tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59300555945240069592024-03-05T08:28:50.099-06:00Mommy 2 MonkeysMommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.comBlogger235125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-82250981780926252762014-10-12T11:07:00.004-05:002014-10-12T11:07:55.058-05:00It's Fall!One of the things we were most looking forward to with our move from Texas to Virginia, was the obvious change in seasons. As I sit here typing this, I can see out to my front yard and watch the colorful leaves fall. Every morning has been brisk and requires me to find the monkeys' jackets (and my own) before we walk to school. I bought apple cider at the store yesterday and feel like it's the right time to be drinking it. In South Texas, we could buy cider in September, but it was still 90+ degrees out. It just didn't feel right. Just to round things out with this perfect weather, we picked up a pumpkin pie too.<br />
<br />
We live near the mountains. Every time I head out to the store and can see the ridges in the distance, I think how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place. Even the monkeys seem to be happier, though secretly they're just hoping it will snow any day now. I don't think they understand that's not likely to happen until December at the earliest. However, I've been purchasing snow pants and sleds because we're all eagerly anticipating that first snowfall. Even Dadda monkey told his boss that he wanted to take a day off of work the first time it snows.<br />
<br />
As for now, we're the crazy former Texans who keep remarking on the beautiful weather we're experiencing in Northern Virginia. Seriously, to my new friends here, I apologize for commenting on it, EVERY SINGLE DAY. I'm sure our excitement over Autumn here will taper off soon, but just wait until the first snow!!<br />
<br />
<br />Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-10279448807546480482014-09-24T14:48:00.003-05:002014-09-24T15:08:12.237-05:00School Adjustment<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtlHn3PfPpTiM_EW9T9Blv5HOo_txhjA_QJgbWvt1FRfzEATGUGCnly5dKwxs3FL-W8cGGnyzDqeUXE3JTuLPr9XTzYUau4XJs8TV2t5nTBSdCskQhEsImsXkBvQMXJrkEjgNmDymgFS1/s1600/behavior+system.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtlHn3PfPpTiM_EW9T9Blv5HOo_txhjA_QJgbWvt1FRfzEATGUGCnly5dKwxs3FL-W8cGGnyzDqeUXE3JTuLPr9XTzYUau4XJs8TV2t5nTBSdCskQhEsImsXkBvQMXJrkEjgNmDymgFS1/s1600/behavior+system.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
I never thought I'd be in this position. I am the parent of the 'bad' kid in class. Monkey girl has always been outgoing, opinionated, and jubilant. I've struggled recently with how to rein in her enthusiasm, especially focusing on socially acceptable norms, but I also don't want to stifle her own unique personality. Anyways, her 1st grade teacher does the normal clothes hanger behavior monitoring chart. Kids move a clothes pin with their name on it, up and down a color coded chart according to behavior, with purple being 'great' and red being 'parent contact'. Every morning, they all start on green 'ready to learn' and progress through the day. Most kids stay on green, apparently no one's made it to blue or purple (standards of excellence), and a few go down to yellow (slow down) or even orange (warning). Since school started 22 days ago, Monkey girl has been red twice, orange once, and yellow twice.<br />
<br />
Today was a red day. I haven't had my 'parent contact' yet, but according to Monkey girl she clapped her hands at an inappropriate time during class when the teacher had specified not to prior to whatever applaud-garnering event was going on. I'm torn because I know she's not a 'bad' kid, but know she needs to work on listening more. However, she went directly from green to red today for this one incident. She didn't bite anyone, throw a book across the room, refuse to do her school work... she clapped.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately now it seems as though she's gotten this 'bad' rap and will be labeled as such by her teacher for the rest of the year. Of course, she has her green days which let me breathe a sigh of relief, but these red ones are terrible. I feel like they've might as well make me move my pin down to red for the horrible parenting job it appears I've done. Despite my wonderment at the extremity of these behaviors, we've instilled a punishment at home for any warm tones she might bring home. Though, I've also given her the opportunity to earn back any privileges she might lose. Apparently she's not given the same opportunity at school. For today, I'm going to be on the lookout for my 'parent contact' email and abide by the punishment we've agreed on, all the while hoping things improve beyond this first month of the school year. Otherwise, it's going to be a long one for all of us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLNR7155KdCxJiiS7w9PUosF8TBAytcU8GxCTNsKO_yS7xrH6WXqa6CfeJuBLC4OBT1BMAWc6KNQaeHs06Jw1b-d17xA7V0UtflIHizrANL8C9Ha8agIAkln5ZMIntwYu1wiFZ0yc6NjE/s1600/apple+picking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLNR7155KdCxJiiS7w9PUosF8TBAytcU8GxCTNsKO_yS7xrH6WXqa6CfeJuBLC4OBT1BMAWc6KNQaeHs06Jw1b-d17xA7V0UtflIHizrANL8C9Ha8agIAkln5ZMIntwYu1wiFZ0yc6NjE/s1600/apple+picking.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-31390672927348738922014-09-10T19:08:00.001-05:002014-09-10T19:10:48.039-05:00Two Months Later...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kWhoxFObo_XK9qg03PfDye1jDi6Z6xd74jT-ti0dXVcz0aNGFavOywz09vAmoXf4nI2Iy6MrD-hsdhS3AtozMYKz7FsEHd4I6HKBhRYTJ4mcjHNXg2IyqFz2ipPZPJOSltHhgM9SDP4W/s1600/loudoun+mountain+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kWhoxFObo_XK9qg03PfDye1jDi6Z6xd74jT-ti0dXVcz0aNGFavOywz09vAmoXf4nI2Iy6MrD-hsdhS3AtozMYKz7FsEHd4I6HKBhRYTJ4mcjHNXg2IyqFz2ipPZPJOSltHhgM9SDP4W/s1600/loudoun+mountain+view.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We made it! We're living in Northern Virginia now and loving the change. There are big green trees and beautiful lawns. I didn't realize how accustomed I'd become to living in a drought prone region. It's gorgeous here. I can even see the mountains from my house (if I walk out a few meters and crane my neck just so). The climate is slightly cooler, but much more humid. A couple of mornings have called for light jackets for the walk to school, but on warm days, like mid 80s, the humidity has made it feel a bit like south Texas 100+ degree temperatures. Sadly, the pools closed Labor Day weekend, but we haven't missed it too much.<br />
<br />
<br />
There's so much to do here too. Every weekend, I've been combing through different calendar of events and trying to decide what the Monkey family should try next. There's still so many things to get to, but I love that there's always tons of choices. We're really looking forward to fall and, unlike many of our neighbors, snow!<br />
<br />
Now that school has begun again, I will be back to updating the blog more often. Stay tuned for some Monkey family adventures and recommendations! Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-72446666059161741832014-06-15T12:03:00.001-05:002014-06-15T12:03:26.692-05:00Moving Tip #1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2WvngDwWYnhtsKDuVUUemqRpgBF5Cuf8xFZicuxabs0zIFVI9eqeelpJUyO0iJkcUfC6wRQ6wzgb7etem6mpE7ceniT0a3qJfHp7Jq41uaF1ibKhGfXya7T1WHHCzt-upRXfVl79zfeT/s1600/garment+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2WvngDwWYnhtsKDuVUUemqRpgBF5Cuf8xFZicuxabs0zIFVI9eqeelpJUyO0iJkcUfC6wRQ6wzgb7etem6mpE7ceniT0a3qJfHp7Jq41uaF1ibKhGfXya7T1WHHCzt-upRXfVl79zfeT/s1600/garment+box.jpg" /></a>As you may have gathered, we're moving half way across the country to the DC area. Dadda monkey is already working out there, which has left me with all the packing. We've had numerous movers come out to give us estimates, which are hard to garner online without opening yourself up to numerous phone calls and emails soliciting your business. By the way, a ball park estimate of having movers move a 4 bedroom house from South Texas to DC is about $10,000-12,000, just for sake of making things easier for other people. <br />
<br />
We've decided to go with a u-pack service where they bring the moving truck and we're responsible for loading it. That also means <strike>we're </strike> I'm doing all the packing. I came across this incredibly helpful tip that instead of buying expensive boxes to move larger TVs, you should scout neighbors' houses on trash day and look for any TV boxes they may have put out. Then you can use them for your own televisions. I am lucky to have an incredibly helpful group of neighbors that frequent a neighborhood forum. I put out a simple request for any one's old TV boxes and immediately got the 2 that I needed! That has quickly taken care of the TV packing (well, once I actually get someone to help me put them in the boxes). <br />
<br />
Along the same lines, during the popular moving season (early June-July), you can look for other people moving in who might have moving boxes they wish to dispose of. Again, I'm fortunate to live in a neighborhood with a lot of military families and so there's often people moving in and out. I've already gathered multiple garment boxes and most of the boxes I'll need to pack up out stuff.Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-7564830734129735902014-04-24T21:21:00.002-05:002014-04-24T21:21:09.433-05:00AquaticaWe're going to check out Sea World's Aquatica this weekend. An update and review to come later. Looking forward to it now that temperatures are reaching the 90s.Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-27707442682543562732014-03-21T14:12:00.005-05:002014-03-21T14:12:54.228-05:00Spring Break Is Over, Bring On SoccerWe're back to the daily grind. Now add to it two monkeys in soccer, who of course have practice twice a week on different days. So I'm at the soccer field Mon-Thurs and again on Saturday for games. I don't mind, it's just a lot to jump into at once. Apparently I'm not good at change, so drastic change is even worse. Plus sitting on the sideline is rough for someone who played from elementary school through college. Despite my normally quiet demeanor, I'm a terror of a soccer Mom. I don't mean to be overly critical of my own kids or even yell at them like a crazy person, but that is what happened the first week. Dadda monkey has claimed he doesn't know me nor why some lunatic is yelling at his child. Anyways, there's lots of personal growth and improvement to work on. I guess it's some personal spring cleaning in addition to household spring cleaning/purging (that move is still on the horizon potentially). Now off to work on dinner for one of the only two nights there's actually decent time to cook! Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-82206027675521320252014-03-11T15:59:00.002-05:002014-03-11T15:59:15.013-05:00It's Spring Break!I'm possibly more excited than the kids that it's Spring Break! Kindergarten has been a big adjustment for us and I'm really grateful that Monkey girl's off for a week. She gets to spend the week relaxing, going out with her brother and I, and enjoying more family time. We're not sure if we're going to plan anything special (a hike at Enchanted Rock or a day trip to Corpus Christi have been discussed), but even if we don't it's been a great couple of days so far.Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-70780351026656266312014-02-26T19:07:00.000-06:002014-02-26T19:07:17.248-06:00Spring Cleaning<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpS-BI3hWDusNZj8-a-Y5ZwVohnkfAKhPsoRZl6pw4SdFS0pYEZL1CpdNLPf0YGJFfInPByv0H855zHFB93VFq_IpW7wizGrF_ij_5S1p0v2XlAYusC1wvsu2vrhB6wcTxaNE4yY6z0awv/s1600/junk+toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpS-BI3hWDusNZj8-a-Y5ZwVohnkfAKhPsoRZl6pw4SdFS0pYEZL1CpdNLPf0YGJFfInPByv0H855zHFB93VFq_IpW7wizGrF_ij_5S1p0v2XlAYusC1wvsu2vrhB6wcTxaNE4yY6z0awv/s1600/junk+toys.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This year spring cleaning isn't going to consist of a good thorough cleaning of our house. Instead, I'll be purging the kids toys. Though I've attempted this in the past, I never seem to be able to do a thorough job. I'm as bad as the kids. I find a toy that I know they used to love, but haven't played with in a while and instead of stealthily putting it in a donation bag, I decide to show the kids what I found, thus getting them excited about playing with it again. Little McDonald's toys that I've kept, will soon be tossed, toys that 'just had one small broken thing' will now be tossed as well. My house is making me claustrophobic; there's just TOO MUCH STUFF. The toys are a big part of it and I know children with less toys function just as well, if not better. Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
(Tips, recommendations, and encouraging comments welcome!)Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-3107494304949020952014-02-22T22:28:00.003-06:002014-02-22T22:28:28.405-06:00Sea World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpwlrct3_z1iZKg__P9iz7Qm7BNPeqUYmjutJvzcO_K_K8kzDmufBQk6fPfDhaGESEKVl-TL9MhdxAi2RhAufj_zs613vvo1edV9dPvhvG2FmiyYC9o9-X6x98RbvVhgWCkJh1QHJsbd8/s1600/SW-color.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpwlrct3_z1iZKg__P9iz7Qm7BNPeqUYmjutJvzcO_K_K8kzDmufBQk6fPfDhaGESEKVl-TL9MhdxAi2RhAufj_zs613vvo1edV9dPvhvG2FmiyYC9o9-X6x98RbvVhgWCkJh1QHJsbd8/s1600/SW-color.png" height="162" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last weekend we spent some time at Sea World San Antonio. Now that's nothing new for us as we're lucky to live near it, but they had an extraordinary presentation from a local organization that rescues wild birds. Normally I'm not a bird fan, but it was quite interesting.<br />
<br />
We enjoyed spending several hours there enjoying the rides (it was nice out so we even went on one of the water ones) and animal shows. As a bonus, <a href="http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-sanantonio/pages/preschool/?from=Front_Page_Bottom_Promo" target="_blank">Sea World</a> is offering free tickets for preschoolers (ages 3-5) living in Texas, but you have to register by May 31st. If you live near Orlando or San Diego, you might check their sites as well because I believe they were offering it for local preschoolers too.<br />
<br />
With Monkey girl in school, Bro Bro monkey and I are bound to have a few play dates there before school lets out. When we take Monkey girl, she makes sure we never miss Shamu, the dolphins, and the flamingos. Bro Bro hasn't really decided on a favorite, but he loves the rides and giant jungle gym. If you're lucky enough to live near a Sea World, check out their camps too! We haven't tried them, but they look incredible. Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-33742716923043304352014-02-18T21:55:00.001-06:002014-02-18T21:55:26.648-06:00Moving?It's no secret that Dadda monkey and I have been wanting to move out of South Texas. It's been a long journey, but as the reality of an upcoming move sets in, I'm stressed! Nothing's done yet, we're waiting on an offer letter (which previous experience tells me may or may not actually happen) and so I'm spending my little amount of free time browsing houses. Houses that cost way more than what we enjoy here... I knew this and yet it's still daunting. Especially since I'm not even sure what area to look in. Regardless, the monkeys and I will stay here through June to let Monkey girl finish kindergarten. Common sense tells me moving sooner rather than later is better so the monkeys can settle into new areas and schools, we won't get entrenched here to make moving even harder, and Dadda monkey can take full benefit of a good career move before he's labelled an old fogey and not able to move up as much. :) Here's to hoping your week is calmer than ours!Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-50057834589248340672014-02-08T17:15:00.002-06:002014-02-08T17:15:33.597-06:00Essential Oils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMwzh66uvpTa50xPacA4IlaMI2wttGO_OCrfqohgOpqyWDm9F4mkXgMIyTu1hGjyNQVfGuzsht08hmOnnCagr7_4suDUBaqQWLqY1NGMF46S_27TxnjwLIT4flEZj4BiCZdUrFSTXsn5P/s1600/doterraoils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMwzh66uvpTa50xPacA4IlaMI2wttGO_OCrfqohgOpqyWDm9F4mkXgMIyTu1hGjyNQVfGuzsht08hmOnnCagr7_4suDUBaqQWLqY1NGMF46S_27TxnjwLIT4flEZj4BiCZdUrFSTXsn5P/s320/doterraoils.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We've started using essential oils to boost our overall health (physical and emotional) and have been enjoying their benefit. I've been using DoTerra, but realize there are many good options out there. There are some not as good, so I encourage you to do your own research before just picking up a random bottle at a local store. If you're interested in DoTerra, you can <a href="http://www.mydoterra.com/jenmonkey/">check out my store here: http://www.mydoterra.com/jenmonkey/.</a><br />
<br />
A friend shared this recipe for homemade mint chocolate bars (think Larabars):<br />
2/3 cups whole almonds<br />
1 cup whole, pitted dates<br />
2 TB unsweetened cocoa<br />
3 drops dōTERRA Peppermint Essential oil<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
<br />
Put in food processor and blend until there are no large pieces of nuts left.<br />
Roll into 1” balls or press into a round or square pan and then cut into bars.<br />
Makes approximately 25 balls.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!
Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-59581460795162081632014-02-06T13:41:00.000-06:002014-02-06T13:54:49.734-06:00Introduction to Planes: Fire & Rescue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqB9tIfwgHosDOaTYeXLg9Bxuzlfd3arc4S08IUy8nhEgRa8m8YoMAVKqYY9-MSKB2WNuwggNQQTB_IN5jWvMkYHzeq6JVbyrhKVLtXm0zVj5X_KP4lSRrN2fVN0s1VMmHtbvoT0xjoD2m/s1600/planesFR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqB9tIfwgHosDOaTYeXLg9Bxuzlfd3arc4S08IUy8nhEgRa8m8YoMAVKqYY9-MSKB2WNuwggNQQTB_IN5jWvMkYHzeq6JVbyrhKVLtXm0zVj5X_KP4lSRrN2fVN0s1VMmHtbvoT0xjoD2m/s1600/planesFR.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
Bro Bro Monkey is very excited about Disney's Planes: Fire & Rescue coming to theaters on July 18th. Needless to say, this is has been added to our summer agenda.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95SNqDC6Ktw13kJJA63Q4pcFYZ2SJroJMnLqKhq7CdWuiwXbNSoQsanszZTwGv0PJMxGo3ZR13S-P0D39Brswdje0I6mpLz78WSQco1hK0uMi6Q3gBZRP7CwXYJgtgiqrjW13rAxy-t5R/s1600/planesFR1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95SNqDC6Ktw13kJJA63Q4pcFYZ2SJroJMnLqKhq7CdWuiwXbNSoQsanszZTwGv0PJMxGo3ZR13S-P0D39Brswdje0I6mpLz78WSQco1hK0uMi6Q3gBZRP7CwXYJgtgiqrjW13rAxy-t5R/s1600/planesFR1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a look at the movie:<br />
<br />
<br /><iframe width="480" height="240" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" src="http://movies.yahoo.com/video/planes-fire-rescue-trailer-162027131.html?format=embed&player_autoplay=false"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUglq9KYuIEbSNPCrpCfDgPz9IxEbFE7DVT8oPbTFePN-z_dF9i3mBq3SR6JiYMx262SR1XSswZ0YcFGPw69fTRskxb1WUAv1XgyP6BoEUorkYRCrp-Gx1Gb6ebP51FhA-N0LPmy2gMADR/s1600/planesfireandrescue52f27e68112cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUglq9KYuIEbSNPCrpCfDgPz9IxEbFE7DVT8oPbTFePN-z_dF9i3mBq3SR6JiYMx262SR1XSswZ0YcFGPw69fTRskxb1WUAv1XgyP6BoEUorkYRCrp-Gx1Gb6ebP51FhA-N0LPmy2gMADR/s1600/planesfireandrescue52f27e68112cc.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-6894500277288444002014-01-31T23:50:00.000-06:002014-02-04T21:57:29.176-06:002014 Sochi Winter Olympics BingoThe Monkey Family is very excited about watching the Olympics! This will be Monkey Girl's second winter Olympics, but she doesn't really remember the first so we're looking forward to both monkeys being able to understand more of what's going on this time. On that note, we're trying to do some things that will make it a little more fun for us all. <br />
<br />
First off, I can't take all the credit for this as I saw as similar concept on Pinterest (where I love to <strike>waste</strike> spend a lot of my time). However, I'd love to share my first copy of Olympic Bingo with all of the lovely guests of this blog. Enjoy!<strike> I'll work on the extra copies with the squares mixed up over the weekend and get the whole thing uploaded next week. Here's board #1 for now. </strike>There are 4 different boards now!<br />
<br />
GO USA!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0yP1ZTyfO6OUzQwYVVGaUNQR1U/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0yP1ZTyfO6OUkloekZFRkNwN1k/edit?usp=sharing" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlr58pv0940qHm_BubXk8Ci-BXT4ktiveOx1s-IV-PIpR3OOYEl7IAYi9Z4c2WZ85MA0KXUFnjU9TBNPRWm-bgJ-1efaEhYu1aZ97EgtvTA8zJOxcYS-QwNvae8-YHydSb9VQo7ClclGch/s1600/olympic+bingo.png" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-44117255994261491052014-01-30T10:55:00.003-06:002014-01-30T11:12:56.536-06:00Frozen Sing-A-Long<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jXS2NgrCX054t63UAqQFXazDCf82XdW92x0tpZx_ExCt8ycUnKZTA1O1G9_uR_0qaHIHcvCgYNtsbQUPRsQxgnA0ixazzSZzKb6KA1wYljaO4vAINu8pqh1fqMCD1ExLgFgJRC5x1Ef5/s1600/frozen+sing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jXS2NgrCX054t63UAqQFXazDCf82XdW92x0tpZx_ExCt8ycUnKZTA1O1G9_uR_0qaHIHcvCgYNtsbQUPRsQxgnA0ixazzSZzKb6KA1wYljaO4vAINu8pqh1fqMCD1ExLgFgJRC5x1Ef5/s1600/frozen+sing.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
In case you haven't heard, select theaters across the country will be showing Disney's Frozen Sing-A-Long. Monkey girl has been really excited about being able to belt out Let It Go and Do You Want to Build a Snowman in the movie theater. I won't deny, I'm looking forward to it too. The movie was great and the songs are catchy.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0HtACLaRDk0?list=UU_976xMxPgzIa290Hqtk-9g" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0yP1ZTyfO6OUUNFUWtILVdUV3M/edit?usp=sharing" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0yP1ZTyfO6OUUNFUWtILVdUV3M/edit?usp=sharing" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPcRkVuLtrVgrCUIXTQdYSRRuUishM6ErGjiOvcSHKj9L_yaFkO9u_h4uRjtY6YeGKaLscKKDsq6WUuM3M6QABLwrMpVlbllMLkRDeAAuGGCTMeK-1mUNubDMHFECoZ8uC6yHDYpGa4lR/s1600/elsa.png" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
You can see if it will be showing near you and buy your tickets at <a href="http://www.fandango.com/frozensingalong_170590/movieoverview/" target="_blank">Fandango</a>.In the meantime enjoy this Elsa coloring page.Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-53529209906427306202014-01-27T22:50:00.001-06:002014-01-27T22:50:11.190-06:00Winter Weather in South Texas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbUpZwGYLq2Mhb8QRVILV-bRu6_cNdYhQCMdfoYhepdmvvoq1hHZpCmX2hCwE2zEohtE4IHubrn-SDiVxQdYJ70dys8YIsrS8xNlq9POSEZypWT6yWyQlXwndjPuZVEHHiUfaRV1Og0qQ/s1600/kens5ice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbUpZwGYLq2Mhb8QRVILV-bRu6_cNdYhQCMdfoYhepdmvvoq1hHZpCmX2hCwE2zEohtE4IHubrn-SDiVxQdYJ70dys8YIsrS8xNlq9POSEZypWT6yWyQlXwndjPuZVEHHiUfaRV1Og0qQ/s1600/kens5ice.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For the second time in a week, the forecast is calling for a 'wintry mix'. The monkeys didn't have school on Friday due to icy conditions and Dadda Monkey stayed home as well. We were hoping for at least flurries so we could let the kids go out and play. We knew it wasn't likely to stick, but even flurries can be fun to dance in when you're little and haven't really seen snow. Anyways, we ended up with some sleet and freezing rain, just enough to make road conditions hazardous. We enjoyed our 3 day weekend!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Tonight they're also calling for a chance of sleet, but it doesn't look like it's going to be as big of a storm as Friday's. I'll be hoping for that off chance of flurries anyways!</span><br />
<br />Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-5116798817067067562014-01-13T21:25:00.000-06:002014-01-13T21:27:41.210-06:00I'm Lopsided!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvBj17FmXQ_z2LBBPo4kxdzb4TG2liOe9R9y_M8QWP-uajwLxVtyzG_U980khQNa0WdTCKJS7Ji9u39HiOzAXWA0OjMpBXr0Gn1IRMii-rQCg5ZiuafxFJP5OWpvRDGVPwGeH87oxeGRm/s1600/yoga+corw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvBj17FmXQ_z2LBBPo4kxdzb4TG2liOe9R9y_M8QWP-uajwLxVtyzG_U980khQNa0WdTCKJS7Ji9u39HiOzAXWA0OjMpBXr0Gn1IRMii-rQCg5ZiuafxFJP5OWpvRDGVPwGeH87oxeGRm/s320/yoga+corw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've been taking some yoga classes because I just hit the big 40 and my flexibility is next to none (thank you c-sections for hindering this even more). Plus I'm all about my exercise routine involving a bunch of stretching. The ladies in my class and my instructor are all wonderful people so it's a joy to make this time for myself each week. Thankfully, I'm not the only beginner because there are certain poses that I know I look like a fool (or <strike>drunk </strike>crow) attempting them. Then there's the positions that have taken me by surprise at how I can't even come close. For instance in bow (picture you on your stomach with your head raised and feet bending towards your head), you're supposed to grab your ankles. I struggle to grab my right ankle, but my left one... forget it, it may as well be in the next building. Hopefully, I'll get there. Who knew one of my 2014 goals would be to be able to do something as simple as grab both my ankles!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi562HuRtoZyzJEo14Z2D3bvDipm5lXbB7A9w3kAP_aCR37kuj9GUFoIqWWJk-LmKHTxc2X_nM6A9LjI3L3iwnuzyjmBxeGCncd_Gd5hEj5njmUefaMVqt9j9k5Hs8kwiRc2bhbPEXzsTZx/s1600/yoga+bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi562HuRtoZyzJEo14Z2D3bvDipm5lXbB7A9w3kAP_aCR37kuj9GUFoIqWWJk-LmKHTxc2X_nM6A9LjI3L3iwnuzyjmBxeGCncd_Gd5hEj5njmUefaMVqt9j9k5Hs8kwiRc2bhbPEXzsTZx/s320/yoga+bow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-37442543815454824282014-01-07T16:18:00.002-06:002014-01-07T16:18:52.211-06:00BOB Jogging Strollers<a href="http://www.amazon.com/b/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&node=8255029011&pf_rd_i=20&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=1671394142&pf_rd_r=13K1HQT7HZZVP0W47VD8&pf_rd_s=left-new-1&pf_rd_t=701&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=mommy2-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a> has BOB jogging strollers on sale for up to 40% off. That includes my favorite BOB dual stroller. Although, it's too bulky for me to be comfortable taking it places, it's perfect for around the neighborhood. Bro Bro monkey and I usually take it on walks or to play dates while Monkey girl is at school and I've been surprised how well it's handled only having one child in it. I thought it'd be unwieldy or off balance with one side weighed down more, but it's still easy to maneuver. This is a great time to pick up a BOB stroller of your own. I don't have any experience with the single one, but I'd imagine that one would be easier to pick up and travel with. I'd love one for our Sea World day trips. I highly encourage you to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&node=8255029011&pf_rd_i=20&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=1671394142&pf_rd_r=13K1HQT7HZZVP0W47VD8&pf_rd_s=left-new-1&pf_rd_t=701&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=mommy2-20" target="_blank">go pick one up</a> for yourself while they're on sale!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004DC9TDA?tag=mommy2-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B004DC9TDA&adid=0FH5K3SWR263TY6QHKQM&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Frcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com%2Fe%2Fcm%3Flt1%3D_blank%26bc1%3D000000%26IS2%3D1%26bg1%3DFFFFFF%26fc1%3D000000%26lc1%3D0000FF%26t%3Dmommy2-20%26o%3D1%26p%3D8%26l%3Das4%26m%3Damazon%26f%3Difr%26ref%3Dss_til%26asins%3DB004DC9TDA" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004DC9TDA?tag=mommy2-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B004DC9TDA&adid=0FH5K3SWR263TY6QHKQM&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Frcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com%2Fe%2Fcm%3Flt1%3D_blank%26bc1%3D000000%26IS2%3D1%26bg1%3DFFFFFF%26fc1%3D000000%26lc1%3D0000FF%26t%3Dmommy2-20%26o%3D1%26p%3D8%26l%3Das4%26m%3Damazon%26f%3Difr%26ref%3Dss_til%26asins%3DB004DC9TDA" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0E-jm3dT0YjBhh-Wmucyj5auYEfOmzNGQ5sYrw8bXKEpmjiD7MnnqIsRTciRvMWKyIYiWPPPfm8t07Y2HVtZ00Zj5pqNirBRZ3L5gCbmUnT24vKk4yX0xmmmt_b4pSfOe5dX75thJSoZ/s1600/bob.jpg" height="320" width="305" /></a></div>
<br />Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-53897291003956448882014-01-04T18:51:00.003-06:002014-01-04T18:51:24.382-06:00New Year's ResolutionsOh my, one month since I've posted. My poor neglected blog, although I guess it means the monkeys themselves weren't neglected in the least. Monkey girl says I've been busy playing her, which is great to hear. I always feel I can do better as a Mom (as I'm sure most moms feel). Thus one of my resolutions is to be a better Mom, that includes doing a better job on housework. I really dislike being embarrassed about my home when unexpected company comes by. Not to mention, I always feel better in a clean home.<br />
<br />
Secondly, I have a lot of exciting ideas for the blog so I want to make sure I post here every couple of days. One of the things that's been taking my time is my new Silhouette Cameo machine. I've had so much fun for this. As an apology for being away so long and in preparation for Valentine's Day (yes being more prepared and organized is another resolution), I have a design to share with any of my readers who own a Silhouette machine. Just click on the image below to open a new tab where you can download the file. Enjoy and see you in a couple days!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0yP1ZTyfO6OSWlvSnZVU2lLX0k/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0yP1ZTyfO6OSWlvSnZVU2lLX0k/edit?usp=sharing" border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE613Sp0f5XLQv5EdY9jvtyiSQLq0GyO7HFdmAy_b8Vm6qPtTYG5yHJEfYqJ6orS80CrCrzQMUmASuLjRVUF1pSBgySD7aLIt5rR93HkpTe2P-ddfRKIDTgqcVgNfw0C1qMhIhDfX6BNo6/s320/lovestack.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-91792951674479178862013-12-01T00:35:00.003-06:002013-12-01T00:36:41.073-06:00Frozen!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX8_CGMNtxaKjWcpKXbNTxLl2UWgAGuOqq1oGLQWo2n32rYrVC90VZpnH3hiL6ADiPKFLJbWTfuDGuFGvU5eOC6f55ZKoheDwYZSnSr1iRWJpuI5_bsQa07JsDQcaSkFz4QdFQKVPJwad/s1600/frozen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX8_CGMNtxaKjWcpKXbNTxLl2UWgAGuOqq1oGLQWo2n32rYrVC90VZpnH3hiL6ADiPKFLJbWTfuDGuFGvU5eOC6f55ZKoheDwYZSnSr1iRWJpuI5_bsQa07JsDQcaSkFz4QdFQKVPJwad/s1600/frozen.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
"Best day ever!" That's what Monkey girl said right after we watched <a href="http://movies.disney.com/frozen" target="_blank">Frozen</a>. I will readily admit that the whole family loved it. You can definitely tell it's from the same people who did Tangled (also a movie we loved, hence the quote), but with a much more unique story.<br />
<br />
Elsa and Anna are sisters. Elsa, however, has the ability to cast frozen spells with her hands. To hide it from their kingdom (especially after she accidentally hurts her little sister, Anna), her parents advise her to wear gloves and stay secluded in her room, away from the eyes of everyone including Anna. An unfortunate accident, leads Elsa being crowned ruler of the kingdom and her inability to control her power is what sets off the main part of the story.<br />
<br />
Other much loved characters include, Olaf, the snowman Elsa first creates for amusement when she and Anna are still kids. Kristoff, the ice trader, and Sven, Kristoff's reindeer companion. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/TbQm5doF_Uc/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/TbQm5doF_Uc&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/TbQm5doF_Uc&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
Hop on over to their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DisneyFrozen" target="_blank">Facebook </a>page as well for more information. Plus they have instructions on how to get the cutest Olaf emoticons free on Facebook. <br />
<br />
I would say that you don't need to see it in 3D, but there's this really great short before the movie that you must see in 3D. It's a totally unexpected treat. I'd love to tell you more about it, but I don't want to give away anything. Just make sure you get to the movie early so you don't miss it. <br />
<br />
The monkeys are loving this song now. Don't forget the <a href="http://2monkeysmomma.blogspot.com/2013/10/frozen-fun.html" target="_blank">Olaf fun activity</a> I posted a while back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/kHue-HaXXzg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Go, go now! I bet you'll love it!<br />
<br />
Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-2523086270913018732013-11-25T14:32:00.002-06:002013-11-25T14:32:46.642-06:00Delivery Man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMi6e7Vg9dc1gkoWfPZu3P2zBIpsFCcK9ZQnOsMnxVkrWqOr3YOMbNXs6ocQ8-wF1CVoPQFr76yBOD37HnezokjkAejXhuYeYmy6eo3BRVbvU9AZEWBeLl7Yfi3pALfwFSkQ9-tCAk5eG/s1600/delivery_man_ver3_xlg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMi6e7Vg9dc1gkoWfPZu3P2zBIpsFCcK9ZQnOsMnxVkrWqOr3YOMbNXs6ocQ8-wF1CVoPQFr76yBOD37HnezokjkAejXhuYeYmy6eo3BRVbvU9AZEWBeLl7Yfi3pALfwFSkQ9-tCAk5eG/s320/delivery_man_ver3_xlg.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
I have been looking forward to a movie coming out like this so that Dadda and I could enjoy a date night. This was perfect, the humor, the drama, the cohesive story.<br />
<br />
Vince Vaughn was his normal jovial self, which I've learned some people don't like the lack of variety to his movies, but for me it was perfect entertainment. After a day with the monkeys, I don't want to have to think or use any brain power while relaxing during a movie. I want to sit there and watch a story unfold.<br />
<br />
Anyways, without divulging too much, the story revolves around a bachelor, David (Vince), who learns that he is the father of hundreds of kids via sperm donation. The story is not at all what I expected after that point though. It's pretty heartwarming to see some of the moments that happen in the movie. I recommend it, especially for a relaxing evening out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/V1lZKDNJ4aQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Rating: **** No Monkeys Sleeping (at least not the adult ones). Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-44313448668868768762013-11-17T20:45:00.000-06:002013-11-17T20:45:30.570-06:00Maleficent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizz-TxfKi784v2gGUhzowxWOq9BwTpu4y_I57iM47ZoJrxpcUFIh9HsKuimjc5MiUWuiHr22X6T5P38SI-1RjAqSUskM1-O8XcUSme5eDtC8WOJAFzlR66ixMy3ZKNVeOT8pYsxxFxiCvE/s1600/maleficent2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizz-TxfKi784v2gGUhzowxWOq9BwTpu4y_I57iM47ZoJrxpcUFIh9HsKuimjc5MiUWuiHr22X6T5P38SI-1RjAqSUskM1-O8XcUSme5eDtC8WOJAFzlR66ixMy3ZKNVeOT8pYsxxFxiCvE/s320/maleficent2.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
Daddy Monkey is probably more excited about the upcoming <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DisneyMaleficent" target="_blank">Maleficent</a> movie than either the monkeys or I, but we're all looking forward to it. Here's a few treats for you all!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisr7J9tXjYVknnLLbRpM2oxbqGMu4ZEvfwDX3cAcHnI5z-cAWOxbWAr50HpZeLDd2ep8qw7rLBXjRfxiguHz1vvn_nsSlpD-SuC1Lnmx3oZisP84LVJj8fYgNQCFWOG4NbLG1Q0O1LNsiZ/s1600/maleficent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisr7J9tXjYVknnLLbRpM2oxbqGMu4ZEvfwDX3cAcHnI5z-cAWOxbWAr50HpZeLDd2ep8qw7rLBXjRfxiguHz1vvn_nsSlpD-SuC1Lnmx3oZisP84LVJj8fYgNQCFWOG4NbLG1Q0O1LNsiZ/s320/maleficent.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/704EXbJ-b5k" width="560"></iframe>
Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-49316426263249227732013-11-02T23:58:00.002-05:002013-11-03T00:14:47.833-05:00Free BirdsIt's been a while since the whole monkey family has gone to the movies. However, we recently saw <a href="http://freebirdsmovie.com/" target="_blank">Free Birds</a> in 3D (the monkeys are much better at watching movies with the glasses). I was having a discussion recently with someone about how there aren't many Thanksgiving movies for kids. So I was really glad when I learned what it was about.<br />
<br />
The story revolves around a turkey named Reggie who has been trying to enlighten his flock about how they're being fed to get fat and be the main course for Thanksgiving. The movie portrays present day turkeys as dumb and Reggie is a bit of an outcast. Somehow Reggie lucks into being the pardoned Turkey and goes to live with the President and his daughter at Camp David. Just as he's relishing his luxurious pardoned life, he encounters Jake. Jake is on a mission to travel back in time and get turkeys off the Thanksgiving menu for good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/x9RvyOjnyxk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
While not the greatest movie I've ever seen, it was a cute Thanksgiving movie and the monkeys really enjoyed it. I can see adding this to our Thanksgiving traditions because it's a good family movie with some accurate bits of Thanksgiving history thrown in.
Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-58337120249890870662013-10-31T12:28:00.005-05:002013-10-31T12:30:01.317-05:00Boo to You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/165062560/12x12-halloween-graffiti-sign?" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/165062560/12x12-halloween-graffiti-sign?" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRac3ZJn61S4_xxKt7IxOIOeJjV1mxT6cQI4ZiIxoCbfmpqcyeuLl7yfmOixiCzH5pu7dZXREgRzggErrGOUVg-NnPJltDoGCgYKqLmsE3Qi5g7dvhLt19qN5Riuocu9iqZZgKr_4fzaB/s320/photo(52).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Happy Halloween from my monkey family to yours! Halloween has been a really long holiday for us this year since we started celebrating in mid-September when we went to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party on our Disney World trip. The good thing about that is that we've had our costumes ready for a while. The bad thing is that I've been eating candy pretty much non-stop since then. We're excited to have some theme music this year. We loved the Boo to You Halloween music at Disney so much that we added it to our Halloween soundtrack for our neighbors to enjoy tonight.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZSJdRJNOBbIkFo5zaWaB-Ajc1r0hyUN_nRvuGziEZA_9_Rz7xxEcH-HqH-hqHjhodcYLIVN4oGfPj6aWf4gBMGv6tAvVg8mi0CSXx8vG6Qg0xpKoSy2uIbFqRcRKb4eKH2P_31PV94oW/s1600/hot+dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZSJdRJNOBbIkFo5zaWaB-Ajc1r0hyUN_nRvuGziEZA_9_Rz7xxEcH-HqH-hqHjhodcYLIVN4oGfPj6aWf4gBMGv6tAvVg8mi0CSXx8vG6Qg0xpKoSy2uIbFqRcRKb4eKH2P_31PV94oW/s200/hot+dogs.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
To continue with the festivities, we'll be having mummy hot dogs for dinner and <a href="http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/30299/Spiderweb-Munch/detail.aspx?cmp=FB_recipe_10-10-13" target="_blank">spiderweb munch </a>for dessert (not that we need dessert tonight). Then Dadda monkey will take the monkeys trick or treating while I stay home <strike>eating</strike> handing out candy. Stay safe and have fun, everyone!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/30299/Spiderweb-Munch/detail.aspx?cmp=FB_recipe_10-10-13" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/30299/Spiderweb-Munch/detail.aspx?cmp=FB_recipe_10-10-13" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1w78aub1Cb5imBCDF-f01gfA984wqB56szyrMCsRUAy5pm4s1ge5ELkewFuYpntvs-IIBlS4_fowhaFakuYcHFv30xYOywPejWbi9RJdOwJ6rJ3OnOTSJuhE9rcYPUb-UcB3KETAG0YSP/s320/spiderweb+munch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-52955690692534557652013-10-26T22:20:00.000-05:002013-10-26T22:20:00.578-05:00Halloween PartyThe monkeys and I had a costume party to attend at a neighbors house. She requested we all bring Halloween themed treats. She had mummy dogs, gummy worms, jack o'lantern quesadillas, punch with dry ice smoke, etc... Dadda monkey requested I try something we haven't seen on every Halloween food themed article we've seen. This is the<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/165507355029771870/" target="_blank"> pumpkin bundt cake</a> I attempted.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uzrMJGvuN2VVk4zv26mfWTVAgRN99TARRzi1qwIAhKQbJAvFIZvMoZkCqHvQiMAUmvy89nUCPJx20H8w6nzF_fyn_Ib400tw1T2U6ZNikKzbxsVIOxf0heMDJvNgn4zVzztZ12g99rbf/s1600/pumpkin+bundt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uzrMJGvuN2VVk4zv26mfWTVAgRN99TARRzi1qwIAhKQbJAvFIZvMoZkCqHvQiMAUmvy89nUCPJx20H8w6nzF_fyn_Ib400tw1T2U6ZNikKzbxsVIOxf0heMDJvNgn4zVzztZ12g99rbf/s320/pumpkin+bundt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I figured it was simple enough, two bundt cakes placed with their bottoms meeting in the middle, some orange frosting, and a green ice cream cone. We've been abnormally busy the past couple of weeks so I decided to take the easy route and buy spice cake mix and cream cheese frosting. Normally, I'd make them from scratch, in fact, at the same time I also bought pumpkin just in case I had time to try a new recipe I found. The green ice cream cones were quite elusive though, despite knowing we'd seen them before. I finally grabbed them at HEB hours before the party today.<br />
<br />
Time was still a major constraint for me and I thought we might have to go with half a pumpkin because I don't own two bundt pans so I couldn't bake both sides at once. One other thing to note is that I think the cake in this picture was baked in a smaller bundt pan because my cone didn't fit snugly in the center like this one. Lastly, I was able to get my two halves to meet together nicely only because I had<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AGO60I/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=mommy2-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B001AGO60I&adid=1D9DVA9424NENZ3XDTNG" target="_blank"> this trusty tool</a> on hand. It trimmed the bottoms perfectly and the halves sat flat on top of each other. All in all, this was a pretty easy Halloween treat to make.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQgcJSsLb_T6WLqe5KFfzWYCs4tn8bWhq9LEH7q_s8jg2-m1PBzsKH6hcTbwn_01cD2EpvX2oB9oCJx0ed9iH8iBxowFqiDZrfF3xgJgFGHNxf478Hl2BqSdmtcA2oUYi2_66f3Z39vnn/s320/slicer.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5930055594524006959.post-22012035069381182952013-10-23T12:20:00.000-05:002013-10-23T12:23:19.745-05:00Parent Teacher Conferences<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfVqasDGlS3UTGk0gD2EuU3dCEIJEf-VWc8-AW7fAPpVLJZZWxcaEddPUvBG1y-2nlFOJDpjuvHCGSSHo0UQvAryH8vEaDnYmPIwWjylMbbU5DofMwaMbEujUeInNc5Ux4ix7xaVkdYrH/s1600/kinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfVqasDGlS3UTGk0gD2EuU3dCEIJEf-VWc8-AW7fAPpVLJZZWxcaEddPUvBG1y-2nlFOJDpjuvHCGSSHo0UQvAryH8vEaDnYmPIwWjylMbbU5DofMwaMbEujUeInNc5Ux4ix7xaVkdYrH/s320/kinder.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Monkey girl just started kindergarten and tonight is our first parent teacher conference. We've had a few incidents since she started school, but I don't think that's out of the ordinary for kids just starting public school. There's a lot of new experiences, a large building to navigate, new teachers and classmates, a busy schedule for a full day (8-3), riding the bus, eating in a cafeteria, homework (oh gosh, the homework! It's supposed to be work for her, not me, right?!), etc... Mix that with a type A personality and I would think there's bound to be a few bumps along the way. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We've done our best (I think) to correct any issues that have cropped up and I'm hoping that tonight goes well. Monkey girl is smart, enthusiastic, curious, and social. Yes, I'm her Mom so I may be a bit biased. However, knowing her, I can see how it's hard for her to focus. Then again, as a friend pointed out those traits that may make school a bit difficult now also indicate she'll be a good leader.</span>Mommy 2 Monkeyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08764746022705965227noreply@blogger.com0