Monday, September 8, 2008

Fackrell Family Favorite Toys

Geo Trax has been one of the best toy investments our family has ever made.  It has several different options for tracks and many toy trains to choose from.  We have had hundreds of hours of fun with Geo Trax.  They are a toy that we keep up when we are not playing with them, but the trains that go back and forth are always a winner.

Our second favorite toy is Magnetix.  I buy most of these at Robert's Crafts with the 40% off coupon that comes each month.  Then Target has a great supplement with Magnetix dinosaurs and cars that work wonders with the Magnetix toys.  They are always hit, regardless of the age.

Our third favorite toy is the bug catcher vacuum and bug world, also a Target purchase.  We are able to catch all sorts of bugs with the bug vacuum.  Recently we caught four frogs who lived in the bug world.  We then used the bug catcher to feed the frogs.  The family thought this was a lot of fun.

Please share your favorite toys!

Much Love
Tamara

The Best Play Dough Recipe! Proven for 12 years and running!

Today I was able to make play dough with Presdon.  It is one of our families absolute favorite things to do and I have the best recipe!  I thought I should share it with you.

Large Recipe
4 cups of flour  
4 cups of water
4 tablespoons oil
1 cup salt
1 packet of Koolaid


Small Recipe
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1 tablespooon oil
1/4 cup salt
1 packet Koolaid

Mix all of the ingredients over the stove on medium heat.  Cook until it is not sticky.  (Cook a little longer than you think. Between 10 and 20 minutes.)  The Koolaid gives it a fragrant smell so the smell of salt is not so strong.  It also gives it coloring. Let the play dough cool. Then, use any color of dye to make color variations.  Store the finished product in ziplocks in the refrigerator. It lasts up to two weeks!   Use cookie cutters, garlic press, pizza cutters, potato masher and other kitchen gadgets to make the play dough into many fun and exciting shapes.

If you use the recipe, please report, even if we are not yet friends.

Much happiness to you all,
Tamara





Saturday, September 6, 2008

The Accident!

Ouch!  I fell down cement stairs in the dark and my hands were full.  I hit my head and got a gash!  I was in and out of consciousness.  My black eye lasted for three weeks.  Jake and I had to go to the hospital emergency room for his kidney stones and the all the staff asked if his kidney stones were payback for my black eye.  Of course, Jake was nothing but amazing when the fall occurred.  As for Jake, he had to get emergency lithotripsy.  He is doing well now, I am happy to report and everyone else is healthy.