Cub Scout Hike

This is a post that I should have put up in May.

We went on a scouting hike to Twin Falls. I would recommend it for families. It has some incline and I would consider it to be a moderate hike. If you are into geocaching you'll be in luck. Apparently there is a cache there.

I am not a hiker. I don't seek out hikes. I don't encourage uphill, narrow, dirty excursions. BUT...this wasn't that bad. I enjoyed the work out. With that said. I really don't need to go again anytime soon. Maybe a walk at the mall would be enough.

PS. For your laughing and rolling of the eyes pleasure I have included a picture of me trying to be a outdoor model.

Boating

Here are some photos from a boating trip we took on July 3rd.

Make sure to check out my husbands makeshift dew rag and air guitar.
Such a good look for him.

Whatever.

I know. It's been a while. A long while.

Let's see if I can summarize what's been going on.

Not much. That's my summary.

Actually. I guess that's not completely true. We have gone camping, to a Mariners game, a couple of weddings, and celebrated the 4th. So, normal family activities.

Here is my post in photos. That's the best I can do for now.

Memorial Day Weekend

Photos from the weekend.

Hope you had a chance to relax.

xo M

Trying to be a model.








Just making their own playground equipment.








Cool!!












Wow!!
















The best water guns in town!










WHAT IS THAT!?? OMG!!











Trying to be a model again.









At the cemetery. My husband taking care of his mothers headstone.








Smelling the wind.











Handsome.














Mmmmmm. Homemade waffle cone...bowls.

Talent

The 2009 Talent Show.

Our boys played the piano.

Other acts included a Korean dance, sax player, singers, and scantily clad 3rd graders performing the Hoedown Throwdown.

xo M

It's all about the cash.

Tonight my youngest son was insisting on pulling out two loose teeth. They aren't ready to come out but he was doing everything to break them free. He asked for dental floss and wanted to have an apple. I tried to convince him to allow nature take it's course and just wait a few days. That's when I found out the real reason behind his tooth tearing torture. He wanted the money! He said "Mom, I'm poor. I need some money!" Seriously, like duh mom. I reminded him that the teeth he wanted to the fairy to buy were very small and wouldn't make much. So, he gave up and said he would probably wake up with a dollar in his mouth.

Good luck selling your teeth little guy.

xo M

Cast on. Cast off.

Can you believe it's been four weeks already? Thank goodness. It was time to get the red cast off, finally.

He says it feels weak and sensitive. Oh, whatever. He will be playing baseball by Saturday.

I am glad showering with plastic wrap or garbage bag days are over. That wasn't fun.


























Ta-da! Wow. That feel's much better.















Finally getting a good hand washing!!

Why isn't your upper lip moving?

We were at a restaurant and this lady was talking, eating, and minding her own business. I guess I should have been minding my own business instead of just gawking at her. I was hypnotized by her stiff lip. She must have had tons of botox. It was so distracting AND unattractive. Half her face didn't move. Neither did my eyes. I couldn't stop staring.

Honestly, I have always thought that I would be a botox user one day. I am not opposed to cosmetic procedures. After watching her....I don't ever want my mouth to look like that! Sheesh.

So, what did I do? I took a picture to post on my blog. Of course I did!! Wouldn't she just be pissed!?? What does she expect? Of course people are going to oogle and stare. She looked like a freak. The photo doesn't show the full effect. I wish it did. Maybe I should have taken video instead.

After looking at the photo I think her nose has had some work too.

I know, I know....find something better to do. I'm working on it. It's not nice to make fun of people!

xo M

PS. If this woman is someone you know and love please suggest that she scale back on the botox. Hope I didn't offend anyone.

Lettuce Wraps.

My client brought me lunch. Wasn't that sweet? I loved this so much I thought maybe you would enjoy it too.

It was a frozen package of lettuce wrap filling. You microwave it and scoop the mixture into lettuce. I prefer romaine or leaf lettuce. It comes with rice noodles you sprinkle on then wrap up the lettuce and enjoy. The best part is that there are no carbs. Very tasty. She also brought along a bottle of sweet chili sauce. MMmmmmm. Sweet and spicy.

I had to purchase a few of these and stash in my freezer. There is enough in each box for two people.

You can find it in the freezer section only at Safeway. (I don't care for Safeway because they do not support our schools and PTA. I am making an exception for this one item. )

Hope you enjoy.

xo M

?

I have nothing to say. Don't be so surprised.


xo M

My grandmother is 80!

We celebrated my grandmother's 80th birthday today.

I love being half Korean, love the Korean family, and love Korean food! It is nice to have my boys be around that part of the family. To realize they have something special, something different. It is amazing that they are her only great-grandchildren. I am the oldest grandchild.

Even though my Halmony (grandmother) and I do not speak the same language I like to think that she knows what I am saying. Tonight we all took a moment to tell her something special. I have no idea what my uncles and other family members were saying to her. They could have been telling jokes for all I know. They all stood, said what they had to say, bow, and maybe gave a hug. When it came time for me to speak I decided to go the more white girl route. I sat down face to face, held her hands, and started to cry. I told her that even though we don't understand one another that she always manages to say "I Love You." I told her that I was sorry for being such a brat when I was a kid and that I always tried to make it up to her by doing a little dance. Funny how kids say sorry in their own way. It was a good moment for me. I have no idea if she had a clue what I said or even why I was saying it. I'm not sure if she new it was her birthday. Oh well.

The family put on a spread of food and entertained with a talent show. A couple of cousins played piano and sang. The whole family sang together.(see the 1 minute 30second video clip) There was even a cousin who wrote a song for grandma that he played on his guitar and sang the lyrics. It was impressive!! (See second video clip)

I had fun. Check out the family singing their hearts out. They are so good!!

xo M






Kyle's song

Hey l'eggo my Eggo! -updated-

The kids and I did a taste test with Eggo Blueberry Waffles VS. Walmart blueberry waffles. First off you have to know that the Eggos come with 10 per box and the Walmart brand only comes with 8 per box. I would love to tell you the cost difference between the two but of course I have misplaced the receipt. Darn it!! That was sorta an important part.

**Found the receipt! Eggos, box of 10 for $1.46. Walmart brand, box of 8, $1.22**

The boys said they would eat either one. The Eggo has more blue specs of faux blueberry but was not as crunchy. My boys preferred the crunchy Walmart waffles.

Just from appearance the Walmart brand looks more "homemade". It has a toasted look.

Waffles are not know as health food. The nutritional value for the two was surprisingly different. While the Walmart brand looks more homemade it also contains more calories and fat. The Walmart brand also contains a percentage or two more carbohydrates and sugars then the Eggos. The only thing the Walmart brand had over the Eggos was cholesterol. The Walmart brand has 5mg verses the Eggos at 15mg of cholesterol.

So, taste and texture winner would be Walmart. Number per box and nutritional value would go to Eggos.

It sorta a mute point overall. Waffles are empty. Add some fresh fruit and some protein to make it worthwhile.

xo M

Slice of cherry pie.

I bought this pie for my dad and he didn't care for it. I loved it!

I am not a big fan of cherry pie but something about this pie was yummy. Not to tart, not to sweet. The best thing was that is is sugar free.

I pretty much enjoyed a cup of coffee and slice a pie for three days straight. What a treat.

Bought at walmart.

xo M

Daffodil Parade.

The boys participated in the areas spring time tradition, the Daffodil Parade.

They were lucky enough to ride on a float this year. The parade goes through four towns in one day. They rode the float for the last two legs and had a blast. The weather was decent and it was nice that it didn't rain this year.

We went down the night before and watched them put the float together. They use endless numbers of daffodils to cover the float. It was neat to see behind the scenes.

We were all worn out. It was a long day. The boys took a shower and crashed. I didn't even get to say goodnight.

Sony Cyber-Shot

I was searching for a reasonably priced camera that was easy to take along, lightweight, and took good pictures. I decided against the more expensive and larger DSLR cameras because it's more camera than I need. I wanted a purse size camera that took great photos. I think I found exactly what I was looking for.

My friend, Megan, was kind enough to bring her Sony Cyber-shot over for me to try out. I liked it and did some research. After reading reviews and checking out consumer reports I decided to purchase.

Found it at Costco for $179.00. I thought this was a great price considering the last Cyber shot I bought was $250.00 and doesn't take nearly as nice of a photo.

Look at the comparison I did. The side showing the old Cyber shot doesn't show the color of the wood very well, the color of the pot, the detail of the grass, or the detail and color on the boxes to the left. I can tell a huge difference when I do close ups using Macro. The photo with the white flowers show Macro from both cameras. The two small photos are washes out and the larger photo shows more detail. I also like the sport feature that catches an action with ease.

This camera is user friendly, easy to understand and has some nice extras.

Came with the battery and charger, USB cord, lens hood for sunny days, and strap. You have to purchase the memory card.

I am excited to try it out.

xo M

Broken

Well, it's a first for our family. A broken arm. The recipient, our 9 year old son. How'd he do it? Guess....literally climbing the walls. I took him to the doctor to get checked out. He sent us over for x-rays and I figured that he was fine. I took him to school thinking that there was no big deal. The doctor called and said he would need a cast. I couldn't believe it. I picked him up at school and he was crying. I think I won the worst mom of the year award. He is a high red belt in Tae Kwon Do, plays on the Red Sox little league team, and his favorite color is red. Sooooo...he has a red cast.

Picture of him waiting for the doctor. Picture of him getting the cast.

xo M

Mad Science!

How about a little Mad Science?!

That's what we did for our son's 8th birthday party. He enjoys science and a mad science party sounded fun and different.

We originally hired a company that would come for an hour. The host would have the kids wear borrowed lab coats, show a few fun things, and the kids would make slime to take home. That would cost around $150-$175.

After doing some research I figured that I could be the mad scientist and save a few bucks.

Here is what we/I did.

• Bought test tubes and filled with candy
• Brown paper bags with homemade stickers for goodie bags
• Baked the cake - (not cute)

• Bought colorful tablecloths and balloons
• Made slime with "slime cups" and mix (bought online)
• Made "snow" (bought online)
• Made volcano's with paper cups and plates - had the ingredients already
• Bought the birthday boy a lab coat ($10)
• Made name tags for added effect
• Bought dry ice (Huge Hit!)
  
• Used black lights to show off glowing slime
• Bought freeze dried ice cream to sample ($1.88 for a pack. One pack gave 13 kids a sample.)
  

The goodie bags had the slime and snow they made, a test tube with candy, a kaleidoscope, and "Chinese" finger toy (locks two fingers together) The goodie bags looked empty initially because they had to make some of the items that went inside.

A lot of the items are things we already had in the attic from Halloween decor. The other items were very reasonable. The party ended up costing around $120. I still saved money and that helped pay for gifts. I would have spent way over $200 if I would have hired the "professionals".

The experiments were:

• Slime
• Freeze dried ice cream
• Volcano's
• Snow

This took about 45 minutes to an hour to complete with 13 kids.

This turned out to be an absolute blast for the kids. It seemed like they had a really great time. For us, the adults, stress. That's all I can say. Tons of work, loud, and busy.

We wanted a great party with out spending a lot. Hope you have found some ideas for your next shin dig.

xo M

Science Fair

Well, it's been that time of year again. Science fair season. We started off a few weeks ago with the school science fair. Both boys did well and placed first in their grade level.
Next we were off to Pacific Lutheran University for a full day of science fun. We checked in at 8AM and got the show rolling. The boys had to stay with their display and talk to judges. It's a good chance for them to explain what, why, how and all the ins and outs of their project. Last year our oldest son received honorable mention at regionals. This year both boys participated and just enjoyed the experience. Neither of them placed.
It is definitely tougher competition. The boys placed first at their school level BUT... so did all the other kids there. It's really amazing how 300 kids from k-5 can come up and create such awesome experiments. Very impressive.
So, maybe next year.

How many?? Crazy lady Octuplet mom Nadya Suleman

So what do you all think of this? It's sorta nuts don't ya think. Okay, so I get that it's not up to us to decide who can and who cannot have children. It's also not up to us how many we add to our families. BUT....seriously...how many at once do you need?

I've heard the reasons why people are talking about this women. They say shes unbalanced. They say the doctors were acting in an irresponsible dangerous way. They should not implant six embryos at once. Of those six, two multiplied and she ended up with eight babies! Yikes!

People are upset that she is single, no earned income, sucks off her parents and so on. I have to admit, it all sounds really bad. Sounds confusing and overwhelming to think of the money and living situation.

She has hired a publicists to help find book deals, tv appearances, and maybe even her own show. No thanks.

This is my question. Why hasn't anyone complained about the McCaughey (McCoy) Septuplets from 1997 or Kate Gosselin and her show? No one has mentioned that these ladies had pregnancies that resulted in a mass birth. Maybe the difference is Bobbi Mccaughey and Kate Gosselin had multiples due to fertility drugs, NOT embryos that were implanted. How about the Duggers and having 17+ biological children in one family? That's sorta weird too.

The Gosselin and Dugger families have shows, press, books, magazine covers etc.... That's how they make their income. The Gosselin family of 8 kids and both parents receive free trips and other perks. I remember the McCaughey family receiving a 15 passenger van and the community built them a larger home. Is that what this lady is counting on? She may be waiting a while.

I don't like the fact that she cannot support 14 kids and wants student loans and grants to finish her masters degree. Her own mother has bad mouthed her. Who is going to watch these kids while she sucks off Pell grants?

Last but not least. This Nadya Suleman has obviously had some bad plastic surgery. It's not cute. I have heard so many people say that she is trying to look like Angelina Jolie. I can see what they mean. This lady needs some help. She is no Angelina. Maybe her ugly sister. Sorry.

Here is a link to a video clip interview with the Today Show.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29038814/

I love Scentsy!

My friend Jody has started this great new home business. I love her products. Check it out.
https://www.scentsy.com/22286

If you want to order online click on events and choose February 7th on her calender. That way you are shopping from my party!

Everything I have seen is quality. The scents have essential oils and the smell lasts. You can use the scents repeatedly. No more sooty candles.

These would be a great gift for someone who loves candles. These would blow their socks off! So, think of birthdays, teachers gifts, thank you's, etc....
Everything is 10% off and free shipping!! Stock up.

Thanks.

xo M

Scary and sad.

This is something that I had never seen until recent weeks. In the newspaper there are multiple pages of legal notices from mortgage companies that are foreclosing on homes. These notices show the amount owed, the names, and address of the poor folks. How sad, scary, stressful and embarrassing.

Now I know that there are the people who fibbed on the loan applications and said they made more income than they actually did. Shame on them. They got in over their heads and couldn't pay for the big bucks house.

There are also those people who were doing fine and making a living. Then they may have lost their job and now they are behind in payments.

Sad, sad, SAD. Anyway you look at it, it's just ugly. Terrible. These are young people, middle aged people, people with kids and people who were going to retire. What a mess.

I can only pray that our family never has to feel the pain of loosing our home. I also pray that no one I know has to suffer such a stressful fall.

Okay, enough depressing stuff. Let's talk about something cheerful. ...... Hmmmm. My dog is cute!

xo M

A New Year's tradition

One of the things we do every New Year is demolish our gingerbread house. We spend quality time building a house every year. Once the New Year has arrived we don't eat the house we destroy it. The boys love this wild and messy tradition. It's easy to clean up because everything is dry and crumbly. We just scoop it up and toss it into the trash. The boys help vacum up the crumbs and pieces of broken candy.

FUN!

Happy New Year.

xo M