Tot Time - The Week I worked on plans for week 1

Before I share with you what I did this past week towards my goal of working more with my kids this fall, I wanted to share a few links with you that I've found this week OR that I follow but that posted specific ideas this week. 

First up is another one of my favorite blogs, Musings Of Me. On her site you will find lots of "tot packs" that she has created.  Just recently posted a Vacation pack that you can download for free.

Over at A Little Tipsy, she is hosting a "Make a Memory" summer series.  Each Monday, someone different shares how they do something specific to make a memory in the summer.  This week is pretty creative - it is centered around family movie night.  The kids have the chance to earn "concession money" aka Monopoly Money to spend at the family concession stand before the movie.  It really is such a creative way to make special Movie nights . . well, special!

I found this one by chance, but it is such a cute idea, I wanted to add it.  Check out the full pack over at My Shae Noel.

Even though I'm following a little bit of a specific "curriculum" I love these bonus ideas that I can throw in as a family event or use on busy weeks - tot packs are perfect for that - to keep my kids entertained!

One last thing I wanted to share.  I am a James Patterson fan - I really enjoy his books; he is a great author.  He actually has a new book out that I want to pick up from the library soon!  While he was being interviewed for his latest book, he started talking about his son who did not like to read.  In order to encourage him to read, he told him he had to read for one hour (I think??) a day.  By the end of a month, his son loved books.  Well, he has a website out there called Read Kiddo Read.   This site has different categories based on age group.  He offers lots of ideas - I really love this as I'm always looking for new ideas for books.  Feel free to check it out and see what he suggests. 

So now, on to what I did this week!  My original goal was to plan weeks 1-4 but as I dug in, I realize that was a little overly zealous!  So, instead, I figure if I can get one week planned and anything made/cute out/printed for that week.  I'll be good.  I don't plan on starting a set plan until the last week in August so that gives me about 8 weeks to get 8 weeks ahead :-)  I really don't have anything to post specifically this week but will next week. 

I realize that with summer, most of us are planning - and planning is always good!!

What I'm Reading

It is that time of week - time for me to share what I'm reading.  For those of you coming from the comment challenge - this is a weekly post (for the most part) that I do in order to share very simple book reviews on the books I'm reading. 

Books I finished this week:

Both books above are from the Elm Creek Quilters series.  The top book takes you back to Elm Creek Manor and the lives of each of the Quilters from Elm Creek - the original founders of the Quilt camp and the new comers.  I really like reading about each of the lives of the women and how they entwine with each other.  It was interesting to see how some friendships evolved and to see some things resolved.  The second book is more a story about the history behind the original family so it takes you back to the times of slavery.  It kept me riveted, honestly.  I didn't want to put it down as I wanted to find out what happened to those in the story.  I would highly recommend this series if you are looking for something interesting yet easy to read.

Books I'm reading right now:

I just started this book on Tuesday . . .. I love Liz Curtis Higgs so, until I get further into it, I'm not going to comment (honestly, I'm not sold on it yet . . . )

The above three books I'm just starting as I write this post.  Two are fiction and one is a non-fiction book dealing with teaching your children faith.  Yes, I really do read 3 or 4 or 5 books at a time.  I read them at different times - I enjoy the "easy" fiction books while relaxing on a rainy day or when we are eating lunch (a 10 month old, 18 month old and 2 1/2 year old don't offer much conversation yet ha!).  I tend to read the deeper books . .ummm .. in the bathroom!!  It isn't what you think . . it is the only room in the house where I can get peace and quiet . . .so when the hubby gets home and I disappear for a bit, he knows where I am . . I've thought about moving an old wing back chair we have stored in our basement into the bathroom.  You can stop laughing, I'm serious!!! 

My devotional books:

 No change, no updates because I'm still in summer mode.  The only thing I'm reading for devotions is my Bible (which is Good!!) because I'm trying to catch up on my Through the Year Bible Reading so I can finish strong at the end in September. 

One other update, I guess, I meant to have my 3rd quarter books ready to post on July 1st and plain old forgot!!!  I was working on a list but hadn't finalized it . . .than it got busy and hot and I didn't have time to look at it again.  I plan on finalizing my reading goal for the next three months this week and I'll what makes the list! 

Let me know if you are reading anything good - I'm always looking for something new to add to my list!!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm loving . . . the comment challenge taking place over at Jenna's Journey.  I've found several blogs to add to my blog roll and have enjoyed the fantastic comments I've received too!  There is nothing better than getting comments on your blog.  (And Welcome to all of those reading this from that challenge!)

I'm loving . . . .that we had a great 4 day weekend.  Such a sweet blessing in our very busy life!

I'm loving . . .  that my willow tree (Willamina) is now large enough that it blocks the view from the road.  When we planted her, we didn't think she would even survive.  I love Willow Trees!!  I hope to have two in my future back yard (some day . . .) that I can hang a hammock between!!

I'm loving . . . all the grilling we have been doing.  Lots of Hamburgers, Brats, Chicken and Pork Chops.  We are die hard Charcoal Grill people so we only grill while the weather is warm . . .cold weather is hard on charcoal grills!

I'm loving . . . that my kids LOVE Slurpee's.  They go their first Slurpee last night - Nate would not put his down and Josh figured out how to drink it without holding the cup.  (He didn't like the condensation on the cup!)

I'm loving . . .that our AC in our bedroom works perfectly.  Nothing better than sleeping in a fridge :-) hehehehe 

I'm loving . . .. The Next Food Network Star.  I don't watch as much of the Food Network as I used too but I still love this show and seeing the competition. 

So, that's what I'm loving this week, what about you? 

Too Cute Not to Toot!!!

Welcome back after a great 4th of July weekend!  We had a bonus - my husband had Friday off . . .actually he was on call but didn't get called in so he got to stay home!  Part of our weekend was spent with my parents and part of it was spent at home - perfect!!! 

There is a fun little challenge going on over at Jenna's Journey, one of the blogs that I follow.  She is doing a comment challenge that started on Monday (7/4) where, basically, a bunch of us linked up and you are challenged to comment on 10 blogs over the next 7 days.  Pretty cool!  It's a great way to check out some new blogs and maybe even find some new sites to add to your blog roll.  Feel free to check out the links for yourself. 

If you are visiting from this Comment Challenge - this is a weekly post that I put up.  I search lots of linky party for great ideas - some that I want to make, some I wish I could make, some are unique and some just make me scratch my head!!!  I always give credit where credit is due and include a link back to the creative post!  I started this post because I needed an easy way to track all of the creative ideas I want to copy make myself and, yes, I have made a few - I just don't have enough time to make everything!

I'm starting with food again - I must admit that I do not like Mt. Dew but these cupcakes looked to cute to pass up.  Get the full scoop over at Nothing But Country.  They are perfect right down to the icing!

Also from Nothing but Country, is a great idea for a cupcake stand.  I don't own one yet and really like this whole idea and the look of the stand!

In a recent Too Cute post, I shared an idea for a beach bag using window screen.  Here is another tutorial, this one from Funky polka dot giraffe, using a beach towel.  I love it!!!

Have you seen the Alphabet Photography ideas?  I love them and would love to get our family name done . . .when I saw this idea from Lines Across My face,  I fell in high like :-)  What a creative idea to use items you own to create the letters to make a perfect alphabet book for your kids! 

When I saw this idea over at The Idea Room I drooled HA!  What a great way to eat a Smore!

The Mini-Star Pies are such a cute idea from A Pumpkin and a Princess.  She posted them for the 4th but they would be great at Christmas time too or just for something fun to make with your kids on any day of the week.

Yes, I know the 4th is done (if only by one day) but  . .. there are still some great ideas for next year showing up!  Check out this easy idea from Projects Just For Me.

 I know, in post Too Cute posts, I've shared ideas for homemade bibs but I don't think I've shared a pocket bib idea.  Check out this idea (and tutorial) from over at Just Another Hangup .

Back to 4th of July ideas - this quilted wall hanging is a great idea.  Check all of the info over at Love Affair with my Brother (and no, I will not explain the name - head over to the blog and I think you'll figure it out. . . .if not, leave a comment and I'll explain it!!)

I believe it was last Tuesday that I shared a post about a ribbon topiary . . .so these stars would be a perfect addition to go with that creation.  Check out the tutorial over at Nat Macs Knick Knacks.

The last item I'm going to post today is amazing.  Honestly, I will never do this personally - I'm not that good HA!, but, some of you may want to because you have amazing talent.  If even you don't - check out the full post over at Becoming Martha just to check out what she did and how she did it!

Isn't that just the coolest thing?

So, that's all for this week.  As always, there are tons of ideas out there in blogland, these are just a few that caught my attention!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!!!

In order to celebrate this wonderful holiday weekend with my family in the fullest . .. I'm taking the weekend off from Blogging :-)  So, enjoy the weekend but don't forget to come back and check out "Too Cute Not To Toot" on Tuesday!! 

Happy Celebrating!!! 

BBQ Cups

This is one of those favorite recipes that has been passed down to me through my sister-in-law, Lynnette.  I would put it up there as one of our "fun favorites".  Plus, the kids like it which is a big bonus!!!

 All you do is "squish" some biscuits into a muffin time.

 Fill them with the beef mixture and add cheese on top.

They are so yummy!  (sorry for the sideways picture - you have to love blogger!)

Recipe - BBQ Cups

Ingredients:
3/4 pound ground beef
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon minced onion
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 package PIllsbury Refrigerated Tederflake biscuits
Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Directions:
Cook beef and drain; Add barbecue sauce, onion and brown sugar to the ground beef and combine well.  Take biscuits and squish dough out to fit inside the muffin cups; place one in each greased muffin cup.  Fill with the meat mixture and top with cheese.  Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes. 

My Notes:
1) If you use Grands biscuits - tear them in half or they will be too big for the muffin cups. 
2) I usually will add the onion in the beef while it is cooking.

Enjoy :-)

Tot Time - The Week my Kids were gone :-)

That's right, this past week my kids were gone.  They went to the grandparents for the "weekend" - well, Friday - Tuesday! 

With that said, I have challenged myself to look for teaching opportunities with my kids while we are playing together.  For example, today, my boys and I were playing trucks.  I was assigned  given the truck with the front loader.  I used the bucket to fill the truck with the alphabet letters.  Well, my 2 1/2 year old saw what I was doing and quickly took over the truck.  While he was lifting the letters - I had him name each letter :-)  Or when we play farm with my 1 1/2 year old, we only speak animals (make animal sounds) for all of the animals.  Nothing is cuter than hearing a kid say "moooooo"!!

The only thing I worked on this week for my Tot School with the boys is finalizing my lesson plan format.  Nothing big!  I also took time to read through lesson plans for ideas!

Thanks for all of the great comments last week!  I appreciate the thoughts and encouragement from everyone else that is also working on this process.

Enjoy your week!