK, it's not as bad as it sounds. First off you should know that years before we had children we stopped buying Christmas gifts to eachother. Instead we buy cartloads of toys for kids in need. One year we filled the car with so many toys and games, that I had to get in and let Kenneth stack stuff all around me so it would all fit... Too bad that was pre-digital camera days, because it was hilarious - my face pinned to the passenger side window surrounded by Hot Wheels race tracks and Little People Doll houses!

This was such a fun tradition for us during the years we were praying desperately to have a child of our own. We continue the tradition now that we have a little boy. Every year Awsumb and Kenneth take a big bag of toys over to the Giving Tree at Microsoft and we look for other ways to help during the season.

Kenneth and I still exchange stockings. Because of the size limitation this usually leads us to give only smaller more thoughtful items. And lucky for me all my favorite things fit in a stocking ie: perfume, jewelry, lipgloss, markers and pens, etc. Plus there is usually enough room for a paperback and a movie.

So this year, Kenneth hands me this funny round shaped package all wrapped up with a bow and says, "this woulnd't fit." What could it be? And what an unusual shape, I must admit I was a bit excited! So, I pulled off the paper when what to my wondering eyes should appear? A cream and brown swirled box of Kleenex, more oval than round! Because this has been the Christmas of surprises, I'll say that I was sure surprised!

Actually it was a pretty sweet little gift. I suffer from year-round allergies. Years of daily nose bleeds, steroid sprays and trauma to my nasal passages has led to quite a mess. When I see a new doctor I have to explain that, "NO I have never used cocaine!" I take multiple allergy prescriptions and still resort to Benadryl many days just for some relief.

I can never seem to keep enough tissue in the house and it's often at the top of my list. These days I prefer Puff's to Kleenex. I guess Kenneth has been watching me lately as I look at the cute little designer boxes of Kleenex and pass them up, selecting thebig industrial - family sized boxes of tissue. So he just wanted me to have something cute and fun... even though it didn't fit in my stocking! But it sure is funny and I am never going to let him live this one down!

I shouldn't be so hard on him because of our last minute trip to Disney and all that we have going on we agreed to go really simple on our stockings this year. Kenneth still managed to sneak in a Alfred Hitchcock boxed set of DVD's. And in all fairness among Kenneth's stocking goodies was a DVD he got FOR FREE from the Disney Movie Club! LOL! Hey, it was in the pile of DVD's and games set aside for Awsumb and I thought he bought it because he wanted me to put it in his stocking!

What was the best and worst gift you received this year?

May your New Year be Full of a Million Dreams!

2010-12-27T22:29:00.000-08:00