Peru day 1

Here's a little bite and some photos from day one and two of my Peru trip with the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership Class. We spent the day one at the U.S. Embassy then toured a flour mill. Wheat is imported into the country.

Here's a little bit about day two, a grape farm near Chincha Alta.

Happy Valentine's Day, Sponge Bob

When I was little, Valentine boxes consisted of cutting out two hearts and stapling them together. Today, it's a contest of who can make the best box. And I love contests. here is Kaci's Sponge Bob box. We made it using felt and some creativity by my husband, John.

Brett wanted a football field box. We tried to reconstruct the K-State field, complete with goal line markers. We used an orange pixie stick straw for the goal line, felt for the field and pipe cleaners for the goal posts. 

Proven winners - old costumes are good costumes

Sometimes it's best not to mess with proven winners.

I had been racking my brain for what my children could dress up as for the annual Gypsum Fall Fest Halloween costume contest. They are 5 and they've won the past three years.

But I have to admit I just couldn't think of anything. So i dug into my parents closet for a couple old costumes that already had won the annual event - 30-plus years ago.

The first is Oscar. The Grouch, that is. My mom handcrafted the costume when I was 5. They stuck me in an old trash can and I wheeled around the old city auditorium - clinching the first prize that year.

There there is Snoopy - a costume that is probably 45 years old. My mom had sewn it first for my brother. Then I wore it as the Red Baron, pedaling a bicycle that she had turned into a red World War I flying machine.

It, too, was a winner.

Why mess with success?

Brett took first as Snoopy, but instead of a bicycle, my husband, John, built her a doghouse. Snoopy actually flies on doghouse, after all. John told her to wave to the crowd, but she wouldn't let go - until they announced her as the winner. Note the top picture, she's clapping for herself ...

Kaci, her twin, took second as Oscar. I found a old trashcan I had used for target practice - stuffing the bullet holes with dirty socks and banana peels.

Jordie was a mouse in a mousetrap. She took third in her age group - which has caused me to learn a valuable lesson - it's best not to take ideas off the Internet. Seems everyone saw this idea. But no worries, she still is a cutie. My dad built this contraption based on a Victor mousetrap. I'm thankful he is a carpenter!

Third day of school, second day battle scars

Little Brett hasn't gotten in a fight, to my knowledge at school.

Not yet, anyway.

But she did come home Friday with a scrap on her face and by her lip, along with some other cuts after she fell on a clump of growing weeds in the middle of the school track during racetrack recess.

She's fine, of course.The photos are from the start of the third day of school on Monday.

 

First day of Kindergarten

Brett and Kaci, age 5, Aug. 16, 2012.

I remember my first day of Kindergarten well - a school bus pulled up to our home in the small town of Gypsum. I got on, waved to my mom and didn't blink a tear.

Today it was my turn. My husband and I walked my twin girls to school. While we blinked back tears, they smiled with excitement.

I gave them the talk yesterday in preparation. Don't talk to strangers, even if it is Santa. The same goes for the Easter bunny. Don't wear other people's clothing and hats - we don't want head lice. Please listen to your teachers, even if you don't listen at home. No, Kaci, we won't get you a motorcycle to drive to school.

I love them so much. I can't believe five years of their life has already passed. I can't let the next five go by so quickly.

Knowing I was feeling blue, my friend Kathy gave me some words of encouragement.

"At least they aren't in boarding school. You wouldn't see them until Thanksgiving."

 

If you haven't seen it, McDonald's had a coupon for a free Cherry Berry in this week's Hutchinson News. The coupon was in Saturday's Parade section and Sunday's magazine, as well.

There is also a coupon for $1 off any McCafe Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Frappe or Real Fruit Smoothie with same expiration date.

Pinterest post of the week - coasters

I saw this on Pinterest - a craft idea perfect for gifting!

DIY coasters! I think grandparents might love these. Check out the link to the photo coaster project, and when the holidays near, I'll post my attempt at these crafts.

http://leelala.net/2011/02/diy-tile-coasters/