Where in the World...

is Rainforest Frogger today?

Let's see... visiting the Animal Kingdom.

(author's sidenote-- this is an incredibly gorgeous place-- and the most we will ever experience it. A stay here would sadly cost a large chunk of the lottery winnings that we don't play. But, it is an awesome place to see! sigh...)

Just hanging around. Lookin' for some company from the Savannah. Snitching some juice from this crazy lady's glass. Ah-- but not just any juice-- it's jungle juice from the BOMA restaurant. If you can't stay at the resort, dine in one of their restaurants for a taste of the Savannah. What a YUMMY breakfast experience-- makes ya think you really are in Africa-- lots of American fare, plus African specialties. Geez--- you'd think all this family does is eat! Celebrating birthdays with this little girl. Beating on African drums. Escaping the Yeti on Mount Everest. Which, by the way, a certain little 6 year old thinks is the most awesome ride invented-- but she can't make it through the 'Dinosaur' ride. Deciding if I just want to go back to my roots-- look close on big brother's head. Come ON guys! Find my final resting place so I can be found!

where has mr. rainforest frogger been today?

Dear Granola Girl's family,

Here is an update on my travels today. I started out with an incredibly yummy breakfast at our first night's hotel stay.

Although, I'm not too sure this man was all that thrilled on sharing his manly Mickey Mouse waffle. Guess he decided it was OK to share because he carried me on to Hollywood Studio's. It was cold. And wet. And cold-- did I mention it was a bit chilly? But that's OK-- because I do want to come visit the snow sometime soon. This is me on the main street of Hollywood Studio's. The wife of the man pictured above thought she had a really neat photo of Mickey's Sorcerer Hat in the background, but she really can't take photos very well. Look hard, I really am in that tree.

We all enjoyed the new Toy Story Mania ride. And I have to say-- the woman who's trying to take these pictures isn't a very good gaming gal either. Every one of her children beat her scores. That's pretty bad.

I must ask you to forgive this family's unconscious eating. But, the gigantic turkey legs were too much for these little children to resist. And like their father, they aren't too keen on sharing. Especially this little boy. I promise to make much better food choices if you will just bring me to your home.After we worked up another appetite, we found our way to our next dining reservation-- Ohana at the Polynesian resort. WOW! We weren't expecting much, but it was a never-ending Polynesian feast of incredible food. I must note here that the food was not vegetarian in nature. Man, can this family eat! (Side note from the author-- seriously-- this is a YUMMY place with a neat atmosphere if you like meats--) We had a super special treat when we found we could view the Magic Kingdom's wishes fireworks right from our table- complete with the music-- beautiful!

Here, I'm just hanging around-- dreaming of a Polynesian vacation of my own. I must hop away for now. The lady who can't take pictures very well is falling asleep, so until I find a place you will find me, good night ~

Love,

the Rainforest Frogger

Granola Girl, I need your help.

Dear GranolaGirl and family,

I've escaped the Rainforest Cafe and I need your help.

I know it gets cold where you live, but I need to leave the monsoons here.

Please find me and bring me home with you. As I hop around searching for you, I'll be sure to leave you a few clues to help find me.

Love,

The Rainforest Frogger

I Know.

I'm not complaining. I know it's winter time. I know it snows. I know there will be ice storms.

I know it's beautiful. A magical wonder of sorts.

Even my happy husband as he's cleaning the car agrees. Right honey? But-- this is not beautiful. The grey, cruddy, slushy, dirty, ugly mess. And that's why, I prefer this.

M..I..C.........see ya real soon. K...E...Y.............why? Because we like you. M.O.U.S.E!!! Can y'all warm it up a little down there too??

too fast

Everyone with children always says 'they grow up SO fast!' It's true- they really do. Little Elizabeth and Lydia competed in their first karate tournament, along with big bro Elisha. What a mean looking group of kids-- ;)

They didn't win, but never lost their spirit! What fun it is to watch them grow up! And I can now see why parents get so riled up at their children's sporting competitions- LOL!

ShowDown

It's not just a Superbowl-- it's a showdown. Between newly merged Pheonix-based West Coast USAirways and East Coast USAirways. It'll be one fun (or maybe tense) SuperBowl Sunday at work~ The picture says it all :)

Why do we love our Steelers?

Some have asked why we love our Steelers~ just in case you're wondering~

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=4328974

for my family in the desert

This post is especially for my western family :) -and please excuse my poor snow-photo capabilities :(

Journey through the pine trees into a land like Narnia~

Kiddo's were ready for play in 1 1/2 feet of snow~ Unfortunately, the temperature was dangerously cold, so play could only last a few moments~

But with Gma's fresh cookies awaiting, that's A-OK!

And just a few moments of snow play make for very sleepy children!

How to stop wasting time...

on facebook. Just in case you're one of those people, (and I am, but do pretty well keeping the minutes quite brief) here are some tips:

http://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Wasting-Time-on-Facebook

Yes, I'm guilty of a few minutes here and there-- just think how quickly those minutes can add up :)

Appreciate!

After spending the last 2 days on a jury, I've come to realize that I am a very naive person. I've seen all of the Law and Order shows, but they were very far from my life. I now realize I no longer need to watch any of those episodes, for they all happen just a few miles from my home. That's a dark thought, and one not easily erased from the mind.

I determined today to banish the episodes from my mind and look again for the good in people. Even though evil exists, so does righteousness. Even though there are dirty cops and lawyers, there are many more working for good. I appreciate them and all of the work they do so much more. I appreciate my children and am reminded that now matter how bad things may appear, they are truly a miraculous blessing.

And I appreciate that it's not every day planes fall from the sky and people walk from the water unscathed. No matter what, there are still miracles all around. Go hug your children and spouse now. Appreciate them. :)

Happy almost mid-week to you!

Just stopping in to say Hi! Hope your week is going well for you! I'd love to post some neat things that have been going on at home, but sadly, I've missed out and haven't been around. Two words. Jury. Duty. When I can get the scoop on Daddy playing his awesome role of SUPER-Dad, I'll let ya know all about it :)

First Order

For our local readers-- our first Good Apples Home Delivery arrived today:

The packaging was exceptional- and it's great to know they'll recycle the boxes and gel packs. Even greater~ I shopped in my pj's sipping tea and watching International Dance Competition. There was one broken yogurt container~ I think the pineapple squished it, but thankfully they wrapped the yogurt in plastic so it didn't make a mess. I'll say no more about it, and apologize if I've bored you-- it's just that anything that makes life simpler around here is pretty exciting for us :)

Little Helper

Is there anything more precious than your little guy, as excited as can be, just because he gets to help Daddy vacuum dead leaves?

Good Apples Update

For anyone interested in the previous Good Apples post, I just placed my first 'at home' delivery from Good Apples and they have given me a 'Pass It On Code' for anyone I refer. If you use the code, you get a $2 coupon, plus the ability to earn more, as well as me-- so it's a win-win :) Here it is- just place the code at the end of your order:

Your Good Apples PASS IT ON Code is: gnm1d2

Thanks! Have a great week!

Here's the fine print about the program:

Pass It On Discount Program With Pass It On, you can earn money to spend on all your favorite Good Apples products. Here's how it works: Give your Pass It On Code to ANYONE eligible to order with us (existing or new customers welcome). They can use it as a coupon during checkout to receive $2 off their order of $10 or more. You may pass your code to as many friends as you like. When your code is used by an existing Good Apples customer, you’ll earn a $2 Good Apples credit after their order is delivered. When your code is used by a first-time customer, you get an extra dollar for a total of $3 in credits. Get five (5) or more first-time customers to use your code and earn an additional $5.00 credit. This means you can earn a total of $20 for bringing five new customers to Good Apples! Likewise, you can use a friend's PASS IT ON code for a one-time savings of $2 off an order of $10 or more. You can use one (1) PASS IT ON code per order provided that the code IS NOT your own and you have not used the code previously. This promotion will be available for a limited time.

Places We Go

We live in a changing world that is at our finger-tips. As a parent, some days you just need to know you aren't alone, and there are many more out there going through the same struggles you may be. Some days you might need some fresh ideas and inspiration. Here are a few of the favorite blogs and websites we love to visit~

For Simple Living and Godly Inspiration:

Cultivating Home - from which I've found many other inspiring sites- thank you Hannah!

Plain Old Kristi

Little Cabin in the Woods

For Healthy 'Raw Food' and 'Not So Healthy' Inspiration:

Raw Food Tulsa

Raw Fu

The Sunny Raw Kitchen

Kristen's Raw

Cream Puffs In Venice

Taste and Tell

Homeschooling, Children, and Hobbies:

Best Kids Games Online

Home and Family Values

The Crafty Crow

Hair Today

Blue Yonder

Pioneer Woman Photography

Posie Gets Cozy

Homeschool Freebies

From great friends:

Granola Girl

AmFann

God's Grace With Anna

Simplify with Good Apples

With an active family of 7 members, we're always looking for ways to simplify life. When Mark was working (actively- lol!) his company teamed up with a service called Good Apples. We grocery shopped online, and they delivered the order weekly to his building. No lines, hassle, or extra gas money spent. Prices were reasonable, and they offered a 200% guarantee. I had some bad produce in my order one week, called them, and they immediately returned double my retail price of the produce- no questions asked.

If it's not available where you work, Good Apples has now started home delivery- at a minimal delivery charge. If your order is over $60, they charge $7.95 for delivery. Since we have no trouble reaching that amount, the money saved on gas and time gained by not traveling to the store, it's a no-brainer. I'm all for shopping from home at my convenience! All produce is from Pittsburgh's Strip District- and they carry products made from the local stores there as well. Delivery includes many states-- check it out- it could be a great time-saver for you this new year!

Good Apples

Oh yeah-- almost forgot. Every 4 orders, they'll send you a prepaid mailer to send in the delivery boxes for recycling and reuse. No extra waste in packaging.