Week of house drama-mold, threatened electrocution, caving in floor, and fire oh my!

So our floor started sloping in under the wall in the dining room. Our master bath is on the other side of that wall. Turns out the tile in the bathroom shower was glued directly onto sheetrock. Not water resistant or waterproof sheetrock. And it leaked.

Do you see where this is going? Yes, we are in smack dab in the middle of a major remodeling project. I have almost no dining room wall and definitely no bathroom wall. The dogs were quite excited to be able to spy on me peeing. The things that amuse them...

We pulled out the painted paneling (yes we have a house built in the 70's *bow chicka wow wow!*) in the dining room and the back of the tiled sheetrock was wet and moldy. Great. Some of the wood tiles on the dining room floor were ruined. Then there was the lovely matter of the support boards for the wall studs (and oh yeah, the whole wall) being rotted out. The flooring was recently sold at Home Depot, but guess what, they discontinued it now and also at just about every place we have checked.

The wall wiring was wonky and sparked & arced and almost zapped the hubby, we had a hole in the floor w/a large drop, and sawdust hung in the air.
Then today the hot water heater shorted out and caught fire and started a fire under the house.

So now a Swine Flu oubreak is threatening the U.S. and I just read that the sprouts I bought may have salmonella. Yay!
Screw that, I am eating my sprouts!

P.S. The hubby just went to get new hoses for the new water heater because they were leaking. He came in just now and said there is another leak in a different spot.

Wild River Country

Wild River Country Season Passes are now on sale! WRC opens May 9.

Buy your 2009 Season Pass now and get 1 FREE One-Day Admission Ticket with each pass purchased!
FREE Ticket Offer Deadline April 24th, 2009

Regular Season Pass -- $44.99 + tax = $49.49

3 or more Regular Season Passes -- $36.99 + tax = $40.696 or more Regular Season Passes -- $29.99 + tax = $32.99

Transferable Guest Pass -- $69.99 + tax = $76.99

Season Locker Add On -- $14.99 + tax = $16.34

Season Tube Add On -- $14.99 + tax = $16.34

Children 2 and under are free. Adults 60 and over are free.
All Prices Below Include Tax Call 501-753-8600 for more information or email info@wildrivercountry.com

update

We had a big weekend! I had to drive my oldest to my mom's for a Girl Scout overnight. Her troop is hosting Taster's Tea this year. Taster's Tea is a multicultural event. Each troop picks a country and makes food, puts on a presentation, makes costumes, etc. for that country. I don't have a troop this year because all my girls are at different middle schools and my kids are in extended day school.

The girls cooked and taste tested some recipes and made costumes. The cooking went on until really late and then the girls who were staying the night wanted to watch movies. I finally gave up and went to bed close to 2am. They stayed up for another movie, Marley and Me. Apparently they all cried at the end.

We went for a walk at Lake Sylvia on Saturday. There is a really nice looking camping area. I've never camped there but we may try it this year. The campground opens in May. It also has a nice swimming area for day trips. An old Girl Scout Camp is nearby. It has been renovated but I think Game & Fish owns it now.

Easter was kind of a bust. A bunch of tornadoes came through the state last week so dh was hesitant to take the kids to church during Sunday's storm. I hid some eggs around the living room and office for them. We haven't had an Easter egg hunt here in quite a while! The eggs were filled with warheads, atomic fireballs, etc.

I also made some Easter baskets for them. I used dollar store baskets, woven organizer baskets. They can reuse the baskets in their rooms. Each basket was filled with sketch pads & colored pencils, little games, sour powder candy, candy checkers, stampers, spring themed pencils, etc.

Easter Weekend Events

March - April 11, 2009

Pictures with the Easter Bunny: Park Plaza Mall (6000 West Markham) from 10am-8pm, Monday-Saturday and on Sundays from 12:00-6 pm. He will also visit McCain Mall (3929 McCain Blvd).

April 11, 2009

Holy Weekend Explosion: A variety of gospel artists and performers. Located at the LaQuinta Inn & Suites,601 S. Broadway in Little Rock. Call 501-563-8889 for more information.

Easter Eggstravaganzaa at Whole Foods Market.

Bring your own Easter Basket, and we'll provide the eggs and the candy! We also will be teaching an Easter egg dying class in the community room so you can learn how to color your own Easter Eggs.

For info: 221-2331. FREE!
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/littlerock/storecalendar.php

Dog-Gone Easter Egg Hunt
12:30 PM
Reservoir Park on Cantrell Road

Egg hunting has gone to the dogs! Grab your dog and Easter basket, and head out to join the fun!

Why should parents of two-legged children have all the fun when Easter rolls around? Well, the folks at Angels' Care Animal Rescue have remedied the situation by hosting their Fourth Ever Dog-Gone Easter Egg Hunt. Dogs and their owners are invited to sniff out over 3,000 treat-filled Easter eggs. Every egg contains a doggie treat with some also containing special prizes. One golden Easter egg will be hidden for the finder to win a "Great Dane-Sized Prize!"

Owners are encouraged to dress their dogs in their Easter finest to strut and wiggle their tails in the Easter Bonnet Parade. A prize will be awarded to the canine wearing the best designed bonnet. A donation of $10.00 includes a doggie goody bag; participation in the Dog-Gone Easter Egg Hunt and other eggciting events, including the Easter Bonnet Parade; lots of fun contests for the dogs; a silent auction; and live music by Brian Nahlen and Nick Devlin. Food and drinks will be available at the event. For an additional donation, Easter photos for pets and people will be available by Bedford Camera and Video. Egg hunters should bring their own basket or sack to collect the eggs. Arkansas American Family Radio's Kevin Clay and Sherlock the Wonder Dog will serve as Masters of Ceremonies.

All dogs are welcome to join in the fun; the only requirements being dogs must possess an up-to-date Rabies tag/certificate and not be aggressive. Pooches taking part in the event must be kept on a leash, and owners must stay with their dogs at all times. Canine water stations and scooping bags provided.

Angels' Care is a volunteer-based animal rescue organization with no paid employees; and 100 percent of all donation proceeds from this event will be poured directly back into the community by spaying and neutering homeless animals.

Please contact Angels' Care by e-mailing Angels_Care@comcast.net or calling 835-1006 for more information regarding the most barked about event of the year.

Adoptable pets Looking for Heavenly Homes may be viewed by visiting www.AngelsCare.Petfinder.com.

Easter Egg Hunt at MacArthur Park
10 AM - 12 PM
MacArthur Park, 9th Street and I-30
Candy eggs and eggs with prizes inside.
For more information, call 501-372-4000.

Easter Egg Hunt at Burns Park:

Come to Burns Park (2700 Willow St, N Little Rock) in the Eldor Johnson Pavilion for hot dogs, drinks, and cookies for everyone. There will be thousands of eggs and special prizes. The Easter bunny will be present. The hunt begins at 09:30 a.m. 501-758-3342.

Eggstravaganza, First Assembly of God, North Little Rock -- Children ages 11 and under will enjoy this Easter egg hunt provided by the First Assembly of God in North Little Rock. Join the church from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for Easter activities. Children will be split by ages. For info: 758-8553. FREE!

April 12

Annual Community Easter Sunrise Service: 7 am at Riverfront Park

Events outside Little Rock

April 11
Sherwood, Arkansas
Sherwood Forest
Phone : (501) 835-8909 (Always call and confirm events.)
Admission Fee : Free

Easter egg hunt beginning at 2 p.m. 8,000 prize eggs, ages walking to 12. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and grand prizes. Easter bunny appearance.

Downtown Benton will unite with several community and church groups to host Easter Safari Children will be able to participate in three hunts according to age.

Ages 4 and younger 11 a.m.
Children 5-8 11:30 a.m.
Children 9-12 12 p.m.

Want to get away for the weekend? Here are just a few of the Easter events being held at Arkansas State Parks
http://www.arkansasstateparks.com

APR 10-12, 2009
Easter Eggstasy
DeGray Lake State Park

Bring the entire family to enjoy nature programs, lake tours and guided hikes. Join local pastors for an Easter sunrise service. End your special weekend with the kids hunting for hidden goodies left by the Easter bunny! Contact the park for a detailed schedule.

Admission: Free except for tours
Contact: 501-865-2801, degraylakeresort@arkansas.com

April 11, 2009

11 am - 12 pm
Easter Egg Hunt
Jacksonport State Park
Newport, AR

This event is fun for the entire family. Pose for photos with the Easter Bunny and enjoy a children's carnival in the visitor center parking lot. Prizes awarded for the lucky egg hunters, ages 1-12, who find the prize eggs; there is plenty of candy for every child.

Admission: Free

CONTACT:
Jacksonport State Park
205 Avenue Street
Newport, AR 72112
Ph: (870) 523-2143
jacksonport@arkansas.com

April 11, 2009

2 pm - 2:30 pm
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Lake Chicot State Park
Meet at the picnic area.
Lake Village, AR

On your mark, get set, go! Join the park interpreter for an Easter egg hunt, Lake Chicot style. Activities include dyeing eggs, listening to stories including “How the Easter Bunny Came to Be,” and of course, hiding and hunting Easter eggs.

Admission: Free

CONTACT:
Lake Chicot State Park
2542 Highway 257
Lake Village, AR 71653
Ph: (870) 265-5480
lakechicot@arkansas.com

April 11, 2009

2 pm - 2:30 pm
Easter Egg Hunt
White Oak Lake State Park
Meet at the playground.
Bluff City, AR

Enjoy an afternoon hunting Easter eggs. Park staff have hidden several hundred eggs filled with prizes or candy. Children ages 1-12 are welcome to look for the eggs. Be sure to bring a basket to collect your treasures!

Admission: Free

CONTACT:
White Oak Lake State Park
563 Highway 387
Bluff City, AR 71722
Ph: (870) 685-2748
whiteoaklake@arkansas.com

April 11-12

Easter weekend is “Great Escape Weekend” at the park. A variety of family-oriented programs and activities will be offered, including a free country music guitar concert by local singer Brandon Robertson at 7:00 pm on April 11. Activities on April 12 will include a non-denominational 6:30 am Easter Sunrise Service at Petit Jean’s Gravesite Overlook, as well as an “Easter Egg Scramble” for about 2000 eggs, starting a 2:00 pm (be sure to arrive early, as the eggs tend to disappear very quickly!).

For more information on Special Event schedules, see our website at http://www.petitjeanstatepark.com under “Things to Do” or contact the park at (501)727-5441 or by email at petitjean@arkansas.com.

April 12, 2009

Easter Egg Scramble 2pm
Mammoth Spring State Park
Meet in the ballfield area.
Hop, hop, hop on over to Mammoth Spring State Park to scramble for the eggs left by the Easter bunny and helpers.
Over 4,000 candy and prize-filled eggs will be "hidden" for kids 11 years and younger. Kids, bring your own basket.
This event goes fast; don't be late!
Admission: Free

CONTACT:
Mammoth Spring State Park
P.O. Box 36
Mammoth Spring, AR 72554
Ph: (870) 625-7364
mammothspring@arkansas.com

April 12, 2009

6:30 am - 7:30 am
Easter Sunrise Service
Petit Jean State Park
Meet at Stout’s Point (Petit Jean’s Gravesite Overlook).
Morrilton, AR

You are cordially invited to join other early risers for a traditional Easter sunrise service. This is a non-denominational assembly.

Admission: Free

CONTACT:
Petit Jean State Park
1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road
Morrilton, AR 72110
Ph: (501) 727-5441
http://www.petitjeanstatepark.com
petitjean@arkansas.com

April 12, 2009

2 pm - 2:30 pm
Easter Egg Hunt
Lake Catherine State Park
Meet at the picnic pavilion.
Hot Springs, AR

Hey kids! Children ages 12 and under are invited to hunt for thousands of candy and prize-filled eggs. Families have been enjoying this Easter tradition at Lake Catherine State Park for years.

Admission: Free

CONTACT:
Lake Catherine State Park
1200 Catherine Park Road
Hot Springs, AR 71913
Ph: (501) 844-4176
lakecatherine@arkansas.com

April 12, 2009

11 am - 2 pm
Easter Brunch
Mount Magazine State Park
Served in the Skycrest restaurant in the lodge.
Paris, AR

Join us for our annual Easter brunch! The menu includes a chef’s carving station featuring leg of lamb with blackberry mint sauce, black forest ham, glazed cornish hen, fresh salad bar, rustic tomato basil soup, herb roasted mixed vegetables, roasted new potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, fresh baked breads and assorted desserts. Reservations are not accepted.
Admission: $16.95 adults, $8.50 children ages 5-11, under 5 free

CONTACT:
Mount Magazine State Park
16878 Highway 309 South
Paris, AR 72855
Ph: (479) 963-5237
http://www.MountMagazineStatePark.com
mountmagazine@arkansas.com

April 12, 2009

3 pm - 5 pm
Easter Carnival
Logoly State Park
Meet in the day-use area.
McNeil, AR

Easter Egg Hunt for kids ages 3-12 years old. Games and crafts in celebration of spring and Easter. Contact the park for further details.

Admission: Free

CONTACT:
Logoly State Park
P.O. Box 245
McNeil, AR 71752
Ph: (870) 695-3561
logoly@arkansas.com

Free CiCi's Pizza

CiCi's has a unique but very cool promotion running right now.

To reward the penny picker uppers around the world, CiCi's is putting one million pennies near their restaurant all over the country.

And, on the back of thousands of them, they are giving away a free trip to their endless buffet.

Plus, every specially marked penny that is brought back to CiCi's will be donated to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Club of America.

Visit their website to view details and to find out where the pennies are hidden near your local restaurant.

The CiCi's location for the Little Rock area is 2815 Lakewood Village Dr - N. Little Rock, AR - 501-753-1182 Special CiCi's pennies are w/in a two mile radius of this location.

The Penny Picker Upper game (the “Game”) begins March 31,
2009 at 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and ends on June 30, 2009 at
11:59:59 p.m. ET. This promotion is open to legal residents of the United
States who reside in the states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado,
Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada,
New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South
Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.