Mother's Day at Memphis Zoo

We took a 3 hour road trip to the Memphis Zoo with 3 "to do's" at the top of the kids' list- seeing the panda bears, feeding the giraffes and interacting with the stingrays at Stingray Bay. I think we could have skipped every other exhibit but these three and they would have been ok with it. These three things ended being my top 3!

There are currently only four US zoos that exhibit pandas. Atlanta, Memphis, San Diego and The National Zoo in Washington D.C. The panda bears were near the front entrance so it was one of our first stops. They are a favorite animal of ours and we were excited to get to see them in person. They sat carefree chewing away on bamboo shoots and didn't seem to mind posing for pictures. Cutest things ever! We went on to see grizzly bears, elk, meerkats, swans, snow leopards, penguins, and even a red panda. Somewhere around 2800 animals call the Memphis Zoo home.

We loved every minute of feeding the giraffes and they were so friendly! We didn't have a huge wait even though the line was long. They allow several people on deck at a time. There is a 5 dollar fee, though, for the lettuce. Their tongues are long and rough and they don't mind slurping the lettuce right out of your hands. We were having so much fun though, that we didn't even mind the slobber . The kids were disappointed when they realized after 60 seconds, the giraffes had already eaten all the lettuce they had. I'm pretty sure they would have bought all available lettuce if we had allowed it.

On to Stingray Bay! I'm not sure how many zoos offer the experience of touching and interacting with the stingrays but for us, it was an awesome experience. Tickets to this exhibit are an extra 3 dollars but we were not disappointed. Its not everyday that you get to interact with stingrays! Once inside, there was a huge "touch" tank full of stingrays and a few sharks. There is no time limit so we were allowed to stay as long as we wanted. Stingrays were swimming all around the tank and would come right up to us. There was one stingray who was a little feisty and would almost give a scare every time he pounced by.

The kids are animal lovers and avid Animal Planet watchers. Meerkat Manor is one of their favorite shows. They had the opportunity to see a few of these guys along with bush babies, they are another favorite on their animal list. A black panther gave us a show with his "screams." A gorilla sat big and tall staring at us out of the corner of his eye every few seconds. We watched as a river otter ate his lunch and as a grizzly bear stretched himself out on a rock for a nap in the warm sun. The Memphis Zoo did not disappoint! We will definitely be going back!
 

 

 

 

Saved By Grace Through Faith

Two weeks ago this Sunday, Seth accepted Jesus as his Savior. This past Sunday, he took the walk down the aisle at church and was baptized shortly thereafter. Baptism is a ceremony in which one enters the church family. More than that, it is a way of showing that you have been washed free of sin by the death and rising from the dead of Jesus.

 My heart is full of joy for him.

Both of my kiddos have now accepted Jesus as their Savior. Maddi was Seth's age when she was saved and baptized a few years back. I am thankful that God has let me borrow them for awhile and hope that He is proud of how I am doing. I make mistakes, but I try my best everyday to send them back on the path to Him!

A+ Tutor Soft Math Program

I recently recieved a free trial for the math program offered by A+ Tutor soft. It is a multi-sensory, interactive, full year curriculum for grades K-6. I loved it, my kids loved it, and it kept them focused on the task at hand. Right now they are offering a one month free trial, free placement tests and significant discounts with purchase of full curriculum, so hurry over to http://www.aplustutorsoft.com and take a look! If you decide you would like to purchase after you review the site or finish your trial, use coupon code SARKMAMA for 20% off your purchase. Please feel free to pass the coupon code on to your friends!

Meatball Meatloaves

Love this meatloaf recipe! Love it even more that my kiddos ask for seconds instead of snarling their noses!

Ingredients

• 4 slices good-quality white bread or sliced peasant bread, torn
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, pork and veal mix
• 1 egg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1/2 to 2/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, a couple generous handfuls
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for liberal drizzling, plus 2 tablespoons
• 2 cubanelle peppers, chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

In a large bowl, add the bread and the milk and let soak for a few minutes then wring out the moisture. In another large mixing bowl add the meat and the soaked bread. Add the egg, salt and pepper, to taste, the garlic, parsley, cheese and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Mix to combine and form into 4 mini oval loaves, about 2-inches thick.

Arrange the loaves on a medium nonstick baking sheet and drizzle the tops with a little extra-virgin olive oil. Roast in oven for 20 minutes.

While meat is roasting, put a medium skillet or sauce pot on the stove over medium heat, and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the peppers and the onions, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and saute for 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, cook for 1 minute, then sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute more. Whisk in the stock and Worcestershire, and season again with salt and pepper, to taste. Reduce the heat and let simmer until ready to serve.

Remove the meatloaves from the oven to a serving platter and serve with lots of chunky pepper and onion gravy on top.

Here is the link to the recipe if you need it:: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/meatball-meatloaves-recipe/index.html













http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/meatball-meatloaves-recipe/index.html

Jonah's Druthers

The kids were so excited to be part of Jonah's Druthers at church. Madison was Nellie (she was a Gulley washer) and Seth was The Sheriff! Ha! I absolutley loved every minute of it! So proud of my little actors, the whole cast and crew.

Here is a little of the intro to the play~

Welcome! Tonight we're putting on a little twist to the story of Jonah that will help old and young alike look at this amazing, true story from God's word in a totally fresh new way.

We'll see that our God is the only one who saves~ not because we are worthy to be saved, but because God in His mercy provides salvation. Through the Old Testament prophet Jonah, brought to life in our "wild west" setting, we help everybody see God's plan of salvation~not just for the sinners of ancient Ninevah, but for sinners here and now. Jesus, God's only son, took on our sins, dies the death we should have died, spent three days not in a fish (or even a well!), but in the grave, and rose again so that we can live with Him forever.

So hold on to yer horses and get ready for a true tale from the Good Book like you've never seen before!

Jonah should have known that when God gives a message...YOU LISTEN AND FOLLOW! I've added a couple of pics, one of the whole cast and crew and one of my two favorite cast members!

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Playin' At The Park ;)

                Taking full advantage of the temps in the mid 80's! Summer is coming!