That’s not a waiter telling you the specials at a new restaurant in New York City.
When I was first interested in balloon animals at 11 years old, like Earl Hickey, those were the only animals I could offer.
I was fascinated and terrified of the practice of bending air inside that rubber casing. There’s something that seems to be defying physics as you twist and bend and squeeze the straight tube into a 3D representation of animals, objects, hats, even cartoon characters.
I think I may still have the red plastic pump from my first balloon animal kit somewhere in the attic at my parents’ house. I was able to work my way up to making basic animals like fish and the somewhat familiar dog.
Over the years, I’ve had a few opportunities to show off my twisting skills, but even with my limited memory (and more than a few popped balloons) it’s been kind of fun to try.
And if I decide to renew my pursuit of balloon twisting I’d like to be able to create more complex creatures.
It may be time for an upgrade to one of cool new Balloon Modeling Kits we now carry at the Lemonade Stand. With a variety of colorful balloons, balloon pump, and instruction booklet I just might be able to learn to create these guys:
Technorati Tags: balloon animal, balloon twisting, balloon modeling, My Name Is Earl
Happy Mother’s Day to all the maternal folks in the Kim & Jason Universe! 
I was given the difficult task of judging the essays submitted for our Bestest Mom Ever contest. I really enjoyed reading how much people love their Moms. And I was reminded of all the awesome things my mom has done for me throughout the years. Thanks Mom!
It was very difficult to choose between our top two creative submissions. So I decided since one made me chuckle and one brought a tear to my eye, they are both winners!
So without further ado, the winner for Bestest Mom Ever - Comedic Edition is:
Steven Dressel of Waukee Iowa — Woo Hoo!!!
Here is an exerpt from the poem he wrote:
My wife (mom) hugs, cures, dances, drives,
cooks, laughs, cleans, & jives,
wipes, plants, builds, & washes,
helps me put on my galoshes.Best of all she knows me better
than all others - to the letter.
Because of this I have no qualms
Proclaming loudly - SHE’S MY MOM!!!Though this whole thing’s not too clever,
our mom’s still the bestest ever!
And the winner for Bestest Mom Ever - Tearjerker Edition is:
Abby Korthals of Bondurant Iowa! — Yay!!!
Here’s a few of the 25 reasons on Abby’s list about her mom:
24) She lets me drink Sprite when I am “sick.”
19) She puts up with my frequent dramatic acts.
16) She lets me watch my little sister’s soccer game from the car when it’s pouring (while she stands in the rain without an umbrella).
14) She lets me lick the spoon from the chocolate-chip cookie dough.
7) She won’t tell me she’s too tired to do something.
3) She demonstrates a Godly life.
2) She teaches me right and wrong.
1) She tells me no.
I was very impressed with the effort our two winners put into expressing how great their moms are. Their moms will be rewarded with Lemonade Stand gift certificates - and so will they!
Congratulations to our winners and again Happy Mother’s Day to all moms - including mine!
Technorati Tags: mother’s day, mom, bestest, Lemonade Stand
Tiffanie Weaver submitted the winning picture for our “Rain” theme in April. Congratulations Tiffanie - what a fun photo of really enjoying the rain!
Do you have what it takes to be our next winner? Go here to find out all the details on how you can win your $20 Gift Certificate.
Today is May 1st. From spring to the working man, a variety of celebrations have given this date significance through the years:
As Chief Sales Servant it is my responsibility to note that this May 1st is of importance for another reason — Mother’s Day is only 12 days away!
Choose something that let’s that special mom (grandmom, stepmom, new mom, surrogate mom, best friend’s mom who always listened to you when you were in a fight with your own mom) know you are thinking of her this Mother’s Day.
Like the delightful “Great To Be a Mom” Gift Basket.
A royal mug and the very popular “Mother” print, combined with Starbucks coffee and a bag of Mary Janes candies, make this a sweet way to tell Mom she’s great!
Check out all the May Baskets and other gifts from the Lemonade Stand for a great way to celebrate Mom this spring!
Technorati Tags: mother, mother’s day, mom, gift basket, may day, may 1st
