Rocket Science

After M's lacrosse evaluation on Sunday Hubby took M and the kids to launch M's model rocket. We were recently at Hobby Lobby when M saw the rockets and decided he had to have one. We went back a few days later and he picked out a rocket he liked, which he paid for with his own money. 

The rocket wasn't too hard to put together but it did some effort. The launch was the same story. When we arrived at the field we realized the directions for assembling the launch stand was left at home. After figuring that out it took a little effort to ensure we had the rocket's engine installed correctly.

Finally, after the last second removal of a Gatorade bottle, it was time for the big launch. We had a few unsuccessful countdowns before M and Hubby realized you had to hold down the launch button and not just quickly hit it. Once they figured that out, success!

That rocket is no joke! Talk about fast! We were very lucky and it was a rare day with no wind so M was able to recover the rocket successfully after every launch. You can see L's excitement! 

As a mom I am not sure how I feel about eight year olds and rocket engines but I will say it was hard to say who was having more fun, M or Hubby! Apparently boys never outgrow their love of things that can cause bodily harm!

Winter S'mores

What did I get for blogging about Spring? A ice cold day filled with rain, sleet, snow and then some more freezing rain. To say that yesterday was a miserable day, weather-wise, would be an understatement! The worst part of it all was that we could not stay bundled up inside. L and I had to brave the bad weather in order to make it up to school for a PTO meeting. You should have seen the look on his face when I told him he had to get out of his pj's!

The poor boy had to sit through an hour and a half meeting. If the meeting seemed long to me, I could only image what L thought of it. Never the less, he was so well behaved! He quietly played with his army men and didn't really make a sound. So when we got home I decided to make him a little treat. Toaster oven s'mores!

Who needs a bond-fire when you have a toaster oven. Simply top one graham cracker square (you can use a gluten-free one if needed) with chocolate chips. Top the other graham cracker with a marshmallow. Then place both squares in the toaster oven and toast until the marshmallows start to turn golden brown. Carefully squish the two squares together and enjoy!

It doesn't get mush better than a warm chocolaty treat on a chilly day!

You can also find me at: Savvy Southern Style

Forget The Groundhogs

Many of you got up yesterday and waited to see what the groundhog thought about Spring's arrival. In this house we already knew that Spring is on its way. You might ask how we knew and simply put we had to register the kiddos for Spring field hockey and lacrosse already. Can you tell that this is a home that breaks it seasons down by sports!?!

In fact today M started his Spring lacrosse evaluation. While I was not able to be there, Hubby did inform me that M did a great job and has really come along in his game. And I have to say that the smile on M's face when he came home was just precious!

Is it just me or do boys, all suited up, look older than they really are? And am I crazy for thinking that Spring is just around the corner?

TGIF XVI

This was our first full week of school in what seems like forever so I can not tell you how very overjoyed I am that it is finally Friday. Honestly, on Wednesday I woke up and thought it was Thursday. I was crushed when I figured out my mistake. With all of that time off I really had no idea what day of the week it was!

Anyway without further ado, here is what's on my mind...

{1} Regrets

This year I have made it my mission to clean this house out! We simply have more "stuff" than we need. (Hubby's note- AGREED!) So I right after Christmas I gave away all of my super big, super cozy wool sweaters. They served me well in New England but I just was not wearing them in NoVa. Boy do I regret that now!!! Since it would be tacky to ask for them back I guess I will have to do some shopping. And don't be surprised that I am shopping the men's department of LL Bean!

{2} Ikea Hack

I am so happy that I am finally doing this! I knew this was going to be a great project but I had no idea it would take me this long to get around to it. I can't believe I first mentioned it in July. But I am finally doing it!!!

{3} Vino By It's Cover

We all know that we are not suppose to judge a book by its cover but I would be a liar if I said I never read a book simply because its cover appealed to me. Recently I could say the same about a wine I tried for the first time. It had been forever since I was in a wine shop and was able to talk with the owner about what I like and didn't like about red wines. After a bit of chatting he suggested two wines. And I picked one simply because I loved its name. Not to worry it all worked out...I loved it!

{4} Formal Wear

The time of year has come that I must find a formal dress for the Catholic Charities Ball. We always have the best time at the Ball yet I always wait until the last minute to find a dress. This year I am thinking of doing something different. Has anyone had any luck with Rent The Runway? I would love to hear what you think.

{5} Art App

I know that talked about this App yesterday so forgive me but think it bears repeating. When you use the Waterlogue App, you can turn any iPhone picture into a watercolor. It is so pretty! 

You can also find me at A. Liz Aventures, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness and The Good Life Blog

Cool App

Every Thursday L and I spend about an hour at his allergist's office for his weekly allergy shoots. We have been doing this since August and I have to say the little guy is a pretty good sport about the whole thing. I am not sure I would have been as stoic at the tender age of 5!

The fact that he gets to play on my iPhone, uninterrupted, might have something to do with it. Today was not really that different. L played but this week he did not play many games. He was more into the Waterlogue App. Simply put - this App takes your pictures and turns it into a watercolor painting.

Before

After 

This app really helped us pass the time today. Not to mention that the older two thought it was super cool too!

What new apps have you been using to pass the time?

Pork Chops With Sauce & Orzo

What is with the weather lately? When we moved down from the North Shore of Boston to NoVa I thought that I had said good-bye to below freezing days. Man was I wrong! It has been just too cold here and cold weather calls for comfort food if you ask me. So a couple of nights ago I got out my dutch oven and whipped up a hearty dinner to keep winter chills away!

Pork Chops with Sauce & Orzo

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 pounds of boneless pork chops
1/2 kosher salt
1/2 fresh ground pepper
3 to 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes

Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. In a dutch oven, heat olive oil to medium heat. When the oil is hot add pork chops in a single layer and cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove pork chops from the pan and set aside.

Add crushed garlic to pan and cook for about 2 minutes then add the balsamic vinegar. Bring garlic vinegar mixture to a boil then turn down heat and add the can of crushed tomatoes.

Place pork chops back in the pan with the sauce and simmer until pork chops are cook through and tender.

Serve pork chops and sauce over a bed of orzo*. Enjoy!!!

(Hubby's note- This was another winner. Definitely a great choice for a cold winter night.)

*DeLallo makes a super yummy gluten-free orzo*

You can also find me at: Savvy Southern Style

"American Hustle"

After way too much time stuck inside, Hubby and I got a sitter for the kiddos this past weekend. Since Hubby and I are both fans of Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Copper, we had to see American Hustle. You know I love our children but sometimes a couple needs time away. Even if for just a movie!

According to IMDB - A con man, Irving Rosenfeld (played by Christian Bale), along with his seductive British partner, Sydney Prosser (played by Amy Adams), is forced to work for a wild FBI agent, Richie DiMaso (played by Bradley Copper). DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia.

It has been over two days since we saw the movie and I have to say I am still not sure what I thought of it. Yes it was an entertaining story and I could see how all of the actors must have loved playing these over the top characters. The costumes, make-up and hair styles were so well done. Yet the story line seemed weak and the pace of the movie was not consistent. I am just not buying that this was the best movie of the year. Anyone else agree?