Here are some train pics we took at Tripp's school. He's right off the right of way! Too bad though - Jim doesn't like CSX. 
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Long Time No Post
I know, it's been forever. We've just been really busy. Plus we've been eating at the same "family friendly" staples so we haven't had much to review. Also been trying to eat at home a little bit more. Our current staples are homemade pizza and grilled cheese with hotdog in the middle made in the waffle iron. I know. Staggeringly healthy.
Trippy is at a new school. We got him moved and settled in this week. The weather has been a little less crazy and little warmer so we are less stir crazy. Today we planted some cypress trees in the back yard.
We spend a lot of our time focused on trains. Jim and Phillip are serious train junkies. Selah and I just act enthusiastic. We are looking forward to trying to plan a trip to the Folkston Funnel in south Georgia. They have a covered pavillion with bathrooms, ceiling fans, grills, and picnic tables next to the track where all trains funnel in and out of Georgia and Florida. Traffic and be as much as 40 - 60 trains a day! It's halfway to Cocoa too, so one day we'll get some vacation time together and that will be our stop halfway point.
Trippy is at a new school. We got him moved and settled in this week. The weather has been a little less crazy and little warmer so we are less stir crazy. Today we planted some cypress trees in the back yard.
We spend a lot of our time focused on trains. Jim and Phillip are serious train junkies. Selah and I just act enthusiastic. We are looking forward to trying to plan a trip to the Folkston Funnel in south Georgia. They have a covered pavillion with bathrooms, ceiling fans, grills, and picnic tables next to the track where all trains funnel in and out of Georgia and Florida. Traffic and be as much as 40 - 60 trains a day! It's halfway to Cocoa too, so one day we'll get some vacation time together and that will be our stop halfway point.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Restaurant Review - Ryan's
When Jim and I were dating and first married I referred buffet restaurants as "troughs" i.e. we were the cattle eating from the trough. I was not a fan. Two toddlers in tow can do a lot to change one's perspective. Ironically, this was my birthday dinner. I would not have chosen Ryan's had it been just Jim and me, but the kids all agreed on this one restaurant. This rare event prodded me to accept their choice.
Here are the pluses for eating at Ryan's. You don't have to wait for your food. You can almost always find enough kid food to please even the pickiest eater. It is fairly economical considering the amount of food you get to eat, and considering dessert is included.
The first hurdle to cross is getting plates made for the kids. Fortunately this night we had our amazing neighbor with us, Frankie. She's 13 and great with the little guys. I left them at the table with her while I juggled two plates for the monkeys.
The food on this night was not the best ever. Phillip demanded grilled cheese, but none was to be found. He settled for dipping his yeast roll in nacho cheese dip. So gross, yes? They did have hamburger patties with cheese. No buns, but I improvised with a roll and Selah was a happy camper. Phillip ate the cheese off his. A little mac and cheese makes everyone happy, and the best part is the salad bar. My kids love ranch and will dip almost anything in it. They both greedily ate a salad of greens, shredded carrots and croutons with ranch. This is a huge success in my book.
I always enjoy the desserts. While most are pretty institutional and warrant little more than a passing glance, the kids love to make ice cream sundaes. I almost always go for the cookies. We order decaf coffee and dip our cookies in it.
Eating here is not cheap. But it's not a bad deal either. Especially if your kids are under 13. Ours ate for free. Our total bill, including drinks and tax was 27.00. That's pretty hard to beat for two adults, a teenager, and two toddlers. Now Frankie should've been charged more since she's 13, but they gave us a break. Good for us and we'll be back.
Service here is always polite.
If you are a culinary snob, this is not the place for you. If you want decent food at a decent price this is the place for you. Everybody gets what they want. Everybody can stuff themselves silly. I give it four out of five stars.
Here are the pluses for eating at Ryan's. You don't have to wait for your food. You can almost always find enough kid food to please even the pickiest eater. It is fairly economical considering the amount of food you get to eat, and considering dessert is included.
The first hurdle to cross is getting plates made for the kids. Fortunately this night we had our amazing neighbor with us, Frankie. She's 13 and great with the little guys. I left them at the table with her while I juggled two plates for the monkeys.
The food on this night was not the best ever. Phillip demanded grilled cheese, but none was to be found. He settled for dipping his yeast roll in nacho cheese dip. So gross, yes? They did have hamburger patties with cheese. No buns, but I improvised with a roll and Selah was a happy camper. Phillip ate the cheese off his. A little mac and cheese makes everyone happy, and the best part is the salad bar. My kids love ranch and will dip almost anything in it. They both greedily ate a salad of greens, shredded carrots and croutons with ranch. This is a huge success in my book.
I always enjoy the desserts. While most are pretty institutional and warrant little more than a passing glance, the kids love to make ice cream sundaes. I almost always go for the cookies. We order decaf coffee and dip our cookies in it.
Eating here is not cheap. But it's not a bad deal either. Especially if your kids are under 13. Ours ate for free. Our total bill, including drinks and tax was 27.00. That's pretty hard to beat for two adults, a teenager, and two toddlers. Now Frankie should've been charged more since she's 13, but they gave us a break. Good for us and we'll be back.
Service here is always polite.
If you are a culinary snob, this is not the place for you. If you want decent food at a decent price this is the place for you. Everybody gets what they want. Everybody can stuff themselves silly. I give it four out of five stars.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Restaurant Review - Applebee's
Tonight my parents came to take me out for my birthday. Since Jim was working, it gave me the opportunity to get out with some extra hands. I picked Applebee's because it isn't somewhere we venture often with the kiddos. I was a little nervous. Phillip had a brief less-than-an-hour nap, and Selah was a napless wonder.
Saturday night at 6 p.m. made me a little nervous too. We did have to wait, but only for a few minutes. The waiting area wasn't crowded and we were able to sit while we waited.
They sat us in their biggest booth. Big points! We were able to sandwich the kiddos in between us big folks so they couldn't escape, but they had room to wiggle and move around.
The kid's menu was decent. They have cheap kid drinks. This is important for me because my kids refuse to drink water. I absolutely hate paying two bucks a head for sodas. Our waiter came around to get our drink order and brought it out right away. Selah ordered mini-cheeseburgers. A bonus to their kid's menu: you can order one or two of the mini-burgers. Perfect if you have a smaller toddler and don't want to pay for two. Selah, of course, ate two. Phillip insisted on grilled cheese. They did not have one on the menu, but the waiter assured us they could make one. Phillip ordered apple sauce instead of fries. Veggies were also a side option. Yay for them.
Our food took awhile. But we had no major meltdowns while waiting. It was very busy and bustling so I didn't worry about my kids making too much noise. All the adults had great food. Selah downed her meal with her usual finesse. Phillip's grilled cheese came out on marble bread and was made with cheddar. Now, this did not pose a problem tonight, but I'll admit I was a little nervous when I first saw his sandwich. Keep this in mind if you have picky eaters. Phillip downed the applesauce and picked at the sandwich. I'll take the applesauce as a win. It's a step up over the simple starches and cheese he normally lives on.
So overall, I'd give this one close to five stars for eating out with kids. It isn't the cheapest place in the world, but you can count on getting your money's worth, good service and a minimal wait.
Saturday night at 6 p.m. made me a little nervous too. We did have to wait, but only for a few minutes. The waiting area wasn't crowded and we were able to sit while we waited.
They sat us in their biggest booth. Big points! We were able to sandwich the kiddos in between us big folks so they couldn't escape, but they had room to wiggle and move around.
The kid's menu was decent. They have cheap kid drinks. This is important for me because my kids refuse to drink water. I absolutely hate paying two bucks a head for sodas. Our waiter came around to get our drink order and brought it out right away. Selah ordered mini-cheeseburgers. A bonus to their kid's menu: you can order one or two of the mini-burgers. Perfect if you have a smaller toddler and don't want to pay for two. Selah, of course, ate two. Phillip insisted on grilled cheese. They did not have one on the menu, but the waiter assured us they could make one. Phillip ordered apple sauce instead of fries. Veggies were also a side option. Yay for them.
Our food took awhile. But we had no major meltdowns while waiting. It was very busy and bustling so I didn't worry about my kids making too much noise. All the adults had great food. Selah downed her meal with her usual finesse. Phillip's grilled cheese came out on marble bread and was made with cheddar. Now, this did not pose a problem tonight, but I'll admit I was a little nervous when I first saw his sandwich. Keep this in mind if you have picky eaters. Phillip downed the applesauce and picked at the sandwich. I'll take the applesauce as a win. It's a step up over the simple starches and cheese he normally lives on.
So overall, I'd give this one close to five stars for eating out with kids. It isn't the cheapest place in the world, but you can count on getting your money's worth, good service and a minimal wait.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Celebrating Caregivers - MY MOM!
CVS is promoting a contest to celebrate caregivers. View the details here:
http://www.forallthewaysyoucare.com/submit/
When I think of caregiver, I immediately think of my mother. I will never forget the day I answered the door to see her holding homemade vegetable soup through my post partum delirium. Tears came to my eyes when I thought about someone loving me enough to cut up and cook vegetables just so I could have enough good food to eat while nursing my baby.
I may not be post partum anymore, but my mom often brings tears to my eyes with her selfless care of not only me and my children, but our entire family. Just last night we were over at her house. She and Dad fixed us dinner. It's sad, but we are often motivated to visit by free food. A leftover from my college days I suppose. Mom and Dad left at the same time we did. They had to drive over to my grandparents house. Mom goes once a week and organizes all my grandmother's myriad medications in a massive pill box so she doesn't forget to take her meds. Before my mom did this, there were many missed doses, and even some double doses. Scary!
My kids get hurt and/or sick. A lot. For some reason their rambunctious nature and my relaxed parenting ends up in countless bumps and bruises. Throw in a few ear infections, fevers, the flu, a tonsillectomy and you can imagine the trips to the pediatrician, the E.R., to Scottish Rite, etc. Mom always does whatever is in her power to help me. She'll come to the house and stay with the unhurt kid while I take the sickie to the doctor, hospital, etc. A lot of time she'll come ride with me to doctor appointments. This saves me the torture of having two toddlers in an exam room during the inevitable hour long wait for the doctor. Mom keeps one kid occupied in the waiting room or in the car. Most of the time I can actually read a magazine when I only have one kid to occupy in the waiting room. Bliss!
Mom also has amazing decorating sense. This has proved invaluable in the last four years of my married life. You see, we can't afford diddly squat. But mom has accumulated much in her married years. Enough to decorate most of my house! She has the knack and the stuff! She painted my nursery so I wouldn't smell the paint, and surprised me with a painted bedroom and bathroom when I came home from being out of town. I am in the process of changing Phillip and Selah's room over from nursery to big kid room. Guess who has their knick knacks at their house to paint??? You guessed it! What would we do without Mema!?
http://www.forallthewaysyoucare.com/submit/
When I think of caregiver, I immediately think of my mother. I will never forget the day I answered the door to see her holding homemade vegetable soup through my post partum delirium. Tears came to my eyes when I thought about someone loving me enough to cut up and cook vegetables just so I could have enough good food to eat while nursing my baby.
I may not be post partum anymore, but my mom often brings tears to my eyes with her selfless care of not only me and my children, but our entire family. Just last night we were over at her house. She and Dad fixed us dinner. It's sad, but we are often motivated to visit by free food. A leftover from my college days I suppose. Mom and Dad left at the same time we did. They had to drive over to my grandparents house. Mom goes once a week and organizes all my grandmother's myriad medications in a massive pill box so she doesn't forget to take her meds. Before my mom did this, there were many missed doses, and even some double doses. Scary!
My kids get hurt and/or sick. A lot. For some reason their rambunctious nature and my relaxed parenting ends up in countless bumps and bruises. Throw in a few ear infections, fevers, the flu, a tonsillectomy and you can imagine the trips to the pediatrician, the E.R., to Scottish Rite, etc. Mom always does whatever is in her power to help me. She'll come to the house and stay with the unhurt kid while I take the sickie to the doctor, hospital, etc. A lot of time she'll come ride with me to doctor appointments. This saves me the torture of having two toddlers in an exam room during the inevitable hour long wait for the doctor. Mom keeps one kid occupied in the waiting room or in the car. Most of the time I can actually read a magazine when I only have one kid to occupy in the waiting room. Bliss!
Mom also has amazing decorating sense. This has proved invaluable in the last four years of my married life. You see, we can't afford diddly squat. But mom has accumulated much in her married years. Enough to decorate most of my house! She has the knack and the stuff! She painted my nursery so I wouldn't smell the paint, and surprised me with a painted bedroom and bathroom when I came home from being out of town. I am in the process of changing Phillip and Selah's room over from nursery to big kid room. Guess who has their knick knacks at their house to paint??? You guessed it! What would we do without Mema!?
Restaurant Review - Chick Fil A
Okay, so I know this is an easy one. But we did just eat there the other day.
Chick Fil A is my go to restaurant. Especially when I want to have a conversation, read a book, or get some work done. 99% of them have indoor play grounds. I find this to be the greatest invention on earth. But to be specific I'll stick to reviewing the Dawsonville restaurant. Mom's - keep this in mind when you're headed to North Georgia Premium Outlets. It's across the street, but worth it for happy monkeys!
My kids love "Chickilway". The funny thing is they won't eat the chicken there. Go figure. But our lovely Chick Fil A will make grilled cheese sandwiches. I found this out one day standing in line and I heard another mom order one. Glory hallelujah. So, I always order my guys kid's meals with grilled cheese and fruit. Phillip eats only the mandarin oranges and Selah eats the strawberries. They both chew up the apples and spit them out. I don't know why. Maybe because they still have peel on them. This particular restaurant makes their grilled cheese using two bottom bun pieces turned inside out. It works really well. Some restaurants use the wheat berry bread. Most places will let you request either. But if your kids doesn't eat wheat bread, ask first!
Jim has a county employee discount card, so he orders a value size combo and gets a free chicken sandwich. I just order an extra drink for me and I eat the free sandwich. I have never EVER been to Chick Fil A and not enjoyed the food. There are things on the menu that I like better than others, but no matter what's ordered, it's done well.
Some other fast food places in town charge you for packets of sauce. Not here. Super friendly. Super clean. Most weekdays at lunch they have a hostess who helps busy moms get seated, brings a high chair, offers table toppers, and fetches refills. Diaper deck in the bathroom. Hands free bathroom too! Lots of hand sanitizer available. This is especially convenient post-playground.
FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS!
Chick Fil A is my go to restaurant. Especially when I want to have a conversation, read a book, or get some work done. 99% of them have indoor play grounds. I find this to be the greatest invention on earth. But to be specific I'll stick to reviewing the Dawsonville restaurant. Mom's - keep this in mind when you're headed to North Georgia Premium Outlets. It's across the street, but worth it for happy monkeys!
My kids love "Chickilway". The funny thing is they won't eat the chicken there. Go figure. But our lovely Chick Fil A will make grilled cheese sandwiches. I found this out one day standing in line and I heard another mom order one. Glory hallelujah. So, I always order my guys kid's meals with grilled cheese and fruit. Phillip eats only the mandarin oranges and Selah eats the strawberries. They both chew up the apples and spit them out. I don't know why. Maybe because they still have peel on them. This particular restaurant makes their grilled cheese using two bottom bun pieces turned inside out. It works really well. Some restaurants use the wheat berry bread. Most places will let you request either. But if your kids doesn't eat wheat bread, ask first!
Jim has a county employee discount card, so he orders a value size combo and gets a free chicken sandwich. I just order an extra drink for me and I eat the free sandwich. I have never EVER been to Chick Fil A and not enjoyed the food. There are things on the menu that I like better than others, but no matter what's ordered, it's done well.
Some other fast food places in town charge you for packets of sauce. Not here. Super friendly. Super clean. Most weekdays at lunch they have a hostess who helps busy moms get seated, brings a high chair, offers table toppers, and fetches refills. Diaper deck in the bathroom. Hands free bathroom too! Lots of hand sanitizer available. This is especially convenient post-playground.
FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS!
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