Fishing Fun! Elliot's 5th Birthday

Mommy's Boy

My Elliot is truly the son that every mother dreams of having. He is sweet natured, smart and best of all, he truly believes that "mommy", is the most beautiful and important woman in the world. In his eyes, I do no wrong. In his eyes, I am fearless. And in his 5 year old mind, I can change the world, move mountains, and make monsters cry. I cherish this time, for I know it is fleeting. And every birthday is a reminder, that my little boy is growing up.

This year, Elliot requested a fishing birthday. Usually, I don't do themes, but this was an easy party to put together and turned out to be tons of fun.

I made fish bait party favors, using crushed oreos and gummy worms.

I set up a fishing hole, using an inflatable baby pool and some magnetic fishing poles.

I also made some fishing poles, using craft sticks and clothespins. The kids cast their pole into the "pond", and when they felt a fish tug, they reeled in their prize.

Goldfish crackers, sweedish fish and gummy worms made perfect snacks!

I made a fish cake by simply baking a large sheet cake, rounding off the corners, and using those pieces to make fins and a tail. I used blue icing, and m&ms to decorate.

I also had a craft station, where the kids could make/decorate their own fish. I cut the foam pieces into the shape of a fish beforehand, and then just put out pom poms, pipe cleaners, glitter and glue for them to get creative!

He loved his party, and it was laid back enough that we were able to enjoy it as well!

Happy 5th Birthday Elliot!

Absolutely Positutely The Best Banana Bread Ever

Your Tummy Will Thank You

Bananas are a magical fruit. Not only are they very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium, but they are very high in Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Potassium, Manganese, and a very good source of Vitamin B6. Not to mention they are super yum. We maintain a steady supply of bananas in our home at all times. And because we love em so darn much, it is RARE that a single banana reaches the point of being over-ripe. But when this happens, we do not fret. Instead we do the happy happy banana bread dance of joy! It is during this glorious phase of a bananas life that it passes the point of being merely a healthy snack, and becomes something more. It becomes a part of something much bigger than itself. It becomes.....Banana Bread! I have made and sampled many banana breads in my day, and this recipe is absolutely positutely the best.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter softened

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sour cream

    1 Cup Mashed Over Ripe Banana

So, the bananas pictured are not over-ripe. I mashed up the over ripe bananas without photographing them. Oops. But, you get the idea. I usually need 3 over ripe bananas to equal 1 cup.

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar.

Add the eggs and vanilla.

Mix thoroughly, and then begin adding dry ingredients.

Flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt

Mix thoroughly. At this point, you are done with the mixer so it is only natural to have a taste.

Now you want to gently fold in the sour cream and mashed bananas.

 Pour the batter into a greased 9x5 loaf pan and place in a preheated 350 degree oven for 60 minutes.



Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 15 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

 This stuff is melt in your mouth, moist heavenly deliciousness. Enjoy!



How To Make Gak

Gak Attack

This stringy, slimy, snappy, snazzy goo will entertain your rowdy youngens for hours. HOURS I tell you. That alone should be incentive enough to make some. So gather your supplies and prepare to get slimed!

You will need:

Equal Parts Liquid Starch and Elmer's Glue

Food Coloring

Plastic Ziploc Baggies

Add 1/4 C liquid starch to a Ziploc baggie.

Add 3 drops of food coloring to the starch.

Mix it around a bit.

Next add 1/4 C Elmer's glue.

Mix Mix Mix

Next you will want to discard the excess liquid and Ziploc.

Work and stretch the goo out until it comes together.

And there you have it....GAK!

Now sit back in amazement as your children are endlessly entertained.