Blog Linkage, Nana B Stuff (Easter Nature Walk), My Best Friend, The Newest Faulkner, Special Easter Pics/Eden's One Year-Old Pics AND A Few More Pics From Eden's Birthday Party

Good Tuesday morning!

Let's get to it, shall we?

Blog Linkage - Go to www.loulougirls.com and look up their post entitled, "52 Fun Ideas to do With Kids During Coronavirus." You may have already done every single item listed in this post...

But if you haven't, I think you might be happy you checked!

Nana B Stuff

Easter Nature Walk

Go on a walk in your neighborhood and have an Easter "nature" hunt.

Give each child a colored paper bag to decorate with crayons, stickers and markers. When the bags are decorated, lead the children through the neighborhood and let them gather anything that interests them.

When you arrive home, sit down in a circle with the kids and have them empty the contents of their bags in front of them.

Ask for the following items, and as the children put the item in the middle of the circle, tell them why it is significant to the Easter story.

"Did anyone find a branch?" The week before His crucifixion as Christ entered the city, the people waved branches from palm trees welcoming Him.

"Did anyone find a piece of wood?" Jesus' cross was made from wood.

"Did anyone find something prickly?" His crown was made of thorns.

"Did anyone find something that is no longer alive?" Jesus died on the cross.

"Did anyone find anything dark in color?" Pick up three "dark" things and talk about the three days of darkness following the crucifixion. Light could not be found following His death.

"Did anyone find a stone?" There was a huge stone at the opening of the grave of Jesus that the angel removed.

"Did anyone find something living." This reminds us that Jesus Christ died, was resurrected and He lives today.

NOTE - Since you want the children to collect anything and everything that interests them, make sure you have at least one item in YOUR bag to represent the Easter story told above. A child might not pick up a prickly object or a dead object, etc.

ANOTHER NOTE - This would be a great time to read The Three Trees to your kids. Pass out a juice box and a treat for them to enjoy while you read the book.

End your Easter Nature Walk with a prayer thanking God for the amazing gift of his Son.

RANDOMNESS #1 - My Best Friend, Ree - The following is from a blog post dated April 4, 2012, and it is all about the time I met The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, at one of her book signings.

And it was thrilling, I tell you. Thrilling!

Read on!

I've never been to a book signing. This was a first for me...

And because I've never attended a book signing, I didn't know the "rules." (Yep. There are rules. Even for a book signing.)

Actually there are a TON of rules for a book signing. Let me share my newfound knowledge with you this morning.

I thought you could arrive one to two hours prior to the book signing and get in line. WRONG!

BOOK SIGNING RULE #1 - It is advised to come the DAY BEFORE THE BOOK SIGNING and obtain a NUMBER. Waiting until one to two hours prior to the book signing is a HUGE mistake. Just ask me... Number 218!

I knew The Pioneer Woman (Ree to her closest, dearest friends) was popular. I did not know she was "shoulder-to-shoulder-chest-to-back-packed-crowd" popular.

BOOK SIGNING RULE #2 - Wear something that "breathes." Wear something cotton. Preferably just a bra. It gets hot in those crowded situations.

I knew when I talked to Number 10, I was in big trouble. She had four other people with her.

Which brings us to...

BOOK SIGNING RULE #3 - Up to FIVE people can hold one number. That means instead of just talking to, signing and having her picture taken with one person, you have to multiply it by FIVE.

I also knew from faithfully reading her blog, she has to make several bathroom trips during these marathon book signings.

BOOK SIGNING RULE #4 - After you have had a leisurely one-hour dinner with your husband (and you return to the book signing to discover they are only on Number 64), find a place to sit down near the bookstore bathroom. She's going to go to the bathroom. Have your camera ready!

There is a very specific order in which you must prepare your book(s) prior to signing.

BOOK SIGNING RULE #5 - You MUST have a sticky note with your name printed neatly in Sharpie on the left side of the Title Page. The paper book cover must be folded in such a way as to open your book immediately to that page. This must be checked by three or four staff members prior to meeting The Pioneer Woman.

From 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., I waited. Mikie joined me after work. We had dinner together. We sat in the bookstore and looked at books together. We took a small nap around 9:00 p.m. together.

And then it was my turn.

I have to say, at 4:30 p.m. that afternoon, I was looking very good. I had on my Pioneer Woman flowy top. I was wearing my Pioneer Woman earrings. My hair was behaving well. My breath was fresh. My speech was prepared. I was READY!

I also have to say, five hours later... not so much!

Right before my turn, I generously re-applied lipstick. Mikie had the camera ready. I walked up to Ree. She was gracious, warm and said, "It is lovely to meet you."

I took a deep breath before I gave her my prepared (straight-from-the-heart) speech... and silently nodded.

She looked at me with a big smile. "Are you doing okay this evening?"

I again nodded.

She looked at me again. She signed my book. She told me to look at Mikie. "I always instinctively know when a camera is pointed at me," she said and giggled.

I said something like, "Ackmoffyuh."

She patted my arm and said, "Thank you so much for coming."

I nodded.

Mike got my other arm and guided me out of the book signing area.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"How much fun was that? It was the highlight of my life, I tell you! The HIGHLIGHT! Let me see the picture!"

And he did. And it was good.

I grinned all the way to the Big Gold Van. And then I drove home with Mikie following behind.

If you ever get a chance to go to a book signing, I highly recommend it.

It isn't stressful AT ALL!

RANDOMNESS #2 - The Newest Faulkner - Here a few more pics of Baby ME...

And RT.






These three pics were taken by Melia's Dad, Boss.






And these three were taken on Mikie's phone the Wednesday after she was born on Monday. This was the first time we were able meet and hold her.

She was definitely worth the wait!

RANDOMNESS #3 - Special Easter Pics/Eden's One Year-Old Pics - Judith and Eden had Easter pics made in Hartselle.

I love the pictures AND the green moss-covered couch.










No bunnies were injured during this photo shoot.

(Mainly because the bunny was fake.)

RANDOMNESS #3 - A Few More Pics from Eden's First Birthday Party - This joyful little girl turned one with a Llama Fiesta Party.











Just like her big sister four years ago...


Eating cake came very naturally to Eden.


Right down to the very last crumb!






As you all know, birthday parties during a Coronavirus Pandemic can be a little tricky. Pop, Roxie and I were able to visit with Eden and family a little bit before her party, and we joined them during the cake eating portion of the celebration on FaceTime.

Technology for the win!

And if you've known me five minutes, you know I've never said that phrase before in my life!

I hope this post finds each of you doing well. For me, quarantine is much better on a beautiful day than a rainy/stormy day. Keep safe, and I will talk to you very soon.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

"After years of wanting to thoroughly clean my house but lacking the time, this week I found out that time was not the problem."

Quotable Quotes, Blog Linkage, Nana B Stuff (Ways to Spend TIME with Tots During a Pandemic), RT and His New Sister AND Eden is ONE

Good Tuesday morning!

Quotable Quotes - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 NKJV

Blog Linkage - Go to www.dillardfamily.com for lots of indoor and outdoor things to do with small children during this time of quarantine. This blog is written by Jill (Duggar) Dillard of 19 Kids and Counting fame.

I did many of these activities with my kids when they were small, and I'm using them again a generation later.

Nana B Stuff

Ways to Spend TIME with Tots During a Pandemic

Outside, Outside, OUTSIDE

I call it hiking, but basically we are going to a couple of places in town with creeks, walking trails and wide open fields of green, green grass. Rain boots are not mandatory, but if you and/or your Tots have them, they absolutely do make everything better.

For this past week of quarantine, I have had the Tots on different days, and we have thoroughly enjoyed being outside in the fresh air for two hours or so.

Also, not only is this a great, healthy way to spend time together, but for every hour spent running and splashing and throwing things in the water, you are almost 100% guaranteed an hour of naptime...

And I'm talking the Tots' naptime.

Not just Nana's!

As always, I've turned it into a "To Do List" instead of just a "go-with-the-flow" type activity...

Because it kinda fits my mood!

1. Pick up is around 10:00 a.m., and we immediately go through the Chick Fil-A drive-thru for our picnic lunch.

NOTE FROM ENCHANTING BELINDA - I am not only practicing quarantining...

I am stimulating the economy!



2. There are at least two "playgrounds" in our area without playground equipment. So far, these two places have been my pick to take the kids because even if other people are there, it is not hard (at all) to keep a massive amount of distance between them and us.

3. If it has been raining a lot where you live, Puddle Jumping is a must.





4. If there is a place to safely toss small sticks, rocks, pinecones and/or flowers into a creek, that too is great fun for the five-and-under crowd.







5. Add Dandelion Blowing...



Racing Aunt Ro...



6. Creekside Hugging...





7. After Picnic Hugging...





8. And Duck Hunting to the list of things to do in the great outdoors WITHOUT coming into close contact with other people.



RANDOMNESS #1 - RT and His New Sister - Last Monday, the first official business day of Coronavirus Quarantine, Austin and Melia had a beautiful baby girl.

She weighed the same exact amount as her Big Brother when he was born (7 pounds 10 ounces). She even favors him greatly in her tiny, precious face.

However, she has very dark blackish hair covering her little head which is totally different from RT.

Needless to say, she is loved and adored, and we are thrilled she is here, safe and sound.




As you can tell from the pictures Melia's Dad (Boss) took, RT's more than a little in love with his new sister.

RANDOMNESS #2 - Eden is ONE - That's right! Little Miss Eden with the red hair and the big dimple and the ready smile turned ONE just a few days after her newest cousin arrived on the scene.


Courtney planned a very cute party with an obligatory Smash Cake...

And even though Eden had never partaken of birthday cake before, she turned out to be a pro when the time came for her to eat it.

NOTE FROM ENCHANTING BELINDA - She kind of takes after her Nana when it comes to cake.


It's been a very sweet year with this little girl.

I will have more birthday photos in my upcoming post!

Please stay safe during the following days and weeks. I am praying the Pandemic will end sooner than later for our country and the world.

Take care.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

"How long is this social distancing supposed to last? My husband keeps trying to get in the house."

Chicken/Veggie Oriental Sheet Pan Dinner, Nana B Stuff (Celebrate the Irish ALL MONTH LONG, Have an Irish Day, Lucky Lime Drinks, Irish Mint Floats, St. Patrick's Day Cake AND McDonald's Shamrock Milkshake), MORE Characters on Parade, Austin's 29th Birthday Party at Melt, RT's Mad Dribbling Skills AND A Little Judith and a Little Eden

Good Friday morning!

Chicken/Veggie Oriental Sheet Pan Dinner

You will need the following:

1 pound chicken tenderloins (cut into 2" chunks)
1/2 cup soy sauce
4 drops sesame oil
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chicken broth
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 whole yellow onion (cut into large chunks)
1 whole red bell pepper (cut into large chunks)
1 whole yellow bell pepper (cut into large chunks)
1 cup Julienne-cut carrots
1 head broccoli cut into florets
1 bag Success Rice
1 1/2 teaspoons sesame seeds

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

1. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, chicken broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger and garlic. Set aside.

2. Put chicken tenderloin chunks, onion, peppers, carrots and broccoli florets into a large bowl. Pour soy sauce mixture over meat and vegetables. Make sure everything is coated with the mixture.

3. Pour into a large foil-lined sheet pan. Spread the chicken and vegetables out as much as possible.

4. Cook for 20 minutes in 400-degree oven. At 20 minutes, open oven and turn all of the chicken over with tongs. Cook another 20 minutes.

5. While dinner is cooking last 20 minutes, follow directions on Success Rice box and prepare 1 (or 2) bag(s) of rice.

6. Remove sheet pan from oven after 40 minutes. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the meat and vegetables.

7. Serve immediately over rice.

Nana B Stuff

Celebrate the Irish ALL MONTH LONG

Have an Irish Day

In order to have an Irish Day (it doesn't have to be St. Patrick's Day), you can do any or all of the following:

1. Leave a green kiss on your child's forehead in their sleep.

2. Leave green food coloring in the toilet bowl overnight. (The kids will think a leprechaun has been there!)

3. Have ten or more green balloons taped around the child's bedroom when they wake up.

4. Of course, have green food and green baths.

5. Have Irish music playing softly throughout the house (or at least during mealtimes).

6. Have a traditional Irish meal for dinner. You can Google recipes for any of the following:

Baked Cabbage with Apples
Potato Griddle Cakes
Irish Buttermilk Scones
Spiced Soda Bread
Glazed Corn Beef
Lamb Stew with Potatoes
Shepherd's Pie

Lucky Lime Drinks

1. Put one or two small scoops of lime sherbet in a clear glass.

2. Pour Sprite or 7-Up over the sherbet. Add a dollop of whipped cream, green sugar sprinkles and a green maraschino cherry!

Irish Mint Floats

Drop two scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream into a clear glass. Pour milk over the top and add a drop or two of green food coloring. Top with whipped cream and green sugar sprinkles.

A Quick St. Patrick's Day Cake

Mix a lemon cake mix according to recipe, and add in a small package of pistachio pudding. Bake in a Bundt pan. It will be green when you cut it, and it tastes delicious, too.

McDonald's Shamrock Milkshake

I Googled the above milkshake recipe, and I thought I'd share it with you so you could add it to your St. Patrick's Day plans.

You will need the following:

2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 1/4 cups low fat milk
1/4 teaspoon mint extract
8 drops green food coloring

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend on high until smooth. If needed, stop blender and stir with a spoon to help blend in ice cream. Makes 2 servings... or 1 if you don't want to share.

RANDOMNESS #1 - Characters on Parade - Here are a few more pics from the February 22 Characters on Parade Show which is held annually at our church. The organization, Just Keep Smiling, is responsible for the happiness this event brings to everyone who attends a show.


Getting pics and autographs with the characters is just as exciting and fun as the show itself.

NOTE FROM ENCHANTING BELINDA - And the show is EXCELLENT!


Cousins Sara Grace (holding Eden)…


And Nelly came to enjoy the show with us.




RT wanted to have his picture taken with Mickey and Minnie...


And get a hug from Spiderman.

He is a Man with a Plan!


This lady was a face painting ROCKSTAR. I could have watched her all day long.


To learn more about Just Keep Smiling and other events they sponsor throughout the year, go to www.justkeepsmiling.com.

RANDOMNESS #2 - Austin's 29th Birthday Party at Melt - Do you wanna know how to throw a great 29th Birthday Party after having been to Characters on Parade?

Do you?


You go to Melt around 4:30, walk in the door and immediately get seated at a table for 13...

No waiting...

At all.


Melia and her mom, Lisa, are smiling because Austin wanted Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes for his birthday, and we had five giant pieces of five different cheesecakes...

And Melia put chunks of whatever kind you asked for on your little plate.

It was lovely.





RANDOMNESS #3 - RT's Mad Dribbling Skills - The only thing as good as OR better than RT's dribbling...








Would have to be his game face.

RANDOMNESS #4 - A Little Judith and a Little Eden






A little crusty nose, a lot of drool and some flyaway hair does nothing except make her more beautiful.

We should all be so lucky!


Judith left in the middle of Saturday morning shenanigans saying, "I just want to be a little lonely."

I get that.


Then she threw on some clothes and we collected a bag of yellow dandelions for her Mama...


And a very nice rock.

I hope y'all have a wonderful March weekend. I am thinking it is going to be especially nice for our family. I will tell you why next week!

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda

The fact my entire body cracks like a glowstick whenever I move, yet refuses to actually glow, is very disappointing.