I Love The Olympics!

By Melissa

I really really do! Our family always eats traditional food of the host country while we watch the opening ceremonies. My kids spin our globe around, finding each country as the athletes parade in. I love it. I learn new things! (Who knew 90% of Canadians live within 100 miles of the Canada/US border?) I get weepy watching athletes win and loose. No matter whose anthem is played I get chills. I love the personal stories and the amazing dedication! For 2 weeks my kids get a rare chance to watch recorded shows after dinner. We cheer, we watch in wonder, we gasp! (Yesterday my kids spent 3 hours outside in new snow doing their own version of the luge, speed skating, and downhill skiing on our driveway.) Today Eve said "I am getting good at the side by side triple toe, except, when Jane isn't next to me, then it is a plain triple toe." We love the Olympics!

Then I heard this About the games. I'll be honest, it just baffles me. I mean, I know I'm prudish, but come on! Really? What made the IOC think, "Gee, you know, we ought to give the athletes a hat with our logo, and badges and pins and free water bottles and condoms!" I mean, really? Is this necessary? (ok, even if it is necessary, note the volume- that is 14 per athlete or official...)
Am I alone thinking this is a touch absurd?

Valentine's Day = Yummy in my Tummy

by Emily

My daughter is now in preschool. I'm not sure yet what the Valentine's Day protocol for preschool is, but I am kind of excited. I'm not the over acheiving parent who is going to make all adorable martha stewart one-of-a-kind valentines for my children's classmates on Valentine's Day. But I might make these Jello Jigglers.

You can find the recipe HERE.










The Family Fun website (Disney company) is great, and I get their newsletter in my email once a week. It is the same stuff that is in the magazine! How cool is that--online for free! (though, sometimes it is just better to have it in print :) )


I think I must also make something chocolate.
Yes, definitely. Chocolate.


Find the recipe HERE.

















This will do, as well:





(I did this one year, but with a heart on top. Cut out a heart from paper, discard the heart. Put the paper heart-shaped-hole on the cheesecake, and sprinkle powdered sugar to make it super fancy. What a treat!)




Recipe, is, of course, HERE, because I am so nice like that. ;-)





Do you have any Valentine's Day plans, or suggestions? Please share--and feel free to include a web link!