Creative Play Kitchens

  I have been DYING to do something with the double stroller box we have just hanging around! I thought of making plenty of things (a movie ticket counter, a "tunnel", a train, and a play kitchen). I found so many cute ideas for play kitchens that I confess, I REALLY wanted to make it. I asked my foodie sister: Is it weird to make a play kitchen for a boy? She responds, "No! What are most professional chefs?" To which I easily respond, "Men." (we both LOVE Alton Brown). Interestingly enough, this is what you get a boy who loves trains, has a mom who makes him a play kitchen!

 And the features of our play kitchen (plus some ideas for making your own) are: 

M-I-C-K-E-Y spells Home!

It's kind of sad, but I realized when we went to see Cars 2 as a family last Monday night that Disney has captured me! I have the nostalgic feeling of home whenever I am around anything Disney. I think that's what their whole marketing scheme is based around (and I was sucked in). Of course, I feel a little better about myself considering that I grew up only 20 minutes from Walt Disney World. I used to tell my students that Mickey Mouse is my brother (well, we did tease my brother Michael with that name).
One of my good friends is going to Disney World with her family for the first time in October with Make a Wish Foundation! I'm so excited for them (Excitement = BLOG)! Not to mention I was so excited that we continue to talk with each other about it until I promised her the dreaded link list (dun, dun, dun) of some other fun things to do in Orlando. So here it is, for my special friend, Mel, and anyone else who wants to know how to make Orlando into more than just a Disney vacation!

There's a Hole in my Blog, Dear Liza, Dear Liza

I was thinking about this blog the other day as a collection of who I am, updating my list of books I'm reading (which is pretty pathetic since Child #2 came along), rewording some things to better match my thoughts, and all of the sudden BAM!!!
It's like I got smacked in the face! The biggest part of my life, FOREVER, my other half is not on this blog at all! I wouldn't be a mother without him! There are so many things he has taught me.
I wondered "Why?" "Why am I so quick to write about motherhood, homemaking, homeschooling, etc. but NOTHING about my amazing husband and marriage?" I realized then that it's kind of personal. What could I write that would influence someone else to have a positive marriage without exposing something private between my husband and I?
So, while I can't really convey the beautiful intricacies of marriage on a blog, I decided I can start posting a little more about what makes my marriage so happy and unique.
Here are a couple of thoughts to start off with:
1. It's an eternal marriage.
2. My husband and I BOTH do the finances. Maybe it's a lot of extra work, but it means we have to talk about it more and we're both on the same page. Plus, we can check each other easier (you're much more responsible when you have someone to report to)
3. We are both REDS! I'm talking code - color code. My mother always said "how does that work exactly?" We're pretty productive :) He takes his stuff and I take mine..it works.
4. We LOVE to watch movies together
5. We've just recently had to start "planning" dates. Nothing half-hazard or last minute seemed to be happening anymore with two kids. More on this to come! We've had some great date ideas!
6. There is no question about feeling supported. Whenever I'm passionate about something, he's always been supportive :) (and I'm thinking again, why does this blog exist without him?)
7. He just walked in and said "How much would you be willing be spend for my "super-shed/greenhouse/chicken coop"....better go! Off to more adventures with my other half!