Swimming

Those of you who know me well, know that my whole family is REALLY into swimming. It consumes the majority of our free time. All 3 of my kids are competitive swimmers and they practice for several hours each day. My boys competed in their High School Sectional meet yesterday, and did quite well. In fact, they will be swimming in the IL. State meet on Friday and possibly Saturday.

Through the years, the swim suits competitive swimmers wear have changed dramatically. Many years ago, you may have seen boys wearing suits that looked like their Mother's had knitted them. (See above) These suits did not help the swimmer swim fast, but merely offered those that wore them a sense of modesty. The cost?...a skein of yarn.

Until recently, the suits looked like they were made of rubber and covered their entire bodies. (Circa Michael Phelps at the 2008 Olympics) These suits were intended to help the body to swim fast, and those that wore them, broke all established records to date and cost the swimmers upwards of $400!...for a swim suit!

Now, however, the suits have come full circle, minus the Mom knitting part. The suits today are made of a high tech fabric and resemble bike shorts. The kids at the sectional meet yesterday, all wore the "bike short" suits and low and behold....STILL broke even the newest records established with those "fast rubber" suits! Cost? ...$50-$100...not bad by today's dollar.

The motto? Speed is between your ears and your training. A suit is needed because the law will not allow them to swim naked. All the money in the world will not make you faster.

Way to go boys!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Kissing Cupcakes

Kissing cupcakes at Simply Fun Stuff Blog.

These really cute Kissing cupcakes can be made in time for Valentines Day.

I know my kids will LOVE them, and me, for making them for them. (Score one for Mom!)

You can find the recipe and directions here.

Illinois Earthquake

I MUST sleep like a rock...

...this morning the western suburbs of Chicago experienced an earthquake of a 3.0 magnitude and several aftershock at about 4:00am. The epicenter was only about 30 miles from my home, and I did not feel a thing, although it seems everyone else did.

My daughter said it woke her up because her bed was shaking. She said the things on her dresser were rattling as well. Funny thing is...she could not explain it after the fact, so she just went back to sleep. I find it funny that she did not bother to wake either my husband or myself up to make sure everything was OK. If I had thought the ground was shaking under me, I would have been a nervous wreck...not her!

Too funny!

Did you feel the earth shake this morning?

Longaberger Bonus Buys Today Only!

Weds. February 10th, Longaberger is featuring 2 beautiful baskets at a fantastic price!

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The Chestnut Side Handled Pantry Basket is only $42!

That is 40% off of the catalog price!

This basket is perfect for Mail, magazines, books file folders school papers or a small lap top computer. I use mine for scrapbook and rubber stamping supplies. I think it would be great too for holding bread, or snacks. My kids have another one is the basement for their video games and accessories. So many uses!

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The Chestnut Medium Oval Diamond basket is also on sale Weds. only for only $32!

That is over 30% off!

The Oval Diamond Basket is great for serving salad, popcorn, chips and sliced bread. I think in the summer, barbecue condiments would be easy to carry to the table in this basket. Plasticware rolled in napkins and layed in the basket is perfect for the outdoor meal. My daughter uses one for her knitting, and crocet supplies and projects "in the works". I think it would be great with the protector, to serve shrimp with a 1 pt. salt crock in the middle for coctail sauce, or smae idea...chips and dip!

Getting ready for the next SNOW!

This winter, the Chicago area has certainly see a lot of now...it is not over yet!

We are expecting another 10" by this time Tuesday night. Yes, it is time to hit the grocery store and prepare to be snowed in. As much as I like a good snow-fall, it is February- and I am dreaming of tilling my garden. This newest prognostication is disheartening to me.

I will make the best of it. I will make some soup and snuggle up to my kids with a good movie. Any excuse for a good snuggle :)

Smile...

No reason for this post other than...it's the mood I am in.

I hope it is contagious!

Pink Pottery, Today Only!

Just in time for VALENTINES DAY!

Today only, the Longaberger Co. is offering it's Woven Traditions PINK Pottery Pie Plates and 3 C. Measuring Cups for only $15 each!

Pink Pottery is perfect for showing your support for Breast Cancer research as well as Valentine's Day.

All Woven Traditions Pottery is Oven, Dishwasher, Microwave and Freezer safe.

Here are a few ways to use your new Pink Pottery!

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Mexican Chicken Casserole

Mix together:3 boneless/skinless cooked chicken breasts, cubed5 corn tortillas cut into "bite size" pieces1 can low fat cream of chicken soup1/2 cup low fat chicken broth1 cup low fat grated cheese1/2 small can diced chilies

Pour mixture into Pie Plate. Sprinkle Mexican seasonings on top, cover and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. This serves 4 people.

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Artichoke Dip

Mix together:1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained, chopped1 pkg. (8 oz) Feta Cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese1 clove garlic, minced 1 jar (2 ox) diced pimientos, drained (optional)

Spoon into Pie Plate. Bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve with assorted crackers, veggies or pita triangles. Makes 2 cups.

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Easy Apple Crumb Pie

Place one can apple (or other fruit flavor) pie filling in Pie Plate. Sprinkle with one package dry "Jiffy" yellow cake mix and pour 1/4 cup melted butter over the top.

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until golden brown. Delicious served warm over vanilla ice cream.