Soap Magic

The kids and I keep seeing the commercial for the Soap Magic. I commented one day that I think I would like to have one. My husband must listen more than I give him credit for, because he got one for me. I just love it. I put mine in the kitchen, but now the kids are wanting to wash their hand in the kitchen sink. Kelly, I know you'll be envious of this soap dispenser.

Great Way to say "THANKS"

Need an easy thank you gift? These Thanks-A-Lot Girl Scout cookies are heart-warming shortbread cookies dipped in rich fudge and topped with an embossed Thank You message in one of five languages. I bought enough boxes to give one to all of the kids' teacher, but they would make the perfect gift for just about anyone. If you want a box or two, but let me know soon. Cookie sales will be over before you know it!

Our 11th Wedding Anniversary

Christian and I were married at the Little Chapel of the Flowers eleven years ago today.

Ingredients Project #3

Here is the 3rd Ingredients Project Bailey had to complete. This time the ingredients were: wrapping paper, glue, metal, yarn and something green. For that we used green pipe cleaners. Here is what Bailey created.... It's the head of a leprechaun! The only thing she asked me for was a picture of a leprechaun. Here is the one she chose to use as a model. After finishing her project, she drew this picture.
I just love it that she is so creative. Her project won Best Seasonal. Click here to see the 1st project and 2nd project.

Wordless Wednesday

Italian Vegetable Soup

Tonight was a cold and rainy evening and in my book that is great soup weather. I made a pot of Italian Vegetable Soup. I didn't think to snap a picture before I put everything away, but here is the recipe.

1 lb. ground beef
1 cup diced onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup sliced carrots
2 cloves mined garlic
1 16 oz can tomatoes
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 15-oz. can kidney beans (un-drained)
2 cup water (or more)
5 teaspoon beef bouillon
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cup shredded cabbage
1 cup frozen or fresh gr. Beans
1 cup macaroni

Brown ground beef in large pan; drain. Add all ingredients EXCEPT cabbage, green beans and macaroni. Bring to boil. Lower heat; cover and simmer 20 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and simmer until vegetables are tender. Add additional water for thinner soup. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

It is mmmm, mmmm homemade good!

Sugar Scrub

I got this wonderful sugar scrub from one of the kids in my class this year for Valentine's Day. It was in the cutest container and smelled so good. It was so wonderful I had to share the recipe.
½ cup white sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup Epsom salt
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tsp. Vitamin E
1 tsp. essential or fragrance oil

Add Dry ingredients and mix well
Add oil and vitamin E
Mix until wet, and ingredients stick together
If it is too crumbly, add a little more olive oil
Put in a jar or plastic container

Note from Tricia: "I bought all these ingredients at HEB, you can find the vitamin E & fragrance oil in the whole foods section behind the sushi bar. I used grapefruit oil in yours. This recipe made exactly how much was in each container I made for you."

This was such a great gift. I can't wait to make some!

Lincoln's Log Cabin

Here is Lincoln's Log Cabin that Jack made this at school. Such a simple and cute idea for President's Day.

Bailey's Valentine Unicorn

Before Valentine's Day, Bailey saw a LARGE pink unicorn at the grocery store and asked if she could have her. I told her it cost too much, but if it was there after Valentine's Day we might be able to get it. So, on February 15 we went to see if perhaps the pink unicorn was still there. Bailey was in luck and used the money she got for Valentine's Day to buy Candy, the pink unicorn, at 50% off. Thanks to everyone who send Valentine's to the kids. They love getting mail!

Humpty Dumpty

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.

All the king's horses and all the king's men

Couldn't put Humpty together again

Jack drew this picture and told me it was Humpty Dumpty. The center is Humpty before he falls. Down on the bottom left is Humpty after his fall.

Here is Jack pretending to be Humpty Dumpty and reciting the nursery rhyme.

Of course the one I didn't video he said the rhyme better, but this one is cute too!

Wordless Wednesday

Valentine's Day Cake, Gifts and Games

It just isn't Valentine's Day without chocolate. Here is the dark chocolate cake Bailey and I made for Christian. This recipe is as easy as a box cake and taste even better!
Dark Chocolate Cake
1 3/4 cups flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup Hershey's cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup oil
2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup boiling water
Combine dry ingredients in large mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients except boiling water. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Remove from mixer and stir in boiling water (mix by hand). Pour into greased & floured pan. Bake at 350o for 35 to 40 minutes.

Christian gave me a mushy card, a box of good chocolates and a new frig for the garage. Our second frig stopped working two days before Valentine's Day and that is was I wanted.

Both kids had Valentine's Day party's at school. They exchanged cards and played games. One of the games I had never seen before and I thought it would be fun to do next year was stacking large conversation hearts into a tower of 20. This was a test of fine motor skills and Bailey was the first in her class to complete the task. I was there to see it and didn't think to snap a picture if you can believe that ;~)
I had Bailey stack them up again at home.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day Hand Print

One of my favorite things to do with my class is hand print crafts. I feel like these crafts are the keepsakes that parents treasure for years. This year, for Valentine's Day, we may cards for the parents with a cute poem and a hand print.

To make the hand print more special, we placed a heart sticker in the palm to create this unique hand print. For more Valentine's Day ideas click here.

We're Ready For Some FOOTBALL

Today is Super Bowl XLIV (or 44 for those of you who are so good at Roman Numerals). The AFC champion Indianapolis Colts will play the NFC champion New Orleans Saints to decide the NFL champion for the 2009 season. We are big football fans and plan to watch the game here at home. I have planned a simple menu: veggies and dip, onion rings, cheese steak subs, and something sweet for dessert. Doesn't matter who wins, because we root for the Cowboys.

Bailey's Snowman

Bailey drew this snowman at school.

It is even prettier in person!

Wordless Wednesday

100th Day of School

Today is the 100th Day of School for the kids. Jack had to have a shirt made. I sewed 100 buttons into the number 100. The 1st grade had to dress like they were 100 years old. Bailey wore a dress that was Meme's. It only needed hemmed. We used baby power to put a little grey in her hair. Here is a picture of Seth, Bailey and Jack just before the headed off to celebrate the 100th day of the 2010 school year.

What a fun day!

February 2010 Picture of the Month

Yet another month has flown by for the Barger's. January was a roller coaster month as far as the weather goes. We took full advantage of the days in the 70s and try to say warm on those days in the 40s and 50s. Jack is doing very well at his new school. Bailey sold over 100 boxes of Girl Scout cookies (thanks to you all who bought) and has already finished her Valentine's Day cards and mail box. February will bring our 11th wedding anniversary. All is well here in the Lone Star State!