Toy Thursday: Videos?

So yesterday, Judah wanted to lay around all day. Apparently he was not feeling good because he wanted to lay on the couch and play with his hair (something he does when tired). At any rate he just wanted to watch videos all day.

What do you do with a kid all day when he does not feel good, especially a toddler? We did other things too like read books, play with puzzles, and even sorted mommy's papers. He also took two short naps, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Normally we limit ourselves to only a 30 minute video a day while mommy cooks or showers. At the most television turns into an hour because mom gets desperate. And we hardly ever watch any when we can be outdoors. However, yesterday, I was running out of ideas to distract my grumpy kid who needed the down time. So I caved and let the television entertain him more than usual for once.

For his birthday, Judah got a TM video about John Deere Tractors. He likes it so much that he always asks to watch it twice. And I have to admit that I kind of like it too. Perhaps I like them because they do not get annoying like most kids television today (which some moms have told me to avoid as long as possible for that reason).

Rewarded the Parents Choice Award, these videos provide quality and educational entertainment. Ride along during harvest, visit tractor expos, learn about johnny poppers, and much more. You can also enjoy episodes on toy trains, the history of the airplane, and experience the life of cowboys.

Sing along to fun music, watch animals, and learn about mechanics. These timeless treasures provide the entertainment parents can trust. And kids of all ages (papa) likes them!

Wash Wednesday: Windows

My mom always told me to wash windows on a cloudy day. I remember wanting to clean the windows when it was sunny...you know, when I could see the fingerprints.

I never knew why I wasn't supposed to wash the windows on a sunny day, just that mom said no.

Turns out, washing windows should be done on a cloudy day, because direct sunlight dries cleaning solutions before you can polish the glass properly. And now you know.

A few other tips for having clean windows, wash one side of a window with horizontal strokes and the other side with vertical strokes so you can pinpoint which side of the window has a streak.
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In my attempt to be frugal (and at the same time, green) I don't use paper towels to clean my windows any more. I am lucky enough to get "blue rags" from my mom. She gets them at the hospital she works at. They use them once, to wrap and sterilize medical tools. Once used, they can't be used again for medical reasons, and they usually throw them away. Old T-shirts work well too! You can also polish windows to a sparkling shine with crumpled newspaper. The paper also leaves a film that's resistant to dirt.

Always wash your windows from the top down to prevent drips.

While window cleaners are nice on the glass, they can take the finish off of woodwork. Don't let them drip on the windowsill where they can harm the paint or varnish.

Get those windows nice and clean. Stand back and enjoy the sun streaming in. For at least 10 seconds before the kids goober it up again. At least, that's how long mine last. I'm partially convinced my kids have "clean window radar".

Tip Tuesday: Frozen Veggies!

The other day, us moms at play group were comparing notes on meals for our toddlers. We were quizzing each other on ideas, especially since our kids have turned into picky eaters. We discovered that our kids who once ate vegetables (and liked them) are now anti-healthy grazers. This makes meal time simply impossible with a picky eater, leaving mom desperate and tried.

Now I know you are not supposed to cater specific meals to your kids. However, I must admit that from time to time, I fix him a peanut butter sand which after he tries what we are eating. The mother instinct in me cries out against him "not eating," wondering how he can survive on the little he chooses to eat.

Some meals, I barely get him to eat something let alone something healthy. We have tried the "we will clap for you" when you take a bite (I don't want my kid to think eating is a sport though). And we have been saved by the "show Uncle ____ how you can try your food." Most often we rely on bribing: "you can have a bite of _____ after you try _____."

So when Judah asked for frozen vegetables one day as I was taking them out of the freezer to steam, I was ecstatic. He likes ice anyways and a vegetable is a vegetable, right?

He loved them! I just added a tiny bit of water to help defrost them. Then I served them in a bowl so that he could eat them with his fingers. He even thought the mixed vegetables stuck together were cool. And the cold vegetables made a nice summer snack on a hot day.

Score. If you are struggling like every other mom in getting your picky toddler to eat vegetables, just try serving them cold. I have to report that other moms in our play group tried this and it worked. Not sure what the winning factor is...texture, temperature, color....but it is certainly a hit. And a lot less stressful.

Make Monday: Oh The Imagination....

My kindergartner has quite an imagination. I encourage it...but a lot of times, it frustrates me. I love it when he's playing with his brothers, using real life news tied in to play. Like when the military captured Osama. The next day, Liam told me he was playing "Seal Team 6" and being a spy going after the bad guy.

That, I love.

And then there are the times I'm scolding him for something or other. And he yells out for his "GUARDS!! HELP!" --Which totally embarrasses me.

I'm glad he has an imagination. More often than not, he has some sort of fish emergency in the bathtub. The way he plays with his toys really reminds me of Andy from "Toy Story". And I'm thankful for that. I just wish that he would "control" his imagination a bit. Then again, that's counterproductive, isn't it?

Salvation Sunday: Your Testimony!

I finally dug up my testimony out of the bucket of old papers. A few weeks ago I referred to the testimony written when I was in high school for a missions trip in my post about being Witnesses in the world around you.

Here is the testimony I put into written words and printed off to hand out to people I met on my missions trip to Texas and Mexico. I do need to update this as God as done so much in my life since high school and college. This certainly is a good reminder of God worked in my life then and even in today. Read along....

"My spiritual condition and life changed and has continued to grow since I accepted Christ at around five years old. One night, I had been especially scared of my dark room, which reminded me of the darkness and ugliness of my heart sparked by a recent sermon. A little night light, however, filled the room with warmth and made me understand and realize that Jesus Christ as Savior could replace the dark void in my life with a loving, forgiving, and accepting warmth like that of a night light. I asked Christ into my life right then wanting that warmth, peace, and everlasting assurance. Being so excited, I ran and told my mom what I had done!

Since that life changing experience, the Lord has worked in my life and taught me many things such as trusting and having faith in Him (Hebrews 11:1, II Corinthians 4:16-18). God used the death of my grandpa, a mission trip, and key relationships with family and friends to make my faith real and personal (Isaiah 40:28-31). God's grace was certainly gracious and His faithfulness evident. My sophomore year in high school, revealed frustration because I blamed others and thought I was "spiritually" better. I Timothy 4:12 reminded me to "set an example for others by what I say and do." The following year brought new experiences as an upperclassman: having guy friends, more school activities and responsibilities, experimenting with things like music choices, and defying my parent's authority. Over that summer into my senior year, I learned a lot! God's faithfulness remained true during the entire senior "hype" and graduation. With that came many decisions to make, where to go to college and what to major in. Isaiah 2:22 encouraged me not to worry but to "trust God" with every area of my life.

This year, the Lord's faithfulness has once again carried me through and has almost become sort of the best friend that I can always rely on. The many changes through the transition of college have been difficult. As the lyrics of "More Faithful" by Skillet suggests, God is more faithful than the changing of the seasons. This promise, especially as I view autumn and the leaves changing has been made real. Also , a desire to study the Bible has lead me to read about Israel. God's faithful love pours out on us despite our wicked ways though we tend to forsake Him. Even though Israel kept falling away from God, God promises still exist when we turn to Him and repent. The Lord has blessed me with good studies and new friends. He continues to carry me through. In the meantime, I just want to learn to trust Him more for His daily guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6). Though there has been times of trials, frustrations, and downers in my life, I know the Lord is my Protector, Deliverer, Savior, stronghold, and refuge. Most importantly, He is my Father in heaven and my best friend (Psalm 18:1-3).

Have you trusted the Lord and let Him take care of your daily problems? Is Jesus the Savior of your life? And are you experiencing His faithfulness?"

Shuffle Saturday: Take Time

Last weekend my family went to Minneapolis for the RightOnline Conference, a Conference for Conservative bloggers to learn and hone their skills in writing, tweeting, blogging and learn about policy issues. We also heard some great speeches from possible GOP nominees.

Thursday-Saturday evening, I was focused on the Conference. My husband was nice enough to keep the boys (yes, all three) occupied so I could focus on learning, taking notes and networking.

There's nothing like being stuck in a hotel room with three kids under the age of 5 to make your apartment feel HUGE when you get home.

Anyway, my husband went to the mall with the boys, drove around downtown and locked himself in the hotel room with the boys. Once my conference was over, it was time for some "family time". We decided to head to the Minnesota Children's Museum and by luck, it was a Target free Sunday. Every third Sunday, Target pays for all admission fees to the Museum. What a deal!

We parked in the ramp and in the skywalk on the way there, we discovered a McDonalds! It was our cheapest meal while in Minneapolis! We grabbed some breakfast and sat down with the boys. Liam, our 5 year old who never met a stranger, greeted an older gentleman who was sitting at the next table. At first we thought he was a typical older guy, as the conversation started out about how all of his friends are dying...but we hung in there and learned so much.

He told us about how he was 82 years old and still swims a mile and a half a day. He told us about how he swam at the University of Minnesota in college. And he did diving as well. And he traveled in a show with a man who came to be Greg Louganis' coach. Liam told him he loved to swim and wanted to be a swimmer when he got older. The old man smiled and said, "Swimming and diving is a great sport."

The old man talked about swimming and diving. He talked about diving off of a board when the board was made of wood. He discussed how he wore WOOL suits when he competed. And then he came over to our table and pulled out pictures. A plethora of old, black and white pictures that were worn over time and years spent in his wallet. Young men, most gone now, wearing wool suits and smiling. The legs of the suits went to their knees. The large buttons keeping the suits up around the shoulders.

This is only an example of what the suits looked like. The one he showed us was more "wooly" and longer in the knees.


And then he talked about how most of his friends are gone. His friends he swam with in college. His friends he toured with in the diving show. All gone. I turned to him with a smile and said, "Tell you what. How about when Liam goes to the University of Minnesota and swims, you come to his meets?" He smiled, nodded his head and said, "That sounds great."

I never caught his name. He never said. I didn't think to ask. I was so interested in his stories. All weekend we were so caught up in our schedule and keeping on schedule. But some of the best time spent on the entire vacation was the time we didn't schedule.

When we took time to stop.

To listen.

To hear what the lonely man at the McDonald's in the skywalk had to say.

And I think he enjoyed having someone to talk to.

Food Friday: Travel Snacks--And A Trusty Jug

As you're well aware, we traveled in the car with three boys under the age of 6.

Granted it was only four hours. But it was four hours. I knew we needed snacks of some sort. Because "it's only four hours" quickly turned in to "it hasn't been four hours?" 20 minutes outside of town our kindergartner asked, "Are we there yet?"

I picked up some snacks before the trip. I knew we'd need something to drink and I was excited to see that individual bottled waters were on sale at Target. I picked up animal crackers and Pringles to munch on. Pringles isn't something we usually purchase but it was in a seal-able container and a little less messy than regular chips. Animal crackers are something everyone can enjoy and aren't as messy as regular cookies. But it wasn't the snacks purchase that ended up surprising me at the end of the trip.

Boy, I was I glad I bought the bottled water. You see, when you're traveling with a kindergartner, you have to be prepared for anything. On the last leg of our trip, 30 miles from the nearest rest area on I-35 (and only 10 minutes since we left a gas station and said "are you sure you don't have to go), he announced, "I have to go potty." Ug.
I said, "Can you hold it?"
"No. I have to go real bad. I can just go in nature," he said, pointing to the farmland. I knew that wasn't going to happen. We were not going to risk ourselves pulling over on a 70 MPH Interstate just to let him tinkle.

So I did what any mom would do. I chugged my water jug empty and handed it to him. "Put your penis" (yes, we use the medical term for reproductive organs in our home) "in the jug and go pee". He laughed, looked at me, and then knew I was serious.

To be honest, I couldn't believe I was saying it. But, a mother has to do what a mother has to do. He giggled the entire time he was going to the bathroom. He handed the pee jug back to me (um, thanks) where I put the lid on and put it in our garbage sack.

So if you're potty training or have small children who really can't hold it, it's always helpful to have a container that can double as a pee jug. You never know when you're going to need it. It's better to have pee in a jug than pee all over the seat, the clothes, the car seat, the kid etc.

Thanks, Target, for having bottled water on sale. If it hadn't been for the sale, I don't think I would have bought it. And we would have a mess on our hands.

Food Friday: Camping Cookout - Hobo Dinner!

Today would be a beautiful day to go camping. My family often did this during the summer weekends when I was growing up. My mom would lug us kids down to the popular camp ground to get a site and my dad would come after work in time to help set up the tent and start supper.

Camping is such an inexpensive way to do family vacation. Enjoying the outdoors at its best can also be a valuable family outing as well.

All that fresh summer air too makes one hungry for some home cooking. Perhaps my favorite recipe when my family went camping together was when mom rustled up some hobo dinners. This simple dinner satisfied the hunger the outdoors created for my family.

Hobo Ingredients and Supplies

Ground beef
Potatoes
Carrots
Onions
Salt
Pepper
Seasoning
Cooking Spray
Heavy duty tin foil


Hobo Cooking Directions

Remove your thawing ground beef from the cooler of ice. Dice up potatoes and onion. Carrots can already be prepared sliced ahead of time. Take heavy duty tin foil rectangles and spray inside with cooking oil. Divide chunks of beef, diced potato wedges, onion, and pre-cut carrots to the tin foil rectangles. Season with salt and pepper and any other meat seasoning. Wrap up tin foil packs for each family member and put among gray fire coals and ashes to cook. Cook until vegetables are soft and meat is brown. To make extra juicy, add a sliver of butter or olive oil. Each individual wrap is one serving.

Toy Thursday: Lacing Beads!

This week has been cool and cloudy, so I have had to put on my thinking cap for some fun activities to do inside. One activity that has been in the back of my mind lately has to do with the fact that Judah is at that age where stringing beads enhances fine motor development.

According to a number of resources (for I seem to see the idea often), lacing objects can stimulate fine motor skills in toddlers. Practicing picking up and threading objects provides cognitive skills as well. Kids learn patience as they solve stringing and sliding objects on strings.

I have seen several different variations of this lacing concept. Peg boards...necklaces of big holed pasta...wooden blocks...and so on. I had always wanted to buy Judah a kit. But then the "light" turned on and I need not wait anymore.

A number of years ago, I had purchased antique wooden thread spools at a garage sale for like $0.50. At the time, I thought these empty wooden spools were cool. Bingo! The spools are big enough for threading shoe laces and sticks.

Judah and I therefore spent some time trying it out. He learned to thread the shoe lace or stick through the hole of the spool. We made a necklace and stacked them. I put down a place mat on the floor for a hard surface to stack.

This is a skill that will take some time to master. But at least I have an activity for a while.

Wash Wednesday: The Post Vacation Laundry Pile Up

I love vacations. I really do. But I really dislike the post vacation laundry pile. REALLY dislike. Considering on a regular day, I usually do two-three loads. Times that by how ever many days we've been gone. Plus any clothes I bought for the kids, husband and myself (if any).

Clothes. Clothes. Clothes. Yes. I realize this is a first world problem. I should consider myself blessed. And I do. But all of the laundry. And it never fails. I get it sorted into nice piles when someone manages to come tearing in to the laundry room to mess them up...or forgets to put their bag in the laundry room...then there is more to sort.

Word to the wise? Take at least one day off of work AFTER your vacation ends to catch up on house stuff. Thankfully we had cleaned the house BEFORE we left, but that still didn't mean that within a few minutes of being home, it was a mess.

When it comes to laundry, it has become my job to wash/dry and my husband folds and we both put away (well, mostly him). But the day after the end of vacation was his birthday. And being the nice wife I am, I let him go to a movie that afternoon with his dad. The evening was spent with his folks...which left no time to fold/put away laundry. So there it sits. Two FULL baskets full of clean clothes. I have catching up to do on work, husband is back at work and, well, I take care of three kids while working. So yes, at the end of the day, I'm exhausted too.

Ah, laundry. It never ends.

Tip Tuesday: Your Old for New, the Art of Swaps!

I first saw the concept of swapping in an article from Parents Magazine in October of 2009. Intrigued by the idea so much, I ripped the titled page out, "Let's make a Deal." I always wanted to try swapping for myself, especially as a means of survival in this down turn economy, but never seeing the opportunity to do so.

Then this spring a swapping opportunity actually fell in my lap! One day I had received an mass email message via face book from a political acquaintance. The message read, "I started a new job this week, and need a few more tops. Anyone have some extra business-casual shirts they don't need or were planning to donate somewhere? Size S/M. I'd trade you for some of my garden produce (Strawberries, Raspberries, green beans?) or babysitting or house/yard work if you do."

Bingo...I knew this gal was as small as I used to be before I had Judah. And I just happened to have a whole bunch of non-iron, button down dress shirts along with pants and skirts leftover from my garage sale that I was still hanging onto for such a mission.

So this acquaintance, now more friend actually, came over one afternoon to go through all my clothes. I even gave her some straight out of the closet that was borderline too small. She went away with three bags full.

Then a couple of weeks ago, she dropped off fresh strawberries right out of her garden. And she is planning on bringing green beans soon as well. Since we buy fresh produce all the time, this swap is perfect to save money for our summer long desire of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Then almost simultaneously, my sister-in-law, filled me in on her own goldmine swap this spring. She got together with a whole group of friends that had just cleaned out their closets. Instead of getting rid of the clothes as originally planned, they decided to swap through the items first. She found brand new clothes from J Crew, Buckle, and others.

So I am here to prove that swapping does work. Swapping works in so many ways; you can swap objects, labor, or services. In fact people are willing out there to do it if you are. I am learning that you need to be brave about initiating the process and have a goal in mind of your end game. Offer something of value in return that you can do. Always hold up your end of the bargain. Otherwise you miss out on some neat opportunities and lose out on saving some money in the process.

Back to the article in Parents Magazine....here are some sights I might try next per their suggestion: zwaggle.com and swapstyle.com. Happy Swapping!




For more Frugal tips, visit Learning the Frugal Life!

Make Monday: Nature Walk!

Last week, Judah and I took a Nature walk. By that I mean we went around the neighborhood looking and collecting natural objects with different textures, shapes, and colors.

Hand in hand with the sand pail, Judah and I picked up things off the ground that seemed interesting. We would talk about the item, naming it. We would examine the texture and color as well as the purpose of the item. Then we would put it into our pail to bring back home after our walk.

We found some interesting things too. We collected some different colored wild flowers along with some of mommy's flower petals from the garden. We picked up some twigs and bark from trees, feeling the texture. We discovered several shapes of leaves, seeds, and tree nuts. Of course, we found rocks, revealing the hardness. Perhaps the most cool thing we found was an EMPTY wasp hive that had been knocked vacant from the side of our house. And lastly but not least, we found an empty, blue, robin egg shell by a nest, a bird feather, and snake skin all of which mommy did not want to pick up for fear of germs.

Once at home, we took some construction paper and glued the items onto the paper. Judah helped squeeze the glue onto the paper and then stuck on his little treasures. Hanging in our dining room once dried, Judah now refers to the items he found on his walk.

Judah really liked exploring and learning about his world. He talks about his picture that he made, even calling it his father's day gift. It has turned into a nice educational, conversation starter whenever we sit at the table.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! Dads, you sure do a lot, just as the Father God does for us!

Joel 1:3, "Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation."

Proverbs 17: 6, "Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children."

Proverbs 19:18, "Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death."

Proverbs 3:12,"...because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."

I John 3:1, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

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."

Deuteronomy 30:19, "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."

John 15: 13, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

Acts 16:31, "They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household."

Joshua 24:15, "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Isaiah 54:13, "All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children's peace."

Shuffle Saturday: Mommy Code Explained.

Father's day is upon us. What more can a dad want than to understand what mom means, right? Apparently moms can be so confusing, often sending mixed messages and wrong signals with our tone of voice. At least that is what I have been told anyways.

OK, so we got in a tiff lately. I cannot remember what we were fighting about but looking back, daddy was right to admit that I probably said one thing but meant another. Our passive aggressive nature as moms gets us into so much trouble. We do say one thing but mean another all the time.

Usually what we mean is "we want" and "we want" it now. This brings to mind the phrase, "if mom is not happy, no one is happy." Exactly dads and even more so, we make you guess what we want instead of directly telling you.

The usual complaint towards husbands most heard is the lack of trying and following through on the KNOWING. You should already know what I want, how I want it, and when I want it. Poor dads. To come home after a long day of work only to get the mom treatment. The long list of "to do's," done mommy's way or the highway.

"Yelling" means I need a protective hug where I can feel safe and loved. "Watching the kids" means let me cook supper by myself while you babysit. A "break" really means let me sleep in uninterrupted or you take the kids away from the house so I can accomplish something AT HOME.

Sound all too familiar? What does mom really want?

We want to say thanks to all you guys. For loving us in spite. For listening when you are tired. For trying hard in return for confusion and chaos. For hanging in there with us moms.

Hats off to you guys for living with us moms. That is all I can say cause how really can I explain the "mom code" when I do not even know it myself. You just should know, right?

Food Friday: Camping Cookout - Tuna and Noodle Casserole!

Several years ago my husband and I went on a big road trip out west on our first summer married. For three weeks we put 6,000 plus miles on our Ford Escape traveling to the California coast, through Nevada dust, Utah cayons, and Colorado mountains. Needless to say, when we arrived home our vehicle was full of bugs, dirt, and dust.

To save money we camped out at several state parks across the country. We reserved our spots ahead of time roughly for the days we were going to drive through. We packed our hitch rack behind the Escape full of all our camping gear, food supplies, and our Cast Iron Stove.

Since I had taken that year off from work (mainly because I had worked campaigns for five years in a row), I had some time to prepare food and research camping recipes to use on the trip. We had some pretty good meals out there at Lake Tahoe and in Utah Dead Horse State Park under the stars.

Of course, at some points we hit the dry season and could not even build a fire. And yet we warmed some coals in the charcoal grill provided to cook. We also had to store our food in bear boxes overnight. Somehow we still survived on some good home cooking away from home and thankfully no bears came to visit. We did desperately need to shower though.

One of the recipes that we enjoyed very much was Tuna and Noodle Casserole. That is right, try making that on your camping trip. But I had loaded up the packaged ingredients, took out some tin foil, and mixed it together. Good thing too as it was getting dark.

Ingredients

Precooked Noodles (Ramen Noodles)
Can of tuna
Cream of chicken herb soup
Can of peas, drained, are optional


Directions

Mix canned and packaged ingredients well together. Using heavy duty tin foil, rip off a square piece, spray the foil, and spoon enough mixture for one serving. Wrap up the tin foil into a entirely sealed packet. Make as many wraps as camping buddies. Once the coals turn turn from red hot to a warm gray, lay the wraps among the coals of the fire, adding some on top. Cook until warm or you hear sizzling. Do not burn yourself or your supper. Recommend that you cook supper before dark.

Camping can be a fun family outing and a relatively inexpensive vacation. Add some home cooking that is easy to make after being outside in the fresh air and you have a little piece of summer heaven. By the way, the parks we visited were absolutely breathtaking, like diamonds in the rough.

Toy Thursday: I'm Pretty Sure They Mate

Yes. I'm pretty sure my son's toys mate at night. And I'm not comfortable with there being hanky panky in his bedroom. But you've seen the post about the love/hate relationship I have with McDonald's toys (and if not you should), but it seems like his toy pile is growing daily. And I know we're not buying more toys. And even Grandma has listened to the warning about buying toys. The threat "You buy it, it stays at your house" works.

But this is ridiculous. We NEED a toy box. Like a good, ol' fashioned, throw the toys in, close the lid and be done with the mess toy box. And when we move we WILL get a toy box. If that means I have to go to the woods, use a chain saw to cut down a tree and widdle it into box form, so be it.

You know when I bring power tools into the subject, I mean serious business.

Yes, they're spoiled. But I can't bring myself to throw them away (and yes, I've watched "Hoarders", smarty pants) but I know that Baby B is just about at the age when he can enjoy the baby toys, Sean is at the toddler toy age and Liam is getting into the elementary school toy age.

Mating Toys. Chainsaw. Box.

I think I found a chainsaw I could accessorize with.

Wash Wednesday: Garage Grease!

This last weekend we finally had Judah's birthday party. Since his birthday has been falling on Memorial Weekend, his special day has turned into a huge family event with family and friends (since most of our friends in town do not have family). This year, we had to postpone it a few weeks, but we still had a dozen kids and their families here for some grilled hamburgers and hot dogs.

Fortunately, with this many people over, we are able to have the party out in the garage with the nice, summer weather. And it is a good thing too. Last year, the garage seemed dirtier after the party with spilled cake, sticky lemonade, and side walk chalk than before the party even got started. We had to spray the garage floor to keep ants from permanently inhabiting.

Likewise, this year we had to clean out the garage before our guests came over to the celebration. The night before we spent tucking away buckets and items in our little nook corner of the garage, stacking everything neatly on the shelves. We then covered our stuff up with tarp that hung from hooks from the ceiling. Next, we proceeded to sweep out the garage followed by rinsing it down with the hose.

Lastly, we scrubbed down the grease off the garage floor, making it safer for our company. To do this Judah and I took some sponges soaped up with laundry detergent and got on our hands and knees, adding a little elbow grease. Once we scrubbed the floor, we rinsed it again with the hose and let it air dry over night.

My first experience with a leaky car was some years now on my first campaign. My old, silver 1997 Dodge Stratus (RIP, it died this year), leaked oil from a minor car accident during that summer. I had neither the time nor the money to fix it at the time and surprisingly, my car kept going as long as I refilled and replaced the leaky oil. Finally, after the campaign, I got it fixed but not too soon before I kept leaking oil onto the candidate's driveway. Remnants of the leak followed us to our current garage where unfortunately we have our own grease spots on the floor.

My word to the wise is catch the leak before it makes a huge mess on the floor. Now I know why the candidate's husband was so upset. To this day, even with the car gone, we still have grease spots. And we have them on both sides of the garage because I switched parking spots at times.

Grease spots are dangerous for one. Kids tend to flock to this spot thinking it is water or dirt, getting it all over their hands and feet. If the spot is the littlest bit wet, one can fall down. Grease gets on your shoes and ends up in the house. Grease spots also look terrible. No matter how hard I scrub the spots, somehow their is no going back to a white washed, clean garage look.

At least the laundry detergent conquered some of the mess, drying it off and revealing a nicer and safer floor. And Judah did a good job helping while being heavily supervised. As soon as he started horsing around, Judah was taken upstairs for a bath himself while daddy finished cleaning.

Tip Tuesday: Memorable Birthdays

This week my co-author's son, Judah, celebrated his second birthday. I had already purchased a gift for him a few months ago from a score during a woot off (psst, there is one going on right now at Woot!)

But I needed to get him a card. What kind of a card do you get a two year old? Should I get him a generic "Hey, you're two" or something more special. His mother enjoys scrapbooking so I thought to make the card something special.

I came across tiny prints and thought I would try them out for the upcoming birthdays, anniversaries and Father's Day.

I was very pleased with the quality of the cards and Judah's mommy just loved it. While they're little, they don't know the difference between a off the shelf card or a sentimental card. But they will when they get older. And Grandma's just love reading these cards!

Make Monday: Swimming in the Ocean...or paint!

This spring, I invented a painting project for Judah to learn more about the ocean. He really enjoyed talking about fish in the ocean and painting in shades of greens and blues. To complete the experience we ate fish crackers for snack afterwards.



Supplies

Paper plate
banner paper
crayola washable finger paints
sponge
fish shapes
glue
wipes
paper towels
soap

Directions

Putting different shades of green and blue washable finger paints onto a paper plate, I let Judah mix up the colors. I then covered the table with banner paper, cutting it to size. Judah used the sponge to add texture to the painting. I rotated the paper four times so that Judah could get all sides painted. We then glued fish die cuts onto the paper and taped it up on the wall to enjoy our ocean display.

Salvation Sunday: Witnesses!

Have you ever put your testimony of faith on paper? To be more specific, I mean "how you came to know" Jesus Christ as your Savior. Another would be what Jesus means to you or how about this one: What has Jesus done in your life.

A long time ago when I was in high school, I had a few youth directors that presented us students with this challenge of writing down your testimony. Writing it down sure made an impact in the meaning of faith for me. Printing our testimony out, we then were asked to hand it out to people on our missions trip.

So every now and then I reflect back on my life, seeing how God has cared and guided me along the journey. Here is what I see....His timing is perfect....He has never left me...He has provided for my needs....He has brought people into my lives at just the right time....He has disciplined me into a better person....the list could go on.

Even more than just living in faith, God calls us to be witnesses. I have been reading in Isaiah lately. And I found this neat verse...

“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Isaiah 43:10

The parallel of God's relationship to Israel in this book can be applied to us today. God revealed Himself through the Israelites as the chosen people to be His proclaimers of His message, a light to the entire world. Let us not mistake the symbolism and reason of Christianity's existence: we are now His chosen people to live as witnesses. God calls us today to proclaim with our lives evidence of Him. As Christians in an evil world, we see the equivalent of the parting of the Red Seas, victory over Jericho's, and feeding of thousands every day. Is this something not to share?

Something to ponder....

Shuffle Saturday: Extreme Couponing or Hoarding

I LOVE couponing. LOVE it. I get up extra early in the morning to grab the Sunday paper from our doorstep and immediately take out the coupons. I then clip the ones I like and pull the Target, Walgreens etc ads. I compare what I have coupons of to what is on sale--to get an even better deal.

It's an obsession. I admit it. So I, like other couponers got excited when TLC was debuting a new show called "Extreme Couponing" and I watched an episode. And then I got mad.

Do I believe in having a bit of a stockpile? Yes. I like having things on hand when I need/want them. Do I think these people take it a bit too far? YES. Like the ladies who dumped the entire display of toothpaste. Or the woman who cleared the shelf of mustard (and then admitted she doesn't even use mustard). Too far. I hate it when I have a coupon (or two) of an item only to get to the store, find the shelf empty and then see someone pushing around a CART FULL of the item I need one of.

One black Friday, Wal-Mart was having a GREAT deal on memory cards for cameras. I knew my dad could use one and being the glutton for punishment that I am, I was there at 5 AM when they opened. I searched ALL OVER for the memory cards only to find the display was empty. A few rows over, a cart was HALF FULL of them. While I had seen carts of items being used as places to hold the items, I assumed that this was the same. I reached in the cart that was half full of memory cards and grabbed two (you can imagine how many small memory cards it takes to fill a cart up to half) only to have a woman say to me, "Um, excuse me. This is my cart." I apologized and asked her, "Would you really miss two of them?" She responded, "I suppose not."

Come on now, people. I understand being proud of a great deal but really people? Think of others before you clear a shelf only to hoard (yes, hoard) more items than you can use. Remember, everywhere you go and everything you do, character still counts. Think of others before you selfishly dump a display or clear a shelf. While it is nice that you might be giving some food to shelters and packages for military serving overseas, having more body wash than you can use in five years time isn't a healthy enjoyment of couponing, it is hoarding.

Food Friday: Homemade Chicken Nuggets!

Summer is here which means we all need new lunch ideas for the kids who are home and running about. Who feels like cooking on a hot summer day after being at the pool all afternoon? Both you and the kids are tired and hungry for comfort food.

Recently, I tried this recipe for chicken nuggets. Judah will eat chicken nuggets and this recipe appeared to be healthy. Not only did Judah like this recipe but so did my husband.

Surprisingly broiling for a short amount of time did not warm the house as if you had baked your nuggets and let the oven sit preheated. I discovered too that chicken is easier to cut when slightly frozen. I did get nuggets ready during nap time and then took them out of the fridge when I was ready to finish supper. This sweet recipe seemed relatively easy to make and tasted great with ranch dip.

We will definitely be making this again. Hope your kids enjoy this summer favorite as well.

Chicken Nuggets

1 pound boneless chicken breast, cubed
whole wheat bread crumbs
1 - 6 ounce container of nonfat lemon yogurt
1/4 cup skim milk

Directions

Stir together yogurt and milk into a bowl. Pour bread crumbs into another shallow bowl. Dip cubed pieces of chicken breast first into the yogurt/milk mix followed by the bread crumbs. Cover prepared nuggets, placing them back into the fridge for 15 minutes. When ready to cook, put nuggets on greased broiler pan. Place the pan onto the upper third oven rack to broil for 5 minutes. Turn over and broil an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.

Toy Thursday: NOT a toy!

Because of the size of our apartment, we have our large dresser in the boy's bedroom. And I'll admit it, it is mostly my clothes. This wasn't an issue at first, when the boys were little, but now that they can open drawers and toss neatly folded clothes out, it is becoming a problem. We can't get into our new house soon enough.

That being said, I let the boys play in their room while I work. Yesterday, our kindergartner decided to get into my underwear drawer. While "discovering", he found a set of strapless/backless bras that I used when I was a bridesmaid in a friends wedding. You know, those "great" dresses that don't allow for bras with any straps? Yeah. So I had to buy a set of adhesive bras. For a summer wedding. Needless to say, I haven't worn them since.

But they did get used yesterday. And I HAD to take a picture. And after that, I tossed them.

It will be a fun picture to pull out when we meet his first girlfriend. And no, Mommy's underwear drawer is NOT a toy.

Wash Wednesday: Dirt Magnet #5 Top of the Fridge!

Recently, I had to push over a chair to the kitchen refrigerator, climbing up to get a vase out of the cupboard above the fridge. I keep items like vases up there so that I do not have to reach for them very often. And apparently it had been awhile because as I barely reached the cupboard door to open it, I brushed my arm along the top of the dusty, filthy fridge.

Have you ever noticed the top of refrigerators at other people's house when visiting? Some people put knick-knacks on display and others store items like bread baskets on top of the fridge. Not that I look, right?

Me....I like mine bare for the sole reason that I cannot reach the top very well and I am afraid someone tall will be able to see the dust bunnies and cob webs on display instead of the objects on display. Also, Maestro the cat has been known to occasionally find this high place and I would not want him to knock anything down (but he can clean it while he is up there). The one exception was at my old downtown loft apartment where I kept a small microwave on the top of the slightly below average fridge to save room.

I admit though it is not until I really need to get in the cupboard above the fridge, that I even really take notice of the dirt that seems to collect up there. You have to wonder how dirt gets up so high. And of course, the electricity of the fridge acts like a magnet for dirt.

So when I do get up to reach in the cupboard above the fridge, I take the time to wipe down the top of the fridge. First, I collect the dust inside a dry rag (because I let it go to long) and then scrub it down with a soapy, wet rag. Cleaning the fridge is not rocket science just a matter or remembering to do it and taking the time to do it.

Usually this whole process spirals out of control. If I have time, I remove the pictures and junk on the fridge and wipe down the front, sides, and handles, making them free of dirt, food spills, and germs. Oh and that dreaded vent below seems to clog up with dust bunnies from the floor. But that is only if I have time, right?

I have noticed though that if I have company, wiping down the fridge seems to be a fast way to spruce up the kitchen. You will be amazed to realize how many people reach for the fridge, opening it. It is funny how this kitchen appliance can suddenly turn bright white or a shiny silver again.

I may be crazy for taking the time to write about the top of my fridge, but after all it is certainly a dirt magnet in my house. What better way than to bring humor to our dirty homes for as moms, who really has time to clean. For more unwanted dirt areas, check out Unwanted Dust Bunnies, the High Chair, Lamp Shades, and the Dirty Silverware Container.

Watch out for those dirt magnets! They might get you.

Tip Tuesday: The Overscheduled Summer

Okay, so the preschooler has gymnastics on Thursdays, and we signed him up for Safety Town on Tuesday. Hubby's schedule is always changing, I have board meetings scheduled for these days...my uncle from Arizona is coming into town this week and plans on visiting on Thursday...and Grandma is taking the boys Friday afternoon. And then there's the birthday party on Saturday---HOW CAN I KEEP IT ALL ORGANIZED?!?!?

Does your week sound like mine? Throw in emails, blog posts and reviewing bills for Bills And Votes...oh, and our own blog plus this blog...and then these little people in my house demand to be fed 3+ times a day...oye.

But I was given a tip from a work at home mom and friend. She suggested I check in to Cozi.com. It's a free site (you can pay if you don't want ads) that you can update from your phone or computer. I've linked my husband's phone to the site, as well as my phone. This way, at the time I make appointments, I can plug it in right away and not worry about it. I make my husband enter his schedule (as it changes daily) on the site so I know when to expect him home.

I also enter deadlines for myself and set reminders. It has become a VERY helpful tool for our super busy schedules. I hope it can help you too.

Make Monday: Gone Fishing!

During spring break earlier this year, Judah has so much fun fishing at the local Botanical Center. Judah would fish using a fishing pole with a magnet on the end in a kids pool full of magnetized bright, colored fish.

This weekend being indoors from the heat, we tried to replicate our fishing experience. We have to practice you know for our big fishing trip to Canada this summer.

There are two ways to make fishing fun, with water or without water (if you are indoors and not using the tub). Here are the supplies and directions for each from our own play experiences.

Outdoors Fishing Supplies

Kids pool or alternative
Toddler fishing pole or alternative
Paper clips
Colored foam shaped like fish
String
Magnets
Bucket
Hole punch
Glue

Outdoors Fishing Fun

Cut the crafting foam (buy at craft store) into large fish shapes, using different colors. Put large paper clips onto the mouth area of the fish. Meanwhile, hole punch a magnet rectangle (again you can find at a craft store or recycled off of a pad of paper) on both ends. Folding the magnet in half, use glue to seal the magnet together for maxium usable surface. Tie the magnet to the end of the fishing pole. The bucket is for the fish you catch.

Indoors Fishing Supplies

Bucket
Sturdy paper towel roll (rolls from kitchen wraps work best)
Paper clips
Colored paper
String
Magnets
Hole punch
Glue

Indoors Fishing Fun

Cut colored paper (buy at craft store) into fish, using different colors, or use a die cut machine to make fish shapes. Put large paper clips onto the mouth area of the fish. Meanwhile, hole punch a magnet rectangle (again you can find at a craft store or recycled off a pad of paper) on both ends. Folding the magnet in half, use glue to seal the magnet together for maxium usable surface. Tie the magnet to the one end of string with the other end attached to the paper towel roll. Fish from a bucket.

Both times, Judah had lots of fun fishing. Not only did he tone his gross motor skills catching and releasing fish, but he learned about his colors, numbers, and the science of magnets. And for me, it certainly kept him happy and entertained for a while.

Happy Fishing for we have Gone Fishing!

Salvation Sunday: Pray At All Times

"Don't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines."

Coming from a farming family, I understand how weather can keep farmers (and their families) up during stormy nights. But it also makes me think about more than just the weather.

Having had my health scare recently, we prayed. We went to Church on a Thursday afternoon, the day before my surgery, and I had the Anointing of the Sick. I was scared. I cried. My husband worried. I didn't cry before the last two c-sections. I don't cry when I hurt. But I hurt reallllly bad, and I was scared. And I cried. And we prayed.

But having enjoyed the sun and the pool with my husband and kids today, I am reminded to pray. Not only because the sun was shining, but because I COULD enjoy the sun with my boys.

Keep prayer important in your life. And be sure to turn to God in hard times as well as good. Give thanks to Him for ALL you have. Even if it is something as simple as a dip in the pool with your kids.

Shuffle Saturday: Routine!

Last week we spent the long holiday weekend with family away from home. We had fun visiting with family, celebrating two birthdays, and playing on the farm. With cousins around us all the time, every minute seemed like a party.

Coming home though is always an adventure after any vacation. No matter how long or short we have been gone, it seems to take us a good week to get back into routine. Our eating seems to be upside down and meals seem to be a little harder to get through. Our nap and bed times are all messed up from late nights and early mornings. Chores seem to pile up as you dump things as soon as you walk into the door. Often this makes for a grumpy kid and a tired mom.

Routine at our house is something I established for Judah as kids seem to thrive on routine. Even though some days I get tired of the mundane, I find it even helps mommy to get back into the regular part of life. You know what to expect. The kids know what comes next.

Routine at our house means we start our days the same by getting up, eating breakfast, and getting dressed. Meal times and nap times rarely vary. And bed time consists of the same old bath routine followed by reading books.

Growing up, I remember my mom talking about routine, especially as she maintained order for summer break. I hated the concept then but now I understand the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining consistency in rules. Everyone seems to function better and the household seems to run more smooth.

Now that summer is upon us, it is time to set a new routine and summer schedule. What is your routine?

Food Friday: Fruit Salad (Yummy, yummy)

I hope I'm not the only parent out there who sings that while making or serving fruit salad (yummy, yummy). Thank you, The Wiggles.

With summer upon us and the days of baking fish sticks are behind us, how do you get the kids to eat something good for them? Whip up an easy fruit salad (yummy, yummy) that they'll love!

You can combine just about any fruits together and they'll love it. My kids like a can of mandarin oranges (juice included), strawberries, blueberries and (if they're on sale) I'll cut up some kiwis and include them. Yum.

Serve it with a slotted spoon (so the liquid drains and doesn't make their hot dog bun moist on the plate) and let them eat until their heart's content. My oldest even begs to "drink the juice when we're done".

So sing the song. You know you want to.

Toy Thursday: Picking up Toys!

So last night, Judah was singing bits and pieces of his "picking up toys" song. It was so cute to hear in a little voice, "so carefully" and "away." Even more so, he was picking up his bath toys while singing it. Singing the toy song as we pick up toys has finally paid off. He knows what to do now which certainly will make my life easier.

We actually learned this song at our Kinder Musik class. We adapt it though to be more specific to what we are putting away or for any task we are trying to complete really.

Put the toys away so carefully,
so carefully,
until the job is done.

Put the toys away so carefully,
so carefully,
until the job is done.

Thank you for putting the toys away.

I have also heard other songs out there. In fact, our neighbor boy sings about picking up. Either way, the song helps the kids focus on the task ahead of picking up and encouraging team work in an organized fashion.

Which brings me to a topic of discussion among moms. How do you pick up your toys in your house. While there is no wrong way to do things, we like to as moms be efficient and effective in the picking up process.

Some moms prefer picking up toys after each individual play time. This saves mom's insanity of playing hop scotch with toys strewn all over the floor throughout the day. It teaches the kid to get only one thing out at time and put it away before the next item. This method produces order and patience. On the flip side, the kids seem to always be picking up toys, making moms tired of constant getting out and putting away.

Other moms let the kids keep taking out toys until the kids are completely done playing for the day. While moms walk around the toys, kids play with multiple items at once. This method encourages independence, creativity, and sorting. Everyone joins in at the end of the final activity to pick up all items and straighten up the play area. On the flip side, items may get lost by putting them away in the wrong place and the house may seem messier during the day.

At our house, we do a combination of the two methods depending what we are playing and where we are playing. Most days, we pick up every night (as part of our bed time routine) all the toys we got out for the day. Chances are we will play with them again sometime throughout the day. However, we do pick up after ourselves from doing specific activities like crafts or playing outside.

With that said, I need to go pick up after this morning.

Wash Wednesday: Blood

Before having children, I would see the commercials for laundry detergent that bragged they could get even the toughest blood stains out of clothes. I would think to myself, "If you've got that big of a blood stain on clothing, I would think that laundry would be the least of your worries." Then again, I was watching a lot of "The Sopranos" at that time.

And then I had kids. I remember when my oldest child was born and they had to prick his foot for routine blood testing. And I cried. How could they make my baby, my poor poor baby bleed like that??

And then I had two kids. And then three kids. Still, bleeding causes panic. But not as much as before. I find myself (more often than not) saying, "Unless someone is bleeding, I don't want to hear it."

My husband works as a mobile site supervisor for Liveserve Blood Center. You know when your Church has a blood drive? Yeah, he's the guy in charge at it. Quite often he informs me that "I got puked on today" or "yeah, there's lots of blood on my pants". Things that if people didn't know what he did for a living, might question what goes on in our household.

Here are my wash Wednesday tips for blood. Soak it (as soon as possible) in cold water. Before washing, spray 409 on it (yes the kitchen cleaner). ALWAYS wash on COLD COLD and check it (to make sure all of the stains have come out) before putting in the dryer...or, better yet, let it air dry. If it needs to be washed again, the stain wouldn't be dried in by the dryer and you'll have an easier time getting it out.

Another tip, if it is a kid that is bleeding, stay calm. If they see you freaking out, they'll freak out; which increases their blood pressure, and then--you've got it, more blood.

Stay calm, stay cool, stay collected. Blood happens.