Due to the fact that Cassie has a LOVELY reaction to food dyes and scents...we have decided to make our own liquid hand soap. Todd emptied all the soap dispensers back into the big refill bottle and then cleaned out the dispensers. I grated, melted and stirred the new mixture. The finished product is different than we are used to, but it works and is inexpensive.
For the original recipe go here.
DIY Liquid Hand Soap
1 bar Tom's of Maine soap (or other natural bar soap)
10-11 cups of water
essential oil for smell
grater
empty bottle to store excess soap in
Place water in large pan on stove. Boil water. Grate the bar of soap onto a plate or in a bowl. Add soap to boiling water. Reduce heat to med/hi and stir until all soap is melted. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil/s to the mixture. Mix well. Remove from heat and let cool. I eventually just walked away from it. Once it's cooled it may be very thick. Using a hand mixer, mix the soap mixture up. If it's still too thick add one cup of warm water at a time and mix with the mixer until you have the desired thickness. After the first time or two making the soap you will know how many cups of water you like to have in it. Adjust the recipe accordingly. Pour cooled soap into dispensers and large bottles.
Enjoy!!!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Middle School and Autism
(Left to right: Max 6th grade, TJ or "Johnny" 10th grade, Alex or "Lex" 8th grade, and Colin 4th grade)
Today is a new day. Today is the first day of school. TODAY is Max's first day of middle school. Anxieties have been very high over the last few weeks. He is scared of being bullied. He is scared of not knowing where to go and what to do. He likes routine. He likes things to stay the same. Max has been screaming, pushing, slamming doors, stomping, growling, hitting and simply having a rough time.
Autism. It makes things that are hard for a "normal" child 100 times more difficult. It makes understanding things harder. It takes patience to a whole new level.
We have sat down with the school and talked with Max's new case manager, principal, and team of teachers. They are all eager to work with Max and help him to be successful. We have voiced our concerns. We have discussed a plan. The plan is in place.
We took Max in to the school to walk around and see his classrooms while there were no other students there. He tried out his locker...several times. He knows his way around pretty well. He is beginning to feel more comfortable. We attending Open House and he did very well. He even saw a few friends from elementary school; one who has been so sweet to him came up and gave him a hug. I know Heavenly Father has put people in place to bless Max's life; people who are sweet and kind and can see how amazing Max is. These friends of him are some of these sweet people. They are amazing.
The last thing I had to get in place was the bus ride. I called the bus garage and spoke with the man there. I asked if he could make sure that Max got to sit in the front seat every day. His response, "There are a lot of kids who need to be in the front. We'll try to get him as close to the front as possible." I thought, are you NUTS? Do you UNDERSTAND? Probably not. So I reiterated that Max has Autism, that loud noises are hard for him to handle and that it would be best for him to be sitting in the front seat. Again he told me the bus driver would do his best to put him as close to the front as possible. NOT good enough.
This morning Todd walked the three older boys to the bus stop, wearing his Air Force uniform, before going to work. There's nothing like using your uniform to command respect! LOL! When the bus got there he followed the boys onto the bus and said, "Sir, this is my son. And he is going to sit in this seat (Max and Alex had already sat in the front seat) every day for the entire year." Thankfully, the bus driver, Charlie, is the same one that Alex had last year and he's really nice. Charlie was more than happy to agree.
I have spent the last several weeks praying, and pleading with Heavenly Father to help Max with this transition. Every little blessing is evidence to me that He listens and answers our prayers. I feel at peace and KNOW that Max is going to have an awesome year!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Medicating...is it right for us?
One of the hardest decisions I have made is to medicate my child. I fought it for several years while trying every natural supplement/remedy I could get my hands on. One day, after many huge struggles at home and at school I was praying to know what I should do; how I could help my son and our family cope with ADHD in a way that was right for him. The answer was hard for me to hear, and yet has helped him more than anything else I have done.
Alex is a good boy. He wants to be good. He wants to do what I ask him to do. He wants to get good grades. He wants people to like him and WANT to be around him. He wants the teachers to know how to communicate with him and he wants to know how to communicate with them.
In essence the answer I got was a question, "How much longer will you put him through this/allow him to struggle and suffer before you will try using medicine?"
Oh MAN do I hate it when I have been wrong. I wanted desperately to help him in a natural way. But guess what, sometimes that just does NOT work.
Almost immediately after starting medicine he began listening better, getting better grades, was able to follow multiple part instructions, and was more calm. Seriously. The grades jumped from D's to A's and B's.
I love doing natural things. But there is GOOD in modern medicine. I don't use it all. But I use it when it's right for our family.
At the end of his 7th grade year we did not feel that the medicine was working for him. The teachers complained that it didn't seem like he had any medicine at all. We finally let the medicine run out at the beginning of summer and have spent the summer watching him. The first few weeks we didn't even notice a difference. After several more weeks we began to notice more. He struggled EVEN more than he had been with following directions. He struggled with being kind and with controlling his anger. He obsessed about everything. There were days that I wanted to crawl inside my closet and lock the door. It was hard for all of us.
Here we are at the beginning of a new school year and I KNOW the teachers would NOT be able to handle what I have dealt with all summer. Not with a classroom full of students.
Yesterday we spent a lot of time talking with the doctor to determine what would be best for Alex. This morning he started on his first dose of medicine. Before it got into his system he was hitting his brother, yelling at his brother, obsessing about a toy, and could not focus on making his food. I redirected him SO MANY TIMES. It was draining! Once we finally finished making his food and sat down to ate, the medicine kicked in, his breakfast kicked in and he has had the most wonderful day. He did his chores without being asked. He asked what he could do do help. He didn't complain once. AWESOME!
He came to me and said, "I know I can't watch a show because everyone is still doing chores, and I can't play a video game. What can I do?" The fact that he posed a question ALL ON HIS OWN without getting distracted or upset...AND it was logical, was a huge improvement.
I suggested that if he went and read his scriptures I would allow him to play on the DS. He wasn't too excited about that so I said, "How about playing on my Kindle?" He liked that! He went straight to his room, read his scriptures and then came to report. AMAZING!
He got extra time to sit and play on my Kindle. AND my stress level is SO much lower.
The moral of this story is...don't push aside one idea because you have seen negative effects that it can have on others. Open your heart and mind and allow inspiration to flow. And if medicine is right for your child/family member then do it. Don't procrastinate. If it's wrong for you, find what works.
Be prayerful. Talk to a loving Father in Heaven who knows you and loves you and wants you and your family to be happy. He will guide you and help you in all aspects of your life. And NEVER say never. (You can read one of my previous posts on this topic here.)
Have a wonderful and peaceful day!
Alex is a good boy. He wants to be good. He wants to do what I ask him to do. He wants to get good grades. He wants people to like him and WANT to be around him. He wants the teachers to know how to communicate with him and he wants to know how to communicate with them.
In essence the answer I got was a question, "How much longer will you put him through this/allow him to struggle and suffer before you will try using medicine?"
Oh MAN do I hate it when I have been wrong. I wanted desperately to help him in a natural way. But guess what, sometimes that just does NOT work.
Almost immediately after starting medicine he began listening better, getting better grades, was able to follow multiple part instructions, and was more calm. Seriously. The grades jumped from D's to A's and B's.
I love doing natural things. But there is GOOD in modern medicine. I don't use it all. But I use it when it's right for our family.
At the end of his 7th grade year we did not feel that the medicine was working for him. The teachers complained that it didn't seem like he had any medicine at all. We finally let the medicine run out at the beginning of summer and have spent the summer watching him. The first few weeks we didn't even notice a difference. After several more weeks we began to notice more. He struggled EVEN more than he had been with following directions. He struggled with being kind and with controlling his anger. He obsessed about everything. There were days that I wanted to crawl inside my closet and lock the door. It was hard for all of us.
Here we are at the beginning of a new school year and I KNOW the teachers would NOT be able to handle what I have dealt with all summer. Not with a classroom full of students.
Yesterday we spent a lot of time talking with the doctor to determine what would be best for Alex. This morning he started on his first dose of medicine. Before it got into his system he was hitting his brother, yelling at his brother, obsessing about a toy, and could not focus on making his food. I redirected him SO MANY TIMES. It was draining! Once we finally finished making his food and sat down to ate, the medicine kicked in, his breakfast kicked in and he has had the most wonderful day. He did his chores without being asked. He asked what he could do do help. He didn't complain once. AWESOME!
He came to me and said, "I know I can't watch a show because everyone is still doing chores, and I can't play a video game. What can I do?" The fact that he posed a question ALL ON HIS OWN without getting distracted or upset...AND it was logical, was a huge improvement.
I suggested that if he went and read his scriptures I would allow him to play on the DS. He wasn't too excited about that so I said, "How about playing on my Kindle?" He liked that! He went straight to his room, read his scriptures and then came to report. AMAZING!
He got extra time to sit and play on my Kindle. AND my stress level is SO much lower.
The moral of this story is...don't push aside one idea because you have seen negative effects that it can have on others. Open your heart and mind and allow inspiration to flow. And if medicine is right for your child/family member then do it. Don't procrastinate. If it's wrong for you, find what works.
Be prayerful. Talk to a loving Father in Heaven who knows you and loves you and wants you and your family to be happy. He will guide you and help you in all aspects of your life. And NEVER say never. (You can read one of my previous posts on this topic here.)
Have a wonderful and peaceful day!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Being sick is for the birds!
The beginning of the week was wonderful. We spent time with my Dad, who was visiting from Maine. Last week we had fresh Maine lobster and clams for dinner one night. We took the kids to the park, went to the zoo, made molasses cookies which are my dad's favorite, and visited a state park with a really cool cave called The Devil's Ice Box. By Tuesday of this week I was feeling pretty cruddy...a cold was dragging me down. By Wednesday I was forcing myself to get up and do things even though I felt awful.
Little Miss Curly Girl was showing signs of being sick right along with me. When we took my dad to meet the shuttle to the airport on Wednesday afternoon she was feeling really nasty. Bring on the moaning and crying. Poor thing!
Thursday I laid in bed for 3 hours with Curly Girl while my oldest two boys took care of the youngest Cutie Girl. Thursday evening Cutie Girl had a fever. My wonderful husband, who never gets sick, was starting to show signs of feeling sick, but chose to go play Ultimate Frisbee with some church friends anyway. Man did I want to go too. But I couldn't even make it up the stairs without huffing and puffing. Geesh! By the time he got home he had a fever too. GREAT!
Today is Friday...and we have spent the majority of our day in our room snuggling sick, feverish, fussy girls...watching movies...and snoozing when we could. Our bed got peed on during Curly Girl's nap and now our bedding is being washed. Oh the joys of being sick. :) I'm so glad I thought of dinner at 2:00 pm today or we would have eaten cereal or egg sandwiches for dinner....again. Chicken, carrots and potatoes were cooking in the crock pot. What a relief...and a blessing.
It has been YEARS since we have been this sick...Y. E. A. R. S. And right now I am SO very thankful that it doesn't happen very often. I am so thankful for good health. I don't know how long this creeping crud with hang on, but I am looking forward to having energy again and being able to exercise every day again and take care of my family. Thank goodness for the patience of children who can entertain themselves for hours with legos, TV shows, and pretend play. And thank goodness for children who are willing to help tend their younger siblings when their mama is sick. I love my crazy crew!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Good Monday Morning
I love how children think. They make me laugh. They make me smile. They make me chuckle and sometimes even giggle. They make me burst into hysterical belly rolling laughter. They are simply awesome!
After finishing my workout this morning I was on the floor stretching my back; on my knees, chest to my knees with my hands outstretched above my head. Little Miss Cassie Girl comes and lays down on the floor next to me with a blanket wrapped around her neck and giggles. I turned to look at her and my eyes meet her sparkling blue eyes and she giggled again. That made me smile and giggle a little too. I moved to stretch my legs and she stood under me, looked up at me and giggled again. What a sweet little angel!
I headed into the kitchen to make my smoothie and she went off to play. The next thing I know she's on top of the kitchen table...this is not a new thing...with a VHS tape box. The box is empty. She's sits on the table, opens the box and places her uneaten slice of toast into the box and closes it. It just struck me as funny. I laughed out loud. What a silly little miss.
It's the little things in life that bring a smile to our faces. I'll be reminded of it all day long. Have a happy day!
After finishing my workout this morning I was on the floor stretching my back; on my knees, chest to my knees with my hands outstretched above my head. Little Miss Cassie Girl comes and lays down on the floor next to me with a blanket wrapped around her neck and giggles. I turned to look at her and my eyes meet her sparkling blue eyes and she giggled again. That made me smile and giggle a little too. I moved to stretch my legs and she stood under me, looked up at me and giggled again. What a sweet little angel!
I headed into the kitchen to make my smoothie and she went off to play. The next thing I know she's on top of the kitchen table...this is not a new thing...with a VHS tape box. The box is empty. She's sits on the table, opens the box and places her uneaten slice of toast into the box and closes it. It just struck me as funny. I laughed out loud. What a silly little miss.
It's the little things in life that bring a smile to our faces. I'll be reminded of it all day long. Have a happy day!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Peace
As I make breakfast, load the dishwasher and wash a few dishes my mind is caught up in thoughts of the Boston Marathon this week and the tragic bombings that occurred. I remember the feelings and emotions that I felt when I sat and watched the Twin Towers collapse and crumble. I remember the feelings of helplessness and wanting to make the pain and suffering stop. And some of those same feelings and thoughts emerge yet again as I watched clips and footage of the race.
So many people were hurt. So many lives altered. So much sadness.
A hymn plays in my mind as I listen to a talk...
Where can I turn for peace
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger or malice
I draw my self apart
searching my soul
Where, when my aching grows
Where, when I languish
Where, in my need to know
Where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand
to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only One.
He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane,
Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds
For my beseeching
Constant He is and kind,
Love without end.
As I think on these things I am so thankful for a loving Savior who is the only true source of peace in our earthly lives. We can get through these horrific acts of terror and move on and find peace and joy in our lives. It will not be easy. But it is possible.
A conference talk from this month's General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints talks of peace and where to find it. Elder Quentin L. Cook does a beautiful job explaining how we can find peace in his talk entitled Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness.
I am so thankful for a loving Savior.
So many people were hurt. So many lives altered. So much sadness.
A hymn plays in my mind as I listen to a talk...
Where can I turn for peace
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger or malice
I draw my self apart
searching my soul
Where, when my aching grows
Where, when I languish
Where, in my need to know
Where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand
to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only One.
He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane,
Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds
For my beseeching
Constant He is and kind,
Love without end.
As I think on these things I am so thankful for a loving Savior who is the only true source of peace in our earthly lives. We can get through these horrific acts of terror and move on and find peace and joy in our lives. It will not be easy. But it is possible.
A conference talk from this month's General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints talks of peace and where to find it. Elder Quentin L. Cook does a beautiful job explaining how we can find peace in his talk entitled Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness.
I am so thankful for a loving Savior.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Homemade paints
Curly Girl has been bugging me for paints. She had some and ran out and just wants to paint. How could I resist the pleadings of a 4 year old...I didn't want to spend the money on the paint. I'm cheap. Haha! I searched the internet for some recipes and found this blog that had a few different recipes.
I chose to make the recipe that she said was their favorite. Why try to reinvent the wheel? I'm pretty easy to please. Today I finally got out the three ingredients to make the paint and Curly Girl helped me. She stirred the water and cornstarch mixture on the stove. I helped when it got a little too thick for her.
Then we transferred the warm mixture into small containers that I had purchased for this purpose. It fit perfectly into the four small 1/2 cup containers. Once it cooled a bit more I added a very small amount of food coloring gel...in the colors that Curly Girl chose. She wanted rainbow colors.
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And there you have it...one happy girl! Happy Painting Curly Girl!
I chose to make the recipe that she said was their favorite. Why try to reinvent the wheel? I'm pretty easy to please. Today I finally got out the three ingredients to make the paint and Curly Girl helped me. She stirred the water and cornstarch mixture on the stove. I helped when it got a little too thick for her.
Then we transferred the warm mixture into small containers that I had purchased for this purpose. It fit perfectly into the four small 1/2 cup containers. Once it cooled a bit more I added a very small amount of food coloring gel...in the colors that Curly Girl chose. She wanted rainbow colors.
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Monday, March 25, 2013
Crochet, crochet, I love to crochet!
In an effort to support my habits and to make a little bit of extra money, I have started making hats and other crocheted items to sell. Today I finished making my facebook page where I will sell these items. I spent most of the morning doing this. I can't believe how quickly time flies when I am working on the computer. It's crazy! No wonder my littlest Miss was cranky!!
Please take a minute or two and look at my page here.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Perspective
I happened to lean down a bit while I was looking in the general direction of my cookbook holder and realized there was a cookie under it. At this point, I stood up and contemplated leaving it there until later. Well...when would later come? I have become a master procrastinator in many areas! I decided to move to cookbooks and take a closer look at the cookie. It had been there for a while. I don't remember when I made monster cookies last. And it was partially eaten. Yum. It was swollen up and looked funny, but not moldy. It was hard as a rock. It was also very stuck to the counter. I dug out a metal spatula and began chiseling it off the counter top.
I realized how grossed out and disgusted I would have been a few years ago by this. And now...it has become normal. Haha! How sad is that! But, it also shows how relaxed I have gotten over the years. I think that's a great thing for me.
I remember a time when everything in my house had a place; many things still do. And when an item wasn't in use it was in that specified place. I didn't find dried out, old fries stuck under the seats in my car, or wrappers stuffed into my couch cushions, or raisins under MY bed that were once grapes, or toys under MY bed, or pee covered toilet seats, or anything cluttering the floors back then.
And somehow I am enjoying the messes now. Because if I didn't have these messes I would either be a mental case from trying to keep it perfect or I wouldn't have my children. Life without my children would be a very sad existence, indeed.
Today I am thankful for all the lollipops I have found stuck to my carpet, wrappers stuck under beds, half eaten bags of chocolate chips hidden under pillows, running out of bread before the end of the week, mountains of laundry to be washed, rotten moldy apples that have adhered themselves to the seat under the baby seat in the car, piles and piles of dirty dishes, and clutter that seems to find my floors... because it means I have been blessed with a wonderful family!
I realized how grossed out and disgusted I would have been a few years ago by this. And now...it has become normal. Haha! How sad is that! But, it also shows how relaxed I have gotten over the years. I think that's a great thing for me.
I remember a time when everything in my house had a place; many things still do. And when an item wasn't in use it was in that specified place. I didn't find dried out, old fries stuck under the seats in my car, or wrappers stuffed into my couch cushions, or raisins under MY bed that were once grapes, or toys under MY bed, or pee covered toilet seats, or anything cluttering the floors back then.
And somehow I am enjoying the messes now. Because if I didn't have these messes I would either be a mental case from trying to keep it perfect or I wouldn't have my children. Life without my children would be a very sad existence, indeed.
Today I am thankful for all the lollipops I have found stuck to my carpet, wrappers stuck under beds, half eaten bags of chocolate chips hidden under pillows, running out of bread before the end of the week, mountains of laundry to be washed, rotten moldy apples that have adhered themselves to the seat under the baby seat in the car, piles and piles of dirty dishes, and clutter that seems to find my floors... because it means I have been blessed with a wonderful family!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Operation Christmas Child
Yesterday I found this organization called Operation Christmas Child when reading a blog. It's a wonderful organization that collects shoe boxes with gifts for a child and then they ship them all over the world. After reading the blog and then reading more about the OCC I was determined to share this experience with my children.
So, last night I went shopping with a friend who also decided to join me in this. We looked at clothing, deodorants, crafts, toys, candy and so much more. We wandered. We picked items up and thought about them. We placed some back on shelves. We threw some in the carts. We found items we liked better and took out items we didn't like as much....all the while thinking about the little girl or little boy this gift might be given to. She picked a girl in the age range of 5-9 and I picked a boy in the same age range. Since I have 4 boys, I figured it would be pretty easy to find things.
I found Legos that made me smile when I thought of a little boy's delight. I picked socks that I knew Colin would think were so comfy and cool to have for his own. I found a tiny Nerf gun that all my boys would go nuts over. I grabbed Christmas-y chapstick, crayons, markers, colored pencils, gum, tiny playing cards like Old Maid, a candy cane filled with jelly beans, spiderman bandaids, superhero tooth brushes, a small slinky, and a green yoyo ball. Every time I think about these simple gifts, I smile.
I found some leftover wrapping paper from last Christmas and wrapped the plastic shoe box. I folded. I rearranged. I opened packaging and organized. I squished and shoved and pushed and crammed and FINALLY got everything that I desperately wanted in the box to fit...really tightly.
I told each of the boys about the program. I showed them pictures of children who have received the boxes in the past. I talked about how this will be a child's only Christmas, that each of the items in the box will be treasured. I cried and cried and my kids asked me why I was crying.
What a glorious way to bring the real spirit of Christmas into our home. We don't know exactly who this box will go to, but we have imagined him. We have pictured him opening his gift. We love him.
Isn't that what Christmas is really about? I'm so grateful for the blog that lead me to find this amazing organization. Go here to find her amazing blog...
http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/
If you want to learn more about this organization go here: Operation Christmas Child
And Have a wonderfully blissful and blessed holiday and Christmas season!
So, last night I went shopping with a friend who also decided to join me in this. We looked at clothing, deodorants, crafts, toys, candy and so much more. We wandered. We picked items up and thought about them. We placed some back on shelves. We threw some in the carts. We found items we liked better and took out items we didn't like as much....all the while thinking about the little girl or little boy this gift might be given to. She picked a girl in the age range of 5-9 and I picked a boy in the same age range. Since I have 4 boys, I figured it would be pretty easy to find things.
I found Legos that made me smile when I thought of a little boy's delight. I picked socks that I knew Colin would think were so comfy and cool to have for his own. I found a tiny Nerf gun that all my boys would go nuts over. I grabbed Christmas-y chapstick, crayons, markers, colored pencils, gum, tiny playing cards like Old Maid, a candy cane filled with jelly beans, spiderman bandaids, superhero tooth brushes, a small slinky, and a green yoyo ball. Every time I think about these simple gifts, I smile.
I found some leftover wrapping paper from last Christmas and wrapped the plastic shoe box. I folded. I rearranged. I opened packaging and organized. I squished and shoved and pushed and crammed and FINALLY got everything that I desperately wanted in the box to fit...really tightly.
I told each of the boys about the program. I showed them pictures of children who have received the boxes in the past. I talked about how this will be a child's only Christmas, that each of the items in the box will be treasured. I cried and cried and my kids asked me why I was crying.
What a glorious way to bring the real spirit of Christmas into our home. We don't know exactly who this box will go to, but we have imagined him. We have pictured him opening his gift. We love him.
Isn't that what Christmas is really about? I'm so grateful for the blog that lead me to find this amazing organization. Go here to find her amazing blog...
http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/
If you want to learn more about this organization go here: Operation Christmas Child
And Have a wonderfully blissful and blessed holiday and Christmas season!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Mmm! Lunch!
Yesterday morning I got a text from my friend's daughter telling me that she and TJ thought we should have chimichangas for dinner that night. At first I groaned. Ugh! There's not time. Then I realized that it was 7:30 in the morning and I had plenty of time to put meat in the crock pot. Having dinner decided ahead of time is a magical thing! It saves me so much stress.
I ran downstairs and grabbed the beef roast and a bag of frozen chicken breasts from the freezer and set about putting the ingredients needed into the pots. Once finished I set the temperature and let it do its work.
A few hours later the wonderful aroma filled the wall of our home. Mmmm! I couldn't wait to eat dinner!
Dinner was, not only delicious, but fun. We enjoyed good company, yummy food, and tasty warm cookies...compliment of Lauren ;).
I always get stumped when trying to come up with something for lunch. Meals...ugh. I remembered my leftover chimichanga meat and an idea popped into my head. I cooked up a bag of frozen mixed veggies, sprinkled in a bit of salt and pepper and some southwestern seasoning. Then added the chicken to the pan. I kept trying to think of s o m e t h i n g that would make this dish somehow better. Light bulb! I sprinkled in a bit of taco seasoning, placed the veggie/meat mixture onto the brown rice and topped it with a little salsa. Yummy, spicy, satisfying meal. Success!
I ran downstairs and grabbed the beef roast and a bag of frozen chicken breasts from the freezer and set about putting the ingredients needed into the pots. Once finished I set the temperature and let it do its work.
A few hours later the wonderful aroma filled the wall of our home. Mmmm! I couldn't wait to eat dinner!
Dinner was, not only delicious, but fun. We enjoyed good company, yummy food, and tasty warm cookies...compliment of Lauren ;).
I always get stumped when trying to come up with something for lunch. Meals...ugh. I remembered my leftover chimichanga meat and an idea popped into my head. I cooked up a bag of frozen mixed veggies, sprinkled in a bit of salt and pepper and some southwestern seasoning. Then added the chicken to the pan. I kept trying to think of s o m e t h i n g that would make this dish somehow better. Light bulb! I sprinkled in a bit of taco seasoning, placed the veggie/meat mixture onto the brown rice and topped it with a little salsa. Yummy, spicy, satisfying meal. Success!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Kindness and service
Today I decided to stay home from church since the sore throat that I've had all week is still there and TJ is starting to get sick too. I don't want to pass this on to anyone I don't have to. So, in my search for something spiritual that can fill my time I went to the lds.org website and then the byutv.org website and found a video to watch.
I have been touched, recently, by the amazing spirit that comes when you listen to a prompting and give to another. When we went on our trip to Florida we had very limited space. I packed all the food for our trip and as we were heading out the door to pile into the cram packed XUV I felt I should grab the bag of pretzels. I almost didn't. But being the over prepared one that I tend to be, I went ahead and tossed in into the car on top of the already stuffed food box. It wasn't until we reached St. Louis that I realized why that bag of pretzels was there.
Standing at an intersection, in a part of the city where railroads, intersecting highways, and buildings meet, was a man with a sign asking for help.
Many times in my life I have passed these people by. Shaking my head and wondering why they would stand there and pester those driving past. Never looking them in the eye. Feeling disgusted towards them. I remember years ago when a dear friend of mine told me a story about what her daughter said when she saw a man doing just the same thing. He had a bandanna wrapped around his head. She thought he looked like Nephi. That changed my outlook a lot. And then, when reading the scriptures I realized that what I was doing was judging these people. I made assumptions based on what I saw. That was wrong.
Feeling prompted, I asked my sister to grab the bag of pretzels that still sat on top of our food box. She handed it to me and as I reached where this man was standing I opened my window. He gratefully accepted the food and told me to have a blessed day. I was touched so strongly that I cried.
Later we were on the receiving end of a dear friend's kindness and again were touched by that same spirit.
Two days ago when I was traveling to Jeff City I saw a woman standing with a sign. I don't normally carry any money with me. I remembered having a bunch of quarters on my purse and began to quickly dig some out. I wish I had had more time to dig them all out. There were people in line behind me...waiting for the green light. I quickly pulled up and handed her what I had...feeling badly that I couldn't do more.
Today as I watched this and again was touched by this amazing spirit. If we can help only one person today, even in the tiniest way, we need to do it. Do what we can. Share what we can. Give what we can. And love people the way the Savior loves them. Without judging them.
http://byutv.org/watch/3a8b3267-1dce-473e-b301-ef72a199dee0#ooid=hvdWUzNTpQG9tJv_MWYLdL77WpYvJ8hl
I have been touched, recently, by the amazing spirit that comes when you listen to a prompting and give to another. When we went on our trip to Florida we had very limited space. I packed all the food for our trip and as we were heading out the door to pile into the cram packed XUV I felt I should grab the bag of pretzels. I almost didn't. But being the over prepared one that I tend to be, I went ahead and tossed in into the car on top of the already stuffed food box. It wasn't until we reached St. Louis that I realized why that bag of pretzels was there.
Standing at an intersection, in a part of the city where railroads, intersecting highways, and buildings meet, was a man with a sign asking for help.
Many times in my life I have passed these people by. Shaking my head and wondering why they would stand there and pester those driving past. Never looking them in the eye. Feeling disgusted towards them. I remember years ago when a dear friend of mine told me a story about what her daughter said when she saw a man doing just the same thing. He had a bandanna wrapped around his head. She thought he looked like Nephi. That changed my outlook a lot. And then, when reading the scriptures I realized that what I was doing was judging these people. I made assumptions based on what I saw. That was wrong.
Feeling prompted, I asked my sister to grab the bag of pretzels that still sat on top of our food box. She handed it to me and as I reached where this man was standing I opened my window. He gratefully accepted the food and told me to have a blessed day. I was touched so strongly that I cried.
Later we were on the receiving end of a dear friend's kindness and again were touched by that same spirit.
Two days ago when I was traveling to Jeff City I saw a woman standing with a sign. I don't normally carry any money with me. I remembered having a bunch of quarters on my purse and began to quickly dig some out. I wish I had had more time to dig them all out. There were people in line behind me...waiting for the green light. I quickly pulled up and handed her what I had...feeling badly that I couldn't do more.
Today as I watched this and again was touched by this amazing spirit. If we can help only one person today, even in the tiniest way, we need to do it. Do what we can. Share what we can. Give what we can. And love people the way the Savior loves them. Without judging them.
http://byutv.org/watch/3a8b3267-1dce-473e-b301-ef72a199dee0#ooid=hvdWUzNTpQG9tJv_MWYLdL77WpYvJ8hl
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Oooh! Tasty!
I LOVE new recipes! So today as I was reading a few posts on facebook I came across this recipe that someone had pinned. They are in the oven as I type! I can't wait to try them!!! And I can feel good about telling you that they ARE low fat and healthy. :) So many recipes make that claim but are NOT what they claim.
(My notes are in purple! ;o)
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Squares
by
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Keywords: bake breakfast snack dessert bars low fat healthy
Healthy oatmeal squares perfect for breakfast or a snack
Ingredients (9 squares)
- 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (I used dark brown sugar since that's what I had in my cabinet.)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (I used almond milk since I'm trying to eliminate dairy for Cassie)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 large mashed banana
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Mix together the quick cooking oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, kosher salt and ground cinnamon. (I took the time to mash the clumps of brown sugar with the back on the spoon so as not to have clumps when it's all done)
- Add in the vanilla extract, milk and egg. Mix the ingredients together.
- Then add in the mashed banana and peanut butter. Combine all of the ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 8 by 8 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
For more information go to this website.
These came out so tasty we munched on them all day. They were gone by the end of the day. TJ didn't really enjoy the banana flavor, so today I tried changing them a bit. Here's the recipe:
1 3/4 cups quick oats
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup almond milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Mix together oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Add honey, vanilla, milk and egg. Mix well. Then add in the peanut butter. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 8x8 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. After 10 minutes of baking, place a baking sheet on the bottom rack, under the pan to protect it from burning. Once done, let cool for 15 minutes. (Note: if you don't let them cool they will completely crumble. Once they have cooled they can be cut and served. The consistency is NOT the same as the above recipe, but similar and still so tasty!)
Saturday, September 22, 2012
New Blog Title
This year has been crazy, chaotic, insane...and then some. But it has also been a good year so far. Many times lately I have said or someone else has jokingly made comment about our "three ring circus". Yes...having this many children can get crazy! We are an oddity in today's society. I love shocking people with the number of children we have. And with so many boys...well...I'm sure you can guess what it's like sometimes. LOL! It's something I've grown accustomed to. You HAVE to when it's a daily occurrence! But to others it's not only comical but I think sometimes it's frightening! Haha! Things are flying , kids are screaming, someones giggling, toys are crashing, avalanches of laundry are falling, sky scrapers made of dirty dishes are toppling, the dog is yapping, the cats are mewing, the baby needs a diaper change, the toddler is tired, the pre-teen is whining, pretend fists are flying ("But Mom, we were only pretending! We weren't hitting each other!")...I'm sure you get the picture.
So...after this crazy year I've decided...we are now the...
Crazy Cantwell Circus!
Fitting don't ya think?!
I'll start taking pictures and creating a new photo for the blog to go along with it...as soon as I have a free moment. Don't hold you breath...it could take a few months!
We DO have a juggler, a comedian, and much more! I think I could be considered an acrobat, of sorts, at times. Walking the tight rope of insanity will do that do a person.
So...after this crazy year I've decided...we are now the...
Crazy Cantwell Circus!
Fitting don't ya think?!
I'll start taking pictures and creating a new photo for the blog to go along with it...as soon as I have a free moment. Don't hold you breath...it could take a few months!
We DO have a juggler, a comedian, and much more! I think I could be considered an acrobat, of sorts, at times. Walking the tight rope of insanity will do that do a person.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Strawberry Cake
In my search for a strawberry cake recipe for Alyssa's upcoming birthday, I found this recipe. I do not what to be buying the strawberry cake mix from the store with all of the artificial ingredients, etc. Also, I'm not a fan of the boxed Jello, but thought I'd at least give it a try in this recipe. So tonight, while making dinner, I made this cake. It was delicious!!!! So good that I have decided to try again and use some all natural gelatin instead. Knox clear gelatin would work, but I have to figure out how much sugar and pure strawberry extract to use as well. I changed the recipe to show the changes I made when I made the cake tonight. I took out a container of frosting I had stored in the freezer, thawed it out and added about a cup of pureed frozen strawberries (with a little sugar added) to it. I filled the layers with the frosting and then frosted it too. OH MY! You could taste the yummy strawberries and the best part is knowing that...for the most part...it was natural. I'll definitely be testing it out without the box of Jello next time. Remind me to have guests over so I don't eat it all by myself!! ;)
http://anwjohnston.blogspot.com/2012/06/diy-cloth-diaper-safe-laundry-detergent.html
Strawberry Cake
2 cups white sugar
1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin
1 cup butter, softened
4 eggs room temperature, separated
2 3/4 cups sifted cake flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup fat free vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup strawberry puree made from frozen sweetened
strawberries
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease
and flour two 9 inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and dry
strawberry gelatin until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks one at a time, mixing
well after each. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir into the batter
alternately with the yogurt. Blend in vanilla and strawberry puree. Whip egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold egg whites into batter. Divide the
batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a
small knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow cakes
to cool in their pans over a wire rack for at least 10 minutes, before tapping
out to cool completely.
http://anwjohnston.blogspot.com/2012/06/diy-cloth-diaper-safe-laundry-detergent.html
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Whole Wheat Coconut Flax Bread
Lower in Calories, higher in fiber...full of healthy goodness! Check out my recipe below! The texture is soft and yummy, the flavor is delish!
Whole
Wheat Coconut Flax Bread
by Kara Cantwell
3 1/2 cups hot water
5 cups wheat flour
1 cup sifted coconut flour
In a medium sized bowl combine the water and wheat flour. Let mixture sit
covered for 20-30 minutes.
In large PLASTIC kitchen mixer bowl combine the following:
2 Tbsp. yeast
½ cup warm water
½ cup molasses
Mix, dissolve and let it foam up.
Add the following to the wheat flour mixture:
1/3 cup oil
1 Tbsp. salt
Mix well, and then add the wheat flour mixture to the yeast
mixture. Mix well. Then add:
2 cups oatmeal
4 Tbsp. flaxseed meal
Mix well.
Add enough more wheat flour so that as your mixer mixes, it
will clean off the sides of the bowl. (This can be done by hand as well. Still use the plastic bowl, as you will use
less flour that way. If using a metal bowl, check the consistency several times
while adding the wheat flour.) Check the
consistency to make sure the dough is slightly sticky/tacky. To do this, touch
the dough with a clean try hand. When only a tiny amount sticks to your hand,
it’s done. Spread a thin layer of oil on
the inside of a large plastic bowl. Spray your hands with oil. Pull the dough out
of the mixer. Place the dough into the oiled bowl. Make sure the ball of dough
has a thin layer of oil all over it. Cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap or
an oiled lid. Then let it rise, in a warm place, until double. Once double in
size, punch dough down. Divide into two
loaves and mush the air bubbles out. Shape
dough and place in greased pans. Cover
loosely with oiled plastic wrap and let rise until double in a warm place. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Rub
some real butter on the top of each loaf. Enjoy! Makes 2 loaves.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Whole Wheat
Okay, so , I'm on a whole wheat kick. I've been trying to find healthy ways to do many things. Well...why haven't I just gone to whole wheat right away? Because the wheat flour has a tendency to make things heavy and less than appetizing...to me anyway. I want the food I make to taste good AND be healthy. Is that really too much to ask?
I tried making a reduced calorie bread. It was okay. Not the greatest. Then I was CRAVING my whole wheat bread...from when my mom used to make it when I was a kid. Aaaaah, so many good memories!
I decided to whip up a batch! BUT after learning a few things about working with Wheat Flour I changed the recipe a bit. It came out SO stinking good!!! Here's the recipe:
I tried making a reduced calorie bread. It was okay. Not the greatest. Then I was CRAVING my whole wheat bread...from when my mom used to make it when I was a kid. Aaaaah, so many good memories!
I decided to whip up a batch! BUT after learning a few things about working with Wheat Flour I changed the recipe a bit. It came out SO stinking good!!! Here's the recipe:
100%
Whole Wheat Bread
by Kara Cantwell
3 cups hot water
5 ¼ cups wheat flour
In a medium sized bowl combine the water and wheat flour. Let mixture sit
covered for 20-30 minutes.
In large PLASTIC kitchen mixer bowl combine the following:
2 Tbsp. yeast
½ cup warm water
½ cup molasses
Mix, dissolve and let it foam up.
Add the following to the wheat flour mixture:
1/3 cup oil
1 Tbsp. salt
Mix well, and then add the wheat flour mixture to the yeast
mixture. Mix well. Then add:
2 cups oatmeal
Mix well.
Add enough more wheat flour so that as your mixer mixes, it
will clean off the sides of the bowl. (This can be done by hand as well. Still use the plastic bowl, as you will use
less flour that way.) Check the
consistency to make sure the dough is slightly sticky/tacky. To do this, touch
the dough with a clean try hand. When only a small amount sticks to your hand,
it’s done. Spread a thin layer of oil on
the inside of a large plastic bowl. Spray your hands with oil. Pull the dough out
of the mixer. Place the dough into the oiled bowl. Make sure the ball of dough
has a thin layer of oil all over it. Cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap or
an oiled lid. Then let it rise, in a warm place, until double. Once double in
size, punch dough down. Divide into two
loaves and mush the air bubbles out. Shape
dough and place in greased pans. Cover
loosely with oiled plastic wrap and let rise until double in a warm place. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Rub
some real butter on the top of each loaf. Enjoy! Makes 2 loaves.
So then...I decided that I NEEDED some Banana Bread! Yes...it was a need! I had never made it with wheat flour, but I was feeling empowered by my success with the wheat bread, so I thought...what the heck...let's do it! It turned out amazing! BUT you must follow the directions and leave the batter to sit so that you don't get that heavy, grainy wheat flour consistency. Unless, of course, you enjoy that consistency. Then by all means, disregard that part. Otherwise, follow the directions and you will have a tasty treat!!
Whole Wheat Banana Bread
2 Tbsp. oil
6 Tbsp. fat free yogurt
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
3-4 mashed bananas
1 tsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. warm tap water
1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
In mixing bowl, mash bananas.
Add oil, yogurt, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla and water. Mix. In separate bowl, mix wheat flour, soda
and salt. Add banana mixture. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated
and moistened. Let the bowl of batter
sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes so the wheat flour can absorb the
moisture. Grease one loaf pan. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 55-60 minutes…or
until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Run a butter knife along the edges of the pan to loosen the bread from
the pan. Cool bread on cooling
rack. Serve and enjoy! Yummy!!!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Cookies
So, while my sister was here visiting we were focusing on eating right and doing the Simply Filling Weight Watchers plan. We were having fun coming up with good food ideas that we could enjoy...while losing weight at the same time. In my brilliance...and ignorance...I decided I should try to make Monster Cookies with Stevia...so that they wouldn't be so many points.
Hmmm...
The dough had that Stevia aftertaste, but I thought...what the heck, let's give it a try. It probably didn't help that I was so stuffed silly from overfilling myself at Olive Garden (for Juli's birthday...and NO that is NOT Simply Filling...it's just eating fun foods LOL!). I couldn't even think about food. It sounded gross. So I made the Stevia cookies.
I mean, come on! I says RIGHT on the package that you can use Stevia, cup for cup, in the place of sugar. Hahaha! I think I ate 3 or 4 bites of this cookie. Ugh! They were so yucky. The consistency was off. The aftertaste was strong. I could barely taste the peanut butter.
The kids noticed them and wanted to try them. So I let them. They loved them. WHAT? Silly kids! Maybe they need to check their tastes buds. Are they malfunctioning today? HAHA! I let them have the cookies for Supper....cause I'm such a cool Mom, right! They LOVED it! Really they were eating mostly peanut butter and oatmeal. :)
Juli was so full from lunch that she couldn't even think about food without feeling yucky. She didn't try them. But another friend did. Let's just say...the kids all have messed up taste buds!
Today I made the Monster cookies again, because I wanted some that tasted good. SOOOO much better! I guess the moral to my story is...if the dessert is good don't try to alter it. Just enjoy it as the treat that it is! Save the healthy new ideas for meals. I don't screw those up very often anymore!
Monster Cookies
by Sister Steavens (Mission president’s wife from Sister Bowden’s mission)
1-Mix well:3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup butter
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 ½ cups peanut butter
2-Stir in:4 ½ cups rolled oats
3-Add if wanted in ½ cup amounts:M&M’s, Reese's Pieces
Chocolate Chips
Dried fruit
Chopped Nuts
Drop on lightly greased cookie sheets (large or small). Flatten gently. Bake at 350 degrees. 10-12 minutes for small cookies, 12-14 for larger cookies or until lightly browned. Let sit on cookie sheet for a few minutes. Cool on rack.
Hmmm...
The dough had that Stevia aftertaste, but I thought...what the heck, let's give it a try. It probably didn't help that I was so stuffed silly from overfilling myself at Olive Garden (for Juli's birthday...and NO that is NOT Simply Filling...it's just eating fun foods LOL!). I couldn't even think about food. It sounded gross. So I made the Stevia cookies.
I mean, come on! I says RIGHT on the package that you can use Stevia, cup for cup, in the place of sugar. Hahaha! I think I ate 3 or 4 bites of this cookie. Ugh! They were so yucky. The consistency was off. The aftertaste was strong. I could barely taste the peanut butter.
The kids noticed them and wanted to try them. So I let them. They loved them. WHAT? Silly kids! Maybe they need to check their tastes buds. Are they malfunctioning today? HAHA! I let them have the cookies for Supper....cause I'm such a cool Mom, right! They LOVED it! Really they were eating mostly peanut butter and oatmeal. :)
Juli was so full from lunch that she couldn't even think about food without feeling yucky. She didn't try them. But another friend did. Let's just say...the kids all have messed up taste buds!
Today I made the Monster cookies again, because I wanted some that tasted good. SOOOO much better! I guess the moral to my story is...if the dessert is good don't try to alter it. Just enjoy it as the treat that it is! Save the healthy new ideas for meals. I don't screw those up very often anymore!
Monster Cookies
by Sister Steavens (Mission president’s wife from Sister Bowden’s mission)
1-Mix well:3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup butter
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 ½ cups peanut butter
2-Stir in:4 ½ cups rolled oats
3-Add if wanted in ½ cup amounts:M&M’s, Reese's Pieces
Chocolate Chips
Dried fruit
Chopped Nuts
Drop on lightly greased cookie sheets (large or small). Flatten gently. Bake at 350 degrees. 10-12 minutes for small cookies, 12-14 for larger cookies or until lightly browned. Let sit on cookie sheet for a few minutes. Cool on rack.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Enchiladas...Yummy!
I have used either the canned stuff or the packets that you add to the tomato paste and water, in the past. Needless to say, I have not made enchiladas in a long time. I hate all the msg and other yucky ingredients. Today I searched online for recipes and this one had awesome reviews. I added a couple of ingredients and decreased the salt. It is delish!!!
After making the sauce...I poured a thin layer of sauce in bottom of 9x13 pan. Then I cooked up about 2 pounds of chicken along with some onion and bell pepper in some canola oil. Once the chicken was cooked through I added the Enchilada sauce to the meat mixture. I scooped about 1/4-1/3 cup of the mixture into a small taco size tortilla, sprinkled on some cheese and laid it, seam side down, in the prepared pan. Once the pan is full, pour more sauce over the top to coat. Then sprinkle more cheese on. Bake @ 375 degrees until sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted. Enjoy!!!
Homemade Enchilada Sauce
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/8-1/4 cup chili powder, to taste with
more chili powder the spicier ( I used 3Tbsp)
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt (1/4 tsp)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
2 teaspoons sugar
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
cayenne, to taste if you want more spice (I didn't use this. My kids don't like spicy foods at all!)
http://www.food.com/recipe/homemade-enchilada-sauce-222519?oc=linkback
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Job Description
Some of the things you NEVER hear about being a stay-at-home mom would make some turn quickly on their heels and run away screaming in hysterics. I think it's one of life's best kept secrets. Being a stay-at-home mom is one of the most rewarding jobs that exists. AND at the same time the HARDEST, most challenging career any woman could choose to pursue. The blessings greatly outweigh the costs, but at times I can easily see why women might want to quit...and run away screaming!
The paycheck stinks...let's be honest now. LOL!
The hours are horrific.
The job description is scary.
I mean WHAT would it say, if it were listed in the classifieds?
In need of good, strong courageous women who are willing to be up at all hours of the night; becoming sleep deprived beyond compare.
Willing to clean up after little people again and again and again...and even yet again!
Willing to clean up ANY bodily fluid at a moments notice.
Able to clean crayon and marker off the walls.
Needs to be good at cooking, cleaning, doing mounds and mounds of stinky laundry,wiping tears, kissing booboos, wiping boogers, stopping fights, reading bedtime stories, playing pretend, giggling and being silly, getting dirty, being creative, consoling a crying child...
It's is an overwhelming task that without the help of my Heavenly Father, I wouldn't be able to do it. But somehow the positive outweighs all of those negatives. There are days when I want to rip all my hair out...but then I'd be bald and that just wouldn't be very flattering! So, I choose an alternative. I fall to my knees and ask for help. I don't have a clue how to do it all. But Father in Heaven does!
So, even though this job is the hardest I have ever had, it is the best job too. I am so thankful to be able to see the good things that come. What trials we thought we could never get through have a way of passing and then we look back and see how far we have come; what we have learned that we might not have learned otherwise; we see the blessings. I love the tiny things...the firsts. The first smile, laugh, belly laughs, sitting up, crawling, the wonder of discovering their hands, the first words. I love when they want to be "BIG" just like me. I love when they find joy in Heavenly Father's creations; and no matter how often they see them they bring wonder and happiness to their eyes.
The first day of Nursery is sometimes scary and eventually they learn to love it. The first day of school is terrifying and exciting and I learn to let go a little. Now TJ is 14 and has had his first dance. He'll start High School in a few short weeks...along with early morning seminary. Before I know it he'll be heading off on his mission. When I think about it that way, I enjoy the sitting and holding the baby even more. I soak up every moment with them. We don't have to be perfect house keepers or perfect at making fabulous dinners. We have to try our best. One moment at a time.
I think peanut butter and jelly for supper is a wonderful idea!!!
The paycheck stinks...let's be honest now. LOL!
The hours are horrific.
The job description is scary.
I mean WHAT would it say, if it were listed in the classifieds?
In need of good, strong courageous women who are willing to be up at all hours of the night; becoming sleep deprived beyond compare.
Willing to clean up after little people again and again and again...and even yet again!
Willing to clean up ANY bodily fluid at a moments notice.
Able to clean crayon and marker off the walls.
Needs to be good at cooking, cleaning, doing mounds and mounds of stinky laundry,wiping tears, kissing booboos, wiping boogers, stopping fights, reading bedtime stories, playing pretend, giggling and being silly, getting dirty, being creative, consoling a crying child...
It's is an overwhelming task that without the help of my Heavenly Father, I wouldn't be able to do it. But somehow the positive outweighs all of those negatives. There are days when I want to rip all my hair out...but then I'd be bald and that just wouldn't be very flattering! So, I choose an alternative. I fall to my knees and ask for help. I don't have a clue how to do it all. But Father in Heaven does!
So, even though this job is the hardest I have ever had, it is the best job too. I am so thankful to be able to see the good things that come. What trials we thought we could never get through have a way of passing and then we look back and see how far we have come; what we have learned that we might not have learned otherwise; we see the blessings. I love the tiny things...the firsts. The first smile, laugh, belly laughs, sitting up, crawling, the wonder of discovering their hands, the first words. I love when they want to be "BIG" just like me. I love when they find joy in Heavenly Father's creations; and no matter how often they see them they bring wonder and happiness to their eyes.
The first day of Nursery is sometimes scary and eventually they learn to love it. The first day of school is terrifying and exciting and I learn to let go a little. Now TJ is 14 and has had his first dance. He'll start High School in a few short weeks...along with early morning seminary. Before I know it he'll be heading off on his mission. When I think about it that way, I enjoy the sitting and holding the baby even more. I soak up every moment with them. We don't have to be perfect house keepers or perfect at making fabulous dinners. We have to try our best. One moment at a time.
I think peanut butter and jelly for supper is a wonderful idea!!!
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