T Ball and Hitting Videos

Because I am a TBall MiMi, I have to share some videos and a story behind them.  My grandson has been playing TBall for three years.  This is his best year yet, all the training and practicing over the years is really playing off and his coaches are beyond impressed with his playing skills.  He wanted to hit better, so we looked for some "hitting videos" on Youtube.  I found one that he LOVES, and I will share the link in case you are also searching for something easy for your TBaller to learn from.  Literally OVERNIGHT it changed the way he hits.  The first night after watching this video and practicing he hit three home runs.  He has had a least a home run hit at every game since then!!  Here's the video of  my grandson, and yes, he has his whole fan club hollering for him!!  I get so tickled, look at the opposing teams coach in the right hand side of the screen after he hits the ball!! I also love watching everyone jumping up and down along the fence as they run :))We all love this little boy!!

 

Here's the video from this last Tuesday night, I can't believe I ran out of memory midway through his home run "run"...but you can see him hit anyway!

 

 

 

 

 

Here's the link to the YouTube video:

 

This is one of the best videos I have ever seen and I will be forever grateful to Ken Van Bogaert for making it so easy for the little ones to understand!!

 

Handprints On The Wall

I had to smile this morning as I was cleaning the bathrooms in our home.  For some reason my grandson always puts his little hand on the wall before he gets in the bathtub each night.  He is six.  Because he is six, his hand has usually been in the dirt, catching baseballs, petting dogs, etc...so there is a perfect dirty handprint on the wall.  Every time I wipe one off, a new one will appear in a few days.  I found this poem, describes him pretty well!!  :))

 

MY HANDS

 

These little hands can wave hello

or put smudges on the wall.

They can fold in prayer

throw a kiss or

reach up when I say "so tall".

They will clasp your hand for an autumn stroll,

Or shape a dinosaur from clay.

But most of all, they will stay with you

when I'm grown and far away.

Sea World San Antonio 2013

What a great "mini vacation" I have had with my oldest daughter and grandson at Sea World this Spring Break!  We had some free days "mid week" and thought we would come spend a day visiting this larger than life tourist attraction!!

 

I want to share some of my favorite photos and some good advice on what to do and not to do when you go there!!

 

We bought our tickets online!  I would highly suggest doing that.  When you get to the park it's much easier to just sail right in with "pre purchased" tickets than having to stop and wait in line.  I went to a website called Retail Me Not to look for discounts to add while purchasing the tickets.  By doing this we saved 25% on our one day tickets.  Just type in Sea World. 

 

I would also suggest to buy the Shamu's Preferred Parking.  I think it was $10 more.  We did and when we were leaving last night we were SO HAPPY to only have to walk two rows out to get to our car instead of hiking a half a mile back to the car. 

 

We also bought the ALL DAY DINING for everyone that was with us.  That's a HUGELY great idea.  It seems a little pricey at first, but when you get there and see the prices on the menus, and when you are there from daylight till late at night, it's TOTALLY WORTH IT!!  You get an entree, a side or dessert, and a drink.  If you get thirsty during the day you can just walk in any of the restaurants and pick up a drink and show them your wristband and walk back out.  It also means you don't have to carry a bunch of cash all day long or swipe your debit card a thousand times. 

 

While on the subject of cash, if you have kids and you don't mind buying them those little toys they hawk up and down the aisles or will want some cotton candy etc....don't forget to put a little cash in your pocket.  We had stashed our purses in the car and therefore only had debit cards much to the chagrin of my grandson who wanted a "bubble gun" and some cotton candy.  We finally managed to go to one of the ATM'S before the end of the night and before the last show and he got his precious bubble gun.

 

We managed to see pretty much every attraction in the park in one day, but we didn't go to the larger rides like the roller coasters.  I would suggest buying a season pass or two day tickets if you want to see every single "feeding" and show they have.  We saw all but two shows and believe me, that added up to something like five shows. 

 

The first show we saw was the One Ocean show!  It was AWESOME.  Hoowwwwever, we thought it would be FUN to sit on the third row from the bottom in the "Splash Zone"....we thought it would be a LITTLE splash, and NO BIG DEAL.  Hahaha we were WRONG.....OMG we were DRENCHED.  OVER AND OVER.  It literally took a half a day for our clothes to dry out and a few hours for my camera to dry out and work again.  Most of the seats say "splash zone" but the ones you really need to worry about in this show are on the bottom rows, the rest are fine. 

 

We also saw the AZUL show....it was FABULOUS.

The only tip I have for that is don't sit in the middle of the stadium on the lower half if you don't want to get wet.  Those poor folks got pretty wet.  It was entertaining to those of us watching from afar, but I would not have wanted to be down there. 

 

 

 

Every family has one kid who is silly.....this is my grandson who is six and didn't want me to take his pic so he put his mouth up next to the camera LOL

 

 

 

 

We also saw the Cannery Row Capers show and the Shamu Rocks show!

 

 

I would HIGHLY SUGGEST NOTTT sitting by this thing...which looks like an old fashioned water tower...unless once again...you want to get wet.  It opens and splashes about the first 10 rows near it.  We were nowhere near it thankfully.  The only problem I have with that part of the show is they had a spot on the very bottom where some parents had put their handicapped children, they were in specialty strollers and had no way of trying to move out of the way....you would think they would have warned them that they were in the direct first line of fire when the water came out.  These were kids who had no way of even sitting up by themselves.  I would have had an issue with them had this been one of my kids. 

 

 

 

The Shamu Rocks show was phenomenal!! 

 

Along with the shows we went to the Sesame Street Bay of Play and my grandson rode the little rides there and played on their giant play area.  The only big suggestion I would have for the Bay of Play is keep an EAGLE EYE out on your kid.  It's so easy for them to get separated from you there.  We were just standing there by the climbing nets when this tiny little girl who was about four came rolling down off of it because she was coming down too fast and she whacked the ground.  Her mother was nowhere in site.  We had to comfort her until her mother finally came running from who knows where.  We temporarily lost site of my grandson as well when he crawled through one of the tunnels and ended up in some other part of the giant play area.  There are a lot of entries and exits to this part of the play area and if you have small children keep an eye out.  We went after dark and while it's fairly well lit it was still a little alarming at how many places kids could wander out at. 

 

All in all it was a great time and TOTALLY worth the money!!

 

If you have any questions just leave me a comment and I will do my best to answer it!!

 

 

One Screwed Up Kitty

 

Hi friends and followers!

 

 

I know, it's been a while since I've had time to write, which seems strange since now I'm entered in the Circle of Moms Funny Blog contest and haven't even had a new "funny" post in a while!!  :)

 

I thought I would at least share this funny conversation that my daughter and I had with my 3 year old granddaughter the other day.  We were shopping at the mall and thought we would stop in for lunch at the Chic Fil A.  I had actually let her get some Dippin Dots beforehand, (I ROCK like that....such a great MiMi....dessert before lunch)....anywhoooo....so we were sitting there eating our lunch and I thought I would ask her what she wanted for her 4th birthday.  She picked up a spoon of dippin dots and said "a kitty".  I said...well you already have a kitty, do you mean you want a "play kitty".  She looked at me with that look that only she can give and said "no....one of those kinds that you need a screwdriver with".  I looked at my daughter and then at her and was like whaaat ARE you talking about?!?!  I thought maybe she meant one of those robot kind that walk etc....and she said "no you use the screwdriver to make it go.  I'm going to give it to my Daddy, so he can screw it up.  "

 

I honestly nearly fell under the table laughing so hard.  I don't have the heart to tell her daddy about that conversation hahaha....and such are the days in my life with my granddaughter!!

Don't Tell Mom Hyundai Commercial

This is by far my new favorite commercial!!  Hahahaha LOVE IT!!

 

Hurricane Sandy Prep List

Hurricane Sandy Preparation List

I wrote this blog last year for folks who were preparing for Hurricane Irene, I thought I would republish it for those of you getting ready for Sandy!!  I was amazed at how many people came and read it, and some took it lightly that a hurricane was coming, only to find out later that having no electricity for a week, two weeks, or some even a month is noooo fun at all.  Prepare while you can, and I sure hope some things on my list will remind you and help you out with what you need to get done!!

One can't help but stay glued to the Weather Channel watching the current news and forecasts concerning Hurricane Irene. I had to write a short little blog about our experiences here in Texas. We live approximately 180 miles from the Texas Gulf Coast and Galveston. Until you see something like this in person, you just can't fathom what it's like. We live in a town that is along the evacuation route from the coast. We had miles and miles of people driving through our town with everything they own in their cars and gas cans strapped to their roofs. It was a sight that would make you want to cry for them. People would get stranded because they could not find a hotel and they ran out of money paying for gas.

People become angry when they are forced out of their homes, or supplies are not available. Start now, because dealing with the public later is not fun and you will not be able to find what you are searching for.

When Hurricane Ike hit several years ago, it had a huge impact even this far north. We lost electricity for FIVE days and there was SEVERE tree and home damage just 60 miles to our South. We had so many trees down that we could not drive down our road to go into town for about two days. Do not be lulled into thinking that since you are not immediately in the eye wall's path that you will not be affected.

Because this was not our first time to have one come through, we were prepared thankfully!!

Here are a few tips we've learned.

YOU WILL LOSE ELECTRICITY.

It is sooo much easier to cook at least one meal a day outside on a grill. That being said...STOCK UP ON CHARCOAL OR PROPANE FOR YOUR GAS GRILL NOW!!

Buy pre packaged foods that do not require refrigeration and try and keep those foods which you need to cool at a minimum....AND BUY FREEZER BAGS TO STORE THOSE IN THAT MIGHT GO IN COOLER....soggy food is NO FUN...

WHEN YOU LOSE ELECTRICITY FOR MORE THAN 48 HOURS, YOU START LOSING THINGS IN YOUR FRIDGE AND FREEZER

Plan now on how you want to store some of those things from your fridge and freezer. Buy extra coolers and dry ice if need be.

DON'T FORGET DIAPERS AND FORMULA

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS FILLED....you will not be able to just run to the pharmacy if you run out....more than likely they will have no electricity either....remember...life will not be the same for a while

WAL MART SELLS PORTABLE BATTERY OPERATED FANS IN THE SPORTING GOODS /CAMPING DEPARTMENT.

You will want some of these. After a huricane, trust me, it's hot and humid and a fan is AWESOME.

That being said....STOCK UP ON D BATTERIES, they sell out FAST....they are a hot commodity after a hurricane and you will not be able to purchase them if you wait until the day of the Hurricane or the day before....

If you can, buy one of the battery operated radio/cell phone charger./flashlight/lanterns......trust me....these things come in handy when you have no way of hearing what's going on in the outside world.

Fill your cars up with gas, if people start evacuating, you need to be able to travel as far as you can. GAS WILL BE IN SHORT SUPPLY AFTER A HURRICANE.

DON'T FORGET....GAS STATIONS ALSO RUN ON ELECTRICITY FOR THEIR PUMPS....IF THEY HAVE NO ELECTRICITY...YOU CANNOT BUY GAS....FILL UP YOUR CARS IF IT IS AT ALL POSSIBLE

Along those lines as well, the ATM'S and Banks will not be open and or work.  Get extra cash out now.  You may be able to buy gas with cash and not be able to swipe your debit/credit card etc...better to be safe than sorry.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON STAYING IN A HOTEL AND EVACUATING....MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY....HOTELS FOR MILES AND MILES WILL BE SOLD OUT QUICKLY

The things you are used to now will not be back to normal for several weeks or maybe months.

DON'T FORGET....JUST BECAUSE AN ELECTRIC LINE IS DOWN ON THE GROUND DOES NOT MEAN IT'S NOT "LIVE"...DON'T TOUCH IT, DON'T LET KIDS NEAR IT....

I want to also say, if you live in a home that is surrounded by large trees, please use caution if you are within 130 miles or so of this hurricane. Tree tops can snap and fall on your home and injure you and your loved ones. If I can forewarn anyone then I will feel like I've done my job.

It might also be prudent to buy a chainsaw if you think you can operate one safely!!  Looks like there will be many many trees down with Sandy!!

OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU FROM HERE IN TEXAS

Below is a Hurricane Supply List from NOAA

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices— foods for infants or the elderly— snack foods— non-electric can opener— cooking tools / fuel— paper plates / plastic utensils
Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items - for babies and the elderly
Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Flashlight / Batteries
Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
Vehicle fuel tanks filled
Pet care items— proper identification / immunization records / medications— ample supply of food and water— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

AND HEAVEN FORBID YOU HAVE TO BE EVACUATED TO A SHELTER WITH MANY OTHER PEOPLE....HERE IS HOW TO MAKE A 72 HOUR SUPPLY KIT

http://selfreliantsisters.blogspot.com/2009/01/sample-72-hour-kit.html

Wishing you all the very best and STAY SAFE!!

Witch Halloween Party Inspiration

This year we are not going to be holding a Halloween party, but if we were this is the theme I would have used!!  I came across so many of these ideas online that I thought I would share in case someone else is needing a little "inspiration"!!

 

What started the whole "witch theme" was this cupcake from Foodnetwork.com!!

 

Cupcake Inspiration

 

I would have had this "cupcake" recreated into a cake with witch legs sticking out of the bottom!!  It's  just too cute!!

 

You would need one of these cute wreaths on your front door!  The blog that is linked to this photo "no longer exists"...but this would be super easy to make.  Just buy a yard or two of black tulle and cut it into kind of small strips, and then get an orange ribbon to attach it.

 

 

 

 

 

I also saw this cute idea on how to decorate your windows for Halloween from MarthaStewart.com

 

Window Cutout DIY

 

 

 

 

Decorate your front porch with these Cauldrons found at Wal Mart and then pool noodles from the Dollar Store!!  Just buy some cheap stockings to top them off!!

 

Witch Leg DIY

 

 

Or you could also put a few of these on the porch!!  Super cute black cat pumpkins!!

 

Black Cat Pumpkin DIY

 

 

 

 

 

Add in a few glittery witch hats on your tables for centerpieces!!

 

Witch Hat DIY

 

 

A few bats here and there would be super cute!!

 

Bat DIY

 

 

 

This is one of the cutest ideas I've ever seen for serving Halloween Candy!!

 

DIY Monster Pedestal Jars

 

 

 

 

 

 

 These "eyeball" cake balls served on a fork are PERFECT for Halloween fun!!

Eyeball Cake Balls

 

 

 

 

These would make some of the cutest party treats EVER!! Take a bag of cotton candy and then add in a plastic spider for a creepy effect!!

Spider Cotton Candy DIY

 

More cute treat ideas!!

 

Marshmallow Ghosts!!

 

Marshmallow Ghost Treats

 

 

 Top everything off with some free printable drink labels from the Hostess with the Mostess

 

Free Jar and Candy Printable Labels

 

 

More Free Printable Halloween Drink Labels

 

Free Halloween Drink Labels

 

 

 

The cutest drinking straws EVER!!

 

Spooky Stripey Drinking Straws from Sweet LuLu

 

 

 

Hope this gives you a little inspiration to get your party started!!  Please leave me a comment and let me know if you plan on using any of these ideas!!  I love it when my followers share their party ideas as well!!