Spring Break Activities

So far this break we have made Jelly Bean Bark.  To make this you melt white chocolate chips.  When melted, pour onto a wax paper lined pan and spread out evenly.  Then press jelly beans of choice into the melted chocolate.  Refrigerate.  When the bark is firm, it can be broken into bite sized pieces.

Today we dyed Easter eggs.  A tradition, while fun, I tend to find wasteful.  As my children don't eat boiled eggs and I don't enjoy them cold.  My husband will eat them at least which is why I only make a dozen.  I loved how vibrant the colors were in the kit we used this year.









Anyone else on spring break this week?  What activities do you have planned?  Tomorrow we are at least making a trip to the library to pick up some new reading material, but I am not sure what to do Thursday.  I do need to spend some time packing for our weekend in the Dells, but I wanted to have some other activity included with our outside play time.  If it were just me, I would be headed down to Target.  I am so missing Target lately!  Not sure why, it is not like I am in need of anything other than our normal day to day items.  How I prefer Target to Wal-Mart!

Potato Salad Prep...

For my birthday I was gifted a food processor.  I had wanted one for some time but had never made the commitment to break down and get one.  Chopping chopping chopping by hand all the time for me.  When you are making potato salad for 2 not a big deal, but today I had to make a large quantity to take to Blue and Gold Banquet for cub scouts.  I pulled out my little food processor and got to work.  My time was cut at least in half if not more!  Amazing and minimal irritation to my eyes from the onions.  It seems that as I get older my eyes are even more and more sensitive to onions.  Anyway, I am off to banquet and to enjoy my potato salad so I thought I would post my recipe in case anyone would be interested.

I have no real measurments and do everything to taste.  Sorry about that but many times that is how I cook!

Potatoes--peeled, chopped and boiled until fork tender.

Boiled eggs chopped.

Apple chopped---I like Fuji's for their tartness/sweetness

celery chopped

onion chopped

Mix all ingredients together with mayo---lately I use the light variety in order to cut the fat, but it really does taste fab when you use the full fat stuff.  Refrigerate until ready to serve!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Catching up...

on life around here.  I am trying so hard to stay on top of things so that I can spend the time I have free with the family and focus more on them instead of the tasks I have to do.  This past weekend was wonderful.  Nothing planned, just able to spend some time sewing while Ainsley played in the play room.  My sewing table shares the kids playroom.  Aidan and Dad worked on Aidan's Pinewood Derby car for scouts.  Their Pinewood Derby is this weekend as well as their Blue and Gold banquet.  Aidan will officially become a Bear.

This weekend will be a bit busy but fun as we have the scouts events on Saturday  and then an Easter egg hunt at a friends house on Sunday afternoon.  Should be fun but I get to spend less time catching up on the things at home.  Aidan has a half day at school tomorrow and then both kids will be on Spring break.  I am looking forward to the time off with them!  Low key fun and hopefully nice weather for some back yard play.

While I did not get the chance to talk to her, I understand from my Mom that my sister is doing better.  She just had a really rough day and was taking some of my advice as far as the nursing goes.  When I chatted with her the day before, I did have to tell her that whoever told her nursing was easy lied.  It does get easier over time, but I do recall the first month to month and a half to be very difficult.  Anyway, if anyone has any tips to pass along I would be happy to hear them and get the information over to her.  Baby S is soooooooo cute!  I can't wait until I get to see him next month!

So I will wrap this up, and tell you about the picture above.  One busy day we decided to make pictures for a little friend in the hospital.  Mayhem ensued, but they were having a blast drawing and coloring.  Of course I take pictures and later realize that I had left the ketchup and Ainsley's salad dressing on the table as well as my water glass and sun glasses.  Too funny, but I do enjoy the unposed picture.  Ahh well, more another day my friends!  Have a good weekend in case I don't get the chance to post tomorrow.  Now off to do more housework...the story of my mornings!

Prayers again please...

All I post about lately prayer requests, but I really do appreciate your prayers. Please add my sister to your prayer list if you think of it. She is struggling with the whole nursing situation with S. Thanks to you my dear readers and friends!

I have a nephew!

Baby S was born this morning, 6 lb 9oz! So excited...more info when I have it available.

Praise!

My little God son seems to be doing better today! He is able to open his eye a bit so the antibiotic seems to be working. All this seems to be from a strep infection. He never had the sore throat just infection elsewhere. He will be in the hospital until about Thursday and I have been keeping up with the family via Facebook. Continued prayers, but praise God he is doing better!

Prayers!

Please lift up my God son in your prayers today. After battling flu symptoms for about a week, things have become much more serious. He is currently in a Georgia Children's Hospital on IV antibiotics, for various infections. Most serious seems to be periorbital cellulitis, an infection and inflammation of the tissues around the eye. Apparently, he is expecting to have a surgery scheduled soon. Please lift him up! Wisdom for Doctors, peace for Mom and Dad and Sister, and healing for his little body.

Catching up on things...

Last Saturday we stopped by the local art museum because Aidan has a piece on display in celebration of Youth Art Month. His penguin on an iceberg is the one he is pointing to there in the back. Then, as usual, the battery on my camera died. I need to do better about charging that thing. The children's artwork was very impressive ranging from the kindergarten to the high school age. Some of the high schooler's work was really amazing. The girl who babysits for us from time to time had a photography piece on display as well.

This has been another busy week. Monday I spent some time scheduling overdue appointments, my physical and Ainsley's well check. She had strep throat when I was originally supposed to take her in, not so well I think. I also was able to get my car in for its regular service which was nice. I still need to get the dog into the vet for some vaccinations and to reschedule the dentist appointment I had to cancel when we had the stomach bug before the holiday's. Shameful I know!

The other struggle that I have had this week is that I think I finally killed my vacuum cleaner. I am so upset by this, but it did last me a good long time. I am struggling with the thought of getting a new one, but with as much as my dog sheds I hate to go too long without one.

I am on baby watch for my sister! She is just about 38 weeks now. I am so excited for her! She is one of my regular readers so I hope she don't mind me mentioning this. I have girl feelings for her, not that my thoughts matter, just the vibe I am getting. We both, B and I, keep referring to the baby as our niece even though we try to correct our thinking quickly. We are thrilled to have our first official cousin in the family so we will ecstatic with whomever God has planned for us as a new family member. Aidan of course wants a boy cousin and Ainsley wants a girl cousin. Exciting times!

The weather has warmed up considerably in the last few weeks, but most of this week has been shrouded by fog. The sun is supposed to come back next week as well as temps in the 50's! I am thrilled, but trying to keep in mind that this is also the Wi lake shore and you never know what you are going to get. Well, our weekend plans have changed once again and for that I am a bit glad...not so good for the hubby, but that is his story to tell not mine, work related issue. Now we have a free weekend and I am hoping to take advantage by getting some painting done on the upstairs hallway repair and possibly getting a new vacuum. Ahh, well we will see. Have a good weekend all and I hope to get back to more regular blogging soon!

Last Friday...

Aidan had a day off from school due to Parent Teacher Conference. We went to his conference on Thursday and all was well. B ended up taking the day off and we made the trip over to the big town and went to the Children's Museum. They had a Clifford exhibit as well as a Frog exhibit. Very fun afternoon!

On this lovely Saturday the kids have some play dates. Some of Aidan's friends stopped by for about an hour and Ainsley was invited to one of her preschool friend's house. I think we are going to try to take Aidan over to the local art museum because it is Youth Art Month and he has some artwork on display. We will go if B can give up a few hours of his errands. So we will see anyway. Sunny days here lately and warmer temps. I never thought I would be excited about temperatures in the 40s. All the snow is melting and making some huge puddles that refreeze every evening. Makes for a dangerous walkway. Have a good weekend all!

Tired...

so busy this week after a good weekend. I am so waiting for Saturday to get a break! This morning I helped for swimming day at Ainsley's school. I was the only parent helper. We could really use a few more, but no one wants to get into a bathing suit. I would rather not either, but when the teachers need help I don't have the heart to say no unless I have a real conflict. Well, I have tons of pictures to sort through so I will get those up here soon. Hopefully by Friday!