Toy Thursday: What is This Toy?

Vroom....putt putt....zoom...beep beep...shriek...As I was giving birth to my son, he was practically making motor sounds on his way out. Here I thought I would have to teach him how to make car noises. Instead he surprised me one day by imitating vehicle sounds on his own. How did he know how to do that, I wondered? Were these noises already programmed into my son?

My son also showed me how flip all his trikes and bikes to spin wheels. We went through a phase where all his cars were turned upside down to observe wheels rotating...even more than riding them. At our house we wear finger paint and dirt. Our games solely consist of running, chasing, hiding, bouncing, crashing, drumming, driving, screaming, and dancing to this day. We talk about poop and laugh over farts. Yes, my son is a 100 percent boy!

I have a friend that has two little girls and a boy on the way (she is in for it). The pink, frilly toys that litter her house are still foreign to me. The girls play house, do makeup, and where finger nail polish. The girls feature little purses and model their princess dresses and frizzy tu-tus.

Have you ever noticed gender differences during play? This same friend and I compare notes, often laughing when we trade play dates at each other's house. At her house, the plastic pink hair dryer becomes a drill for my son to fix things. At our house, we play ball and drum to music. At her house, a box is a house. At our house, a box is a fort or an airplane.

Even around our house, objects become something related to Judah's gender specific imagination. The pasta spoon is no longer a spoon but a drum stick or even a rake to rake the garden. Cups become blocks to stack or sand box toys for scooping. Pots and pans are cymbals to bang loudly.

What is even more clever is often times kids combine their imaginations. When I was younger my friend and I dressed up to play "Laura Ingalls Wilder" on the prairie. My younger brothers refused to be seen in girls clothes (even though I am sure I dressed them up as an older sister). Soon the boys became the leaders of the wagon train who had to fend off Indians and water down horses in their cowboys boots and hats.

The important thing is that kids are imaginative. Encourage their creativity and fun together. You will be surprised how well they mimic reality.

Wash Wednesday: You've GOT to be Kidding Me

So I'm in the process of sending my oldest to kindergarten this fall (how? when? wha?) and pricing clothes for him.

I'm discouraged at what I've been finding. Really? Why would anyone buy, much less make dry clean only kids clothes? My kids get messy with a glass of water. I know my kids don't look like the ones in the photographs at Children's Place...then again, I'd never pay $70 for a pair of jeans for my kid. I love my kids but at the rate they're growing, they might not fit into the jeans when we get home.

That's why I've fallen in love with my local consignment stores. I can usually find some great deals (they even have a dollar bin) and I don't get too bent out of shape if they decide to color their "new" shirt, turning it into a play shirt or night shirt.

But dry cleaning for kids clothes? Not my boys. I believe I still have a suit that is crumpled up in a "to be dry cleaned" bag from my political days. That would mean "before kids". Yeah, there's NO way I'm buying dry clean only clothes for my boys.

Tip Tuesday: Storing Your Glassware!

I know I have a lot of glassware. I guess when I got married, I, in my dreamy state of mind, I was excited about all those parties I was going to have and the glasses I would need for my guests. Well five years and one kid later, I still have the glasses but have not hosted as many parties I was hoping....holiday parties, professional parties, campaign gatherings.

Thankfully, my cupboards in my small town home allow lots of storage space. The cupboards themselves actually reach up to the ceiling making great storage but difficult access for a short person. I have my stool though as well as a tall husband to reach those items stored at the top that I do not need or use as often.

I do put the everyday dishes right above the dishwasher...plates, mismatched glasses and mugs, and bowls. So when special company comes or I have absolutely no other clean glasses, we dig out the special stemware from the storage cupboard (by storage cupboard I mean harder to access).

One of these days, Sarah came over and reaching for a glass, she opened this cupboard to exclaim, "Holy Tip Tuesday, Batman." Thus came time to share my insane and compulsive excitement for storage solutions.

While I do not like to use these glasses everyday, I vowed that they would be accessible enough to have when needed. I did not want to take glasses (or other dishes for that matter) out of boxes, digging around the back of the shelf for the one item needed, and then repacking the boxes back into the cupoard. Can you imagine me kneeling on the counter, trying to reach out some item way up on the top shelf?

Instead, I bought some stemware racks to hang my glasses upside down. This allows more storage in my cupboard (and little kitchen) and keeps the glasses dust free at the same time. I can add more glasses upright on the open shelf space. I also have my beverage napkins, pitchers, and ice bucket stored inside as well.

So when I do have a party (even if it is not as fancy as I had originally dreamed), my glasses are ready and waiting! You need to just come over sometime and I will gladly open the cupboard. The proud part of my ego wishes that the cupboard doors were glass themselves to show off my idea.

Now my next move is to put some hooks under the cupboards to hang some of my decorative mugs for company. This will make some much needed room for all those toddler cups.

Make Monday: Creating a Flower Garden!

Over spring break, Judah and I went to the local botanical gardens for some fun activities celebrating spring time. While we were there, we made a rainbow garden ourselves with paper. What fun to talk about the different textures and colors as we created flowers and grass. Even though we squished it on the way home, Judah was excited about his garden for days afterward.

Making this garden allowed imaginative play with Judah. Kids of preschool and elementary age will have fun with endless possibilities of creating flowers in various colors and textured paper. Add some pipe cleaners and grass for a complete flower garden sample. And watch the flowers bloom all spring long!

Supplies you will need:

foam paper plate
green pipe cleaners
green paper for grass
colored foam board
colored tissue paper
colored and patterned baking cups
scissors
tape
pen

Creating a flower garden:

1. Make flower petals by using a number of paper techniques. Cut out flower shapes onto foam paper. Flatten muffin tin baking cups into layers for simple flowers. Use a circle and square template to cut out tissue paper pieces.

2. Attach flowers petals to green pipe cleaners by using tape or bending the end of the pipe cleaner. Tape your foam flower to the pipe cleaner. Punch a hole into the middle of the baking cups to create another flower. Seal the cups in place by bending over the pipe cleaner in the center. Layer the circle tissue paper pieces and punch a hole in the middle to slide the pipe cleaner through and bend to seal. Cinch together layered square tissue paper pieces together in the middle of the paper with the pipe cleaner for a butterfly effect.

3. Push bottom of flower stem pipe cleaner into the foam paper plate. Add a variety of flowers to the plate spreading them around. Bend the pipe cleaner stems as desired to make the flowers stand upright.

4. Add green grass to finish the garden. Use filling for Easter baskets or shred your own green paper into pieces for grass. Pat the grass around the flower stems onto the foam paper plate.

Not only will this project be fun for the kids but would make a cute spring decoration for the house this Easter. Enjoy!

Salvation Sunday: Talking to God!

Recently, Judah has shown interest in his Bible stories. He really likes the stories of Noah and Moses both when we read them and watch them on his Bible DVD. You will hear him talk about Noah and Moses quite often throughout the day.

At the table, we ask him what he wants to pray and thank God for before a meal. Judah's response is "Noah" and "Moses." Usually then our meal time prayer consists of thanking God for the Bible stories and taking care of His followers or for their example of faith and obedience.

Judah also wants to pray several times during the meal. So we stop and pray again for something we forgot. We might stop to pray for the other Bible story character we failed to mention or something related to the story itself.

The faith of a child can be so precious. My prayer and hope is that we are teaching Judah that prayer is a non-exclusive, continually available option to communicate with God.

I once heard a bizarre sermon on prayer. Basically, the speaker mentioned that God only cared for big things like salvation and redemption. Now these items are important in their own right but I always thought that speaker did not have kids. Does not the saying go, "You must have faith like a child." Mark 10:14 says, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

If a child is interested in the tiniest detail as most seem to be, then God is interested in that too no matter how small or trivial it seems to be. God appreciates when we bring things to Him, recognizing His hand in and around every detail.

Have faith like a child. My teaching Judah to pray is showing me how to talk to God....ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, and ANYTHING. Would not God rather that we prayer this way than not at all?

Philippians 4:6 quotes, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." And I Thessalonians 5:16-18 states, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

God is our friend, only a conversation and a confidant away. All we have to do is talk to Him!

Shuffle Saturday: Tools to find Activities!

This morning turned into a lazy morning with the cold, cloudy weather. However, after nap time, we hope to get out for some family time together on the town. The weekends usually are packed with opportunities at least in our area for families to participate in fun activities and even free events.

This spring it will be nice to get out of the house again and do some fun activities yourself as a family. You just need to know how to find out about what is going on in your area and what you want to do first. At our house, we start by checking out the usual places for family activities to see what is going on around town and then look for ideas in unheard of places.

Watch closely for free family sponsored events around town when you are out. Your local library, your county and state fairgrounds, your local convention center, and other event type places like museums, malls, and even public parks will advertise events. Organizations will also advertise special events as they arise. Usually you will see these marketed by posters, fliers, or displayed on bulletin boards though so you need to pay close attention.

Think out of the ordinary to look for events. Public parks will sponsor outdoor and wildlife days as well as star gazing filled evenings. Non-profits will sponsor pancake breakfasts at minimal cost. Churches hold bazaars, concerts, and carnivals. Different ethnic groups host cultural fairs. Restaurants carry live music or wine tasting events. Craft stores and university extensions hold free classes to learn new techniques and skills. Communities have firework displays, parades, and city celebrations. Look for free symphony concerts outdoors. The possibilities are endless. You really just need to decide what you want to do.

Visit web sites with calendars. Some places that have activities listed by date in a calendar format are your local visitors bureau site, state tourist site, and city site. Most people do not think to look at these sites for reasons you are not visitors or seeking state and city services. These calendars not only offer an excellent listing of upcoming events but may provide special coupon deals for nearby attractions.

For those who do not have access to these sites, call your visitors bureau or state tourism office for a complete calendar booklet of all annual events. Along with maps and pamphlets, this booklet is sent to you by mail usually no cost.

Watch your local news listings. Most television stations host a news segment on upcoming events during the weekday. And most radio stations list upcoming community events. Magazines and newspapers will have advertisements events around town.

Word of mouth. You will be surprised hearing about events by word of mouth as friends tell about special events and post them online. Some events like community wide garage sales will share information to people via Craig's List or Face book. Face book has become a tool for inviting people to events as well as causes.

There is no need to sit inside this spring. Get out and enjoy your community with your family. By keeping your eyes and ears open, you will find plenty to keep busy and have fun. You will also be surprised by what your community has to offer in the way of economical and interesting activities.

As for us, I think we will go to the Healthy Living Fair at our local convention center. We found free tickets and they are hosting children's activities. See you on the town!

Food Friday: Crock Pot Potato Soup

I always find it difficult to make meals during Lent that don't include meat. And to be honest, you can only have fish sticks or grilled cheese and tomato soup so many times. I ran across this recipe and thought I'd try it. It would be great with leftover ham or bacon tossed in as well. Just not on Friday's during Lent.

Ingredients:

• 8 large potatoes, cubed into bite sized pieces
• 1 cup chopped onion (I used minced dry onions)
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• 2 tablespoons dry parsley flakes
• 6 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup flour, mixed with water
• Bacon Salt--For meat flavor without the meat!
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Preparation:

Place potatoes, onions, butter, bouillon, parsley, and water in the slow cooker/Crock Pot and cook all day on low. 1/2 hour before serving; add milk and flour mixture. After the soup thickens, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Now it is ready to serve.
Note: 1 can evaporated milk may be substituted for the regular milk.
Serves 6 to 8.

It was SO YUMMY and filling. When I served it, I garnished it with more cheese and pepper. It would also be tasty with chives. MMMM. Almost like baked potato soup.

Potato Soup

(Thrifty!) Toy Thursday: Target's Dollar Section

Have you been to the dollar section at Target? It's my favorite (and an addiction)! I usually enter through those doors as to avoid my other addiction (Starbucks) and it usually saves me money!

We went to Target last night, you know, for milk and eggs, but walked out with A LOT more (isn't that how it always works?) things we "needed". The "dollar spot" had items on clearance. Yes, clearance on a dollar! With a birthday for our middle child (turning 2) and Easter coming up, I couldn't resist.

The dollar section has Sesame Street and our (almost) 2 year old is into EVERYTHING Elmo and Cookie Monster. So I grabbed him a few Elmo socks, colors and books. And then I found a Spongebob spelling book for big brother (age 5) which would be perfect from the Easter Bunny.

When it comes to Easter, I'd rather the Easter Bunny bring learning books and flash cards with just a little bit of candy rather than a sugar overload. They'll get plenty of candy at the Grandparent's house and school parties.

Plus the kids seem to enjoy it. I also like to get a kite for each of them to get them active and outside. We usually turn it into a family afternoon at the park with kites.

If you haven't been to the dollar spot, check it out. Stock up and start your gift spreadsheet if you haven't already.

Wash Wednesday: Dirt Magnet #2 Lamp Shades!

My mom always used to say, I could sniff out dirt, meaning I had this six sense where dirt collected. I am not always so sure about that since my house seems to be more dirty than clean these days.

However, if I do get a day that I can devote to house cleaning, I try to do a thorough job. And if I only have just a few moments before company drops in or because the kids are helping, I perform a few quick tasks that make the room appear more clean than it really is. In spite the situation, I have found that quickly wiping down the lamp shade makes a difference in making a room more pleasant.

Have you ever noticed how dust and dirt clings to a lamp shade? Color of the lamp shade does not even matter for hair and fuzz stick like magnets. And it collects dirt so fast. For whatever reason....it being on eye level...people reach for the lamp....it lightens the room...having a clean lamp seems to "brighten" the overall look of a room.

To take care of this minor but noticeable nuisance quickly, I simply run a lint roller up and down the shade. Making sure to do all sides ensures an easy solution to an overall clean living space. Then I finish off the lamp (especially if it is black) with a Swifter vacuum cloth to collect additional dust bunnies. It is that simple.

And you will be amazed at the results of a clean lamp shade. The room just looks brighter and you find yourself less embarrassed when company reaches for the lamp.

So if you have two minutes between activities, waiting for the laundry to finish, or browning meat, find your lint roller. You will feel like you gave your house a deep clean!

For more "Dirt Magnets," check out the Dirty Silverware Container!

Tip Tuesday: A Biter While Breastfeeding

Babies get teeth. It's a fact. But it doesn't mean once the teeth poke through your breastfeeding relationship has to end. You can continue to give your baby the milk that is best for them and do what is best for you!

I breastfed my oldest until he was 2.5. That may be longer than most mothers would want to nurse their children, but we had a special situation. My husband was deployed and it was a comfort thing more than a food thing for him. Daddy was gone, he didn't know why and after he turned one, it was just a nap/bedtime thing. He even used to say, "I go ni-ni nurse?"
People even asked me, "Well, since he can ask for it, don't you think he's too old?"
I would respond, "He can also ask for a hug now. Should I stop hugging him?"

That would make them be quiet. But yes, a 2.5 year old has teeth. My 8 month old has two bottom teeth and is getting FOUR top teeth...all at the same time. And he bites. Do I plan to stop nursing? Heck no.

So how do you handle a biter? Well, I've found the best way to do it is to tap them on the nose and firmly say, "NO!" Let them nurse again and if they bite again, take them off of the breast. If they're hungry enough, they'll learn this is not a game and stop biting. After about 30 seconds, put the baby back to the breast. If they bite again, tap the nose and say "No". If they bite one more time, take them off of the breast and put them in the crib to let them know you're business.

The baby will learn soon enough that biting = no nursing and they will quit soon enough. It may take a few times but they will learn. Just because your child gets teeth doesn't mean they should stop benefiting from breastfeeding. The longer you breastfeed the more you benefit as well.

Don't sell your child and yourself short because of a little pain. It is worth it. No one said doing what's best for your child is easy. But it is worth it. 

Make Monday: Making Messes!

Have you ever had one of those days where it seems like you barely keep up with your child? Judah is like that today and frankly I am exhausted....and I only have one!

You know what I am talking about. Before you can clean up one mess, the kid is already making a new mess with and in something else. These are the days I just want to lock myself in the bathroom, really.

Barely five years old, I remember my one year old brother to this day climbing onto the kitchen table, dumping out the salt and pepper. He sat on the table (where I found him) shaking the salt and pepper all over himself, the table, and the floor. Not sure if I found him first (I think so) but I recall my mom coming over with a surprised, maybe a little annoyed, look on her face. She took him off the table and let him climb all over the vacuum cleaner while she proceeded to clean up.

This morning, Judah found the table as well. He pulled off the table cloth and then one by one took all the napkins out of the holder. This is while I was still wiping up splattered yogurt off the floor from him throwing his spoons (yes, he had to have one for each hand and a big one too) at breakfast.

I did not have time to clean that up before we made our way upstairs to get dressed. While I got out his clothes, he wanted to get out the puzzles and his felt board shapes which of course were dumped all over the floor. From there the books came down one by one as Judah surrounded himself with a reading pile.

Later, we got the crayons out to color at the table. Instead the colors were thrown across the floor and after making him pick them up, he made his way behind the couch to tear and eat the big card board box. The crayons only added to the mess of colored Easter eggs we already played with in the living room plus all the usual toys strewn across the carpet floor.

Later that evening with Dad, Judah knocked over the trash can, spilling out all its contents. Even as Dad cleaned up the mess on the kitchen floor, Judah was into the cupboard pulling out the lids to play with.

I suppose like my mom, all we can do is encourage exploration and teach them to help you clean up. They say to enjoy these days as they go fast. Sometimes a day like today cannot go fast enough. Thank God for nap time as nap time was invented to help moms sanity.

At any rate, it was a busy morning. At least we are both safe and sound. To find out what else kids do when mom is not looking, take a minute to laugh your way through, That is Not a Toy!

From one mom to another, I hope you survive the messes of the day! It will only be for a season after all. At least that is what I tell myself.

Salvation Sunday: The Wait!

So many of my friends and neighbors are having their second or third baby. I am so happy and excited for them, looking forward to waiting with them through all the anxiousness of the new arrival.

I remember those days of pregnancy. The joy of meeting a new person....wondering what they will be like...dreaming what they will look like. Having a baby is a happy time for a family, especially for first time mothers.

Planning for Judah's birth was lots of fun. Days prior to his birth were filled with baby showers, new maternity clothes, registering for baby items, setting up the nursery, filling out the baby calendar, attending birthing classes, and even preparing for the hospital visit.

I also remember the pitfalls of pregnancy...do not eat this...careful to do that...uncomfortable pains and aches...insomnia...food cravings.....feelings of being fat....crying over anything....nausea...throwing up....overwhelming thoughts of motherhood...that moment when you realize you cannot go back...hospital and delivery insecurities...the list goes on.

It was recently when I was with neighbor friend that it struck me. We spend so much time preparing and anticipating a new child. Our whole worlds turn upside down to focus on bringing this new life into the world. We should really be living this way for the most important birth of all: Jesus Christ!

Once we are saved as Christians, accepting the Lord's birth, life, death, and resurrection, our whole world turns upside down. From that moment on, we wait with anticipation for the big day of his arrival to earth again.

Our wait consists of joys of life as we prepare the rooms in our hearts and build up His Kingdom. We watch what we intake in life, eating only healthy habits and feeding on positive morals. We make time to fellowship with other believers, making sure everything is strong. We read about Christ in the Bible filling our minds with His words. We pray and serve others as well.

Our wait experiences pitfalls too. We struggle against the pains and sicknesses of life. We intake unhealthy evils. We feel despondent, weak, and emotionally spent. We do not tend to the process of waiting.

II Corinthians 4:18 says, "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."

We do know that one day the big day will come. Our Savior will return again. Are we ready?

Shuffle Saturday: Respecting Others

Yes, this is where I get on my soapbox. This week I experienced and viewed a lot of disrespect from others. What is wrong with people these days? When did respect for others go out the window?

The first example of this was when I was informed that a friends "Save the Barn" sign had been defaced. They took green spray paint and painted over the "N" so that it said "Save the Bar" and over the website, it said "Happy St. Pat's". Like I've said before, I value free speech. I will defend my right to free speech as well as others right. However, free speech means you have the right to say what you want. Infringing on others free speech (by defacing signs) is NOT an example of free speech. That is flat out vandalism. That is disrespecting others.

On St. Patrick's Day, my dad came to visit and we ventured downtown to watch the parade. I had never had the opportunity to see the parade in the 9 years I've lived in Des Moines because I had always been working, so I was excited too.

Dad came over and we loaded up all three boys in the van and were on our way. We were lucky enough to find a parking spot and after feeding the meter and loading up the double stroller, we were on our way.

We walked to where the parade route was and waited for the police to close the street so we could get up front so Liam could get candy (as this is what is important to a preschooler at a parade). The street was packed with people watching the parade, joining in the festivities that is St. Patrick's Day. I noticed two very large women, each with a empty grocery bag. I looked around but didn't see any children with them. Strange, I thought.

The parade began and then I saw what these women were doing. They were taking turns gathering candy. Yes, grown women gathering candy from children at the parade. While one was getting candy, blocking out the children with her girth, the other was sitting on the metal folding chair they had brought smoking a cigarette. I'm not kidding. They had to have smoked a pack between the two of them. When one was finished smoking, she'd get up and trade places with the other.

Now, the parade route is surrounded with children. And yes, I understand it is outdoors and in a public place. But come on. First of all, do you really need that candy? No. I'm sure your doctor would agree with me. Secondly, do you need to smoke around small children? No.

Every time they would light up, I would move further away from them, giving them a disapproving glance. Children are present. Their perfect little pink lungs are being effected by her choice to smoke. My children who are enjoying a public parade shouldn't have to be subjected by someone else's choice to smoke. If you want to smoke, fine. But don't do it around my children.

If you don't believe me, I snapped a picture. I think people should be more respectful of others. They didn't need the two full bags of candy. More importantly, they didn't need to smoke around so many children. Think of others. That's all I ask.

Food Friday: Shepherd's Pie

This dish requires minimal prep work and utilizes many ingredients that you are likely to have on hand on any given day. It is a hearty, healthy meal and can easily feed four adults.

Ingredients

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves fresh garlic
  
• 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
  
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 lb bag frozen vegetables
  
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• Lawry's Seasoned Salt, salt and pepper to taste
• Dried parsley leaves
  

Directions

1. Mash potatoes in whatever fashion you are accustomed. I use a special microwave cooker from Pampered Chef - fast and easy. Mix in butter and two pressed cloves of garlic; set aside.
2. Cook ground beef until well browned with the dried onion flakes. Pour off excess fat, and set aside.
3. While ground beef is cooking, steam the frozen vegetables in a Ziploc "Zip and Steam" bag in the microwave. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
4. Spread the ground beef in an even layer on the bottom of a casserole dish. Cover with 3/4 of the shredded cheddar cheese. Layer steamed vegetables on top of the meat and cheese at an even depth and season to taste with Lawry's Seasoned Salt, salt and pepper. Top with the mashed potato mixture. Use a large spoon to create peaks in the mashed potato for a polished look when the dish is complete. Sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese and finish with dried parsley leaves.
   
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until browning begins. To darken the tips of the mashed potato peaks, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
   

Toy Thursday: Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Seeing as today is a holiday--or at least it is in our house, I'm hijacking today's toy post to focus on fun St. Patrick's Day events and ideas for your and your kids.

Our boys are Liam, Sean and Brendan...so yes, we're Irish. My boys had Lucky Charms for breakfast but if you don't have any, you can always mix a little green food coloring in their oatmeal to give it the Irish feel.

For lunch, make a potato soup. It will be a hearty meal to keep them warm while they watch the parade in your town (if you have one). Before you head out for the day's festivities, prepare the Crock pot Corned Beef and Cabbage and your Irish dinner will be ready for you when you return.

You can also set up a scavenger hunt for the kids with a Pot O' Gold at the end of a rainbow. Have the kids paint shamrocks and make St. Patrick's Day cards for family and friends.

A fun family project that everyone can enjoy is to visit www.jibjab.com and make a funny card with pictures of you and your kids! I made one yesterday and the kids love it!

If you've arranged a babysitter for this evening to head out and have some green beer with friends, please remember to celebrate responsibly.

And have a blessed and fun St. Patrick's Day!

Wash Wednesday: The "Cheap" Dishwashing Detergent

Dish washing detergent is one of the things I dislike buying. It's a necessity, yes, I said necessity. While I can wash dishes the old fashioned way, thanks mom, but it is a lot easier for me to load and run the dishwasher. I need to be able to run the dishwasher while kids are napping and I'm folding laundry. Yes, I lead an interesting life.

I find that the cost of everything is going up. And dish washing detergent is no exception. Even with the use of coupons, the cascade packets that I like to use are getting WAY too expensive. So, with a little experimentation due to budget constraints, I bought the Hy-Vee brand powder form. It was a lot cheaper than the brand name gel packs...even after I included the discount the coupon was going to give me.

And I was shocked and amazed. The power "cheap" detergent was doing a MUCH better job of cleaning my dishes than the expensive gel packs and even "power balls" were doing.

A little experimentation isn't a bad thing. Especially if it can save you money and time (from having to pre wash dishes) in the long run!

Tip Tuesday: Traveling with Lists and Coupons!

Ever find yourself buried in Post-It notes with grocery lists written on them? Or do you feel overwhelmed by the enormous amount of perk cards and coupons in your purse? Lose your handwritten list? Realized you left your list at home? Buried in receipts as they float in your purse?

If you feel like this, read on. I certainly have felt this way lately...forgetful...unprepared to make a grocery run.

I decided it was time to implement a few organizational tips toward my bursting wallet and floating papers in my purse, modifying my shopping strategy to be more efficient and proactive.

Several years ago, I took a small, hand held three ring binder with plastic business card cover sheets. I turned this binder into an organizer for coupons, cards, and miscellaneous papers like receipts and grocery lists. The binder would keep the items nice and flat while also making them portable so you actually remember to use them.

It works if I use it. I update it periodically with my coupons. I have my reward cards, library cards, gift cards, and important cards sorted accordingly. I can keep the small binder in my car or my purse for easy access. Then if my husband or I run an impromptu errand or make restaurant stop, we take a quick peek inside for a coupon. It is that simple.

I showed this to one of our readers a few years back as well. She had a drawer full of this kind of miscellaneous, important, but not sure what do with, papers that you need for the road. And she had an empty small binder. We put it together. Realizing what she had available, she put it in her purse, and started using it right away, thus saving time and money.

This binder keeps all sorts of cards, documents, and papers....Library cards, reward cards, punch cards, credit cards we do not use very often, coupons, cash for emergencies, and even personal documents as their transported. These typically are small enough to fit in the plastic business card pockets thus protecting the item and allowing quick viewing and easy access. Bigger items fit in the front of the binder. And believe it or not, they make a pocket for cash that will fit in your tiny binder (just go to an office store).

So if you are feeling overwhelmed with these papers or if your purse is, try organizing them in a binder for a while. Modify this idea to make it work for your particular needs. Some people like file folders instead.

Being proactive will save you time and money...and give you a better piece of mind...Just saying...

Make Monday: Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage

Usually we save food for "Food Friday" but since St. Patrick's Day is coming up on Thursday, I wanted to share my recipe for corned beef and cabbage.

Peel 8 potatoes and put them in the bottom of the (sprayed with cooking spray) crock pot.

Peel 6 carrots (snap them in half) and finish lining the bottom of the crock pot.

Put your packaged corned beef on top (with all of the juices and spice packet that comes with it).

Pour a bottle of Guinness and 2 cups of water in the crock pot. If you don't have Guinness (don't have Guinness? What kind of Irish are you?) any beer will do.

Set your crock pot on low and let it cook all day. 

One to two  hours before serving, cut up a head of cabbage and put on top (cabbage will cook down quickly so I always do this last).

And there you have it. A great Irish dish. The corned beef is great as reubens for left overs.  YUM!

Salvation Sunday: Praying for Japan

Watching the events unfold in Japan have touched me personally. In college at Iowa State, I had a roommate named Maiko from Japan. Maiko was at ISU studying English because her dream was to work with handicapped children and allow them to swim with dolphins, inspired by a movie she saw as a child.

She grew up just outside of Tokyo and while her English wasn't great, it was better than my Japanese, that's for sure. I could count to ten and say "Hello." That's it. I still remember taking Maiko "home" to Glidden, where I grew up. She couldn't believe all of the open space in Iowa. I took her to see some Texas Longhorn cattle that a friend of ours had on their farm and she was in awe. She couldn't stop laughing that one cow was pooping on her calf...lol.

We visited the local "Dairy Mart", complete with NASCAR flags and ice cream posters. She said, "This is like real American cafe!" We introduced my parents to Japanese cuisine (she made sushi) and I always think of her when I look at the moon. We had told her about "the man in the moon" and she said "No, the rabbit." If you turn your head sideways, there is a rabbit in the moon!

Having a roommate from Japan, I had to ask about WWII. After all, my Grandfather fought in the South Pacific. I found out that hers did too. And there we were, granddaughters of enemies, living together. 

We lost touch after she returned to Japan and I graduated, but I found myself thinking of her often. After the tragedy struck, I contacted my other roommates and we were able to reach her.

She lives near her parents and they are staying there. She is fine, just scared. Even though I haven't heard from her in some time, she was excited to hear from me (and wants us to visit Japan...maybe not in the near future, but soon).

While it may seem a million miles away, we are all connected. So I ask of you, pray for those in Japan, even if you don't know anyone there. We are blessed, in Iowa, not to have to know what it's like to hold your child while the Earth moves or what it's like to scoop up your children and run from a wall of water raging towards your home.

The power of prayers are stronger than any earthquake or Tsunami. Pray.

Let's Rejoice

 

 

Shuffle Saturday: 5000 Times Over!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, Mommy's Recess surpassed over 5000 plus hits from readers like you. Can you believe two moms among dirty diapers, errands, and chores try to maintain a daily blog post?

I find it hard to believe we have made it this far but here we are about 150 posts later, still writing. Of course some days we finish posting before 9:00am because our kids helped wake us up before daylight. Other days we are having so much fun (or busy) being moms that we barely remember to complete our post before falling asleep. And some days we play chicken to see who writes first.

What a journey it has been with a spectrum of colorful topics from serious moments like depression to great ideas with indoor sand boxes. The topic of choice is in fact for moms, by moms, and to moms. We are here to ENCOURAGE, EDIFY, and EMPOWER each other starting between Sarah and myself.

In our initial post, titled Recess Time, we share how our mission came from a notebook of ideas written by another mom to help us through the transition into motherhood. The notebook of ideas became our moment to stop and reenergize during the recess of life.

Do not forget that each day is designated with a specific thought, a tip, or some crazy laughs. On Mondays, we share how to make something or "make a difference" in the lives of others. Tuesday becomes a free day with tips. Wash Wednesday assumes our favorite house cleaning ideas (that either get done because we have to post or cause us to day dream as we write our posts). Toy Thursday's posts specialize in toy topics and reviews. Friday is food day for those who need new recipes, which we all seem to need. Shuffle Saturday deals with topics on how busy lives can be for moms juggling kids, house, husband, and perhaps even work. And Sunday is a day of salvation with a short devotional.

So if you are a recent follower, we ask you to continue to join us in our journey through motherhood. If you have been with us since the beginning, then we ask you to pass on your ideas to another mom. After all, moms need each other!

Food Friday: Spaghetti Pie!

One of my favorite foods my Grandma always made growing up that she passed onto us is Spaghetti Pie. This recipe is one of those comfort foods that is just so good to eat.

Usually if I boil pasta (spaghetti noodles) early in the week for a meal, I will make enough leftovers for a second meal. I use these noodles later in the week to make spaghetti pie. Add some green beans or salad with garlic bread to complete a meal.

Hot, drained boiled spaghetti noodles (7 oz uncooked)
1 cup of cottage cheese
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 egg beaten
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cooked spaghetti, cottage cheese, 2 eggs, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese. Place in greased 9 inch pie pan. Top with mixture of 1 egg and Parmesan cheese. Bake 45 to 50 minutes until top turns golden brown and slightly crusty. Serve warm in pie pan into shaped pie wedges. You may add mushroom soup or tomato sauce. This recipe holds 4 to 6 servings.

Toy Thursday: Being a Bucket Filler

Our oldest son started preschool this year. I noticed his teacher has a sign that says "Be a bucket filler" and I wasn't sure what it meant. When I made him do something he didn't want, he'd say, "You're emptying my bucket, mommy!"

I had no idea what he meant by that. One night my husband and I were having a disagreement and he came into our room and said, "You guys are dipping into each other's buckets!"

As a gift, his teacher sent home the gift for Liam to keep. I read it to him and suddenly, it all made sense.


Amazon.com describes the book as "Through simple prose and vivid illustrations, this heartwarming book encourages positive behavior as children see how rewarding it is to express daily kindness, appreciation, and love. Bucket filling and dipping are effective metaphors for understanding the effects of our actions and words on the well being of others and ourselves."

Now that I know the concept, whenever Liam misbehaves, I say, "Liam, you're being a bucket dipper," and he apologizes. When he does something good, I say, "Thank you, honey, you've just filled mommy's bucket!"

"Have You Filled A Bucket Today" is a great book with an easy to understand concept for young and old. If you haven't read it, you should. And before you know it, you'll be a bucket filler.

Wash Wednesday: Dirt Magnet #1 Dirty Silverware Container!

Have you ever wondered why the silverware container and utensil drawer are always dirty? You are only putting away clean items and yet you discover crumbs at the bottom when you empty it out.

With a number of guests last week at our house, we went through a lot of silverware. Sure enough as the usable silverware was getting low, emptying out the container, I noticed a dirty bin full of crumbs and lint leftover. Usually, when this happens (with a minimal amount of clean utensils), I wash out the container. I stick my plastic white bin, that I use for everyday silverware, in the dishwasher to wash.

My "special event" silverware are placed in a velvet wooded box. Even this gets dirty and I find myself taking the lint roller to wipe it down. If you have a drawer full of serving spoons, spatulas, and miscellaneous kitchen utensils, you will notice the same effect.

Why is this? You got me. Perhaps people are in a hurry to unload the dishwasher and do not notice a piece of food dried onto the fork or knife as they unload. Or then maybe you spill some crumbs when you open the drawer on your way to the table since the other hand is full of a plate of food. For whatever reason, this is certainly disgusting! Yuck!

This is why I try to keep up on cleaning out my drawers and containers periodically. Just think these crumbs could be going into your mouth but thankfully fall out in the "putting away" process.

With any new set of kitchen cupboards, I line the bottom with either contact paper or cupboard liners. The contact paper is good for a permanent kitchen situation to wipe down. The liners can also be cut to the size of the shelf to protect the wood and hide the crumbs that fall from the dishes. Tack the liners down with thumb tacks and remove to shake out the crumbs and wipe down the shelf.

Use water proof and rust resistant containers and organizers for easy cleaning. Most of these items are dishwasher safe. Wipe them down when you notice a shortage of the item it holds, making clean up minimal.

And above all else, be careful of putting away dirty dishes. Establish a communication system for "done" and "undone" cycles on the dishwasher so your loved ones do not unload dirty dishes. Wipe down the inside and outside (which has a lot of food and germs from hands) of cupboards and kitchen shelves periodically, being sure to get all cracks and crevices.

You will be surprised what you find inside your kitchen cupboards. Good luck attacking this dirt magnet!

Tip Tuesday: WOOT OFF!! Save for future gifts!

In case you didn't know Woot.com is a great website to get amazing deals. Usually it is one deal a day until it is gone (or midnight). Occasionally they offer a "woot off". One item until it sells out...and then a new item.

During woot off's they will offer the ever so rare BOC (Bag o' Crap). You pay $3-plus $5 for shipping for "three" items. If you're lucky enough to get one (usually it causes the servers to crash) it is worth it. We scored two last year and got some really great items. Some we used as a gag gift (like the "High School Musical" Alarm Clock that we gave to my husband's co-worker who was always late for work) and some we gave as gifts. We even got a Disney Princess set! Now, as you know, I have all boys so we donated the girlie toys to Toys for Tots at Christmas! We even got a air purifier! That itself is worth more than the $8 total.

In order to keep things organized, I have a "gift spreadsheet". (Yes, I know. Nerd.) I buy things after holidays (Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July) and out of season. I then keep a spreadsheet of what I have, who it is intended for and what holiday. If it is an item that could go to anyone, I still add it to the spreadsheet for those days when I'm informed, "Mommy! (Insert kid name here) invited me to his/her birthday party. It's today! I forgot to give you the invitation last week."

The spreadsheet has saved us (more than once) and it's nice to have a "gift stash". Buy when items are on sale, stay organized and save money!

Granted, you may not need a screaming monkey, but my boys love theirs. Santa even brought them each one in their stocking this year!

They are having a woot off right now! Get over there and see what you can snag. Kids Woot is also doing the woot off. What are you doing still reading this? Get over there and soon you'll be saying "WOOT!" with all of the money you'll save!

Make Monday: Making Friends!

I have been thinking about what it means to be a friend lately. Perhaps it has been on my mind since it seems like so many people in my world need a friend....someone to talk to...lend a hand...offer encouragement...or simply hang out with. We all need friends.

In today's society, it seems like people put on masks. I am your friend only if you do this. I am your friend because. I am your friend for now. I am your friend but. I am your friend as long as.

Do we really stop to get to know people? Do we really take time to foster friendships?

True friendship is developed through "thick and think." You will know your friends by what happens at the end of the day. They still love you despite your faults. They are still there when you return. They keep you accountable. They make you laugh and cry. They keep you honest.

I remember when I was moving on from my college job into the real world. Saying goodbye to some dear friends made the move more difficult in the apparent loss of friendships. One coworker who was like my grandma reminded me that there is a season for everything. In her wisdom, she told me that God would fill the void with a new friendship in my new life, just for the next season.

How true. I look back on my friendships realizing the seasons of life brought different friendships. Each friend was in my life at just the right time. God was faithful once again.

I love making new friends. It seems like God has gifted me with meeting people. For some reason, it is easy to go up to someone and start talking (if I need to). Sometimes though I struggle with maintaining those friendships and strengthening the trust and communication aspect. That is what I need to work on.

Today was a super busy day for me volunteering at an event at my church. It was one of those instances where your two worlds collide. I saw old friends and made some new ones. What joy it is to have friends. I hope I can be that friend as well to others.

Salvation Sunday: "The End Of The World (As We Know It)...And I Feel Fine"

"And so you must be vigilant, because you do not know the day or the hour."

According to a Christian group at ebiblefellowship.com they claim to know that Judgement Day will be May 21, 2011 and the end of the world will be October 21, 2011. 


Interesting. This may sound silly, but the old Mayan date of December 21, 2012 and Nostradamus' predictions always stuck with me. Ever since I was a kid and Robert Stack told me about it on "Unsolved Mysteries", I always kind of thought that it might be true. 


And then I am reminded of Matthew 25:13 "And so you must be vigilant, because you do not know the day or the hour."

So if this Christian group is claiming they know, do they not follow the words of Christ? 

I actually had to laugh at a documentary I saw once that had people buying crazy items, stacking up a lot of debt and enjoying their "last days" because they believed the world would end December 21, 2012. The payments on all of their items won't come due until January 1, 2013. I don't think that's a financial plan I would like to follow.


But this particular Christian group who claims, due to dates in the Bible that they can predict that the world will end this year, are putting all of their eggs in one basket (if you ask me).


First, they are not following the word of Christ Jesus who said "And so you must be vigilant, because you do not know the day or the hour." I'm also amused that they state that we "have time to save ourselves", that way, on May 22, they can say "we appeased the Lord and saved ourselves" even though the date had passed. 


I don't take stock in groups who claim they know the date. I believe in the Bible. "And so you must be vigilant, because you do not know the day or the hour."

You won't find me hiding on May 21. Besides, it's a Saturday. I would think God would want to end the world on a Monday. Seems appropriate. "Someone's got a case of the Rapture," could be a new catch phrase.

Shuffle Saturday: The One Car Experiment!

I do not know if I would call having one working car an experiment, but more a necessity these days. Sadly, the engine finally busted on our car that did survive a lot of miles and trials.The Dodge Stratus I had since college finally died a few weeks ago leaving us with only our Ford Escape.

We should probably suck it up and buy another vehicle for my husband to drive to work. Even a beater would do the trick. I also tease my husband about biking to work or taking the bus. Like most though we dread car payments instead deciding to save some money first for a while.

This means our family is down to ONE car. You guessed the challenges this presents on our daily routine not to mention the looks we get from people when we say we are down to one car. I am hear to tell you that it can be done. And you will be surprised how many people are in the same situation.

With a little shuffling of the schedule, some help from others, and a whole lot of communication, we have survived the last few weeks with only ONE CAR.

Last week's schedule was the most challenging and the busiest thus far. Wednesday started by getting ready in the morning to take daddy to work before 8:00am just so we could have the car for the day. After dropping off daddy, Judah and I went to music class. From there we had to drive across town for a dentist appointment. This brought us up to lunch where we doubled up grocery shopping and lunch at the local grocery store deli. We managed to make it over to the church for two meetings back-to-back. Finally, Judah fell asleep for a late nap on the way home. I hurried to make a dinner for a friend and when Judah woke up, we got back in the car to run it over to their house.

Yesterday, was very similar. Get ready to take daddy to a meeting. From there run him over to the office and drop him off. Go downtown for story time at the local library and then back to pick daddy up before lunch. Daddy drives us home for lunch before his next meeting. Yes, a lot of run around.

We could not do this without some down days at home. Having no car also makes a good excuse to say no if we need to. In addition, we have be more efficient about writing down our grocery lists and using what we already have at home instead of making a last minute trip to the store.

The warmer weather helps too. We do not have to rely on outside activities for recreation.We can play more outside, ride the nearby bike trail, and go to the neighbors for eggs or a play date.

On the days we are out, we need to plan our schedule and communicate with each other on the day's calendar. Usually we take daddy to work and run our errands or participate in our activities during the morning before picking dad up for lunch at home.

We also save gas and save money (indirectly with less trips to the store). We have more room in garage for play and storage.

If you plan this out right, there are some benefits to not having an extra car. Not sure how long we can make this work as there are some disadvantages and extra challenges. It is what we have to do right now though, so we just have to make it work.

Since I have access to the car this afternoon, I better use it to run some errands! See you later.

Food Friday: Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza

It's an easy, quick and tasty change from the normal Friday night pizza.

If you find yourself with some leftovers from Crockpot Chicken from earlier in the week, this is a great way to clean out the fridge AND add a bit of spice (if you like spice, that is).

Just take 1/3 of a stick of butter and melt it in the microwave. Add Frank's Red Hot Sauce (or other hot sauce that you prefer) to the melted butter. DO NOT microwave the hot sauce. It will smell up the house and make every one's eyes water.

Let the shredded chicken from Crockpot chicken soak in the butter/hot sauce mix and absorb the flavors. Meanwhile, mix together your favorite crust (from dough or pre-made), add your sauce, cheese and then the chicken. Drizzle the remaining sauce (if you prefer--and if there is any) over the top of the cheese. Bake and enjoy!

We had this a few weeks ago and thought it was better than delivery. It's not delivery---it's a Mommy's Recess Food Friday!!

Toy Thursday: I Bathe With Aquaman (And Other Confessions from a Mom of Boys)

I've considered writing a book about raising boys. It wouldn't be a "how to" book, more like a "this is what to expect" or "yes, my kids did that too" kind of book. Something mothers of boys could read and laugh at. Something, when they feel like they want to pull their hair out, that says, "I survived and you can too."

When we found out our oldest son was going to have a brother at the ultrasound, the oh so common question kept coming up. "Are you going to try for a girl?" My response was polite "Oh, we don't know (insert smile)", for a while. But the larger I got and the more often I heard the question, my response turned to, "Can I birth this child first?"

Shortly after our second son was born (9 months), we found out we were expecting again. Another boy. And more of the same question. "Are you going to try for a girl?" My response changed from irritation to "you know, to be honest, I wouldn't know what to do with a girl!"

Growing up I always pictured taking my little girl to dance and cheerleading...planning her wedding (so I got a little carried away) etc. But I find I've been blessed with three boys. And I wouldn't have it any other way. After all, I finally have someone to watch baseball and football with and you can be a little more rough with boys. Now, I'm not saying there is no chance for a girl in our future...we're leaving that up to God. 

But really? I wouldn't know what to do with a girl. Sure, I could revert to my (somewhat) girlie ways. I wear makeup (daily) and dresses (occasionally) but if we have a girl, with three older brothers? She's going to be the toughest girl around.

Yes, I bathe with Aquaman. And I'm fine with that.

Wash Wednesday: Bye, Bye Soap Scum!

When our daily lives become so busy, often one of the last things to get cleaned around the house is the bathrooms. Dirty laundry piled up, loose hair strewn across the floor, toothpaste lying in the sink, trash can overflowing, and soap scum in the shower. Yes, I said it, SOAP SCUM...it is taking over your shower and mine.

If you have more than one bathroom, then one gets cleaned and the other, well, it becomes the dumping station. You know what I mean (especially if you have kids). And if you are like me, I hate to clean the showers (even over toilets). Perhaps it was the clear plastic shower door growing up that seemed to disgust me with its build up of pink soap scum....or then maybe it was those times I did clean the showers earning money at my cleaning job in college while that mucky, gray water ran down my arms and onto my clothes. Yuck! Well, for whatever reason, I absolutely hate cleaning showers.

Everyone has a tip on cleaning the bathroom. Wipe the shower down while you are in the shower. Use a specific cleaning spray so that it breaks up soap scum. Make your husband or kids do it. Among my own rules are never buy or install a shower with those doors. Nasty to clean. Pause to cringe. I am glad they invented the Black and Decker Scum Buster (personally I like the cordless one).

There is only one thing worse than a shower full of dirt....a shower curtain liner that is covered in soap scum. You will be surprised! Take a look at the bottom that stands inside the tub.

Before I was married, I lived in downtown studio loft. Yes, it was great (and convenient). The building was even restored to its 1920's look. This included the coolest claw foot tubs in the small bathrooms. Now, if you never have seen one of these, the plumbing for the shower comes through the wall and is supported by a bar that encircles the same oval of the tub, only up by the shower faucet. From this oval bar hangs a clear plastic shower curtain all the way around the tub.

Clear liners show dirt, especially becoming cloudy white. So one tip that I learned then (thanks to my landlords) that I still use to this day is too take down the shower curtain every so often and wash it through the clothes washer.

To get serious scum off, you need to soak the curtain in bleach. This is as simple as filling the washer up with hot water and bleach. Before the cycle changes to spin, open the door and leave the curtain to soak for a while. Once the bleach had a chance to work off the scum, close the lid and finish the cycle. While you are waiting for the curtain to wash, wash down the curtain rings and the curtain rod. As soon as the curtain is done, hang it back up in the bathroom to dry over the tub. Then you will be all ready for the next time someone needs to shower.

You will be surprised how much that makes the bathroom appear that much more shiny. And your guests (and maybe your kids) will be so thankful for a clean place to shower.

Now that you have taken care of the curtain, do not forget to wipe down the shower ledge! Guaranteed you will find some dirt up there.

Tip Tuesday: The PROCESS of Decluttering!

Last weekend, I helped my mom go through the storage boxes in the basement to find some old toys for Judah. We scavenged, sorted, and organized boxes of stuff, stuff, and more stuff. We managed to rid of things emptying several buckets. Even Judah had fun helping wash the dirt off the toys, drying them, and playing with them.

This time of year, while still indoors, is a great time to declutter, organize, and simplify your house, one closet or cupboard at a time.

You know, sort through stuff for that spring garage sale you still have not had after three years. What else can you do while you are stuck inside when the snow falls, the winds howl, and boredom creeps all the while waiting for spring to blossom. So these last days of winter, take a day with the kids and start on one project like the bedroom closet to organize.

Here are some tips I have learned not only when I am cleaning my own house but also when I am helping my friends (when they beg me to help) declutter and simplify their lives as well.

Rule #1 Start, work, and complete ONLY one project at a time. This will make you feel like you have accomplished cleaning a closet or the kitchen cupboards. Having to stop in the middle of a big project not only leaves you discouraged and overwhelmed, the likelihood of finishing it is slim. For new organizers, start on a simple project like a closet. DO NOT start with the office.

Rule #2 Involve your kids. Kids see this as an adventure. You can explore, tell new stories, and play with new things. Kids can also help clean by dusting cobwebs and wiping down doors. They can sort things by colors, shapes, similarities, or sizes. Have fun with it!

Rule #3 Take everything out. Taking everything out will allow you to reorganize and put things away neatly and orderly. This also gives you the opportunity to see what is really in that closet or cupboard and clean it down.

Rule #4 Clean the storage space. This is the time to dust and vacuum in usually hard to get to places. Wipe down the outside of the door and the door handles. Fix anything that needs repaired or replaced.

Rule #5 You must sort items. It helps to start by putting items in like piles.

Rule #6 You must rid of items. Remove all broken, old, and unused items. If you have not used the item in a year and it is not a heirloom or sentimental item, then it MUST GO....no ifs, buts, maybes, needs, or perhaps....IT MUST GO! This is key to simplifying your life! I tell myself that if I am not using it, then someone who really, really needs it, can use it.

Throw away all old and broken items. Divide unused (gently used) items in bags LABELED family member, charity, or garage sale, etc. You can also learn how to sort toys by reading, All Those Toys! Load these bags into the trunk of the car and deliver immediately after the project is finished.

Rule #7 Now you need to reorganize the remaining items. Pack items according to similarities in plastic buckets or in sturdy boxes.

Rule #8 Pack away items. LABEL each item on the side and top of the package. Stack away so that you can see the labels. Do the same if you have shelves; put similar items grouped together and label. If things are not easily accessible, then you still have too much packed away.

Rule #9 Put back items. Put away your cleaning supplies. Wipe up the kids. And put all the rid of piles by the door or in the trunk of the car.

Rule #10 Celebrate your accomplishment. Pat yourself on the back for you have just completed a project.

My husband often jokes that my favorite hobby is sorting. I admit I love to organize. And like he points out, it makes me very giddy to have everything in its place. I am like my Grandma in that I go through things constantly and weed out those we do not need or want anymore. I have a bin ready by the door to drop stuff in at all times and then when it is full I pull out the trash bag and drop it off at Good Will. Then somehow I always have a pile of stuff that goes to my mom, a friend, or a charity.

Happy Organizing!