Make Monday: Indoor snowman!

The temperatures dipped again bringing some more snow, ice, and cold. The little thaw we had a week or so ago makes me long for spring. If you are like us, cabin fever is taking over and we are running out of ideas. But then we still have a few snow days creeping up even though we are so done with winter.

Celebrate the end of winter season by making indoor snow fun with snowmen.


This cute little snowman is really a paint brush roller with leftover sock for the hat, button eyes, yarn for the mouth, and a piece of scrap fabric for the scarf.

Older kids (toddler on up) will have fun making this project to help pass the winter blues and replace boredom with creativity.

Feel free to decorate your own snowman in any way. Make all whole snow family for some puppet entertainment. Get out the cotton balls to use them as snow flakes. And take some white fabric draped over a box for some hills of snow.

To entertain younger kids, buy cheap rolls of toilet paper for some stacking and unrolling "snow" fun!

Hang in there!

Salvation Sunday: "Pride Goeth Before The Fall"

Things have been going very well for me lately, work wise. I'm incredibly humbled at the amount of work I've been offered lately and hoping that I can continue to do my best and make this "at home work" a success.

I've also been volunteering to help "Save the Barn", writing press releases, attending meetings; and while it hasn't always worked out the best with Dave's schedule (I was left scrambling for a babysitter on Tuesday and SO thankful Emma was able to help me out with the older two) meaning I had to take Brendan to the City Council meeting. But he was VERY well behaved.

Baby's First City Council Meeting

There are times I find myself frustrated with my husband, I wish he'd help out more so I wasn't trying to type while having a toddler climbing on me, or if he'd take some personal time so I can attend meetings, but I know he's doing his best to provide for our family.

I'm proud of the work I'm doing. And proud of the accomplishments I've made. But I must remember what the Lord says of pride. While it is okay to take pride in a hard day's work, it is important to be humble. Don't expect that you will be recognized for this work. (Interesting that I'm posting this on the day of the Academy Awards??)

The Lord knows the hard work you've put in. For today's Salvation Sunday, I leave you with a few Words from The Bible regarding pride. I must always remember to be humble and thank the Lord for the blessings He has bestowed upon me.

Psalms 37:11
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace

Proverbs 3:34
He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.

Proverbs 8:13
To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.


Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 15:31;33
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 16:18-19
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

Proverbs 25:9
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.


Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.


Isaiah 57:15
For this is what the high and lofty One says--he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Matthew 18:3-4
And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Phillipians 2:1-11
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.



1 Peter 5:2-6
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Shuffle Saturday: Dealing With Those "Naughty" Kids--and WORSE Parents

Don't you hate it when you take your kids to a public place, be it the library story group, the play area at the mall or even the park and there are the notoriously "naughty" kids that don't listen?

What's even worse? The parents that don't discipline. I get SO irritated when a kid is out of control and I see the parents watching--doing nothing to stop the bad behavior. Or when they say, "Oh look at Billy. He's learning what it's like to jump off of the turtle slide!" Meanwhile, my kids are watching him do it and look at me funny when I yell "NO!" and Billy's mom allows it.

And of course I'm the "WORST. MOM. EVAH!" because "that other kid was doing it; why can't I?"

I was confused with my first child. He knew not to hit or bite, but how did I handle it when other kids did it to him. I couldn't discipline other children but their parents were not doing the job either! After I had my second son (who is a daredevil and would attempt things he saw the bigger kids do) I made sure to discipline him if  he was doing something that was wrong...even if other kids were doing it.

Now, I know this may seem a little "passive aggressive" but if there is a child who is obviously not being supervised and either being a bad example for my kids or being mean to them, I remove my child from the situation and explain to him (loudly enough for the uninvolved parent to hear) that "just because the other child is being naughty doesn't mean we are" or "thank you for not retaliating. I'm proud that you're the better kid. You know we don't hit/bite/push others over and I'm proud of you for not hitting/biting/pushing back."

You can't discipline other people's children. But, I believe, if you expose the parents to their child's behavior (and their lack of response) that maybe they'll see what is happening and correct it. It has worked pretty well for me. Parents don't like to see their child being the "naughty" one and they correct their child pretty quickly.

So what do you do if your child is in this situation?

Food Friday: Cupcake Toppers!

I saw this recipe at Confessions of a Cookbook Queen and HAD to try it. Being frugal as I am, I waited until after Valentine's day to get the cheap Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

Liam had to bring a snack to preschool this week and after a City Council Meeting on Tuesday night, I baked the cupcakes and took the wrapper off of the peanut butter cups, leaving the black wrapper. I also frosted and sprinkled the peanut butter cups.

The next morning, after the cupcakes had cooled, I frosted the cupcakes, sprinkled them and topped them with the Reese's cup.

Super cute and easy! It's like a cupcake cupcake. The Reese's cup is kind of a surprise because you're expecting a cupcake. Fun and easy, just the way a busy mom needs/wants it!

Toy Thursday: Musical Toys!

My boys love musical toys. They always have and (I'm afraid) as they get bigger, so will their musical toys.

A few years ago, my oldest LOVED "Little Einsteins". I bought him a "Create A Masterpiece" toy for Christmas. It is like a magna doodle that plays classical music as they draw. It also includes traceable pictures (most of ours are missing now) that teach children about classical art. Imagine my surprise when Liam (at the age of two) came up to me with "Starry Night" in the newspaper and said, "Look, Mommy! Ban-Go!"

The toy has sure been worth the money. My next two boys love playing with it. Like I said, most of the parts and pieces are missing but the doodler is attached and hasn't been removed (yet) and it still plays music.


Sometimes you have to pay a little more than you want for a toy, but in the end, it's worth it. Especially if it teaches art AND music at the same time.

Wash Wednesday: The NEW AND IMPROVED Laundry Detergent--But Is It Really??

We go through a lot of laundry detergent in our house. We have three boys. Husband had work scrubs. He works with blood. So those commercials you see about blood stains on clothes? Yeah, that's us.

When a laundry detergent comes out that is "proven" to "remove all stains", I'm a skeptic. I picked up some Wisk with stain busters (or something like that) and to be honest, I'm not impressed. My clothes get clean...mostly. I've noticed it doesn't take out the infant poo in the first wash. The second washing is currently in process. I sprayed a little 409 on baby's outfit so we'll see.

I have, however, been pleasantly surprised with Tide's new and improved version. I usually only use it when I have a VERY tough stain....that being said, I'm out and need more. :)

Ah, laundry. It's not glamorous but it's a lot cheaper than buying new clothes.

Tip Tuesday: Putting Together a Craft Box!

Now that Judah is a toddler and older, we can do lots of fun activities and crafts. So I thought I would put together a bucket with crafts items to have on hand in the kitchen cupboard for those special times together....or for those times I need a new idea quick for whatever reason!

I created a list of items I anticipated we would need for our creative projects. Here are some items I picked up at the store to use with our toddler:

• Crayons (washable only)
• Construction paper (of various colors)
• White craft glue
• Scissors
• Food coloring
• Tempra paint (washable, squeeze tubes)
• White card stock
• Paint brushes
• Wipes
• Apron/bib
• Vinyl table cloth
• Banner paper
  

Here are some additional items you might consider down the road for older kids:

• Poster Board
• Craft eyes
• Pompoms
• Molds
• Magnets
• Clear contact paper (for laminating)
  
• Pipe cleaners
• Fabric paint
• Felt-tip markers
• Colored pencils
• Sewing kit
• Glue sticks
• Clay or molding clay
  
• Sheet protectors (for display)
• Feathers
• Permanent Black marker (for name)
• Double sided tape
• glitter
  

And here are some items around the house to collect and store with your supplies for projects. At least think twice before you throw them away.

• Old magazines
• Yarn and ribbon
• Leftover fabric
• Cotton balls
• Q-tips (craft tool)
  
• Paper plates/cups (for paints)
  
• Cookie cutters (for stencils)
  
• Paper Towel rolls
  
• Clothespin hooks (to hang up paintings)
  
• String or twine (to dry paintings)
  
• Used ice cube tray (for molds)
• Leftover wood chips
• Spray bottle (for splatter paint)
• Old socks (for puppets)
• Card board
• Tin foil
  

Putting your supplies together will provide easy access for those last minute mom fixes on anything. Your items will be conveniently close for those projects you want to make and activities you want to participate in. And you limit your child's wait while digging out the supplies.

The list goes on. What would you put on your list?

Make Monday: Fingerpaints and Potato Art!

Last week, Judah and I had our neighbor friend over for some finger painting and potato art! What a blast the boys had playing in the paint and creating their own stamp masterpieces.

We started by gathering up all the supplies....vinyl table cloth, aprons or bibs, sheets of paper or roll of paper, paint, paper plates, potatoes, and some old rags for cleanup. The boys were good about rolling up their sleeves, putting on their paint shirts, and sitting on the chairs at the covered kitchen table for some serious fun.

We used blue, washable, tempera paint (you can find in the store) on paper plates to keep things simple and under control. This time we used regular white card stock I had laying around the house but you may use a roll of paper as both the table cloth and the paper.

If you do not have paint around the house, try mixing your own recipe at home with ingredients straight out of your cupboard:

3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 cups of cold water
food coloring
dish detergent
4 plastic or paper cups

Mix the sugar and the cornstarch together in the saucepan. Then add the water and mix a little more. Cook over a medium heat, stirring all the time. The mixture should start to boil, then thicken. This takes about 5 minutes. Remove from the stove, cool, and pour into 4 plastic cups. Add a little food coloring and a drop of detergent to each cup. This recipe is recommended for toddlers and above, depending on the child.

The boys dipped their hands in the finger paint to make hand prints and other designs for about 30 minutes. We discovered you can use your fingers for other inventions like connect the dots or making snakes. For some added fun, cut potatoes into shapes for stamps. I cut out squares and triangles for the boys to dip into their paint and stamp onto their paper for additional designs.


Cleanup was easy and minimal (which is what a mom likes to hear). I gave each boy a medium sized bowl of warm, soapy water to wash their hands. They continued playing in the water at the table, washing any brushes and items that needed cleaned, until their own hands were clean. We dried up and while they had a snack, I rinsed out the bowls and wiped down the paint from the vinyl table cloth and the spills on the carpet. Then I put away the supplies for another day and threw the aprons into the washing machine. That was it.

The boys certainly had a fun morning painting and stamping. And I enjoyed myself knowing the easy preparation would make this activity go smoothly, especially with being easy to manage and clean up. The end result was a happy mom and some really cute paintings for our fridge!

Salvation Sunday: Ye Ask Not!

Have you ever had one of those moments, where you are sure God turns on the "light bulb" in your brain regarding something so that what you notice is very clear. I had one of those epiphanies this morning thanks to my husband's help.

Most mornings, I wake up early with Judah while my husband rolls over or goes to take a shower. I must confess my resentment some mornings at the way he takes his time getting ready for work or sleeps a few extra minutes.

When you have a kid screaming before you can't even go to the bathroom. Or you just cannot make it through breakfast without a mess all over your fresh, cleaned shirt and just vacuumed floor. All you want to do is go back to bed and just start your day completely over. Right?

This morning was one of those mornings. I just dreaded to get up and even attempt life. Judah had been up during the night. I had also finally just gotten cozy it seemed like when Judah woke up. Instead of reluctantly getting out of bed, I turned over and very pathetically (but nicely) asked if Tim could get up with him while I slept a little longer.

When I did finally make it up a while later, imagine my surprise at how well my husband had things under control (good job dear). Judah was dressed for church. Tim made breakfast of homemade muffins, sausage, and eggs. And all I was expecting was quiet so that I could sleep a few extra minutes. If I had not asked him to help me, I am positive I would have woken up grumpy, fought with Judah, and resented Tim for sleeping.

How much this mirrors our spiritual life. James 4:3 says, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."

God basically says, "You have not because you asked not." You did not ask for the peace, joy, and love that I can provide for you. You did not ask for My strength today and My provision for tomorrow. You did not ask for the eternal life I offer for free. This list goes on.

And why do we not ask? Too proud to need God or His blessings. Too anxious to wait patient for His answer and perfect time. Too disobedient to follow Him. Too busy to find time to ask. Too independent of God to fall on Him completely. Too angry with God to trust Him. Feeling too unimportant for God to notice you.

Yeah, that could be me! Every morning I resent Tim. I complain about getting up and being too tired. Sometimes, I wallow in my misery too alone and unappreciated to ask for help. Well, clearly, if I not asked for help this morning I would have missed out on sleep, breakfast, and an overall happy family. Plus, letting someone else help allows them to give once in a while.

When we do ask God, our heart opens up to not only receive the promised blessings, but to enjoy them as well. We may or may not receive tangible blessings. We WILL receive spiritual blessings starting with a better attitude!

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal - II Corinthians 4:18.

What do I need to ask God for?

Shuffle Saturday: The "Intelligence" of our Education System

*Disclaimer* These views are completely my own. I have not shared my thoughts and feelings with Emma. You may not agree with me, she may not agree with me. But I have to say this.

I've had the "joy" of working with a school board lately. I'm not impressed. I always held these "adults" up to a high standard. After all, they're the ones who guide the school district and our educational system. That being said, I find myself frustrated when I, someone who is 30+ years younger than most of them, acting like more of an adult. Recently we discovered they were spying on tweets. Nice. THAT'S REAL adult. But I believe in the first amendment. I won't censor myself. I guess some people don't like what they see when a mirror is held up to their face.

I've been watching the events unfold in Wisconsin. I understand why people feel unions are important but, in my opinion, they've served their purpose. We're not in the middle of the industrial revolution. Children are not forced to work in textile mills for 16 hours a day. We've grown past that. And to be honest, I think the auto industry wouldn't have needed a bailout if the Unions were not involved. I can't think of any other occupation that pays $50/hour plus benefits plus pension that only requires a high school diploma.

The teachers in Wisconsin are upset they may lose their collective bargaining with the union. These "educators", who use "think of the children" ad nauseam in arguments about funding, apparently forgot their mantra and refused to go to work. So what's more important? Educating children or what your union heads say. 

Who is suffering because of all of this? The kids. It's not their fault the State of Wisconsin is in the red. And it's not the fault of the Governor, either. If the public sector followed the private sector's lead, they would have been making cuts years ago.

Two years ago, I took a pay freeze in order to save jobs at the company I was working at. Meanwhile teachers were still getting raises. And now they're hurting. The public sector was very short sighted during the recession. Hurt now or hurt later. They chose later. Which is now.

If teachers want to continue to use "won't someone think of the children" maybe they should put their money where their mouth is. Think of the children. Do your job. Don't cause schools to close so you can protest.

And speaking of "adults", I'm irritated at the stunt the Democrats in Wisconsin pulled. They, for lack of a better term, "took their ball and went home." Again, adults. DO YOUR JOBS.

What kind of an example is this teaching our children? Don't like what people say? Don't go to work.  How about these "adults" go back to Wisconsin, represent their district and do their job. If anyone in the private sector ran away from work/failed to show up so they could protest their boss, they'd be fired. Simple as that.

It's time for the public sector to do what the private sector has been doing for years. The public sector can't outpace the private sector in compensation and benefits for years and believe it won't catch up to them. If they do, I worry about sending my children to a public school. They may be better off if I teach them. I know I won't cancel their education if I don't get paid. Then again, I DO "think about the children".

Food Friday: Hamburger Potato Bake

Good Friday afternoon! Today, I wanted to share a really great recipe for breastfeeding moms. Why?

When people brought me meals as a new mom, I remember enjoying them so much. All the meals were great but I craved the calories tied to meals with meat and potatoes. These meals offered the energy I so desperately needed feeding for a newborn and caring for myself.

One kind friend brought us this meal and taking the first bite, I was sold. I actually felt full. We liked it so much that we had her bring it again later on. Then finally, we nabbed the recipe from her so that we could make it ourselves.

Now note, this recipe is worth all the calories for a new mom who actually needs to intake more calories to breastfeed than when pregnant. However, if you still want to enjoy it, you can always buy the "lighter" ingredients. And if you are really good, you can be like my friend and actually turn it into a vegan dish.

Enjoy eating this easy staple!

Hamburger Potato Bake

1 pound of ground beef
1 medium chopped onion
2 cups of cheddar cheese
1 can of French's Fried Onions
2 pound bag of frozen potato cubes (with peppers in them)
1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup
1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
16 ounce container of sour cream

Cook meat and onions. Combine soups, sour cream, and cheese into another bowl to mix. Then stir in potatoes, followed by the meat mixture, and finally fried onions. Pour the entire mixture into a 9 by 13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for one hour if the potatoes are thawed. If potatoes are frozen, then allow a 1 1/2 baking time. This recipe makes excellent frozen meals and provides great leftovers.

Toy Thursday: Mommy! It's STUCK!

I don't know about your kids but my 5 year old has a strange habit. Is habit even the right word? He always has to be carrying a toy. It's kind of like a safety blanket. A woobie. But it's a toy.

It used to be a Lightning McQueen toy when he was younger, but lately we've moved on to smaller toys. One year for Christmas he got a book of Disney stories that included little toys of the main characters of the story. And when I say little, I mean tiny.

The trouble is, now we have two more little people in our house who like to put things in their mouths. Our oldest has been pretty good about not letting the little boys get his little toys...because he knows if a little guy gets one of his little toys, it's gone.

He's even been so sneaky that I didn't know the toy was with him until I'm viewing pictures AFTER the event.

See our oldest (dark hair in the green outfit). Look at his left hand. There's a little Nemo toy in there. I had no idea Nemo even went to Ma'am and Papa's house until I was viewing the pictures.


Lately, our oldest has been sticking his toys in places where they don't belong. And they get stuck. And it's the end of the world.

Oh the tears, the drama. All over a stuck toy. My tweezers have been getting quite a workout lately. Little Nemo has found his way inside of middle brother's ride on truck. All of the tweezing and shaking of the truck can't get little Nemo out. Oldest brother has suggested we tear the truck apart....which is not an option.

Ever since little Nemo got stuck and can't get out, we haven't been sticking toys where they don't belong. Hopefully this has taught him a lesson!!

Wash Wednesday: Cleaning out the Purse!

After Judah turned one, I stopped using the diaper bag. Instead, I found a purse that could serve dual purposes as diaper bag and a purse for my personal items. Most days, that bag is so packed tight, I feel like Mary Poppins when pull out items we need, one right after the other, in public. Spills, dirty diapers, need toys, medicine, drink, snack...the all purpose bag, right?

Today, however, I realized how desperately I needed to clean my dirty bag. I spilled hot chocolate in it the other day after a visit to the coffee shop. I have dirty tissues sitting inside. I discovered a tie from our photo session a couple of weeks ago. I found loose receipts hanging out. Dirty toys need scrubbed. Crumbs from all sorts of snacks layered the bottom. And I even found some of Judah's beloved rocks that he often stops to collect! Yuck!

Here is what else I found:

• Wallet
• Phone
• Sun glasses and driving glasses
• Pens
• Half-used water bottle
• Sippy cup
• Maracas
• Wipes
• Diapers
• Cars
• Balls
• Tylenol
• Hand Sanitizer
• Lotion
• Mirror
• Brushes and combs
• Extra clothes
• Clips
• Tide-to-go stick
• Makeup brushes
• Mirror
• Nail clippers
• Chap stick
• Snack
• Listerine
• Finger puppet
• Disposable bags
• Place mats
• Changing pad
• Teething toys
• Reward cards
• Sunblock
• Umbrella
• Loose change
• Notepad
  

...the list goes on! I dumped it all out on the table (including the crumbs). Sounds like you? It is definitely a "mommy" bag.



I decided to empty my purse/diaper bag, give it a good cleaning, and restock and repack it again for the next adventure out.

Since all the contents are emptied, I am going to wash my bag before our next trip out. Washing instructions depend on the material of the bag. I have actually ran some bags in the clothes washer before such as my real, vinyl diaper bags. You must be careful though of cardboard bottoms in bags; these you do not want immerse but wipe with a cloth. Today, I am going to soak it in a bucket of warm, soapy water with the insides hanging out. I will then hang it outside to air dry since it is warm enough. Never dry in the clothes dryer.

Once dry, I will refill it with clean, new items. The toys will get washed and probably swapped out for new ones, more age appropriate. I will replace any disposable items that are needed. I will check to make sure my wallet is functional again by ridding of old receipts and reorganizing the cards. I will check to make sure items like the nail clippers are in good, working condition. I may even add some new things that I have found myself wanting from time to time when I am out. Some items we do not use often enough and will discard (I have a quantity I carry around I do not need and will remove a few).

So before the day is done, go through your own purse. Guaranteed a surprise will be waiting for you. Emptying, cleaning, restocking, and repacking, will put you in a better position for your next outing and then you can then say, Mary Poppins to the rescue!

Tip Tuesday: Make the Punishment Fit the Crime

Some days my boys make me want to tear my hair out. Don't get me wrong, I love them. But it's the days when they are not themselves that they test my limits. Like when Sean deliberately ran up to me and threw up in my hands. I don't know what made me cup my hands under his mouth; maybe it was just "mommy sense". But those are the days when it isn't their fault. I'm talking about the days that are their fault.

You know what I'm talking about. It's the days when they yell over me when I'm trying to talk to their dad, or on the phone. The days when they chase each other around, playfully poking each other with toys until someone hurts the other (not that I didn't say it was going to happen).

And then there's the days when they think my white walls are a blank canvas. I'm all for artistic creativity, just not on the walls.

 My five year old tried to blame it on his little brother (22 months). Until he pointed out that it looked like e's. Oh yeah. I caught that. So I said, "Hmmm, it does look like e's. Did Sean really do it, or did you?" He said, "I did it."

This is where the punishment fits the crime. We got out the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and made him wipe it off.
He scrubbed and whined and scrubbed and whined. I'm sure some people would consider this "child abuse". You know, making a child work instead of playing and punishing self expression. Well, he can express himself on your white wall. But in my house, we color, write and draw on paper.

And if we color on the walls, we clean the walls. And he hasn't written on the walls since.

Make Monday: Happy Valentines Day!

Flying Kiss

First I hold my hand like this.
Then I send a flying kiss
Will you catch it?
I won't peek.
I think it landed on your cheek!

Happy Valentines Day! Hope your day is filled with red, love, and candy (will maybe)!

This morning Judah and I started celebrating by making Valentine Cookies. I actually bought a package of Nestle Toll House ready-made cookie valentines. All Judah had to do was punch out the heart-shaped pictures and place them on the cookie sheet. Judah definitely liked his first taste of cookie dough! Then we baked them and shared with our neighborhood friends for our Valentine party this morning!

If you have older kids and are looking for something to do later today, try mixing up a batch of heart-shaped cookies and decorate them for Valentines Day!

My mom's cookie mix is a great recipe for holidays. You can actually mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store in a cool place, using these Christmas leftovers and adding eggs and vanilla, for Valentines cookies! Plus, you have a large quantity of dough to use up. If you do not want sugar cookies, then try Almond Cherry Drops! Afterall, these are already red!

Combine:

12 cups all-purpose of flour
6 cups of sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon salt
4 cups of shortening (I use real butter)

In large bowl combine ingredients. Cut shortening till mixture resembles fine crumbs (great for the kids to mix with their hands). Spoon into large canister. Seal tightly and store at room temperature for up to 6 weeks. For longer storage, place in freezer. Makes 23 cups of mix.

Later Combine:

2 cups of cookie mix
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut with 2 1/4 inch heart cookie cutters. Transfer to ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for about 8 minutes or until light brown. Cool on wire rack. Decorate with icing and sprinkles if desired. Makes 3 dozen.

Cherry-Almond Drops:

2 cups of cookie mix
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries

Drop from teaspoon onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes or just until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on rack. Makes 2 dozen.

After you are finished, curl up for a cuddle together with My Heart is Like a Zoo or The Cuddle Book!

Better go find my own leftover mix for some serious baking! Happy Valentines Day!

Salvation Sunday: Be not Afraid!

Even though the month of February is the shortest in our calendar year, it can be the longest for some people who struggle with depression. Usually by this time of year you see less of the sun outside and are tired of being cooped up indoors with cabin fever. Your heart seems just as cloudy, cold, and dreary as much as the weather outside.

Yesterday, Sarah shared her story about depression. Since I have struggled with depression on a number of occasions including post traumatic stress, I can relate to her feelings of despair, numbness, dread, insecurity, and the feeling of being trapped in a dark pit without a way out. I also know extreme anxiety that causes panic attacks and lack of sleep.

Be not afraid though, for here is hope!

At my darkest hours, God has been there to pick me up, carry me, and move me forward in seen and unseen ways. Looking back, I see His hand working. Literally, I would cry out to God like in Romans 8:15, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

Perhaps the promise that so often that kept me going day after day (even today) is found in II Timothy 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Whenever I felt really down in the pit or crying again for the third time that day, I would recite this verse over and over.

I took this promise's meaning literally.

During my struggles, I knew that this spirit of fear (depression) was not ordained or of God in any way. This allowed me to seek God's assurance of peace and joy. God promised that he would cast out fear by giving me power or rather strength through the Holy Spirit each day. And when you are depressed, you can only take an hour or a day at a time. But each hour and day, know that God will provide just enough strength at that moment whether that means making it through your next meal or sleeping through the night.

God also dealt with my fear through the perfect love of God that bridges all insecurities. God did this by placing the support of loved ones in my life to help me deal, cry, and walk with me throughout this time. Issues like depression bring people closer together.

This sounds funny but I would literally ask God to give me a "sound mind." Overcoming the stigma and shame of thinking irrational (you are not yourself or think like yourself when you are depressed), I cried to God to help me to think clearly. He made my brain and therefore He could take control of it.

As a depressed person, you may not feel anything or are simply afraid to ask for help. At the very least, please write these verses down and carry them around in your pocket. When you feel alone, have a panic attack, or have no hope, pull these out and say them out loud. Even reciting them over and over will keep your mind from giving into your fears.

Also, know that you are not alone in your struggles. God is there! Afterall, He promised to give power, love, and a sound mind! I am so thankful for those promises.

Shuffle Saturday: Depression is NOT a dirty word

*This post is very personal and descriptive. It took a lot of energy to write...and come to terms with my own emotions. But if I help just one woman out there, it's worth it. 

I'll admit it. For awhile there, I always thought that people who suffered from depression were "weak". Just pull yourself up and deal with it, I would think. And then it happened to me. But I didn't recognize the signs.

My husband was called to Iraq with his medical unit 1 month after our wedding. Our son was getting ready to turn one. I found myself a new mother, newly married and dealing with my husband being gone for 18 months. It was tough. I moved in with my sister in law and her partner to help me with our little guy and dealing with the fact my new husband was gone.

I was working full time, volunteering as the Co-Chair of the Polk County Republicans, raising a toddler and worrying about my husband overseas--making sure to send him a package at least once a week and staying up until 2 in the morning on some days in order to chat with him online...knowing I could only talk to him, online, every other day at the most.

It was tough. And I was depressed. But I put on a happy face. I had to. I knew that my husband was going through so much more overseas and I had to be strong for everyone else. Strong for our little boy, strong for my mother in law...strong. I had to, as I put it, "put my big girl panties on, suck it up and deal with it." But I was depressed. REALLY depressed. I didn't want to feel.

A husband coming home is great but there's a lot of re-adjusting to be done. He didn't return to work right away and that irritated me. So I was being the only bread-winner, taking the kid to daycare and shortly after he came back, was pregnant again. I knew he needed time to adjust to civilian life and he did end up getting a full time job, but quite often he wanted "his time". I didn't even know what alone time was anymore.

After our second son was born I had really bad postpartum depression.  REALLY bad. But again, I didn't allow myself to admit I was depressed. I was tough. I survived a deployment. Depression just means I'm not busy enough, right?

When our second baby was 6 months old, I became pregnant again. I was nursing and never cycled so I didn't know it for another three months. I was really tired but figured that was just because I was working 40+ hours a week, nursing a 6 month old and taking care of our three year old. On a checkup at the Dr, he asked if I could be pregnant. "Of course not. I'm nursing," was my naive response. I was already far enough along we could hear the heartbeat. I surprised my husband that night with a video from the Dr. congratulating us on our baby.

After our third son was born this July, depression was really taking hold. How could I continue to work? How could we afford THREE in daycare? How can we make ends meet? How, how, how? We decided it would be best for me to stay at home and work on my writing skills to help make ends meet. My husband was climbing the ranks at work pretty quickly but this also meant crazy schedules leaving me to, at points, make all three meals for the kids (while nursing the baby), getting the oldest to preschool etc etc. It was all too much.

I finally had a candid talk with my Dr. He was actually the one who told me he was writing a script for Zoloft. Again, I didn't want to admit I was depressed. I was just going through a lot of changes. I was finding myself "unemployed" for the first time in 15 years. He insisted.

I always thought of postpartum depression as the women in the news. The people who drown their babies. The ones who drive their cars in lakes. That wasn't me. I was fine. I was just stressed.

After the medication started to work, it was then that I realized he was right. I was depressed. I began to remember what it felt like to be normal. To be really happy. To laugh. To play with my kids...and enjoy it.

Depression is NOT a dirty word. It is not something you can just work, wish or will away. It is a serious medical condition. If you feel that you can relate to this, please check out the list of symptoms on WebMD and speak with your family Doctor. You can't be the best for your family if you aren't taking care of yourself.

Food Friday: Indoor Picnic

Feeling a little cooped up and don't know what to do?
Have an indoor picnic, it's easy, it's true!

Okay, enough with the rhyming. But with the cold settled in, along with a wicked case of cabin fever, my kids are getting buggy. A fun and easy way to "think spring" without getting everyone bundled up is to have an indoor picnic.

Just throw a tablecloth or sheet on the floor, whip up a few picnic-y foods, put warm nature scenes on the TV and VIOLA! An indoor picnic.

This may help with the cabin fever...we can all hope that the groundhog was right and spring is just around the corner.

Toy Thursday: People!

When my siblings and I were younger, one of our favorite pastimes was playing with the Fisher Price Little People. You remember the old barn set, school, garage ramp, and house along with the wooden stick people? We had it all (and my mom still does)!

Well, the four of us used to take every inch of the family room and build farms and ranches. We would take turns choosing a toy to divide them up evenly for play. Then we added the Ertl farm play toys with animals and tractors. We also stacked up our wooden blocks for fencing and property markers. Finally, we would take turns offering city services like school, police, and fire. We imitated every part of life.

Judah is starting to get into the age of pretend. The plastic Fisher Price toys are a little different from years ago, but the play resembles the same idea.

He sets up his barn with his tractors. He is careful to line up his animals together, telling me what they are as he does. He even has gotten out his wooden blocks for troughs, fencing, and houses. He drives his tractors around and even has named "Papa," "Gigi," and "Uncle Matt" among his little people. Oh and the bus driver is "Papa," too. The dog is "Rover."

What memories this brings back. My siblings would sit for hours at a time with this kind of play. The floor was covered in people, animals, cars, and blocks. Each time we discovered something new...the flat rectangle blocks made excellent beds in the house for our family of people.


Encourage this play with your kids. Boys and girls both will have fun mimicking life. Such building of farms and towns stimulates cognitive and motor skills. Pretend enhances creativity. Social play benefits sharing.

The Little Fisher Price People have added to their antique collection with lego-type stacking blocks. You can also race cars down a ramp or be Noah on the ark. Pretend you are a knight in a castle or Santa in your sled. The possibilities are endless and play so much fun!

And if you dare, sit down and build too. You might like it as much as you did when you were younger.

Wash Wednesday: Getting Every Inch of Space!

Ok, I know I have a lot of sheets...I even got two more pairs for Christmas from my mom. I guess I like new, soft sheets and the best time to get them is now during the home sales. The question is where do I put them?

It is definitely time to get rid of a few of the old pairs, especially from many washings and wear. The rest of the sets of sheets take up so much space in the linen closet. You try cramming them in without even really folding them. Then the cupboard door refuses to close and it is the last thing on your mind with kids running around until the next time you open the door and something falls out.

You laugh cause you know what I am talking about. You still have to cram in the piles of clean washcloths and towels into the linen closet. You must have space too for all the toiletries that just accumulate because of sales and necessity (if you have a lot of girls you need lots of toilet paper).

Now when I look at my stack of sheets, I remember a dear, old grandma who was loved by all around her. I personally only met her a few times, yet it left an impact. Once we stayed at the family cabin for a long weekend. She was also there in the background talking to the kids. Then time came to clean and pack up which entailed washing sheets.

This sounds crazy but imagine my amazement when she handed me a folded perfectly fitted, queen-sized sheet. At that moment I realized it can be done!!!! That is when I started practicing making folding it flat into a square with tucking in the corners neatly.

My own Grandma carefully folds her towels lengthwise and then folds them into thirds to put away in the cupboard. Her towels are lined up so neatly that it makes extra space. I tried what was so different from folding my towels in half first and then in half again.

Now there is know wrong way or right way for that matter to fold and put away towels. You could roll them up and put them in a decorative basket in the bathroom. You could just not even fold sheets but put them back on the bed.

It is fun though to learn basic skills from the ones we love to improve our own life. I even utilize the "how to make a bed" technique from my mom's young experience of working in a hotel by tucking in the bottom of the bed sheet and lifting up the sides of the sheets to make a triangle at the fold and tucking in the excess fabric.

The same is true with character. We learn from our elders. We rid of old attitudes and replace them with compassion. We practice over and over until we master character and develop perseverance in our personal, daily, lives.

Not only can we pass on life skills to our kids but values that last beyond your lifetime. So while I am still trying to practice folding my sheets, I can remember other things I need to work on as a person. Then when I have finally mastered folding the sheet and in the process gain an extra inch in my cupboard for other things, I will be making room in my heart to give and receive another inch of character.

Food for thought: How do you fold your linens?

Tip Tuesday: Keeping the House Smelling Fresh

I'll admit it. With two boys in diapers, my house can get a little stinky. Plus, they're boys. :) An easy way to keep the house smelling nice is to make your own potpourri.

I try to keep cinnamon sticks on hand for just this occasion. But I'll get to that in a minute.

Yes, I've been sucked in to the Febreze Flameless Luminary but I did have a $5.00 off coupon.

It stays lit for 2 hours before automatically shutting off and the shades actually do keep their scent for a week. It's a little strong at first (as is any scented item) but I've been pleased with it.

I like to keep this item in our bathroom. It's easy to start (just tap the shade on the base) and looks nice. It does look like a candle is flickering in the bathroom and I don't have to worry about little hands getting burned. Win, win!

But for the kitchen I use a different method. And it's FREE!

I use apple peels and cores, orange peels and oranges that are a little "past their prime". Just throw them in a pan and add some water. Set the stove top on low and let it go. Your kitchen will fill with the aroma of apples, oranges, cinnamon, what ever you have in the pan. Be sure you have enough water in the pan at all times...or you'll end up with a burnt on mess at the bottom of your pot and a smokey, stinky kitchen.

Good luck! May all of your kitchen smells be fresh!

Make Monday: Easy Valentines for Tots!

Looking for an easy valentine for your Tot to give to Grandpa and Grandma? These darling, simple valentine hearts make such an easy, memorable decoration for those relatives you think of often.

Find some roll-on, red children's paint. Roll it on the little finger side of your child's hand (opposite of your thumb). Curl your left hand (as pictured above) to make one side of the heart. Wash hand with wipe. Roll on paint to the right side of your hand and line-up to finish stamping a heart. Wipe again with wipes before the child gets paint all over everything. Add other decorations or sayings.

The sky is the limit on creativity. You can decorate hearts in any color of paint, add some words, or decorate to your hearts content. Let your child direct you.

For a priceless gift for the grandparents, try making your own mug with the hearts. For reasonable art supplies, visit the Oriental Trading Company, a party and craft resource site.

Superbowl Sunday: An Ongoing Tradition

We've been getting together for 6 years now for the Superbowl. From Ankeny to West Des Moines, it's been a fun tradition.

By "we" I mean Emma and I, the writers of Mommy's Recess. We've been new moms, pregnant through Superbowls, Dave was in Iraq one year (and we still got together). It's been fun and the kids always enjoy getting together.

Sean, Liam and Judah...and the stack of Conservative Books. :)

So for this special Mommy's Recess, we've decided to ask Liam (my oldest) a few questions:

Mommy's Recess: How long do you think we've been friends?
Liam: 75 years

Mommy's Recess: How old were you when we became friends?
Liam: I was still in mommy's tummy

Mommy's Recess: What does friend mean?
Liam: Someone you like.

Mommy's Recess: How do you think we met?
Liam: I don't know

Mommy's Recess: What's your first memory of Emma?
Liam: I remember you since I was a baby.

Which is true. Emma and Tim visited baby Liam in the hospital. We actually met volunteering on a campaign back in 2003. We were in each other's wedding party, we visited new babies in the hospital.

So on this Superbowl Sunday we're continuing the tradition. We've got a few more little boys running around between us (we're up to 4) and LOTS more food on the floor; but we wouldn't have it any other way. The food was delicious as always and like always, there's too much. But an overabundance of food, friends and fun is what we are very thankful for. Year after year.

Shuffle Saturday: Fun in the Snow!

If you have a lot of energy from the pre-game excitement, take it outdoors and have some fun playing your own games in the snow. Snow ball fights, snow angels, snow mobiles, and sledding provide so much family fun on a weekend like this.

What do four wheelers and sleds have in common?

My husband and his siblings devise up all kind of entertaining ideas for fun or just for your look-on amusement. When you have access to a farm, you can do all sorts of things in the snow. For starters, we hook up the sleds behind the four wheelers and go for a ride. For the big kids, water skies are fun to try behind the four wheeler.

For much safer fun, Judah is not afraid to go down the sled by himself on the hill of our nearby golf course. In fact, he declares "more" to go again and again. He goes down with mommy, daddy, and Papa as Gigi takes pictures.

Some days, we just bundle up so all you can see are the eyes. We try walking in the deep drifts. Or perhaps we color the snow with sidewalk chalk or spray designs with colored water. We fill up the bird feeder for the birds and those pesky squirrels. We still manage to find sticks and rocks somehow (that make their way indoors). And all the while we observe the beauty of the white powder that blankets the earth and drops flakes on trees.

Then we come indoors for some hot chocolate with marshmallows. We warm up on the couch and curl up with a good book such as Millions of Snowflakes by Mary Siddals or Snow Day by Ezra Keats. We fall asleep for nap time and dream about snow.

Food Friday: The Thanksgiving of Junk Food--Superbowl Sunday!

For the last month, we here at Mommy's Recess shared some of our favorite junk food recipes, just in time for the big game.

In case you missed it, we shared:

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Sloppy Joes or Sloppy Jacks

Taco Soup

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

And how to possibly score FREE pizza for the Big Game!


Now, if that wasn't enough, we even shared how to decorate on a budget and fun games to play during the game.

Feel free to throw in some baked potato skins and hot wings and you're good to go. Enjoy the game, the commercials and friends. And please, if you do plan on having adult beverages, celebrate responsibly.


*Just a small tip. While shopping for all of the ingredients to make these dishes for your guests, be sure to buy extra toilet paper. That's one thing you don't want to run out of. Also, you might want to review our post about  Keeping the Dishwasher Clean.

Go Packers!

Toy Thursday: Make a Joyful Noise!

Xylophone, drums, tambourine, maracas...it is a battle of the bands here at our house. Judah loves anything to do with music or making music. We sit and drum with wooden spoons all day on mommy's pans. We shake a bottle full of rice. We beat sticks and bang lids. We even play the piano at Grandma's house with the high and low notes. Should we hear music we stop to shake, rattle, and roll.

Judah enjoys music so much that I signed him up for music classes. Once a week we meet kids his age through a program called Kindermusik. We learn about all sorts of rhythmic movement, sounds, and instruments. At home, we reinforce what we learn by listening to songs, playing on instruments, and dancing. Even at church, you will find us worshiping with our maracas.

Music is such an important asset to child development. A child gains skills as a result of music in their life. Music enhances language and reading skills, understanding and reasoning, social networking, and a world full of creativity and diversity that prepares them for life. At the very least, you are instilling a life-long love of music.

This week, inspire your child with music. Perhaps you can practice playing on an instrument. Maybe you could dance to an unfamiliar beat. Or you could discuss music by making an instrument. All these ideas teach us that music is all around us.

• For a homemade kazoo, take a recycled paper towel roll and rubber band wax paper over one end. Put the other end to your mouth and hum a kazoo sound.
• You can easily make a homemade shaker by taking a clear bottle with a tight lid, adding dried beans or rice inside for desired sounds.
• Combine two paper plates together and sew together with yarn through holes. Add some dried rice for a shaker or hang some bells for a tambourine.
• Stainless steel lids make great cymbals clanging together.
  
• Use wooden spoons as rhythm sticks or as drum sticks on different sized containers for added effects.
• Make a stringed instrument by striking rubber bands across a peg board.
  

Have fun making a joyful noise!

Wash Wednesday: That Stuck On Honey

Have you ever avoided making a dish because it calls for honey or Karo syrup? Here's a tip to help to so you're not stuck trying to clean up the mess.

Spray your glass or plastic measuring dish with cooking spray. Yes, it's that simple. By spraying your measuring tools you'll avoid a sticky, icky mess for clean up. I know what you're thinking. Why didn't I think of that. I said the same thing.

Try this tip and share it with friends!

Tip Tuesday: Breastfeeding Babies!

Talking to my friends with new babies recently has brought back memories of breastfeeding Judah. Not that I am very experienced but that trying time sure taught me a few things about trial, error, and lots of patience along the way, enough to pass onto others.

Judah did not start out breastfeeding very well and of course the struggle with recovering from my C-Section did not help. In spite of my hopes and best efforts put forth, Judah's fed from a bottle the few days of his life. Thankfully an extra day in the hospital resulted in my milk coming in as I went home. Otherwise, attempts of feeding by then would have been that much more hard.

Judah finally settled into breastfeeding but only with a plastic shield since it was like the bottle he was used to. How embarrassing for trying to feed in public. When needed, I would pump during the night to so that Grandma could do a feeding and I could sleep. I almost gave up after four long months of feedings with the plastic shield until finally one day, Judah discovered on his own he would get a lot more without it.

Feedings suddenly got a whole lot easier. And I actually started to enjoy breastfeeding at times, especially the special bond with my child.

And now all those moments of frustration can help encourage a new mom who might be going through a hard time as well.

Perhaps what helped me the most was asking for help. The lactation nurses in the hospital helped me feel comfortable with the basics. They sent me home with an established routine plan and a phone number for any additional questions. Every few weeks, I would attend the Mommy N' Me Breastfeeding class at the hospital. There the same lactation nurses were on hand to assist with tips and answer questions. Weighing in my child before and after eased my fears of him not getting enough to eat. And having other moms nearby made me feel less alone with the unknown. This support system encouraged me to keep going and not feel ashamed.

Next, the right tools made a difference in my experience. Invest in quality nursing bras soon after your milk comes in (you never know beforehand what size to plan). Make sure they fit right, aiding in extra support to carry the extra weight. My back hurt so bad at first that it did make a difference what bras I wore. Invest in appealing, comfortable nursing clothes and blankets as they fit your needs. Judah never nursed very well in public, making a nursing cover a must needed tool. You already feel fat and tired, so pamper yourself with some new clothes. A Boppy certainly helped cradle and hold the baby but next time I would use a similar device that Velcros around your stomach (then it goes above incision). Also, research a breast pump that fits your desired needs. Personally, I bought a Swing Medela Pump to use after my milk supply decreased in the first few weeks since I was not going back to work. For the first two weeks, we rented a double Medela to help with the increase milk production. We bought the bottles new and were able to use them with the used machine. Also, wait to invest in bottles until you see what the lactation nurses recommend as various styles work differently. The baby will also tell you what kind of bottles it needs depending on its needs and preferences.

Finally, taking care of yourself is so crucial. I remember as a new mom, I felt that I needed to have things back to normal as soon as possible. Well, I soon learned that breastfeeding exerts a lot of energy that in turn requires a healthy diet, rest, and lots of water. If you have problems with producing milk, then try to eat oatmeal. Keep taking your prenatal vitamins. Make sure to sleep when baby sleeps (it is encouraged). And lastly, do not be afraid to ask your doctor, pharmacist, and lactation nurse about other drugs that might express themselves in your milk supply.

The bottom line is do not go this alone if you experience problems or frustration. Breastfeeding can be intimidating for a new mom bringing on all sorts of joy, fear, shame, and discouragement. At one time or another, we have all been there and so we can encourage each other along the way. Hang in there and do not give up.

PS. Our own Sarah Bowman is part of the Leche League if you have any further questions.