Trisha's Movie Review - Lars and the Real Girl

Well, I have a 5 diet coke review!!

If you haven't seen this movie go out and rent it. It is about a guy who has a mental episode where he thinks that his blow up doll is a real person. His whole town then all goes along with it and it leads to some really funny situations. I actually got a little tear in my eye at part of it. Laughter and tears a great combo.

Let me know what you thought.

Rylee's movie review -The Spiderwick Chronicles

Rylee will be adding comments later.

Let me tell you I thought. I really enjoyed this movie despite we took Ayden. In fact I was forcing candy into Ayden's mouth so that I could finish watching it. It was a fun fantasy film. There were some intense moments (like chasing and scary monster type stuff) in fact I looked over and Mason had his hands over his eyes. But they talked about it the next two days. For a kids movie I would give it 4 and half diet cokes out of 5.

Mason's movie review - Wall-E

Trisha's movie review will expand to include Mason's review...I will add my two cents at the end.

Mason gives the movie WALL-e 5 stars out of 5 stars. He liked that it was silly and "there was nonsense". It was weird. Eva acted silly.

Ok he doesn't know what else?!!

I would definitely not give it 5 stars even though many reviewer have. The animation was really good and it looked real at times. What I didn't like was that there was no talking for the first 45 mins. It was driving me crazy. I finally decided that a man had made this movie. Really it was a love story between to robots and there were some tender (yes the robots were tender). I would rate this 3 diet cokes out of 5.

Bargains- Old Navy flipflops

I have heard there is a big sale at old navy on Saturday where there flip flops are $1. I know that some shorts will be 50%. Just had to share!

Delilah makes me want to throw up

I was listening to the radio last night in the car and I turned it on a song which I listened to and then Delilah came on. I do enjoy some of the "love " songs. Its the people that make me want to throw up. It's like Jimmy Dean Joe Bob broke up with his girlfriend and needs a song to dedicate to her. I can't help but think what dumb thing did Jimmy Dean do or say in the first place. They never talk about that. Or sometimes its Larry on his third marriage that wants to propose to Sally with the sappiest love song know, like "I will always love you". Did he dedicate the same song several years back to wife #2?

Anyway, I feel better.

I swear my next post will be more joyful!!

Mason

Mason is such a good big brother. He really enjoys helping Aydie and he is very good at making her laugh.

Rylee and her buddy

This is Rylee and her best bud Katie. They went to camp together and had a great time. Thought this was a cute picture.

Ayden's first time petting a camel

Ayden was very interested in this camel when we went to the zoo.

Tuesday- recipe for Chicken

What to do with chicken...that is what I think all the time. I made this recipe from WW magazine. Of course Rylee thought it was too spicy. I thought it was great. Next time I will use less hot pepper flakes...

2 TBSP chopped fresh rosemary (I used dried)
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (I minced)
1 TBSP olive oil
1 TBSP grated lemon zest
3/4 tsp kocher salt
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
6 bone-in chicken breasted, skinned (I used boneless skinless)
1/4 c balsamic vinegar

1. Preheat oven to 400.
2. Mix the rosemary, garlic, oil, lemon zest, salt and crushed red pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat.
3. Place the chicken on a 9 x 13 baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 450. Drizzle the vinegar over the chicken. Bake, uncovered, until the chicken is browned and an instant read thermometer incerted into a breast registers 170, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter and let stand about 5 minutes.
4. Skim any fat from the pan juices. Serve the pan juices.

I hate tcf bank

Ok I wrote about all the stuff I love now how about some things that drive me crazy. I went to deposit a check last Thursday and they won't take it because the date was crossed out and changed (by the person who wrote it...she then initialed it). I was depositing it!!! Does anyone like their bank? I need to change!!!!

Oh by the way, I drove through the bank and then was so frustrated dropped the plastic thing that the money goes back and forth in. It rolled under the car and I was stuck in the car because of the concrete pole barricade thing so I couldn't get my door open. So I decided to drive up slowly to try to get my door open so I could reach under the car and get the thing. I then ran over the plastic thing and had to walk up to the window and tell them I ran over. It totally looked like I did it on purpose because I was just mad at them for not depositing my check. Oh well!!

Trisha's Movie Review - Savages

Well, if you are in the mood for a movie about a dying parent this one is for you. Boy that makes you want to see it huh?! Meet the Savages is an interesting story about a brother and sister that come to take care of their dying estranged father. It says on the box it's a comedy? Maybe a really dark one. I am gonna have to go with 3 and 1/2 Diet cokes once again, mainly because it was touching to see adult kids still trying to please a father that abandoned them.

Comment on what you thought?@!

My experiment for this week

OK. It doesn't involve money but it involves my second favorite thing, food. Last night for dinner I tried a recipe that included soy sausage. Well, (that is a long pause)... It didn't go over very well. My kids thought it was spicy. The good thing was that they didn't notice that it was any different than regular sausage. What sent Mason over the edge has nothing to do with meat it was the mushrooms. Go figure?! Darren and I really couldn't tell a difference and I am picky about the textures. I don't know if I will be making that certain recipe again but I am gonna open my mind up to soy...

Walgreen deals!

Yesterday I got 2 bags of Planters Trail mix for .99 each with in store coupon. It then spit out .75 off next purchase. So two bags of snacks for 1.25. Not bad!! Just had to share!

Oh yeah, I also got 4 bags of Weight Watchers candy which was on sale for 2/$3 and had 2 bogo free coupons. So I got 4 bags for $3. They satisfy my sweet tooth that seems to come out during naptime?!

Fun things to do: KBC

Here are some fun things going on at KBC this summer.

Friday Mornings at the park. Meet at 10:30 and bring a picnic lunch and blanket.

July 18th Prairie Springs Park at Lake Andrea

August 15th Isetts Park at 32nd Ave and 88th Street


Family Fun Bike Racing at the Velodrome

Monday June 30th 6:00 arrive 20 mins early for registration

Must have a helmet to race. Bring snacks and drinks.

Cost $3 per racer to cover insurance

One more thing...

Vacation Bible School...
Son World Adventure
Week of July 21 -25 8:45 -12 Noon
at Kenosha Bible
Registration at www.kenoshabible.org

Things that bring me Joy - Teacher Nancy and Teacher Jane

These two have been such a blessing to our children!! If you are lucky enough for your kids to get in their class you will understand why!! Thanks Teacher Nancy and Teacher Jane. See you in 3 years when Ayden is lucky enough to be in your class!!

Kenosha Pops Band concerts

I have heard this is really nice and I am planning on going at least once this summer. They perform Wednesdays at Pennoyer Park at 7th and 35th street.

June 25th "the Musical Legacy of Leroy Anderson"

July 4 "star Spangled Pops" in Wolfenbuttel Park

July 9 "Pops in Zero Gravity"

July 16 "Pops Goes the Weasel" - Children's favorite will be played

July 23 "Themes like Old Times"

July 30 "Pops Ahoy! Nautical Night"

August 6 "Play it again, Craig and Garrett"

New Fiber One Bars

For those of you who don't know,I have been on Weight Watchers since January. One of my things that have helped me lose weight is Fiber One bars. I am in love with the chocolate ones and was excited that they came out with peanut butter ones a few months ago. Now I have tried the new apple ones and they are ok, but when I bit into the strawberry almond I realized that the chocolate ones were gonna have some competition for my favorite. They have a slight drizzle of chocolate on top, oh yum!! Try them!!! By the way, 2 points!!

Trisha's Movie Review- Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Yes, we watch French cinema in Kenosha, WI. Don't think we are too high flutin'. The movie was unlike any I have seen. It was about a man whose body was in a vegetative state but his mind was the same. It was like he was trapped. They soon discovered that the only part of his body he could move was one eyelid. With the help of physical therapist, he learned to communicate by blinking when someone listed letters. He would list letters to spell words. In fact he wrote a book by doing this. It was based on a true story. I think I would give it 3 and a half diet cokes out of 5.

NO keyboard!

I haven't had a keyboard since Thursday night because I spilled a Diet Coke on it. I have been going through much withdrawal. All is better and I have a new keyboard. In fact it was an anniversary present from my husband of 12 years!!! Thanks Darren!

Science and Industry Museum in Chicago-free day

Another Fun family thing to do!! Thanks Amy for the heads up!!


Happy Anniversary! Children get in FREE through Sept. 1st.
Whether for their first-ever visit or merely their latest, there’s no better time to bring kids to the Museum. Celebrate the Museum’s 75 years of inspiring the inventive genius during our 75 Days of Free Children’s Admission. Through September 1st, children get free general admission when accompanied by an adult. It’s just one more way to make their summer a little bit cooler.

General admission is free for up to four children (ages 11 and under) per paid adult. This offer must be redeemed on-site at the Museum ticket counter, and is not available for online purchases. Admission to special exhibits, Omnimax® or 3-D Theater is not included. Offer cannot be used in combination with any other offers or coupons. Valid through 9/01/2008.


For more info http://www.msichicago.org/offer/75-days-of-free-childrens-admission/

My $20 cash experiment

I tried to go this week (Sunday night through Thursday night) without spending over $20. Well Monday went well no money spent. When I pledged this to Darren but I forgot about my reward trip for the kids to ChuckeCheese. I got talked into these wrist band things "to save money" and the total with tokens $22, with tokens leftover for next time. Well, it took me a day and a half to spend it and over!! Not so good. I did go to the grocery store today and used my gift card so that doesn't count. I went to Target (again I love Target) and got 12 things including bandaids, cereal, shampoo, plus more and spend $7. I haven't been to CVS this week or Walgreen's either. Guess I have to wait until Friday?!

Tuesday- recipe for Skillet Lasagna

I made this last night and it was super easy and hearty. I cut it out of a magazine...I don't know which one.

1 TBSP olive oil
3 Garlic cloves, minced
1 lb ground turkey ( I used beef)
salt and pepper
8 (6 Oz) lasagna noodles, each broken into 4 pieces (I used whole wheat)
1 26 oz jar tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup of ricotta (I used skim cottage cheese)

Warm oil in a skillet (Use a big one) over heat heat. Add garlic, cook 1 minute. Add turkey, salt and pepper, and cook breaking up the meat, until cooked through. Scatter broken noodles over turkey. Pour sauce and 2 cups of water on top. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover and cook until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella. Remove from heat, spoon ricotta on top. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Cover and let stand 4-5 minutes...serves 4 ( It served all of us with leftovers)

Bargains-Goodwill discount??!!

Didn't know they had a discount for Goodwill, didya?

Thanks to Deanna we now know!!

Cut and paste this website for more info!!

http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe9011707c650c7971&m=fefc1274706606&ls=fdf816707464027574137772&l=fe9b157177670d7f77&s=fe2516777160007b7c1674&ju=fe5217767d62017b7c16

The Three Flamingos

This is Rylee, Mason and Ayden acting like flamingos. Aren't they doing a great job!?

We went to the Milwaukee Zoo today for Fathers Day and it was a ton of fun. We got a membership so I hope we go several times over the year.

Things that bring me Joy - My Baby's Daddy

I love to just catch him in the moments that I don't ever want to forget, know what I mean. Like when me tough husband is playing tea party or playing Star Wars like he was another 5 year old. I love that he does everything for his family and that he is a Godly man. I love that I knew he would be an awesome dad and he is 500 times more awesomer (that isn't a word I know). Happy Father's Day to my babies daddy!!

Three strikes and your out

Rylee sitting the bench because her mom secretly told the coach she was really tired.


Rylee had her first "fast pitch" game today. She was at Timberlee camp from Thursday until today and was so tired. She struck out twice. The girls actually pitch and the game is very slow moving, there are a ton of walks and hardly any hits. At least they don't mob the ball like Mason's team does.

Bargains- Father's Day deal

This was found on MoneySavingMom.

If you buy $100 worth of dockers at sears then send in your receipt you get a $75 Shell gas gift card. Darren spent 110 on a pair of jeans, khakis, 2 shirts and some socks. So basically that was $25.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/v_10153_12605_Clothing?sbf=Brand&sbv=Dockers

Fun things to do Moms and Tots Six Flags days

June 9-12 and June 16-20 admission to six flags is 19.99 per person and kids 2 and under are free. It says there are 4 areas for preschoolers, Wiggles World, Bugs Bunny, Camp Cartoon and Skull Island. For more info check out there website sixflags.com. Sounds like a fun day to me!!

Trisha's Movie Review - Nanny Diaries

We rented Nanny Diaries and I really liked it. I enjoyed the light hearted comedy. It was a movie you didn't have to think about you could just watch and enjoy it for what it was. I give it 4 diet cokes out of 5.

Mason graduates from Preschool

I can't believe I have two school age kids. Last night Mason was in his little program at school. It was so cute. I cried like he was graduating high school. He is past the preschool stage. Crazy!! .

Just call me Meany Pants!

Mason had a good one liner that I have to share...

When he was mad at me he said, "If I had a mommy, I would name her Meany Pants!" That is almost two blows in one. He is very into calling names and I guess thankful Meany Pants is the worse thing he could think to say.

I love Target

I got a card in the mail from Target a couple weeks ago. I am not sure if it was because I am on their email notices or how I got it. Anyway, it has led to bargains tonight. You can take Target coupons and "stack" them with Manufactures coupons (like in Sunday's paper) to get pretty exciting discounts.

So the highlights are as follows...

vaseline lotion 2.99 -target 1-manu 1.50 =.49
dial soap 1.84 -target 1 - manu .60 = .24
purex 2.99 - targ 1- man .50 = 1.49
renuzit spray 1.92 - target 1= .92 * Buy this get other renuzit item free
renuzit scent 2.54 -* manu 2.54= 00
kotex 2.94 - targ 1 - manu 1= .94
dog food 9.49 - target 2 - manu 2 = 5.49
brawny 2 roll 3.79- target 1 - manu 1 = 1.79

So basically I got all that for $13!! Too fun!!

Trisha's Movie Review - for one Darren picked out

Darren picked out the movie "Cloverfield" to watch last night. I don't know if Ebert and Roeper gave it a thumbs up or down but I am definitely giving it a thumbs down. It was about some kind of alien thing attacking New York. As I am typing this is sounds as ridiculous as it was. It was shot in a "Blair Witch Project" way, with a very shaky camera. I can't even think of one positive thing to say about it...nope I tried. The only nice thing is that Darren and I actually sat on the couch together to watch it. Well I hate to say it but my final review is 1 flat sat open all night diet coke out of 5 diet cokes.

Trisha's Movie Review - Sex in the City

I had a fun night out with some neighborhood girlfriends and went to see "Sex in the City". I want to think of a rating system...couldn't think of anything besides stars.

Anyway, I thought they did a great job with the characters and making sure they stayed genuine. I did enjoy seeing them again. I will say, without any spoiling, I didn't like the Perfection of the ending. Because I am not a fan of those cheesy endings I will give it a 4 out of 5. OOH how about diet cokes..

Ayden- nursemaid's elbow

Well, I am thinking they might have to take my mom of the year award away!!

Yesterday, after going through most of the day, I realized that Ayden was not using her right arm. She was really crabby and saying "owie' (which is one of the 3 words she knows so that isn't too unusual) I called the Doctor's office and they got us in right away. She has something called Nursemaid's elbow. I had never heard of this.

Here is a definition for it from answers.com

Nursemaid's elbow is a dislocation of the elbow joint caused by a sudden pull on the extended pronated arm, such as by an adult tugging on an uncooperative child.

In radial head subluxation, there is little complaint of pain, and the patient generally reports pain in the distal forearm. Radial head subluxation is a common pediatric presentation generally occurring between the ages of 1 and 3 years. The mean age of presentation is just older than 2 years.

She didn't even flinch as the doctor popped it back in place. The fun never ends in our house!!

BARGAINS OF THE WEEK

Hey!! Thanks to a phone call from Julie, I found awesome scrapbooking bargains at Woodman's tonight.

Zig pens 5pk 1.49 great for journalling
Tons of marker sets 1.49



scrapbook page kits--lots of baby .99
paper packs .79

scrapbook albums $3

Letter rub-ons $.39

They are in carts by the photo department. Woodman's who knew??
It was fun!!

Tuesday-recipe for Fettucine Carbonara

This recipe was a great hit at my house and I found it on the back of the bacon bits package??? It even has peas in it.

1 box of fettucine -cooked (i used whole wheat)
1 jar of alfredo sauce
1 cup of frozen peas (thawed)
1/3 Real Bacon pieces

Mix alfredo sauce, peas and bacon in saucepan, cook 5 mins or until heated, stirring occasionally. Season with ground black pepper.

Toss with hot pasta. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

-from the oscar mayer real bacon package

Family Fun Day Ideas- Kite Festival

Outta Sight Kite Flight

Saturday & Sunday, June 7 & 8, 2008; 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Kennedy Park, 4051 5th Avenue

A grand launch of more than 300 kites will officially kick-off the event. See flying demonstrations of gigantic show kites (100+ feet) and very cool stunt kite demonstrations by professional flyers from the around the Midwest.

Free kites to the first 100 kids to register for the Kids Mad Dash.

Kids can participate in kite-making and kite-decorating workshops, and there will be kite flying lessons and kite flying contests throughout the day for all ages. Bring your own kite or buy one at the event. Need help getting your kite airborne? Pick up a free pocket guide to kite flying provided by the Kite Society of Wisconsin and Illinois for tips from the pros.

The Kite Society of Wisconsin and Illinois will be grilling up burgers, brats and hotdogs for purchase, or bring your own picnic lunch.

Things that bring me Joy - Ear Wax

If you don't know, I have a problem!! Well, let me say that one of my problems involves ear wax. I am Trisha and I am a ear wax picker. I hate ear wax in my families ears and something about cleaning Darren's ears brings me such satisfaction. I know it is disturbing. If you haven't ever done an ear candle, look into it because it is exciting. I can go on and on. I will spare you that but I am going to try to find the perfect picture to post on here!! You can't stop looking at the picture can you!!

sunday- Family Fun day Ideas- Bloomin days

Bloomin Days

www.kenoshabloomindays.com

This is a free family festival with a bike parade starting at 9 with the Parade Beginning at 10:30. There is also a free helmet giveaway. Check it out.