Tip Tuesday: Muddy Boots in your Car!

Recently we got a new car. Since our Ford Escape was past the 200, 000 mile tune up and the bearings were making sounds we decided to upgrade at the end of the year with a Toyota Highlander. We can actually hear each other talk now. And even though we are still a one car family, at least we can make sure we have a more reliable car.

This car is a Limited hybrid with leather interior. The only bragging I am going to do, however, is put a plug in for my husband who managed to talk the sales guys into taking off almost $5, 000 off this 2007 used gray vehicle.

The only problem to date (knock on wood) with our new car is making the purchase smack dab in the middle of winter. MUD...SAND....SALT....your freshly cleaned car does not always keep so clean then.

Yes, we put the rubber shoe mats down for every seat. And we keep the car clean in between snow falls with wet, slushy streets.

So what is the problem, you ask? MUDDY, SOAKING WET, FILTHY WINTER BOOTS!

We have a 3 1/2 year old with muddy boots that has seemed to grow a little taller to reach the back of the new leather seats. He likes to kick the seat and even though we work on trying not to kick the seat, what little 3 1/2 year old remembers every time. Plus if he gets himself into his own car seat, he cannot manage on his own unless he uses the seat for a step stool.

Sounds all to familiar, right. More than kicking my back as I am driving, I find myself upset about the new leather seats. I know they can be wiped off but still every parent has high hopes that something will last longer than it really will. So I should get over it, right. But we just got it.

So I keep telling my husband to put plastic over the seat. His reply: "And how do you propose I do that (as he complains about getting it to stay or ruining the leather)?"

Well, we have yet to try it but what about those disposable table place mats that you can by at Walmart. The sticky removes easily making a permanent attachment unlikely or leaving marks. The picture would be fun for the kids. The place mat lays flat over the covered surface intended. And you can always replace with limited hassle. I think I might try it.

Make Monday: MLK Day

Liberals...Conservatives....Listen...Read.

I have a dream... that one day, my four little sons will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character, I have a dream, today.

The character that has been handed down by generations, who fought for it by their great-great-great grandfather who fought for the North...for freedom of all men and women.

LIFE, liberty and pursuit of happiness. For all. Born or unborn.

"Now is the time to make justice the reality for ALL of God's children. It would be fatal for the Nation to overlook the urgency of the moment."

"As long as our our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity....we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."

"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal"

"Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"


http://youtu.be/smEqnnklfYs

Toy Thursday: Science Experiment - Constellation Tubes!

Judah and I have been learning about the solar system and planets. More recently we did this "take home science" project to learn about stars and constellation shapes in the sky. This simple lesson has us talking about Cassiopeia and Pegasus. Have fun learning about science!


Materials Needed
Empty paper towel or bath tissue tube
scissors
ballpoint pen or toothpick
tape
black paper

Instructions
Trace a circle around the tube. Make dots of one of the constellation designs (i.e. Big Dipper) from a pattern in a book or online inside the circle. Carefully poke just the tip of the pen or toothpick through each of the dots of the pattern. Place the circle on the pattern face down over one end of the tube. Make sure that the dots are centered. Fold the sides of the pattern down over the sides of the tube and tape them into place. Hold the end of the tube with the pattern on it up to a light source and look through the other end. Do you see your constellation?

Food (for thought) Friday: The Shooting in CT

We at Mommy's Recess are praying for the families, children and employees at the school. Now is not a time to debate guns laws, remember, schools are "gun free zones". Now is the time to pray.

So please, pray. And hug your babies tight tonight.

Toy Thursday: Get Paid To Shop....No, Really...

Sounds too good to be true? It's not. I'll admit. I was a little hesitant to sign up for Ebates, even though I have been doing MyPoints for years. It took forever for me to get enough points to get a reward.

But I did it. I signed up for Ebates. I knew it was the real deal when I got my Target gift card in the mail, just for signing up. Since then, I received a check for $10 that I deposited in my account. I know, it doesn't sound like much, but when you calculate in not paying sales tax, having to use gas to go to the store etc etc... and if you're already shopping online, why not, right?

It's easy follow this link, sign up and use ebates as a jumping off point for all of your online shopping. You'll be excited to see the % of cash back you can get!!