~Aug 2013~ Sew what~We've gotta find a way back-Part II- TR link posted - 8/31

[DMGeurts]

YES !!! Paid in Full !! Terrific news Double yes to found GC with over $20......I had some major pixiie Dust today too scored BOG for CHRISTMAS !! Watched that site like a hawk and when I saw an opening I was !!


OK...WHAT is Frog Eye Salad ??? I know you are super busy but HAVE to know

Yay! So excited for you to eat at BOG on Christmas... Seriously - I don't think that anything could be better?

I am so glad you asked, because I was wondering myself.

Hahahaha...

We got our shipment yesterday. All I can say is, "WOW!" I can see how people get addicted to your stuff. Already, I am praying that you will do another auction before our trip. The girls fought over the bugs life bag. I was hoping I could use it. So far, Marissa has claimed the bag. Chelsea has claimed the Dot wallet and matching lanyard and Jacob will use the Toy Story wallet and lanyard. How did I end up with nothing? I now know I also need to try to get on the custom order list when that opens up again. Thanks D~!

LOL I am so happy you like your items, and the kids do too! I definately want park pictures of them wearing everything in the parks - and I sure hope you have something too... LOL

My lanyard did come yesterday!!! Now Charlie has a custom to use too!

Frog Eye Salad:
Prep Time: 35 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ready In: 55 Minutes

Ingredients:
1 pound dry ziti pasta
1 onion, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
1 1/2 cups sour cream
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1.Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.
2.In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.
3.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
4.Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.

Yay for the lanyard coming - Glad Charlie has some fun stuff to wear too!

LOL on the recipe, it sounds good, but it's not quite what I made.

Now this is confusing me. I googled Frog Eye Salad and all I got were recipes for a fruity pasta salad with pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, whipped cream and little macaroni pasta type noodles.

Glad your lanyard came yesterday.

You are right Shannon... It is more of a dessert pasta. The pasta itself looks like little frog eyes, since it's made with acini de pepe... And seriously - you have to make it in an icecream pail, and that barely contains it... It seems like a mammoth batch, but my girls usually devour it quickly. I could make it in a trough, and it wouldn't be enough. Usually, I omit the marshmallows, because I am not very fond of them - but I included them this time, and I overflowed the icecream pail. LOL

and where are the "frog eyes" ? boy can we take the least little sentence & run with it and Tess except for the sour cream in my house that was called
"Poor Man's Lasagne" when sausage and lasagne noodles and "real" gravy ingredients couldn't be put in the family budget

sorry D we must have been sleeping ! put on a Frogg Togg & eat Frog eye salad !

The "frog eyes" are the pasta, since it is made with acini de pepe... My family loves this salad - and it's the only way I can keep them from eating the pineapple in the house... LOL I must promise to make them frog eye salad, or no can of pineapple is safe.

Sorry about the recipe. I went back and read it and realized I copied the wrong one. I thought I was using the link that D~ provided, but obviously I was wrong! The frogs eye salad does have pineapple, mandarin oranges and pasta. My bad.

No worries Tess - I thought it was funny!

OH the sacrifices we make for our kids! This sounds about right! HOWEVER....I hope this does not end up being the case. You deserve to have a nice new bag to carry also! Good luck getting everything accomplished. I can't wait to see Alli's bag!

Thank you! I hope I have a new bag (or 3) for our trip... I do have 3 on my list - 2 of them are very important to get done... the last one is - but I would still like to have it. LOL Hopefully I can get them done.

you better get some well deserved rest AFTER you show us !!
love ya Tess

Hahaha...

I finally saw the castle bag pictures on my computer and I was totally amazed. I never say this because I love all your bags but I think this one is my favorite. I REALLY love the personal "castle show"

Thanks Liz... So happy you like it!

Obviously everyone is pleased with their auction wins! I know they will enjoy carrying them too.

I certainly hope so... I can't wait to see pictures!

OK, I need to know - what is this stuff?

It is spray on sunblock, but it's cooling - so when you spray it on it cools you? I believe it is made by Banana Boat.

Awesome. Congratulations. I am in awe of your efforts to plan and fund this trip all on your own (using your creative talents no less).

Thank you... I love doing it!

Glad to hear about Kat's progress. Glad she is closer so you can visit.

Me too!

Well I do remember you saying you found your old tried and true fanny pack so you could always use that. Plus you won't have to worry about getting dehydrated when you have your handy dandy water bottle on your hip. I am starting to wonder if Alli's bag is going to be your first UPFP (Ultimate Park Fanny Pack). Don't all teenagers want a fanny pack?

Hahaha... Yah - I don't think I could do a fanny pack... and A would kill me.

Okay, I'm going to have to look into this True Lime stuff too because I Looove Lime! (but not margaritas - go figure) And even though I have no problem whatsoever with plain H2O, a little flavor is nice now and then.

I was looking online last night, and it looks like Walmart sells it in stores? I have not looked there yet - I don't go very often, but I will look next time I go.

Good luck on your sewing...my shoulder has decided that it's going to be a pain - literally, so I should be taking time off from my sewing. I need a new sewing chair; DH thinks that's why it bothers me so much when I sew. The shoulder - not the chair. He pointed out that when I do hand stuff while watching movies my shoulder doesn't hurt so much.

Oh no!!! I had the same problem when I first started sewing - and once I got a new chair, I don't have any problems... Unless (and this is a little weird) I wear a racer back sports bra and try to sew... For some reason - the bra tenses my shoulder blade muscles, and it creates a lot of pain.

Hurrah for being Paid In Full!!! I love seeing that, whether I'm sending a notice to someone or I'm getting it.

Me too!!!

Can't wait to see July's auction stuff.

Me too!!! I can't wait to figure out what I am doing. LOL

Crazy how exciting that is being paid in full ~ Congratulations. I'm almost there.

Yay!!

That was some great pixie dust for V finding the gift card and loved the picture too.

It was... Usually - I remember things like that. But our last day in the park last year was kind of chaotic - I was just happy she remembered to look at it.

Can't wait to see the finished bags for your trip and the next auction too.

Me too! LOL

Geesh how long does it take you to quote all your replies every day. I almost feel bad posting because I'm keeping you from your sewing room but now that I've started I don't want you to think I've gone missing.

Hahaha... Well - some days are lighter than others, but I usually spend about an average of 30-45 min every morning responding to everyone. I always respond to everyone else's threads first, then I come to mine, because this one usually takes me the longest. Except for a few days here and there, I respond every morning over my coffee - and I love it. It's my favorite part of my day... So don't stop posting because of that.

I "schedule" my sewing room hours, otherwise I would never get anything done... So, I usually head up there some time between 8 and 8:30am... Take a break at about 10:30am, take a lunch around 12:30... Then I usually sew until about 4pm - or until I have to make dinner, which ever comes first. Normally, I don't go up to my sewing room in the evening after dinner - since that is our time as a family... However - there are times that I can't avoid it, or if I fall behind. The family is very understanding when this happens, as long as it doesn't happen all the time.

Just in case I get caught up in life I hope you have a great week and enjoy your time at the lake. Oh yes, Happy 4th of July and 4 days off from work (for me)!

Thanks! You too!!! We love 4th of July week around here, since Josh's bday is the day after - we always do something fun and exciting... Well, maybe not exciting - but FUN! LOL

LOVE that castle bag!!!! So clever with the personalization!!!!!!

Thank you!

Congrats on being paid off!!!

Thank you!

Congrats to V for found Disney money!

I know - I was super excited for her! That's a lot of $$ to someone her age.

Can't wait to see Alli's bag! Don't you have any of the bags you used last year?

Well, Donald wrecked my first Donald UPB when he signed it on our last trip - which I am still a little annoyed about. I also had a modified AK UPB, but I dunno - I didn't really like that one much... I liked the size, but it really didn't say "Disney" to me? And I had my Test Track messenger - and even though I enjoy making that bag a lot - I really don't like carrying it... I also have my Donald backpack - which I may bring with, but I am not sure how much I will carry it - since it was SUPER hot to carry when I was in Charlotte last year - I can't imagine how hot it will be to carry in Disney? My favorite one was my Donald UPB and there is no way I can carry that one the way it looks, it's just awful. So, I guess I get to make myself some new bags?

I found the True Lemon web site where they carry all their products. I would like to try their True Grapefruit. I found a coupon for a free box of 32 plus free shipping if you spend $10. They charge 4.99 for a box of 32 or 16 cents/packet. They also have boxes of 10 for $3.99.

I also found the lemon & lime on www.minimus.biz I've used them a lot-they have all sorts of travel size/single serve things. They charge 10 cents per package which seems like a great deal but they only have lemon & lime and I can't really tell if the packet size is the same. They have free shipping if you spend $20 and I often order some snacks, cereal and personal care items to be shipped right to my hotel. They are on the west coast so I order about 2 weeks out to be sure it arrives on time. They do a super job of keeping all the food items away from the non food items.

I did check out that website - it's pretty cool... but all of their Tru products are on backorder... I didn't go far enough into it to see when they would ship though. But I did save it to my favorites.

**********************************************************

So, yesterday V and I went to town. Alli stayed behind because she is nursing her sunburn from the pool the other day. On top of that - she has a cold (I think it's from the sunburn - as that often happens to us)... So, she was a bit miserable yesterday.

V purchased herself a new swimsuit at Target... I hate shopping for suits there, but we didn't have any time to go anywhere else to look for something a bit more appropriate. She ended up with a semi-string bikini, which is exclusively for tanning purposes in secluded areas (ahem - our deck) only. Since she does have a really cute Lands End suit that she will wear otherwise.

Then, we had to run all the way down to the town 10 miles south of us to get MM food, thankfully I looked yesterday morning and noticed he was almost out. He would not have been a happy MM.

As soon as I came home, I went straight upstairs and somehow, I managed to finish my applique before taking a very late lunch. I still cannot believe how many hours I put into just stitching these appliques... When you first start a project like this, and it stews in your mind - it's such a stellar idea - and your brain thinks it will be easy... Then you start to dig into it, and well - it takes much longer than expected. However... It is sooooo amazing - just cannot wait to show you all. Unfortunately, I only had time to finish the applique yesterday, I didn't get to any bag assembly at all... So, I must leave it unfinished - and that makes me so sad, because I just cannot wait to show Alli - she will it - I can feel it! If she doesn't, then I will carry it - because it's really that awesome, I cannot let it go to waste.

After lunch, the girls and I dug into all of our salad making. They were troopers, that's for sure! We were honestly done making salads in under an hour - it was awesome! The part that took longer was trying to dissect that rotisserie chicken for the salad I will make later in the week.

By the time that was done - I looked outside and it was POURING rain... Normally - this isn't an issue... But my wonderful DH left all of his Jeep covers at home yesterday. And it was about the time he usually arrives home from work... YIKES!!! Amazingly enough - he missed most of the rain - I couldn't believe it, because it was totally POURING not 5 minutes before he pulled into the driveway.

We both decided we didn't want to cook - since I had been in the kitchen all afternoon... So, we splurged and ordered meatball subs from one of the local pizza shops... It was a nice dinner and perfect for my ambition level last night.

Today... Well - it's Saturday... No sewing room for me. Instead - we are packing up the truck and headed for the lake... Aside from picking lettuce from the garden this morning - we have everything piled by the door - ready to be loaded. Oh, and I do have to go "shopping" from freezer to freezer this morning too, to pack the cooler.

We are looking forward to getting up there... Josh has been up 3 times this year already, V has been once, but Alli and I haven't been there at all - and it looks like this will be our only trip this summer, since our big Disney trip is so quickly approaching.

I will have the laptop up there with me... But Josh won't let me bring any of my machines up - so Alli's bag will have to sit (as much as it pains me)... So sad - because I really wanted all of you to see it sooner rather than later. Oh well - the wait will be worth the wait - I promise!

Alrighty - I must get going on my day...

Here's your vintage photo for today...

Sending prayers to all who need them...

D~

 

[nowellsl]

I can't see the picture (never mind, I can see it now)

Have a great time at the Lake - I'm headed to the beach today

 

[cogero]

have fun at the lake.

Enjoy your family time.

 

[BabyRapunzel]

That pic is sooo cute! Just love those old photos. My mom has one of us with space Mickey and also space Minnie, I think. And I remember seeing them was awesome!

I can't wait to see the bag, it sounds awesome.

Hope you have a great time at the lake!!!!

 

[Luvchefmic]

Have a wonderful time at the lake this weekend, I know it pains you but have to agree with Josh and so glad you are having "forced" down time/ family time These times go way too fast

 

[solana131]

At the rate I am going... My girls will have amazing bags for our trip - and I will carry my stuff in a paper sack...

D~

Ooh ooh...I love paper sacks

 

[solana131]

OK, I need to know - what is this stuff?

It is Banana Boat Cool Zone sunscreen. It feels very cool when you put it on. The bottle is cool to the touch even in super hot temps. I just love it. You have to apply sunscreen so much, might as well cool yourself down while you do it.

 

[sweetpeaandevie]

It is Banana Boat Cool Zone sunscreen. It feels very cool when you put it on. The bottle is cool to the touch even in super hot temps. I just love it. You have to apply sunscreen so much, might as well cool yourself down while you do it.

That sounds awesome! Being in NC, we coat ourselves in sunscreen every time we go outside. I definitely need to look for that stuff!

 

[Deesknee]

Enjoy each others company at the Lake. Have lots of laughs and make lots of wonderful memories.

 

[ladylyons]

Have a great trip!! Enjoy the time with your family!

 

[DMGeurts]

Good morning everyone! It's a beautiful morning here this morning.

We had a safe and uneventful trip yesterday, which is what I always hope for. We even stopped at a little cafe for brunch, Josh and I have eaten at several times, but never together, and never since we've been married... It was fun and delicious! The girls even enjoyed it.

We arrived at the lake earlier than planned, with waaaay more food than necessary. I should have conferred with my step MIL on my own, because we all brought virtually all the same things, and lots of it. We won't starve, that's for sure.

Grandpa and Josh took the girls out tubing last night, they had a great time, but despite the heavy application of more sunscreen, Alli got more sunburn... She was not happy.

I did take pictures, but it's hard for me to tell who is who on the tube with how small they are on my phone screen... Hopefully you all can tell? I believe the first one is Alli/Grandpa and the second one is Josh/V?

Then they all went out for a wet bike ride before dinner. This last photo won't let me rotate it... Sorry about that.

Then we had a wonderfully satisfying dinner of grilled salmon and a lettuce salad topped with bananas, walnuts and home made dressing.

Not sure what the game plan is for today, I know the girls were trying to coax Josh into water skiing, we will see...

Sorry I didn't do replies this morning, I haven't unpacked the laptop yet, so I am replying from my phone.

******************************************************************************

To add a bit of Disney to this post.... Here's another "vintage" photo for you all.

I hope you all have a wonderful day today... Hugs and prayers to all.

D~

 

[NiniMorris]

Is it me...or do I see mischief in those eyes?

 

[sweetpeaandevie]

Sounds like a great time!!!! Enjoy

Love the goofy pic!

 

[Pixiedust530]

It looks like you are all having a wonderful time at the lake already. Going to the lake is one of my favorite summer "vacations". It's so much fun and relaxing too. Have a great time!

 

[Luvchefmic]

Good Morning ! Weather looks SPECTACULAR !! Have a great time

 

[cogero]

looks like you are having a good time already.

 

[Iamthequeen]

Have a wonderful time at the lake with the family. And have a safe and fun 4th of July. We are having family over on Saturday for a cookout. Still not sure how many are coming, but the inlaws will be here for the weekend.

Don't fret about missing sewing time, I'm making it up for you. Spent most of yesterday in the sewing room working on fixing the costume dresses. I have 8 of 13 finished. Will finish the rest of them today.

Again, enjoy your time at the lake!

 

[Deesknee]

nice about the cafe. I love re-experiencing stuff together as a family.

water sports look like all are having fun.

Hope the weather keeps up & the good times continue to roll!

 

[sewmess]

Too much food... Sounds like a typical family outing to the lake to me. My experience was with my SIL's In laws and her MIL is...kinda aggressive when it comes to feeding people.

I feel for Ali, when I was around her age I went on a cruise and 15 minutes by the pool turned me into a lobster. 15 minutes with sunscreen.

Have lots of fun. and RELAX.

 

[babynala]

It is Banana Boat Cool Zone sunscreen. It feels very cool when you put it on. The bottle is cool to the touch even in super hot temps. I just love it. You have to apply sunscreen so much, might as well cool yourself down while you do it.

That sounds like a great invention. I hate putting on sunscreen and feeling hot and sticky.

D~ Glad you made it to the lake and are enjoying your visit already. Hope Alli is recovered from her sunburn soon. Love the picture of the girls with Goofy and the pictures from the lake. Hope you have a great trip.

We have arrived at my parents house in NC but I think we are in for lots of rain. No worries, we like having a chance to visit and just relax while we are here.