Monthly Archives: January 2009

Jan 9

Afternoon at the Park

As Thade was leaving preschool today, his best friend’s Mom asked if we were planning on going to the park this afternoon… I thought that sounded like a great idea, and the weather was perfect for the kiddos to spend an afternoon out of the house. We decided to meet after lunch, and Thade and Dylan couldn’t wait to go!

All of the boys had a blast playing in the park and enjoying the unseasonably warm weather. Dylan was a little tired after spending the afternoon at the park, so I bet he takes an extra long nap today.

Jan 9

Party Planning Questions

It seems like I have been on the phone non-stop the last few days calling one place after another for Thade’s party. I made the task a little easier by setting up a spreadsheet with all of my questions to ask, and the locations of where I hope to have the party.

Here is my list:

  • How much does it cost to book the location?
  • Is there a deposit that is needed before we can book the location?
  • What date/times are available to book the party?
  • How long can the party be?
  • What foods/beverages do you supply?
  • Will you supply party favors/decorations?
  • Can we bring in our own dessert?
  • How many people can we invite/is there a minimum?
  • Are there any clean-up fees?

Whew! I had better get back to the party planning!

Jan 8

The Return of the Impala

Well the good news and the bad news. My car is coming home today! It had a complete BCM (computer) failure, but it can be replaced, and it is nothing that I could have avoided with timely oil changes and good car maintenance. The price tag of the repairs was under what we were expecting too, but are you ever truly happy when you see a car repair bill?!?

I’m relieved that my car will be home this afternoon, and I know James is too. Thanks to my hubby for being so good about sharing his car too!

Jan 8

Monday’s at Ziggie’s

We have a new family tradition on Monday nights, and this is one that I am super happy about. When James comes home from work we gather up the kids, and then we are off to our new favorite restaurant Ziggie’s Cafe for dinner.

Ziggie’s Cafe opened recently, and the food is amazing. You can get breakfast anytime of the day, or night, and on Monday nights kids 12 and under get dinner for free. You do have to purchase an adult meal for every free kids meal, but it is well worth it!

My kids love their pancakes, and they are thrilled when they get to have Ziggie’s Cafe pancakes for dinner.

So far I’ve tried their Pork Chops and Pork Tenderloin, and both were so tasty. James loves their Club Sandwiches. By the time dinner is over we are too stuffed for dessert. I hope to one day go to Ziggie’s Cafe for Cheesecake and Coffee, maybe for a girl’s afternoon out… Their pies look pretty good too.

One of my favorite things about Ziggie’s Cafe is their itty bitty packets of Domino Sugar.

Domino Sugar is my favorite kind of sugar to cook with, and I was tickled with the notion of  tiny packets of Domino Sugar for coffee… I know it is silly, but it is the little things that make me happy.

We all are enjoying this new family tradition, and I’m enjoying the break from the kitchen. I can’t wait for next Monday!

Jan 7

Christmas Card Holder

I know it is a little late for a Christmas project, but keep this one in mind for next year…

One of my favorite things about Christmas is sending and receiving Christmas cards. Every year I try and find a new way to display the cards that we get in the mail, and this year I’ve got a handy display that you can make too.

I re-used a cardboard blotter from my desk calendar, and wrapped it in pretty wrapping paper. I punched a hole in the top, so I could hang the display on the wall. As Christmas cards arrived I would tack the Cards to the board with Christmas themed stickers.

The kiddos really liked the project, and enjoyed seeing all of the Christmas cards, and hearing all about where they were from. I hung the Christmas Card Holder in the dining room, right above the dessert buffet table. The Christmas Card holder brought a pretty touch of Christmas to our dining room.

How do you display Christmas Cards in your home?