When I was a kid we had a bowling alley in town that was within walking distance. My brothers would take me down there to bowl and play video games. I can still remember playing pac man and centipede and how much fun we would have. As I got older, it was torn down and I was so sad to see it go. It was such a fun memory from childhood.
My mission was to find a fun bowling alley for us to have a great family night. My two youngest have never gone bowling, and I haven't bowled in about 4 years. We took them to Wilsonville Lanes, got them shoes, and set them up at a lane. I would have to say, this was the best thing so far this year. The kids were so funny!!Every time the kids would knock down a pin they would clap, cheer, hug each other, and give high fives. Hailey was skipping, dancing and singing. She sang this is SO AWESOME, over and over again until she slipped and fell flat on her butt. People were laughing and smiling at how much fun the kids were having.
After their game was over we went and played at the arcade area. We raced in the Fast and the Furious cars and I was shocked at how well my 7 year old did. My husband kept saying, "Try your break Madelynn!" She would yell back, "Why? What for?" She just kept the gas pedal to the floor the whole race. I am guessing it is a sign of what is to come.
While racing with the kids I heard a sound, it sounded like angels singing and when I turned it was like a light was shinning down from the heavens. Do you know what I saw? Ms PAC MAN! It has to be my favorite game of all time. Most of all, it reminds me of being a kid. I turned 7 again and laughed, giggled and clapped my hands, and ran to the game. This time it was me yelling THIS IS SO AWESOME!! Did I play it? You bet your sweet bippy I did, 3 times. It was so much fun and I still have a smile on my face. It may also be the fact I kicked my husband's butt in air hockey, and once again I was the CHAMP!!!!
Our new thing tonight was bowling and arcade games. We really had a wonderful time tonight and I hope to do it again soon.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Day 28 ~ Family and a Puppet
Today was a great day! I have been eyeing this family sign for 5 months now. Every time I would walk by I'd look and think, hmmmmmm I LOVE that sign. Today I got it 50% off and I was right I LOVE IT! It is a perfect fit right above my kitchen cupboards. Everytime I walk in the kitchen I can't help but smile.
Today we did a family project and made puppets. When my hubby has the night off we often make it a family night, and we all watch a movie together, but lets be honest, watching a movie really doesn't classify as quality family time. I mean, don't get me wrong, it is great sometimes but it is not the same as actually DOING something together. I enjoy doing things with the kids but projects at night are a little hard too because, I am SOOOO WHIPPED!!!! There are some nights that I don't even sit because I know if I do, it will all be over. I will sit, my eyes will sag, and the show is over. I don't go to sleep but I do just stop.
Building the puppets was great. We all worked together and the kids loved it!! It did take a little time to put together and follow directions but it was worth it in the end. Personally I think the glue gun hates me. I love it with all I got, but it has something against me, the glue jumps right off the gun to burn me every time. If it wasn't for the fact that I couldn't live without it, I would chuck it across the room and right out the front door.
Once the puppets were finished, the kids ran around the house neighing and laughing. All my husband and I could do was laugh at how wild and loud our kids are. They may be wild but they are also passionate, and loving, and so precious.
Tonight I got something new for the house and the girls made some wild horses, or should I say became wild horses.
If you are interested in building your own puppet with your kids here is the link we used.
http://www.tojt.org/MakeAPuppet.html
Today we did a family project and made puppets. When my hubby has the night off we often make it a family night, and we all watch a movie together, but lets be honest, watching a movie really doesn't classify as quality family time. I mean, don't get me wrong, it is great sometimes but it is not the same as actually DOING something together. I enjoy doing things with the kids but projects at night are a little hard too because, I am SOOOO WHIPPED!!!! There are some nights that I don't even sit because I know if I do, it will all be over. I will sit, my eyes will sag, and the show is over. I don't go to sleep but I do just stop.
Building the puppets was great. We all worked together and the kids loved it!! It did take a little time to put together and follow directions but it was worth it in the end. Personally I think the glue gun hates me. I love it with all I got, but it has something against me, the glue jumps right off the gun to burn me every time. If it wasn't for the fact that I couldn't live without it, I would chuck it across the room and right out the front door.
Once the puppets were finished, the kids ran around the house neighing and laughing. All my husband and I could do was laugh at how wild and loud our kids are. They may be wild but they are also passionate, and loving, and so precious.
Tonight I got something new for the house and the girls made some wild horses, or should I say became wild horses.
If you are interested in building your own puppet with your kids here is the link we used.
http://www.tojt.org/MakeAPuppet.html
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Day 27 ~ The Sopranos
Yes, it is true, I have never seen an episode of the Sopranos. It has been a topic for so many years and I have always wanted to see what the hype was all about. It seems everyone watched it, they would crack jokes or quote sayings, but honestly, I had no idea what the heck people were talking about because I have the most basic cable ever allowed to man. I have never seen the Sopranos, but I have seen The Godfather saga at least 15 times.
Tonight my plan is to watch the 1st season. I have my DVD, my popcorn, my water and my blanket and plan on making a night of it. It is 4 hours worth so I am going to cut this short and start watching! I will have to let you know what I thought in my comment section tomorrow. I think this is going to be a late night!
If you are a Sopranos fan, let me know. I am curious as to how many of you loved it or hated it!
It is 11:00 pm and I just finished it. I LOVED IT! You love Tony and hate him all in one episode. I can't wait to get my next Sopranos DVD from Netflicks.
Tonight my plan is to watch the 1st season. I have my DVD, my popcorn, my water and my blanket and plan on making a night of it. It is 4 hours worth so I am going to cut this short and start watching! I will have to let you know what I thought in my comment section tomorrow. I think this is going to be a late night!
If you are a Sopranos fan, let me know. I am curious as to how many of you loved it or hated it!
It is 11:00 pm and I just finished it. I LOVED IT! You love Tony and hate him all in one episode. I can't wait to get my next Sopranos DVD from Netflicks.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Day 26 ~ Taco Soup
Today I tried a new recipe, Taco Soup.
Yes, I know the title doesn't sound all that great but don't let that stop you because it was AWESOME. Everyone in the family liked it, even the baby and it was so simple.
It looks a little crazy but is soooo good!!
Taco Soup
2 15 oz cans black beans with juice
1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes
1 1/2 c frozen corn
1/2 onion
1 lbs ground beef
1 packet or more of taco seasoning
3/4 cup of water
cheese, cilantro, green onions and or sour cream to garnish
a good bag of tortilla chips to crush on top
Cook ground beef and season with salt and pepper. You can add onion to cook with meat or add to slow cooker later. Once meat is cooked add meat and all ingredients to slow cooker set on high. Let cook 7 hours.
When done garnish with all your favorite toppings
Yes, I know the title doesn't sound all that great but don't let that stop you because it was AWESOME. Everyone in the family liked it, even the baby and it was so simple.
It looks a little crazy but is soooo good!!
Taco Soup
2 15 oz cans black beans with juice
1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes
1 1/2 c frozen corn
1/2 onion
1 lbs ground beef
1 packet or more of taco seasoning
3/4 cup of water
cheese, cilantro, green onions and or sour cream to garnish
a good bag of tortilla chips to crush on top
Cook ground beef and season with salt and pepper. You can add onion to cook with meat or add to slow cooker later. Once meat is cooked add meat and all ingredients to slow cooker set on high. Let cook 7 hours.
When done garnish with all your favorite toppings
Monday, January 25, 2010
Day 25 ~ Creating Something New
I read this today on an awesome blog, and knew I had to post it because it describes how I feel in life.
"Woman was born to create...in creating she becomes herself, accomplishes her destiny. Her whole life is only an initiation into creative power. To create is not merely to produce a work...it is to give out ones own individuality."
-Jeanne De Vietinghoff
As moms we create art, peace, solutions, dinner, just about everything we do tests and uses our creativity. It expresses who we are. I hear so many people say, "Oh but I do not have a creative bone in my body!" I say B.S. to that. Using your creativity doesn't just mean sitting down to craft it up, or having the skill to paint a masterpiece. To me creativity is a state a mind. The ability to use ones senses and imagination all in one.
Using my creativity is my happy place. If only more people would believe in power of creativity we may not have so many disagreements in life, and the world would be a happier place, and we would love people for who they are, not who we want them to be.
Tonight I got creative with dinner and the kids loved it. I also got creative with some pictures I took this summer and I have to say tonight I am a happy girl!
"Woman was born to create...in creating she becomes herself, accomplishes her destiny. Her whole life is only an initiation into creative power. To create is not merely to produce a work...it is to give out ones own individuality."
-Jeanne De Vietinghoff
As moms we create art, peace, solutions, dinner, just about everything we do tests and uses our creativity. It expresses who we are. I hear so many people say, "Oh but I do not have a creative bone in my body!" I say B.S. to that. Using your creativity doesn't just mean sitting down to craft it up, or having the skill to paint a masterpiece. To me creativity is a state a mind. The ability to use ones senses and imagination all in one.
Using my creativity is my happy place. If only more people would believe in power of creativity we may not have so many disagreements in life, and the world would be a happier place, and we would love people for who they are, not who we want them to be.
Tonight I got creative with dinner and the kids loved it. I also got creative with some pictures I took this summer and I have to say tonight I am a happy girl!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Day 24 ~ A Good End to the Week
Today the Wild Six got together an attempted to make their own jewelry boxes. They turned out beautiful!!
Today we got together with friends and the Wild Six attempted another project together. Today they made jewelry boxes. As you can tell from the pictures they turned out so great and the kids had a blast. We even got brave and gave the two littlest their own set of paints and brushes and they were so thrilled to be a part of the whole project.
After our rough weekend, the laughter in the room was such a happy welcome. When the kids came home to sleep they crashed out in a matter of seconds, which was a sign they had a great night. I love to do new activities that allow my girls to express their individuality and to be honest seeing them smile so big makes me smile.
A new project, for a new day and a wonderful end to a hard week.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Day 23 ~ A Reminder
Yesterday was a bad day. A real crappy day.
I got a call from my husband yesterday while I was grocery shopping. He found out they are doing major layoffs at the site he works at and the contract workers were the first to go. Needless to say, his last day will be this coming Friday. Although it was a contract job, this was unexpected, but as you know with corporate business, it is nothing personal. It is always a numbers game. So we are right back where we were 10 months ago and I woke up mad. Not mad at anyone, just mad at the circumstances. Mad at life. I spent all of yesterday in shock and most of this morning mad. I don’t worry about me, my wants, my needs, it is my children who I worry about. It is that fear of how will we provide? Yes, I know it will all work out fine, but the job market really stinks, there is not much out there and it is scary. I am so thankful for the fact my husband has a second job because although it won’t pay all the bills it is still an income and we are very fortunate for that. I spent most of my morning whining and bitching and moaning until I heard this little voice saying "LORD ALMIGHTY, SSSHHHUUUTTT UP!!!!!” Yes, it was me talking to myself. “Jennifer, pull it together and stop your bitching! This is so pathetic! You are so blessed!” I swear it was strange, just like a movie. I decided that minute I would stop the negative and focus on the positive because I am blessed. Everything is so relative. You look at the aftermath of the earth quake in Haiti and the tragedy involved and how so many people don’t even have their basic needs and I am complaining? So many have lost their family and friends and I am bitching? It made me really take a second look at my situation and realize how lucky I really am because I am VERY BLESSED.
Later in the day I got a call from a very close friend who had gone through the same financial struggle we are facing once again. She wanted to meet us for a little shopping and dinner. I was still feeling a little down and at first said no. The truth is I can’t afford it. Well, she was not taking no for an answer and finally convinced me to meet her with the kids. I figured there is no harm in looking, plus some good company would be a good distraction. Remember, I am done whining. Well, I had no idea what she had in store for me. Not only did she take myself and the kids to my very favorite restaurant (Zao Noodles) her treat, but proceeded to purchase each one of my girls something special. I said no, but once again, she wasn’t taking no for an answer. As for why she did this, she did it to make me smile. She did this because she knew I would say no at first, but that ultimately she would win, and ultimately it would make me laugh and the kids would love it. She did this for me because she wanted to let me know that no matter how bad things got, that she was there. What she did was remind me of the fact that it isn’t the things you have, the home you own, or the cars you drive that make you happy, it is the people in your life that count. So I sit here tonight and smile, and really feel like everything will be alright because I am truly blessed.
My new thing for the day was a wonderful surprise from a dear friend and the reminder of how truly blessed I am!
I got a call from my husband yesterday while I was grocery shopping. He found out they are doing major layoffs at the site he works at and the contract workers were the first to go. Needless to say, his last day will be this coming Friday. Although it was a contract job, this was unexpected, but as you know with corporate business, it is nothing personal. It is always a numbers game. So we are right back where we were 10 months ago and I woke up mad. Not mad at anyone, just mad at the circumstances. Mad at life. I spent all of yesterday in shock and most of this morning mad. I don’t worry about me, my wants, my needs, it is my children who I worry about. It is that fear of how will we provide? Yes, I know it will all work out fine, but the job market really stinks, there is not much out there and it is scary. I am so thankful for the fact my husband has a second job because although it won’t pay all the bills it is still an income and we are very fortunate for that. I spent most of my morning whining and bitching and moaning until I heard this little voice saying "LORD ALMIGHTY, SSSHHHUUUTTT UP!!!!!” Yes, it was me talking to myself. “Jennifer, pull it together and stop your bitching! This is so pathetic! You are so blessed!” I swear it was strange, just like a movie. I decided that minute I would stop the negative and focus on the positive because I am blessed. Everything is so relative. You look at the aftermath of the earth quake in Haiti and the tragedy involved and how so many people don’t even have their basic needs and I am complaining? So many have lost their family and friends and I am bitching? It made me really take a second look at my situation and realize how lucky I really am because I am VERY BLESSED.
Later in the day I got a call from a very close friend who had gone through the same financial struggle we are facing once again. She wanted to meet us for a little shopping and dinner. I was still feeling a little down and at first said no. The truth is I can’t afford it. Well, she was not taking no for an answer and finally convinced me to meet her with the kids. I figured there is no harm in looking, plus some good company would be a good distraction. Remember, I am done whining. Well, I had no idea what she had in store for me. Not only did she take myself and the kids to my very favorite restaurant (Zao Noodles) her treat, but proceeded to purchase each one of my girls something special. I said no, but once again, she wasn’t taking no for an answer. As for why she did this, she did it to make me smile. She did this because she knew I would say no at first, but that ultimately she would win, and ultimately it would make me laugh and the kids would love it. She did this for me because she wanted to let me know that no matter how bad things got, that she was there. What she did was remind me of the fact that it isn’t the things you have, the home you own, or the cars you drive that make you happy, it is the people in your life that count. So I sit here tonight and smile, and really feel like everything will be alright because I am truly blessed.
My new thing for the day was a wonderful surprise from a dear friend and the reminder of how truly blessed I am!
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