Thursday: I am Belle and My Husband Got Woody

We went to MGM Studios today. Our first show was the stunt show. I wasn’t too impressed and it scared my youngest. I was happy that I got to spend 45 minutes sitting down. By this point my feet hurt. I spent most of the show looking at the map and deciding where to go next. I chose the animation studio.

The animation studio was great. Walking in, there were drawings from several of the older Disney films. We all had fun looking at those. It’s amazing how much talent is represented in Disney animation. I spent the short wait for the show wondering if the artists enjoyed what they did or if it was just a living. I wondered how an adult could keep their minds so fresh and young. I was amazed at the ability to take a flat inanimate drawing of an animal, give it personality, and turn it into character that millions of people know and love. I finished off with thinking about my youngest and all the characters she creates and brings to life in her mind. I hoped she would always be able to do that.

After a short show explaining how a character goes from a concept to the finished work we got to look around displays and get some more autographs. There was also a computer quiz to determine which Disney character you were most like.

I am pleased to announce that I am most like Belle from Beauty and the Beast. The lady next to me was the Evil Step Mother from Cinderella! My husband also took the quiz. That’s when I learned an important tip for visiting a Disney Theme park.

If you are a grown man, never, ever, ever yell “I am Woody!”. That is just too much information. Security was awful nice to us after that though.

Wednesday: The Angry Air Boat Captain

I believe that the best way to learn about something is to go out and do it. If you want to make bread, you get out the flour. If you want to learn about waste management you go to the landfill. If you want to learn about alligators, you cruise for about an hour out of Orlando. Drive to the backside of a RV park. Pull up to the shack with old men in dirty t-shirts sitting out front and go on an airboat ride.

On the way in, we saw a guy pulled over on the side of the road getting a speeding ticket. He didn’t look too happy. He wasn’t any happier when he walked in and asked if we were going on the airboat ride with him. We stood there and nodded. I silently questioned our safety.

“We’ll lets get this show on the road!”, he snapped.

I thought, ‘Yes! This is going to be great!’

After a very fast lecture about air boat safety and bugs we were off. And I don’t mean we slowly pulled away from the shore and began our tour. It was pretty obvious he wasn’t in the best mood. His mood did improve a bit when he ran over a duck.

We drove around for awhile chasing ducks then he suddenly stopped.

“Do you see it?”, He asked.

We were all looking around trying to figure out what he was talking about. Best I can figure we missed seeing an alligator. I’m really not sure and I was too afraid to ask. He drove on to a marshy area. There were alligators all over the place. It was great. I asked him if alligators ate birds. I should have kept my mouth shut.

“No, birds eat the alligators” he snapped. Ummm, ok.

Then he asked, “Do you want the usual or do you want me to tell you the truth and ruin your day?” I meekly asked for truth.

He spent about 30 minutes talking about the tourists and how they are basically good for nothing idiots. Then he explained the eco-system. Eagles and Heron are the alpha predators. They eat tons of baby alligators. He explained the poaching policy. No one cares. He talked about all the rare birds in the area and how no one appreciates them. We saw a snail kite, there are only about 400 in the area. We also saw over a dozen alligators. Cool days are the best to see alligators. My daughter told him that was because they were cold blooded and liked the sun. He started waving his hands around praised her for being the first to ever say that.

The ride back was at top speed. We hit an alligator. The alligator didn’t seem to mind. The kids couldn’t stop laughing.

All in all it was a great trip. If you’re ever in Orlando, Florida be sure to take a ride with Chris at Glades Adventures and ask for the “Ruin your day tour” It’s well worth the money. 

Monday: Mom, Goofy is one Freaky Dude!

We couldn’t have asked for better weather on our first day in the park. It was a bit cool for sitting on a beach but perfect for running around to see the sites. My youngest face was precious when she walked up to the castle. Her big eyes and open mouth were a sure sign that she was still young enough to believe that princesses lived there. That made me really happy and a little sad. My babies are growing up way to fast. When she found out that she had a private visit with Cinderella that afternoon, she announced that her dreams had come true!

Our first ride was Space Mountain and my oldest did a good job pretending she wasn’t scared. I did a good job not getting sick on our next ride, The Teacups. I don’t know who thought spinning people around at high rates of speed would be a good idea. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I guess it wasn’t too bad. No one seemed to mind me walking around with me arms straight out trying not to fall down.

We got a lot of autographs and pictures. By the end of the week the picture count was in the 300’s and that didn’t even count the photo pass pictures they take. The most notable of the characters was Goofy. For some reason my daughter wasn’t too impressed with him. She stood way back and handed him her autograph book. When it was time to go, she ran up hug him quickly and ran back out

“What’s up with Goofy?” I asked her.

“Mom,” she said, “Goofy is one Freaky Dude!” She has a point.

We took the Ferry back to the tram to get to our car in the parking lot. It’s a three-step process to get into and out of Disney. It’s kinda good that way. On the way in, the kids got more and more excited as we got closer. On the way out, they settled down and had an easier time saying goodbye. We watched a few fireworks over the castle as we were leaving. My daughters were convinced that Cinderella was telling them goodbye. I, of course, agreed.

Sunday: Puking Away Again in Margarittaville

If you are going to throw up somewhere, Margarittaville is the place to do it. Those guys know how to handle root beer spewing out of someone’s nose into a plate of macaroni. By the time I had cleaned up the kid in the bathroom, they had our dinner boxed to go. It came complete with refreshingly scented moist towlettes, a plastic vomit catching bag, and a bottle of chilled water for the road. We were signing the credit card receipt on our way out the door. I highly recommend Margarittaville for all of you puking needs. Jimmy Buffet, you are my hero.[Note: This is NOT a paid advertisement]

Saturday: Roll On!

How to Get to Florida

Turn onto I95 south and drive. Keep driving. Drive some more. Check out the Waffle House of God. Drive. Stop to Check out the Squat and Gobble.

Drive. Wonder why Georgia has such bumpy roads.

Drive your mini-van like you stole it.

Flip off the guy in the Ford Focus with the ‘I heart my Marine’ bumper sticker because he’s a dick.

Drive some more. Yell ‘Yo home slice, get your truck outta the way’ because you’re a little crazy from all the driving and think it’s really funny.

Remark that the kids are awesome. Thank the waffle god for Nintendo DS and Netflix.

Arrive, get a salad for dinner because you are painfully aware you need more fiber in your diet.

Sleep like a baby all night.

Continue to drive until you reach Orlando. Be sure to watch out for ‘gators.

This Blog is Going South

I was reading an article about hipster parents and realized that I haven’t done a good job representing my generation. So, I abandoned my responsibilities, bought some new clothes, and…rented a mini-van? I’m taking my kids to Disney. It’s the least I could do. I think it’s the least I should do. I have no friggin’ idea what all that hipster crap is about. Does anyone know? Does anyone really care? I’ll be back next weekend with the full trip report. See yah then!

10 Uses for Sticky Notes and a Wall

I’ve been thinking about my blog and blogging. I decided I needed to post a few things that might actually be useful. Occasionally I will be posting lists of 10 whatevers for whatever. I could only think of 7 uses for sticky notes and a wall (You think I’m kidding!) so I’ll kick it off with

10 Fun Recipes for Kids

Peanut Butter Dough – For each child mix about ¼ a cup of peanut butter (we use soy nut butter because of a peanut allergy) with a Tablespoon or so of honey. Mix together then add about ¼ cup powdered milk a little at a time. When the dough starts to form a ball sprinkle a little more milk and let the kids knead the dough until it is smooth. They can use it like play dough but it tastes better when they eat it.

Pigs in a Blanket – All you need some bread dough and those little cocktail wieners. I usually make my own dough but the breadstick dough works great with these. Just dry the baby hotdogs and wrap them in a small piece of the dough. Bake until they start to brown. We usually bake half for a snack and freeze the other half for later. You don’t have to thaw the unbaked half before baking. Just put them in the oven and turn it to 350 degrees. Once it pre-heats give them a few more minutes to brown and there done.

Drop Danishes – Here’s the recipe. I’ve been making these since I was teenager. The kids like picking their own jelly for these. Here’s a recipe for homemade baking mix.

English Muffin Pizza – Lightly toast a split English muffin and place them on a cookie sheet. Let the kids add sauce, cheese, and whatever finely chopped leftovers they want from the fridge.(Anything goes) Broil until the cheese is melted and hopefully enjoy. If not make another.

Quesadillas – Put a flour tortilla in a small pan. Sprinkle with cheese and anything else they want to add. Cover with another tortilla and heat at medium heat until the cheese melts and sticks the two sides together. Flip over and lightly brown the other side. You can cut these into triangles and serve as a quick afternoon snack.

Shape Cinnamon toast – Cut bread with cookie cutters. Spread a little butter on the bread and have kids sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top. Broil in the oven for a few minutes until the toast just starts to brown. Don’t worry about wasting the bread. You can put the leftovers in the oven (turned off) when you’re done and dry them for breadcrumbs.

Mini Cobbler – Cut piecrust into circles, or squares, or triangles that are larger than a muffin tin cup. Press into the bottom of the cups and fill with there favorite pie filling, or fresh fruit, or chocolate pudding. Sprinkle with bits of leftover piecrust. Bake as directed for piecrust.

Painted Cookies – You need a batch of your favorite sugar cookie dough. Store bought works fine. Spread it flat on a greased jellyroll pan. Bake as directed. Allow to cool completely. Mix powder sugar with a little water to make a glaze and add some food coloring. Put into squeeze containers. Let them paint a masterpiece on their cookie canvas. Just remember, if you make very dark colors, food color stains everything. Use an old tablecloth. Children tend to go all Jackson Pollock with this. Embrace the creative process. :)

Cereal Granola – Give each child a zipper top bag. Write their name on it with a permanent marker. Make it fancy. Fill about 1/3 full with a favorite cereal. Let them add a few favorite treats. (Chocolate chips, marshmallows, raisins) Toss in a few handfuls of a new food you’d like them to try. (Dried blueberries, pineapple, banana chips, soybeans, sunflower seeds, etc) shake and enjoy. If they complain about the new food, tell them to just eat what they like.

Fruit Smoothies – This is easy. You take the fruit the kids didn’t eat at dinner. Put it in a blender with a scoop of ice cream and some milk. Blend.

I hope you enjoy these. They have all been fully tested over the years with my family. I’ve only included the ones voted least likely to give a parent a headache.  If you have any others let me know.

Also, if you think of any non-conventional uses for sticky notes let me know. I would really like to finish that list.

recipes cooking kids+cook fun+recipes

They Dance in Circles - Digital Image

My Dream, Someone Else’s Nightmare?

Here’s my entry for:  Blogging For Books - Dream a Little Dream. 

I have always had the ability to remember my dreams. I remember dreams dating back to my early childhood. They are usually very realistic, very boring, and in HiDef clarity. I once dreamed that I was searching the web for a chicken corn soup recipe. I woke up and wanted a bowl of soup. Later that day, I found myself searching the Internet for a chicken corn soup recipe. Prophetic? Ok, maybe not. That’s just my dream life.

Every once in a while I will have a really strange dream. I usually log those as soon as I wake up. I like to recreate the images and feelings in my sketchbook. I had one of those dreams not too long ago. The date on the computer file is January 24th. Here it is:

I was in a movie theatre. I was watching myself watch my dream. It was up on the big screen and had the appearance of a movie trailer - very fast and choppy.

There are lights all about me. They remind me of fairies and they dance in circles. Sometimes they are close to me, sometimes far away. I have to watch them. They make me feel safe and protected.

Then the darkness closes in. It was a deep powerful darkness. It’s all around me. I run from it. So much noise and confusion. I realize I’m not alone.

It surrounds me. I do not know what it is. I’m sinking into a pool of water. It feels safe and warm. I want to sink further, deeper under the water. I’m never going to leave. I’m happy here in the warm silence. Suddenly I realize I’m empty. Something has been taken from me. I want it back. I struggle with a monster. He holds on tight and pulls. It’s gone. I don’t know what it is, but I want it back.

I’m standing in dim light, dripping wet and screaming, “You took it. You took it.”

The wind blows through the leaves of a maple tree. I’m lying in the cool grass. I’ve replaced what was taken. I’m full. I’m content. I’m happy. You want to steal this as well.

I point my finger. You will leave now. You can’t have it.  It’s mine. I’m extremely sad it had to be that way. I had wanted to share but  you were not worthy. 

I woke up and wondered, was I watching myself watch MY dream? Or was I watching someone else’s nightmare? 

Thank You, Thank You Very Much.

I’d planned on a walk downtown today. I’m not sure why I thought the coldest day in over 10 years might be a good day for a walk. I was going to get some pictures for my blog, some exercise, and some homemade ice cream. I didn’t go. I wasn’t in mood for frostbite.

So instead of goofy pictures from the streets that I call home, I am going to send out a few thanks to some fellow bloggers.

First off, Phil.  Thank you for sending the cold weather my way. I really did enjoy the snow. You can stop now. Seven degrees is a bit cold. Back off a little man. There is no need for over-achievement here.

Next, thanks to Dave for the scientific research into the bay leaf controversy.  I spent years convincing my husband bay leaves were NOT necessary. If he ever reads that post, the truth will be revealed. Thanks a lot!

And, thanks to Hardi P. for naming a WordPress Plugin after me.  Except it’s capital I - m - capital P not i - Capital MP. It’s close enough for me. (No, I don’t really think it’s named after me….or iiis it?)

Also, a thanks to Eric of MyBlogLog. I stopped by to look at your MySpace page and I’m not sure what amused me more. The page or the fact that it has 46 members! Then again, it may be the fact that I went to look at it even though you specifically said there was nothing there.

I don’t want to forget Crunchy. Way to go making your new site Wet Coast Women so freakin’ awesome. I may need therapy for the inferiority complex you gave me!

Finally, not a thanks but necessary all the same. Kuntry, come back. I miss you!

There are so many more bloggers to thank and so little time before I need to start dinner. I’ll be back.