Inspired by my children - again!

So, a month or so ago, I did a craft fair that offered to give $10 off the entry fee if I had a game for children in my shop. So, I took a couple of Zadyballs that didn't turn out exactly perfect and instead of filling them with my normal polyfil, I filled them with beans and turned them into bean bags. They got quite a bit of play at the craft fair, and I even used them as "cannons" for Zander's birthday party. But, I never thought that I would actually do anything else with them...

Until today...





















Zander started throwing them around with his dad. He is four, and has pretty much always been good at throwing a ball, but not so good at catching one. But, using the Zady bean bag, it was much easier for him to catch! The strings made something extra for him to grab on to, and since they are a bit heavier than a normal Zadyball, it is easier to throw and catch. Watching him play with it made me think.... hmm.... maybe ZadyBEAN for bigger kids? The idea needs a little fleshing out, I think, but it could work!

Little Chefs

I had the best time today letting my kids "help" make dinner! They really got into it and we all had so much fun!
The recipe that we did is one of our family favorites. It is super easy to make, and everyone likes it. And in our house, that's REALLY saying something!!

Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
1 can cooked chicken OR 2 chicken breasts boiled and cut into pieces
1 head fresh broccoli, boiled and cut into pieces
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Place chicken and broccoli in a lightly greased 8X8 inch baking dish. In a medium saucepan combine cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, curry powder and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Pour soup mixture over chicken/broccoli mixture and top with shredded cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Number Of Servings:4-6

Preparation Time:15 min prep, 20 min cook

My tips: Instead of boiling the broccoli, I put it in a microwave safe dish and zap it for about 1 minute. I then use the same dish to mix the sauce and microwave it for about 45 seconds. Saves a lot of time, and less dishes need to be washed!

The Start of Something NEW!

So, I'm in the process of creating something new...

A PERSON!!


That's right! Baby #3 is expected to arrive in January 2009!

So, since I never really documented my other pregnancies, that is what this might start turning into. My life as a pregnant, mother of two, trying to run a business.

So far, I haven't really been sick. Just TIRED. All the time. My kids are so sick of me, and tired of sitting at home. I need to figure out other things to do with them while I lie on the couch. Is that possible?

One of my favorite websites lately is www.babycenter.com. I joined it when I was first expecting my son, nearly 5 years ago. But I hadn't really gotten super involved with it. So, this time, I'm trying to really network with other expecting mommies. It's fun!

Four is Fun!

My son had his 4th birthday party on Saturday. We had LOTS of fun! The kids walked the plank, shot cannons, and went on a treasure hunt. What more do you need for a super duper piratey good time?

My little pirates


Walk the plank


Pirate Cake (made by ME!)



My mom sent the BEST gift! She made a SUPER fun detective kit for him, including the trenchcoat and hat. I guess that's where I get my creativity from!

Your Rebate Check

I got the following in an email from a friend of mine:

How to use Your IRS Rebate check;

As you may have heard, the Bush Administration said

each of us would get a rebate check to stimulate the

economy.

If we spend that money at Wal-Mart, all the money will

go to China . If we spend it on gasoline it will go to

the Arabs . If we purchase a computer it will go to

India . If we purchase fruit and vegetables it will

go to Mexico , Honduras , and Guatemala . If we

purchase a good car it will go to Japan . If we

purchase useless crap it will go to Taiwan and none of

it will help the American economy.

We need to keep that money here in America . The only

way to keep that money here at home is to spend it at

yard sales, since those are the only businesses still

in the USA

I'm not sure if all of it is true. And, I have nothing against other countries. But, SOMETHING needs to happen to stimulate the US economy. So, rather than buying at yard sales, get something truly unique and wonderfully handmade buy shopping on ETSY!

Here's some place that you can start:
I just got the most incredible little outfit for my son, Zander. He is turning 4 next week and is having a pirate birthday party, so this was perfect! I've long admired the work of Darcy of ChewChewsCloset, and I was thrilled with this purchase!



Check out Darcy's shop for more beautifully made children's clothing: