The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 3

[tink2020]

Ok, back to studying!

Everyone have a good afternoon!

 

[Glynis]

Glynis,

Sending your gang PD and get well soon vibes. No fun!

Thanks. How are things going for you? I hope you are taking some time to take care of yourself. Can't have mom run herself down.

It's nice to see you posting again! I just love to see the pics in your siggy. I love your tickers, too! How fun to have something to count down to. I keep trying to pin DH down on a date for our DL trip. That's my goal for this weekend. And then I can put that ticker up, and a ticker for the half marathon! Woohoo! 2 trips to Disney in a very short while. I am a lucky girlt!

 

[my3princes]

I have searched through my digital archives and can't find any photos of our sugaring operation and I have no idea where the old 35 mm photos are. The good news is that we will be boiling soon so I will take photos along the way and post. You can live vicariously through me for the next month or so.

Glynis I am finding links for the recipes that I use

Maple Candy
http://www.newenglandrecipes.com/maple/candyandcookies/maplecandy01.shtml

Maple Sugar on Snow (crushed ice works too)
http://www.newenglandrecipes.com/maple/candyandcookies/maplesnow01.shtml

Maple Cream (you can cut this recipe as it makes a lot)
http://homecooking.about.com/library/archive/bljelly40.htm

Maple Sticky buns
I use frozen bread dough. Roll it out until it is about 1/4" thick. Spread maple cream over the surface. Roll it up and cut into 1 - 2" pieces. Lay them on their sides in a 9" X 9" grease pan. Bake according to bread instructions. They will be similar to cinnamon buns, but much more tasty.


I hope that helps. There are tons of recipes on line for using Maple Syrup in recipes. Baked Beans is a huge one around here. Have fun.

Deb

 

[Glynis]

Hi, everyone. Today is much better. I am very impressed with the school system the kids will be going to for Kindergarten. We started the process for Rees to be evaluated by the schools for assistance/therapy/special needs help in K (he'll be mainstreamed). Our meeting with them is 3/10. Well, today at school the head of the eval team showed up at Rees' school to observe him in the classroom so she would have an even better idea of what services they will need to provide for him. I was floored that a public school system would send an educator to a private pre-school! I'm even more excited about it now.

I have a project for the DDA! The kids' 6th b'day party will be a DISNEY THEME!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, I need all you brilliant DDAers to help me come up with party invites, thank you's, games, cake ideas, party favors (was thinking Kate's name design on a tote bag or t-shirt), etc. We are going to have the party at home and will rent a Disney themed moon bounce and probably either a popcorn or snow cone machine. I would expect around 30-40 kids and parents. We're going to do it from 2-4pm so just cake, ice cream, and some snack items. I told DH last night that if I gave y'all the challenge, the kids would have the most awesome party ever! And I'll need some extra back up ideas so if it rains (and the kids can't use the Moon Bounce) I'll have enough to do. Davis wants Power Rangers, Brantley-Kate wants Princess, and Rees wants Donald Duck/Mickey (and Power Rangers).

And did you see my new beach ticker? I'm very excited about that trip too!

Denise - I just bought a book called Disney Party Themes. There are tons of ideas for parties based on Disney movies. There aren't any Power Ranger ideas, but there are tons of Princess ideas. I'll create a file (not red, Kate) and email it to you if you want. I'll scan pages that have pictures of cakes, etc. There are also recipes for food to go along with the theme, etc. Does BK have a favorite Princess? Or just loves all of them?

My DD will be 9 in July and is doing a combined princess party. So, it will be good to get all these ideas out of the book and into my head. Let me know if this is something you'd be interested in.

Oh, there's also some fun Peter Pan stuff. I know that's not on the boys lists, but I thought some of the games, etc. looked cute. Let me know what you want!

 

[Glynis]

That's good. That probably promotes more individuality for them. And they are used to it, so it won't be such a shock. I try to imagine what it would be like to have that twin/triplet bond with someone. It must be wonderful. I don't even know what it is like to have a sibling bond , let alone a twin thing!

I've been wondering the same thing. My twins start preschool next year and they will be in the same class. When Kindergarten time comes, I don't know what to do. Mary would be ok with being separated, but Leslie is so dependant on Mary, that I don't know if she'd make it. I belong to a twin mom support group, and several mom's like having their kids in the same class. That way, they know what homework is due, projects are the same, and parent/teacher conference is a lot easier. I just don't know. Good thing I don't have to decide right now!

 

[Glynis]

Ok, back to studying!

Everyone have a good afternoon!

You are so good! I am following your example, after I catch up here, that is.

 

[Glynis]

I have searched through my digital archives and can't find any photos of our sugaring operation and I have no idea where the old 35 mm photos are. The good news is that we will be boiling soon so I will take photos along the way and post. You can live vicariously through me for the next month or so.

Glynis I am finding links for the recipes that I use

Maple Candy
http://www.newenglandrecipes.com/maple/candyandcookies/maplecandy01.shtml

Maple Sugar on Snow (crushed ice works too)
http://www.newenglandrecipes.com/maple/candyandcookies/maplesnow01.shtml

Maple Cream (you can cut this recipe as it makes a lot)
http://homecooking.about.com/library/archive/bljelly40.htm

Maple Sticky buns
I use frozen bread dough. Roll it out until it is about 1/4" thick. Spread maple cream over the surface. Roll it up and cut into 1 - 2" pieces. Lay them on their sides in a 9" X 9" grease pan. Bake according to bread instructions. They will be similar to cinnamon buns, but much more tasty.


I hope that helps. There are tons of recipes on line for using Maple Syrup in recipes. Baked Beans is a huge one around here. Have fun.

Deb

Deb - these look fantastic! I can't wait to try out the Maple Sticky buns! I even have frozen bread dough in the freezer. Maybe I'll do this for a Sunday afternoon treat while we have our "Family Fun Movie Time". I love these recipes! Thanks!

 

[triplefigs]

I've been wondering the same thing. My twins start preschool next year and they will be in the same class. When Kindergarten time comes, I don't know what to do. Mary would be ok with being separated, but Leslie is so dependant on Mary, that I don't know if she'd make it. I belong to a twin mom support group, and several mom's like having their kids in the same class. That way, they know what homework is due, projects are the same, and parent/teacher conference is a lot easier. I just don't know. Good thing I don't have to decide right now!

I'd prefer them together as it would be a TON easier on me, but they are strongly pushing apart so that they will become independent. We're still not 100% decided.

 

[my3princes]

My summer is starting to look pretty busy. We have a 1 1/2 week camping trip planned for our favorite campground in July. The best part is that it will only cost us $50 for the reservation. We usually go to that campground for 3 weekends each summer. They do a lot of themed weekends and offer prizes for site decorating and costumes etc. We did really well last year and won enough contests to have a practically free vacation. In fact we were only going for a week, but Chris won the Halloween costume contest so we had to add more days on. . It is only about an hour from home so Chris may actually work some of the days and join us in the evenings. My Parents booked an ajoining site for 1 week of our stay. We will have a blast, but no internet . I have had that trip planned since last fall. Yesterday we were invited to join my parents and my brother at Point Sebago campground in Maine. They booked 2 sites and apparently the campground is running a special where you can have up to 6 people per campsite for no extra charge. Usually there is a charge if you have more than 2 adults and 2 children. We can join them for the whole week or just for a few days if we like. Mom also said that she would keep the kids the whole week if Chris and I wanted to come home. Since Chris is saving his time this year for our 2 3 week Disney Vacations in 2007 & 2008 I don't know how much he or I will stay in Maine. The campground/Resort even has free kids programs running all day everyday. Here is a link to the Resort

http://www.pointsebago.com/

We also have 3 other camping weekends planned so it looks like we should be busy. It's not Disney, but at least it will be a change of pace.

Deb

 

[triplefigs]

Denise - I just bought a book called Disney Party Themes. There are tons of ideas for parties based on Disney movies. There aren't any Power Ranger ideas, but there are tons of Princess ideas. I'll create a file (not red, Kate) and email it to you if you want. I'll scan pages that have pictures of cakes, etc. There are also recipes for food to go along with the theme, etc. Does BK have a favorite Princess? Or just loves all of them?

My DD will be 9 in July and is doing a combined princess party. So, it will be good to get all these ideas out of the book and into my head. Let me know if this is something you'd be interested in.

Oh, there's also some fun Peter Pan stuff. I know that's not on the boys lists, but I thought some of the games, etc. looked cute. Let me know what you want!

Glynis,

She loves all Princesses! The boys like Donald, Mickey and the gang, Captain Hook/Peter Pan, Hercules, Pocahontas. I'd love to see some ideas. I was thinking a cake like a castle and put the boys monorails circling the cake.

 

[babytrees]

I wish I could get my family, well my extended family since it is just my parents and I, to all go to the beach together one year and rent one of those sand "castles". The beach we usually go to, Emerald Isle, NC, has some huge multimillion dollars house, with 10 bedrooms. I figure if we could get 5 families to go, it would be reasonable, and it would be so much fun. They are all such party-poopers when it comes to stuff like that.

I'll do it!! I'll rent a house with someone!! That sounds wonderful!! We only do short trips anywhere...I think it would be fun to be in one place for a couple of weeks.

 

[kc10family]

Denise – A few ideas for your party…

Have all the girls come in any princess dress they have and the boys in any Disney costume or Disney t-shirt they have.

You could make a 6 cake (take a legal size paper and use the computer to get a number 6 fit the paper, cut it out and bake the cake in a broiler pan (takes 2 cakes) this comes out great).

Favors could be either shirts you make for all the kids or buy tiara for the girls from rhinestonejewerly.com (I bought some one year for DD 3rd b-day, only $2 ea. And they are nice) and the boys something from oriental trading company.

Games you could play pin the nose or ear on the Mickey, this you could make with construction paper.

I’m sure I will think of more later.

 

[babytrees]

Glynis,

She loves all Princesses! The boys like Donald, Mickey and the gang, Captain Hook/Peter Pan, Hercules, Pocahontas. I'd love to see some ideas. I was thinking a cake like a castle and put the boys monorails circling the cake.

That sounds adorable for the cake!!

Could you do something like the Treasure hunt they do at WDW for families...find Capt. Hook's hook? It could be something like find the Princesses crown .

My brain isn't working real well today.

 

[babytrees]

Glynis-

Hope the kiddos feel better shortly. Popsicles are magical!!

 

[kc10family]

I guess I should have said that I take the cake I cut away and put it in a brownie pan and then frost that also.

 

[Tammi67]

My summer is starting to look pretty busy. We have a 1 1/2 week camping trip planned for our favorite campground in July. The best part is that it will only cost us $50 for the reservation. We usually go to that campground for 3 weekends each summer. They do a lot of themed weekends and offer prizes for site decorating and costumes etc. We did really well last year and won enough contests to have a practically free vacation. In fact we were only going for a week, but Chris won the Halloween costume contest so we had to add more days on. . It is only about an hour from home so Chris may actually work some of the days and join us in the evenings. My Parents booked an ajoining site for 1 week of our stay. We will have a blast, but no internet . I have had that trip planned since last fall. Yesterday we were invited to join my parents and my brother at Point Sebago campground in Maine. They booked 2 sites and apparently the campground is running a special where you can have up to 6 people per campsite for no extra charge. Usually there is a charge if you have more than 2 adults and 2 children. We can join them for the whole week or just for a few days if we like. Mom also said that she would keep the kids the whole week if Chris and I wanted to come home. Since Chris is saving his time this year for our 2 3 week Disney Vacations in 2007 & 2008 I don't know how much he or I will stay in Maine. The campground/Resort even has free kids programs running all day everyday. Here is a link to the Resort

http://www.pointsebago.com/

We also have 3 other camping weekends planned so it looks like we should be busy. It's not Disney, but at least it will be a change of pace.

Deb

What kind of camper do you all have? Is it a 5th wheel or a full-size? My DH would like to go camping, but I don't know if I'm woodsy enough.

 

[Tammi67]

Here is a link to cake ideas. They have some castle and pirate ideas.

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/special/specialfeature/cakefinder-birthday/

 

[Princess Nancy]

Hey Y'all! I am sorry I haven't popped in lately!

Things have been hectic! I promised Dh I would stop dreaming the day away on the computer! He wasn't being mean just helping me get off my duff and beat the winter blues!

Grace has been struggling with her school work, reading specifically and we have been exploring her options then this week --- surprise things seemed to click (oh yeah and a little bribery) and she is reading great. So I read a little but feel so badly not reading it all and responding to so much! I do miss you! Sending best wishes to all of you!

It has been good for me to be on my duff less and I need to get organized!!!!!! Thanks for asking about me and

&
Nancy

 

[Tammi67]

Hi Nancy! It's good to see you again.

 

[Glynis]

My summer is starting to look pretty busy. We have a 1 1/2 week camping trip planned for our favorite campground in July. The best part is that it will only cost us $50 for the reservation. We usually go to that campground for 3 weekends each summer. They do a lot of themed weekends and offer prizes for site decorating and costumes etc. We did really well last year and won enough contests to have a practically free vacation. In fact we were only going for a week, but Chris won the Halloween costume contest so we had to add more days on. . It is only about an hour from home so Chris may actually work some of the days and join us in the evenings. My Parents booked an ajoining site for 1 week of our stay. We will have a blast, but no internet . I have had that trip planned since last fall. Yesterday we were invited to join my parents and my brother at Point Sebago campground in Maine. They booked 2 sites and apparently the campground is running a special where you can have up to 6 people per campsite for no extra charge. Usually there is a charge if you have more than 2 adults and 2 children. We can join them for the whole week or just for a few days if we like. Mom also said that she would keep the kids the whole week if Chris and I wanted to come home. Since Chris is saving his time this year for our 2 3 week Disney Vacations in 2007 & 2008 I don't know how much he or I will stay in Maine. The campground/Resort even has free kids programs running all day everyday. Here is a link to the Resort

http://www.pointsebago.com/

We also have 3 other camping weekends planned so it looks like we should be busy. It's not Disney, but at least it will be a change of pace.

Deb

That sounds so fun! We love camping as well. DH usually takes off most of June for family time, and we hitch up the trailer and go. We usually spend at least one week at Bear Lake, and another at Lake Powell. I used to hate camping when we had to sleep in a tent. Trailer camping is much better. I'm getting so good at cooking in DH's Dutch Ovens. He loves to spend his time fishing with the kids, which gives me ample time to do the cooking. We have had some really wonderful DO meals like chicken and potatoes, lasagna, pork chops and rice, not to mention desserts like cobblers, cookie pizzas and gourmet smores. Now you've got me all excited about summer camping. Time to go through the camping boxes and see what we need for this summer.

I hope you guys have fun, and maybe some alone time, yay, mom and dad!