My Scary Craft

I was decorating for fall last weekend. I LOVE FALL! So I thought, while I was at it, I'd get out the few Halloween decorations I have. When setting them on my Hoosier Cabinet I decided I needed a table runner or something..... Hmmmm.......

Enter, JoAnn's.....

I decided I'd make one. It can't be too hard. After all I made one for my table for Maddie's birthday party. I had fun with it, though it was a lot skinnier than I wanted it to be. I had enough fabric - lengthwise - to make a second one for my mom. (I told her this was like when I was a little kid and I'd bring home an art project I wanted her to put on the fridge....So she has to use it since I made it!)

Taaa daaa! I know, its nothing special. But for a girl who's new to the sewing world, its not too bad, right?

More to come...

My Favorite Disney Attractions: EPCOT

2010

EPCOT is a close second for my favorite of the Disney Parks. It has so much to offer - as its TWICE the size of the Magic Kingdom. There are so many wonderful, exciting things to discover there. From Future World to the World Showcase - your family won't be disappointed.  (Plus, if you're going to "The World" for dining, EPCOT by far has your best options!

My Favorite Attractions: EPCOT

1. World Showcase - There is NO WAY I can name ALL of my favorite attractions around the World Show Case in detail. So I'll highlight my favorite things about each world as quickly as possible.

Outside of Mexico

Mexico: The AWESOMELY cool items made in Mexico - seriously, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros (http://allears.net/tp/ep/gft.htm), San Angel Inn - delicious!

Norway: Maelstrom - boat ride, the giant troll in the gift shop for a photo opt, BEST snacks at the Kringla Bakeri og Kafe (http://allears.net/menu/menu_k.htm), my favorite perfumes in the world are purchased here

China: The beauty of the architecture, Dragon Legend Acrobats - awesome, best egg rolls ever for a snack credit

Germany: Biergarten - a great buffet, the glass pickle ordinment for Christmas, great gift shops, and now home to the Wherthers new bakery - yumo!

Italy: Beautiful buildings

America: The BEST show in the entire Park- The American Adventure, the Voices of Liberty

Japan: Teppan Eto  - a hibachi grill that is delicious and entertaining, beautiful gardens, the shops!!!, picking your own oyster to get a pearl (I seriously do that every time I go!)

Morocco: (the only government sponsored country in the showcase)the prettiest buildings in the entire showcase, Restaurant Marrakesh (traditional Moroccan cuisine - might not be a good place for the kiddos), Tangierine Cafe - a great place for a quick lunch, the shops, belly dancers (nothing dirty folks!)

In front of China

France: beautiful architecture, I'm told the Impressions de France is totally worth going to - on my list to do this trip

United Kingdom: The British Invasion (Beatle imitators - they rock!), World Showcase Players (street shows),  Yorkshier Couny Fish and Chips - YUM!

Canada: HANDS DOWN FAVORITE RESTAURANT - Le Cellier (http://allears.net/menu/menu_lcl.htm - lunch menu)

Club Cool - Here comes the Beverly!

2. Club Cool - Who doesn't love a free Coke?! Come to Club Cool and try different Cokes from around the world. You can also "make your own bottle or build a cup. I've never done this since we stay at the resorts and I buy a re-fill able mug there. Don't forget - try the Beverly from Germany....

3. The Seas with Nemo and Friends - A wonderful ride for the whole family. You're seated in a sea shell and taken all through the ocean to find that silly orange and white striped fish! Love it!

4. Turtle Talk with Crush - One of my new favorites! I took the little bug there last. It was a first for both of us. The kids sit on the floor and Crush the turtle from Nemo appears. Its an interactive video that has every one laughing. Crush even takes the time at the end to ask the kids - and adults - some questions and answers questions from the crowd! http://allears.net/tp/ep/e_seas3.htm

5. Journey into Imagination...with Figment - I've always loved the little purple dinosaur-like creature named Figment. He's so cute. I love this ride and make a point to visit it at least once (usually more than that) each trip. The Imagination song always gets stuck in my head, but I don't mind.

The end of the ride on Spaceship Earth

6. Spaceship Earth - Ever whats wonder whats in that big spherical ball that is the icon of EPCOT? Its Spaceship Earth! This ride is a story of the communications through the ages. It is really neat how they have everything laid out. You really do feel like you're traveling through time!!! And it's a continuous ride, so the lines are always short!

7. Soarin' - Located in "The Land" pavilion (home to the best rice krispee treats at Disney!). This ride is a must do! We usually race to get fast passes for this one first, then come back. The lines can get outrageous! You sit on these rows of seats that lift you in the air in front of a giant movie screen. The experience truly makes you feel as if you were "soarin" in the air over different places in the US. You can even smell the trees and feel the wind! It is a great, great attraction!

Waiting on her Rice Krispee Treat!

8. Ellen's Energy Adventure - Who doesn't love Ellen. I mean, even if you're not a fan of talk shows, I know you loved Dory in Nemo (played by Ellen!) This is an attraction that puts you in a moving theater through Ellen's dream of where energy comes from. It also features our favorite science professor - Bill Nye! Its a lot of fun and I find I see something new each time I go. Maybe not the best if you're little one is frightened by loud noises.

Mexico

9. Living with the Land - One of the most underrated attractions probably at EPCOT. I don't know why more people aren't in line. Its a great tour of how Disney utilizes indoor space to grow their vegetables and fruits used there at the parks. It also covers different biomes that existed before humans were around. The boat ride is gentle and great for anyone!!!

10. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth - Saving the best for last..... This isn't really an attraction, but I had to mention it. This is THE BEST DISNEY FIREWORKS SHOW! I'm sorry if you disagree, because the other parks do put on a fireworks display that is out of this world. But I truly feel IllumiNations is second to none. I don't say that lightly since I tear up every time I watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. The entire park goes dark except the torches around the lagoon. It will give you goosebumps. I'm not sure I can even say enough to do it justice. Its just awesome.

More to come...

My Favorite Disney Attractions: Magic Kingdom

With my family's next Disney adventure quickly approaching, Disney is a big topic of conversation in our household. One of the questions my hubby asked me last night was what I was looking forward to most on this trip. The answer came easy to me with no thought needed- Madelyn's reaction to the characters. Before kids, I would have said something like "seeing who gets soaked on Splash Mountain" or "seeing if we can get my dad to be 'that guy' at the Monster Inc Laugh Floor." However, after our last two trips with the Little Bug, hands down I'm most excited to see what she does when she sees her beloved mouse friend in person. Last year she saw Mickey from a distance and shouted his name, the year before she saw her buddy Winnie the Pooh and giggled and kicked and gave him plenty of "kisses". Though I love the attractions and shows, seeing her expression is the best.

Having said that, second to her expression are the attractions that I personally love. With Disney on my mind almost 24-7 (its probably closer to 20-7 because I do have to squeeze some work in there somewhere), I'd like to review my favorites park by park. Starting with - what else?!- the Magic Kingdom........ (I'll try to limit myself to 10....Okay-it ended up being 11.....)

My Favorite Attractions: Magic Kingdom
As you enter the Magic Kingdom, you can't help but smile. Main Street is one of the most universal images of happiness that ever existed. When someone talks about Disney, Main Street with Cinderella's Castle is the first thing that pops into the minds of the listening audience. With the sounds of the street performers, the smells from the confectionery, and the rumbles from the Walt Disney World Railroad, Main Street is the essence of Walt Disney! Can't you just picture it now?

Now, picture the attractions that capture my most valued memories (just to name a few)...

1. The Jungle Cruise- One of my top MUST DOs at Disney World. Its an attraction for the whole family. What I love most about it is, while most of the jokes are used over and over, having a different cast member each time is what makes it fun! The "tour guides" are
typically very funny people who always make hilarious remarks about the ride, their job, and the passengers themselves. 
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: Yo-ho, yo-ho, a pirates life for me! Who isn't fascinated by the life of a pirate?! This ride is perfect for my family. It has an awesome story line and just enough small drops to make you giggle - even as an adult. The detail that it took to create this ride never ceases to amaze me. The magic boats transports you into a world filled with Jack Sparrow's adventures! And even before the hit movie came along, my family LOVED to ride Pirates. That is one of the rides that we come back to over and over again during the same trip!
3. Splash Mountain: How can you not love a little rabbit who leaves home seeking adventure?! This entire attraction keeps your attention and makes you fall in love with this ride. Even if it means at the end you might get a little wet! I totally catch myself humming the "Laughing Place" song whenever I'm in a good mood. This is definitely a favorite of not just mine, but my entire family!!!
4. Haunted Mansion: Everyone loves a good ghost story, but not every one wants to be creeped out and afraid to sleep without lights on. I'm definitely the latter here. Thankfully the 'Doom Buggies' that transport you through this haunted attraction are very family and very chicken friendly. I absolutely love how much detail went into making this! The floating candle sticks, the dueling and dancing ghosts, the creepy attic, not to even start on the scene at the graveyard! And who doesn't love the "Grim Grinning Ghosts" song? If you haven't heard it, google it and it will have you tapping your toes and wishing you were at the Haunted Mansion right then! Love it!
5. Hall of Presidents: When I was younger, this was probably not at the top of my list, unlike my two history-loving sisters. But now, as an adult - I LOVE IT. Not only is it nice to have a comfy chair in air conditioning to rest your feet (because that is a plus), but its a great reminder of all that our country has been through to get to where it is today. I always - ALWAYS- end up with goosebumps. It really brings the story of America to life. Seeing this show reminds me to say a prayer for the blessings God has given me, including letting me call this great nation that we live in home!
6. Its a Small World: Roll your eyes if you want...It is one of my favorites because of what it represents to me. It's 100% Disney. Small World is a classic that can't be ignored. I also have the best memories of the trip to the Kingdom with my niece. If you could see the way a child's face lights up when seeing the different colors, sounds, and scenes, it will make your heart melt...If not, get off my blog, because you're just down right weird!
7. Mickey's PhilharMagic: Hands down the best 3D show at Disney. I don't say that lightly. There are several good ones that will make you fall in love with the Mouse's stomping grounds. However, this one is my favorite for all the music. No one, and I truly mean NO ONE, does music like Disney. They have got it down. And combining all the classics into one production -oh my! And its perfect for any age! That is definitely a show that I'll stand in line for over and over again.
8. Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: I know, you're wondering - how old are you again? Well first off, you drop your age at the gates when you walk into the parks. Second, it goes back to the Disney classics. You have to love Winnie the Pooh. I've loved him for as long as I can remember. And its wonderful now to see my daughter fall in love the with the cuddly little cubby all stuffed with fluff! Its a great attraction, made for all ages to enjoy.
9. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin: This is one of those attractions that doesn't get enough attention. I've never had to stand in line for this ride. Its a continually moving ride, which means flow of traffic is always moving. I think this ride made it to my favorites list on my honeymoon, when my new, sweet, "whatever you want honey", husband tried to crush me at every turn. He was shooting lasers like it was his last mission in life to beat my score. We laughed so hard on that ride that each time we get back on it brings up that happy memory and we laugh again!
10. Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor: Hilarious. That's all there is to it. Each time you go to the Comedy Floor, it changes. Its an animated studio that's tailored to each audience. They often find a dad in the audience to pick on, asks a couple kids some questions, and make everyone scream when they hear the world "human". Its funny and always has my family laughing! A MUST SEE when going to the Kingdom.
11. Carousel of Progress: This is another Disney Classic. The attraction was first featured at the Worlds Fair. Walt had big plans for the future and it shows as the times change before your eyes. It makes me appreciate the technologies I have, but it also peaks my appetite to learn some more history of how my grandparents and great grandparents did things before our modern conveniences. Besides, I love the song that they sing through out the show! What an upbeat and optimistic song!!!

More to come...

A Fancy Nancy Party!

On Saturday, I had a wonderful opportunity to spend some time with my mother-in-law. And what a better way to spend a day together than a Fancy Nancy Party? I know, sounds kinda crazy, right? Well the party wasn't for us, but little girls ages two to eight. That means my Little Bug and my cute niece were able to go!

The rules for the party were simple - wear your fanciest dress, beads, shoes, etc. I was so glad that the Disney Store got my last order to me early so Madelyn could have a new fancy dress to wear. I mean, it doesn't get much fancier than a Disney princess!!!

The party consisted of reading a couple of Fancy Nancy books, learning some ballet moves, eating a snack, doing crafts (including making a tiara, making a magic wand, and painting our nails - which we skipped the nails part), playing dress up with jewelry, and walking down a run way with a real paparazzi (that's us parents.) We had a blast! Maddie is still asking to wear her "princess hat" at home and carries around her wand. I think her favorite part was the runway however! I fear I'll have my hands full someday!!!

Unfortunately, I only took pictures at the party. I should have the rest of the weekend as well, but I just wasn't thinking. We had a great visit with Marc's parents and are looking forward to our next one!

Enjoy the pictures of my little Fancy Nancy in her princess dress!!!

More to come...

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001. Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home- only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan . I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do.. However, if you were
there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you . But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.


God



More to come...

Fun Foto Friday - Best Buddies!

More to come...

Baby Roberts

Today my sister, Madelyn and I went to the doctors office to see the new baby for the first time. This doctor's office is set up with a large flat screen tv on the wall of the ultra sound room so you can see the images very clearly. It was awesome! The technician pointed out the cord and we could actually see the blood flowing through it. It was a special moment!

I hope you all enjoy the pictures. March can't get here soon enough!

More to come...