25 September 2011
Connected
After 48 hours without internet, and 24 hours without cell phone service, I am back. I am far too tired to care that I am again "wired," so I'm logging off and going to bed, in our last hotel of the trip. Bon nuit.
22 September 2011
California Adventure
So much fun. So little energy left.
Toy Story Mania, still one of the most amusing rides I've been on. I laugh like a little girl. A Bug's Land, the best shade in the whole park. Nice place to kick back and nurse the baby.
Tower of Terror, a ride I have avoided for years. Not this time. I rode it. . . twice! It helped to go with good friends for support, and some of their kids, so I wasn't the most terrified in the group.
Long afternoon nap at the hotel. Back to the park for the Wonderful World of Color. Spectacular! Sore legs, colds, aching knee, sunburn, all fogotten for a few magical moments. Disney knows how to end the day like no other.
Off to dream in color.
Toy Story Mania, still one of the most amusing rides I've been on. I laugh like a little girl. A Bug's Land, the best shade in the whole park. Nice place to kick back and nurse the baby.
Tower of Terror, a ride I have avoided for years. Not this time. I rode it. . . twice! It helped to go with good friends for support, and some of their kids, so I wasn't the most terrified in the group.
Long afternoon nap at the hotel. Back to the park for the Wonderful World of Color. Spectacular! Sore legs, colds, aching knee, sunburn, all fogotten for a few magical moments. Disney knows how to end the day like no other.
Off to dream in color.
21 September 2011
Disneyland
These are getting harder and harder to write, as I get more and more tired.
We spent most of the day at Disneyland. We started off in Tomorrowland (my favorite!). Baby Boy went on his very first ride, Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters. Doug held him during the ride, and still managed to more than double my score!
Next, we spent a little bit of time in Toon Town. Always amusing. Onward to Frontierland (my favorite!) and Thunder Mountain. Twice. I'm very thankful for the rider switch pass.
Splash Mountain was a hoot and just might edge out Thunder Mountain for the top spot. The Haunted Mansion was all decked out for Halloween. Fabulous! Baby Boy rode that one, too. I should mention that he wore his Mickey outfit, complete with Mickey ears. He was the cutest little thing in all the park. I'll post a photo later for proof.
We took a couple hour lunch/nap break at the hotel. Mr. Hubby stayed put while the Kid and I went back. Adventureland (my favorite!) then Fantasyland and the parade. The perfect way to end the day. I think that was the boy's favorite part. He nearly shone with joy!
Tomorrow - California Adventure. My knee is killing me, the boy is still reeling from his cold and the baby is exhausted. It could be a very interesting day. Interesting at Disney is better than interesting at home, though. Bring it on!
We spent most of the day at Disneyland. We started off in Tomorrowland (my favorite!). Baby Boy went on his very first ride, Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters. Doug held him during the ride, and still managed to more than double my score!
Next, we spent a little bit of time in Toon Town. Always amusing. Onward to Frontierland (my favorite!) and Thunder Mountain. Twice. I'm very thankful for the rider switch pass.
Splash Mountain was a hoot and just might edge out Thunder Mountain for the top spot. The Haunted Mansion was all decked out for Halloween. Fabulous! Baby Boy rode that one, too. I should mention that he wore his Mickey outfit, complete with Mickey ears. He was the cutest little thing in all the park. I'll post a photo later for proof.
We took a couple hour lunch/nap break at the hotel. Mr. Hubby stayed put while the Kid and I went back. Adventureland (my favorite!) then Fantasyland and the parade. The perfect way to end the day. I think that was the boy's favorite part. He nearly shone with joy!
Tomorrow - California Adventure. My knee is killing me, the boy is still reeling from his cold and the baby is exhausted. It could be a very interesting day. Interesting at Disney is better than interesting at home, though. Bring it on!
20 September 2011
Tripping Along
Overnight in St. George.
Late start. Driving, driving and more driving.
Vegas. Baby blowout. Steak 'n Shake awesomeness.
Driving and driving some more.
100 degrees in the desert.
Fussy baby. Uncomfortable, sick kid.
Still more driving.
Anaheim! Sigh of relief.
Big day tomorrow.
Big day tomorrow.
Sweet dreams tonight.
18 September 2011
Big Trip - Zion National Park
This will be short and sweet because I am drowsy from the Dramamine.
We spent the afternoon at Zion National Park. Baby Boy was a trooper. He was sleep deprived, but did well. Even managed a nice, big blowout in the middle of the Park.
Big Brother is a trooper, too. He made it through the day, a short but steep hike, and still had a great time, even though he has a sore throat. Poor guy. He also earned a Zion National Park Junior Ranger badge. He took the Ranger oath, and the other visitors around him thought it was pretty cool, and it was.
Three things I learned today:
1. Take the pain reliever when you first get the headache. Do not try to tough it out, as you may find yourself in the middle of nowhere with no pain relief. Uff da.
2. If you suffer from motion sickness, have an excruciating headache, and your tummy is rumbling due to lack of food, do not ride facing sideways on the Zion shuttle. Add some extra heat from a wee one sleeping in your arms, and it is not good. I was extremely close to getting sick and honestly have no idea how I didn't.
3. Take the time to spend at least a day at Zion. It is a breathtaking place! The time we had there was great, but it merely scratched the surface.
"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth."
Psalm 50:2
We spent the afternoon at Zion National Park. Baby Boy was a trooper. He was sleep deprived, but did well. Even managed a nice, big blowout in the middle of the Park.
Big Brother is a trooper, too. He made it through the day, a short but steep hike, and still had a great time, even though he has a sore throat. Poor guy. He also earned a Zion National Park Junior Ranger badge. He took the Ranger oath, and the other visitors around him thought it was pretty cool, and it was.
Three things I learned today:
1. Take the pain reliever when you first get the headache. Do not try to tough it out, as you may find yourself in the middle of nowhere with no pain relief. Uff da.
2. If you suffer from motion sickness, have an excruciating headache, and your tummy is rumbling due to lack of food, do not ride facing sideways on the Zion shuttle. Add some extra heat from a wee one sleeping in your arms, and it is not good. I was extremely close to getting sick and honestly have no idea how I didn't.
3. Take the time to spend at least a day at Zion. It is a breathtaking place! The time we had there was great, but it merely scratched the surface.
"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth."
Psalm 50:2
The Big Trip, Segment One
We are on our way to Disneyland with our very favorite friends! Hooray!
Day one was hectic, to say the least. Early this week we all opted to leave Saturday evening instead of the original Sunday morning start time. No biggie, so I thought. Then I remembered that I had a haircut and color scheduled for this morning. No way I was canceling that, as I have been waiting for the better part of a year to finally make it happen.
With the hair done, I'd head home to pack, right? Nope. First we had to pick up our mini-van rental. Then the baby needed fed. Then I needed fed.
Finally time to pack. First comes baby clothes, then more baby clothes, and all kinds of other important baby items. Then it's time to get all of Jocool, Jr's clothes in the suitcase, and the rest of their clean clothes crammed hastily into drawers and closets.
Now I can pack for me... but wait! I forgot that I don't have enough clothes that fit to last me a week on vacation, with a baby. I was supposed to go shopping but didn't get the chance. Off I go. Not a happy task with the added baby weight that is coming off VERY slowly. Still, I find a couple shirts and it's back home to pack for me, finally.
Favorite friends arrive in the midst of my packing, and are nice enough to help the hubby move furniture. Did I mention that we are having our hardwood floors refinished while we are gone? What is it with us having work done in our house while we go to California?
Still packing. Said friends patiently wait. Kiddos play in the backyard. Time to snarf down the leftovers that won't last a week in the refrigerator. Dinner of cold French fries, yogurt, and half a cinnamon twist. Um, yum?
Now it's time to hit the road! Oops, baby needs fed. Friends leave thinking we'll be 15 minutes behind and eventually catch up. Haha! Try 30 minutes. Still, not bad. We even got our IKEA stop in, and closed the store while we were checking out. That was close!
So, here I am, up late while the loved ones sleep. I could be. Should be. But I'm relishing a few moments to myself, and looking forward to tomorrow.
Day one was hectic, to say the least. Early this week we all opted to leave Saturday evening instead of the original Sunday morning start time. No biggie, so I thought. Then I remembered that I had a haircut and color scheduled for this morning. No way I was canceling that, as I have been waiting for the better part of a year to finally make it happen.
With the hair done, I'd head home to pack, right? Nope. First we had to pick up our mini-van rental. Then the baby needed fed. Then I needed fed.
Finally time to pack. First comes baby clothes, then more baby clothes, and all kinds of other important baby items. Then it's time to get all of Jocool, Jr's clothes in the suitcase, and the rest of their clean clothes crammed hastily into drawers and closets.
Now I can pack for me... but wait! I forgot that I don't have enough clothes that fit to last me a week on vacation, with a baby. I was supposed to go shopping but didn't get the chance. Off I go. Not a happy task with the added baby weight that is coming off VERY slowly. Still, I find a couple shirts and it's back home to pack for me, finally.
Favorite friends arrive in the midst of my packing, and are nice enough to help the hubby move furniture. Did I mention that we are having our hardwood floors refinished while we are gone? What is it with us having work done in our house while we go to California?
Still packing. Said friends patiently wait. Kiddos play in the backyard. Time to snarf down the leftovers that won't last a week in the refrigerator. Dinner of cold French fries, yogurt, and half a cinnamon twist. Um, yum?
Now it's time to hit the road! Oops, baby needs fed. Friends leave thinking we'll be 15 minutes behind and eventually catch up. Haha! Try 30 minutes. Still, not bad. We even got our IKEA stop in, and closed the store while we were checking out. That was close!
So, here I am, up late while the loved ones sleep. I could be. Should be. But I'm relishing a few moments to myself, and looking forward to tomorrow.
23 June 2011
Wonderful family
The woman featured in this article is the mother of one of my old youth group friends. Leh was just about my son's age when they made their escape from Laos. Enterprising Woman
06 May 2011
Sleep
I completely understand the whole "Back to Sleep" thing for babies, and am thankful that someone figured out the connection between sleep position and SIDS. That said, I love when tummy time on the floor turns into baby's morning nap! If only I could catch some of those zzz's.
18 November 2010
Has it come to this?
Has my blog become simply a place for me to post "Get to know me" questionnaires? For now. I don't care to write about my opinions on most things. Honestly, I think most people should appreciate that. Blogs that share how best to make things, clean this, do that, quite frankly, bug me. Not only that, but my way of doing most things is far from great. In most cases, I'm just barely getting by!
This space was intended mostly as a way to keep family and friends up to date on our little family's happenings. This past year has been full of so many wonderful things, but I have scarely had the chance to even think about writing about them. There is a lot I'd like to share, but right now, I'm busy enjoying time with my family, teaching my son at home, and getting ready for our new son's arrival in March. Well, all that, and a lot of sleeping.
So, for the moment, I'll share a few tidbits about me, and mine, in the form of a silly little survey.
How do you like your steak? I like it well done. I thank my microbiolgy class for that.
What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Oh my, I think it was Shrek Happily Ever After.
What is your favorite TV show? I rarely watch television, but I do try to catch Castle whenever possible. Most everything else I watch is via Netflix.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I'd live almost anywhere, except Las Vegas.
What is your favourite cuisine? Italian, Greek, Thai, Indian
What foods do you dislike? Mushrooms
Favorite place to eat? Other people's houses! Any restaurant I haven't tried yet. Nearly impossible in this town. Lately, I wish I could find anything that sounds appealing!
Favorite dressing? Balsamic vinegarette or bleu cheese.
Where would you visit if you if you had the chance? Anywhere, especially somewhere I've never been.
What is your favorite sport to watch? Alpine skiing
Pets? I've never not had a pet. Currently have a dog, Charlie. No more after she's gone. *Update. Adopted an 10 year old Persian shortly after posting this. Found a stray kitten just a couple weeks ago. So much for no more pets!
New and exciting news that you'd like to share? I've already shared the great baby news with just about everyone! My son just lost another tooth, in time to sing "All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth!" He's so cute!
What is your best childhood memory? Time with family, and trips to my Grandma's.
Any pet peeves? It really irks me when people are too lazy to put their carts in the cart corral.
Favorite pizza topping? fresh mozzerella and fresh tomatoes
Favorite flower? lilac and gardenia
Favorite ice cream? coconut almond or coffee
Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? I'd never max out a credit card! I'd sure have fun with a large gift card at Ikea, though.
Do anything spontaneous lately? I spontaneously fall asleep on the couch almost every afternoon.
What was your favorite vacation? Always my Grandma's.
What are you listening to right now? Son and husband playing Command and Conquer. There is currently a lot of loud communicating going on between the main room downstairs, and the music room.
Coffee drinker? Only if it is iced and sweetened.
This space was intended mostly as a way to keep family and friends up to date on our little family's happenings. This past year has been full of so many wonderful things, but I have scarely had the chance to even think about writing about them. There is a lot I'd like to share, but right now, I'm busy enjoying time with my family, teaching my son at home, and getting ready for our new son's arrival in March. Well, all that, and a lot of sleeping.
So, for the moment, I'll share a few tidbits about me, and mine, in the form of a silly little survey.
How do you like your steak? I like it well done. I thank my microbiolgy class for that.
What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Oh my, I think it was Shrek Happily Ever After.
What is your favorite TV show? I rarely watch television, but I do try to catch Castle whenever possible. Most everything else I watch is via Netflix.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I'd live almost anywhere, except Las Vegas.
What is your favourite cuisine? Italian, Greek, Thai, Indian
What foods do you dislike? Mushrooms
Favorite place to eat? Other people's houses! Any restaurant I haven't tried yet. Nearly impossible in this town. Lately, I wish I could find anything that sounds appealing!
Favorite dressing? Balsamic vinegarette or bleu cheese.
Where would you visit if you if you had the chance? Anywhere, especially somewhere I've never been.
What is your favorite sport to watch? Alpine skiing
Pets? I've never not had a pet. Currently have a dog, Charlie. No more after she's gone. *Update. Adopted an 10 year old Persian shortly after posting this. Found a stray kitten just a couple weeks ago. So much for no more pets!
New and exciting news that you'd like to share? I've already shared the great baby news with just about everyone! My son just lost another tooth, in time to sing "All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth!" He's so cute!
What is your best childhood memory? Time with family, and trips to my Grandma's.
Any pet peeves? It really irks me when people are too lazy to put their carts in the cart corral.
Favorite pizza topping? fresh mozzerella and fresh tomatoes
Favorite flower? lilac and gardenia
Favorite ice cream? coconut almond or coffee
Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? I'd never max out a credit card! I'd sure have fun with a large gift card at Ikea, though.
Do anything spontaneous lately? I spontaneously fall asleep on the couch almost every afternoon.
What was your favorite vacation? Always my Grandma's.
What are you listening to right now? Son and husband playing Command and Conquer. There is currently a lot of loud communicating going on between the main room downstairs, and the music room.
Coffee drinker? Only if it is iced and sweetened.
12 June 2010
Ice Cream in a Baggie!
This sounds fun, and yummy too! I haven't tried it yet, but I plan to soon. If anyone else tries it, I'd love to know what you think.
Ice Cream In a Baggie
Milk can become homemade ice cream in five minutes by using a bag! This homemade, creamy treat is a summertime delight for kids and adults alike.
What you'll need:
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup milk or half & half
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
6 tablespoons rock salt
1 pint-size plastic food storage bag (e.g., Ziploc)
1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag
Ice cubes
How to make it:
Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt. Seal the bag.
Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.
Place the small bag inside the large one, and seal it again carefully.
Shake until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes.
Wipe off the top of the small bag, then open it carefully. Enjoy!
Tips:
A 1/2 cup milk will make about 1 scoop of ice cream, so double the recipe if you want more. But don't increase the proportions more that that--a large amount might be too big for kids to pick up because the ice itself is heavy.
Ice Cream In a Baggie
Milk can become homemade ice cream in five minutes by using a bag! This homemade, creamy treat is a summertime delight for kids and adults alike.
What you'll need:
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup milk or half & half
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
6 tablespoons rock salt
1 pint-size plastic food storage bag (e.g., Ziploc)
1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag
Ice cubes
How to make it:
Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt. Seal the bag.
Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.
Place the small bag inside the large one, and seal it again carefully.
Shake until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes.
Wipe off the top of the small bag, then open it carefully. Enjoy!
Tips:
A 1/2 cup milk will make about 1 scoop of ice cream, so double the recipe if you want more. But don't increase the proportions more that that--a large amount might be too big for kids to pick up because the ice itself is heavy.
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