This next week I don't have kids. None. Zero. Zilch! On top of that it is Valentine's AND I'm going away to a Scrapbooking crop!!! WHEW Check out this menu!
Tuesday - We are just eating left over Sloppy Joe's from Sunday. The kids leave today and I'm hosting ladies meeting so I'll be making a few snacks for the evening anyway.
Wednesday - At Christmas, Darryl and I were given a gift that has allowed us to be able to go away. So tonight, we are using a gift card to go out to eat before heading to a hotel (thank you priceline and our friends for the gift!)
Thursday - We are spending the day together and have plans to eat out :-)
Friday - Darryl is on his own - I'm leaving to head North to scrapbook the weekend away!
Saturday- Darryl is still on his own!
Sunday - I'm not sure what time I will be home so, if I'm home for dinner, I'll grab something on my way in!
Monday - The kids come home today so . . .I think I'm just going to make a kid favorite - BBQ Cups, Mac and Cheese, and Chips.
How easy is this week?? I LOVE it!!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Friday, February 8, 2013
Food Friday - Molasses Cookies
Molasses Cookies
adapted from . . .. a recipe gathered from a school field trip.
Quite a few years ago, while teaching 4th grade, we took a field trip back in time to an historical village. One of the things we did was make molasses cookies in a wood stove. My job as the teacher was to mix up the cookie dough and bring it with me - the recipe was provided to me and I fell in love with these cookies!! They are super easy and turn out nice and soft with the perfect flavor. One note - I seldom melt the shortening and they still turn out fine. Just make sure that the shortening is combined well with the other wet ingredients.
Ingredients:
adapted from . . .. a recipe gathered from a school field trip.
Quite a few years ago, while teaching 4th grade, we took a field trip back in time to an historical village. One of the things we did was make molasses cookies in a wood stove. My job as the teacher was to mix up the cookie dough and bring it with me - the recipe was provided to me and I fell in love with these cookies!! They are super easy and turn out nice and soft with the perfect flavor. One note - I seldom melt the shortening and they still turn out fine. Just make sure that the shortening is combined well with the other wet ingredients.
Ingredients:
1
½ cups shortening
½
cup molasses
2
eggs
2
cups sugar
4
cups flour
1
teaspoon salt
4
teaspoons baking soda
2
teaspoons cinnamon
1
teaspoon cloves
1
teaspoon ginger
Directions:
Melt
shortening. Beat wet ingredients. Mix dry ingredients into wet
ingredients. Roll into small balls and
then roll in sugar. Bake at 375 degrees
for 8-10 minutes.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
ABC Books
Earlier this year, I saw a great idea on Pinterest about making an ABC book for your kids out of things at home. It was a concept that I loved and knew I wanted to put together. I had so much fun taking photos for these books and putting them together. Trying to find create ideas for each letter of the alphabet that were also important to the boys in order to make the books special.
Aren't those awesome? The covers are photos that truly reflect each of the boys personalities. Here are a few sample pages. For the most part, the pages are the same but I did incorporate some individual shots that were specific to each of the boys to make the slightly different.
Aren't those awesome? You can see with the "W" page how I used photos of the boys from a trip to the beach to make their books personal.
So, how did I do this? First of all, I created all of my pages in my Creative Memories Software. It was super easy. Then I uploaded the books to order them and nearly fell off my chair at the cost. There was no way I could order the books. I was slightly disheartened but started looking around and finally found a way to import my pages into Shutterfly and create my books. The best part is they had a buy one/get one deal so the cost was actually doable.
I will admit, the kids did not go head over heels about these books like I thought they would but I do catch them "reading" them which makes me very happy.
So, how did I do this? First of all, I created all of my pages in my Creative Memories Software. It was super easy. Then I uploaded the books to order them and nearly fell off my chair at the cost. There was no way I could order the books. I was slightly disheartened but started looking around and finally found a way to import my pages into Shutterfly and create my books. The best part is they had a buy one/get one deal so the cost was actually doable.
I will admit, the kids did not go head over heels about these books like I thought they would but I do catch them "reading" them which makes me very happy.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
21 Ways to Connect with your Kids and That's My Son
A few weeks ago I posted about the book 21 Ways to Connect with Your Kids. This last week I started taking the quiz the author provides in order to narrow down your child's personality. As much as I love this concept for the book and think that it is great . . .my kids are a little young. The quiz does not fit them at their age. Instead of worrying about the quiz, I instead am just focusing on the "Connection Ideas" to add some spice to our lives. The first one is "Fifteen Dollar Family Fun Night". I'm putting this idea aside for when the boys are older because it will be fun for each of us to take turns to plan this type of night. Right now, my kids go to bed at 7:30 - we really aren't partying at night HA!. The second Connection Idea is to eat dinner together. Well, we do. Every night. I will say that right now we are working on teaching the importance of all staying at the table and not wondering around the house. The boys have to sit down with us, eat something and, when they are done, ask to be excused. Once they do that, no more dinner! This is a very quick lesson to learn once they go hungry one night :-)
So,for now, I'm working on Connection Idea number three - Looking for the positive. I think it is so easy to say "No" all of the time and constantly be in "corrective" mode. I find myself getting frustrated with the boys because they don't respond to what I tell them to do. What I'm doing now (or trying to do) is to find positive things that they do throughout the day to praise them about. For example, Josh cleared the table without being asked - I praised him all over the place for that one. Or when Nate gave up a toy for Josh to play with - tons of praise all around. The author gives a list of 50 things you can say to encourage your kids right now such as "I believe in you", "I love spending time with you" or "You make me laugh".
Right now, my husband and I lay down with the boys almost every night. This started as a discipline corrector - when the boys moved into one room, they played for hours after we put them to bed. I got so tired of going in their room and yelling at them, moving one into another room as punishment and just being plain frustrated with their behavior. One night, I laid down with one of the boys and guess what? They went to sleep. So now Darryl and I lay down with them - switching boys each night so we get equal time with them. We sing songs, talk, make shadow puppets and then snuggle with our kid until at least one child falls asleep. Do you have any idea how much they love this??? They fight over us sometimes . . .well, they fight over Darryl because, in Josh's words, "Dad is more fun" HA! It is one of the best times for positive reinforcement as we really connect with each child. And yes, for the record, Darryl and I do fall asleep at times too . . .it's just so relaxing HA!
Before I move on to Connection Idea four, I want to make sure that the idea of being positive is a habit. Something that just happens without thinking about it.
So, as I'm working on those ideas, I wanted to move on to the next book. I decided to pick up That's my Son by Rick Johnson. The premise is "How Moms can influence boys to become men of character." Isn't that my whole goal this year??? I'm looking forward to really getting into this book and sharing some snippets with all of you!
So,for now, I'm working on Connection Idea number three - Looking for the positive. I think it is so easy to say "No" all of the time and constantly be in "corrective" mode. I find myself getting frustrated with the boys because they don't respond to what I tell them to do. What I'm doing now (or trying to do) is to find positive things that they do throughout the day to praise them about. For example, Josh cleared the table without being asked - I praised him all over the place for that one. Or when Nate gave up a toy for Josh to play with - tons of praise all around. The author gives a list of 50 things you can say to encourage your kids right now such as "I believe in you", "I love spending time with you" or "You make me laugh".
Right now, my husband and I lay down with the boys almost every night. This started as a discipline corrector - when the boys moved into one room, they played for hours after we put them to bed. I got so tired of going in their room and yelling at them, moving one into another room as punishment and just being plain frustrated with their behavior. One night, I laid down with one of the boys and guess what? They went to sleep. So now Darryl and I lay down with them - switching boys each night so we get equal time with them. We sing songs, talk, make shadow puppets and then snuggle with our kid until at least one child falls asleep. Do you have any idea how much they love this??? They fight over us sometimes . . .well, they fight over Darryl because, in Josh's words, "Dad is more fun" HA! It is one of the best times for positive reinforcement as we really connect with each child. And yes, for the record, Darryl and I do fall asleep at times too . . .it's just so relaxing HA!
Before I move on to Connection Idea four, I want to make sure that the idea of being positive is a habit. Something that just happens without thinking about it.
So, as I'm working on those ideas, I wanted to move on to the next book. I decided to pick up That's my Son by Rick Johnson. The premise is "How Moms can influence boys to become men of character." Isn't that my whole goal this year??? I'm looking forward to really getting into this book and sharing some snippets with all of you!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Too Cute Not To Toot!
I'm going to start this week with a craft idea for the kids. It comes from Sweet Happy Life. My kids love to paint so I know they would love to try this fun activity.
Valentine's is just around the corner so this idea from A Mom with a Lesson Plan is perfect. It is a great, creative, different idea for homemade cards.
I love this faux tin art pieces from Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom. I think they make a beautiful addition to any room . . I'm wondering how they might work behind my stove . . .
Yes, I know Christmas is done but when I saw this cute ornament idea from Ashbee Design I knew I wanted to save it here. These would be cute added to gift baskets (which I didn't make this year because I was so sick) or fun for older kids to make.
I love this simple tutorial from Petite Lemon for burb clothes. No, I don't need them but I think they would be great to make and have on hand to give as gifts for baby showers.
This idea from B. jane brewing is such a cute idea for any kid bed. Change the colors out to match the room/kid and it would be a perfect gift.
Monday, February 4, 2013
January Preschool
Yes, I know that it is now February but this post covers the last week of January Preschool.
Lets keep it real, this week was a total fail. I did not plan anything for Monday because I expected to be babysitting extra kids. Due to an ice storm I didn't have the extra kids plus my husband was home so we just all hung out and had fun. My husband took time to return a ton of pop cans and then I did grocery shopping in the afternoon. Tuesday, well, I was lazy and the kids were just having a fun day playing. Wednesday - I was up most of the night between the boys getting up at separate times before 4:00 . . .then the power going off at 4:00 which meant I had two little boys in bed with me and they both had flashlights :-/ The power came back on at about 8;00 but I was already exhausted so we did nothing with school. Thursday the boys had back to back well child check-ups and my husband was home for his scheduled day off. Finally, I don't plan lessons for Friday - that is my planning day - plus I was, again, supposed to have extra kids again but that was cancelled because they were all sick! The boys started asking on Friday for "projects" so I know they are ready to get back into the groove.
Since I don't have school photos to share I thought I would share this little photo shoot with Nate. His new thing is to make faces so he asked me to get my camera and he started posing!
Lets keep it real, this week was a total fail. I did not plan anything for Monday because I expected to be babysitting extra kids. Due to an ice storm I didn't have the extra kids plus my husband was home so we just all hung out and had fun. My husband took time to return a ton of pop cans and then I did grocery shopping in the afternoon. Tuesday, well, I was lazy and the kids were just having a fun day playing. Wednesday - I was up most of the night between the boys getting up at separate times before 4:00 . . .then the power going off at 4:00 which meant I had two little boys in bed with me and they both had flashlights :-/ The power came back on at about 8;00 but I was already exhausted so we did nothing with school. Thursday the boys had back to back well child check-ups and my husband was home for his scheduled day off. Finally, I don't plan lessons for Friday - that is my planning day - plus I was, again, supposed to have extra kids again but that was cancelled because they were all sick! The boys started asking on Friday for "projects" so I know they are ready to get back into the groove.
Since I don't have school photos to share I thought I would share this little photo shoot with Nate. His new thing is to make faces so he asked me to get my camera and he started posing!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
February Pinterest Goals
I have a million and one boards on my Pinterest account. Some of them I access often such as my recipe board or boards related to homeschooling. Others, I pin and pin and PIN items to but don't take time to actually accomplish items. That is where these goals come into play. My goal is to pick a handful of items I want to attempt to try/make throughout the month. I feel like posting this at the beginning of the month gives me some accountability to see what I can really accomplish.
1. From my For the Home board:
I love my steam mop for quick cleaning but I would like to try this floor cleaner out to see if it really is as good as the writer says it is.
Ok, I haven't tried this as of yet - I keep looking at mops and haven't found one I want to buy yet - when I do, I WILL try this!
2. Another one from my For the Home board:
Supposidly this treatment will take all of the sticky residue off of appliances - we'll see!!
After posting this, I read the blog post and guess what? The author said that people told her about Bar Keeper's friend and it worked as well as cream of tarter and was less expensive. I already use Bar Keeper's friend and it does work pretty well so I didn't bother to try it.
3. And one more from For the Home.
I hope this idea works - my oven needs it!
Ok, I actually tried this. Ready for some photos?
Here is the before photo of my oven door:
Gross right? Well, here is the after:
Still gross!!! It did take a little of the grime off but not all of it - not even close. Plus, I would have needed to make a triple, triple, triple batch to actually clean the whole oven. I might try this using vinegar instead of water with the baking soda to see if it will take more of the junk off.
4. This idea is from my Craft Board:
I want to make this for my secret sister at church (don't worry, she doesn't read this blog!)
This one is on hold for a bit - I haven't been able to find the wire yet :-)
5. Another idea from my Craft Board.
I've been wanting to read this for awhile and learn how to use my Cricut better.
Read the article and learned that it is out dated - there is FREE software at the Cricut website now with lots and lots of helps.
6. One last idea - this one from my Organization board.
We need this - or at least some from of this as the kids grow and we need more stuff in the truck.
This idea is so in the works. I haven't been able to find those holders yet so I'm working on a different idea. When I have it done, I will share it in an actual post.
The other thing I am continuing to work on is to clean out my boards. I try to move stuff I've completed to my "things I've completed succesfully" board OR delete it if it is a flop. Plus I'm trying to move stuff to the right board (and get rid of duplicate type boards) and delete stuff I know I won't ever do!!
Looking forward to trying/completing this items this month!
1. From my For the Home board:
Ok, I haven't tried this as of yet - I keep looking at mops and haven't found one I want to buy yet - when I do, I WILL try this!
2. Another one from my For the Home board:
After posting this, I read the blog post and guess what? The author said that people told her about Bar Keeper's friend and it worked as well as cream of tarter and was less expensive. I already use Bar Keeper's friend and it does work pretty well so I didn't bother to try it.
3. And one more from For the Home.
Ok, I actually tried this. Ready for some photos?
Here is the before photo of my oven door:
4. This idea is from my Craft Board:
This one is on hold for a bit - I haven't been able to find the wire yet :-)
5. Another idea from my Craft Board.
I've been wanting to read this for awhile and learn how to use my Cricut better.
Read the article and learned that it is out dated - there is FREE software at the Cricut website now with lots and lots of helps.
6. One last idea - this one from my Organization board.
This idea is so in the works. I haven't been able to find those holders yet so I'm working on a different idea. When I have it done, I will share it in an actual post.
The other thing I am continuing to work on is to clean out my boards. I try to move stuff I've completed to my "things I've completed succesfully" board OR delete it if it is a flop. Plus I'm trying to move stuff to the right board (and get rid of duplicate type boards) and delete stuff I know I won't ever do!!
Looking forward to trying/completing this items this month!
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