Excuses

I could come up with a million excuses and reasons why this blog is so neglected (crummy computer and moving into a new house to name a few...), but the fact remains: this blog is sad. And lonely. And in some desperate need of TLC. And the fact that I printed its address on my Christmas cards just makes it worse.

So until I put my life back together and stop running around, flying by the seat of my pants (I soooo do not thrive on chaos!), let me leave you with this bit of Christmas cheer:

This girls believes. She loved sitting on the Big Guy's lap, and was so concerned when we walked outside and she couldn't see any reindeer roaming around. Christmas with kids is so fun!

As a side note, she requested "a butterscotch pony and the Barbie cruiseship," neither of which we were planning on. So, the question remains: Do we take back what we've already purchased so we can fulfill her dreams? Do we make up some excuse why Santa didn't bring what she asked for? Both are $100 items, so it's like we can just add another little gift to the bounty.

Help?!

Monthly Photo Dump

*I follow this really great blog, and she uploads her phone pics every week in a "Friday Photo Dump." Genius! While I certainly don't take enough to post every week, my phone manages to capture some of my favorite moments. Maybe now I can free up some space on my phone...

Photo Dump

Bucket List #39: Green Dragon Market

Pennsylvania is HUGE on Farmers Markets. Maybe they're huge everywhere, and we're just used to living in the middle of nowhere. But here in Pennsylvania, it's go big or don't bother.

And when I say big, I'm talking hundreds of acres of tents and booths, selling everything you could possibly imagine. From delicious produce, to gorgeous Amish furniture, to dollar-store trinkets and flea market finds. It's amazing.

Kevin was obsessed with the auctions - both livestock and random-junk-type. It was a riot, I tell you. It's a good thing he didn't have much cash in his pocket...

Didn't believe me when I said you could find anything? Don't worry, we didn't succumb. The chocolate-covered potato chips were enough for us. Oh yes, we did. And yes, they were surprisingly delicious.

Bucket List #3: S'MORES

Yep, we are just that lame. 

We don't have mountains out here. We didn't make it out camping this summer (darn it, Bucket List #16...). So what were we to do?

Fire up the grill, that's what! The kids didn't mind a bit. In fact, they loved every minute of it.

However, a propane-roasted marshmallow pales in comparison to a good-old blackened one from the fire. I think we're going to have to make more of an effort next time...

Photo Dump

Bucket List #9: Make playdough

I think the last time I made playdough was when Kyle was about Marie's age. Well, he's gotten way too cool for playdough with mom, but Marie was pretty excited about it. I'd forgotten how fun and easy it is - we had a blast. We ended up with 12 different colors, although it's been played with so much in the last few days that all we have left is a giant pile of poopy brown playdough. And just as a side note: Kyle and his friend were part of the group that eagerly dug in!

And because this is the best recipe ever, I feel it's my duty to share. You'll love how soft it is. And if you add in the optional ingredients at the end, you'll end up with super fancy playdough that your kids will LOVE!

"Posh" Dough

2 cups flour

1/2 cup kosher salt

2 cups water

2 tablespoons oil

1/4 cup cream of tartar

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan. Cook over low/medium heat, continuously stirring, until play dough forms into a ball and is no longer sticky. Remove from pan and while hot, knead in food coloring (or better yet, let your kids! But first make sure it is somewhat blended or they will stain their hands).

Optional tips: For a great smell, you can add one package of unsweetened powdered Kool-Aid. When using this, you don't need as much food coloring. And last, but not least, try adding in super fine glitter. It sparkles like crazy and your little girls will LOVE it!

Bucket List #41: Make homemade ice cream

We were pretty excited about this one. I mean, who doesn't love ice cream? The kids and I bought the ingredients, we had Kevin stop at the store for ice, and we pulled out the Ben & Jerry's recipe book. The kids carefully measured all of the ingredients, and mixed them thoroughly. They taste-tested the mixture not once, not twice, but three times, and Kyle exclaimed, "It tastes just like melted ice cream!"

What these pictures don't show is the epic FAIL that followed. We pulled out the ice cream maker that my (awesome) friend Sarah gave us as a wedding gift 12 years ago. We filled the canister, layered the ice and salt, and plugged it in. Nothing. A quick examination (rattling pieces inside the motor) led to the conclusion that it was probably broken in our move last summer. Broken beyond repair. So sad.

So we put the mixture into the regular freezer and left it to freeze into a solid chunk. And then we consoled ourselves with a trip to McDonalds for hot fudge sundaes. Not the same, but ice cream nonetheless.

Bucket List #2: See a Barnstormers game

We're big baseball fans around here. Okay, not die-hard fans, but catching a game every so often is one of our favorite family activities. And luckily, we have a minor league team right here in the city.

And thanks to the Kids Club, Kyle and Marie not only got free admission, but unlimited passes on the carousel, bouncy slides, and bumper boats. Catching a baseball game has taken on a whole new meaning!