Wordless Wednesday - Love These Boys!

Stable of Strollers

I couldn't resist taking this picture at Disneyland last week. Can you say Holy Strollers!!?? Every ride had it's own little parking lot of strollers. With the cost of these things, it's a wonder they don't have an armed guard watching out for them! The funny things is, after a certain age, the kids refuse to ride in them and you end up pushing an empty stroller. And every adult says the same thing, "I'd love to have somebody push me around all day!" In an ever changing world, some things never change!

Maddy Magic

Look closely. Can you read this note? A couple of weeks ago, I was taking the kids to the park for a picnic. Jack was finishing up watching a show on TV and I was at the computer. Maddy (age 6.5) came in and asked me how to spell "grammie". She then proceeded to write down something and handed me this paper. It says, "Grammie, let's go!" I plan on hanging onto this little treasure for a long time. Maddy has learned so much in kindergarten, it amazes me. Yes, it's not a perfect note, but she got her point across perfectly. She was excited and wanted to head out on our adventure.
When I picked her up from school today, she informed me that the bonus spelling world is aquarium! Are you kidding me?? I am thankful that I could spell check it when I wrote it here! I am so blessed to be along for this journey that is her life. Soon, she'll be teaching me a thing or two. Wait, scratch that ~ she already has!

Like Buttah

QUESTION: When a recipe calls for softened butter, what exact consistency should it be? I am impatient and want to cook. If I forget to leave it out on the counter, can I zap it a few seconds in the microwave?

ANSWER: Softened butter should just yield when you press it with your finger but should feel cool to the touch. It's important to achieve the right level of firmness, especially for baking - if the butter is too soft, you might end up with cookies that are too flat or oddly shaped. If it's too hard, it won't mix properly with the sugar, leaving you with a tougher cake. It's best not to soften butter in the microwave, because doing so can cause it to melt. Even if it melts in only a few spots, it will never reach the same consistency again. If you forget (or are impatient, like me!) to let the butter soften, cut it into pieces and leave it on the counter. It will soon be ready to use.

Inspired?

What or who inspires you?
I think staying inspired is the difference between getting through life and living your life. I need inspiration to help me to feel whole and that life is worth living. I need to be inspired in my work, in my relationships and in what I read. I want to be around people who inspire me ~ to be smarter, to think about things, to be a better person.
Interested parties - inquire within.

More Life Lessons

Sometimes, you just have to take the plunge...even if you can't see what the outcome will be.

Yes, you may get hurt.

It also might be a thrilling ride.

Appreciate every day with little pleasures. For, often, they are the big pleasures in disguise!

Just Three Words

I borrowed a great idea from a cousin's wedding where they asked every couple to write "just three words" to the bride and groom. We adapted it for a 40th birthday party and asked guests to write either three words to describe the birthday girl or a three word message. Here are some of the results.

This idea could be adapted for many types of parties. It would be fun to do it for a graduation party, a retirement party, etc. You can do it with a chalk board or a dry erase board. Just make sure you check your pics as you take them to avoid any glare. It helps to go around and tell people what you are doing to give them some time to think about what they want to write. It is always interesting to watch those that need lots of time to contemplate the perfect thing and those that immediately grab it out of your hands and just write.

Gathering all the "just three words" and making a photo book is the perfect keepsake of the party. It could even be your gift to the guest of honor.