On Monday before Brooks' surgery we went to the ICE show at Gaylord Opryland.  The theme this year is Charlie Brown.  The children had lots of fun and enjoyed the slide made of ice a great deal.

We had to get Mark's picture with Linus since he's our little Linus (loves his blankie)

My favorite part each year is the ICE Nativity scene.  It's always so beautiful.  I was frozen by the time we reached this point so I only have one picture of this scene.

As a side note -- The children hadn't ever seen any Charlie Brown shows.  It had been forever since I had seen any.  We got A Charlie Brown Christmas from Netflix so the children could see it and have an understanding of the theme of ICE.  Do you know how many times they call one another "stupid" in that show?  Way too many to count and certainly way too much to be a suitable show for our family.  I was surprised how mean they are to one another.  One of the children asked "why do they treat Charlie Brown that way".  All of the children thought it was a program we shouldn't watch again.  I was glad to see their discernment in that. 

I love potlucks!  So much food and of course I can't try it all and one of the hardest parts is deciding what I should bring - but oh they provide so much time for fellowship and new recipes.  When I had the chance to review Potluck Survival Guide by Cherie Kimmons I couldn't have asked for a more neat review!  Here is a guide that anyone who ever goes to a potluck should invest in - wether it's for a sporting event (don't let the subtitle fool you - it's not just for the athletic supporter), church gathering, homeschool group - whatever you have a potluck for this book will be a big help. 

I really enjoyed the easy to read layout and conversational style the author maintained through out the book.  Begining with how to choose a menu and how to balance things like appearance (some potlucks do look thrown together), weight (coordinating entree with the dessert), techniques and flavors - Cherie really gives great ideas.  Most potlucks will include children and she gives great ideas and hints to include children and make sure they actually eat, I know mine will not eat anything they can't recognize so that usually means mac and cheese and deviled eggs.  With Cherie's hints and tips geared for children and child friendly recipes I know my children will be eating at the next potluck.

Then we get to what the author's sub-title means, feeding the athlete and having a potluck before or after a game.  I had no idea that athletes need certain foods before a game like heavy on carbs but low on protein and fat and a post game meal should include protein with a carb for maximum muscle recovery.  She breaks down what meals are good for which meals and even foods that can be choosen from fast food places if need be.  What she calls trunk foods - which are foods that are good to eat after a game to help calm stomachs and fill up the seemingly endless time void of travel.

Getting food to the people in attendance can feel like an overwhelming challenge especially when there are many people, so Cherie also gives ideas on how to contain the crowd and make sure everyone gets fed.  Along with her buffet tips like labeling each dish (nothing can slow down a buffet than not knowing what that mystery dish is), serving foods at different levels can also provide eye appeal, with several other ideas that will make it a pleasing and organized buffet line.  A food bar is another idea that may appeal to some and Cherie gives ideas for this version of feeding the masses.  

Recipes - the heart of any potluck for any type of dish are included like appetizers, breakfast, entrees, soups and sandwiches, side dishes, salads and desserts.  Sprinkled throughout are notes about the recipes to make prep quicker or make sure the recipe is a hit.  To me, a potluck is a hit if I come home with no leftovers!    The nice thing about these recipes is some can be made in advance and frozen and pulled out when the need arises, of course this would also work if you have a large family and like to have ready meals.

Cherie covers all her bases by providing information on calculating quantities that will be needed so there is enough food to go around.  Discussing the ingredients to use, which are best and so forth and also how to transform (decorate) the choosen spot for the potluck.  Most ideas seem to be frugal and wouldn't cost a whole lot of money (good for a homeschool group).  This book would definitely be great assesst to any family who participates in many potlucks or even to have in a homeschool group's library.  The Potluck Survival Guide can be found at Five Star Publications website.

 This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: Five Star Publications for this review

This year I decided I wanted to make my children some Christmas presents and I'd like to do more next year.  For Christian I wanted to make two shirts for him in a car and dinosaur motif and I was happy when I found the snuggle flannel on sale.  They will be warm but with the short sleeves will keep a little guy who gets very hot, very fast somewhat cool.  I had some help from a friend on the first one and had to find a video on youtube to walk me through the collar.  I had fun making these even if I did stress on the collar at first but now they are all done and I can't wait for him to open them on Christmas morning.

Brooks' rotator cuff surgery went very well today.  The doctor was very pleased with how surgery went.  They did a shoulder block so his pain is low right now.  They say when the shoulder block wears off the pain will be great. 

On Monday he starts physical therapy.  PT will be 3x a week for 6 weeks.  He has to wear the sling for 6-8 weeks.  No pictures to share today.  :-)  I'll try and take a picture of him in his lovely sling in the next few days. 

Praising God for Brooks' parents that stayed with the children today and for our amazing church family that is providing meals for the next few days.