Friday, January 30, 2009

The Fun of Cookies

I don't drown my sorrows; I suffocate them with chocolate chip cookies. ~Author Unknown


Making cookies can be fun for all ages! My 22month old son had so much fun helping me make cookies today. He stood on a chair as I measured and then he got to pour the ingredients in the bowl. When I got the mixer out he wasn't too sure about it, but he came around. The cookie making process took twice as long but it gave my son a memory that will last a long time.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Grandma Leeth's


Need a break but don't want to pay big bucks for a sitter? Grandma Leeth's in Cedar Hills is the place to go! Your child gets to play in a child environment while you sit in an adult atmosphere. All the while windows peeking into their world lets you see the fun they're having. They can sit with you and eat or sit at a table in the kids area and get a book read to them while they enjoy their food.
We visited during a week day, my son had a blast, while I got some crafting done.
When it was time to eat he didn't eat much. He was just having too much fun playing with all of the fun toys. Once we got into the car he gobbled up the delicious food.
We have been to Grandma Leeth's on one other occasion and I had a lovely dinner with my husband. We had a great time watching our son play and were able to carry on an adult conversation with no interruptions. We want to go on Saturday night when they have jazz playing and bring along some of our other friends that have kids.
For more information and directions, visit their website: www.grandmaleeths.com

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Family Wall

Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future. ~Gail Lumet Buckley

To help my son transition into his "big boy" bed, I put pictures up next to his bed. I wanted to make it safe, durable and long lasting. You could use stickers, art projects, flash card and anything your heart desires.

You'll need the following material:
  • Roll of clear contact paper
  • Scissors
  • Colored card stock
  • Clear packing tape*
  • Your choice of decoration*
  • Mono adhesive*
*Not shown in picture.

First step is to plan out your project; color coordinate your pictures (I printed pictures out on regular printer paper) with your card stock, where you want it to go on the wall, how big or small you will want to print out your pictures, how you'll want to arrange them.

Take mono adhesive and attach picture to card stock. You won't need much.

Layout your design and measure out how much clear contact paper you'll need. The cont
act paper has a tape measure on it. You'll want to be sure to leave enough around edges to stick to the wall.

Cut as much as you'll need. Pick up and lay photos to the side. Lay contact paper down stick side up. Carefully peel backing off. Take care to touch sticky side as little as possible. It is tricky but once laid out it should be lying flat on your work surface.

Place your photo's face down on to the contact paper lightly (in case you need to rearrange). Once in place smooth back side of card stalk.

Using packing tape stick a few loops on to the back of the card stock to help keep pictures on wall.


Take project to destination. Starting with the middle of your project, carefully smooth on to wall.

Put a strip of packing tape on all sides of contact paper. Keeps little fingers from peeling off contact paper.

Last, take a step back and watch the children enjoy the family wall!




Monday, January 26, 2009

Happy Panda in Aloha


This weekend we visited one of our favorite restaurants, Happy Panda in Aloha on 185th and Walker. I've been going to this restaurant with my mother since I was 6. They have lunch combos and great family style dinning for dinner.

My step daughter recommends the orange chicken and steamed pot stickers for the kids. They have kid chop sticks if requested, with a little paper and a rubber band they're made easy to use.

If you're lucky you live close enough to get this wonderful food delivered, if not they take orders for pick ups. For a full menu, prices, order online or directions: www.happypanda.com

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Out of this World Pizza


Today we went to Out of this World Pizza In Hillsboro. What fun! There where things for my Nearly 2 year old son and my 7 year old Step daughter to do. There is a special area for kids under 5. Lots of couches for Parents to take a seat and relax. I wish I was a kid again!

They have pizza, salad, bottomless drinks and Ice cream. The staff members are safety conscious, well mannered and helpful. There are rooms available to rent for special occasions. It is a great place for birthdays, let the kiddos eat cake and wear off the sugar running around.

Get directions and more information to there wonderful place here: Out of this world Pizza