February 2012 Fitness Recap

It's no secret that February is not one of my favorite months, and I'm always glad to see it end.  This month was no exception.  I did have a good month for workouts, though, and I managed to work out every day this month except today - I'm taking the day off in celebration!

This month I ran 100 miles, lifted weights 8 times, and did yoga 4 times.  I also ran a 10 mile race and didn't find out until after the fact that I won my age group!  My mom was kind enough to go pick up my award:

Always nice to get an award that is different from the usual medal.  I don't drink coffee, but my husband will put this to good use.  Just as he has that other coffee mug I won a few years ago, and the huge beer mug I won last fall.

I may be giving new meaning to the phrase "trophy wife".  My husband likes cereal too.  Anyone know of any good races giving out cereal bowls for awards?  I'm game! 

I'm thinking about signing up for a half marathon in the latter part of March.  It's a great time of year for racing.  How about you, reader.  Any March goals?  Running, mug-collecting, or otherwise?

If You Teach a Child to Tie His Shoes

If you teach a child to tie his shoes, it won't be long before he does this:

 And if he does this to Mario, you can bet that it won't be long before you catch him doing this....

Best, perhaps, not to teach him to tie his shoes.

Long live velcro shoes!  Saving little brothers from torment on a daily basis!

Post linked with The Mommyhood Chronicles

Another Valentines Muffin Tin Monday

I know Valentines is over.  I may be spacey at times but I do realize this.  However, I made a super cute bento lunch for Pierce on Valentines and I wanted to share it. 

Pierce had some pink punch, a strawberry, celery filled w/ peanut butter, a cinnamon heart, homemade bread cut into I and U with a heart Babybel cheese sandwiched between.  Rolled up bologna and all on a bed of roasted seaweed.

Sadly, this was at the height of Pierce's reflux flare up, so all he ate that day was the strawberry and a bite of bologna.  He didn't even eat the cinnamon heart!  Thankfully, he's now feeling much better and I even tricked him into eating spinach last week that I snuck into a casserole, just like a good mother should.

For more fun kids' lunch ideas, check out Muffin Tin Mom.

Tropical Traditions Coconut Cream Concentrate Giveaway!

I was thrilled when Tropical Traditions contacted me about doing another review and giveaway for them because I really love their products.  I picked the Coconut Cream Concentrate, since it just sounded delicious.  And it didn't disappoint.  When I opened the jar and took a whiff, it smelled just like coconut cream pie.  My husband immediately stirred some into his coffee, and he was smitten.  So smitten that he pleaded to take it to work so he could use it in his coffee there.  We may be diplomatically dividing the jar.

I'm not much for drinking coffee, but I do love a good coconut cream pie, so I decided to try to adapt a recipe I had.  I came up with one that's a keeper!

Coconut Cream Pie:
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup melted coconut cream concentrate
1 1/2 cups milk
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flaked coconut
2 unbaked 9 inch deep dish pie shells

Beat eggs with mixer until lemon colored.  Stir in sugar and flour.  Blend in butter, coconut cream concentrate, milk and vanilla.  Add coconut last.  Pour into pie shells.  Bake at 325* for 55 minutes or done.  Yield: 2 pies.

Pierce said, "I could eat this pie EVERY DAY".  Cort said, "YUMMY!" and Reid said, "I want more pie!"  I made these pies around lunch time.  We ate an entire pie before the day was over.  It was that good.  Next year, for Thanksgiving?  I'm making this!

Disclaimer - I received one jar of coconut cream concentrate for review purposes.  The opinions stated above are my own.
Want to enter to win your own jar of coconut cream concentrate?  Just click on the Read More beside my signature to enter.  Good luck! 
   

We Got Snow! Rural Thursday

It finally happened.  Last Sunday we got about 7 inches of snow.  The boys were so excited.  So was Scooter, our border collie.

The sun came up over our big pasture and I could see where our horses left tracks all through the snow.

Nothing says Rural Thursday like a tractor covered in snow, right?

Cort and Reid liked watching it snow, but they were a little less excited once we actually got outside.  They didn't want to venture out into it.

Pierce enjoyed eating snow.  He ate lots and lots of snow.  I suspect he's well hydrated for the next week or so.

Quiet life.

I hope you'll link up with Rural Thursday, hosted by A Rural Journal and I.  You can link up just about anything that suits a rural mindset - recipes, nature pics, your pets, crafts, etc.  Just grab the code below the button, add it to your post, and then come back and add your actual url to the link up.  Please be sure to visit at least 5 other blogs and leave them some comment love. 



On a side note, I always try to visit everyone who links up. Many of you have comment verification turned on.  If you haven't noticed, Google changed the comment verification and it is now often a blur of words that none of us can figure out how to type.  Here's an example from a comment verification I encountered last weekend:

I mean, look at that first word?  This is not because my picture is blurry - that's how it actually looked!  What is that supposed to be?  Please folks, turn your comment verification off.  Comment moderation is an excellent substitute, and the spam catcher does a great job catching spam anyhow.  In over 2 years of blogging, I've only encountered one or two spams that my spam catcher didn't pull out for me.

Happy blog hopping! 

Quaker Heart Healthy Challenge - A Recap

 A couple of weeks ago I joined the Quaker Heart Health Challenge which is inspiring women to take charge of their health by making small changes each day.  You can do this through exercise, healthy cooking, or other small lifestyle changes - and Quaker has loads of tips to help you along the way.
My goals were to add in stretching and lunges, and to run a 10 mile race.  I already have a fairly solid exercise regimen, so I didn't want to overhaul that.  Since the challenge, I have worked out every day.  I've run, I've lifted weights, and I've done yoga.  And yes, I've incorporated more stretches and lunges in!
I also ran that 10 mile race.  To tell you the truth, I had a bit of a cold and wasn't too excited about doing it as race day approached.  But because I'd pledged on my blog to do it as part of this challenge, I knew I couldn't back out.  I'm glad I ran it - while my time wasn't quite what I'd hoped for, I got outside on a beautiful day and gave it my best.  I have no doubt that my lungs and legs are only stronger because of it, and this may help me in my next race.  I'm hoping to do a half marathon in March.  I haven't registered yet, but I think having successfully completed the Quaker challenge may be just the push I need to send in my registration!
I hope you'll try this fun challenge!  And you don't have to run 10 miles to do so - just be committed to making small healthy 5 minute changes to your daily life.  http://pixel.theblogfrog.com/nf/11-O-1Z

Here is your change to leave a comment!  February is National Heart Health month. Even if it’s only 5 more minutes a day, what extra step will you take to stay fit?
For your chance to win $750 complete these two steps:

1.Share the challenge with your friends

2.Tell us that you’ve invited your friends to join the challenge AND share the extra step you’ll take to stay fit below

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Quaker Oats Company. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules.

The Blacksburg Classic Flat Stanley Race Report

This past week Flat Stanley came to stay with us, and when he found out that I was scheduled to run a 10 mile race, he insisted on running with me.  I usually race alone, but I decided to allow it just this once.

The race didn't start until 1:00 pm.  This allowed me all day to be nervous and grumpy, and to make the grave error of not drinking anything after 6:30 am because I didn't want to need a bathroom break during the race.  I don't know what I was thinking.  Apparently I wasn't thinking at all, actually.  Flat Stanley should've said something.

As soon as we got there, Flat Stanley saw a college student doing pull ups on a tree limb.  He immediately climbed into a pine tree and did some pull ups too.

Then he got down on some soft pine needles and did 400 push ups.  This is why Flat Stanley stays so skinny.

It was a warmer day than expected (55*) and I found myself wishing I'd worn a tank top instead of a long sleeved shirt.  Check out the purple Zensah calf sleeves my parents got me for Christmas - I adore them!

Flat Stanley was pumped for the race and waved at everyone who passed by.  No one waved back.  Poor Flat Stanley. 

The boys had a 'special treat' picnic lunch before the race started.  We don't do Lunchables often, but when we do they sure get excited.

The race started and within the first minute (seriously!) I had a side stitch, the result, no doubt, of abstaining from fluids.  This really made for a slow start for me.  At 2 miles there was an aid station, and I stopped and drank a bunch of water.  The stitch persisted.  At 4 miles, I stopped and drank water again, and voila, the stitch immediately vanished and I was good to go.

This is when we ran past a bunch of fields full of cows.  Flat Stanley complained about the stench.  It was kind of stinky.  At mile 5, the hills began for real (previously, it had been gentle rolling hills).  Flat Stanley and I started pushing a little harder, glad the side stitch was gone. 

Meanwhile, the boys were doing this -

Oh how Flat Stanley whined about those hills.  I began to resent all his complaining, and threatened to throw him in a cow pie.  He got quiet after that, until he noticed I had a vanilla Gu, then he started saying he was sooooo hungry and could we please eat the Gu?  I made him wait until mile 8 to open up the Gu.  The last mile had a rolling hill in it, but it certainly felt long at this point.  My right glute was sore and complaining, just like Flat Stanley.  Finally, we saw the finish line.

I ran 1:26:56 which is around an 8:42 minute mile.  I would've liked to have run a few minutes faster, but considering the side stitch and all the hills, not too bad.  Behold, the finisher's medal (poor Flat Stanley, no one bothered to give him one. I think he enjoyed the race anyhow, although he claims he's leaving and going to Texas....)

There's a Caterpillar in my Lunchbox - Muffin Tin Monday

Spring hasn't exactly hit yet, but I thought I'd get in the theme of things anyhow with a fun spring-themed lunch for Pierce. 

He had a spider muffin cup filled with Ritz pretzel crackers, some bologna rolled up with a bunny pick, a chocolate covered strawberry, carrots, a little caterpillar (made from Power Bar oatmeal raisin energy bites) on a bed of roasted seaweed. 

I realize this seems like a light lunch, and it is.  Pierce has been having a slight flare-up of reflux and it's making his tummy feel bad.  He's not eating much as a result.  I've been trying different things in his lunches to try to get his appetite going.  I mean, how can you resist a chocolate covered strawberry?!?

For those of you who guessed Dr. Seuss on Friday's post, you were correct!  And for the two of you who guessed I Wish that I Had Duck Feet - great job, you got it!!

For more fun lunch ideas, check out Muffin Tin Mom.

I Wish I Liked Bananas

I wish I liked bananas

And I can tell you why

I'd eat them before running

My legs would be so spry.

I wish I liked bananas

No more chocolate for me

I'd eat large doses of potassium

And lose 5 pounds you see.

If I liked bananas

I would laugh at all junk food

I'd say, I'll take the banana

in such a happy mood.

I think it would be very good

to have them every day.

$1.72 for 6 at Sam's

is all I'd have to pay.

BUT...

I really cannot stand them.

The smell just makes me gag.

Don't peel one in my presence

I'd rather eat old rags.

Don't sneak them in my smoothies

I'd notice every chunk

Of gooey slimey nasties

that put me in a funk.

SO...

I guess I can't like bananas.

I'd like to but I won't.

Okay, Moms.  Which kids book is this poem modeled after?  Take a guess! 

Getting My Chickens All in a Row - Rural Thursday Blog Hop

It's Rural Thursday again!  I'm happy to report that my ducks chickens were all in a row for this week's photo shoot.

Our 5 hens haven't been laying much lately, but I did discover a sneaky hiding spot in the barn/shed this week -

After having to buy eggs the previous week at the grocery store, I was happy to discover their stash.  Now if only I could figure out where/if our Americauna, Natasha, is laying.  We haven't found a blue egg since last summer :-(  She's only 2 years old, so she should still be laying.  Any suggestions?

We had a brief moment of heavy snow flurries last weekend.  The boys got all sorts of excited about it, but alas, it didn't stick. 

And finally, earlier this week I had some onions, garlic, and celery in butter to saute.  As it began to cook, I realized it was one of my favorite smells on earth.  Probably even better than homemade baked bread.  Or even brownies.  What's your favorite smell in the kitchen, readers?

I hope you'll jump in to the Rural Thursday blog hop, hosted by Nancy at A Rural Journal and myself.  Everyone is invited, and any topic about the country life, recipes, crafts, nature photos, or pretty much anything that fits in with a rural mindset is perfect!  Just grab our button, and add the url to your post in the linky.  After that, be sure to hop around visiting and commenting on at least 5 posts.  Happy visiting!

I Got Blog Hate Mail

I knew that if I blogged long enough, eventually it would happen.  I'd watched in sympathy as other, larger bloggers battled the nasty commenters - like when someone wrongly and viciously insulted Helene's child from I'm Living Proof that God Has a Sense of Humor.  But I've tried to keep my blog fairly neutral (in fact, I have a couple of mildly controversial posts in draft mode that I never worked up the nerve to publish - one on why we don't allow toy guns and another that is a humorous take on talking about sex ed w/ your 5 year old).  I guess if you blog long enough, though, someone is going to find offense anyhow.  So 2 years and 3 months later, I got my first hate email:

O'siyo,

I have been offended by your misuse of my family name to increase your google standing. Not only that but the Bear foot you use was created by C. Camp and being used without his permission. I see this as another Rape by the Yonega(Cherokee for White man). I am under Texas law advising you, that beginning Monday. We will be making a attempt to find a legal way to make you stop this another injustice. Our Attorney's and A.I.M (American Indian Movement). American Indian Vietnam Vets etc. will be given a letter of intent. I am sending a letter to the U.S. Marshal's service. It is within their jurisdiction to enforce the American Indian art's and Craft act. To see if in their opinion You have violated this law as well. Warning there have been similar cases around the Country. The outcome was in favor of the Plaintiff and stood up on appeals. Do the right thing!

Stop what you are doing.

After considering this email a bit, I decided it warranted one response, but if there were further emails I would not dignify them with a reply.  So I wrote -

Thanks for your interest in Two Bears Farm. The name of my blog is not Twobears (like your family name) but Two Bears. The name comes from the alma mater of myself and my husband - we both went to Baylor University and consider ourselves Baylor Bears. However, I'd like to share with you that my great great grandmother was Cherokee. In addition my husband and his family are verified members of the Mdewakaton Santee Sioux Indian Nation. My husband, having a strong identification with his Indian Nation, feels saddened that you would send an email such as this. We are a humble farm family, just making our way in a harsh world, as I am sure you yourself are.

I have emailed my designer about the bear paw print in question. As far as I know, she followed all copyright law in the design of my blog. However, if for any reason this particular graphic is under copyright for which she did not have permission to use, it will be promptly removed.

Washte (Dakota for peace),

Now in case you haven't guessed, the person who sent the email has a website with a similar name to my blog.  I would link it here (I have no issue in sending traffic her/his way, as it is a completely different type of website from my own and I don't see us in competition in any way) however, I have a family-friendly blog and this other site has some questionable advertisements on it.  However, if you google intuitively I've no doubt you can track it down, if you're curious. 

There is no copyright on the phrase "Two Bears" or even on "Twobears".  Nor is there any licensing on the bear paw in question that is by my signature.  So for all intents and purposes, I haven't done anything wrong.  I did receive an email back, stating again that I am using the name solely to increase my google page rank, and also expressing anger that images from my blog show up ahead of this other site's under google images.  Well, hey, like the rest of the world, I have no control over what Google does or does not do.  My PR rank is one above this other site, and I suspect that is only reason why my images show up first.  However, I monitor my stats very closely, and I can honestly say that I have never seen "Twobears" show up in a keyword search for my blog - or any other Native American phrases.  Here's a keyword analysis screenshot taken from Statcounter this past weekend:

In case you can't squint that well, terms used were Playdoh Valentines, couple on a caboose, Asian crockpot meal, amazement square, and jam is too runny can I cook it down more.  What minimal results I may have on Google are the result of over two years of hard work to promote and build my blog - combined with the content of my posts.  I am merely a small rural "Mom" blogger who enjoys writing and sharing my thoughts, and meeting other similar-minded folks online.  I value a peaceful, quiet life, and it's so frustrating when you're just going about your days and someone tries to bring in a bunch of drama.  I'm an Idealist, and when situations like this come up I can never understand the anger and animosity (and, quite frankly, bullying) towards other human beings, without true cause.  So disturbing.  For this reason, I will not read or respond to any further emails from this person.

At any rate, I certainly won't be changing the name of my blog - it's the name of our farm (for the past 13 years) and who we are.  My friend, Valerie,  made me laugh by joking around that I should let her know if the Baylor Bears come after me threatening to sue next.  Sic 'Em Bears!

A housewarming gift from my parents in 2005.

How about you, reader?  Ever had any negative emails or comments about your blog?  How did you handle it?

This post linked with Pour Your Heart Out at Things I Can't Say. 

The Hospital Adventures of Woody

Recently a loved one was in critical care in the hospital for an extended stay.  Pierce sent his beloved Woody to provide comfort and hugs.  Unfortunately, Woody had other plans.  In fact, Woody got in A LOT of trouble in the hospital.  We received daily photos and videos and if it wasn't one thing it was another.  Woody is lucky the nurses didn't kick him out with all the time outs they had to put him in.

He got into the latex gloves...

Messed with the anesthesia chart...

Tried to take a bath in the sink...

Pulled the call-the-nurse string (a big no no!)

And played around in some rather nasty hospital food...

Turns out Hospital Woody was a bad influence.  The more Hospital Woody sent emails and videos of himself getting into trouble, the more the Woody that stayed at home got into trouble.  Seems both Woodys came from the wrong side of the toy store.  Or Toy Story? 

For a happy ending, our loved one is resting much more comfortably at home now, and hopefully Hospital Woody will behave himself from now on. 

Happy Valentine's Day, readers! 

Valentine's Muffin Tin Monday

Of course I had to do a Valentine's themed tin today.  This was dinner a few nights ago.  A simple meal that was completely devoured - every last bite!

 Heart shaped grilled cheese (do you see the smiley face?!?) with balsalmic roasted squash and zucchini (roasted last summer, sealed, and frozen - they preserved very well!), a heart shaped fresh tomato, dill pickles (canned last year) and a crown full of chocolate mousse, strawberries, and a squirt of whipped cream.  Can you say yum?!

This is how I made the smiley face - toast stamps!  I found them at Dollar Tree.  A set of 2 costs just $1 and they had all different patterns to choose from.  Fun, huh?

For more lunch ideas, check out Muffin Tin Mom and Bento Blog Network.

The Natural Dentist Giveaway

Recently I've been trying a new, more natural mouthwash.  The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Anti-Gingivitis Rinse is proven to help reduce and prevent bleeding gums and protect against gingivitis.  It doesn't contain alcohol or artificial ingredients, which makes it a much healthier choice for a mouthwash.  Logically, we know that alcohol isn't the most healthy thing for our bodies, so why would it be so great in our mouths?  The Natural Dentist has also been tested in controlled studies on human volunteers, and personally I felt secure in trying it. 

I've been fortunate in that I haven't had a lot of trouble from my teeth, but I do want to make sure this trend continues.  The peppermint twist flavor has a minty/lemony/herbally taste to it.  It contains aloe vera as its active ingredient, which is proven to help prevent bleeding gums.  If your gums are bleeding, it's a warning sign for gingivitis, and time to take action by seeing a dentist and doing what you can to prevent progression.  The Natural Dentist line also includes other natural components such as echinacea, goldenseal, calendule and grapefruit seed extract to calm any inflammation.

You can also find The Natural Dentist on Facebook.  They have been generous enough to offer a bottle of the Peppermint Twist flavor to one reader!  Click on 'read more' under my signature to enter.  Good luck!

Disclaimer:  I received a bottle of The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Mouth Rinse for review purposes.  The opinions written above are my own.

February Weeding - Rural Thursday

I keep saying that I'm going to go straighten up the garden.  I've been saying this since October.  Last week we had a fairly mild day (mid 50s) and the twins and I ventured out to see what we could do about this garden situation.

I got in the garden and did some weeding.  The twins chased Henrietta.  Lucky for Henrietta, she was faster than Cort and Reid.

The the twins fought over the lawn mower.  I pulled more weeds.  I found the potatoes I never bothered to dig up last fall.  They were gross.

I also found two rooster feathers.  Are people still wearing these things in their hair as some sort of fashion statement?

Then the twins and I went out in the horse pasture and I scooped some manure for the garden.  I'm glad I didn't fill the wheelbarrow any more full, as it was hard to push it back, uphill, with all the bumps!

Are you thinking about your garden yet?  I hope yours is in better shape than mine.  After a couple of hours of work, I don't think I made much of a dent. 

I hope you'll link up with Rural Thursday today!  Just add your actual link to your post below.  It would also be great if you'd copy and paste the code for the button into your blog.  Be sure to take a minute to visit co-host Nancy at A Rural Journal and at least 3-5 other folks who link up.  The visiting is what makes blog hops so fun!  Remember, you don't have to be rural to join in - just have a rural mindset.  Posts about crafts, canning, your best pie recipe, your Sunday hike, your pet goat - we want to see them all!

Conversations with 2 Year Old Twins

The twins are talking a lot more lately.  Sometimes I wish they weren't.  But most of the time it's amusing. 

As we're walking out the door...
Reid- Mom, I want firetruck!
Me - No, Reid, firetruck stays here.
Reid - Mom, I want catty!
Me - No Reid, the cat stays here.
Reid - Mom, I want blankie!
Me - No Reid, blanket stays here.  Hey, Reid, look, chicken!
Reid - CHICKEN!!!  Mom, I want hug the chicken!
Me - Chickens don't really like hugs, Reid, let's get in the car.
Cort was on steroids recently for yet another attack of wheezing.  Steroids give him 'roid rage, which isn't pretty in the 2 year old form.  Sometimes I secretly call him Cort Manson when he's on steroids.  He can dole out some rather sociopathic stare downs.
Cort - Mom, I WANT APPLE JUICE.
Me - Cort, we don't have apple juice.  Sorry.  Do you want some water?
Cort, tugging on the door of the fridge, making screaming noises, with tears streaming down his face - APPLE JUICE. I WANT APPLE JUICE!
Me - No apple juice, Cort.  Do you want milk?
Cort - APPLE JUICE.  I WANT APPLE JUICE!
Repeat for the next 20 minutes, until he finally decides that he now wants something different - like to torment his brother.  'Roid rage, I tell ya, it's something else!
Good thing they're so cute all the time, even when rotten!

This post linked with Saturday Laughs at The Mommyhood Chronicles.

Making Health and Fitness a Priority

You know how important fitness, particularly running, is to me on a day to day basis. It is my mental pacifier. But even the enthusiastic exerciser can get caught in a rut and lose mojo. In January, I skipped a couple of key workouts. Yes, me! I skipped a track workout because it was bitterly cold and pouring rain out one Saturday. And I skipped another track workout plus a long run because of the stomach flu. The stomach flu couldn't be helped, but I should've run that workout in the rain. So I'm starting February afresh and with new inspiration by joining in on Quaker's Nourish What Counts challenge which supports good health and lifestyle choices.
This challenge is open to anyone, and it's as easy as adding a 5 minute activity to your day. I know when I post my monthly fitness recaps each month, so many of you comment that you'd love to find some motivation - well here's the perfect chance! You could go for a 5 minute walk, toss a frisbee with your kids, download a free 7 minute abs workout from Itunes, or choose a healthier and more balanced snack.  When you join in on the challenge, Quaker will give you the inspiration you need with workout tips, recipes, and more.
Last month I ran 100 miles, lifted weights 8 times, and did 3 sessions of yoga. A pretty well-balanced month for me, but there is always room for improvement. As part of the challenge, I have signed up for a 10 mile race this month. Weather permitting, I'll be there at the starting line, and will run my best. I already workout 4-5 days a week, but this month I'm going to commit to doing some stretching every other day - which will help prevent injuries. I am also commiting to doing the lunges that keep my IT band strong - I have slacked off on those lately. Injury prevention is the focus in these new activities - I want to be well prepared to have a fun and excellent racing season this spring!
So come on readers! Rally together with me this month to create a healthier lifestyle and put yourself, your heart, and your health as a priority by joining this challenge. You need only complete 15 activities in the next 30 days, and I know that you can do this!
Joining the Quaker Heart Health Challenge is my first step towards becoming healthier and more balanced. I'd love to to know - what motivates you to stay healthy?
For your chance to win $750 complete these two steps:

1.Share the Challenge with your friends

2.Tell us that you’ve invited your friends to join the Challenge AND share what motivates you to stay healthy below

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Quaker Oats Company. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules.

Something Is Fishy on Muffin Tin Monday

I found those Pepperidge Farm fish shaped sandwich thins again on sale - $1.50 for a package of 8.  I grabbed them up and incorporated them into an ocean themed bento lunch for Pierce.

He had a cheese sandwich with mustard nestled in roasted seaweed from Trader Joe's - cut with kitchen scissors to look even more like seaweed!  Pierce loves the seaweed too, although I think I've eaten too much and now I'm a little over it.

Apples on a crab skewer, olives on a seahorse skewer, and a star full of mango crunchies rounded out the bento.  Oh wait, what about that little guy in the middle?  Oh yes, that's dessert!  A little marshmallow gingerbread man, riding the ocean waves.

For more fun lunch ideas for kids, check out Muffin Tin Mom.