A Beautiful Day at the Zoo

Last Thursday we packed up 3 Moms AND 17 KIDS and went to the Zoo!  We had a great time - things were a little hectic at times (I did tell you we had 17 kids with us right???)  and I still can't fully feel my legs but besides that it was lots of fun!

We went to the National Zoo in Washington, DC.  We saw all kinds of critters, I was bummed that I didn't get to see my favorite animal, the Sloth, but the Puking Monkey (I will be kind and spare you the details!)totally made up for it!  We saw the king of the jungle, a zebra's behind, 3 elephants and a baby octopus!

Two things that enhanced our trip a bit was that we had our handy dandy Zoo Guide from AIG with us and we did some really cool Zoo Scavenger Hunts!

A few pics from our day....

These were taken on the way to the Zoo, about 10 minutes after my younger daughter got sick in the car.  Always a great way to start a field trip.  Praise God for peppermint oils!

My kids trying to wake the tiger.  He was one lazy tiger!  He lifted his head long enough for me to take a picture, then decided he'd had enough and went back to sleep.

The king of the jungle, wouldn't want a close encounter with this guy, he was huge!

We really enjoyed the reptile house.  Little Boy Blue wanted to hit the little turtle and ride the big one!

Some of the kids learning about frogs.

I didn't get a picture of everyone, there are 8 kids missing.

The kids all worn out!

This is my lovely friend, who almost deserves a post all her own, LOL!  I evidentially

 wasn't enough fun for her so she decided to entertain herself by taking pictures of herself on the way home.  I decided to post the least goofy pic of the bunch!  Everyone needs a friend like this! 

Menu Plan Monday

Ok, I am going to just admit here and now I have TOTALLY been slacking in the menu department.  I used to take a stack of my cookbooks, sit, relax and ponder over what to make for the next week or two.  Now it's like menu plan and grocery list done in 5 minutes flat!  To be honest I don't think anyone over here really cares, LOL!  My husband could seriously care less if I ever tried a new recipe, he is content with standard meat and potato fare or plain old junk food.  He could exist on Hamburger Helper, Beef Ravioli (from a can of course), Hot Pockets and those microwaveable Pizzas that you can usually get 10 for $10, if I let him. LOL!

Not real sure what my problem has been.  I think I have just been a little lazy lately (wow, did I really just admit that).  Haven't really felt like cooking much, usually I really enjoy it.  I guess it is just one of those slumps, maybe it is just the warmer weather?? 

Maybe firing up the grill would be a good idea for next week.  Anyone have any good grilling  or new
spring-y recipes?

Here is my slacker style menu for the week...

Monday:
Grilled Chicken Salads

Tuesday:
Breakfast Night - Pancakes, Eggs, Bacon and Cantaloupe

Wednesday:
Hoagie Night w/ Salt & Pepper Chips, Raw Baby Carrots and Fruit Salad

Thursday:
Pasta salad w/ Chicken

Friday:
Mushroom, Cheddar Buffalo Burgers (from Joe's) & Dogs w/ Corn & Strawberries

Saturday:
BBQ Chicken Legs w/ Mashed Sweet Potatoes & Carrot (yes together and yes the kids ate it!) and Mixed Veggies

Sunday:
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup w/ Green Veggie

Grace Unmeasured

by Bob Kauflin

Grace unmeasured, vast and free
That knew me from eternity
That called me out before my birth
To bring You glory on this earth
Grace amazing, pure and deep
That saw me in my misery
That took my curse and owned my blame
So I could bear Your righteous name


Grace paid for my sins
And brought me to life
Grace clothes me with power
To do what is right
Grace will lead me to heaven
Where I’ll see Your face
And never cease
To thank You for Your grace


Grace abounding, strong and true
That makes me long to be like You
That turns me from my selfish pride
To love the cross on which You died
Grace unending all my days
You’ll give me strength to run this race
And when my years on earth are through
The praise will all belong to You.


This is a beautiful song!

The Flip Along Fun Winner Is....

Champion Builders (who has a real cute blog BTW)!  Congrats!

I just want to tell you that we are real scientific in the way we pick our winners.  Usually, I use Random.org but not tonight.  Instead this is how I did it...

Me:  (yelling at up the steps)  Hun! (wait 30 seconds)  H-U-N!-!-!

The Husband: W-H-A-A-A-T! 

Me: Come here, please!  (I think I said please)

The Husband:  What??!

Me:  Pick a number between 1 and 16. 

The Husband: 11

Me: Great, Thanks!


For those of you that would like a copy of Flip Along Fun, Mike Dowling (the author & publisher) has extended his $3.00 discount and has an another exiting giveaway! Don't forget to ENTER COUPON CODE X-02 to get the discount.

Here are the details from the email he sent me:

• The person ordering Flip Along Fun will receive a discount of $3 per book! (That reduces the price from $17.95 to only $14.95.)
• One lucky person (it could be one of your readers - or even you!) will win a $100 shopping spree at http://www.underthelamb.com/, the site for high-quality, traditional toys, books, and stacking blocks!
• Every person who buys a copyof Flip Along Fun using your coupon code will receive 5 (five)chances to win $100 of toys and books from http://www.underthelamb.com./

Don't Forget About the Flip Along Fun Giveaway!

Just didn't want you all to forgot that I am doing the drawing for the Flip Along Fun Book tomorrow (Wednesday).  You don't want to miss out on this one, it REALLY is a great book for your child or as a gift.

If you haven't already entered you still can!