Wordless Wednesday - Dressing Up

Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show

After you've seen a couple snowfalls, after Christmas has come and gone, after you've exhausted just about every indoor activity you can think of, winter kind of stinks.

I'm feeling like I've been stuck inside for far too long.

Which is why I'm so excited to be taking my family OUT! Next weekend, we're going to the Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show. As part of the audience, we'll help Mickey in his talent search to find the coolest acts around. We're planning to sing, dance, and bounce around during this show! And we won't be alone - Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Buzz, Woody, Tigger, and Cinderella will be there, too!

Feld Entertainment has provided the tickets for my family. In addition, they've provided a 4-pack of tickets to the Saturday, February 20th (6:30 PM) show for me to give away! To enter, just leave a comment on this post about what you do to beat the winter blahs. You must comment before 5:00 PM on Thursday, February 11th. Also, be sure to leave me your email address. I'll choose a random winner Thursday night and post their name on Friday.

If you don't win, you can still get a discount on tickets you purchase! Use the code MBLOG to receive your tickets for $18 - a savings of up to $13! (Additional service charges, facility, and handling fees still apply.)

Performances are at Chaifetz Arena at the following dates and times:
Saturday, February 20th - 12:30, 3:30 & 6:30 PM
Sunday, February 21st - 1:00 PM

I hope to see you there!

Wordless Wednesday - His Smile

Hot Wing Dip

Once upon a time, I didn't care about the Super Bowl. Sure, it was a time to eat too much junk food and have a few drinks with friends. But I would have rather watched something else.

Then I got a job at Anheuser-Busch. And because my department was part of Marketing Research, I worked on Super Bowl Sunday. All night, in fact, until the sun rose Monday morning. There was food, and beer if I recall, and the game playing on the projection screen in the conference room. It had the makings of a party, but it was no doubt work. After the game ended, we spent the rest of the night compiling consumer feedback on our ads. It was always exciting, our night to shine. But I missed watching the Big Game with my friends and family.

So I no longer take Super Bowl gatherings for granted. I love crowding around the television, rooting for my team. I love the trash talk. I love giggling whenever they say "tight end." Of course, my favorite part is still the commercials.

And here is a dip worthy of any party this Sunday.

Hot Wing Dip
2 lb. boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
12 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. ranch dressing
1 c. Frank's Hot Sauce
16 oz. shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together and bake for 20 minutes. Serve with celery and tortilla chips.

Enjoy!

Lisa hosts Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays over at Blessed with Grace. Visit her for more yummy recipes!

Sowing the Seeds of Love - Day 1

With Valentine's Day less than two weeks away, we're starting to get crafty. Evie and I have lots of fun things planned - heart wreaths and garlands, a Valentine mouse, sun catchers, tissue paper hearts, and marble painting. But we kicked things off yesterday with something we've never tried before... growing grass.

It's simple. First, we cut a heart shape from a sponge. We moistened the sponge and sprinkled it with grass seeds. Then came the best part for Evie - gently spritzing the seeds with water from her spray bottle. Finally, we covered the sponge with plastic wrap, just until the seeds sprout.

We'll spray the seeds with a bit of water each day, and practice patience, waiting for the grass to grow. By Valentine's Day, Evie will have a grassy heart she can "mow" with scissors! We can't wait to share the results with you in a few weeks!

Beauty in the Ordinary

I live very ordinary days. There isn't much sophistication in my life right now. I cook meals, clean the house, change diapers, play with my children. But even though my days aren't filled with glamor, they are full of beauty.

Yesterday I looked out the kitchen window and watched as huge, fluffy flakes of snow fell. The air was full of feathery bits, and it was a wonder to behold.

Sometimes when I feed Ethan in the dim light late at night, his chubby fingers reach for my face. During our afternoon dance parties with Evie, he lets out peals of laughter. When I wash dishes, I often put him in the bouncy seat on the kitchen counter where he coos to me, little conversations. Such sweetness is in that tiny voice.

Evie has the biggest smile you will ever see. It brings out her hidden dimple, lights up her face. She is full of music, constantly singing under her breath. She surrounds herself with pretty things - things that are pink and shiny. Things that sparkle, like her. And her voice saying "I love you, Mommy," has to be one of the most beautiful things on this Earth.

Tuesday, when Evie woke up from her nap, she said "It smells beautiful in here." It did; her favorite pot roast was simmering away, filling our house with savory smells.

There is beauty in answered prayers from my loving God. And sometimes, there is even beauty in the unanswered prayers.

There is beauty in my milky coffee with hazelnut syrup. In a gleaming floor I just mopped myself. In a shaft of sunlight falling on the carpet. In a watercolor picture from my daughter. In a phone conversation with my sister. In a look from my husband. In a bead of sweat from a good workout. In sharing laughter with friends. In my mother, waiting to hear her PET scan is clean. In the still quiet of nap time.

Especially in winter, the gray can take over. Sometimes, you just have to look closely at your life to see the beauty. And oh, I live a beautiful life.

Wordless Wednesday - The Princess' Birthday Party