Funk Squared

Disney Dream Shows

2012-01-06T15:00:00.000-06:00

If you are cruising on the Disney Dream you will never be bored! Entertainment is around every corner. There are live shows, movies, night clubs, dancing, and characters. The kids have their own clubs depending on age with lot of entertainment also. But let me share what I experienced.

When the ship departs from Port Canaveral you have a Sail Away party! The main kid pool is covered over with a deck and the big screen is used. Look on the screen, see the Tie Dyed shirts - that is us!

They show Cast Away Cay (pronounced Key) to let you know where you will be headed!

After Dinner, you can go see the Golden Mickey show, this was a lot of fun. The premise is Golden Mickeys are awarded to different movies. A Golden Mickey is like an Oscar! The show is done like a Broadway theater production and very enjoyable. Not going to show you all of the pics!

Everyone loves Cruella!

You've got a friend in me!

Beauty and the Beast...

The Grand Finale!
Definitely take this show in when you are on the Dream.

While we were on the ship Taylor Mason, ventriloquist, was on board for entertainment. He did an adult show and a family show. Taylor was hilarious. I've seen Jeff Dunham live and now Taylor. Taylor has several friends and he made all of them!

Taylor and Romeo!

A hidden Mickey on the stage decor!

Taylor and Pacho!

There are also many opportunities to meet characters, get autographs, and have pictures taken! I love getting pictures with characters :-)

Princess Tattianna (sp?) was on her way to the dinning room! She was graciousness enough to stop for a quick pick in the hall!

The night clubs have live entertainment at night!

And according to AJ, my 12 year old son, there are scavenger hunts, video game competitions, and many other games for the tweens club kids to do. We would see AJ for breakfast and dinner and that would be it. The first night we were all in bed and AJ came in at 1am!! I had to tell him to be home by midnight after that!

So if you haven't taken a Disney Cruise, you are in for a treat. There is always something to do whether a movie, live show, sitting at the pool, or going to a club you'll never want for things to do! In fact the trouble is trying to fit them all in!

Cozyflier

1900 Park Fare....Dining

2012-01-06T00:02:00.001-06:00

While at WDW we did one character meal. We only did one because of all the good food we would be having on the cruise! We like 1900 Park Fare, have been there many times, but this was the first time with Cinderella and her step family. The food was great as usual, and the characters were lots of fun.

Cindy's Prince Charming, very nice, but not my Prince!!!

AJ and Amelia with the Prince.

Kev with Cinderella... only fair since I stood with the Prince!

Since Chris couldn't take time from college, our friend Dana came with us. She flew down on Friday.

Dana and Amelia with Anastasia!

She was funny!

Drizella with AJ

Drizella with Amelia

Lady Tremaine...

Lady Tremaine mad us cross our arms and said, throw your head up!

Tyler wasn't getting up, the characters liked hassling him!

Have you eaten at 1900 Park Fare? We've eaten with Mickey & Minnie, Mary & Burt, and Belle and the Beast at this restaurant. They always have a section of food that is kid friendly and they had Mickey plates for the kids! I got one for me!!

Cozyflier

Thanksgiving Week at Walt Disney World

2012-01-05T18:31:00.000-06:00

Well if you follow my blog you know we went to WDW for Thanksgiving, then the Cruise, and then back to WDW for 2 days. I've felt so behind ever since coming home on my birthday that I was barely ready for Christmas! So, before 2012 gets here, I'm going to catch you up on the wonderful trip! (Well, I tried to get this posted before the New Year! Illness interrupted.

We left home, 5 of us in the van 2 days before Thanksgiving. We arrived at Animal Kingdom Villas, Kidani Village, on Thanksgiving Day! People on vacation everywhere. We had to stop and remember it was Thanksgiving.

Something about seeing Walt Disney World in your GPS makes me smile :-)

We made it!

We had a 1 bedroom with open door to an efficiency to make a two bedroom condo!

Beautiful and spacious!

Master bath....

Living room - Simba and Nala are carved into the entertainment system!

2nd bedroom

OK, this is funny... Look at the colored tiles carefully. Do you see the one out of place? Don't worry, neither did I until Kevin pointed it out!

Animals at AKV, love it!

Tree in the lobby! Disney has a ton of big trees! glad I don't have to store all of them! This is the lobby of Jambo House. But the tree in Kidani was just as big!

We broke tradition is all ways this trip. We did not go to Downtown Disney first, we did NOT eat at Rainforest Cafe, and we did not go to MK first! Instead, we went to Hollywood studios so Kevin could see the new Star Tours enhancements!

Another BIG tree! I love them :-)

Love the big film reel!

Couldn't resist! We had to eat Mickey Bars with our T's!! And yes, AJ's fell on the ground just like on the shirt!

Enjoying our treats, everyone thought it was a good time to check their phones!

Who's your favorite? McQueen or Tow-mater?!?

It's not easy being green!

Help!

YUM! Decisions, decisions!

Dancing Mickey-ettes! This was a great window display.

After a fun day in the park, we returned to AKV. We took a bus over to Jambo and had dinner at BOMA. Oh my goodness, what a selection of food for Thanksgiving feasting. We all ate a ton!

I got my turkey leg! I also fell in love with Butternut squash soup!

I got a birthday cupcake!! This trip was for my birthday!

Expansion bridge across lobby of Jambo House!

It was a great Thanksgiving :-) Although it didn't feel like a holiday.

Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful for you.

Cozyflier

Check out this neat blog!

2011-12-29T22:28:00.000-06:00

I just found an awesome blog, she is very creative.

Hungry Happenings

http://www.hungryhappenings.com/2011/12/twelve-days-of-sweet-designs-recap-and.html#comment-form

I love the NYE party horns on her other page!

Cozyflier

Christmas at the Funks!

2011-12-25T21:37:00.000-06:00

Well, as I had mentioned, Kevin is working today, Christmas Day. So we celebrated yesterday. I cooked for 3 days, more if you count all the desserts!

Here are some pics form our day, we had some friends join us so I didn't have to take pics! I still have left overs if anyone is hungry!

A WHITE Christmas Eve and Christmas!!! But, the snow is gone now....

Mom at the table. Spy the Mickeys??!!

Semi buffet, semi on the table! Too much food!

Even the pool table becomes a serving table!

Are you hungry?

Fixing plates!

Our stockings!

What treasures are in the stockings?

Notice the village in the background? That is about 2/3's of my collection! Gizmo has wreaked havoc on it this year!

My new knife set! Yea, I can clean out all the OLD ones from 25-30 yrs ago! Some were Mom's!

The cats other gift, a Pirate ship!

Ashley and Zack, our 'adopted' children. Ashley loves penguins, Zack ~ Buzz!!!

It's a nut cracker!!

Do you remember Ducktales?

Tyler gets tools!

Amelia, Grammie, Chris, Micah, and Conrad.

The cats like the new 'home'!

Love my new flip flops!

The family....

Conrad and Donna with Grammie!

We hope you and your family have had a blessed and lovely Christmas.

I also hope your Christmas was magical!

Cozyflier

From our House to Yours, Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T15:36:00.000-06:00

Life has been a little CRAZY around here, but we want to wish all you a VERY Merry Christmas! Doc is working Sunday, 24 hr shift, so we are celebrating Saturday.

I've been cooking up a storm. We will have a big feast ~ Prime Rib, Turkey Breast, Ham, Green Bean Casserole, Twice Baked Potatoes, Salad, Fruit, Dressing, Sweet Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, Cheese Pies, Pecan Pies, Fudge, Pumpkin Pie, and assorted cookies! Oh, I forgot the Chex Mix and Puppy Chow!

Here are some pics I haven't shared with you all!

Tyler, Amelia, Carrie, Kevin, AJ, and our friend Dana embarking on the Dream!

Some of my kitchen cabinets!

Dining room buffet.

I created this! One of the little ornament stands, a Mickey hat from a broken ornament, and my little Mickey ornaments :-)

Baker's rack in dining room!

Mickey!

Front Door.

Kids with Grammie Lou.

Doc hanging his stocking!

Pirate night on the Cruise!

Amelia....

AJ....

Merry Christmas to All and to All A Good Night,

Cozyflier

Holly Cookies -

2011-12-19T22:12:00.000-06:00

One of my Christmas Traditions is Holly Cookies. They are incredibly easy to make, just need a helper. They are beautiful looking and taste yummy! Below is the link to my orginal blog about them, but I'm going to add some new pics!

Melt 1 stick butter, 30 large marshmallows

Sorry, forgot butter in pic!

When marshmallows melted, add 1/2 - 1 tsp Vanilla, stir, then add Green food coloring to your liking.

My makeshift double boiler!

Stir in 4 Cups of Cornflakes. (pictures show a double batch!)

Stir gently to cover all flakes with mixture.

Use 2 teaspoons to drop clusters onto WAX paper. Put 3 red hots on each cluster. good job for a kiddo!

I keep a glass of warm water to dip spoons into between spoonfulls. Keeps them from getting sticky!

http://squarefunk.blogspot.com/2010/12/holly-cookies-re-posted-2010.html

Enjoy! We love them...

Cozyflier

Awesome Giveaway.

2011-12-14T21:29:00.000-06:00

Hey friends, one of the blogs I follow is giving away a Kitchen Aid Mixer!!!! If you comment on her blog, tell her I sent you, Carrie Funk. If you win, I win!!!! This is really cool!

http://sweetopia.net/2011/12/gingerbread-house-royal-icing-video-kitchenaid-7-quart-mixer-giveaway/comment-page-79/#comment-198611

DCL photo book Free!!

2011-12-08T11:54:00.000-06:00

While I'm waiting on my new hard drive so I can upload all my pictures, I found this cool item on Disney Cruise Line on FB!

Hope the link works. http://bit.ly/skKKuq

ENJOY

Cozyflier

I'm Back!

2011-12-05T22:37:00.000-06:00

Leaving the house!

It is going to be a long trip!!! 1500 miles!!

It is fun to see WDW in your GPS!!!

Hello fans! I'm back from my birthday Palooza trip to WDW, Disney Cruise, Lego Land, and back to WDW for MVMCP!!!! Phew, I'm wore out! Now, I tried uploading all my memory cards and discovered my hard drive is full! :-( I got about 300 pics uploaded, that is it.

So, I now have to go to the store and see if I can get a bigger hard drive. Pictures and blogs will have to wait. I have all kinds of interesting photos from AKV, the parks, the Dream, Lego Land, and OKW to share with you.

Thanks for your patience!

Cozyflier

Dreaming of Disney

2011-11-20T11:49:00.000-06:00

In the next month sometime I'll be back at my HAPPY PLACE :-) I'm dreaming of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP), Disney's spectacular Christmas decor, and a Disney Cruise.

Disney in the fall/winter is quite different than the heat of the summer!

Spring flower and garden show!

A summer cruise! Castaway Cay!

Summer in Epcot!

NYE in MK!

I can't wait to do a winter cruise and I can't wait for MVMCP!!! I'm also anxious
to see all the beautiful decorations at the resorts. Do you dream of Disney when you are at home? I hope I'm not alone! I help friends plan trips and I plan our family trips. Sadly, my oldest won't be able to come on this next trip. He has to stay behind because of college. So he will be house sitting and keeping the cats company!

I'll have lots to share with you after our trip *o* And btw, I haven't finished the village yet!

See ya Real Soon, Disney!!

Cozyflier

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse!

2011-11-18T10:53:00.000-06:00

Today is Mickey's Birthday. He started in the movie, "Steamboat Willie". Now, did you know that Walt was going to name him Mortimor Mouse, but wife Lillian was the one who helped Walt to come up with Mickey?

So Happy Birthday Mickey, I hope your day is Magical!!!!!!! *o* *o* *o*

Cozyflier

Decorating

2011-11-16T13:57:00.000-06:00

I'm trying to decorate for the Holidays and that means I'm putting up my Christmas Village! It is going to be a long week! Don't look for me, I'm lost in boxes, tubs, styrofoam, and cords! If you don't hear from in a couple weeks send help!!

This photo was taken on my Mac so it is reversed. Gizmo, Amelia's cat, is so much help! She is getting in the way as much as she can. I'll post pics when I'm finished. I don't have room to put ALL of it up, but I'm doing my best! Later....

Cozyflier

Show and Tell Saturday - 11/12/11 ~ Be Different...Act Normal

2011-11-12T17:05:00.000-06:00

Show and Tell Saturday - 11/12/11 ~ Be Different...Act Normal

http://squarefunk.blogspot.com/2009/11/amaretto-bread.html

Here is one of my favorite recipes!

Happy Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T16:02:00.000-06:00

To those that have served, to those that are serving, to those that lost life.

THANK YOU

Argh!

2011-11-08T11:50:00.000-06:00

Did you think I forgot pictures of Kevin and I in our Halloween costumes? I didn't, just been a little busy!

Get ready to get your Pirate on!

I like these 2 because I think my webs give a neat effect! That glue gun that had a hook up for the air compressor worked great making webs.

And here is Amelia in her costume! Feeling better than she did the night of the party.

Can't wait to try out our pirate costumes on the DCL for pirate night. That will be sometime in the near future.

Have a great week!

Cozyflier

Pretty Pretty PRETTY Girls!

2011-11-06T22:43:00.000-06:00

Amelia is going to be 15 in just 2 months. She has never bugged us about makeup, but I know the day is coming. Kevin bought her a nice set and she hasn't worn it. Guess she takes after me, I hate it! But, when the day comes as we know it is, and we will start slowly, we want her to know what she is doing. We were going to take her to the makeup counter at the department store, never have time! So, when Dana, my hair dresser, suggested a makeup party for her and her friends, that seemed like a great idea!

I made a cute invitation, it looked like a compact, round, flip open, metallic paper for a 'mirror', and frosted-glittery paper for the 'blush'. Then vellum with all the party info which covered the blush! I just couldn't find makeup brush stickers! I was in a hurry and didn't have time to go to 10 stores!

Here, hope you get the idea:

I photo reverses all images!

Dana is owner of Stratton Salon in Lubbock.

In the beginning!

Learning...

Little Taelor is only 10 and she was the most EAGER of the girls!!

Taelor's Mom, Kelly, helps her out.

Auria tries to figure this stuff out!

Not so sure about mascara...

she looks way older than 10!

Autume is beautiful, 13 going on ??

I think Breenkly is going to kill me! But look how PRETTY!

Auria is stunning.

Oh my! DAD, look out we could have a problem....

And Chelsea, finally gave in. No, she said, I don't wear/like makeup! After it was all said and done, I think I'll try lip gloss, OK, how about blush! Well, you might as well try it all. She is beautiful!

See, a little goes a long way. They don't look over done and don't look like they are 30 yrs old. They look like PRETTY young teens/tweens!

We are going to let Amelia start with eye make up for school when she wants it. Now that she somewhat knows how to apply it.

We will see how it goes! Just have to get her brows waxed again! Never enough time!

Pixie Dust to you all!

Cozyflier

Monday give Away at Vintage Pearl

2011-10-31T12:50:00.002-05:00

Check out The Vintage Pearl They are having a give away for Halloween or for Monday!

Dr. FrankenFunk's Halloween Bash

2011-10-30T17:07:00.001-05:00

Last night was the Halloween party! We had about 60 people here and everyone had a great time. I had been cooking all week, did you notice my absence? I made cake pop pumpkins with help, chex mix, Halloween party mix, sugar cookies, needed help decorating them, guacamole, queso, pretzel rods molded in chocolate, crescent mummies, brownies, chili, Friendship Bread, and I don't know what else!

We had the Zip Cord, the Trampoline, Balloon Pop, Mummy Wrap, Just Dance on the Wii, Glow-in-the-dark Chalk, face painting, and a Professional Photographer!

Because of everything going on, Amelia has been under the weather, I didn't get very many pictures ~ only 100!!! I have to wait on the pro's pics!!! So, you all are saved and don't have to be bored with thousands of pics!!

Look closely in the tree, you see webs!

The cake pops turned out really cute!

Jessica is so talented when it comes to painting faces!

Some of my molded candy!

Orange and purple lights with a few ghosties on the trampoline!

Zip cord fun!

Dana, Chris, Kevin

Jessica Young the face painter

More face paint art work! And look how great Tyler looks!

I need to get a picture of the back of Amelia's jacket, it says: NCIS, Special Agent

Grecian Goddesses

This is the crowd that formed when AJ and a friend started just dance on the Wii

Chris, Donna, and Tyler

Nick was pround of his angry bird!

Dancing boys!

Webs in my trees!!

We managed NOT to get a picture of Kev and me on my camera! Oh well, I will post as soon as I have it. We were pirates!

Did you have a Hallowen party? The kids love having one! And what is neat is that kids came up to me during the party and told me how much fun they were having! Parties are hard work, but worth it!

Happy Halloween!

cozyflier

Look What I Found!

2011-10-23T21:16:00.000-05:00

I found a bargain at Michaels! 20 cookie cutters for $4.99!! These are so cute! I'm making more cookies this week. I got a start on Saturday, made cookies, cake pops, chex mix, and Halloween Party Mix. But I didn't finish. It takes a lot of time and I was worn plum out!

So, I will be making cookies and brownies during the week. 6 Days till the party!

Cozyflier

Giveaway from Be different act Normal

2011-10-20T14:41:00.000-05:00

Check out the link below for a contest:
http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2011/10/dont-fret-sweat-100-visa-gift-card.html#comment-form

This is a blog I recently started following, check it out!

Cozyflier

Lubbock's Haboob 10-17-11

2011-10-18T11:23:00.000-05:00

History was made yesterday, and we lived through it. The day had been unusually windy for October, I had made the comment earlier in the day that the weather was acting more like March. So, here we were sitting in the den/kitchen. Kids were finishing homework and I was about to start dinner before Kevin had to leave to go for a reverse 24. I looked out the window and noticed the sky getting dark I said, "it looks like it could storm, but it is just dirt". Then, BANG! 6:15PM and it looked like it was 10pm, pitch black and DIRT BLOWING 74 MPH down our block. We thought a gust front had hit! By the time I got my camera out it lightened up and dirt continued to blow. I didn't video, I should have. The pictures don't convey the intensity, but these are unaltered pictures, the orange is natural!

I just stuck my camera out my front door and shot! I DID NOT go outside!

Turns out, we had a Haboob! what is a haboob you ask? Well, I copied a few sentences from Wikipedia:

A haboob (Arabic:"هَبوب", "strong wind") is a type of intense duststorm carried on an atmospheric gravity current. Haboob winds in the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, Kuwait, and North America are frequently created by the collapse of a thunderstorm, while haboobs in Australia may be frequently associated with cold fronts.

I know my sister in AZ has experienced a Haboob. Soldiers stationed in Iraq have experienced this. My friend in Australia might have, have you? I've lived in Lubbock 19 years and the wind can BLOW! However, this was SOMETHING!!

Having to re-dust my house today!! Seriously, I dusted my entire house yesterday...

Cozyflier

At'L Do Farm Corn Maize ~ Outside Lubbock, TX

2011-10-17T17:13:00.000-05:00

I think it is October, but the weather is acting more like March. It was 90* Saturday! Kevin was home on a Saturday, woo hoo!! Everyone was suppose to be off, at the last minute, Tyler had to work, DRAT!

Anyway, we ended up having a BEAUTIFUL day to go to the local CORN MAIZE! I discovered it had been 2 yrs since we had been, where does the time go? This year is a tribute to Buddy Holly. Get ready to enjoy our fun filled day, we tried to do it all! If you live in Lubbock and haven't done the Corn Maize you are missing out! You really need to go on out and have some fun!

Cagan, Chelsea, AJ and Amelia

Will the Great Pumpkin visit this patch??


This is an aerial view of the maize

Throughout the maize there are markers. At the beginning you choose which set of questions you want to answer. We took the Halloween questions!

Which way do we go?

Great family fun, we all separated and then would run into each other in the maize! Chris and Micah went without a map!

Cagan and AJ tried out the corn cannon, AJ won a free candy!

Amelia and Chelsea did the maize without a map, at this point they were 'lost'!

We picked up corn in the maize and then headed over to the animals. Everyone loves to feed the animals!

The hayride to the pumpkin patch.

Amelia and Chelsea tried out the bungee jump!

Amelia took these 2 photos, on my old 'broken' camera. They are my favorites!!

This patch looks very sincere!

Have you and your family visited a corn maize or a pumpkin patch? This is a family tradition for us, even though we missed a couple years! We did it straight for 4 years! I love looking at our pumpkin pictures!

Cozyflier

BOO to You!

2011-10-13T21:48:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for the Holidays to begin? I am!! For us, the holidays begin with Halloween :-) I've been busy decorating, and getting things ready for the BIG PARTY! The spooky lights are up outside and everything looks orange and black.

Hee Hee Hee, I think Halloween is becoming my favorite time of the year!

This is the coffin that Kevin made for me last year. Isn't it neat? I just love it and I think it will look awesome with cookies and goodies in it!

Keeping the cats off my table is difficult. They like all my little spiders!

Oh, I forgot to take pictures of the living room. Well, that will have to come later. I've been busy, cleaning, setting up, shopping ~ have to start getting food items so I can start cooking in the next week. I think I have all the costume accouterments and everyone is excited.

Be here or be square!! Later....

Cozyflier

The Funks Got Funked at Grand Funk Concert!!

2011-09-27T15:02:00.000-05:00

Did you follow that?!? I was able to go by and see my favorite DJ, Landon King, from
Kool 98 radio station and receive FREE tickets to Grand Funk Railroad concert! Kool 98 brought Grand Funk into Lubbock to perform at the Fair. The concert was AWESOME!!! You know Grand Funk Railroad is "An American Band"

Anyway, I wanted to share a few pictures, it was open seating at the fair grounds and we were in the rafters! But with my zoom lens, I got some decent shots. Remember, I do NOT own photoshop!

Have you ever seen Grand Funk Railroad in concert? This was my first heavy metal band to see! It was very loud! I've seen the Beach Boys, and Chicago, Barry Manilow, and of course Neil Diamond! GFR is nothing like any of them! Amelia and AJ weren't to sure what to make of them. I think Amelia had a good time, but she is like me, she will dance in her seat :-) I think it was good for the kids to experience a little variety. GFR is really good, if you get a chance, go see them!

Cozyflier

Chef Mickey's

2011-09-22T23:07:00.000-05:00

Character meals are one of the most enjoyable ways to eat at Walt Disney World. There are numerous options to choose from, you can eat with princesses, you can eat with Pooh Bear and friends, you can eat at the Royal table in Cinderella's Castle, but I think my favorite is Chef Mickey's. Now granted, I have not done all of them, and they change up. Currently, I can't find any available at Hollywood Studios, when Amelia was a baby, we had an awesome breakfast there (it was MGM). Characters will change up, like at Grand Floridian, 1900 Park Fare, the characters are switched up between breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Anyway, Chef Mickey's is almost guaranteed Minnnie and Goofy will be pal-ing around with Mickey. There is usually another friend. We usually do breakfast, it is buffet style, all you can eat, and the food is always amazing. Something for everyone. The Characters come to your table and you get to have pictures with them, get autographs if you want. Here at this restaurant, they do a song, and you twirl your napkins in the air. Some places make the kids go around in a parade!

Here are pictures from our breakfast with Mickey and pals!

Chef Mickey's is located in the Contemporary resort.

Donald was here today!

Mickey likes Amelia's ears!

Conrad had another birthday celebration!

Goofy wishes Conrad happy birthday.

Goofy and Ashley.

Donna and Conrad really like Goofy!

So when going to WDW, plan out ahead of time which character meal you want to do. If you go to the main Disney web site you can see all the character dining they have.
Click here and take a look. You can make Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) 120 days before your trip. I highly suggest that you do so. During peak times it is very difficult to get into some of the places.

So, if you have done a character meal, what is your favorite? What ones have you tried? Share with us and tell us!

Cozyflier

He's Older, for the Moment!

2011-09-21T14:26:00.000-05:00

As you can tell this is 12 years old!

September 21st, its the day I get to say that I'm younger than my hubby! Because today and for 3 months more, he will be older than me!!!

Well, I'm just kidding, HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEV, I love you, you know that!! In fact, I interrupted Disney blogs to wish you a happy day!

I don't have baby pictures scanned in, I can't embarrass him very much, I can only show a few pictures from over the years. Guess I need to get busy scanning pics and get a huge external hard drive!

Happy 51st Birthday Sweetie, Love ya!

Cozyflier

Animal Kingdom!

2011-09-20T00:02:00.001-05:00

I have always loved animals, when I was little Mom & Dad thought I would be a Vet! So it stands to reason that I really like Animal Kingdom at WDW. My favorite ride is the Safari ride. We also like Everest, and Dinosaur. If we are in the mood to get wet, Kali River Rapid ride is fun, but if I don't want to get wet, I pass on that!

The walking trails to view animals are also amazing. Depending on how much time you want to spend and how much your feet will stand up to there are a lot of animals you can see.

A black rhino!

Hippos!

Gators!

This is a baobab tree!

Tommy's

Love the elephants!

Looks like Pumba was worn out!

Amelia and AJ on the Safari.

Zach tries the drums!

The walking vine. How would you like to be in this get up all day long?!?

Conrad and Donna with Baloo and King Louie!

Everest!

Some drummers making lovely music that we wanted to dance to.

On the way into Dino...

Some of the ride pictures are so funny!

I finally got my Turkey leg! Took all week, but I finally got it. Just hadn't been hungry enough when we were around them in the other parks!

This display of cameras in the gift shop where Everest exits got my attention. I have a small camera collection.

This is what it looks like when you ride Everest!

Again, the ride pics can be funny. If Disney would incorporate the ride pics into the Photopass, I would be so happy. I've been told that due to contracts, that is 5 years out. Boo!!!

First time I've ever seen Thumper! I think Thumper's wife is Petunia! But I haven't looked this up, I'm really trying my memory!

Conrad got his pic too!

Do you like Animal Kingdom? What is your favorite? Do tell!

Cozyflier

We ate the Kitchen Sink!

2011-09-19T00:02:00.003-05:00

You would think after 14 times to WDW that I know 'it' all! Well, let me just say, I don't! I know a LOT, but I learn something about WDW almost everyday :-) I read a lot of blogs and websites, yes I'm a Disney junkie! Like I've said in prior posts, every trip to WDW is different because we experience different things.

This trip was no exception. You know the expression everything but the kitchen sink? Well, Disney has given that new meaning! The Kitchen Sink at the Beach Club's Beaches & Cream is now our must do list! If you haven't ever tried it, just look below and see what you are missing ~ it is an experience, let me tell you!

So what is in this you ask? The better question is what isn't?!? 8 scoops of ice cream, chocolate, Carmel, and peanut butter toppings. Marshmallow cream, brownie, cake, cookies, candy bar, cherries, and an ENTIRE can of whipped cream!!! 1 Kitchen Sink can easily feed 4 to 6 people. There use to be a challenge for 1 person to eat it. So, for the group of 8 of us, we ordered 2, count em 2 Sinks!!!

Outside the soda shop, I though this table was cute!

The soda shop has an old fashioned feel!

We had 2 tables, because each table only seats 4!

Another birthday celebration for Conrad!

Oh my, can we do it??

We did not eat dinner, AJ decided to order a hotdog, and only ate a small amount of ice cream!

making progress!

Can't quite get it all finished, we need another body! Can you come help us out?

My biggest complaint? I couldn't buy the sink, or a small replica of the sink! they didn't even have a button or a pin! I really want something besides my pictures to commemorate such a special occasion!

Be sure to make your way to the Beach Club on your next visit to WDW. Beaches&Cream does not take reservations. We arrived about 7:15 and only had to wait about 35 minutes and that was for a group of 8. Not bad.

I can't wait to go back in November and take Kevin over there and let him tackle this!

Have you ever gone there and tried this??

Cozyflier

Blizzrd Beach!

2011-09-18T00:02:00.004-05:00

When we purchase tickets, I buy at ReserveOrlando.com, I buy park hopper tickets and water park and more tickets. I discovered on this past August trip that the Water Park and more option gives you both water parks and Disney Quest! I also discovered by calling, that if you have a 5 day pass, you get 5 bonus options. Now, just in case you are trying to decide where to buy tickets, this is NOT a paid plug, I do lots of research on ticket prices, and at the above web site, we bought 3 day tickets, got the 4th and 5th day free, then added park hopper option, and water park option.
The kids love Disney Quest, and I wish the weather had cooperated with us, we would have loved to have hopped over to Typhoon Lagoon one afternoon. Oh well, live and learn!

So, I will share some of the pics from Blizzard Beach. This is a water park themed to look like a blizzard came through. It has ski lifts, and polar caps everywhere! We went late in the morning, we had stayed at the MK until 3am. We only had a few hours at Blizzard Beach because a big thunderstorm came in. But what time we were there we had fun!

Here we are! Tyler and Zach had gone ahead of us, and when we got there we met up at the lockers!

The wave pool.

Tyler, Ashley, and Amelia play in the waves.

The lazy river! This is my favorite! There is Donna.

Amelia and AJ!

Conrad!

Ashley's back, AJ, Tyler, Zach almost underwater.

AJ and Zach.

Ashley :-)

Zach

Tyler

This is the normal picture of my son Tyler. I can't tell you how many pictures I have like this!

Photopass photos:

Donna and Carrie

Donna, Conrad, Carrie

Carrie, AJ, Amelia

Ashley, Carrie

If you haven't been to Blizzard Beach I highly recommend it. We didn't get to do nearly what we wanted to, but we still had fun. Looking forward to next time.

Cozyflier

A Day in the Magic Kingdom!

2011-09-17T18:59:00.000-05:00

What ride do you ride first in the Magic Kingdom? We usually end up at Space Mt! Or we go and get Fast Passes for it then ride Buzz or TTA. Either way, we usually end up in Tomorrow Land first. What about you? I know several people that say Adventure Land first! Not my family! Anyway, we always have a great time in the MK! Here are some of the daytime pictures :-)

First thing in the morning, outside the train station. So beautiful!

The master of ceremonies, opening of the Magic Kingdom. Have you ever seen the opening show? It is fun!

Here is the train, bringing all the characters into view!

And here is Mickey!

A countdown, and Boom, the MK is officially open!

While Tyler and Zach went to get Fast Passes for Space Mt., we ducked in to See Mickey & Minnie at their new location.

Carrie, Amelia, and AJ

Conrad and Donna

Ashley

The group of us!

I believe for the 40th birthday celebration, MK has the Move It Shake It mini parade. This was a lot of fun, the birthday floats come down Mainstreet, circle the castle and then the characters get off and dance with the guests! Reminds me of Block Party Bash at HWS a few years back!

Here you can see my awesome hair ribbon I got from Flip-a-roos.com!

Yes, I got to dance with Mr. Incredible! AJ and Conrad were to shy to come dance!

The funny thing through out this trip, even though we split up our group, we kept running into each other! Here, we are getting onto TTA, as Tyler and Zach are getting off!

We couldn't resist! Since our T's show Goofy trying to eat a Mickey ice cream, we just had to do it!!!!

And yes, Conrad's piece did go SPLAT! Although AJ didn't get that picture!

Here are some of the Photopass photos with Mickey and Minnie!

They really liked my skirt!

When you purchase the photo CD, they throw on extra photos of the Characters! I love this!

I did learn that if you pre-purchase the photo CD at the park before you leave you get an extra CD of 500 stock photos, and then you edit your photos online when you get home. That is how I got to put borders and signatures on the photos. Then you order your CD and they ship it to you. I always plan to buy the CD, so I go around the parks, looking for the photo pass photographers! We had 130 photos when we were done with our trip! The castmember in the photo shop was most impressed!

Hope you like our day in the MK! Tell me about yours.

Cozyflier

The Rest of the Stories.....

2011-09-13T10:48:00.000-05:00

Friends and readers, the rest of the Disney stories will be coming, I promise! I've just been busy with my Mom in the hospital and getting kids lined out in school. Wow, middle schoolers have a lot of homework!

Also, I've been having computer connectivity problems and then I tried updated blogger! Don't do it if you write a blog!!! I spent 2+ hours working on a blog with lots of pictures of Disney, and LOST everything! My heart was crushed ::sigh::

When I'm sure AT&T has my connections at 100%, and I have time to upload pics for blogging, I will finishing telling all the tales of all the fun we had in Disney in August, yes there is more to tell :-0

Happy almost fall!

Cozyflier

Magic Kingdom, E Night!!

2011-09-06T17:21:00.000-05:00

The Magic Kingdom is probably my favorite park, it is a tie with Hollywood Studios! I know, everyone loves MK. I rate the parks: MK, HWS, AK, then EPCOT!!! Now, do you know what E night is? "E" night is Extra Magic Hours for guests staying on sight, staying in a Disney Hotel. This is a definite advantage. Some mornings parks will open 1 hour early, and some nights parks will stay open 2-3 hours longer! This means wait times are shorter for the rides, the park is not as full, and at night, the sun is NOT beating down on you! So, in the summer, when the MK normally closes at midnight, "E" night got us an additional 3 hours. Yes, we got to stay in the park until 3 AM if we wanted to!!

How would one do this you ask? Well, quite simply a nap during the heat of the day is just about a requirement. After going to EPCOT during the morning and afternoon, everyone headed back to the condo and rested. The boys might have taken in a short swim, not sure, then everyone crashed! Dinner was sandwiches and chips and by 7pm we were on the bus to the MK. Tonight's agenda, was FUN! Ride rides, let the group see WISHES and get a feel for the park. This was just our 1st day at the MK we had a week to cover the parks!

Here are pics of the fun:


Tomorrow Land Transit Authority, I remember when it was Webway people mover!


Remember when we use to talk to each other when we stood in line?!?


Zach loves Buzz!

Ready to ride space mountain!

Donna was so excited that she got to ride the teacups!


Fantasyland is expanding, Toontown is gone :-(


Ashley loves penguins!

I rode Aladdin backwards the entire time so I could take pictures! Hope you all appreciate my endeavors!

2:45 AM Main St USA is getting empty!

Wishes, out of order, but oh well!

I know I have been to the WDW many times, I think 14 now! But what I love about it is that every time I go I see something different, or I see the park through the eyes of someone else! Hope you like MK at night as much as I do.

Cozyflier

EPCOT!

2011-08-31T18:16:00.000-05:00

Our first morning in the parks we decided to go to EPCOT. We figured we could do the big rides, tour the World Showcase, do shopping, then go back to the condo rest, swim and do Magic Kingdom for E night!

We were celebrating Conrad's 12th B-day and first visit to WDW. We entered the park and headed for Soaring. Several people in the group had never ridden this ride. I'll let pictures tell most of the stories.

Zach above and Donna below enter EPCOT! I know I'm weird, but waiting in line and going through turnstyles is part of the vacation experience!

Leaving the LAND where Soarin the ride is. Everyone really enjoyed this IMAX ride.


Signing up for TEAM Possible

Kids can do Kim Possible missions all through world showcase.

We are from West Texas, it is DRY. The humidity in Orlando almost killed us! We took every opportunity to cool off! And the humidity and my HAIR, oh don't get me started with naturally curly hair, it wouldn't do a thing! I look horrible in every picture!

After you ride Spaceship Earth they have all kinds of Eco information. Have you ever played Power City? This is a neat game. Try to slide the energy balls and power the cities to keep them running.

World Showcase finally opened, and we made our way around the world. Here in America, we watched the American Revolution play. We also grabbed a small lunch, I wanted fried ice cream and funnel cake!!!

Japan, the drummers were out! They are amazing. The scenery is pretty too.


LOVE it!

We made it to France! Amelia was excited since she had been to Europe over Spring Break! I love Disney Trips because when we go with different people I always see new and different things. I went into stores I'd never been in before!

Here we are in London!!

Below, we found the HGTV area that Ahmed built with a family. Yes, Amelia and I watch a lot of HGTV and DIY!

Snow White just loved my Mickey hair ribbon that I ordered from Fliparoos! Snow White then asked what Kingdom we were from!

This was a great trip because I saw characters that I normally don't see! Donna wanted to see characters and most of the lines were really short :-)
Belle wanted to know if we had libraries we we came from!

Of course the big boys split off from us after we ate. The cool thing though is in America, at one little stand they had 10 trivia questions. Zach, Tyler, and myself polished off the 10 trivia questions on American History in less than 5 minutes! come on, who was the first one to sign the Declaration of Independence? Really? And another example, the 4 presidents on Mt. Rushmore! Apparently we impressed the castmember! We got stickers :-)

As you can tell from the pictures, Donna, Amelia, and I finished our walk around the world. The rest of the gang took a ferry across lake and headed back to the condo. You can tell which pictures were taken in the morning and which pictures were taken in the afternoon. We all met up at MouseGears, my favorite store in EPCOT. All the boys left and got the bus. While the 4 girls shopped for about an hour! Then we headed home!

Magic Kingdom E night is coming up!! Are you on the edge of your seats? Hours for E-Night 12-3 AM!

Cozyflier

Old Key West ~ The Condo!

2011-08-27T11:14:00.000-05:00

As I have mentioned, we are Disney Vacation Club members. No, I don't get paid by Disney to mention this! I just love to share the information. I truly feel it is the best investment we have ever done. We love to share it with our friends.

On this trip we stayed at Old Key West. OKW was the first DVC resort and it has the largest condos. The asmosphere is really laid back. We love it there. Have you ever stayed there? It is amazing! If you have never stayed in one of the wonderful condos, here are some pictures so you can see what they look like.

2nd bedroom


AJ is claiming this chair as his bed, little did he know there was a pull out bed in there!

Full Kitchen and a hidden TV!


I think the girls approve of the whirlpool bath and extra shower!

Turtle Pond

OKW is paid off, Animal Kingdom is almost paid off, and we bought at Grand Cal out in California. Now the big misconception with this is that you can only go to Disney. FALSE, you can go all over the world!

So, do you agree with me? Isn't OKW beautiful? We just love it there. Oh, I forgot the pool pictures. Oops. let me throw in some.

All of these are the MAIN pool, sorry, I didn't get the play ground! There are also several smaller pools throughout the resort.

Yes, I've been told I'm Disney Crazy! But, I'm in good company!

Cozyflier

Arriving Florida - DownTown Disney

2011-08-25T10:19:00.000-05:00

Day 2 continues....
If you read this we left off in Mobile Bay. Next up will be Pensacola Bay.

The Florida welcome center had cool star wars posters and Harry Potter posters. Pictures were in order!

I remember when hurricane Andrew took out this bridge. Wow, was the road construction on this a bear to get through! I'm sure glad this is built and finished :-)

Texas and Florida are BIG states!! We finally made it to Gainsville by 10:30pm. Loosing that hour didn't help. The kids wanted to swim but it was late. Guess we shouldn't have stopped at the outlet mall in Gulfport, MS!! But I must say, we only stopped for 1 hour :-))

I planned ahead of time to stop in Gainsville. Rooms were already reserved. See, Gainsville is only 2 1/2 hours from WDW! Makes a great place to spend the night and have fresh start so you have an entire day for Downtown Disney.

A hidden Mickey while driving on I-75 is always a good sign, right?!?

And this, this lets me know that I'm officially home at WDW :-) I love being a DVC member!

WE got checked in at 10am and we knew the condo would not be ready. That was fine. We had a full day planned at Downtown Disney. We rode the ferry from Old Key West over to DTD. Rain Forrest Cafe is our tradition, they have good food and the atmosphere is fun. Then We explore shops, the Pin Traders, World of Disney, and AJ's favorite, LEGGO Store!!! Goofy's Candy Co., the Scrapbook Store, and Christmas Store, plus the water fountains. Believe it or not, Downtown Disney was empty. I've never seen it so empty. It was awesome!

Ashley, Amelia, & AJ

Conrad, Zach, and Tyler

Donna and Carrie!

Here are some of the store pictures:

This is soooooo me! I have many many many completed scrapbooks!!

Anytime I see something with Doc, I have to take a picture! Just comes with the territory! Do you know how hard it is to find things with Doc? I usually have to custom make T's. Doc is really under represented!

AJ liked the sign in the Goofy Candy Co. I'll show you why!

AJ has PI memorized out to about 25 decimals! AJ is all about Star Wars, Leggos, and PI !!

The new Leggo store was truly amazing. So big, so much to see, computer building stations, play stations outside, and the new displays ~ awesome! AJ had saved up his allowance most of the year. I was so wrapped up in seeing everything in the store, I forgot to take a picture of him checking out! The one picture shows him with his bag, but below is a picture of all the boxes of the sets he bought with his own money!

And he ventured away from Star Wars! Only 1 SW set this time! I have more pictures of DT Disney and Pleasure Island, but I think you get the gist, that we had a great time. The older kids all split off, and did Disney Quest so I don't have pictures of them. I'll close with a ferry picture!

Next, The Condo!!

Cozyflier

The American Adventure

2011-08-24T17:33:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid I remember road trips! Going cross country and driving to a destination. Seeing this country for what it was. Now a days everyone seems to jump in a commercial airplane and get there.

Well not with the price of airline tickets! So, our adventure began with 8 of us, 2 cars, OK OK 1 van and 1 car, a cargo carrier and we were off to Walt Disney World.

This is Donna, the other Mom that went with me! Her son, Conrad also went along.

Zach and Tyler. Both turned 21 this year. They have been friends since high school. Zach and his sister Ashley moved in across the street about 7 years ago and have been great friends to the kids.

Conrad and AJ, the 12 year old boys! and in the far back, Ashley under cover, and Amelia! They all ended up switching places more times than I can count! But this is just one pic!

The inevitable PIT Stop!!! Let me tell you, with 8 people pit stops are NOT fast!!!
Oh, and filling up 2 cars across the country, my Credit Card company called me to make sure my card hadn't been stolen! I forgot to call them and tell them I would be traveling. I guess gas and 3 hotel rooms red flags the account!!
Texas is BIG, it takes 9 hours to get from where we live to the state line! Add stopping at Braums in Dallas for Dinner and it was Dark thirty before we got to Louisiana!

Ashley was still asleep! Amelia and AJ are always up for a picture!

Conrad joined in on the fun!

Yea! We finally made it out of Texas!!! Of course the big boys said NO! NO pictures at state signs. I didn't push it!

This is how AJ was sleeping! However he found out I was taking a picture and smile went on!

We had left Lubbock at 12:30, just after noon. By about 1:30 AM the drivers were getting tired. Not sleepy, but tired of being in the car, sitting. So, we pulled off in Opelousa, LA and I found 3 rooms in a hotel. Since it was soooo late I got a discount :-) We all napped until 7:30 am and hit the road with full tummies.

I also wanted the newbies who had not made this trip to see the Mississippi River in the dayligt, the Mobile Tunnel, Mobile Bay, Pensacola Bay and such during the day. Oh, and the USS Alabama. The sights were too good to go through at night.

Mississippi Bridge. Note, I'm driving, Donna is taking pictures for me!

Downtown Mobile, AL

Entering the tunnel. So cool! Makes me think of the movie 'Daylight"! Just not a long enough tunnel!

In the tunnel!

Everyone thought the tunnel was really cool! Then we came out and there was the USS Alabama, WOW! And the bay is beautiful. Since Lubbock hadn't seen any rain since last October when we left, seeing all that water was a magnificent sight! Such beauty.

Well, picture upload is giving me a hassle. So, I will end this blog and continue trip details with another blog. There will be many blogs about this trip adventure! We spent a week at WDW and then made a mad dash home driving straight through because we had to get home for open house for school!

Did you ever take a great road adventure? Aren't they great? I think they are. The kids learn a lot :-)

More to come,
Cozyflier

Vintage Pearl Giveaway

2011-08-24T10:43:00.001-05:00

http://www.thevintagepearl.com/blog/2011/08/faith-and-fortune-cookies-a-giveaway/#comment-45473

ReBath your Bathroom!

2011-08-02T15:23:00.000-05:00

Note, this is not a paid advertisement!

We have lived in our home 19 years, it is 25 years old. Not ancient, but things do need to be repaired. I dream of remodeling the kitchen someday, but that is another post! Today's post is about bathrooms. We decided it was time, actually way past time to do so up keep on the old homestead. the guest bath is still down the road a bit, but we did the kids tub/shower. Amelia and AJ have a Pullman bath or a Jack & Jill bath.

The tub got a new liner, all the tile came out, the plumbing was replaced, and shower doors were replaced, and all the fixtures were replaced! The great part, their bathroom only took 2 days! WOW! Demo and done! I was amazed. My master shower took 3 days because of all the angles!!

So, do you want to see pictures? Oh, come on, you didn't think you'd get by without em did you? Not on my blog!! John, the contractor was like, you in here taking pictures again?!?

I did before and after, so here it goes!

Before, old brass doors, tile in the kids shower.

Demo!!!

The tub liner!


Some sheet rock had to be taken out. New water resistant sheet rock was put in that had a water membrane in it.

Old pipes!


Going to raise the height of the shower head!

Glue for new tub.


The new tub!


New sheet rock.


The walls go up!

New pipes!

New Doors!


New soap dish, shower head.

New towel rod!

Now for My Bathroom by Rebath.......

Our shower door gave out quite awhile ago. Shower curtains are great fixes! The old door rubbed in the end.


Demo!

Dust and debris!


Raising the ceiling.


Putting in new pipes


Spouts for jets and water resistant sheet rock.


Where the faucet will be.


Jets will go there on this wall too!

The walls go up!

Gizmo checks out the new door! I love the Rain shower head. And the jets are awesome!


Gizmo is thinking about a shower!

We can have just rain, just jets, or a combination! I'm in heaven!!!!

Should I turn on the water?!?!?


I was nice, I didn't!

The soap dish tower is awesome!

All this was done last week, with my Mom in the hospital, my brother and his wife in town, and my sister and her husband in town. To say that life was CRAZY is an understatement!!! Today, all 5 sinks are getting new faucets in brushed nickel. And in a few months hopefully I will be showing you a new guest bathroom.

We are really impressed by Rebath. The work is guaranteed for life and they are quick and clean workers. If you are thinking about having your bathroom done, give them a call, hey mention my name, Carrie Funk, who knows, maybe I'll get a towel rod or something! :-) Everyone in the family wants to use my shower now because I had the jets put in! But, if they use it they have to squeegee! Tell me what you think, I love them, would love to hear what you think!

Cozyflier

Back to School Supplies!!!

2011-07-20T21:16:00.000-05:00

Didn't school just get out? I know I feel like it did. I'm just getting use to sleeping late. However, have you looked in the stores? Hobby Lobby has Christmas out! All the other stores have the school supplies out! The stores have been putting them out since June! I know this because son number 2 works at Office Max and he has been doing the freight and spent 2 weeks working nights setting up all the school supply displays.

I decided to get my shopping done now and avoid the MOBS! Also, because of WDW I wanted this ugly task out of the way!

Want to see what the kids got? They were excited, and I'm sad to say that I'm pretty sure I'll have to make another trip, but I'm fairly good at figuring out what they need ahead of time and figuring out what the shared class supplies will be! I've been through this rodeo before!

School starts August 22, my lazy sleep in days will be coming to a halt. Oh how I love summer, sigh......


AJ is in heaven!!!

Can you tell what Amelia likes?!?

A calculator for pre-algerbra!


LOVE the name!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, we need duck tape! We have many different spirit days, and duck tape day is one of them! When we found patterned duck tape we were in heaven, but when we found "Funky Flamingo" we were REALLY Happy :-)

And, I was a good Mom, I made a special trip to Target just for Star Wars stuff for AJ. I buy most of my supplies at Office Max. Any discount helps at this time of year!

Enjoying the last days of summer while I can! Later....

Cozyflier

The Blackmobil and Robin!

2011-07-06T19:22:00.000-05:00

Kevin and I took the van in to make an appointment to be repaired. It had been giving us more problems and getting up there in mileage. Kev said, lets looks at what is on the lot just for fun!! This is what we found:

This van was used like the previous Honda, but it is 1 year newer and has 20,000 less miles than the white van I had! It also has a GPS system and a backup camera! So, next time there is a wasp in the car and Amelia freaks out I won't back up into a brick wall!! Hopefully :-))

Thus, meet Robin:

Since Kevin nicknamed the car the Blackmobil, I nicknamed the GPS Robin!!! I thought it was appropriate! Robin talks to me too! Pretty cool, you can tell I'm easily amused!

It is difficult getting use to looking for a black van in a parking lot though after having a white van for 4 years!

Cozyflier

Jeff Dunham

2011-06-26T23:07:00.000-05:00

Jeff Dunham, the ventriloquist, came to Lubbock. Kevin really likes his work so when I discovered the show was coming, I bought tickets. Chris and Micah went also.

I've only seen one of Jeff's shows on TV but I think Walter and Peanut are my favorite characters. We were 29 rows back on the floor so we had to watch the big screen. Here are some photos.

This is Walter, he has many views on marriage!

Achmed, the dead terrorist who has been outlawed in S Africa.

The new character is A.J. Achmed Junior, Achmed's son!

This is Peanut.

Jose' Jalapeno on a Steek!

After the show Chris, Micah, Kevin and I went to dinner. We all had an enjoyable evening. It was fun to do something unusual. If you get a chance, go see the show!

Cozyflier

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-18T23:33:00.000-05:00

Kevin sent this to me today, Saturday.

As I drove to work, I saw a sign at a church that really got me to thinking. The sign said "Poor is the man who's only wealth is money".
Kev's thoughts:
Money is ephemeral and only has value for as long as other people believe that it has value. Some men consider their wealth as their possessions, especially things like cars. Cars deteriorate, even with great care and parts have to be replaced until the original car is gone.
So what is wealth? It is family. Those who love a man, appreciate him, care for him and accept his compassion, possession, and belonging. Family that love each other despite all of our faults, and can love each other unconditionally, is a true family. A man who has a family who loves him for who he is, is the wealthiest man. There are few, and I know that I am one. I am wealthy because of them.

I've said many times over the years that we are very wealthy because we have a loving family
Obviously, Kevin understands that he is one of the luckiest and loved men on the planet. I just wish he didn't have to go into work on Father's Day, but we do get a little bit of time with him :-)

We do LOVE you Kev, see why:


He might be 50, but he plays Twister with the kids!


He carves pumpkins with the kids!


Kev strings Christmas lights!


Kev and his boys! Playing in the park.

Happy Father's Day to all dads out there, enjoy your day.

Cozyflier

105*

2011-06-17T21:21:00.000-05:00

Officially the calendar still says spring! The kids are on summer break, but it is only mid June. We are in the Nth day of 100* ++++ weather and the most severe DROUGHT in almost 100 years. YES, W Texas is HOT. Mind you, I'm NOT complaining ~ I greatly DISLIKE the COLD, so the warm is just fine.

We joined the local pool and the kids and I are swimming, diving, and playing in the pool. My water camera is getting a real workout :-) Luckily, the pool is only about 4 or 5 blocks so we can walk or bike to it.

Here are some pics of all the fun we are having:


I love how water bubbles come out under water!


Dare devil AJ

Yep, the ONLY old lady at the pool diving off the high dive!!

Well, in this heat the pool feels great. This is where we are living! What about you? Are you swimming to keep cool?

Cozyflier

Out With the Old, In With the New

2011-06-17T20:36:00.000-05:00

Remember when I talked about spoilers the other day? This is one of the errands we did! I don't know if I should consider this a late Mother's day gift or an early anniversary present, but I got a new washer and dryer!!! Yep, the old ones died.
Luckily, we hit the Memorial Day Sale at Lowes last weekend and they were ordered. Delivery was today :-) I was happy to see the Lowes truck come! No, this is NOT a paid ad for this store!

Bye bye, so long, farewell!


Welcome to your new home!

With the holiday sales we got the W/D set almost 2 for 1. And the bottom drawers were 2 for 1. That made for a great savings. The eco efficient system will also help.

Oops, I wrote this awhile back, looks like it never got posted! Oh well, better late than never!

Cozyflier

Kevin's HGTV Woes!

2011-06-07T13:43:00.000-05:00

I like to watch HGTV! In fact you might say I'm addicted to it! So often it seems there is nothing on TV worth watching, I put on HGTV. I can clean house, do laundry, come in and out and listen to it. I can work on my lap top with it on! I can have it on in the basement and scrapbook with it on. I don't have to pay close attention to it, and they do a lot of recaps during the shows. I also get a lot of neat ideas, so that when I can't sleep at night I dream and scheme about my house! See where this is going?

Years ago, in fact when Amelia was a baby, a store went out of business. I bought their amazing hand built cabinets for our garage. 1 of them I put in my laundry room. It had 2 shelves and 2 hanging rods. Only problem it covered my window in my laundry room and recently I've been tired of how dark it seems back there! I recently saw something on one of the HGTV shows and got me to thinking. Dangerous, I know! So I mentioned my idea to Kevin. Pretty easy he said. We started measuring, looking around the garage and yard at all our scrap wood, and sure enough we had everything we needed!

So, let me show you in pictures what we built in one day, then took a couple of days to paint and finish out. We did this project for about $35.00 because we used scrap lumber :-)

BEFORE:


A family project day


I quickly painted the nook in the laundry room!


Tyler learns to use the router

I built those saw horses in high school!!

I'd given AJ the camera, this is a self portrait! He was providing weight while Amelia sanded! Love this photo!


Nap time for the Slave labor!


Going in nicely!


A little trim finishes the job!


Its done!


My design works, food and litter on floor, baskets on shelf, and folding table on top :-)

My laundry room is now very functional! I'm quite pleased. The new washer/dryer look great with the new folding shelf. I'm so lucky to have such a skilled hubby. Thanks hun for building this and putting up with my wild ideas :-)

Do you do DIY's? (This is NOT a paid ad for HGTV!!)

Cozyflier

Memorial Day ~

2011-05-30T11:43:00.000-05:00

I would like to thank everyone who has or is serving in the Armed forces. I considered the military, but didn't choose it. But my family has a long line of military service.

I'm thankful for my Dad, Stephen Martin Skvarenina and brother Julius; Dad-in-law, Hal Funk; Extended family Glen Maycroft and his brothers, they all served in WW II.

My Brother Tim Skvarenina and brother-in-law Gary Maycroft who served in Viet Nam, and Tim taught the soldiers how to use the Patriot Missle the first Gulf War.

Kevin's brother Stan was in the Coast Guard and sailed on the Eagle. Our nephew Brent Welch is in the Marines. Kevin's Uncle Don was in the Marines.

More exteded family has/is served/serving, Julie Maycroft.

MANY friends are currently serving ~ Terry Winnett, Erica Comer, Mackenizie Oliver. I'm sure that there are more and I'm forgetting someone, SORRY! I'm just trying to make a point that everyone has a connection with our military and we better not forget this.

It is because of these people that we are allowed to go out and have a picnic today, a day off, go to an amusement park, be with family. We are remembering those who lost their lives, but also those who continue to serve and fight for our freedoms.

God Bless this Country

Cozyflier

Graduation!

2011-05-29T22:20:00.000-05:00

Ashley Ann graduated yesterday! I'm so proud of her, she has worked very hard. You see, Ashley is our 'adopted' daughter. Everyone has one of those, right? She is our neighbor but I claim her as mine. She is the sister Amelia has never had, she tutors Amelia and is always ready to give me a helping hand. Here are some graduation pics. We haven't done official cap & gown pics yet, but here are the high lights from last night!

Earlier, we had given Ashley her graduation gift. What is more logical coming from me than a camera? And, I got the camera in her favorite color! How good am I?!? Well, in this picture, you can only see the green case, but just know, her camera is green like the case!

So congratulations to Ashley, and to several others in the class that I knew.

Congratulations to all who graduated this year. Many years of hard work were rewarded. Your life is ahead of your, your dreams, challenges, choices, anything you aspire can come true! It is your time to SOAR!

Cozyflier

Oh What a Day

2011-05-26T12:30:00.000-05:00

Wed was going to be a busy day, the carpet cleaners were scheduled to come, but when they finished in only 1 hour that left the day wide open!

Kevin was home for 8 hours between shifts in the ER and wanted to get errands run so we did several of those. I will have more on those later, spoilers!

Then, when Chris, our oldest got off work, he came over and we went to the grocery store. Wow, I can't tell you how many years it has been since I've been grocery shopping with Kevin, Chris, and Tyler all together! Amelia and AJ were still in school! This just doesn't happen! Chris bought what he needed for his house and I loaded up for the upcoming holiday weekend and family coming :-)

Upon arriving home, groceries were put away faster than I can blink. No, I don't know where they all are! Then we set to the task of cooking ~ homemade cinnamon rolls and chicken spaghetti! Also marinating chicken for chicken tacos. Let me just say I had the best smelling house in the world!

We used Pioneer Womans recipe for cinnamon rolls, 6 pans full! YUM-O First time to ever make 'em from scratch! Then a double batch of her chicken spaghetti, 3 pans of it! Oh my we will have good eating this weekend :-)


When Amelia got home she got put on dish duty!


Ashley, neighbor, adopted daughter, helper, and this time photographer!


I threatened to pat Chris on the face with my flour hands!


My chili pot is no longer just a chili pot!

We also made chicken fettuccine alfredo for dinner it was great!
So it was a full day for me. I even managed to get a few loads of laundry in!

I've probably made you hungry! Oh well, other blogs that I read do that to me. Have a great weekend, we are celebrating Ashley's graduation and family being in town. It might be a few days before I post, don't know!

Cozyflier

Recycling!

2011-05-23T21:02:00.000-05:00

I care about our planet. I've always tried to recycle and teach my children to do so. When we moved here 19+ years, the city garbage trucks would come by once a week and pick up your recycling, if you put it in a blue plastic trash sack and put it on the ground next to the dumpster! That worked just fine and dandy :-)

Well, I guess it wasn't cost effective for the city because that only lasted a few years. Then, we had to drive about 25 miles to a recycling plant. That was a chore!

Now....

We load up the van to the brim and drive 2 miles to a grocery store parking lot!

And we find these lovely dumpsters!

Another view of how full the van was!

They are quite picky about how they want the items. I realize they are going to an automated place to be recycled. But sometimes it makes you ask, is it worth it?!?

So, this was one item crossed off my to do list! Do you recycle? Is it easy for you? Or is it just too much work where you are?

Happy Day

Cozyflier

Spring Cleaning/Re-Arranging

2011-05-21T22:27:00.000-05:00

Well, I haven't been blogging, haven't been face-booking much either! I've been Spring Deep Cleaning my house! Why? Several reasons, it needed it, it IS Spring, and we have
family coming into town. Cleaning the house for family is always a good idea right?

I've also been re-arranging the house! I'm moving furniture all over the place. I will post pics later, I'm so sore I can hardly move! I may never get to try our 'new' treadmill that we found on Craigslist for a bargain! I'm getting a real workout cleaning and moving!

Anyway, more later!

Cozyflier

It's Done!!!!!

2011-05-14T20:12:00.000-05:00

I told you about my project the other day! I'm proud to say I'm done!!! 3 1/2 days and I'm finished! Here is the final product, well, I don't have things back on the wall, but the painting is done!

This is looking into the dining room from the den/kitchen. Wow, it seems bigger! I used a paint that has silica in it so it gives the wall texture as you paint :-) I love this paint.

My accent wall! This paint is a metallic paint and is done in a 2 step process. Base coat A then coat B. Base coat A is dark bold blue. Top coat B is pale. I love the metallic paint. I guess I'm daring! Have you ever tried a really cool paint?


Base coat

The old curtains went into the dumpster! Sorry, they were not worth trying to recycle. They matched the wallpaper! They were floor to ceiling and made the room even more dark! I'm going to order vertical blinds ~ I think!

I'm so happy with the result. The room is so much brighter, seems bigger, and is more inviting. Wish I had done this years ago like I wanted to! Oh well, it is done now.

Oh, and I just want to say, that painting is hard work! I even consider this a good workout! Anyone want to argue? I can feel every muscle in my body. My Fibromyalgia is not a happy camper, but I'm still alive! I'm glad I did this.

It is rare that Kevin gets 2 days in a row off! But, I made use of them! And then, Tyler had 3 days off. So he got to help me clean up and move furniture back into place! See, the key to getting a project done is having your help lined up :-) I'm no dummy!

So, the question is, what is the next project?!?

Cozyflier

The Vintage Pearl: calligraphy. (a giveaway!)

2011-05-13T19:26:00.000-05:00

The Vintage Pearl: calligraphy. (a giveaway!)

Blogger is back up and Erin has another great giveaway! check this out!

Cozyflier

Tolerance No More!

2011-05-11T19:01:00.000-05:00

I lived in my home almost 19 years. When we moved in it was huge and there were things like wall paper that we didn't like, but figured we would tolerate until we decided to change it! Well, our family grew from 2 kids to 4 kids, and life always seemed to get in the way of changing the Dining Room. Have you ever had a project like that, just kept getting put on the back burner?

Well, no more! Kevin got 2 days in a row off, wow! 2 yrs ago I had bought paint for the dining room! Again, life got in the way. But, today, we plunged in and the dining room is finally getting painted, hip hip hooray!

Bye Bye ugly wallpaper:


Kevin puts up tape!


Kevin cuts in and I roll on the primer!

So, we finished the first coat of primer and we are letting it dry. We will do another coat of primer then start the paint. I'm so excited! After almost 20 yrs I won't have to tolerate the ugly dining room wallpaper! I'll keep you posted on our progress :-)

Wish us luck!

Cozyflier

UIL Competition

2011-05-09T17:33:00.000-05:00

Sat. May 8th was a LONG day. Amelia, AJ, and myself had to be at another middle school at 7:30am. 7:30 in the A of M on a Saturday mind you!!! Remember, I'm NOT a morning person :-)

Why pratel you ask? Well, the kids had been working really hard for UIL A+ and Saturday was the competition. For those of you not familiar with UIL here is a link.

Amelia competed in: Ready Writing. She took 1st place!

AJ competed in 3 things:

Calculator Applications

Chess Puzzle

Maps, Graph, & Chatrts.

AJ took 2nd in Calculator applications, next to last in Chess, and we don't know about Maps.... We find out tomorrow. We didn't want to stay around for another 1.5 hours to find out! We were all exhausted and really wanted to go home. Call me a rotten Mom!

This has been a great experience for the kids. They have put in MANY hours staying after school school 2 days a week most of the school year. Our teacher, sponsor, Mrs. Quap works very diligently with the kids. In December we had a mock competition at our school so the kids could see what it would be like. Kevin and I helped with that.

I'm pretty sure other states do this competition, not just Texas. Do your kids participate in something like this?

I want to thank Mrs. Quap for all her long hours and dedication to the kids for this. Irons Middle School placed very well in the events that they competed in.

Kids were coming and going all day long. I took a couple of different pictures of some of the kids, and our wonderful principal and our assistant principal were there too.


David, Katie, AJ, Natalie, Amelia


Far Back, Mr. Casarez, Principal, Zane, AJ, Amelia, Natalie, Mariah, Hanah, Mason

Never got a picture with our asst. principal. Never got any formal structured pictures either! Oh well, the kids were scattered and hyper! It was a long, 'fun' day.

If you do UIL A+, how did you do?

Have a great week!

Cozyflier

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T00:02:00.001-05:00

Moms, they bring us into the world, they nurture us, teach us, care for us, love us. Mom's do so much and usually for little recognition. Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there! Hope you all have a great day.

All 4 of my kiddos!

Cozyflier

May The Fourth Be With You!

2011-05-04T14:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Star Wars Day! Everyone in my family is all a 'twitter' because it is May 4th! Today is Star Wars day. Also, it has been announced that in September the complete movie set will be released on blu-ray http://www.starwars.com/movies/saga/bluraymay4/index.html with bonus material! Everyone in the Star Wars Community is thrilled.

Happy Day everyone, and....

May the Fourth Be With You!!

Cozyflier