Princess on Ice

Princess E had her first visit to an ice skating rink yesterday afternoon.  We've never been to an ice rink before.  We decided to take a field trip before the snow hit today. 

I guess her years of roller skating experience helped some.  She's been roller skating since before she was 2.  Even still, she went splat quite often. 

At least she wasn't afraid to get up and try again.

They were giving lessons to new skaters.  I don't think she did badly for a first-timer. 

It surprised me that a first lesson included a basic spin.  Here was hers. 

I think she much preferred speed-skating.  Big surprise there...not.

Ice dancing? 

"Can I have my medal now, please?"

Last night, she was pretty stiff and had lots of red marks.  I have a feeling she has lots of bruises today.  But, she had fun and said it was worth it. 

Alexander Lebenstein

A few weeks ago, we had the privilege to meet a man of honor. Let me introduce you to Alexander Lebenstein, pictured here during his presentation.

Mr. Lebenstein had the sad distinction of being the only Jewish Holocaust survivor from his hometown of Haltern-am-See, Germany. The story of his life during the holocaust, starting Kristallnacht through Liberation, is utterly heartwrenching.

It is no wonder that many of his years following the Holocaust were stained with hate, anger and scorn. What is amazing is that he eventually grew to love young people and dedicated his later years to making a difference in their lives by promoting tolerance.

Last year, his story was published as The Gazebo, with the help of Don Levin. From the cover..."More than a story of survival, this is a tale of good triumphing over evil, and one man's battle to make a difference in the lives of children. With a new lease on life, he now promotes tolerance through education on two continents, and tells his remarkable story so that the children will know."


During the presentation, he reminded the children that they are the last generation that will meet a living Holocaust survivor. I hadn't actually considered that myself.


After his presentation, he invited everyone forward to meet him. Here is Princess E, shaking hands with him. In his hand is the card she made for him. What you can't see is the bag of peanuts she brought him. We read, in his book, that he loves peanuts! To our joy, he stopped the line, and announced excitedly that she had brought him peanuts. He seemed genuinely pleased by her gesture.

After the presentation, he sat for a book-signing. We waited in line for him to sign the copy we had purchased. Again, he took a moment to pose with "The Peanut Girl".

This morning, this dear gentleman completed his earthly journey.  His nightmares are over.  His work is done.

My heart is heavy for his family here on earth.  It is my sincere hope that today, he was gathered into the arms of God, and reunited with his beloved mother and father.  May he rest in peace, and may his legacy live on. 

Mr. Lebenstein, it was an honor to meet you.  Thank you for all you have done to bring an end to hate.  Thank you for setting an example of tolerance and love.  Thank you for taking the time to reach out to my daughter.  The world has lost a great man.

Wordless Wednesday

Sponsored Post - General Mills Cereals

Chex Mix…one of my favorite homemade snacks. We ate buckets of the stuff during the Christmas season. Sadly, my pants confirm this is true. Princess E and I also made Muddy Buddies as a math/science project for her. My aunt also introduced us to Snickerdoodle Chex Mix. It was super-yummy and gluten-free.

Anyway, right in the middle of all the holiday yumminess, I received an offer from General Mills and MyBlogSpark. They sent me coupons that I could use to buy any General Mills cereals. They also gave me lots of information about cereal for breakfast.  I am rather picky about what I serve my daughter for breakfast, so learning how they are making breakfast cereals more nutritious was a nice bonus.
So, let me share with you the information that was given to me. General Mills recently announced “a commitment to further reduce sugar in cereals advertised to kids under 12 to single digit grams of sugar per serving. The company has already been reducing sugar in cereals while increasing key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, and providing whole grain.”

Of course, they probably weren’t expecting me to serve Muddy Buddies for breakfast. Ha!  I'm kidding.  I wouldn't do that.  Here's my idea of a good breakfast: 

For more information about kids and cereals, please visit Cereal Health and Wellness.

Right now if you visit here you will find a $1 off coupon for one of four General Mills cereals. These are some of the cereals that children so greatly enjoy. Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a huge hit at my house.

What do you feed your children for breakfast?  I'd love to read your comments on this.  Don't forget to print out your own coupon.

General Mills and MyBlogSpark sponsored this post.  They provided me with coupons I could use to buy cereals; but the opinions expressed here are completely my own.

Missing Mom in Richmond, Virginia

UPDATE:  I am excited to share that Tamara has been found and she is safe!  Please join me in offering prayers of thanksgiving. 

My Sister-In-Law's Sister is Missing from the Richmond, Virginia area. 

Tamara Sarah Hopkinson, mother of 2

Last seen December 31, 2009 in Richmond

She is approximately 5' 8" tall and has reddish hair that is naturally blonde.

If you have any information on her whereabouts or you see her, please contact the Richmond Police Department, Missing Persons Unit, at 804-646-5100

Please keep her, her children, and her family in your prayers as they go through this frightening time.  I will post updates here as I learn more.

Upward Basketball - Week 2

What a game we had today!

Princess E made her first goal of the season!  Way to go girl!
Is this picture not the funniest thing?  It looks like they were posing for a movie poster.  The three girls in the front, representing two teams, running together side-by-side.  Notice they all have their left foot forward.  Notice that their arms are in basically the same positions as well.  (Notice that two of the three are completely airborne, too.)  When I saw this image, I couldn't help but think of Charlie's Angels from my childhood.  I blurred the other girls' faces for the sake of their privacy. 

Now in this next picture, you can tell she's really concentrating on moving that ball.  I call her the Dribbling Princess.  One of these days, she's not going to think that is funny anymore.  Ha!

She was sure trying hard to catch the rebound here.  This was just before she make her basket.  Woot!  Woot!

This last one struck me as pretty funny, too.  It looks like she and the referee were dancing to the same music.  Only, she stuck her index finger straight out and he curled his.  She had just thrown the ball in from the sidelines.  Notice the sign of concentration...mouth open, tongue stuck out.  It was just too funny when I downloaded the camera. 

It's been another great week of basketball.  I continue to be surprised by the improvements in her skills since last season.

Basketball

From the first game of the 2010 season. Go Upward!

So much has changed since last season.  You are taller for one thing.  You are doing much better with dribbling, passing and guarding the ball.  You even stole the ball a couple of times, which you've never done before!  Your shots at the goal, while they didn't go in, were much better than last year.  One even circled the rim.  We are proud of you for your effort and for your good sportsmanship.  You earned a red star today for "best defense".  Way to go!!

Great job Princess E!!!

Frittata Feast

I made a Frittata for Christmas brunch.  It was so good, I was asked to make another one for another gathering soon after.  Now, I've been asked to make it again, but this time I'll be making multiple pans so that there is enough to feed about forty people.  So, I thought I'd share my recipe with you. 

Ingredients

18 eggs
3 cups of milk
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup of chopped green onion
1 lb of bacon
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I prefer sharp or extra sharp)

Instructions

(Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.)
1.  Cut the bacon strips into quarters and cook the bacon until well done.  Drain the bacon.
2.  In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the eggs and the milk. 
3.  Stir in the black pepper.
4.  Pour the mixture into a 9X15 pan. 
5.  Spread the bacon and green onion evenly in the egg mixture.
6.  Sprinkle the cheese on top and push it down into the egg mixture.
7.  Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
8.  Bake the frittata about 50 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes back clean.

This serves about 16 people.

At the time, it didn't occur to me to take a picture of just the frittata.  Here is is along with the rest of the food we served for Christmas brunch.

I should know better...

Yesterday morning, way too early, I was up priming my kitchen ceiling.  We are in the process of repainting the kitchen and I just LURV all the prepwork.  Ha!

Then, it was off to the dentist with Princess E.  She had a good checkup. 

Next stop, grocery store.  She tells me she wants sushi for lunch.  We looked at the stuff there, but I decided against it.  For one thing, it's pretty expensive.  For another, well, I really prefer to ensure my sushi is really fresh.  Some things just aren't meant to be bought in the grocery store, in my not-so-humble opinion.  Then again, the sushi-chef was right there working on the stuff while we were there.  Anyway, I digress...

We came home and I decided to fix a sushi-style lunch.  Think of it as a cross between a California roll and fried rice.  The only thing I was missing was the seaweed.  I pulled out the imitation crabmeat sticks to add to the cooked rice and realized each one of them was individually wrapped.  No problem, I thought, I'll just slide it out of the sleeve. 

Or not. 

The wrappers wouldn't tear open, either.  No problem, I just grabbed my trusty kitchen knife.  I laid it on the cutting board and tried to cut the wrapper.  This is still the first one, and I have a dozen or so wrappers to remove.  I couldn't cut the wrapper.  Frustrated, I picked it up and held it while I cut the wrapper open.  Success!  Woohoo!

I grabbed the second stick and proceeded to open it the same way.  The wrapper wouldn't cut.  I added just a smidgen more force.  It gave way that time, successfully slicing open the wrapper and the ends of two of my fingers. 

Princess E scrambled around grabbing bandages and tape.  Bless her heart, she knew I had to clean my fingers, so she brought me alcohol swabs.  I thanked her for her thoughtfulness and proceeded to clean up with good old soap and water.  When King J got home, I looked like I had marshmallows taped to my fingers.  LOL! 

I didn't get any more painting done yesterday. 

Oh, yeah, last night, King J asked me to peel a grapefruit and an orange for him to take to work today.  For the first time I can remember, I refused his request.  I handed him the grapefruit, the orange and a peeler and told him to help himself.  He laughed. 

I should have just bought the sushi at the grocery store.

It's not my fault...

Really, it isn't.  I just couldn't help myself. 

See, I have a bunch of blogs in my reader that I follow.  So, Sunday night, I was trying to catch up on some blog reading and commenting...cuz I do like to visit around in the bloggy world.  The Pioneer Woman had put up this post about her recent trip to Atlanta.  At the end of the post was a list of some of the bloggers she met while she was there. 

This one caught my eye.   She's a Mom, a paramedic, a firefighter...you know, one of the real everyday heroes.  I don't mentioned it much on my blog, but I used to be active in EMS.  That is how King J and I met, but that's a story for another day.  I burned out after one (or two or six) too many bad calls.  One of these days, I'll go back.  I even keep up my certifications.  Anyway, I spent HOURS reading her posts.  Some are funny, others are hard to read.  In any case, she captured my interest.  I don't know much about how bloggy awards are passed around, but this lady most definitely deserves one. 

But then, oh dear, she had her list of favorite blogs.  I made the mistake of clicking on Dr. Grumpy.  I say mistake because I am now sleep deprived, bleary-eyed, and my sides ache horribly.  I think I broke a couple of ribs from laughing so hard.  Yes, his language is a bit more, um...edgy, than what I use, but his blog is well worth reading.  It took me the better part of two nights, but I read every.single.entry.  Hysterical. 

Happy New Year!!

I hope 2010 will be a year full of blessings for each of you. 

Things are quiet on my blog right now.  King J has a long winter break and we are spending most of our time off-line.  I'll be back soon.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Christmas Girls

Christmas Eve, 2009

Merry CHRISTmas!

To all of my dear online friends (and a few IRL ones who read this), I wish you a very Merry Christmas!  I am truly blessed to have each of you in my life. 

Sara, I really enjoy your "spazziness" and humorous outlook on life.  Besides, your boys and my Princess E were clearly cut from the same cloth.  LOL!  I hope to have the opportunity to meet you one day in real life.

Liz, you have an incredible amount of talent and creativity.  You are the first female robotics engineer I've ever met, and I hope my girls look to you as an example of the kind of career they can achieve if they put their minds to it.

Kameron, I call you my "mad-scientist bloggy friend"...but you sew the cutests dresses!

Jeff, your love for your children (including your students) is so very apparent in your writing.  Your posts sometimes make me sit back and ponder your words, and challenge my own thoughts. 

Kelly and MckMama, thank you for sharing your miracle babies.  Thank you for sharing hope.

Ree, I get to enjoy all the fun part of ranch life through your blog...and all the yummy food, too.  I "almost" got to meet you a couple of weeks ago when we were both on the same road at the same time.  Oh well, maybe next year. 

Stacy, Angie, Greg, Heather, Aimee, Adam and Michele...each of you has invited us in to your lives as you traveled the road of the devastating loss of a precious child.  Thank you for your openness, for allowing us to share your grief, for allowing us to celebrate the memories of your babies' lives, and for sharing hope for the future.  For each of you, I pray for comfort and peace this Christmas. 

There are so many more bloggy friends.  Homeschooling bloggers, photography bloggers, cooking mama's, all of you have made my year a little brighter.  I'd like to think I'll be able to visit each blog and leave individual Christmas wishes; but I realize it is unlikely time will allow for it.  So, I'll say it here:

Merry CHRISTmas!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Snow!

It snowed here Friday night and into yesterday.  Not only did it snow, but we got 10" of snow in our yard, topped with a crust of ice. 

You'd never think it isn't even Winter quite yet.  Snow in December is rather rare for us.  A significant snow is even rarer. 

Princess E and her friend played in it until they had turned into human popsicles.  Then, it was time to come inside and sip hot cocoa while eating homemade cookies. 

But, not before Princess E crashed. 

She didn't stay down for long!  Here she is with a chunk of the icy snow, ready to throw at somebody.  Not me, of course, since I hid behind my camera...at least for a little while. 

Pawtucket Winter Wonderland

This past weekend, after a lovely visit with Liz, another mom-blogger, our family decided to go explore the Pawtucket Winter Wonderland.  Having never been before, we weren't sure what we would find.  They had closed off an area of the park and lined both sides with trees and little village buildings.
Each of the trees was sponsored by a group, family or individual and dedicated to the memory or honor of someone or a group.

They had a kiddie train for taking photos.

Sprinkled throughout the display were lighted structures. 

This snowman was probably 15 feet tall.  He had a big, booming voice that caught the kiddos by surprise.  One would walk by and he'd shout "HEY!  WHAT'S YOUR NAME?", then "PICK UP THE MICROPHONE AND TALK TO ME.  HOW OLD ARE YOU?  WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS?"  It was pretty funny because a lot of the children wouldn't talk to him. 

Here are some of the trees that caught my eye. 

This one had beach sand and shells at the bottom. 

A reminder of why we celebrate...

Honoring those who are not with their families this Christmas because they are serving our country...

This simply decorated tree said plenty.  I don't know who sponsored this tree, but Thank You.

More Humor

This is a hoot! 

Call the Nestle Crunch hotline.  The number is 800-295-0051.  When the auto attendant answers, listen to the spiel.  Then, they will give the option for English/Spanish.  Just wait.  Count to 10 in your mind.  You'll hear something amusing.

Then, select option 4.  There are several options from there.  Pick the one that appeals most to you.  You won't regret it. 

Thanks Kara for sharing this!

1 Corinthians 13 For Christmas

If I speak in the tongues of Christmas materialism and greed but have not love, I am only a tinny Christmas song or an out-of-tune choir.

If I have the gift of knowing what Aunt Agatha will give me this year and can even understand last year's present, and if I have the faith that I won't get yet more socks and ties this year but have not love, I am nothing.

If I clear out the house and give everything to charity and my credit cards are snapped in half but have not love, what can I possibly gain?

Love is patient when the fourth store you've tried doesn't have a bottle garden.

Love is kind and lets the couple with only a few items go in front of you and your bulging shopping cart.

Love does not envy your friend who gets mega-presents from everybody.

Love does not boast about the expensive bike, the PlayStation 3, the TV, VCR, and computer your dad gave you.

Love does not attempt to out-buy, out-wrap, and out-give the rest of the family just to impress.

Love doesn't cut Aunt Flo off your Christmas card list because she forgot you last year.

Love is not self-seeking and leaves a copy of your Christmas list in every room of the house.

Love is not easily angered when the young girl at the checkout takes forever because she is just temporary staff.

Love doesn't keep remembering how many times your mom forgets you don't like Brussels sprouts.

Love does not delight in the commercial bandwagon but rejoices with the truth of a baby born in the stable.

Love always protects the family from Christmas hype.

Love always trusts that the hiding places for presents will remain secret for another year.

Love always hopes that this year more neighbors will drop in to your open house coffee morning.

Love always perseveres until the cards are written, the presents all bought, the shopping done, and the Christmas cake iced.

Toys may break, socks wear thin, but love never fails.

Where there is the feeling of the presents to guess their contents, and Mom going on about being good so Father Christmas will come, and searching through the cupboards to find your hidden presents, they will all stop.

For we think we know what we are getting, and we hope we know what we are getting, but when Christmas Day arrives, all will be revealed.

When I was a child, I talked with big wide-open eyes about Christmas, I thought that Christmas was all about me, I reasoned that Jesus should have been born more often. When I became an adult, I forgot the joy, wonder, and excitement of this special time.

Now we just hear about the angels, shepherds, and wise men; then we shall see them all the time.

Now I know as much as the Bible says about the first
Christmas; then I shall know just how many wise men there were and where they came from.

Now three things remain to be done:
- To have faith that the baby born in a stable is the Son of God.
- To hope that the true message of Christmas will not get discarded with the wrapping paper and unwanted gifts.
- And the most important, to have a love for others like the one that God has for us.

I didn't write this, and I don't know who did. It was given to me several years ago, and I have kept it. I think it has a most beautiful and accurate message, and is very worth repeating this time of year.

If anyone knows of the author, please let me know so that I can give credit.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

We've had enough of you this week.

We don't want snow in your place, either.

Enough with the wet stuff.

Please?!?

Colonel Van T. Barfoot and his U.S. Flag

This is the flag that stands in our yard.  The pole is about 20-feet tall and we fly a 4X6 all-weather flag from it.  It is properly illuminated at all times.  By flying our flag on a freestanding pole, we are able to observe protocol by lowering our flag.  Now, I'm going to hop onto my soap box for just a moment.

Colonel Van T. Barfoot (Ret.) has a flag pole and flag very similar in size and style to ours.  He raises and lowers his flag daily.  His homeowners association has determined that his flag is "aesthetically unappealing" and he is facing a lawsuit for refusing to take down his flag.  His homeowners association allows only for flags that are mounted on the home, not on freestanding flagpoles.  Also, for clarification, the media reports that the homeowners association did not include this ruling in the neighborhood covenants and restrictions at the time he purchased his home.

My disgust with this entire situation is that I cannot understand why any homeowners association would find that flying a modest sized flag from a reasonable-height freestanding flagpole is "aesthetically unappealing" and could somehow drive down the property values for the entire neighborhood.  Excuse me?  I am proud to fly the US flag at my own home.  I do not consider it "aesthetically unappealing" to see a US flag respectfully flown from anyone's home. 

To me, this issue isn't about the fact that he is a Medal of Honor recipient, although I would consider it a great honor and privilege to shake his hand.  I appreciate the service he willingly provided for our country.  What individual would find it offensive to see a homeowner flying the US flag in his own yard?  I could understand an objection to an oversized flag.  I think it is ridiculous when certain car dealerships fly 100' flags above their car lots.  I see that not as patriotism, but advertising.  That certainly isn't the case with Col. Barfoot and his flag.

I can only hope the homeowners association for his neighborhood rethinks their new policy and allows any homeowner to fly a modest-sized US flag respectfully, whether mounted on the home or freestanding.  In my opinion, the negative publicity generated because of this issue has done far more to tarnish the image of the neighborhood than the freestanding flagpole.  Then again, they have tarnished the image of the neighborhood far more than if old tires and discarded bathtubs were used as yard ornaments.

For more information...

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/FLAG041_20091203-234802/309499/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Let-Col-Barfoot-Fly-the-American-Flag/192592076617

http://www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html

Funny Signs

These made me laugh.

Answers to the Pun-y Yule Game

1. On December 24, Adam's wife was known as Christmas Eve.
2. In Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, Scrooge was visited by the ghost of Christmas Present.
3. An opinion survey in Alaska is called a North Poll.
4. What does Santa Claus do with his three gardens? Hoe, hoe, hoe
5. What Christmas message is conveyed by these letters?:
ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ. No “L”, No “L”
6. When the salt and the pepper say "Hi!" to each other, they are passing on Seasons Greetings.
7. A holy man bereft of change could be called St. Nickel-less.
8. When you cross a sheep with a cicada, you get a Baa-Humbug.
9. A quiet medieval armor-wearer is a silent knight.
10. A cat walking on the desert is bound to get sandy claws.
11. People who tell jokes on December 25 might be called Christmas cards.
12. Actor O'Connor and actress Channing are known on December 25 as Christmas Carols.
13. What do Spanish sheep says when they wish each other a Merry Christmas? Fleece Navidad!

Horsin' Around

Princess E wants a horse for Christmas.  I'm sure a horse would be very happy living in our backyard.  I'm even more sure our neighbors would be pleased.  I'm completely certain the county would encourage us to help her reach her dream.  Then again, maybe she just needs to play with her toy horses, read books about horses, and visit them in more suitable surroundings every once in a while. 

The brown one saw her coming.  He says "HEY!" (or maybe it was "Hay!").

I felt really bad for this fellow.  Look at all those burrs in his coat.  I don't know if he got into something or if his owners weren't taking care of him.  His mane and his tail were badly matted, too.

But, he had beautiful eyes.  Look how blue it is!  I never knew horses could have blue eyes.

She decided this one was her favorite.  A princess needs a white horse.  Uh, well, okay, if you say so.  I'm not sure if this fellow was dirty or had spots. 

Yule Love this Pun-y Game

Can you figure out the expression commonly used at Christmas for each of these. Leave me a comment with your best guess. Answers will be posted tomorrow.
1. On December 24, Adam's wife was known as _____ _____.
2. In Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, Scrooge was visited by the ghost of _____ _____.
3. An opinion survey in Alaska is called a _____ _____.
4. What does Santa Claus do with his three gardens?_____, _____, _____
5. What Christmas message is conveyed by these letters?:
ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ. _____, _____
6. When the salt and the pepper say "Hi!" to each other, they are passing on _____ _____.
7. A holy man bereft of change could be called _____ _____.
8. When you cross a sheep with a cicada, you get a _____ _____.
9. A quiet medieval armor-wearer is a _____ _____.
10. A cat walking on the desert is bound to get _____ _____.
11. People who tell jokes on December 25 might be called _____ _____.
12. Actor O'Connor and actress Channing are known on December 25 as _____ _____.
13. What do Spanish sheep says when they wish each other a Merry Christmas? _____ _____.