Food Friday: Pecan Pie!

This recipe is for those who enjoyed my home made pecan pie over Christmas and who flattered me by wanting the recipe. Thanks to my Grandma Betty, the best Grandma and cook in the world, I wish you many "sweet" memories right in your own kitchen, around your table. Happy baking!

Crust -

5 cups flour
2 cups shortening
1 tablespoon salt
1 egg, beaten
cold water added with egg to make 1 cup

Makes 3-4 pies. To freeze, roll out onto wax paper and wrap together placing them in a freezer bag.

Pecan Pie -

2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup light or dark corn syrup
3/4 cup pecan halves

Makes enough for an 8 inch pie. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Beat eggs, sugar, salt, butter, and corn syrup together. Mix in pecans. Pour into pastry-lined pan. Bake 40-50 minutes or pecans are set and pastry is nicely browned.

Toy Thursday: All those Toys!

Now that we are home again, it is time to assess the damage from Christmas fun. Bows, boxes, tissue paper, and lots of new toys are strewn across the floor. If your house is like mine, then your kids received a ton of toys from family members. As if you are not already tired from traveling, visiting, and picking up the house, now you have to pick up the toys as well.

My dilemma in our small house is where am I going to put them all?

Good question! I have already stepped on them many times. I am sick of the musical noise that seems to keep going off. Judah has already colored on some, too. And we might be missing one or two of the pieces already. Yikes, it has turned into a toy store at our house.

I have decided that now is a good time as any to sort through the toys, since they are already out and you have new ones to put away.

Doing this while Judah sleeps, I am organizing similar items together in piles, making sure all the pieces are together. I will divide them up and put like items in separate boxes, with one set out to play and the other set put away in the closet. This is also a good time to wash any that need cleaning. The remaining toys for play, I will divide up among the rooms of our house so that as we move from room to room, he has something new to play with. The toys put away will be rotated out each month to replace the ones accessible right now and rotating them from room to room. If I get really desperate, I will get something new out for a snowy day, especially the activity-type toys. The toys we have grown out of are being passed on to friends and cousins for use.

Try this at home.

Remove.
Sort through all the toys, making sure all the pieces are together. Throw away old, broken toys. Now is a good time to wash toys that may need it.

Reuse.
For unused toys, swap them out with friends for others, donate to a charity, see if the church nursery can use them, or pass onto family members such as Grandma's house for all the cousins to use. Swap stuff using totsswapshop.com or kizoodle.com. You could also set stuff aside to sell on CraigsList or Ebay or have a garage sale and use the funds for new gifts.

Rotate.
Put away some toys in the closet, rotating them out periodically with the toys on the shelf. Do the same with books. Also, rotate the toys between rooms as some are played with in certain rooms over others. This way you can carry the child into a room and already have toys handy when you are doing chores or cleaning. Hide the toys in a specific drawer or in a basket on a shelf. Keep bigger toys out in the garage for easy access.

These toy tips will help save your sanity if not your foot from stepping on them, and give you a little extra room around the house.

Wash Wednesday: Fridge full of Leftovers!

The nice thing about the holidays is lots of leftovers. Leftover ham, prime rib, meatballs, turkey...yes, we have a lot of leftovers and probably will not have to cook for a whole week (which is the best part). I always find myself saying that sometimes leftovers are better than the original when it comes to holidays since those green bean and sweet potato casseroles have extra time to mix.

The down side of lots of leftovers is a very overstuffed, dirty, and smelly refrigerator.

When I first moved to my current city of residence outside of college, I lived with the nicest Italian family for a year. The older couple needed the company, and I needed a cheap place to rent in the unfamiliar town, away from any family or friends. What was supposed to be a two month living arrangement with a sister-in-law of a aunt of a friend became a year long home retreat. However, should you ever have the opportunity to live with an Italian family, do so, because the homemade pasta, meatballs, and sauce is outstanding.

With family constantly and coming and going at that house, there always seemed to be a lot of food. Again along with that was an overstuffed fridge. We always teased the cook of having weeks-old food crammed into the back that was harvesting new sights and smells. Then you would reach for a condiment that had been expired for at least a year.

Sounds like some others I know! The fridge becomes so full that it literally starts falling apart and breaking down. Has this happened to you? I must say I learned so much from my dear friends, including to periodically dig through my fridge for old food.

So when the company leaves, take a few minutes to recapture your fridge.

Take everything out setting it on the counters, wipe all the shelves, walls, and doors down with a clean, soapy rag, and place an open baking soda box inside. Next, go through all the leftovers, condiments, and produce in the fridge. Throw away old leftovers, check expiration dates, and toss out shriveled, molded produce.

While you are at it, do the same for your pantry. Place non-perishable, unopened items that are still good but you have not used or will not use in the near future in a bag for the food-pantry. Be sure to tackle the spice drawer that have spices from ten years ago (yes, I know my mother-in-law is reading this).

To keep your fridge looking nice longer, be sure to put the items still for use back in the fridge nicely stacked and coordinated according to use. Keep labels and a pen next to the fridge to label your leftovers with the date immediately when putting them away, never using anything past a week. Make sure to seal all bottles tightly, storing them upright. When thawing meats, place them on a cookie sheet in the fridge to catch any and all juices. Keep a bread drawer/cupboard for your bread. Have a basket for produce that does not need to be kept cold. Buy only condiments you regularly use unless you have a special recipe. Never put breakable or dangerous foods toward the bottom where a kids can reach. Use your second fridge in the garage for pop cans, water bottles, extra milk, and other big items that take up space. And above all, clean your fridge out when it gets full again (I like to wipe it out again before I buy more groceries because there is less to work around).

Enjoy your leftovers this Christmas season! That is if you can find them!

Tip Tuesday: After Christmas SALES!!

Making your money stretch has been an issue for many households in the current recession. An easy way to make it is to make your money work for you. But you have to work for it. As Benjamin Franklin said, "A penny saved is a penny earned."

I follow a couple of saving websites on twitter and monitor my local sales at grocery stores. Mommy Savers has great deals, tips and cooking ideas. I also check Retail Me Not before I buy anything online.

The end of the year is a good time to get some great deals, not only for Christmas next year. Buying Christmas decorations and clothes while on sale is a great Christmas money saver but you can also think ahead to other holidays. The boxed items for dad, like nose hair trimmers, hanker chiefs--usually the items you see for $5 at Target can be gifted for Father's Day or a birthday.

Gift lotions, soaps and body wash can be split up and given to teachers, babysitters and friends. Also for the guys, this would be a great Valentine's Day gift!

Think outside of the box when seeing items on sale and it will help you stay outside of your wallet!

Happy Saving!!

You can follow Mommy's Recess (@mommysrecess) and Sarah (@bowmama) on Twitter.

Make Monday: This Make is for Mom

Okay, deep breath. The gifts are opened, the cookies are gone, the batteries are placed in the noisy toys, the piles of laundry from new clothes are washed and put away....and you're exhausted.

This Make Monday is dedicated to you, mom.

"Make" your husband take the kids to an indoor (our outdoor if you live in a warmer climate) play area after dinner. Clean up dinner and start the washer for your bedsheets. Enjoy a glass of wine (or water, if you prefer) near the Christmas tree in a quiet house.

When the kids return, get them bathed and in bed. "Make" your husband make the bed with the clean sheets. Take your glass of wine (or water) into the bathtub and run a bath for (wait for it...) YOURSELF.

MAKE yourself take a long, relaxing bath. You've deserved it. Put on clean jammies and crawl into your clean sheets.

You've helped to make some wonderful memories this holiday season for everyone. Now, make time for you.

Salvation Sunday: Jesus Through the Eyes of a Toddler!

Judah continues to play with his Christmas Nativity play set. He has started to set it up himself with the animals, the wise men, and the shepherd. He especially likes the donkey with the little cart that attaches to his back and drives them around.



One day though, we were talking about baby Jesus. Judah pointed out that Jesus had eyes and a mouth and a head. After this, we went upstairs to get dressed and Judah brought the figurine with us.

What a lesson Judah taught me.

Jesus was God in human flesh. He came into the world as a baby, grew up into a man, and suffered on the cross for our sins. Jesus had eyes, a mouth, and a head. Jesus knows what it is like to be sad, hurt, and in pain.

If that was not enough, Judah reminded me that Jesus goes everywhere with us. We can take Him anywhere to any situation, circumstance, or problem. Our friend Hopelynn reinforced this point the other day when she told her mommy that she wanted to take Jesus out of her heart. "Why, do you want to do that," asked mommy. "Because I want to talk to Him face to face."

Jesus was named Immanuel which means, "God with us." I am so thankful that Jesus is not only real in the eyes of my toddler but to me as well.

The Christmas Story

The REAL reason for the season: Luke 2: 8-20

 ⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 ¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 ¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

 ¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.


May you and your family have a safe and blessed Christmas.

The Moms at Mommy's Recess,

Sarah Bowman and Emma Rittgers

The Mommy's Recess Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

We know we're adults. It still doesn't take away from the magic of the season. We hope that you could find room in your sleigh for a few things, just a few, that we would like for Christmas this year.

That every child in the world goes to bed with a full stomach tonight.
That every child has a safe, warm and soft place to lay their head tonight.
That every child will feel loved, special, and wanted this Christmas.
That families who have lost someone special this year, find peace and comfort.
That those who are weary and heavy-burdened may find rest during this time.
That those who are plagued by sadness may be filled with the joy of the season.
That those who are sick may know little pain this Holiday.
That the military man or woman may feel appreciated so far away from family.


That everyone know the TRUE reason for the Holiday season, the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.


Thank you, Santa. We were told that if we believed, you would help us. We've been good girls this year. If you could see that any of the items on our list are fulfilled, we would appreciate it.

Sarah Bowman and Emma Rittgers

P.S. Tell Mrs. Claus "Hi" from us.

Toy Thursday: Toys, Toys, Toys!

I am excited for Christmas this year. After all, they say Christmas is for the children. Judah is finally at that age where he will enjoy opening gifts and get excited about playing with them. And I cannot wait to watch him.

I will enjoy watching his face light up as he opens the gifts I am certain he will like. With pleasure, I will take pictures of daddy on the floor with Judah as they build, zoom, and play. Then together he and his two other cousins will be running around strewn wrapping paper and bows bouncing with excitement from one toy to another.

You remember what it is like to await Christmas morning. Some kids shake, prod, and even secretly unwrap the presents. You are so nervous and giddy with excitement that you wake up early, tiptoe out to the tree, and look at the gifts with anticipation. Finally, when you reach the time to unwrap presents, you dig in to find that one desired toy, savoring the excitement.

The special toys I remember receiving over the years were my dolls, my Tiny Tears, then my Cabbage Patch doll, and finally my American Girl doll, Molly. I remember being so surprised but very pleased, holding onto those dolls all day, dressing and cuddling them.

Not much has changed. You may be grown-up but let's face it, you are still excited about Christmas. I think I am more excited about watching Judah's face then for anything else. I picked out those toys with love and planning.

So what for the messy house with the wrapping paper across the floor, the dirty breakfast dishes in the sink, and the required hopping between pieces of toys. Enjoy this family time together as that is the real gift. That is where I am headed tonight.

Wash Wednesday: Planning Ahead For Going Out of Town

It's two days until Christmas Eve. One Day until Festivus (if you celebrate). Instead of "airing of the grievances" we're airing the laundry.

We're going out of town, going to visit my family in West Central Iowa and I really hate returning to a messy house and piles of laundry. So today, while finishing up cookies and wrapping, I'm going to try to catch up on laundry.

It's always nice to return home to clean sheets, a clean house and only the laundry you dirtied while you're away. If you're going to a family members, like we are, my mom is always willing to allow us to throw a few items into her wash "to make a full load". This way, when you get home, all you have to do is put clothes away and you're good to go!

Safe and happy holiday travels!

Tip Tuesday: Mom, I need cookies for tomorrow!

If you are a mom with school aged kids, I am sure you have heard those words the night before their school party. It is bed time and they remind you as you tuck them in that they were supposed to take snacks or cookies to the Christmas party the next day.

I like to keep things on hand for these moments in life when you are surprised. You know the unexpected company that forgets to call or a commitment you totally forgot to even put on the calendar. We all have those moments.

So for these particular moments in life, I make sure to always have an extra, new toothbrush in the guest bathroom, a spare light bulb for the living room lamp, and a hidden away toy for that last minute birthday party your child has been invited too.

For whatever reason, here is a cookie recipe I like to reserve for those last minute cookies you need for the Christmas party you forgot.

At the beginning of holiday season when I have more time, I make these large batches of cookies, storing the mix in a cool place (like fridge or garage) for the rest of December. If I need a plate of cookies for a party or one for a gift, I can pop out the mix, add the wet ingredients, and bake them.

Oatmeal Cookies Mix

Mix by hand in a very large bowl:
1 1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
3 cups sifted flour
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
6 cups of oats

Make a well and add:
2 cups of oil

Mix very well. Store in covered and sealed container in cool place for several weeks.

LATER:

Combine in a large bowl:
4 cups oatmeal mix (already prepared)
2 eggs, beaten
2 teaspoon vanilla

Variations:
2 cups of raisins
1 cup of dried cranberries with 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips/nuts
1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips

Mix well. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Makes approximately 4 dozen.

Hope this helps. Feel free to double the mixture for even more batches of cookies later. In the meantime, you will need to provide the toothbrush, the light bulb, and the birthday present.

Happy Baking!

Make Monday: Melted Snowman Cookies

I saw this recipe on Mommy Savers and thought I would try it. It is just a Betty Crocker bag of sugar cookie mix, baked to the drop cookie recipe. Don't worry if they're not perfectly round, they're "melting" anyway!

I then poured a container of whipped vanilla frosting into a glass measuring cup and put it in the microwave for 30 seconds. After the cookies cooled, I poured the frosting on them. Again, don't worry if it isn't even or spread out.

Put marshmallows on a plate (spray the plate with no-stick spray first) and microwave for 30 seconds. With buttered (or sprayed) hands, put the marshmallows on the cookies. I used Cake Decorating gel (on sale for $1.00 a tube at Hy-Vee) and made the faces, scarves, bows, buttons and arms.

They are REALLY good and super cute! Enjoy making these with your kids! They'll love making the snowman faces!

Salvation Sunday: Preparing for Jesus

I was reminded by my five year old that it is only one week until Christmas. Only ONE week?!? I have so many things to do! Presents need wrapped, cookies need baked, the gingerbread house needs built...where did December go?

And last night, when everyone was in bed asleep, rather than visions of sugarplums dancing in my head was a list of all that needed to be done. But my brain said, "Stop. Enjoy this time. And remember the TRUE meaning of Christmas."

So I got out of bed and watched my boys sleep. I covered each of them up and gave them a kiss. I crept back into bed and thanked God for all of the blessings he's given me. A roof over my head. A full stomach. Three wonderfully noisy boys and a snoring husband who works hard to provide for us.

I thanked God for sending his only son to save us. I thanked Mary for all she went through raising and then losing her only son. I thanked Jesus for what he shared with us. His knowledge, his caring attitude, his life.

And then the presents that needed to be wrapped, the cookie mixes that were not yet baked, the Christmas cards I still don't have sent out didn't seem to be that big of a deal.

Jesus is the reason for the season. Remember that this week when you're feeling overwhelmed.

Shuffle Saturday: Travel Safely!

Already this year we have had one severe blizzard under our belt. You know the dreaded weather with freezing rain turning to ice, heavy, blowing snowflakes, and drifting on the highways, followed by falling temperatures. Not fun unless you are cozy inside.

Last weekend, while this storm hit the upper Midwest of the United States, I remember being curled up in front of the computer reading the Detroit News about how motorists were stranded along highways in Northwest Indiana, the hardest area hit of the storm, for up to twelve hours. Thankfully, everyone remained warm and safe in their cars waiting for rescuers until the stormed finally passed.

With the Holiday season upon us this week, I hope everyone has safe travels on the roads. With all the Christmas shuffle, remember to take a few minutes to prepare for the journey. Here are some tips I remember my dad taught me growing up, instilling them into my head.

• Make sure your gas tank is at least half full at all times to avoid running out of gas and freezing.
• Plan your route and tell someone ahead of time.
• Winterize your vehicle to have in excellent, working condition.
• Rotate your tires before winter and keep them properly inflated and in good condition.
• Check to the bulbs on your headlights, making sure they work at all times.
• Remove snow from headlights when scraping the car.
• Fill your windshield with anti-freeze fluids for washing your windshield and check the wipers.
• Carefully watch the road and appropriately slow down for bad weather.
• Always buckle up for safety.

Also, create a car kit to keep your car stocked for winter travel.

• Have a fully-charged cell phone with you for long trips in bad weather.
• Keep a shovel in the trunk.
• Store a bag of sand or cat litter in the trunk for traction.
• Place an ice scraper near the front dash board.
• Have available a tow rope.
• Keep a heavy blanket or old sleeping bag in your back seat for easy access.
• You may want a flashlight.
• Bring along a candle and matches.
• Make sure to throw in a book to read.
• Carry a portable weather radio.
• Store lock de-icer.
• Throw in some water bottles and snack foods for the trip.
• Have long jumper cables close by in the trunk.

Remember that ultimately it is better to stay home when advised to be off the roads per the weather report. However, should you be out and about in a bad snowstorm, follow these tips. If you get stuck, stay in your vehicle and wait for help.

Food Friday: YUMMY Peanut Clusters

One of my favorite traditions of Christmas is making peanut clusters. I always loved making these with my mom (and cleaning out the bowl) and now that I'm the mom, I love making them with my kids. They like it too. These are super tasty treats and a great addition to a gift/snack bag for co-workers and friends.

 

 

 Mix one package of white almond bark, one package of chocolate bark, one bag of milk chocolate chips and two bags of peanuts (salted and out of the shell). I've found the easiest way is to get a microwaveable bowl and cook the almond bark until liquid. Add the milk chocolate chips and microwave some more. Stir, stir, stir. Once all is melted and mixed, add the peanuts and ACT FAST.

Take a tablespoon and drop onto waxed paper. Make them as big or as small as you like. Work as fast as possible because the mixture hardens pretty fast. Let them cool and pack away. Yum!!

Let the kids lick the bowl. They'll love it!

Toy Thursday: Christmas Tales!

One of my favorite memories each Christmas growing up was the anticipation of a new book to read. I remember receiving Little Women, The Big Woods, and my Grandma Attic books for Christmas and reading them during the winter season.

I enjoyed reading so much that I would curl up in some new, flannel pajamas and read for as long as I was allowed before bed. As I got older, I would stay up even later and later just to finish one more chapter (yeah, right). Sometimes and even now I skip ahead to the last chapter only to go back and read the chapters in between to see what I missed.

Now I can carry on my love for the written word to my family by sharing the books I enjoyed as a child and adolescent. I still have them. Pulling them off the shelf, I have started reading some of the age appropriate books to my son Judah, especially the Holiday books.

I recommend curling up with these seasonal favorites as a family during this Christmas season as the snowflakes fall.

Toddler:
The Mitten by Jan Brett

Child:
Annie and the Wild Animals by Jan Brett

Junior High:
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson

Merry Christmas, Miss McConnell by Collen O'Shaughnessy McKenna

What are your favorite Holiday books?

Start your own tradition of reading your literary favorites together. Curl up by the fire and enjoy places your imagination can take you through words.

Wash Wednesday: The Amazing Things You Can Do With a Dryer Sheet

Dryer sheets are a little household miracle. Not only do they make clothes softer and smell great, they have other household uses.

Have stuck on food at the bottom of a pan? Take a used dryer sheet and let it soak in a pan overnight. The stuck on food will lift with ease the next morning!

Worried about your dryer vent not collecting enough of the fuzzies? Lift up the removable lint remover, place a used dryer sheet down and replace the lint trap. You'll be surprised at how much more lint your dryer sheet catches...AND how much better your clothes smell. After all, the used dryer sheets STILL have some scent to them. Why waste?


Dusty house? Take a used dryer sheet to dust your furniture! It will make your house smell open window fresh and get rid of the dust on your tables.

Take the bite out of bugs. Rub a dryer sheet on yourself before heading outside when the bugs are biting. It will keep them away and keep you smelling nice!

Place a dryer sheet in your drawers when you put your clothes away. It will keep your clothes smelling fresh.

Put a dryer sheet in the bottom of your hamper. It will help to keep some of the stink out.

Put a dryer sheet in the bottom of your garbage can. While I can't promise that dirty diapers will smell lavender good, it might help to keep the smell from overpowering your garbage.

Speaking of stinky places, try putting a rolled up dryer sheet in your toilet paper roll. Every time you pull the paper, it will release a little freshness in your bathroom!

Ah, dryer sheets. More than just for making clothes smell great!

Tip Tuesday: Simple Christmas Decorating!

Our house is full of gift bows, cookie cutters, and wrapping paper strewn around. What do these have in common? Other than great toys for play, these also can be used to help decorate the house for Christmas.

Perhaps you are starting to panic. Christmas is drawing nearer and you still have not decorated your house for the season. Maybe you are low on money, time, or both. Maybe you are hoping for a new look this year. If you are like me, you just like to celebrate the spirit of the season with creativity and fun.

Need a little Christmas? Fear not, some simple and inexpensive decorating ideas are here!



While I am no Martha Stewart by any means, here are some of the ideas I have devised for the lack of time and money I possess, especially with a toddler running through the house. Find your scissors, craft wire, wire cutter, tape, glue, and panic no more.

Put up the tree.
Problem: My dilemma this year was to decorate a tree with items safe for a toddler.

You: Other than the normal lights, we used red Christmas bows, striped candy-canes, and small, silver cookie cutters to decorate the tree. Yards of white lace, garland of red beaded blocks, or stringed pop corn also add a nice touch. Then I used a special safety plug to lock the electronic cords into the wall.

Family: Make paper snowflakes or trace cookie cutter shapes (or gift tags) onto wrapping paper and cut them out for ornaments.

Deck the halls.
Problem: I want to only purchase inexpensive items to decorate the house.

You: After cutting some branches off the bottom of the live Christmas tree to re-size for the holder, I wired some greenery together and stuck on some plastic poinsettias and a recycled bow from last year's wreath for a wall hanging.

Family: Cut a circle out of a paper/plastic plate. Take gift bows and tape them on for a wreath to display. Tape your received Christmas cards to some string or clip them to a wire for garland above the mantle.

Haul out the holly.
Problem: What do I do with the sentimental, breakable items I still want to put on display and yet manage to keep them out of a child's reach.

You: Take your shadow-box frames that houses campaign buttons year round and replace with your homemade ornaments to hang on the wall.

Family: Make homemade ornaments, painting and glittering, to display around the house or on the tree.

1 cup salt
2 cup flour
1 cup water

Roll dough evenly with rolling pin. Use cookie cutter for shapes. Use toothpicks to poke holes. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Let cool and then varnish on both sides. Use acrylic or tempera paints to color. Tie with ribbon through hole to hang.

Fill up the stocking.
Problem: Your kid is just trying to help you but can reach the heavy, stockings hanging from the mantle or is ripping up the wrapping paper and you are not in a position to get more.

You: Find greenery to make a garland for the stair banister and hang your stockings from the banister from an adhesive hook hidden in the garland. To wrap gifts, take old shoe boxes and tape random scraps and leftover pieces of wrapping paper covering the outside of the box like a collage. Recycle brown paper bags to use as gift wrap by stamping designs on them.

Family: String your own garland using your scrap book pieces of colored paper approximately 1 inch by 6 inches, linking them to create a paper garland for your tree. Take finger painted paper to use as gift wrap.

Candles in the window.
Problem: I want to use items I already have instead of spending more money.

You: Take a clear flower vase and fill it with your red and green glass ball ornaments for the counter. Take another glass bowl and fill it with green, dried split peas and place a red candle in the middle as a centerpiece. Add ribbon around the vase for an additional touch.

Family: Decorate, paint, or stencil designs on candles or candle holders and give them as gifts to friends.


Anyways, I hope this gets your brain flowing again with ideas while maintaining a safe and fun holiday season. Remember to hum a "We Need a Little Christmas" while putting on the finishing touches.

Make Monday: FREE Mommy Cards!

Business folks always have cards. Name, name of company and contact information. As CEO of the household, moms should have cards too!

More often than not, I find I make friends with other moms at the park, mall play area or preschool, only to get their name and forget it as soon as I get home. I tucked it in my brain...along with the grocery list, upcoming appointments, upcoming work deadlines and to do's. And you don't want to be that person who sees them again and says, "Oh hey...you."

I found FREE mommy cards at Kodak Gallery and made a few. This way, they have MY information and the ball is in their court. I put a picture of me and my oldest on the front with my name. On the back is information about me, education, email, websites I work for etc. I didn't put my phone number down because, well, if you email me, it goes straight to my cell. Besides, I don't like giving out my cell phone number to just anyone. :)

I have found these to be VERY helpful. Give it a try...they're FREE!

Salvation Sunday: Come One and All!

We have the Fisher Price Little People Christmas Story Nativity Scene Playset. Since we got it out of the box this year, it has only stayed on its designated shelf for a few minutes before making its way across the living room floor from all the play. In fact, we have set it up many times placing Joseph and Mary in the stable, lining up the wise men (who carry balls), putting the animals near the hay, and hooking the donkey to the chariot-like cart with its load of bananas (Judah wants to eat them). Usually we put the center of the scene, baby Jesus, in the stable on Christmas morning, unwrapping the figurine along with another present representing the real gift of Christmas.

One day we even got out all the other people from our Fisher Price sets and lined them up around the manager scene. We had the bus driver, that Judah has named "Papa," the little girl in the wheel chair, the African-American school-aged boy riding his bike, the sailor, and the farmer with his tractor. I did not realize we had that many people. Then it struck me.

The very purpose of the manger scene is for all people, everyone is welcome to come.

John 3:16 reminds us with, "For God so LOVED the WORLD, that whosoever believes on Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." This includes the bus driver barely making ends meet, the handicapped little girl who may be sad and depressed, the little school-aged boy struggling with his studies, the sailor who encounters life's natural disasters, and the farmer who is simply trying to provide for his family. All are welcome to come.

The clincher is we have to come. "For whosoever believes will have everlasting life." The manager scene with baby Jesus as Lord and Savior has already been provided and is still free and available to access. No sin, problem, or past is too big or difficult to block the path to the manger. We just have to come and worship the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

If you have not already, I invite you to join our family at the manger scene this year. At our house we will be celebrating Jesus coming to earth and making God available to us. You are welcome too.

Shuffle Saturday: Making a (Grocery) List and Checking it Twice

More often than not, I find myself heading to the store and realizing that I have left my grocery list. Things are crazy with three kids under the age of 6! Usually I can remember the necessities and get what is needed. During the holidays, however, my list often contains items that I don't usually use: condensed sweetened milk, baking chips etc etc.

It's important, when you want to bake and make items you normally don't make, to make a grocery list, complete with amounts needed. This will ensure you're not taking unnecessary trips to the grocery store...or unwanted text messages to your husband with a "Please pick up on your way home..."

This time of year, the store is filled with frazzled shoppers there for just a bag of flour, or a cart full of items for a family dinner. Making sure you've got everything you need in one trip will help you to not become one of the frazzled shoppers.

Compare and plan. Clip coupons and check ads. Make a list, check it twice, and stick to it. Sometimes it helps to shop with a buddy, someone who will help you keep to your list and avoid the impulse buys.

But most of the time it helps to leave the kids at home, as they have a tendency to add more items to the cart than what you went for. And by kids, I mean all of them. Including the 30 year old you're married to.

Food Friday: Split Pea Sausage Soup!

Looking for some hearty, warm soup for your Christmas guests tonight? My family has really enjoyed this Split Peas Sausage Soup recipe on several occasions. Mix in some oyster crackers for your toddler to enjoy this green-looking stuff and add a side of cornbread to fill up your husband.

This Split Pea Sausage recipe is just the right combination of a hearty, nutritious-filled, smoke-flavored meal that is seasonally inviting on a cold, Christmas day.

On top of that, a bag of split peas is very economical to feed a large family. I usually buy a dried bag of split peas for under $0.99. The night before, I will sort through the bag of split peas looking for discolored and soiled peas or rocks that may have slipped in the bag. Afterwards, I run water over them washing them in a colander before finally letting them soak overnight in a bowl filled with water. More specifically, I will keep them in the colander and drop it down in the bowl of water to soak.

The next morning, I will chop up some celery and carrots in my food processor while cooking some smoked link sausage (fresh from our local Italian meat market) on the stove. I drop the vegetables and slivered sausage along with my soaked peas and six cups of fresh water into the crock-pot to cook all day on high. I add some onion salt, ground pepper, a little celery salt, dried parsley, and bay leaves (to remove later). Occasionally stirring throughout the day, I finally know it is done when the peas cook down turning the liquid a into green mixture just in time for supper that evening.

Split Pea Sausage Soup!

1 pound smoked kielbasa
1 pound dried split peas
6 cups of water
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup celery
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon course black pepper
2 bay leaves

Cut the sausage in half lengthwise, cutting into approximately 1/4 inch pieces. Place in crock pot; add remaining ingredients and bring to boil. Reduce the heat, covering and simmer until peas are tender (approximately six hours). Remove bay leaves. Yields 8 servings (2 quarts). Serve with peanut butter sandwiches, corn bread, cheese slices, and oyster crackers.

Toy Thursday: Boy Toys...But Yoda in the Place of Baby Jesus?

I am a mom of three boys. THREE. Which is why my personal blog is titled   Surviving in a Male Dominated Home. I knew that when we were expecting our first boy, I'd be exposed to the world of Star Wars, G.I. Joes, Cars, etc. I didn't have a problem with that. What I didn't realize was HOW exposed I'd be to all of the boy things.

When I do get the rare occasion of taking a quiet bath by myself, I often find I'm not alone. I'm usually joined by Aquaman, a couple of Army guys, maybe a car or two and Shrek. And I'm fine with that. My boys have their bath toys and it keeps them occupied while we wash their hair.

Setting up the Nativity Set is always a family event. Growing up, we always kept baby Jesus "hidden" until Christmas Eve. After Christmas Eve Mass, Mom would bring us Baby Jesus and we'd place him in the scene with the rest of the Holy Family. I always enjoyed this tradition and wanted to continue it with my children.

We set up the Nativity Set, my husband put Baby Jesus away and that was one more Christmas decoration done. Imagine my surprise when I saw this...

I was informed that Christmas Yoda was keeping Baby Jesus' place warm. The leg lamp was so they could see at night, if Baby Jesus arrived.

I'm a mother of boys. And they're using their imagination, that's for sure!

Wash Wednesday: Germs and more Germs!

We had the croup last week which means a very grumpy kid constantly with running nose, sneezing, coughing, and fever. For five plus days we stayed cooped up indoors watching videos and starting our days at 4:00am. We even started our week and ended it with trips to the doctor. Going stir crazy is an understatement especially after having Roseola last month (both viruses). Then when we were well (much to my relief and sanity), we had his well visit for his 18 month check-up this week. I almost canceled just because I was just at the clinic so much last week. We still went anyways.


Knowing what the doctor would say, I still asked how we could prevent from being sick any more this winter.


The answer confirmed my understanding of the importance of that age old debate of building kids' immune systems. Even though I usually am lax on germs allowing sick kids to come over and not wiping down the shopping cart, I have been more on the alert lately just for the sake of being weary of sickness. Otherwise, I feel like we are in for a long and lonely winter.

How timely was an article from the November 2009 issue (because I am so far behind on reading) of Parenting Magazine titled "Outsmart the Flu." At least I was encouraged that there are a few things I could do around the house or when we were out and about town. From our experience, it seems that restaurant high chairs and shopping carts are magnets for germs. So here are some things I have learned and started implementing more regularly. Remember too that if you are sick, you are also preventing the next kid from getting your germs with these precautions.

Prevention At Home:

• Periodically wash down the toys. Strap your child in his high chair, give him a bowl of warm, soapy water, put on a bib, and let him splash the dirty toys around helping you clean them.
  
• Wipe down door knobs, electronics, and other highly used items like remote controls and refrigerator door handles with disinfectant.
• Wash sheets and linens like hand towels often especially after being sick. In fact, wash your hands after handling the dirty laundry.
• Spray down bathroom with household disinfectant.
• Boil pacifiers on the stove for at least 5 minutes. Add toothbrushes to further kill germs.

Prevention Outside the Home:

• Disinfect the handle of your shopping cart.
• Clean the restaurant high chairs as well as the edge of the table where your kids touch and/or put their mouth on. Using a disposable, plastic place mat helps kids with putting food directly on the table.
• Bring your own toys to the doctors office to minimize spreading germs after each patient. Most places only clean once a day.
• Use your own pen at the doctor's office, store check-out counter, and pharmacy.
• Sanitize after using an indoor play space.

Other Things to Remember:

• Update your flu vaccines.
• Ask your pediatrician about vitamins for your kids.
• Eat vitamin rich food like proteins, fruits, and vegetables that naturally fight germs.
• Drink plenty of water.
  
• Wash your hands as long as you sing the alphabet in warm water before rinsing. Simply use a baby wipe for your kids as it is the most gentle and effective way to clean their hands. Carry antibacterial sanitizer for yourself out in public.
• Worried about cleaners? Remember to lock them up when not in use. Also, supervise if your child is present during cleaning. Once a disinfectant spray or wipe dries, it is no longer hazardous. If you are not satisfied, find a natural cleaner to use that is safe.
  

While this will not prevent all germs, it will help minimize being sick all the time for mommy relief. I still believe that kids need to be exposed to some germs to help build up their immunity in the long term. So I will take some germs and wash the other germs.

Tip Tuesday: Holiday Tipping...Who and How Much?

From babysitters to paper delivery men and everyone in between, the holidays mean tips. But who and how much?

Babysitters: One night's pay is enough. Consider giving him/her a giftcard. It is more personal than cash and will make sure they don't think the tip is a pay increase. Occasional sitters do not need tipped. Only your normal and consistant babysitter.

Mail Carrier: NO CASH and only up to $20. Civil servants are not allowed to accept cash. A gift card or cold weather accessory (think scarf--nor sleet or snow...) would be appreciated.

Teacher: $25. Teachers get a lot of holiday gifts. Consider making a gift with your child to give it a personal touch. I plan on making a gift for my preschooler's teacher that I saw at a friends blog Stop, Drop and Blog.  This item was featured on yesterday's Mommy's Recess. Check your school's policy because gift giving might be against the rules.

Newspaper Carrier: $10-$30 If you tip your newspaper carrier throughout the year, give a smaller gift at the holidays. Usually they'll leave an envelope at your door. If they don't, ask the company to add a tip to your bill.

Hairstylist: Cost of one haircut. If the same person that cuts your hair, styles, and colors it too, you may want to give more than just the cost of a cut.

Remember: The IRS considers tips income. If possible, give cash or giftcards. Most people don't want to consider a holiday gift, in this case a holiday tip as income.

Make Monday: Cute Crayon Craft---GREAT Teacher Gift

I originally came across this craft at Stop, Drop and Blog and thought it would be a cute gift for Liam's Preschool Teacher. I found a tutorial Rainy Tuesday Morning's Blog and the original is at Testosterone Times Three.

I am not a crafty person....repeat, NOT a crafty person. I can draw stick figures. That's about it. So while I wanted to do this, I knew it would take a bit of patience on my part. Seeing this is a project for Liam's teacher, I wanted to include him in this project. Read: More patience required.

I received a shadowbox and crafting glue from my mother in law. Did I mention I'm not crafty? Yeah. Going into Hobby Lobby gives me hives. I traced an outline, cut the crayons with a butcher knife and glued them to the paper. Finally after letting it sit and then placing it in the shadowbox, Ms. Pam's Christmas gift was completed.

I think it turned out okay...don't you?

Salvation Sunday: Mary Spirit in a Martha World!

I am a lot like my Grandma....neat, clean, organized. I am more like my Grandma than my own mom. Sometimes all you have to do is watch someone else to know that you do the same thing; that is how I am with my Grandma. We went to my Grandma's house for Thanksgiving week this year. As usual, she cooked for us, cleaned up after us, and pampered us even though she moves a lot slower than I remember.

This year it was especially fun to watch her and Judah interact. Judah followed her around like a shadow talking to her and showing her his toys. They watched many videos together and played together. It was when Grandma would be washing the dishes and Judah would make his way into the kitchen to get Grandma back into the living room that particularly caught my attention. Grandma would follow him back out to the living room and then stand for a minute before returning to finish washing her dishes by hand (without help of course). The disappointment on Judah's face was pretty clear as he would walk back into the kitchen asking for "Ma, please, please."

This reminded me not only of myself but of the story of Mary and Martha in the Bible. You remember the one where Mary sits at the feet of Jesus to listen to him and Martha is frantically running around trying to prepare for her dinner guests. How often am I like Martha, busy with what life throws at me, that not only am I missing out on special moments with my son but God as well.

Luke 10: 38-41

38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed.^f Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Judah could not have reminded me any better on what is important. Lord, help me to discern when to work and when to stop and enjoy life with you and your blessings.

Shuffle Saturday: Telling Christmas Stories!

As you decorate the Christmas tree this evening, listening to carols or watching old black and white Christmas favorites with the kids and stringing the popcorn next to the fire, take a few minutes from the Christmas bustle to reflect on fond Christmas memories from your own childhood. I trust and hope you did have one Christmas that is very special to your heart. Why was that Christmas year so special? What toy were you the most excited about? Who came to celebrate Christmas with your family? When did you celebrate Christmas? What sights and sounds make you think about that time today?

Earlier today, I was thinking about such a story I wrote in junior high. Our assignment was to explain the sight and sounds of our own family traditional celebration from the eye of an object in the room. Naturally, I told my story from the old, wind up clock that still sits on the mantel at my grandpa and grandma's house. Of course that clock no longer runs since my Grandpa is not there to wind it up but to this day, I still think about what it saw as it looked down at us on Christmas morning.

With detail, I described my favorite Christmas when we made homemade Christmas ornaments, cut from cookie cutters and painted with bright colors with glitter on top. I still display those now brittle ornaments that my Grandma, cousin, and I decorated in a frame on the wall. We also strung popcorn and cranberries to hang on the tree. that year I remember all my aunts and uncles being there and I sitting on the couch with my Uncle Gary (who is still the crazy bachelor Uncle), begging him to play paper dolls with me. That was also the year that I received my original Cabbage Patch Preemie Doll. I am almost positive that I received the next anticipated book to my Laura Ingalls Wilder series as well.

What made that year particularly special though was we bundled up and trudged out in the back field so Grandpa could cut down a Christmas tree us kids selected, right their on their own farm. He even teased my dad about climbing up to cut down the top. Somehow Grandpa and dad managed to chop that very, very tall (it seemed to us kids), white pine, cut the top off, and drag it into the living room, using the rest for firewood. Looking back at the pictures, that tree really looked like a lop-sided Charlie Brown tree. Oh how much fun did we have though and it is still may favorite Christmas memory.

While I did not find the actual story digging through old papers, much to my disappointment, I did find one I wrote later in high school about my first Christmas with now my husband who I was dating at the time. The journal entry reads about how my husband took me to his house to cook me a candle light dinner of pork chops, green beans, and rice. The decorated card table was set in the living room across from the big, gaudy Christmas tree and beside the freshly painted wall (that he painted that day because he decided it was dirty). His family remained banished to the basement for some privacy while we ate except to take a few pictures. I then opened my first Christmas gift from Kay Jewelers, a necklace. I still laugh at how young we were.

Nothing is more fun to your kids to hear these stories told about your childhood. You know how you and Uncle Dan found all the presents and secretly unwrapped them to find out what you got for Christmas. That is until Uncle Matty told on you. How about the time that mom made you eat that yucky oyster soup every Christmas Eve until the year she decided to add chili just for you kids. Then one Christmas Eve, I remember my five-year old brother sat at the dinner table talking about the Christmas Eve church service while we ate our soup for supper. He had questions about the Christ child, wanting Christ to come live in his heart.

As I tear up at his small, humble and innocent little heart, I am reminded but what that is what Christmas is all about, right? A story...A story about a child coming into the world for us...God sending us His one and only Son to save us from our sins... Make sure to share not only your own stories but this most important one as well during this season that often tends to be a lot of shuffling around. Your kids need to hear it!

Food Friday: Leftover Ham

My mother in law likes to make a large spread for Thanksgiving. We're talking turkey AND ham AND chicken and noodles AND...AND...so there are always plenty of leftovers. But what is one to do with all of them? A week of tasty and easy dishes are ahead, that's for sure.

But you can only eat so many ham sandwiches. Besides, the ham is never really sliced thin enough for a good ham sandwich. You can always heat it up with eggs for breakfast or tear it up and put it in omelets. So you've got breakfast covered...but what about the other meals?

One night this past week, I was working on writing and the ever so popular question, "What's for dinner, Mom" popped up over and over. I knew we still had some leftover ham, and knowing that writer's block could hit anytime, I needed to make something fast.

I grabbed two boxes of scalloped potatoes out of the cupboard. I mixed it up as directed on the box, tore the remaining ham into bite sized pieces and popped it back in the oven. I served it with beets and dinner rolls and we were good to go! A warm, hearty meal that everyone loved that was quick, easy and cleaned some leftovers out of the fridge!

Toy Thursday: No! Stop! That is not a toy!

It might backfire on me but up until now, I have been teaching Judah not to touch things by saying it is "icky" and that we do not play with it. You know items like electronic cords (his particular favorite), cords to the blinds, outlets, a piece of used trash outside on the ground, and so on; things that are dangerous in nature.

Well now that Judah can talk, everything now becomes "icky" from the smallest fuzzy to pieces of food on his hands. He walks by something on the ground and you here this "ICKYYY." Glad to know we cannot touch it Judah (but of course mommy removes it, picks it up, or moves it to keep him from getting it which defeats the point).

Anyways, Judah still has gotten into things that are not really toys. Imagine my horror when Judah found the piece of claw from the cat laying on the floor only to pick it up and eat it. I got there too slow. I had prepared myself for the cat food (which we went for even after lunch time) and someday probably the cat litter (yuck!) which is currently gated off. You are still never quite prepared for your kid to eat things like potting soil by the mouthfuls which you realize after the fact might be poisonous as it contains fertilizer.

I know I am biding my time until Judah really gets into stuff that are certainly not toys to play with. I have only to think about our friends and neighbors as we share the embarrassing stories. My personal favorite story is still about our best man's four-year old daughter. While mommy and sister were still taking a nap (and because she was not sleeping), she decided to get out the nail polish and paint her nails pink. And her toes. And the floor. And the magazine. And the bathroom rugs. Then on her way to the makeup drawer, she somehow decided that the toilet with the lid down looked like a big giant toe. At least that is what she told mommy. After that came the mascara. Mascara on the doll house. Mascara on the play dishes. Mascara all over her face. Next came the sunblock. Sunblock all over the bathroom floor. Sunblock on the dolly because "she was hot." By this time, mommy woke up to find her eating a snack of frozen blueberries and shredded cheese. You know all that talent makes you hungry.

You laugh because you are currently in the bathroom trying to picture how your toilet looks like a big giant toe. And you realize that it does look like a big giant toe. Thankfully we can laughingly share these moments (after discipline of course) between moms. That is if we are not too embarrassed to admit that our child was that child that ate poop or played in the toilet when you were not nearby.

Laughter aside though, perhaps this is a good, simple reminder to have safety precautions around the house. You know the phone number for the the poison control center (which is very helpful by the way), locks on the cupboards, chemicals put up high, or the blind cords cut short. As a new mom, I am still learning as I turn each corner but for the time being at our house, it is "Icky." You never know when the child will turn it into a toy!

Find your local Poison Control Center!
Take a First Aid Course!

Wash Wednesday: Keeping the Dishwasher Clean

It's destined to happen. You're busy. You quickly empty the dishwasher and put the dishes away without even looking. You have company showing up in five minutes and you haven't even plated the snacks!

The company has arrived and you start to mingle. Someone asks for a drink and your husband offers to get it. You hear the ominous, "Honeeeyyy?" and start to worry. He's standing in the kitchen with a glass. Speckled. Spotted and crusty. Ew.

You frantically pull all of the glasses out of the dishwasher. Dirty, dirty, dirty, dirty. You explain to your husband that you JUST pulled them out of the dishwasher. They're clean, you know it. But they're all gross. Bits of last nights lasagna, maybe a leg of a giraffe from an animal cracker and some sort of apple sauce that has dried into a crust all over every glass.

You return to your thirsty guests with their water...in a Star Wars glass. No offense to Yoda, but his all knowing face really doesn't fit in with your dinner party theme.

So what's a girl to do?

1. Remove all of the food particles from your plates before putting them in the dishwasher. Sure, it should wash them off, but they've got to go somewhere. Be sure to clean the bottom of the dishwasher and make sure there are no food bits stuck in the drain trap. It's a yucky job, but one that must be done.

2. If your dishwasher has a Jet Dry rinse agent section, use it. It will help reduce water spots on your dishes. You don't need to fill it every load, but be sure to top it off every few weeks.

3. Helping your dishwasher run it's best by running warm water before starting a load. Think of it as priming the pump. You can catch the water in a jug and use it to water plants around the house. It doesn't take a lot of water to get it warm, but it will allow your dishes to get the warmest water and best clean.

4. Check the spinning arms before each load. They need to move freely in order to get a good clean. Often I find a fork or sippy cup lid stuck in mine.

5. Run the garbage disposal before starting the dishwasher. Dishwashers often drain into the same pipe as the sink, so it's important that the pipe be clear. If you don't have a garbage disposal, use a strainer in the sink drain to stop crumbs and debris from accumulating in the pipe. Remember, always run warm water before, during and after running the disposal.

6. Don't overload the dishwasher. While it's best for saving water and energy to run a full load, and overloaded dishwasher doesn't get as clean. Make sure the items are not touching each other and water can get to every nook and cranny of the dishes.

Follow these few tips and hopefully you won't have Yoda making an unwelcome appearance at your next dinner party.

Tip Tuesday: Yikes! Where does this Fork go?

I think when you have kids, your manners go out the door. I know why Judah stuffs his mouth full of food, because he sees me do it when I am trying to shove down bites between his. Even if you try to have some form of manners, you still end up with food on the floor.

With the Holidays inching closer, it is time to dig out my recipes for Christmas dinner with the family (yeah, right?). This would also be a good time to review table settings and manners before that day actually gets here, especially since our typical meals are very informal and often messy. I have a whole month to practice.

Thankfully, I have had the opportunity to help chaperon my husbands' annual etiquette class presented by Tero International for his teen students a number of times. You would think I would learn by now, but I still seem to lick my fingers, share food with my kid, stuff my mouth, slouch, and shred my napkin while managing to spill food on myself. Yikes, what a nightmare!

According to Tero International, a company that specializes in interpersonal skills training, here are some DO'S and DON'TS from their etiquette tip book you need to remember when dining.

1. Do try a little of everything served to you unless you know you are allergic to a certain food.
2. Do avoid talking with your mouth full. Take small bites, and you'll find its easier to answer questions or join in table talk.
3. Do wait until you have swallowed the food in your mouth before you take a sip of beverage.
4. Do take a quick sip of water if a bite of food is too hot.
5. Do remember solids (food) are always on your left, liquids (beverages) are on your right.
6. Do leave your plate where it is when you have finished eating, with the knife and fork in the 10:20 I am Finished position. Place the tips of the utensils at ten and the handles at four.
7. Do look into, not over, the cup or glass when drinking.
8. Do butter your bread on the plate, never in midair.
9. Do remember your posture at the table. Sit up straight, and keep your arms (including elbows) off the tables.
10. Do leave dropped silver on the floor. Quietly signal the wait staff to bring another piece.
11. Do point out to your staff stones, bugs, or hair in your food, but do so in a non-combative manner. You'll get a replacement immediately.
12. Do remember an object such as a bone or gristle from your mouth with your thumb and index finger and place it on the rim of your plate.
13. Don't, in serving, overload your plate.
14. Don't, in eating, overload your fork.
15. Don't mop your face with your napkin.
16. Don't spread your elbows when cutting meat. Keep them close to your sides when eating.
17. Don't chew with your mouth open.
18. Don't smack your lips.
19. Don't touch your face or head at the table.
20. Don't tip up the glass or cup too much when drinking, but keep it at a slight angle.
21. Don't reach across another person to get something. If it's out of reach, ask the closest person to pass it to you.
22. Don't pick your teeth at the table, either with a toothpick or with your fingers. If something gets caught in your teeth, excuse yourself and take care of the problem in the privacy of the restroom.
23. Don't push your plate away from you when you've finished eating.
24. Don't gesture with your knife, fork, or spoon in your hand. If you're not using the utensil, put it down.
25. Don't talk about your personal food likes or dislikes while eating.
26. Don't eat your neighbor's bread or salad. A right-handed person reaches to the left across the dinner plate to eat salad. The bread and butter plate is placed slightly above the salad plate.
    

If you are still curious about where that fork goes, remember forks go on the right and knives followed by spoons are placed on the left of the plate. For a simple meal, the salad fork is outside the dinner fork and the spoon is outside the knife. For a formal table setting, moving from left to right with the plate in between you have the fish fork, dinner fork, the salad fork, salad knife, dinner knife, fish knife, soup spoon, and cocktail fork. Dessert fork and spoon go above the plate with the bread knife laid horizontally on the bread plate. Drinks are always on the left starting with the water goblet, champagne flute, white wine glass, red wine glass and sherry glass.

Here are a few other tips I remember from the class that I learned. When eating soup, spoon it away from you. Break a piece of bread off at a time to eat and butter it with the butter on your plate. It is proper to eat both American or Continental style as long as you stay consistent. Your waiter will serve you from the right and clean up from the left.

Sounds like I need to practice. I still think there are times with a kid that you need to break the rules to push your plate away so he does not throw it across the room. This should not keep me from starting with elbows off the table, sitting still, and no singing. I could stand to utilize these tips and even try to teach my son as he grows older. At the least, perhaps we can manage to make through the Holiday dinners without throwing food.

Good luck and remember, "Mable, Mable, elbows off the table!"

Make Monday: Using those leftover Big Boxes!

As Christmas nears, think again before you start throwing out those big boxes from the gifts and toys. Instead save those big boxes that once housed your new television, toy set, or even a piece of new furniture. Then on a cold, snowy day later in January when you have to be indoors, pull them out for some fun with the kids.

A box you say? I like to think of it more as a fort to hide, a tunnel to crawl through, a parking garage for your bike, basketball hoop, a boat or submarine, puppet show stage, and much more. The possibilities are endless.

In fact that is what we did one day. When we went over to the neighbors one afternoon, the kids found a large, shipping box. The neighbor gal had cut out a few windows and doors, using twine tied to open and close them. The kids then took their markers and sat inside and colored to their hearts content drawing household items. My friend then had some fabric and hung it like curtains for the window.



When I got back home myself, I found a large box out in the garage ready for recycling. I brought it inside instead for my own toddler son who had just as much fun sitting inside and coloring on the walls as the older neighbor kids. Then we opened it up and crawled through it like a tunnel, draping a blanket over it for doors. The next day, we used it for a basket to catch the balls as we threw them into the hoop. And the next day after that, we colored some more. What fun!



Why with a big box, imagination and creativity are the only things required. The rest is up to you. For results, you will have happy kids and hours of needed entertainment. And for storage, you can fold it up and slip it behind the couch when done. So start building your fort, driving through a tunnel, or putting on a puppet show today!

Salvation Sunday: Our Son's Baptism

Our third son was baptised last Sunday. All of our children have been baptised in the Church we were married in, where I was baptised, had my first communion...etc.

We feel it would be best, for the records, to keep them all at the same place. Our boys have all worn the same baptismal outfit and we always have a reception afterwards at my parents' house. My husband's sister and my brother are the Godparents, for all three of our boys.

Before our oldest was born, the Church required we take a course before he could be baptised. We took the 6 (or 8) week class and did all of the homework. No kidding. The nun teaching the class assigned us homework. After our second son, we were not required to do any additional studies but after our third, we were asked to watch two videos. In viewing them, I realized I was able to finish the nun's stories. I had seen these videos before, 5 years before to be exact.

Baptism is important to me and my husband. We knew we wanted our children baptised shortly after birth, as Catholics, we wanted our children to receive the first Sacrament as soon as possible. We feel that starting their spiritual life as soon as we can is vital.

                                        He is such a good baby...didn't fuss at all.

                                          Praying over Brendan.

                                          Proud Parents and Blessed Baby.


Luke 18:15–16 tells us that "they were bringing even infants" to Jesus; and he himself related this to the kingdom of God: "Let the children come to me . . . for to such belongs the kingdom of God."

Shuffle Saturday: Going Somewhere?

Recently, we took a trip to visit Great Grandma for a week. After a twelve hour drive and 600 plus miles later, I realized I forgot to take care of something at home.

At my house, packing for a long trip practically means turning your house upside down with washing laundry, doing last minute errands, packing suitcases, and endless worrying that you did not forget anything. These things can consume your brain so much that you find yourself on the road, thinking about all that is left undone.

I used to clean my house before I went, making sure everything was fresh and picked-up including new sheets and vacuuming. Then after one weekend, I came home to find the cat had pulled down our books off the bottom book shelf and started tearing out pieces of pages since we forgot to put enough food out. Luckily, he had enough water! That is when I decided why add the stress of cleaning beforehand when you come home and probably will find the house messy anyways. If it is not dusty or dirty again when you get home, it will be by the time you unload and dump everything as soon as you walk into the door.

I did put together a list of things that still need to be done though before we left home for an extended amount of time. Notice that this list contains things that pertain to smell, our pet, and taking care of the house in general.

• Clean out old food of fridge; finish eating leftovers.
• Take out trash and recycling.
• Empty your sinks of dirty dishes and wash last load in dishwasher on way out.
• Provide access with key to person checking on pet.
• Leave extra food and water for pet.
• Turn off water to clothes washer.
• Turn down heat or air conditioning.
• Cover couches with tarp.
• Water plants.
• Clothes doors to rooms.
• Cancel newspaper for duration of trip.

So as you travel for the Holiday season, put together your own list of things that need to be done around the house before you leave. However, limit your stress about overall cleaning of the house. Chances are you will clean it again anyways when you get home.

Food Friday, Leftover Turkey with Noodles!

While you are out purchasing your Thanksgiving grocery list, make sure to pick up a some frozen egg noodles. By Friday, you will not feel like doing any more cooking and you will want something more than a cold, turkey sandwich, especially if you attempted to go out for "Black Friday." Then you think to yourself, "Oh yeah! we are going to have turkey and noodles" as you get the bag out of the freezer.

This process actually starts when you cook that big bird for Thanksgiving dinner. For a small bird, I like to put it into the crock pot while a big bird bakes nicely in the oven in a pan. You will need the following: turkey, onion, celery, salt, pepper, and butter. To fix your turkey, thaw it in the fridge 2-3 days earlier sitting on a cookie sheet. Take it out of the fridge and standing over the sink, unwrap it. Clean out the insides and rinse off both the inside and outside. Put sliced celery and onion pieces inside with a couple of tablespoons of butter. Set aside and wash hands well. Plug in the crock pot to high or turn on the oven to 350 degrees. For the oven, take a clear cooking bag and flour it with a tablespoon of flour, shaking it around in the bag to coat it with a layer of flour. Next, slide in the bird in the bag and place it in the pan. Before tying the bag, place the remaining celery, onion, and butter around and on top of the bird. Do this also for the crock pot turkey as well. Add salt and pepper. Let the bird cook. From my experience, I usually cook the bird until the top glows with a golden color, ranging a few hours depending on size of the bird and temperature of the heat.

After the turkey has been carved and eaten for dinner, I put the leftovers in freezer bags in portions suitable for our family meals. I divide the turkey broth from the pot or bag into clear freezer containers. I then take my stock pot and boil the remaining carcass and meat with water for additional broth. Once strained, I divide up the remaining broth into containers and swift through the cooled meat with my hands looking for pieces of bone, cartilage, and vegetables to remove. What you have leftover is small, shredded pieces of meat, enough for meals like turkey and noodles.

I will date these bags and containers, putting them into the freezer. The rest I put in the fridge for dinner on Friday. I take a container of broth and mix it with a can of chicken broth (for the added salt and to make my supply go further). As it heats up on the stove, I add in the turkey pieces bringing it to a boil. I then mix in the noodles and cook it on medium heat until the noodles are nice and tender. I may add some celery salt, onion salt, and pepper for additional flavor. In the meantime, I have peeled and sliced some potatoes to make mashed potatoes and snapped some beans for steamed green beans.

It is nice to have a simple meal after all your hard work making a large one. And yet this meal will still amaze your guests, tease their taste buds with savory bites, and warmly fill their bellies after all that shopping.

Thankful Thursday: What We're Thankful for This Year!

Psalm 118:1   Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Even though it should be Toy Thursday, we thought it would be fun to have a "Thankful Thursday" for Thanksgiving.

Here are the top ten (four each and two together) things we're thankful for:

Sarah is thankful for:

1. A healthy baby boy this year. At this time last year, I had no idea I was even pregnant. I didn't find out until December and had a healthy baby in July! He's happy and healthy. I'm so thankful.

2. Making the decision with my husband for me to stay at home with our boys. I've always wanted to be an at home mom and writer, but never thought it would be possible. With my husband's support and hard work outside of the home as well as a few blessings of writing work, we're making it and I'm loving it.

3.Family and Friends. Our family (my husband's and mine) are always willing to help us out, whether it be with watching the boys so I can have a break (or a nap) or new tires or homemade food so I don't have to scramble to make a nice meal when my husband works late. Our friends were so great when our son was born, visiting me in the hospital, cooking meals, giving gifts.

4. My ever evolving relationship with God. My faith has been tested a few times this past year, but I always find my way back to Him and end up being stronger because of it.

Emma is thankful for:

5. I am thankful for our health. With several surgeries over the last year and a half, you realize how short and precious life really is. So I am thankful to have this day to spend with my family.

6. All you have to do is look around the world to see poverty and huger. We seem so rich in comparison even with our meager belongings and humble home. I am thankful for the roof over our head, that we know no hunger or cold, and that we have work this year.

7. I am thankful for my family and friends. Amidst all the whining and crying, I really enjoy those special times with my son whether cuddling or reading books. Then on top of that I am happily married to a wonderful husband who works hard day after day to provide and care for his family.

8. Perhaps what I am most thankful for is God and my relationship with Him. Not only can I come to Him with my burdens each day, but He continues to help me each step of the way through my journey here on earth. I am in awe of Him, his power, and his continuity. He always supplies me with just enough strength and grace to get through the day. And when I do fail, He forgives me again and picks me back up.

We're thankful for:

9. Good friends, fun playdates, and projects. We're thankful we have another project to work on together and thankful we get to spend a few hours together every week for our fun playdates to keep our mom sanity.

10. Our loyal readers. Without you, we'd just be blabbing to no one. So thank you for helping us while we hope we help you. We are blessed to have a country that allows us all to participate in something like this.

1 Thessalonians 5:18   give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Take a few minutes to reflect on what you are thankful for this year. In the meantime, from our families to yours, may you have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Wash Wednesday: The Holiday Septic Tank Shock

You may feel a little overstuffed from the holidays, but imagine how your sink feels. You've crammed items down the sink all week. Prepping, cooking and then cleaning. Think before you garbage dispose it.

Statistics show that there are more plumber calls the day after Thanksgiving than any other day of the year. I know this all too well in the time I worked at American Home Shield. And it's not just the kitchen sink. Dishwashers back up and, if you think about it, you've had more visitors in your home than normal. More visitors equal more toilet flushes. The sink, the dishwasher, the toilet...all of this can be a perfect storm for septic pipes and tanks. I know, it's not what you want to think about while cooking, but it could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Scrape your plates into the garbage and rinse them before putting them in the dishwasher. You may have a garbage disposal, but  be sure to use it properly.

Your garbage disposal is not a trash can. It's for small food pieces that may not go down your pipes. Never put rice, pasta or bones in your disposal. If you find it is not coming on, there is a reset button under the bottom of the disposal. Push it and see if that works.



ALWAYS run water before, during and after running the disposal. This is necessary for it to work properly. And keep your disposal clean. I put egg shells in my disposal to clean it. I also like to use Plink in my system. I have found these at Bed, Bath and Beyond. They clean the disposal and make the kitchen smell great.

As far as the restrooms go, please inform your family and guests that only toilet paper and bodily fluids should be flushed. No paper towels, no feminine products and no diapers. The last thing you need is a clogged potty.

Good luck and have fun. Just think twice before putting something down the pipes.