MarytheKaytheBlog

Biking for Inner-City Kids

 

At the end of September, our family is participating in a fundraising bike ride across the state of Maine to help raise money and awareness for Kids Across America Kamps.  If you read any of my posts this summer, you'll remember that we work at Kids Across America Kamps, and live on the camp grounds every summer.  I know I've shared some of the amazing things about living and working at an inner-city summer camp, but I've also shared some of the more difficult parts, too.  Working at a ministry for inner-city kids can be many things all at once--challenging, exhausting, thrilling, hilarious, heart-wrenching, frustrating, and life-changing.  Even with all of the mix of emotions that come with pouring your lives into a ministry, one feeling sums up all the other feelings: A blessing.

Photo credit: Bill McCoy

My husband and I consider it a blessing to have front row seats in watching kids' hearts and lives change within an 8-day term.  Oh, and it is by no means just us.  We are a small part of the full-time staff, and hundreds of college-age summer staff who join together with one purpose every summer:  To love kids to Christ.  At Kids Across America, we accomplish that goal with the platform of a sports camp.  Kids from inner-cities all over America ride buses to our camp, nestled in the middle of the woods in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, to become part of a sports camp experience--and unlike anything they've ever experienced!

 

Photo credit: Bill McCoy

I wish you could see their faces as these kids climb wearily off buses and into the throng of cheering, and crazy dressed-up summer counselors, all anxious to meet "their campers" for the next 8 days.  The kids step off the buses wide-eyed, some grinning ear to ear, and some looking around at the happy energy around them thinking, "WHAT have I gotten myself into???"

 

What they have gotten themselves into, is a summer camp that believes in the power of loving one kid at a time, meeting his needs, getting to know him, cheering him on to pursue dreams and living a life he never thought possible--and also helping equip his group leader so that when he does go home, he is not alone.  His group leader (we call them "Kaleos") is right there, on his hometown sidelines--continuing the cheering and encouraging that began at camp.  Our camp believes that one kid at a time--we can help change the inner-cities of America.

Photo credit: Bill McCoy

Our family has an opportunity to help continue that dream of loving one kid at a time to Christ--through Kids Across America's The Great Bike Challenge.  My husband and daughter have accepted the challenge to ride across the beautiful countryside of Maine, in order to raise money and awareness for Kids Across America Kamps.  They will be meeting that challenge on a tandem bike!  Our younger daughter and I will join in the fun by following all of the bikers in a support vehicle.

 

My husband and I are excited that our two girls are taking an active part in helping Kids Across America.  Our girls already live at camp all summer, and enjoy the benefits of living at a summer camp.  They get to see the grinning camper faces, hear the camper cheers, dance along at the crazy themed parties, watch as campers learn to work together in the Challenge Course, experience the same kind of trust our campers learn during the High Elements Ropes Course.  And most of all, they hear the bell ring throughout the summer.  The bell that signifies that one more camper's life has been changed--by becoming a Christian.

Photo credit: Bill McCoy

Our daughters understand the amazing things about Kids Across America.  They watch it happen all summer long, every summer. This Great Bike Challenge is their chance to BE A PART of helping Kids Across America continue.  To BE A PART of changing kids' lives.

Honestly?  The life-changing experience of Kids Across America Kamps is difficult to describe.  In lieu of more words, I'd rather show you just a little bit...

If you'd like to know more, please feel free to check out the Kids Across America website.  If you'd like to join the challenge in support of this ministry, click here.  Mostly, I just wanted to tell you about the summer camp that has meant so much to our family.  The place where we pour out our hearts with the hopes to change lives...and in return, our own lives get changed and enriched every single summer!

Towards the end of September, I'll keep you updated on our exciting bike ride across Maine.  Oh, did I mention we are driving to Maine?  Have you ever looked on a map and seen Missouri?  Yep, smack-dab in the middle of the U.S.  It'll be quite a drive to get there.  I'm sure you'll be hearing from me, too, in the looooong car drive across half of the country!  Until then--somebody's got some planning and packing to do!

 

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A Quick and Easy Way to Welcome a New Neighbor

Sometimes I wonder if my middle name should be "quick and easy."  But, upon second thought...that might send the wrong message!  And something about the blog name--Marythe quick and easy--er, probably would reach a demographic that wouldn't be looking for a blog full of recipes, organization tips, and family stories.

So just forget the whole quick and easy description.  It's NOT my middle name, and furthermore--my mom reads this blog.  So dangit, I can't even make the little joke I'm thinking of.  (Hi, Mom)

SO!  I wanted to show you the fast and simple (oh great, now I sound like a cheerleader)

Excuse me while I giggle at my lame jokes... 

Oh, come on, cheerleaders--lighten up.  It was just a little joke.  I promise to make some band jokes next time.

Now, where were we?  OH!  How to welcome a new neighbor...in a not slow and not difficult way.

We had new neighbors move in the other day, and to be really honest, I just didn't have it in me to welcome them their 1st day.  And I forgot about it their 2nd and 3rd days.  So, this weekend, I KNEW I needed to walk over and introduce myself.   I also wanted to take them a little Welcome to the Neighborhood treat.  I didn't have time to do anything elaborate.  But, what I DID have--was a box of Krusteaz Cinnamon Streusel Muffin mix.

Yeah, now that's MY KIND of easy!

So, I whipped up the dozen muffins...and...well...I needed to "test" one to make sure they were okay...

Nom nom nom...YUMMY! 

Now, I had to figure out a cute way to package them...

I didn't have a basket on hand, nor a cute linen napkin to line it...

But, what I DID have was a disposable square aluminum pan (recycle!!) and some pretty fabric.

I put the pan on top of the fabric, and cut a wide 3-inch border around it, using pinking shears.

I put in the muffins...oh, so sad that only 9 fit...whatEVER shall I do with the extra 3, I mean 2???

 
I took a blank 3"x5" notecard (I *heart* notecards!!!), and wrote a little message:

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

Love, Your new neighbors!

then I printed each of our family's names

and printed our home phone number at the bottom

 

Tonight, when my daughter and I delivered the muffins, I felt good about my little welcoming gift.  It really didn't take much effort or time--but I felt like it communicated a thoughtful and, you know--welcoming--message to our new neighbors. 

 

Question:  Has anyone ever brought you a Welcome gift or a Housewarming present?  I'd love to hear about it!!  I'm always on the lookout for new and inspiring ideas!

 

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Linky Dinks, Edition Let Me Entertain You

No, I DON'T have a dressed up, dancing monkey.  

 

Man, the standards for blogs these days is getting out of control.  I mean, seriously!  Pioneer Woman has her Basset and Dooce has her SuperMutt.  What have I got?

 

I need a dancing monkey, that's what!  A dressed up, dancing monkey.  Now, THAT would put me on the serious blogger map. 

 

The first blogger with a stylish dancing monkey.

 

I bet even Oprah would want to interview me.  Or at least my monkey Willard.

 

I wonder how much Willard would cost me? 

 

Or, even where would I buy a Willard?  I don't think PetsMart carries monkeys...

 

They do carry really cute hamsters that will run inside little clear plastic spheres.  That could be fun.  Little Bozo and Cheeks could chase each other around the house in their blue and pink spheres.

 

But, as cute as Bozo and Cheeks would be...they'd never be as fun as a dancing monkey.  Always back to that. 

 

Dang monkey.

 

Oh, hello!  I forgot you all were here...waiting to be entertained, right?

 

So sorry about that!

 

Ahem.

 

I haven't done Linky Dinks in a couple of weeks.  If I weren't so lazy, I could actually go back and calculate exactly how many weeks it has been.  But, nah.  You don't really even care, do you? 

 

Cause you're still thinking about Willard the monkey, aren't you?

 

Yeah, me too.

 

 And NOW for the list of Highly Entertaining Dinky Links, I mean Linky Dinks!!!

 

1.  Oh, you KNOW I am going to post one of Jon's newest, made me giggle out loud, Stuff Christians Like.  This one talks all about fancy pulpits and technology in the church.  And you HAVE to read some of the comments.  I nearly spit Coke onto my laptop reading some of the comments.

 

2.  Okay, I'll tell you what has been entertaining me this week:  My new cell phone!!  Except, is that redundant?  I guess nobody admits to buying a new LANDLINE phone.  Cell phones are all the rage these days, aren't they?  Oh, just what will they think of next, Martha? 

So, I have been entertaining myself by going cross-eyed looking at fun new Apps for my new Droid 10.  I never knew there were 9 other versions of the Droid...boy, they sure do improve things fast in the telephone world. 

 

3.  Oh, you don't have a Droid phone?  That must mean you are in one of those iPhone cults.  Just flash the apple logo, and you people get glazed eyes and start nodding your heads up and down.  It's creepy to us uncool people.  But, whatever.  Here are some apps--yes the Apple ones--go ahead and nod your heads.

 

Have I scared anyone away yet?  I'm feeling kind-of punchy tonight.  Sorry, it's just the weekend and all. 

 

For my last 2 links, I want to entertain you with some (as my Gram used to say) wahn-de-ful music.  Both of these singers (does that sound country?  Should I call them musicians??) are new to me.  Now, remember, I am very backwoods when it comes to sangers and their music.  But, I do know a good tune when I hear it. 

 

I think both of these sangers is so good, I'ma gonna purchase their records down at the KMarts.  Or, maybe online.

 

 Just the other day Kristen at We are THAT Family posted a link to Britt Nicole.  Wow, I was blown away.  Just like Kristen said, I want my daughters listening to music and lyrics like this.

 

 Have you heard of Josh Wilson?  Maybe I am the only one who is just discovering his amazing music.  I kept hearing an old friend of mine talk about her new son-in-law...  Okay, I didn't actually hear her talk... She wrote about him on Facebook.  But, what I am trying to say is that Josh and I are *like this.*  We are totally tight.  If I met him, I could tell his very cute wife that I knew her mama back before she was ever born, and how much I LOVED her mom and dad.  They're not dead or anything--I just never see them anymore.  They even sang a beautiful duet at my wedding.  So--see!  I'd have even something ELSE to chat with Josh about.  I wonder if Josh can sing "Cherish the Treasure" as good as Julie and Hess?  I bet not...

Anyway--you have to check out Josh on You Tube, or his official site.  While you're there, be sure to listen to 3 Minute Song--I love that one!  He has so many great songs...How do I just pick one to entertain you?? 

 

 

 Well, folks, that's all I've got for ya!  You know what that means...  It's time for the weekend!  Kick off your flip flops, lie back on the plaid couch, and see if your 3-year-old will feed you bon bons.

 

See ya next week!

Look Who's Got a Baby Sister!

 Oh, I think I SQUEALED when I saw this little darlin' in the grocery store recently!

Squealed, and rescued her into my grocery cart!

Isn't she just the cutest little thing ever?

 Coca-Cola has a new baby sister!!

And look!  She's practically a DIET Coke!  But, without the nasty that gives you weird tumors.

She's just the cutest little thing!

She just fits into the palm of my hand...

Shhh, come to Mama now...

(Oh, don't start planning my Intervention.  I can stop whenever I want.  Really.  Maybe tomorrow.  Cause you know...tomorrow IS another day...)

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Quick and Healthy Dinner for a Busy Weeknight

Now that school and extra activities are in full-swing, are you as out-of-breath as I am?  Wow.  I always say we're going to do less...but somehow, here we are busy again.

Just last night I made a really quick--and healthy--dinner for our family.  That's a DOUBLE score!!  I thought I'd share the idea with you, with the hope that you'll share some quick and healthy ideas with ME!

Here's an extra hint, for no extra charge:  I keep these ingredients on hand at all times.  That way, if I am on the computer too long one day  cleaning toilets too long one day, I can whip out this meal in no time flat!  And, cha-ching, it looks like I PLANNED this meal ahead of time...instead of threw it together last-minute.

Oh, you actually want to know WHAT the meal is???  Silly me.  I do get carried away, sometimes.

May I present to you, the Cheffiest of all Chefs, the Chef Salad:

Now, if your husband is like mine, and likes to quote the old lady at Wendy's, "Where's the beef?" then, let me assure you--this salad is much more CHEF than SALAD.  I'm not sure the picture does it justice. 

Here are the ingredients I keep on hand at all times to make this heavy-on-the-protein salad:

Bag 'o salad

Baby carrots (slice them for salads)

Tomatoes (I prefer the ease of grape or cherry tomatoes)

Cucumbers (if you like, and I do!)

Sharp cheddar cheese (please not the shreds--block is much better!)

Turkey/Ham  sandwich meat

Boiled eggs (the only "cooking" to do for this meal)

Bacon (okay, cook the bacon, too!)

The trick to making this salad appealing to the men in your house, is to make it heavy on the protein, and really pile it in an oversize bowl or plate.  I start by boiling eggs.  I boil 2 eggs/person.  I also slice my sharp cheddar in nice, thick pieces--and then slice crosswise fat matchstick-like pieces.  The fat cheese makes the salad so much yummier and heavier than those measly little shreds.  I also cut (or tear) big chunks of sandwich turkey or ham.  Remember--it's the meat in the salad that keeps the men-folk happy.  (I didn't have any bacon on hand last night, so I just put on extra turkey and cheese to make up for it.)

Picky eaters?

No problem!  I have one of those, too!  What I did for her last night was made a plate filled with little "bites."  I rolled up small pieces of turkey, and fastened with a toothpick.  I don't know what it is--but the toothpick makes most cuts of meat more appealing for my picky eater!  I also made a little pile of cheese matchsticks, carrot slices, 1 slice of cucumber for her to try, iceberg lettuce (she likes the white stuff), and topped it off with a boiled egg!  She was very happy with her toothpick-eating meal!

Okay, so you've made a Cheffy Chef Salad, and also a toothpick plate of yummies for your picky eater... Want another secret to really AMP THINGS UP ANOTHER NOTCH?

First of all, I need to know if you like Thousand Island dressing?  If you cannot stand the sight of it, then LOOK AWAY!  Do not read on, unless you want to get totally grossed out (my daughter's words.  Yep, she doesn't like Thousand Island.)

Did you know you can MAKE Thousand Island dressing at home?  Oh, yes you can!  Growing up, my mom always made homemade Thousand Island whenever we had chef salads for dinner.  (Thanks, Mom!)

Here is the centuries-old, super-secret recipe: 

Now, STOP JUDGING--I promise it's YUMMY!

This recipe is so super-secret, that I don't even have quantities for you.  Just a big spoonful of each'll do the trick (Ketchup, Miracle Whip, and sweet relish).  Mix her up, stick in your finger for a little taste-test, and add more of whatever you think.  It's that easy!  After making Thousand Island yourself--you will never again go back to the stuff in the jar!

Want to see the salad all dressed up and ready to go?  Here she is!

Ain't she a beaut, Marge?  (I cannot for the life of me remember what movie...?)

 

 

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South Dakota or Bust: Our Family's Roadtrip!

 
This past week our family went on a week-long roadtrip!  You know--since we work at a summer camp, our summer vacations are usually the first week or two of school.  No worries!  Since we have feet in both worlds of homeschooling and a homeschool academy, we just take textbooks along, and do homework in the car.  (I guess you could call that "carschool" or more specifically "minivanschool.")

This was no ordinary roadtrip.  This was an all-out South Dakota or Bust roadtrip!  Since we've been telling my parents for years how great South Dakota is, they joined us for this trip!  Yes, there were 6 of us in our Dodge Caravan.  And, yes, we still love each other.  Amazing, huh?

We did do lots of research beforehand, to help make this trip the best possible.  I thought I'd write a couple of posts outlining some of our favorite things.  Who knows?  Maybe one of these posts will inspire you to plan a South Dakota roadtrip.  I promise you won't be disappointed!

Today, I thought I'd give you an overview of our trip, a map of our roadtrip, and an itinerary, listing some of the highlights. 

First--here is the map of our roadtrip

 

View Larger Map

 

Here was our South Dakota  itinerary:

Friday - Drive to South Dakota, sleep at grandparents' house (in SD)

Saturday - (A-B) Drive across South Dakota on Hwy. 44 - through the Rosebud  Indian Reservation.  This is not an especially pretty drive...In fact, it is downright depressing.  But, we felt that part of understanding South Dakota's rich history, is understanding the plight of the Native American.  We had some really great conversations as we were driving this route.

Arrive in Wall, SD (B), just in time for dinner at the ever-famous, ever a tourist trap, Wall Drug Store!  Now, please understand that calling Wall Drug a tourist trap is like calling Disney World a tourist trap.  As long as you understand Wall Drug is filled with tourist trap shopping, then you can appreciate its quaint side--the side that is filled with hundreds upon hundreds of old photos and newspaper clippings, as well as a kids' outdoor paradise to run around, after being cooped up in the car all day.

Sunday - (B-C) Drive through, hike, and tour around the Badlands.  The Badlands are a national treasure.  I can promise you, you haven't seen anything like them!  Be sure to have plenty of water bottles and snacks in the car this day, so that everyone is hydrated and happy as you are hiking around.  Your kids will love you for letting them run around, and climb up the impressive mountains of dirt!

 

Sunday-Monday - (C) After a day in the Badlands, make the short drive into Rapid City, SD.  We stayed at the La Quinta, which was connected to the WaTiki Indoor Water Park.  Our girls literally squealed when we drove up and they saw the glassed-in waterpark! 
While in Rapid City, we saw some really great attractions.  I'll go into much greater detail in a post dedicated specifically to Rapid City.

Bear Country

Reptile Gardens

Storybook Island park

And, of course WaTiki Indoor Water Park

Tuesday - Wednesday - (C-D) Make the 30-minute drive to Keystone, SD (D)--home of Mount Rushmore!  Here are some of the things we did in Keystone:

 
Mount Rushmore (spent the day here)

Custer State Park

The Needles Highway

Walking tour of downtown Keystone

Panning for Gold

Rushmore Cave

Wednesday - Thursday -- (D-E) Drove East across the state to DeSmet, SD (E)--Homestead of Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Oh my word!  If you love the Little House on the Prairie books/t.v. show, then you HAVE to visit the town of DeSmet!  I have never found better tours, friendlier tour guides, or more hands-on exhibits!  This was a definite highlight for our entire family!  This is also where our family spent the night in a covered wagon!  What???  Oh, YES I did!  I'll dedicate a whole post to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead experience!  And, of course I'll post pictures of the adorable covered wagon where we camped out!

Friday - Drive to grandparents, and spend the afternoon resting, re-grouping, and repacking!

Saturday - Vacation's over!  Drive home.

Now, RAISE YOUR HAND if you want to take this trip yourself!!!

 

Three Cheers for South Dakota!

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Well, I guess that's it, then.

 

Did any of your kids start Kindergarten this year?  Or college...or junior high?  Or, maybe it's you that has reached a new milestone this year.  Maybe you've finally reached that salary mark you never thought you could attain (well, goodie for you, now be quiet about it!), or maybe you finally kicked a nagging habit.

 

If you have been a part of any milestones at all recently, then perhaps these words will resonate with you, as they do with me...

 

I found myself dropping off our baby girl at Kindergarten two weeks ago.  Wow, after all the years, all the struggles to get that child out of her terrible twos, then threes, then fours, help me will it ever let up??--finally she is growing up on us.  I cannot even begin to tell you the way this little girl has improved my prayer life--from her screaming middle-of-the-night reflux fits, to her middle-of-the-day just wants her way screaming fits.  Glory be--there is no middle ground with this child!  She laughs with the same abandon as she cries. 

 

Because our baby girl suffers real anxiety with change, we have been talking about Kindergarten for months.  With each purchase, we talked about what going to school would be like.  She got to pick out her own bright-colored backpack, as well as the purple and pink uniform shirts.  We let her pick out her new tennis shoes--all with the hope that she would feel empowered by all of her choices to start school.  We filled her new backpack with all the necessary supplies.  We packed her lunch with all her favorites, and even drew an "I *heart* U" on her napkin.

 

Everything was ready.  But, still, we (okay, just ME) worried that she wouldn't want to go to school.  She was so clingy during the Open House--how in the world would I get her out of the car in the morning?  How could I handle peeling her off me to leave her--in a strange place, with strangers surrounding her?  How??

 

Oh, I prayed a lot that night, and even the morning as soon as I woke up.  I prayed fervent, urgent prayers.  Mama prayers.  (I even prayed about her hair bow, for goodness sakes!)

 

And guess what?

 

My baby girl hopped out of bed, bright-eyed.  She couldn't wait to put on her little uniform and new tennis shoes.  She talked excitedly all morning, and giggled at her big sister who did not want to get out of bed.

 

When it was time to drop her off at school, she scooted out of the car, and walked in.

 

What???  WAIT A MINUTE!!!  Where is the drama, the tears, the clinging?

 

I was at a loss, as I stood to the side, and just took lots of pictures.  What else could I do?  My daughter was already sitting beside another little girl, already a part of her new class.

 
As all the short, little Kindergartners lined up to walk towards class, I gave my baby girl one last big grin and a wave.  She waved back, and turned back to her line, backpack in hand.

 

Behind me, I heard another parent tell her husband, "Well, I guess that's it, then."

 

And the tears welled up in my mama eyes as I turned around to walk out.  Yes, that's it.  My baby is growing up.  In the whirlwind of all the readying and talking and purchasing and praying, my baby girl turned a corner.  And I didn't even see her turn it!

 

Isn't that the way it is with all of our milestones?  We work and work and try and pray and sometimes cry a little...  And, all of a sudden--poof!  It happens.  Milestone reached, moving on to the next.  Sometimes, we don't even have time to catch our breath...or cry our tears...before that milestone is reached--and passed.

 

I know I need to celebrate the "Well, I guess that's it, thens"--especially this one.  But, first, I want to mourn its passing with a couple of tears before moving on.   And, after wiping away my tears, I want to be more deliberate.  I want to enjoy these passages, and not hope so much for the next milestone.  Oh, I know there will be difficult times ahead.  But, look at the stuff we've already survived--stuff I never could have imagined.  And, look!  Our baby turned a corner, and she's off at Kindergarten having the time of her life!

"Show me, O Lord, my life's end

and the number of my days;

let me know how fleeting is my life.

  

You have made my days a mere handbreadth;

the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Each man's life is but a breath.

Selah" 

-Psalm 39: 4-5

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Can't Blog: Busy Making Memories

If I told you where I am tonight, you wouldn't believe me. Heck, I barely believe it myself!

Okay, are you ready for this?

We are camping out under the stars...in a covered wagon.

Now, there's a sentence I've never written!

Since we're roughing it--well, there is obviously no wi-fi to blog. So, good ole ever-faithful Droid is helping me out once again.

We've taken tons of pictures of this adorable covered wagon (yes, I think it's adorable...but don't tell my husband! I didn't exactly agree to this in a happy-hearted way. More like through gritted teeth, and only so I wouldn't be the lame-o mom.)

I promise to tell you all about it next week, complete with the adorable pictures. For now, I'll just tell you that I'm sitting up in the bed inside the darkened wagon, my face lit by the screen of my phone. My husband and kids are already asleep. All I can hear is the swishing of the wind through the windows and the tiny pecks as I type the tiny keys. The stars are twinkling outside my window, and the campfire embers are still glowing.

So--no time to blog tonight--we're making memories. All 4 of us, and not a lame-o mom in the bunch!

The Night that the Lights Went Out...on my Internet Connection

Hello, all you computer savvy people of the world wide web. This is Marythe Can't for the life of her make this hotel wireless internet work tonight!!! (Insert tears and curse words here. But not bad curse words...maybe only a crap or two. Hehehe, she said crap, didn't she? This must be one of those edgy blogs like Dooce or The Blogess. Okay, I am giggling now...because I may possibly, hopefully show up on someone's search for those million hits an hour blogs...and then I'd probably be the cause of someone else's cursing. Because they wanted real edge--and not my make-up sounding fluff, albeit honest, little bitty blog. Does anyone have any idea what I'm even saying here? Well, that makes 2 of us.)

Wow, that's a lot of stuff in parenthesis, huh? This here is what we call "content." Can you say (making this up as I go) "content?" Very good!

So, what Ima tryin' tuce tella you people, is that after a beautiful night of wireless internet at this hotel last night...tonight ees no working. Even though the nice front desk clerk assured me (my husband, actually...I made him call) that their internet is workiing fine, just fine--ees no es workinga for me.

And, I had a very fun post all planned...all ready to link up using one of Mama Kat's writing prompts: Describe your childhood neighborhood. My working title was: The Madison Widow Ladies. I just know that title is riveting, and you are now crying your eyes out at the thought of not getting to read it...But rest assured. I am a stubborn ole gal. I will write that post if it's the last thing I ever do. As God is my witness my family will never. Be hungry. Again. Sorry--got a little carried away there in the potato field with Vivien Leigh.

Instead of a Cabana Boy this trip, I sure wish I had a computer expert to store in my suitcase... I bet it is something very simple that I am not doing to connect tonight... Like, not connecting the Pop3 blah blah to the Wanport blah blahgity blah blah. Which is exactly why I made my husband call the nice front desk guy...in case he asked any technical questions.

In closing, would anyone like to congratulate me on typing out this riveting bunch of nonsense on my teensy tiny Droid cell phone keyboard? My thumbs are totally cramping up right now from the teeny peck pecking, but you guys are totally worth some measley thumb cramps. It's too darn bad I don't get paid to write this blog...because I could totally claim Workman's Comp on the crampy thumbs.

Goodbye for now, my dearests. I love ya all with the sincerest affection, and good old fashioned knuckle-bumps. In case you don't already know, I'm not one for much friendly prolonged hugging. So, to love me is to love the knuckle bump.

Sending affectionate bumps your way...Until we can once again meet in the World Wide Web...And now...let's check out this hotel's HGTV or Food Network...

My Favorite Fall Snack

 

Okay, I know it's not technically Fall yet.  But, a girl can wish, can't she?  School has started, football has started, September is right around the corner--so my brain is thinking FALL!!!

 

We all know what Fall means, don't we???

 

Why, it means Candy Corn, of course!!  Raise your hand if you can't eat just one candy corn.  Unfortunately...both my hands are raised.

 

One of my favorite Fall snacks combines Candy Corn with dry roasted peanuts.

  
 
Oh my heavens--my mouth is watering just thinking about it!  And guess what it tastes exactly like?  A Payday bar--only BETTER!!  Oh, but how do you make it?  Mix equal parts of both, and store in a ziploc bag.  Well...store the part that's left...if there is any! 

 

(Go ahead and call me a snob...but, I'm sorry--Brach's makes the best Candy Corn hands-down...and Planters Dry Roasted Peanuts are my favorites.  No, no, no--they didn't pay me to say that.  I am just telling you the truth in love.)

 

Payday Mix is also a favorite traveling snack for our family.  A handful of this mid afternoon on a long car trip just does the trick!

 

Oh, and so I don't get myself in trouble--I should give all credit and adulation for this AMAZING Fall snack to my friend Dawn!  If it weren't for Dawn introducing our family to Payday Mix, I just don't know where we'd be today.

 

Do you have a favorite Fall snack?  I'd love to hear about it!!!  Or--even a traveling snack!  Our family has a really cool bicycle trip this Fall through Maine.  I'd love to hear about some great snack foods for the car ride.

 

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