tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4528115324845599252024-03-13T08:09:37.620-07:00Two Zany ZebrasNotes from my zany lifeMama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.comBlogger379125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-23705369938372268482012-07-19T15:37:00.000-07:002012-07-19T15:37:26.167-07:00Can a good time be had in Las Vegas with kids?We were looking to go on a fun and inexpensive mini vacation this summer. We thought long and hard and decided we should go to Las Vegas. We mostly got the same expression when we told our friends our plan-the initial wide eyes followed by a smug smirk as they thought "good luck with that"! Nevertheless, off we went to try our luck at having a fun time in Vegas with the kids.<br />
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We received numerous recommendations from friends and family on what we should do and see while on vacation. One of the recommendations was off the beaten path in Barstow, CA. We were told it is an absolute MUST to stop at the Del Taco in Barstow when headed to Vegas. Neither Papa Z nor I are big Del Taco fans, but we had to see what all the fuss was about. As it turned out, it is the original Del Taco. The building looks to be the original building from the 1960s and the bathrooms are outside, but I must admit the food tasted better than most Mexican fast food places.<br />
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The next stop was the World's largest thermometer in Baker, CA. We got the kids excited about it and unfortunately it must have been too hot to work because it had random numbers everywhere. Thinking back on it now, if I added all the numbers together it would equal 999 degrees which I believe was fairly close to the correct temperature-give or take a few degrees!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7IsJ1ORSXo/UAdG-nHPG2I/AAAAAAAAB8w/OUmboFXVPiA/s1600/IMG_1367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7IsJ1ORSXo/UAdG-nHPG2I/AAAAAAAAB8w/OUmboFXVPiA/s200/IMG_1367.JPG" width="200" /></a>After the State line dance, 500 rounds of eye-spy, and much anticipation we finally made it to Las Vegas. Our first night we stayed at the Golden Nugget in Old Las Vegas. The lure of staying there was the pool. In the center of the pool was a huge shark tank! It also had a 3 story water slide that cut right through the tank! I was surprised Wacky Zacky was brave enough to go on the water slide, but if truth be told I think I was more scared of it than him!<br />
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After a few hours of close encounters with sharks we headed out to Fremont street. It is a covered street that every so often plays a light show on the roof. They also had a few 80's bands performing. I'm not sure what happened, but all of a sudden Zany Janie turned into "that girl". That girl that seems to be the drunkest one around despite being 5-years-old. That girl that is dancing crazy and laughing uncontrollably. Between her giggling and dancing she was able to shout, "I never want to leave Las Vegas!" She is certainly our wild child!<br />
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After a horrible night of sleep due to Silly Jilly deciding to stay up until well after Midnight, we started our day back at the pool. Next we went to the Silverton Hotel where they have a huge aquarium with sting rays. The kids sat for at least 30 minutes mesmerized watching the fish swim around the aquarium. The kids also enjoyed watching a scuba diver feed the fish. Despite being pressed for time, we decided to wait around for the Mermaid show. After watching a woman dressed as a mermaid blow kisses and wave at the kids through the aquarium glass it quickly became clear that this was the show so we abruptly left.<br />
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Next we ventured to the Flamingo Hotel to see the Wildlife habitat. The kids seemed to enjoy it. As you can see Silly Jilly (toddler in the stroller) enjoyed it the most!<br />
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No trip to Las Vegas is complete without a viewing of the Bellagio Water show. It is absolutely mesmerizing. Two minutes into the show Zany Janie came to a realization and proudly pointed out, "Look the sprinklers are dancing to the music!" The whole family enjoyed it so much that we watched it twice.<br />
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The next stop was M&M World where they have any M&M themed item you could ever want! We watched a free 3D movie that was entertaining enough. I have no idea how we did it, but we got out of there without any of our kids grabbing and eating a handful of M&Ms!<br />
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Other fun points of interest included seeing the statue of liberty made out of Jelly Bellys, playing games and going on rides at the Adventuredome, going to the circus show at Circus Circus, walking around the Venetian, and seeing the Gondolas. A few things we did learn: The MGM no longer has a Lion Habitat and the Excalibur did away with their free show about seven years ago. Both of those things would have been good to know before hand so we didn't have to walk those extra 10 miles in the 100 degree heat! We did enjoy a few breakfast buffets. I'm not sure if it is just a coincident or if the kids were deliberately trying to push our buttons, but they always seemed to ask, "Can I have a snack?" not five minutes after exiting a buffet!<br />
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We also found you could take your picture with about any character imaginable along the strip: Hello Kitty-check; Star Wars characters-check; Superheroes-check; Sponge Bob and friends-check; a scantily clad dressed devil with a scary hairy angel man in a thong sidekick-check...The list was endless. What we did notice was the characters frequently took the heads off of their costumes-which who's to blame them it was over 100 degrees blazing heat. The problem is I'm not sure which was scarier-the kids seeing a headless character or seeing the face of the person in the costume. I'm not a gambling Mama, but if I were I would have to say the odds were 100:1 that each and every one of them was a tweaker!<br />
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Next to winning stuffed animals, the biggest thrill for the kids was getting souvenir pennies. If you know about them you know what a deal they are-wink wink! If you don't know, it's a machine where you put in 51 cents and it "presses an image onto the penny". If we had allowed it the kids would have spent our life savings on obtaining those special treasures.<br />
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We did actually do some gambling. During a couple of our meals we played Keno. Since we didn't win the $25,000 prize I can admit we let the kids pick the numbers. They got into it a little more than I thought they would and sat with anticipation as each number popped onto the screen. Lady luck was on our side and we did win the first round, but Vegas got the best of us and we got sucked back in and lost our money!<br />
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Overall, Las Vegas was the fun and fairly inexpensive family trip we were hoping for. I don't think we even covered half of the free things available. By using the coupons our hotels gave us we were able to get free rides and free games at Adventuredome and some discounts on food/buffets. <br />
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Since being home all three kids have asked about going back to Vegas. I think they loved it-some maybe more than others. I think we need to keep an eye on Zany Janie!<br />
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<br />Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-46901269317571764062012-02-21T15:50:00.000-08:002012-02-21T15:50:06.364-08:00Even educated fleas do it...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5F2RMvf5S4/T0Qs57x5vdI/AAAAAAAAB8E/SmlopPkNg2E/s1600/flea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5F2RMvf5S4/T0Qs57x5vdI/AAAAAAAAB8E/SmlopPkNg2E/s1600/flea.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Papa Z has a few quirky attributes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the most endearing ones is his need to run a song into the ground!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meaning if he finds a song that catches his attention he will play or sing it over and over and over and over until you can’t stand it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite being an innocent bystander, you have no control over the inevitable outcome; the song will be burned into your brain forever and will continuously play on an endless loop in your head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately this only happens about four or five times a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually he picks current songs that I actually like, but he has recently found a little gem that I would be willing to go out on a limb to say no one could ever guess in a million years what he has latched onto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might as well not even attempt to guess because you will be wrong!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has latched onto “Let’s do it, Let’s fall in love” by Cole Porter dating back to <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">1928!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With words like:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Birds do it, bees do it</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Even educated fleas do it</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Let's do it, let's fall in love</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">And a catchy tune, I guess I can see how he was allured. So if you hear me murmuring about educated fleas under my breath you now know I have not actually gone off the deep end.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Zany thought of the day: Do you have songs that get stuck in your head? Which ones?</span></span></div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-21455886261391471242011-09-14T14:58:00.000-07:002011-09-14T16:02:01.893-07:00Oh, the webs we weave!I always wonder what stories my kids tell other people, particularly the teachers at school. What stories about our life do they share and which ones do they keep to themselves? We don't really have any deep dark secrets that if shared would totally destroy our family, but we sure have countless embarassing things that happen to us on a regular basis and I'd rather not have to explain to a teacher about them. Then there are those stories the kids just completely make up. There's not a thread of truth to them, but they can tell it like it's the 100% truth. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Wacky Zacky's class just started a new unit on families. He was given a worksheet and asked to draw a picture of his family. I think Wacky Zacky started to blur the fine line of truth/make-believe when he drew the picture of our family and explained it to his teacher. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_N2FE9EdVVg/TnEbzC5gI9I/AAAAAAAAB7w/JUtHAEBpsg4/s1600/IMG_8217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_N2FE9EdVVg/TnEbzC5gI9I/AAAAAAAAB7w/JUtHAEBpsg4/s320/IMG_8217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, he depicted all five of us in the picture. No, Zany Janie and I don't have Mohawks, our hair is just pulled back in pony tails. No, I'm not technically taller than Papa Z, but that's not the part of the drawing that toes the line of fact or fiction. Do you know what it could be? Take a closer look at Silly Jilly. According to Wacky Zacky he is twirling her in a circle by her feet. Yes, Silly Jilly is a tough cookie because she has had to tolerate bumps and blows from her two older siblings, but we draw the line at carrying her around by her feet! I'm hoping the picture didn't give him any good ideas!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Zany thought of the day: I must say I do like how skinny Wacky Zacky made me! Maybe stretching the truth a bit in a drawing isn't so bad...</div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-19530404032341876062011-09-06T10:03:00.000-07:002011-09-06T10:03:57.428-07:00A Princess Starts Preschool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After waiting three long years it was finally Zany Janie's turn to start school. She has been with me every day to drop Wacky Zacky off at school and has been patiently waiting for her turn to start. There were times when she tried to slip in Wacky Zacky's school line, attempting to sneak her way into class. But no more sneaking and wishing she was a little older. The day has finally come! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Zany Janie was bouncing off the walls this morning, giddy with excitement for her first day of school. I don't think she had an ounce of fear in her as she marched into her Junior Kindergarten class wearing her princess backpack. She went right up to her teacher and gave her a hug, then in a flash she was off playing with toys without a glance back at Mommy and Daddy. I know she will love school and I'm happy for her. I'm just a little sad that she's one step closer to being a big girl!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ik-HeGud8Fs/TmZNdwCHIeI/AAAAAAAAB7k/5q_EgjtT7Fg/s1600/IMG_8164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ik-HeGud8Fs/TmZNdwCHIeI/AAAAAAAAB7k/5q_EgjtT7Fg/s320/IMG_8164.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-34881131054696615132011-09-03T21:59:00.000-07:002011-09-03T21:59:06.939-07:00A tribute to the stache<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The moustache...Fads come and go, but the moustache has stood the test of time and still stands strong today! It's a fun word to say and a fun thing to draw on pictures of people. Come on, who doesn't love a good stache? Especially a monster with a moustache! That's right! You can now get your monster with a moustache at my online boutique, <a href="http://twozanyzebras.etsy.com/">Two Zany Zebras</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://twozanyzebras.etsy.com/"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YB4FvlbtDd4/TmMBoIBzbuI/AAAAAAAAB7g/43or3Lt6KZM/s400/moustache.jpg" width="400" xaa="true" /></a></div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-20752616428784115672011-08-31T15:05:00.000-07:002011-08-31T16:41:35.128-07:00Never succumb to "pee" pressureThe minutes were ticking away and the count down was on for nap time. It has been a crazy day and I was really looking forward to a few minutes of peace and quiet. Silly Jilly was already sawing logs and Wacky Zacky and Zany Janie were getting themselves ready for their nap, while I continued working on making a banner for our soccer team. Zany Janie came into the computer room for what I thought was a hug and kiss before her nap when she nonchalantly told me she had peed on Wacky Zacky's floor. I was 100% sure I had not heard correctly so I asked her to repeat herself. She said it again and walked out of the room as if it were no big deal and I wouldn't have 100 questions about it. I charged down the hall still in disbelief, hoping they were just kidding. Wacky Zacky confirmed that Zany Janie had indeed peed on his floor because he had told her to do it. After further questioning, I became 100% sure without a doubt this had happened. As that realization hit, my blood pressure skyrocketed and I calmly told them to go to their rooms because I had to think about what to do about the situation.<br />
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I walked downstairs to calm down and called Papa Z at work. We discussed the issue and after I was calm I went back upstairs to talk about what had happened. I found both kids huddled together on Wacky Zacky's bed. They both looked scared and finally Wacky Zacky asked if the police were coming. They thought I had called the police instead of Papa Z. Wacky Zacky was sure Zany Janie was going to do hard time for her crime. <br />
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So we talked about the issue and how we don't pee on the floor. Zany Janie still claims she didn't know she wasn't suppose to pee on the floor~she's 4, she knows! We had a discussion about how it's not nice to tell people to do something they know is wrong. And finally we discussed peer pressure. As I started talking about peer pressure Wacky Zacky stopped me and told me he already knew what it meant. I was surprised, but thought maybe there had been discussion about it at school and I let him explain it. He said, "It's when you're not suppose to pee hard on the carpet!". Um, no sweetie that's "pee" pressure not "peer" pressure.<br />
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Lesson of the day: Never succumb to "pee" pressure!Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-43583371803502932502011-08-16T11:30:00.000-07:002011-08-16T15:31:11.752-07:00Kindergarten Rocks!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, it's finally here, the first day of school. And not just any old first day of school, but Wacky Zacky's first day of Kindergarten! The days leading up to this big event have been a mixed bag of emotions. Wacky Zacky has been super excited to start school. I on the other hand thought I was ready for him to take this big step into becoming a big kid, until the past few days. Then the whirlwind of emotions hit. This is my baby boy, my first born, my only son, the one who use to fit in the crook of my arm and wanted to snuggle all the time and here he is ready to go to school. Everyone tells you this will happen, that you'd better enjoy the time you have when they are young because it will go by like the blink of an eye. It's difficult to comprehend this as you are sitting staring into your newborn's eyes, but it's the absolute truth. These past 5 years have gone by far too quickly!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Wacky Zacky 2007</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXDGX5piks4/TkqvHKkO4hI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/Ll1zeREDj9E/s1600/DSCN0953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXDGX5piks4/TkqvHKkO4hI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/Ll1zeREDj9E/s320/DSCN0953.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wacky Zacky 2011</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1tZAP5gGqs/TkqrIevLIlI/AAAAAAAAB7M/XMWfTm9LkM8/s1600/IMG_8061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1tZAP5gGqs/TkqrIevLIlI/AAAAAAAAB7M/XMWfTm9LkM8/s320/IMG_8061.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So today finally arrived and the whole family took Wacky Zacky to school. His school is fairly big and we had to park a long way away and walk.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xOmhaLm6ao/TkqrJf004yI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/asjyxjENMxI/s1600/IMG_8064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xOmhaLm6ao/TkqrJf004yI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/asjyxjENMxI/s320/IMG_8064.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Once we got to the school we encountered what appeared to be mass chaos. I'm sure it's what a typical morning looks like at school. We walked around and found Wacky Zacky's teacher and classroom.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKAGRRwhXRc/TkqrKP5BTtI/AAAAAAAAB7U/5zi59rcwKI4/s1600/IMG_8065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKAGRRwhXRc/TkqrKP5BTtI/AAAAAAAAB7U/5zi59rcwKI4/s320/IMG_8065.JPG" width="257" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The students don't go into their classrooms until school starts, so Wacky Zacky had to do his first of many line ups. Once he got into line I started to feel the tears prick my eyes. I felt so proud of Wacky Zacky standing in line like a big boy ready for school to start. As the students started walking into the classroom Wacky Zacky did ask for one last kiss from Papa Z and me which unknown to him was exactly what I needed.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So walking away from the school leaving my baby behind I can finally say Kindergarten Rocks! I know he will have a wonderful year!</div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-66708684505722807402011-08-10T15:16:00.000-07:002011-08-10T17:06:07.636-07:00Summer recap<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Some may say I've been slacking, I'd like to refer to it as just enjoying the summer. For those of you that have been curious as to what my Zany family has been up to over the past few months, enjoy this long summer recap!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Our summer has been jammed pack full of several fun play dates with friends. On one play date, at a fire station, I somehow got suckered into putting on fireman's gear-oxygen tank included-in the 100 degree heat. It did give me an all new respect for firemen.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTGHrzLu_Ko/TkLsEiwfUQI/AAAAAAAAB5I/ogwZLmlyoQw/s1600/281889_1817002546044_1269512543_31491403_8162516_n.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTGHrzLu_Ko/TkLsEiwfUQI/AAAAAAAAB5I/ogwZLmlyoQw/s320/281889_1817002546044_1269512543_31491403_8162516_n.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The kids were in several camps throughout the summer, which made me feel like a full time taxi driver. In addition to an eight week Mega Sports Camp, the kids also participated in:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Swim Lessons: Zany Janie and Wacky Zacky both took swim lessons. Unfortunately for Wacky Zacky he had to miss the last few lessons due to an ear infection. He also missed the last day where after waiting two whole weeks the kids got to conquer the water slides! Zany Janie made sure to rub it in-just a little.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLeYS0Z7BCk/TkLsKuOQwvI/AAAAAAAAB5s/QDYfDrITSBU/s1600/IMG_7643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLeYS0Z7BCk/TkLsKuOQwvI/AAAAAAAAB5s/QDYfDrITSBU/s320/IMG_7643.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Wacky Zacky participated in a British Soccer Camp. In addition to playing several fun games and building on his soccer skills, he got to learn a few new words/sayings such as "Loo" and "Don't be a donut".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KEwSGI7kmdE/TkLsGGsF5xI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/6FWMHUE2fuM/s1600/IMG_7474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KEwSGI7kmdE/TkLsGGsF5xI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/6FWMHUE2fuM/s320/IMG_7474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Wacky Zacky and I continued training in karate. Papa Z had to take a break from it for the summer, not after breaking his finger from chopping through a board, but from slamming his finger in a door.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWjTF7N2YIQ/TkLsFPHZJMI/AAAAAAAAB5M/uaPK2K30xHk/s1600/284704_2271325831393_1496062048_2663854_2638478_n.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWjTF7N2YIQ/TkLsFPHZJMI/AAAAAAAAB5M/uaPK2K30xHk/s320/284704_2271325831393_1496062048_2663854_2638478_n.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Princess Zany Janie danced among other princesses at a Princess Ballet Workshop. She learned four new dances and got to perform a little recital for the parents at the dance studio. She was upset when she found out the recital was at the studio and not on "The big stage"-I see a diva in the making! It has taken six weeks, but I think the song "Friend like me" from Aladdin is FINALLY out of my head-Wait I take that back-Auuuggghhh!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1VTt-9HpefY/TkLsKB5dxyI/AAAAAAAAB5o/BDX2tN94nnM/s1600/IMG_7642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1VTt-9HpefY/TkLsKB5dxyI/AAAAAAAAB5o/BDX2tN94nnM/s320/IMG_7642.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We went camping at San Onofre State Beach with some good friends. After getting over our camp site being practically a parking lot conveniently located next to the busy interstate with a weight station for trucks directly in front of us, it was a good time! A good time until we realized we would be awaken every 20 minutes throughout the night with Amtrak barreling through! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNBuNPCipWk/TkLsH20CMgI/AAAAAAAAB5c/l-MGWDk2U3I/s1600/IMG_7543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNBuNPCipWk/TkLsH20CMgI/AAAAAAAAB5c/l-MGWDk2U3I/s320/IMG_7543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Despite the facilities, we did have a great weekend. It was fun because our friends have kids the same age as our kids and they all had a fun time playing together.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Waa_s4t3YMc/TkLsJNEfsuI/AAAAAAAAB5k/3wEKgVS27Dg/s1600/IMG_7573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Waa_s4t3YMc/TkLsJNEfsuI/AAAAAAAAB5k/3wEKgVS27Dg/s320/IMG_7573.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">While camping, we hiked the beach everyday. I may have gained a few more grey hairs watching my kids attempt to boogie board. I was sure they were going to be swept away with the waves and my adrenaline raced the whole time we were at the beach.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nC6ZeGuRo8s/TkLsITldM6I/AAAAAAAAB5g/11MGGEgpI44/s1600/IMG_7556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nC6ZeGuRo8s/TkLsITldM6I/AAAAAAAAB5g/11MGGEgpI44/s320/IMG_7556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I think Zany Janie won dirtiest camper of the whole campground-hands down! She was covered head to toe in sand and dirt the whole time. It didn't help they only had outdoor freezing showers, but I'm guessing the 50 buckets of dirt she poured over her head on a daily basis pushed her into the winning circle.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XehtmlRi0qE/TkLsHcLbTlI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/dphCgspCUQA/s1600/IMG_7538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XehtmlRi0qE/TkLsHcLbTlI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/dphCgspCUQA/s320/IMG_7538.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The final biggest event of the summer was our two week trip to Indiana to see family and friends. We had not been there in over two years and it was good to go back. For some family, it was the first time they got to meet Miss Silly Jilly. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSYpC_LKZBY/TkLs2tAXQqI/AAAAAAAAB7E/0QL4I1F7U7E/s1600/IMG_8036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BSYpC_LKZBY/TkLs2tAXQqI/AAAAAAAAB7E/0QL4I1F7U7E/s320/IMG_8036.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While in Indiana we got to experience not only the humidity of the summer, but we were fortunate to be there to experience record high temps and humidity! Yay for us! It was quite an adjustment to go from dry heat to 100% humidity. It's quite refreshing to always feel like you've just stepped out of the shower.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To keep cool the kids got to learn how to play on a slip-and-slide. They have been deprived of the experience because our backyard isn't big enough for one-unless they want to smash head first into the fence.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_yli8KTGB8w/TkLsQMkK8WI/AAAAAAAAB54/a5TNOfVJFWs/s1600/IMG_7721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_yli8KTGB8w/TkLsQMkK8WI/AAAAAAAAB54/a5TNOfVJFWs/s320/IMG_7721.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-F2my4EvnU/TkLsRebnOWI/AAAAAAAAB58/yaRU2yFCvu4/s1600/IMG_7728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-F2my4EvnU/TkLsRebnOWI/AAAAAAAAB58/yaRU2yFCvu4/s320/IMG_7728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On what I believe was the hottest day of the year, we went to the 4-H fair. The kids say they loved seeing the animals, but as you can see Wacky Zacky wouldn't be within a few feet of 'ol Tom the Turkey and if you look really closely you will realize Zany Janie is cowering behind her brother using him as a shield, just in case 'ol Tom tries any funny business.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fdSSbeEpt0/TkLsNgVflOI/AAAAAAAAB50/lWzm7pdrk78/s1600/IMG_7711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fdSSbeEpt0/TkLsNgVflOI/AAAAAAAAB50/lWzm7pdrk78/s320/IMG_7711.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">We drove past one of Indiana's little "hidden gems" numerous times-The Pink Elephant! If you are ever in Indiana it's a must see! It's located directly in front of a liquor store.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIyENO8X6JY/TkLsVm1WlNI/AAAAAAAAB6E/v6pZiuBdAcI/s1600/IMG_7735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIyENO8X6JY/TkLsVm1WlNI/AAAAAAAAB6E/v6pZiuBdAcI/s320/IMG_7735.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because nothing says "Come buy your booze here" like a pink elephant wearing glasses and holding a martini glass!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrhPAcHLzbo/TkLsTAAJUgI/AAAAAAAAB6A/qVxWhbNtt4c/s1600/IMG_7733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nrhPAcHLzbo/TkLsTAAJUgI/AAAAAAAAB6A/qVxWhbNtt4c/s320/IMG_7733.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We went to Mounds State Park where you can see the biggest hills in Indiana:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZW6mqRI00U/TkLsnnnGYYI/AAAAAAAAB6k/pObEcgQcRl8/s1600/IMG_7937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZW6mqRI00U/TkLsnnnGYYI/AAAAAAAAB6k/pObEcgQcRl8/s320/IMG_7937.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, maybe not the biggest hills, but I'm guessing it's fairly close! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Silly Jilly had a first while on our trip. She got to feed herself Spaghetti without any help. I'm sure Olive Garden appreciated being a part of the experience!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lzBiMfwq8kg/TkLst7DL0QI/AAAAAAAAB6w/Uy3-uylxqpU/s1600/IMG_7962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lzBiMfwq8kg/TkLst7DL0QI/AAAAAAAAB6w/Uy3-uylxqpU/s320/IMG_7962.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The highlight of the trip for the kids was being on a farm and feeding the animals. Grandpa had three little helpers every morning and night to help him. I'm not sure how he manages without them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XM5JNJMbsF8/TkLsee3cOxI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/HzBvCyE3avk/s1600/IMG_7848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XM5JNJMbsF8/TkLsee3cOxI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/HzBvCyE3avk/s320/IMG_7848.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N41K9vO_Lto/TkLsv7Gw23I/AAAAAAAAB60/AAETwZWyu0U/s1600/IMG_7975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N41K9vO_Lto/TkLsv7Gw23I/AAAAAAAAB60/AAETwZWyu0U/s320/IMG_7975.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGmi6KXctFY/TkLsxArAU3I/AAAAAAAAB64/xqGyRQ8yGcE/s1600/IMG_7993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGmi6KXctFY/TkLsxArAU3I/AAAAAAAAB64/xqGyRQ8yGcE/s320/IMG_7993.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While in Indiana Wacky Zacky found a new passion. At the young age of five, he has decided what he wants to be when he grows up: A cowboy! And not just any cowboy, he wants to be a bull rider. Since his proclamation he started wearing a teal bandanna with animals-just like a real cowboy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You can imagine his excitement when we flew into the Orange County airport and he saw the biggest cowboy of all time-John Wayne! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tUD2ZxCqeM/TkLs4fkXeaI/AAAAAAAAB7I/xHRAgqMTLFQ/s1600/IMG_8043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tUD2ZxCqeM/TkLs4fkXeaI/AAAAAAAAB7I/xHRAgqMTLFQ/s320/IMG_8043.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm guessing living in Southern California may set up some obstacles on his dream, but if that's what he wants to do then I say shoot for the stars! And Scooter (our dog), you'd better watch out because there's a little cowboy that needs a practicin' pony to ride and you may just turn into that pony!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So that's our action packed summer in a nutshell. I'm hoping things slow down just a tad as fall approaches us!</div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-57605525916738354282011-06-27T18:48:00.000-07:002011-06-28T15:11:08.621-07:00She is one of my favorite things!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over the weekend Zany Janie was in her first ever Ballet recital. I can't believe how much she adores ballet. She seems to live and breath it. She prefers to read books about ballet, she adores the Angelina Ballerina movies, and she even has several ballet dolls. She has been looking forward to the dance recital since she first laid eyes on a picture of her costume.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The closer the date of her recital, the more excited Zany Janie became and the more anxious I became. I am a mom that does not have good hair styling skills. I somehow managed to put her hair in a bun for class, but by the end of class most of it was falling in her face. I was also directed to put make-up on her-not too light or her face would be washed out in the lights, but not too dark that she looked like a clown. Hmmm...That's a fine line for a 4-year-old. Add just a touch of color and it quickly begins to look over the top and a bit "Toddlers and Tiaras".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank goodness she had a dress rehearsal so I could work out the kinks with her hair and make-up. I am proud to say her hair remained in a tight bun for both her dress rehearsal and her actual recital. My late 80's big hair style phase actually came in handy-I had experience with Aqua Net and knew how to use it's powers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some may say I can't be unbiased since she is my daughter, but I think she was absolutely beautiful! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><img height="96" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6eAPV8c7yE/TgkhWsbIemI/AAAAAAAAB4s/Syv2M47kcGs/s320/IMG_7456.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 487px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 634px; visibility: hidden;" width="72" /> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6eAPV8c7yE/TgkhWsbIemI/AAAAAAAAB4s/Syv2M47kcGs/s1600/IMG_7456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6eAPV8c7yE/TgkhWsbIemI/AAAAAAAAB4s/Syv2M47kcGs/s320/IMG_7456.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">She did a great job at the dress rehearsal. I was so proud of her. She loved the audience and put 100% into her performance. Then the next day (Friday) she woke up with a high fever! Cootie bugs had been circulating throughout our house for the past week and a half and somehow Zany Janie had managed to fight them off, but even the feistiest come down with something from time to time. She was determined to perform on Saturday. She rested and did her best to get better. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Saturday morning her fever fluctuated from 100 to 102.8! She continued to state she would perform. Despite not eating for two days and feeling horrible she was determined enough to get through the performance. Before you think I am a horrible mother, I will say her fever did go down to 98.9 right before we left for her recital. She remained backstage throughout the whole show so I couldn't check in with her. I did pack snacks for her and hoped she would eat something so she wouldn't pass out. Then the moment finally came. She did her whole dance to "My Favorite Things", putting 100% into it, and looked like she loved every second of it.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USN40zWLwgk/TgkhVoNNgSI/AAAAAAAAB4o/TQh8NwUvXrA/s1600/IMG_7447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USN40zWLwgk/TgkhVoNNgSI/AAAAAAAAB4o/TQh8NwUvXrA/s320/IMG_7447.JPG" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I cannot express the feelings I felt when I saw her on stage. I'm guessing most parents feel the same way. I was so proud of her! I couldn't believe how beautiful she looked! And I couldn't even begin to imagine how she could be enjoying performing in front of a hundred complete strangers! In that aspect she is the complete opposite of me! She is a performer!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i277VMj6gb8/TgkhUOUao1I/AAAAAAAAB4k/Gd1eInmchas/s1600/IMG_7446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i277VMj6gb8/TgkhUOUao1I/AAAAAAAAB4k/Gd1eInmchas/s320/IMG_7446.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">After the bows, the curtain closed, the music stopped, and Zany Janie passed out! Just kidding! She held it together until I got her and then she could hold it together no longer. By the time we got home her temperature had shot up to 103.2 and she was beyond exhausted. I felt bad for her, but there was no way she would have let us keep her home and miss the performance. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Later that night Zany Janie began complaining and questioning why she was not able to go on stage and do a solo. That girl is a true performer. She also got to experience first hand what it means when they say "The show must go on!"</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Zany thought of the day: Try to listen to "My Favorite Things" no less than 70 times and see if you can possibly get "Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens; Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens; Brown paper packages tied up with strings; These are a few of my favorite things" out of your head. Come on try it. You know you want to!</div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-46307515439046981242011-06-17T17:06:00.000-07:002011-06-17T17:06:03.178-07:00Works like magic!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">When it comes to dealing with kids there are few things that really work like magic when they are hurt. Of course an ice cream cone can typically raise a kid's spirit, but what if you don't have any ice cream at home? Sending the offending brother or sister to time out usually does the trick in our house if the victim isn't "really" hurt. But what can you do for all those monster owies your child gets throughout a typical day? </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can imagine, since I have three young kids, there are many bumps and bruises to deal with on a typical day. That is why I created Hot/Cold Ouchy Bags. They are perfect for when your little one feels they have a monster owie! Just keep them in the freezer and get them out when needed. I have found my kids will usually immediately calm down when I give them the ouchy bag.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03YZ712UmDw/TfvlLne3pTI/AAAAAAAAB4c/iVolW7pZGxc/s1600/il_fullxfull_81616340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03YZ712UmDw/TfvlLne3pTI/AAAAAAAAB4c/iVolW7pZGxc/s320/il_fullxfull_81616340.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">They are great for bruises, bumps, muscle aches, headaches, ear aches, bug bites, bee stings, sunburns, fever relief, or just to cool down from a hard day of playing. Don’t limit these little monsters for just the kids! Adults can use them too for sinus headaches, backaches, muscle tension, and even to help reduce soreness and clogged milk ducts for the breast feeding mama.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">With summer upon us, you might want to stock up on these little life savers. Five new Hot/Cold Ouchy Bags were just listed in my baby boutique <a href="http://twozanyzebras.etsy.com/">Two Zany Zebras</a>! Hurry in before they POOF and disappear!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://twozanyzebras.etsy.com/"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMrNci3OePU/TfvlMQxcJAI/AAAAAAAAB4g/Fo9KKRxKJXY/s320/IMG_7372.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-58722821084658392112011-06-15T16:08:00.000-07:002011-06-15T16:08:31.928-07:00If a tree falls in the forest...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" If I was the philosophical type, that may have been what I asked myself right after Papa Z announced we were going to go hiking in <a href="http://www.forestfalls.com/index.php">Forest Falls</a>. But alas I am not and I think my immediate thought was, "What?! It's 10ish we will need food! We will need to eat! Will there be food?! I need food in my belly if we are going on mountain roads! You know how I get car sick on mountain roads! Hmmm....What do I feel like puking up in the car today?"-or something to that effect. I am happy to announce the mountain roads were not as curvy as I had imagined and I got through the trip with minimal dizziness. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Prior to this trip, I had never heard of Forest Falls. Papa Z was drawn to it because he wanted to take the family on a hike and the web page for <a href="http://www.forestfalls.com/about.php">Forest Falls </a>proclaimed that "Many refer to Forest Falls as "little Yosemite". Really? That's a big proclamation! We shall see!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So we packed some snacks, food, and drinks and began our journey. But not without a stop to <a href="http://www.kfc.com/about/">KFC</a> for some finger lickin' goodness. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Forest Falls has a beautiful area with day camping sites. We enjoyed our pre-hike meal under enormous trees while listening to rushing water. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_WfVM7q1Ug/TfktTOuUC2I/AAAAAAAAB4A/6YYvZXEG8K4/s1600/IMG_7308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_WfVM7q1Ug/TfktTOuUC2I/AAAAAAAAB4A/6YYvZXEG8K4/s320/IMG_7308.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Feeling energized from our energy packed meal of KFC, Cheetos, and watermelon, we began our hike. I assumed since we were taking three young children-two of whom were hoofing it and one which was tethered to Papa Z's chest-it was going to be an easy hike. It wasn't too bad at the beginning, it was a dirt/sand path. Then the path became sprinkled with boulders you had to climb over or go around. This wasn't even too bad as long as you kept the thought of rattlesnakes out of your mind. I didn't become concerned until I saw the log we had to cross to get over to the other side. For those of you that don't know, I am probably considered an anxious mom. I'll admit it, I can look at a situation and immediately gauge all the things that could possibly go wrong. So you can imagine the scenarios going through my mind as I watched this little scene: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egCTEHXP3Fg/TfktU1_3dAI/AAAAAAAAB4I/RgMtlHNLVdc/s1600/IMG_7321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egCTEHXP3Fg/TfktU1_3dAI/AAAAAAAAB4I/RgMtlHNLVdc/s320/IMG_7321.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wacky Zacky being pulled across while Silly Jilly dangled helplessly from Papa Z's chest. It did get my adrenaline flowing and raised my anxiety level. I will admit I did have the camera ready to capture any missteps causing one or all three of them to take a swim in the creek. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then we came upon a beautiful area with a small waterfall. This was just a bonus one because the "Little Yosemite" fall was further up the hill!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BGWNbCdPYVY/TfktVmgavoI/AAAAAAAAB4M/CBuVmHQoLbA/s1600/IMG_7326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BGWNbCdPYVY/TfktVmgavoI/AAAAAAAAB4M/CBuVmHQoLbA/s320/IMG_7326.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
After a very terrifying hike (for me) we made it to the look out point for the bigger falls. The hike consisted of me attempting to keep Zany Janie from falling off the cliff just inches off the path. I don't know why she turns into <a href="http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/mr-peepers/274899/">Mr. Peepers</a> at the most inopportune times! While the falls were not exactly like Yosemite, it was beautiful and worth the hike.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfMPOJNb1Oc/TfktWVlobMI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/Z7WlEzx-OJM/s1600/IMG_7328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfMPOJNb1Oc/TfktWVlobMI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/Z7WlEzx-OJM/s320/IMG_7328.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
The kids were not impressed with the waterfalls, but couldn't keep their hands out of the water and would have spent the whole day there playing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHLo6kUsHg4/TfktWzlSb0I/AAAAAAAAB4U/fV1-zPuoZ-0/s1600/IMG_7332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHLo6kUsHg4/TfktWzlSb0I/AAAAAAAAB4U/fV1-zPuoZ-0/s320/IMG_7332.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uor52ToAz-w/TfktX7bRHYI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/TRvmKk7WKSE/s1600/IMG_7333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uor52ToAz-w/TfktX7bRHYI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/TRvmKk7WKSE/s320/IMG_7333.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Overall, I would recommend this hike to anyone who plans to be in the near vicinity of Forest Falls. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Zany thought of the day: So back to the original question-If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hmmm....That's a tough one, oh wait! What's that shiny thing?</div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-37346142087906460152011-06-08T17:09:00.000-07:002011-06-08T17:09:44.066-07:00Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair!Zany Janie turned the Big 0-4! To celebrate this monumental birthday she insisted on having a Rapunzel themed birthday party. We had fun planning the party and found the Internet to have a wealth of ideas on this theme. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have never made invitations in the past and quite frankly really didn't want to make some sort of Rapunzel invitation, until I came across this idea. I think they turned out super cute! See <a href="http://www.supermommoments.com/2011/01/tangled-birthday-invite/">here</a> for a tutorial.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8N6GoON21c/Te_82xarJ_I/AAAAAAAAB28/7XpTa-0m8Xs/s1600/IMG_6970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8N6GoON21c/Te_82xarJ_I/AAAAAAAAB28/7XpTa-0m8Xs/s320/IMG_6970.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Besides hanging lots of yellow, green, and purple balloons around the house, I tried to be creative with the decorations. I made four very long (probably 15 feet long) yarn braids which I placed on the door and throughout the house. The kids loved them and by the end of the party they had taken them down and were having fun playing with them.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5JIkUM7vWc/Te_9NmKLuMI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/YSMykurEwTg/s1600/IMG_7192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5JIkUM7vWc/Te_9NmKLuMI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/YSMykurEwTg/s320/IMG_7192.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I also made lanterns to symbolize the lanterns from the movie. I had planned on making several and having them throughout the house, but decided since it was a day time party we really didn't need glowing lanterns. For a tutorial to make the lanterns go <a href="http://familycrafts.about.com/od/chinesenewyears/ss/eplantern.htm">here</a>.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PPLI7RMcRU/Te_9QcsUFFI/AAAAAAAAB3k/faRLUL9QzO4/s1600/IMG_7199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PPLI7RMcRU/Te_9QcsUFFI/AAAAAAAAB3k/faRLUL9QzO4/s320/IMG_7199.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I do have a Cricut machine and used it to make some decorations, but was disappointed that there is not a Rapunzel cartridge. I ended up using the Paper Doll Dress up Cartridge to make a princess, then used yarn to make "Rapunzel" hair. I also used the Cricut to make the flag banner.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-js3CNs5n6Ac/Te_9Obn-0lI/AAAAAAAAB3c/3Dspkke6n_o/s1600/IMG_7196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-js3CNs5n6Ac/Te_9Obn-0lI/AAAAAAAAB3c/3Dspkke6n_o/s320/IMG_7196.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Since Pascal is a main part of the movie, I wanted to use him in some games and as decorations. The only problem was I didn't have a Chameleon on any of my cartridges. I had to get really creative. I used the Zooballoo cartridge to cut out an iguana then cut out a monkey (using just the tail) for the tail and tongue of Pascal. I know they are kinda funky, but you have to admit they are cute!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1GVnJSI17Ag/Te_9Mc7MxoI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/jYdkmtl8qXg/s1600/IMG_7184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1GVnJSI17Ag/Te_9Mc7MxoI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/jYdkmtl8qXg/s320/IMG_7184.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Going along with the Rapunzel/Pascal theme, I made these cute party blowers for a game. The kids really seemed to love them. You can find the tutorial to make them <a href="http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-crafts/craft-953109-pascal-party-blowers-t/">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAmRb5Fhw8A/Te_9LtdiWSI/AAAAAAAAB3M/tzb28LgvA9s/s1600/IMG_7013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAmRb5Fhw8A/Te_9LtdiWSI/AAAAAAAAB3M/tzb28LgvA9s/s320/IMG_7013.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">We didn't get all that creative with the food. We had your typical hamburgers/hot dogs. We did have an assortment of fruit and skewers so everyone could make their own Fruit "Tower" kabobs. We also made these adorable jello boats to represent when Rapunzel and Flynn were watching the lanterns in the sky.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FcTeeSm7n-c/Te_9NEZVsBI/AAAAAAAAB3U/5Pn7uP94B44/s1600/IMG_7187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FcTeeSm7n-c/Te_9NEZVsBI/AAAAAAAAB3U/5Pn7uP94B44/s320/IMG_7187.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">One game we played was pin the frying pan on Flynn. I got this idea, as well as several other ideas for the party from the <a href="http://www.supermommoments.com/2011/01/tangled-birthday-party-games/">Super Mom Moments Blog</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BIP3KLyHcs/Te_9PDTmhrI/AAAAAAAAB3g/ACk3fBgzMpA/s1600/IMG_7198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BIP3KLyHcs/Te_9PDTmhrI/AAAAAAAAB3g/ACk3fBgzMpA/s320/IMG_7198.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The kids thought it was hilarious to try to put the frying pan on Flynn's face. After the game some of them were trying to put the frying pan on each other's face.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDGQ6SJ67LY/Te_9Rr7g2hI/AAAAAAAAB3o/6YjCoY0bDgk/s1600/IMG_7210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDGQ6SJ67LY/Te_9Rr7g2hI/AAAAAAAAB3o/6YjCoY0bDgk/s320/IMG_7210.JPG" t8="true" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also made a Rapunzel Scavenger Hunt separating the boys and girls into groups. Each group had to find colored "Pascals" hidden throughout the house/outside. In order to earn a prize they had to do an activity related to the movie <a href="http://adisney.go.com/disneypictures/tangled/">Tangled</a> at each Pascal. Some of the activities included: Yelling the line "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let your hair down!"; holding your breath; Using a frying pan to hit a balloon with a face drawn on it; using the Pascal party blower's tongue to hit Flynn in the ear; testing ones sense of smell; and finding a hidden tiara.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since Rapunzel loves to paint we decided to be brave and let 10 kids under the age of 6 loose with paint and paint brushes. They loved creating their own masterpieces and actually kept all the paint on the plastic tarp below them-at least we have yet to find paint on the walls!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3A1pfc38Wx8/Te_9SrNSZBI/AAAAAAAAB3s/FeAc4H-Ni6o/s1600/IMG_7238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3A1pfc38Wx8/Te_9SrNSZBI/AAAAAAAAB3s/FeAc4H-Ni6o/s320/IMG_7238.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, no party is complete until a Pinata has been broken! I found this cute star Pinata at none other than Walmart. It was cheaper than any other Pinata we have had at parties and it actually held up twice as long!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jO3Avfk01W8/Te_9TD_lCBI/AAAAAAAAB3w/i6vpcG92yYQ/s1600/IMG_7251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jO3Avfk01W8/Te_9TD_lCBI/AAAAAAAAB3w/i6vpcG92yYQ/s320/IMG_7251.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">And as an added bonus, the ends of the star could be broken off into several princess hats! You can't beat that with a stick...or can you?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_xwkfx6VbA/Te_9T7KKpXI/AAAAAAAAB30/2RtY_Qte6p0/s1600/IMG_7263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_xwkfx6VbA/Te_9T7KKpXI/AAAAAAAAB30/2RtY_Qte6p0/s320/IMG_7263.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course we had a cake, but it was a store bought cake. Despite having the "Crazed Cricut Mom" (see her blog <a href="http://cricutcakecrazies.blogspot.com/">here</a>) as my good friend, I just couldn't stomach the stress it would take to attempt to make my own cake. Maybe in the future...Probably not, but maybe...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I think it turned out to be a wonderful party for Zany Janie! The theme was a fun one and both girls and boys could enjoy it.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Zany thought of the day: What's your favorite theme for a party?</div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-25630992922521780162011-05-30T20:59:00.000-07:002011-05-30T20:59:13.356-07:00Good VibrationsOver the weekend my sweet little Zany Janie turned four. I am not unlike every other parent out there that sits in shock on their kid's birthday shaking their head and asking themselves, "Where on earth did the time go?" My only answer is I have no idea, it's just one big four year blur. <br />
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To celebrate Zany Janie's big day, the Zany family went to the <a href="http://www.sandiegozoo.org/">San Diego Zoo</a>. We still drove to the zoo through scattered showers and knowing San Diego had a 40 mph wind advisory. Despite the forecast it turned out to be a great day at the zoo. We even took a guided bus tour throughout the zoo seeing most of the animals without having to hoof it up and down all the hills.<br />
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It was an exciting day for the birthday girl. There were so many highlights of the trip. That's why you can imagine my shock when Zany Janie told me her favorite part of the zoo. <br />
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It wasn't seeing a Polar Bear play with a ball.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZCcMkS8Sjw/TeRfMSS8WvI/AAAAAAAAB2s/VbnmsQhg2BY/s1600/IMG_7107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZCcMkS8Sjw/TeRfMSS8WvI/AAAAAAAAB2s/VbnmsQhg2BY/s320/IMG_7107.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or an enormous Brown Bear pacing back and forth.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S5fdrwCku0Y/TeRfMxBjQgI/AAAAAAAAB2w/aZ4vgPLshv0/s1600/IMG_7108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S5fdrwCku0Y/TeRfMxBjQgI/AAAAAAAAB2w/aZ4vgPLshv0/s320/IMG_7108.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nor seeing the Panda Bear that she insisted on seeing despite having to wait in a 30 minute line just to catch a glimpse of the persnickety little beast.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUl8Gt_MmVk/TeRfNlVabAI/AAAAAAAAB20/jhcmxenyLOM/s1600/IMG_7126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUl8Gt_MmVk/TeRfNlVabAI/AAAAAAAAB20/jhcmxenyLOM/s320/IMG_7126.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It wasn't even riding on the Skyfari Aerial Tram, however this did come in a close second.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Da6PMfnXVSs/TeRfOGCoreI/AAAAAAAAB24/6uw4Qh0BOUM/s1600/IMG_7135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Da6PMfnXVSs/TeRfOGCoreI/AAAAAAAAB24/6uw4Qh0BOUM/s320/IMG_7135.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My sweet little Zany Janie's favorite part of the day was sitting on a vibrating chair while Papa Z and I finished our lunch. You know the chairs they have at malls and apparently zoos where you feed it quarters and it vibrates to help relax your body. I didn't know it would be such a significant part of her day so I didn't even take a picture of it. Go figure!</div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-19654614906058334792011-05-24T15:07:00.000-07:002011-05-24T15:07:07.614-07:00One zany free for all!It was a wild weekend at our house! I wish I could say it was from a crazy, fun and wild party, but unfortunately that is just not the case. Papa Z was lucky enough to escape town and miss all the fun, he was camping in Yosemite throughout the weekend. There seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary until Friday night when I had a hard time staying asleep. I rarely have problems falling or staying asleep, but for some reason I kept waking up feeling "a little funny". I attempted several times to chalk it up to Papa Z being gone and would roll over to go back to sleep until yet again I found myself awake. Then I began to feel that odd little lump in the back of my throat. You know the one you can barely feel and are unsure if you are imagining it even being there, that is until you begin tasting that odd metallic taste dripping in the back of your throat. I found myself playing the "if I just stay in bed and don't move it will all go away" game pretending like I have any control over the situation. Waiting until the last possible second, holding onto all hope that it won't actually happen, I had to run to the bathroom and get sick. I will spare you the details, but will say I had a long night of tummy problems that unfortunately did not end at 6:00 AM when the kids came sauntering into my room ready for an action packed day.<br />
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I'm sure they were speaking at a normal level, but at the time it seemed like both Zany Janie and Wacky Zacky were talking into megaphones at the highest possible volume. Each shrill tone pounded into my head and made my stomach lurch. Thankfully the remote control was within reach and I knew the number of the one channel which could possibly make this all stop....Ahhh....Sweet silence....That is until Silly Jilly woke up and began crying. <br />
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I hobble down the hall to get her, open her door, and am permeated with the rancid smell of vomit. Guess who else is sick? Really? It's not enough that I'm barely able to function with three little ones in my care, but now one of them is sick too?<br />
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I'd love to tell you about my day, I'm sure it was a riot to watch safely from the outside looking in, but it's just a blur of trips to the bathroom and views from the couch. While Silly Jilly and I cuddled on the couch, Wacky Zacky and Zany Janie had free reign of the house and they took full advantage! Those two little turkeys would sit at the bathroom door making heaving and retching noises as I got sick, giggling and cackling about how they hoped I'd never get better! They also got to have their fill of candy and were somehow able to reach it from shelves we thought were "unreachable" to them. <br />
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Thankfully the next day I was feeling a bit better and was able to take back the little control I had to begin with! I definitely don't recommend getting sick when your hubby is out of town!<br />
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Zany thought of the day: Is it just me or do you not fully appreciate a clean toilet until you are praying to the porcelain gods?Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-45784281642674052222011-05-17T15:33:00.000-07:002011-05-17T15:33:12.963-07:00Slide Baby Slide!Baseball season is quickly coming to an end. It was a good year-No injuries, the kids had lots of fun, and I somehow managed to get two kids at two different practices in two different locations. Wacky Zacky recently received his FOURTH trophy and in a few short days Zany Janie will receive her very first trophy. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wacky Zacky thinks he's in the Big League now that he started doing coaches pitch. He's actually a good little ball player, but I found myself cringing every time he played the pitcher because I was sure he was going to take a line drive to the face. He seemed to alternate playing first base, the pitcher, and the catcher. Throughout the season he did some serious work on perfecting his slide to home base-Nothing impresses the ladies like a dramatic slide to home plate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GczSUiLBBqg/TdLvc-JXcfI/AAAAAAAAB2k/2bdAE9FZTBo/s1600/IMG_7072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GczSUiLBBqg/TdLvc-JXcfI/AAAAAAAAB2k/2bdAE9FZTBo/s320/IMG_7072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It's hard to say what Zany Janie thinks about t-ball. She just seems happy to be there. She would chase after the ball with the pack of other kids, but I'm not really certain she wanted to actually make contact with the ball. She had a great time when she decided to combine ballet with t-ball for the "ultimate sport". She stood on the pitchers mound twirling and doing plies in her cleats. During her last two games she decided to slide home, the only problem is she slides about 6 feet away from the plate, but boy does it look impressive!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BzflcQwOKi0/TdLvdxaXPhI/AAAAAAAAB2o/sS6IXduOYag/s1600/IMG_7065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BzflcQwOKi0/TdLvdxaXPhI/AAAAAAAAB2o/sS6IXduOYag/s320/IMG_7065.JPG" width="247" /></a></div><br />
Zany thought of the day: So for old times sake, let's sing:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Take me out to the ball game,</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Take me out with the crowd.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't care if I never get back,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let me root, root, root for the home team,</div><div style="text-align: center;">If they don't win it's a shame.</div><div style="text-align: center;">For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,</div><div style="text-align: center;">At the old ball game.</div><br />
Hey, do you have any cracker jack? I'm having a hankering for cracker jack! I wonder why? Hmmm....I wonder where I can get some? Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-34053415044600958782011-05-03T15:00:00.000-07:002011-05-03T15:00:06.068-07:00Wet 'N Wild at Whitewater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This weekend we went on an adventure to the <a href="http://www.wildlandsconservancy.org/preserve_whitewater.html">Whitewater Preserve</a>. We had heard others talk about it, but had never ventured there for ourselves. Unfortunately for me once you get off the interstate you have to drive down a curvy road for several miles. Luckily for both Papa Z and me I didn't get carsick, but was dizzy and felt like I was staggering around for a little while. Once we stopped we all jumped out and started exploring the area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92NHJ0H8tPg/TcBs7v5PhoI/AAAAAAAAB2A/za3G_QwyQfI/s1600/IMG_6978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92NHJ0H8tPg/TcBs7v5PhoI/AAAAAAAAB2A/za3G_QwyQfI/s320/IMG_6978.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a beautiful area and I felt at one with nature until I saw the menacing sign which warned of Bears, Mountain Lions, and Rattlesnakes! Nothing like the fear of venomous hungry animals to put your mind at ease!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">There were several crystal clear pools throughout the area filled with what appeared to be huge trout. I say they were trout because I'm no fish expert and trout are one of the few "freshwater fish" names I know. Sorry people, but no fishing! Come on, it's a nature preserve!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrwKWZn7xWU/TcBs8kHMpVI/AAAAAAAAB2E/gDC_PIPx2Tg/s1600/IMG_6980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrwKWZn7xWU/TcBs8kHMpVI/AAAAAAAAB2E/gDC_PIPx2Tg/s320/IMG_6980.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The nature preserve claims the canyon has a robust population of bighorn sheep. Trying to see any of them was just like going to the bighorn sheep exhibit at the zoo-None of those "mythical creatures" were to be seen!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRNtKpHzTiA/TcBs_SyCa3I/AAAAAAAAB2M/NWGRh8mbUuY/s1600/IMG_6989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRNtKpHzTiA/TcBs_SyCa3I/AAAAAAAAB2M/NWGRh8mbUuY/s320/IMG_6989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">We hiked on the <a href="http://www.pcta.org/">Pacific Crest Trail</a> for a few miles. Somehow I always get stuck being the follower and never the leader...But that's okay, I was busy keeping a keen eye and ear out for bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZOoyiHtW_g/TcBs-6x8eVI/AAAAAAAAB2I/aLAXwS3PLjI/s1600/IMG_6983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZOoyiHtW_g/TcBs-6x8eVI/AAAAAAAAB2I/aLAXwS3PLjI/s320/IMG_6983.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">The highlight of the trip was playing in the river. We had to walk a long way, but we finally found an area without rapids that would take out the children. After the initial shock of feeling wet cold squishy mud between their toes passed, the kids were happily splashing and playing in the river. Zany Janie even learned how to pee in the wilderness. I'm hoping she doesn't decide to try it at our pool this summer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxKL_wIHa-8/TcB2zXY0CPI/AAAAAAAAB2g/SHeecmqhaKI/s1600/White+water+nature+preserve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxKL_wIHa-8/TcB2zXY0CPI/AAAAAAAAB2g/SHeecmqhaKI/s320/White+water+nature+preserve.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Overall, it was a great experience and I'm sure we will be back to visit again soon. Maybe next time if we come across a nasty rattlesnake, a bighorn sheep will gallop down a sheer cliff and come to our rescue! Maybe, but I doubt it!Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-78540329398333104172011-04-28T11:26:00.000-07:002011-04-28T11:26:29.040-07:00Monsters! Monsters! Everywhere!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJCYz3lHYXc/TbmvbpaHzDI/AAAAAAAAB18/Uvl5MatVCAE/s1600/Easter+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BJCYz3lHYXc/TbmvbpaHzDI/AAAAAAAAB18/Uvl5MatVCAE/s320/Easter+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span data-jsid="text">I wanted to give a big thank you to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/JACLYN-KATE-PHOTOGRAPHY/120379794643391">Jaclyn-Kate-Photography</a> for taking these adorable pictures of my Zany creations! I also wanted to thank <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/whileyousleepicrochet?closeTheater=1">While you sleep, I crochet</a> for making the adorable matching hats! See her shop for ordering information. You can order your own Zany Monster shirt in my baby boutique, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/twozanyzebras?ref=si_shop">Two Zany Zebras</a>.</span></div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-91142335530080609512011-04-24T11:45:00.000-07:002011-04-24T11:45:08.300-07:00Happy Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r8kntyXV2jc/TbRvbJ7J5DI/AAAAAAAAB1w/P2aXrR7YSLM/s1600/IMG_6795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r8kntyXV2jc/TbRvbJ7J5DI/AAAAAAAAB1w/P2aXrR7YSLM/s320/IMG_6795.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May your eggs be filled with jelly beans and your Chocolate Bunnies be hollow!</div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-70565168776476050932011-04-12T14:03:00.000-07:002011-04-12T14:03:38.462-07:00Please say "I Do"!Yesterday was quite the day in our house. A typical day in our house can be quite chaotic with three kids under the age of 6 running about, but for some reason yesterday I felt like I was refereeing a featherweight <a href="http://www.ufc.com/">MMA</a> (mixed martial arts) match. It was mainly Wacky Zacky and Zany Janie in on the action with Silly Jilly cheering them on. There seemed to be armbars, anaconda choke holds, guillotine choke holds, and headlocks galore going on throughout the day! Unfortunately they both refused to tap out so I had to be the referee to make sure no bones were broken or blood was seen.<br />
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So what could possibly cause such barbaric behavior in these little angels? The answer is simple! Ken would not marry any Barbie dolls unless they had blond hair! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7kEcQeaBvY8/TaS6Mnpb4ZI/AAAAAAAAB1o/G2byeSAEdD8/s1600/barbie-and-ken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7kEcQeaBvY8/TaS6Mnpb4ZI/AAAAAAAAB1o/G2byeSAEdD8/s1600/barbie-and-ken.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, you read it right, your eyes did not deceive you. There were MULTIPLE, not just a few, blow-ups in our house because Wacky Zacky would not allow the Ken doll to marry all of Zany Janie's Barbies. He would only allow the holy matrimony to take place with the blond dolls. By the end of the day and after what seemed like the 20th blow-up, I was ready to scream, "For Heaven's sake Ken! Just say I DO!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Zany thought of the day: Is it just me or has the Ken doll gotten more and more flamboyant over the years?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BByCwYwoQKo/TaS8yC9ktFI/AAAAAAAAB1s/Az2v7yvOuXM/s1600/ken+doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BByCwYwoQKo/TaS8yC9ktFI/AAAAAAAAB1s/Az2v7yvOuXM/s1600/ken+doll.jpg" /></a></div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-49900834146239264372011-03-30T14:29:00.000-07:002011-03-30T14:29:53.224-07:00Goodnight sleepy head!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8x0y020xa48/TZOY-MxfaCI/AAAAAAAAB1k/3zw1A2IsJ-U/s1600/sleeping-moon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8x0y020xa48/TZOY-MxfaCI/AAAAAAAAB1k/3zw1A2IsJ-U/s1600/sleeping-moon.gif" /></a></div><br />
Getting three young kids to bed each night is no easy feat. Papa Z and I both go up to put them to bed and it still takes a good 20 minutes to get everyone settled. Zany Janie and Silly Jilly typically go down without a fight. Wacky Zacky on the other hand is a different story. I don't know if it's a gender thing or just some crazy thing Wacky Zacky does, but over the past couple of years he has developed some odd night time rituals. <br />
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It all started around two years ago when he use to lay on Papa Z's chest to fall asleep. Before he would lay down he would say a series of 4-5 body parts (i.e. head, shoulder, face, elbow) which he wanted Papa Z to repeat. As Papa Z would say each body part, Wacky Zacky would whack himself in that area of his body. I know-crazy huh? At times it was hard to watch as he hit himself in the face as hard as he could. I must say I do find it interesting that Wacky Zacky never shed a tear as he smacked himself, yet if Zany Janie did so much as brush past him he would be wailing! This odd nighttime ritual lasted at least a year.<br />
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I don't know when it actually happened, but somehow in the past year Wacky Zacky is finally going to sleep without having to lay on Papa Z's chest. His bedtime ritual has recently morphed from picking which superhero he wanted to dream about into several statements and questions. He has said these statements/questions so many times that he can now say them super fast. Once they pass his lips he's ready for bed. So for now this is what I hear at warp speed before I walk out of his room at night: "Iloveyou! Goodnight! IfIgetoutofbedortalkwillIbeintrouble? Areyouserious? Areyougoingdownstairs? BuzzLightyearandDinosaurs! Goodnight!" Whew! It makes me tired just thinking about it! I think I might need to go take a nap! "Goodnight! Thanksforreadingthispost! Leaveamessageifyoulike!"<br />
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Zany thought of the day: Do you or your children have any odd night time rituals?Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-66156487178610938172011-03-24T15:28:00.000-07:002011-03-24T16:41:53.000-07:00Guess Who?Sometimes the most unbelievable things come out of my children's mouths! It's amazing, one second we are having a normal conversation then "BANG!" they say something that leaves me wide-eyed and mouth gaping! Sometimes it's so outrageous that I fear what they say to people when I am not around. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Just the other day Wacky Zacky, Zany Janie, and I were playing "Guess Who?" when one of those unbelievable things came out of Wacky Zacky's mouth.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hasbro.com/games/kid-games/guesswho/default.cfm?page=Products/Detail&product_id=9442"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ptioapVCExE/TYu-qEkbTXI/AAAAAAAAB1g/mLBg6ptjEqE/s200/guess+who.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">We were in the midst of our fifth game of "Guess Who?" going back and forth asking the normal questions: "Is your person a male?" "Does your person have brown hair?" "Is your person wearing glasses?" "Is your person wearing a hat?" When all of a sudden Wacky Zacky busts out with, "Does your person have pussy face?" Um, well...how do you answer that question? Before you get offended and forever leave my blog please let me explain. There is a rational explanation! No, we do not use the phrase "Pussy Face" in our house. However, we have on occasion told the kids they were acting like a sour puss. So Wacky Zacky has developed his own lingo and morphed the phrase sour puss into pussy face to describe this type of face:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2Y7mKZh03NU/TYu-nkGvupI/AAAAAAAAB1c/Nc52K5ItSe4/s1600/75375_10150115886702926_673342925_7677878_7459282_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2Y7mKZh03NU/TYu-nkGvupI/AAAAAAAAB1c/Nc52K5ItSe4/s320/75375_10150115886702926_673342925_7677878_7459282_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I can only hope I am not around when he utters this little gem in public and asks why someone is making pussy face! For now Papa Z and I get to play the Guess Who? game of who gets to be there when this happens!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Zany thought of the day: Does your family use any strange catchphrases that others might look at you wide-eyed and mouth gaping?</div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-2787126519738923922011-03-17T09:51:00.000-07:002011-03-17T09:51:26.571-07:00Happy St. Patrick's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May your blessings outnumber<br />
The shamrocks that grow,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And may trouble avoid you</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wherever you go.</div><div style="text-align: center;">–Irish blessing</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wishing you and yours a Happy St. Patrick's Day! If you are not wearing green pinch yourself! Seriously, pinch yourself! You are NOT wearing green! It's the rule, now pinch yourself! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are looking for something green to brighten your day, head on over to <a href="http://twozanyzebras.etsy.com/">Two Zany Zebras</a> for a wide array of Green Monsters! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://twozanyzebras.etsy.com/"><img border="0" height="256" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1WiFoMVxuQI/TYI1UF-9MfI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/QpQOInNUyGA/s320/Opening+day+baseball+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Zany thought of the day: Here’s to you and yours and to mine and ours. And if mine and ours ever come across to you and yours, I hope you and yours will do as much for mine and ours as mine and ours have done for you and yours!Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-31688108085661744722011-03-10T09:57:00.000-08:002011-03-10T09:57:24.853-08:00Celebrating Dr. Seuss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">“Look at me!<br />
Look at me!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Look at me NOW!</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is fun to have fun</div><div style="text-align: center;">But you have </div><div style="text-align: center;">to know how.”</div><div style="text-align: center;">~The Cat in the Hat </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dr. Seuss</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We are big fans of Dr. Seuss. When I was younger I collected Dr. Seuss books and now enjoy sharing them with my kids. In honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday we went to the Public Library where they had a Birthday Bash honoring Dr. Seuss. Zany Janie and Silly Jilly dressed up in these adorable dresses from Aunt Ju Ju:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FxjVKxkBUpY/TXkLwxFxf-I/AAAAAAAAB1I/9s0QoY9RQzg/s1600/IMG_6331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FxjVKxkBUpY/TXkLwxFxf-I/AAAAAAAAB1I/9s0QoY9RQzg/s320/IMG_6331.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">At the party they got to make hats and go fishing:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-spwy9k2SrY0/TXkN4nXM-CI/AAAAAAAAB1M/aHt64ud9HH4/s1600/IMG_6346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-spwy9k2SrY0/TXkN4nXM-CI/AAAAAAAAB1M/aHt64ud9HH4/s320/IMG_6346.JPG" width="176" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Play pin the green egg on the ham and make fun creations:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-veMGPv-SOZM/TXkN5x-RbLI/AAAAAAAAB1U/0gHf_dEKyas/s1600/IMG_6358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-veMGPv-SOZM/TXkN5x-RbLI/AAAAAAAAB1U/0gHf_dEKyas/s320/IMG_6358.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And of course read and have fun with Dr. Seuss books:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eBeOUybguU8/TXkN5GsvD0I/AAAAAAAAB1Q/7i0udGSHJY0/s1600/IMG_6348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eBeOUybguU8/TXkN5GsvD0I/AAAAAAAAB1Q/7i0udGSHJY0/s320/IMG_6348.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All the fun inspired me to make some new things for my baby boutique, <a href="http://twozanyzebras.etsy.com/">Two Zany Zebras</a>. Currently my shop has six fun new Dr. Seuss Hot/Cold OUCHY BAGS for when you have a monster owie:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://twozanyzebras.etsy.com/"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1O1cryiP8kI/TXkJeZYO0QI/AAAAAAAAB1E/AbAledbVls0/s320/IMG_6439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I also made six sets of ZANY MUCUS WIPES for runny noses or drooly pools of goo:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://twozanyzebras.etsy.com/"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6DB6M7Vv684/TXkJdrkk65I/AAAAAAAAB1A/IBvhE5HtCuM/s320/IMG_6416.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Zany thought of the day: What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://twozanyzebras.etsy.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vbo2swHtS2A/TXkJc0rLlDI/AAAAAAAAB08/fo0a6qUxxk4/s320/IMG_6415.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-59262883185500459202011-03-08T15:54:00.000-08:002011-03-08T15:54:33.096-08:00A Giant Birthday Sandwich!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Papa Z recently celebrated his birthday. In his old age he must have been feeling adventurous because he chose to forgo the traditional Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream cake from <a href="http://www.baskinrobbins.com/">Baskin-Robbins</a> and asked me to make a cake for him with the help of our kids! REALLY? You want the kids and me to make your cake? You do realize I'm not the best baker and I'm guessing with the help of the kids it won't get any better! He added even more pressure to me by not giving any input on what kind of cake he wanted. So that is how Papa Z ended up with a Giant Birthday Sandwich! I found the recipe through the <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/">Taste of Home</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Giant Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwich</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tHlHwpXeXJ8/TXa9DbzdrxI/AAAAAAAAB04/tgdgoMEbxoE/s1600/ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tHlHwpXeXJ8/TXa9DbzdrxI/AAAAAAAAB04/tgdgoMEbxoE/s1600/ice+cream.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 packages (16 ounces each) ready-to-bake refrigerated peanut butter cup cookie dough (good luck finding<br />
this, I ended up using Peanut Butter dough with chocolate chips in it)<br />
6 whole chocolate graham crackers, crushed<br />
1 cup cold milk<br />
1 cup heavy whipping cream<br />
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix<br />
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened<br />
1-1/3 cups creamy peanut butter<br />
3 cups vanilla ice cream, softened<br />
1/4 cup Nutella<br />
<br />
Directions: <br />
*Let dough stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften. Press into two ungreased 9-in. springform pans; sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until set. Cool completely. *In a large bowl, whisk the milk, cream and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. In another large bowl, beat cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Add pudding and ice cream; beat until smooth. <br />
*Spread over one cookie crust. Remove sides of second pan; place crust, crumb side down, over filling. Cover and freeze for 4 hours or until firm. <br />
*Remove from the freezer 15 minutes before serving. Place hazelnut spread in a small microwave-safe bowl; cover and microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes or until smooth, stirring twice. Remove sides of pan; cut dessert into slices. Drizzle with Nutella.<br />
*Enjoy!Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-452811532484559925.post-62536833834318663592011-02-28T16:21:00.000-08:002011-02-28T16:27:06.141-08:00And the Oscar goes to...<div style="text-align: center;">Wacky Zacky?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zNUW3tee03Q/TWw1RULOfgI/AAAAAAAAB00/BwSHMQoqjDo/s1600/IMG_5756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zNUW3tee03Q/TWw1RULOfgI/AAAAAAAAB00/BwSHMQoqjDo/s320/IMG_5756.JPG" width="268" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, not an actual Oscar...Surprisingly he wasn't formally selected this year, but based on his ability to act, Actors far and wide had better keep their eye out for this little Thespian. His best work was just the other day when Papa Z was belting out a song from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110357/">The Lion King</a>:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">"In the jungle, the mighty jungle</div>The lion sleeps tonight<br />
In the jungle the quiet jungle<br />
The lion sleeps tonight<br />
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh<br />
A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh"<br />
<br />
At that exact time Wacky Zacky moved from the couch to the table to eat dinner. The next thing we knew Wacky Zacky was screaming and crying while holding his ears. This wasn't just a little whimper, it was the drool hanging and snot spewing kind of crying. Just the kind of crying we've heard when he had a severe ear infection. Papa Z quickly picked him up and started rocking him trying to get him to calm down while I quickly heated up the Boo Boo pad for his ear. After several minutes he finally calmed down enough to effectively communicate with us. Apparently he didn't actually have pain in his ear from an ear infection, his ears hurt because of Papa Z's singing! I know it was a bit off-key and pitchy, but it definitely didn't warrant that kind of reaction!<br />
<br />
In the future, Papa Z, may I suggest The Beatles "Find a little help from my friends":<br />
<br />
"What would you think if I sang out of tune,<br />
Would you stand up and walk out on me.<br />
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song,<br />
And I'll try not to sing out of key."Mama Zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554330647164025166noreply@blogger.com0