Prom in Pictures



Ryan and Brooke



The Kentucky Derby....a Recipe and my Pick



My Hat Choice, if I bought one

First you have to know that my only experience with Kentucky is a drive through on the interstate although it appeared to be a beautiful state.  Likewise, I have ridden a horse a handful of times and after my last experience (a 2 hour tour no less), I swore off horseback riding forever.  Needless to say, I am still interested in watching the race tomorrow.  I have been to a live horse race once in my life and I don't remember anything particularly wonderful about the day but it didn't include beautiful hats nor did it include mint juleps.  I am certain that those two things alone would have made the day much more enjoyable.  With all that said, here is where you can learn more about the race:  http://www.kentuckyderby.com/

My personal choice for the race (based on absolutely nothing but a whim) is Stay Thirsty.

Which leads me to something to help you with your thirst, a recipe for Mint Juleps: 

Picture from Myrecipes.com

Mint Julep Recipe
Ingredients
10 mint leaves
1/2 teaspoons sugar
2 1/2 oz Jim Beam Kentucky Bourbon, or other bourbon
crushed ice
1 oz, or more, water to taste
Method
1. Add mint leaves to glass and muddle or crush with a muddler, a mortar, or just a spoon. Gently bruise leaves to extract mint flavor. Add sugar and bourbon. Stir to combine. Add crushed ice and water to taste.
2. Stir and serve garnished with a mint sprig in your finest glasses or a silver cup, if you have one. (Mint juleps are traditionally served in silver cups, but any  glassware will work)

Finally, here is a site with a log of ideas for those who are having a Kentucky Derby party.  http://www.hostessblog.com/search/kentucky+derby


And here is a free printable from cupcakecollars.com for a themed cupcake wrapper: 
http://www.chicaandjo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/CupcakeCollars_Horseshoe.pdf

Whatever your plans for the weekend, have a good one!

Brooke has a Boyfriend.....

Yesterday afternoon, after school, Brooke decided to take a late afternoon nap.  While she was sleeping, Tigger climbed up next to her and placed his paw on her face.  He is a laid back cat but he isn't very affectionate so this was a rare moment.   

We all felt as though we were watching a bad episode of Sleeping Beauty and Prince Charming!  I think she would take him to prom if she could find a tuxedo that fit him.  Happy Thursday!!

A Product: OPI Black Shatter

If you aren't into pretty toes or if the sight of them is not your thing, this is not the post for you.  On the other hand, if you like nail polish, and obviously we do, then this is a great new product on the market that can be used with any nail polish you already own.  OPI has no idea who I am nor do they have a clue that I like their polish.  With that being said, they have a new line of shatter polishes that you can buy in black or silver.  I happened upon a bottle of black shatter while getting my hair cut last week and I used the girls toes to experiment with the colors.  Don't judge the grubby toes or the accuracy of the paint job.  (The girls had just finished with cheer and gymnastics and they were waiting to take showers) 



Brooke's toes before with a gold polish



Brooke's toes with black shatter

The first color polish is painted on the toe and then after allowing it to dry, you paint the shatter polish on top. The polish then cracks and allows the original color to come through for the shattered appearance.


Paige's toes before with purple polish



Paige's toes with black shatter




Ally's toes before with blue polish



Ally's blurry toes with black shatter

We agreed that we liked the brighter polishes better than the darker ones under the black shatter.  The shatter happens within seconds and is a neat way to make almost an animal print on the toes.  It's a neat way to change up the polishes that you already have on hand. 

It's National Teacher Day - May 3, 2011

Today is the day to celebrate teachers!  I have had many wonderful teachers in my life that have taught myself and also my children.  I will never forget Mrs. Magnuson, my 8th grade English teacher, who gave me a love for Shakespeare and poetry.  She helped me to both understand and to enjoy watching Shakespearean plays.  She graded our papers at night and when returned, they always bore the ring of her coffee cup.  I often imagined her drinking coffee late into the night to finish her work and I probably wasn't far off the mark. 

I have another close relationship with a teacher, my husband.  Don currently teaches second grade and is one of the hardest working people I know.    He works much later than I ever do and he works on weekends when I would never consider putting in more time.  He makes home visits, he buys snacks for those who can't, he brushes hair, he wipes noses, and most of all, he gives the kids in his class a love for learning.  He has a hard time letting go in the summers and he is so excited when he is preparing for the new school year. 

Teachers truly can change the life of a child.  They inspire, they comfort and they teach. 

I asked Don for his version of the Top 5 gifts that teachers love and here it is.   

Top 5 gifts that teachers love:

1.  Chocolate
2.  Flowers
3.  Personal notes or letters
4.  Lunch
5.  Gift cards to book stores or restaurants (or my husbands personal favorite -Bass Pro Shop!) 

Who was your favorite teacher and how did they touch your life?

Come on Spring.......

It was 38 degrees this morning when I woke up, which is crazy when you think about how hot we have been already this year.  I thought that we had skipped spring altogether for summer since the air conditioner has been running for more than a month.  Thoughts of summer came quickly to an end this weekend with a cold front and I am again wearing a sweater, putting on wool socks and turning on the heater.  Spring will return.   For now though, here is a free printable to remind you of all of the good things that spring has to offer like tulips, butterflies, birds and rainbows.  Happy Monday!

http://www.simplecrafter.com/free-printable-spring-subway-art/

Hail, Wind and a 50 Degree Temperature Drop....

Yesterday, I was lying at the pool in 90 degree weather, enjoying the sunshine and a mild breeze.  Today we awoke to this:

And this........

Watch this if you have never been in a hailstorm. 

This is as celebratory as we can get today for May Day.  I hope everyone had a safe and happy weekend!