Tuesday, October 16, 2012
More Fall fun!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
MIA
I haven't posted in quite a while.. I really have no excuse other than I've been busy and our lives are not that exciting.
We've been roasting a lot of marshmallows at our house and grandpa's
This girl LOVES the park. Rain or shine she asks if we can go to the park.
Chores
I found a chore list on Pinterest, but the link to it was NOT appropriate (or else I would give them credit)! I saved the picture and then cleared the text in Photoshop and added my own list of chores. To add the list of chores you can add the text in Photoshop or just open it in Word and create a text box (copy and paste the text box for each day).
I have yet to use this chore list... But I bet I would have a clean house if I used it. :)
I have yet to use this chore list... But I bet I would have a clean house if I used it. :)
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Coloring contest
Mailey was pretty proud to see her page displayed at Thriftway this weekend! She colored it all by herself and turned it in. I'm not so sure she knows what a coloring contest is, but she was excited.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Betty Homemaker...
I’ve been interested in making my own laundry soap for a while, but just haven’t had the time. I am not a fan of powder laundry soap, and it seems that is all you can find for homemade laundry soap. I’ve pinned a lot of things on Pinterest that I will probably never do, but I ran into this laundry soap recipe and it sounded easy enough for even me to do! I have tons of jars from the things my hubby canned this summer. (I hate to admit it, BUT Yes, Daniel is WAY more domestic than I am…) and this recipe called for storing in quart-size jars. Below are the instructions:
• Makes 4 quarts (1 gallon) of concentrate- that is 256 loads of laundry!
• I put a tablespoon in while the washer is filling up (before I put the clothes in)
• I was able to find all of the ingredients in the laundry isle of WalMart.
What you need:
2 bars Fels Naptha
2 cups 20 Mule Team Borax
2 cups Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (this is different from baking soda!)
6 cups of hot water (+ or – as needed)
Steps:
*I started out by grating my 2 bars of Fels Naptha into a bowl. I bought a small hand grater at the dollar store, because I didn’t want to use my good one.. It worked pretty good, just took a bit longer. When I was almost done I put 6 cups of water on the stove to heat up.
*When the soap has melted completely, turn off the head and add the Borax and Washing Soda. You will have to stir, stir and stir some more. It was about 3 minutes before the powder was fully dissolved into a liquid. (I had to add a bit of water here to get the powder to fully dissolve)
*Take one of the jars (this is where I wished I had separated the soap into multiple jars. It was a bit compacted in that big jar.) and use a knife to cut into the jar, like you would cut a pie. Pour it into a blending bowl (I’m still rocking the hand blender from 8 years ago.. so I just used that and a big mixing bowl.)
*I started on the lowest speed and increased the speed gradually as the soap became more “soft”. You will know you are done mixing when your soap looks like REALLY THICK, pale yellow whipped cream. (I mixed a small batch with more water so it was runny to see which batch I like better.)
*Your last step will be to spoon the blended soap back into the quart jars. You might even get another jar full of soap after mixing. Put a lid on the jars and you soap should keep for a really long time. You can now buy plastic lids for canning jars, which are very handy! As time goes on the soap may get firmer, but you will still be able to spoon it out.
• Makes 4 quarts (1 gallon) of concentrate- that is 256 loads of laundry!
• I put a tablespoon in while the washer is filling up (before I put the clothes in)
• I was able to find all of the ingredients in the laundry isle of WalMart.
What you need:
2 bars Fels Naptha
2 cups 20 Mule Team Borax
2 cups Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (this is different from baking soda!)
6 cups of hot water (+ or – as needed)
Steps:
*I started out by grating my 2 bars of Fels Naptha into a bowl. I bought a small hand grater at the dollar store, because I didn’t want to use my good one.. It worked pretty good, just took a bit longer. When I was almost done I put 6 cups of water on the stove to heat up.
Grated Fels Naptha
*I let the water almost boil before I added the soap to the water. You will want to keep stirring until the soap is completely melted. ** Make sure not to let this boil, you will have soap EVERYWHERE** It took about 15-20 minutes for the soap to completely dissolve.
The soap is almost disloved. FYI not a good idea to try baking and making laundry soap.. Everything ends up tasting like soap.
My cute little helper!
*The directions I was using said to pour the liquid into 4 quart jars. Add enough water to bring the soap up to the “shoulders” of the jar. Put lids on the jars and let them sit about 8 hours. (I had a big jar from some grape juice Daniel had made, so I used it. I don’t recommend doing that until the last step. It was really hard to get the soap out of that big of jar.)
*The soap in the jars will separate while it is standing, which is ok, because the next step is to mix it. The gel soap should be on the bottom and a firmer soap towards the top. I had a few crystals form at the bottom of my jar. (I just used a bit of water to rinse them out.)*Take one of the jars (this is where I wished I had separated the soap into multiple jars. It was a bit compacted in that big jar.) and use a knife to cut into the jar, like you would cut a pie. Pour it into a blending bowl (I’m still rocking the hand blender from 8 years ago.. so I just used that and a big mixing bowl.)
*I started on the lowest speed and increased the speed gradually as the soap became more “soft”. You will know you are done mixing when your soap looks like REALLY THICK, pale yellow whipped cream. (I mixed a small batch with more water so it was runny to see which batch I like better.)
*Your last step will be to spoon the blended soap back into the quart jars. You might even get another jar full of soap after mixing. Put a lid on the jars and you soap should keep for a really long time. You can now buy plastic lids for canning jars, which are very handy! As time goes on the soap may get firmer, but you will still be able to spoon it out.
Finished product!!
Just to warn you if you are used to using liquid laundry soap.. This laundry soap is more firm and it is best to dissolve the soap first in the water before putting any clothes in. I think the next time I make this recipe I will add more water to make it a bit more like liquid. I found a drink dispenser at the dollar store that will be perfect for the next batch. Keep in mind the more water you add the less concentrated the laundry soap will be. You will need to add a bit more than a tablespoon if you add more water.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Saving on hamburger meat
I don't know about you, but I usually think of something to make for dinner and then realize I have to run to the store to buy hamburger.. This ends up costing us a lot more money during the month, so I try to be more prepared. When decent hamburger meat is on sale I will buy a big package of it to split up to freeze. I can usually get 6 meals out of one big package. I cut the meat up, put each square of meat in a quart size freezer bag, and freeze! Daniel couldn't go very many meals without having meat, so I try and stock up when I can. Thank goodness we have all his elk meat too!
I use a butter knife to cut each side of meat into thirds.
6 individual freezer bags of hamburger.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Yelling... Not Me..
Why is it that you hardly hear parents talking about their mistakes with their children… Instead you always hear how happy they are and how great their kids are.. Maybe it’s just me that looses my cool every once in a while and regrets how I responded in a certain situation. I found this link on Pinterest (from http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/discipline/tips/ways-to-stop-yelling/?page=3 ) and though I would share. It’s titled 10 ways to stop yelling. I think it offers great advice even if you don’t lose your cool and yell at your kid like me…
Mean Business Without Being Mean
Instead of yelling, use a firm, but soft, I-mean-business tone when giving behavior directions. Direction that makes the most impact on a child is actually one that is stern and even somewhat gentle, says LaRowe. "When you speak in a calm but firm soft voice, children have to work to listen -- and they most always do. The calmer and softer you speak, the more impact your words will have," she says. Not only will your child most likely grasp your instructions faster, you won't have to lose your voice trying to convey it.
Help Your Child Explain Feelings
Before you lose your cool because your child has misbehaved, figure out what is causing the behavior. One of the biggest reasons toddlers misbehave is they simply haven't learned an alternative approach to displaying their feelings. "Our goal as parents should be to teach our children how to effectively express themselves by validating their feelings without validating their behavior," LaRowe says. Next time Tommy pushes a friend who just knocked over his blocks, stray away from the tempting ridicule of yelling "No! Don't do that!" LaRowe suggests instead explaining why the action is bad. "Tommy, I understand you are mad that your friend knocked over your blocks. It's okay to be mad, but when you are mad you tell your friend 'I'm mad;' you don't push."
Address the Behavior
We all have good kids; sometimes their behavior just stinks. When you're teaching your children to ride their bikes, do you punish them when they don't get it the first try? Of course not. You encourage them, support them, and give them guidance. Rex Forehand, Ph.D., author of Parenting the Strong-Willed Child: The Third Edition, with Nicholas Long, Ph.D., says that disciplining your children should be the same way. "When we think about teaching our children, we usually go about it in positive ways, that is except for behavior," Dr. Forehand says. "For some reason we think that punishment should be our teaching tool." It doesn't need to be. When your child hits another child during a playdate, it's easy to react with yelling, "Stop! Don't do that!" Instead, Dr. Forehand suggests focusing on addressing the specific behavior and taking the opportunity to patiently teach your child why hitting is wrong.
Breathe
Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. Sometimes all it takes is a moment to cool down. You told your child to pick up all his toys and get ready for bed. Five minutes later when you check in, the toy cars are still all over. You feel your blood start to boil. You're on the verge of losing it. Turn around, close your eyes, and breathe. Take a moment to collect yourself -- and your emotions. Michelle LaRowe, author of A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists, says, "Take a time-out. If you're worked up, you're only going to work up your child. Before addressing your child, take a deep breath and think through what you're going to say, calmly."
Have Clear Rules & Follow Through
Not carrying out your threats will result in them testing you -- and you getting angry. "Jenna, please turn off the TV." Five minutes later, Jenna is still watching TV. "Jenna, I mean it, turn off the TV or you will sit in time-out." Five minutes later, Jenna is still watching TV. "Jenna, I mean it ..." Empty threats and nagging won't work on your children, and eventually they will call your bluff. And when they do, it's likely parents will find themselves frustrated and yelling. But this is easy to avoid. Have clear rules. When you state a consequence, follow through.
Give Praise for Okay Behavior
Parents praise their children for good behavior, and scold for the bad, but what about the in-between? Children love getting attention from their parents, sometimes even if it's bad. "Parents tend to give attention to their child either by praising them for good behavior or punishing them for bad behavior. And at times a child will take either or," says Dr. Long, who advises to ignore your children when they are acting badly, such as whining to get attention. "If you yell at them, you are still giving them the interest they wanted, and therefore they will continue to use negative behavior to get a reaction from you," Dr. Long says. If you praise behavior, even when it is just okay, then your child will be more likely to repeat it because of the way you took notice.
A Strong Bond Makes Discipline Easier
The stronger your relationship is with your child, the stronger your discipline will hold. At this age your child wants to be close to you. Take advantage of it and reaffirm your bond with your child. Not only will it strengthen the relationship between parent and child, but your child will then have a greater respect for you. According to Parenting the Strong-Willed Child: The Third Edition, the closer you are to your child, the less likely your child is to act up, even though no child is perfect. "A child who has a strong relationship with a parent is more prone to accept the discipline offered by a parent," Dr. Long says.
Put Yourself in Their Shoes
Are you hurt when someone yells at you? Of course; so why wouldn't your child be? "Our goal as parents should be to teach our children and to build them up, not to tear them down. When we yell at our children we risk damaging their self-esteem and sense of self-worth," LaRowe says. Consider how you'd feel if your boss yelled at you. You'd likely be embarrassed and hurt. LaRowe points out that often you don't have a chance to process what your boss is saying because of how it was said. The same goes for your child. You want to be able to teach him what is acceptable and what is not without making him feel shame or embarrassment.
Good Eating & Sleeping Habits
Healthy children are the happiest children. Parents underestimate the power of what a well-balanced diet and a good sleeping schedule can do for a child's behavior. If you think about it, what are two of the major underlying problems that cause toddlers to act up? Hunger and fatigue. Well-rested, well-nourished children who are on predictable schedules tend to have fewer behavioral issues. On the flip side, the better your sleeping and eating habits are as a parent, the more likely you are to keep your cool longer -- and catch yourself before you start yelling.
We're Not Perfect
No matter how hard we try, sometimes we will slip up and yell. And that's okay, as long as we know how to make it right. Your child has been driving you up the wall all day. You have tried to keep your cool and follow all the steps, and yet you still feel your temper escalating. And then, one small mishap from your child, and you lose it. You raise your voice, and there's no taking it back now. Dr. Forehand and Dr. Long suggest talking to your children when you've calmed down after yelling. "It's important to explain that Mommy or Daddy didn't mean to raise their voice, and that they didn't mean to get mad," Dr. Forehand says. "Explain to them that it frustrates Mommy or Daddy when they don't listen, and ask them to do better, and that you will, too."
Mean Business Without Being Mean
Instead of yelling, use a firm, but soft, I-mean-business tone when giving behavior directions. Direction that makes the most impact on a child is actually one that is stern and even somewhat gentle, says LaRowe. "When you speak in a calm but firm soft voice, children have to work to listen -- and they most always do. The calmer and softer you speak, the more impact your words will have," she says. Not only will your child most likely grasp your instructions faster, you won't have to lose your voice trying to convey it.
Help Your Child Explain Feelings
Before you lose your cool because your child has misbehaved, figure out what is causing the behavior. One of the biggest reasons toddlers misbehave is they simply haven't learned an alternative approach to displaying their feelings. "Our goal as parents should be to teach our children how to effectively express themselves by validating their feelings without validating their behavior," LaRowe says. Next time Tommy pushes a friend who just knocked over his blocks, stray away from the tempting ridicule of yelling "No! Don't do that!" LaRowe suggests instead explaining why the action is bad. "Tommy, I understand you are mad that your friend knocked over your blocks. It's okay to be mad, but when you are mad you tell your friend 'I'm mad;' you don't push."
Address the Behavior
We all have good kids; sometimes their behavior just stinks. When you're teaching your children to ride their bikes, do you punish them when they don't get it the first try? Of course not. You encourage them, support them, and give them guidance. Rex Forehand, Ph.D., author of Parenting the Strong-Willed Child: The Third Edition, with Nicholas Long, Ph.D., says that disciplining your children should be the same way. "When we think about teaching our children, we usually go about it in positive ways, that is except for behavior," Dr. Forehand says. "For some reason we think that punishment should be our teaching tool." It doesn't need to be. When your child hits another child during a playdate, it's easy to react with yelling, "Stop! Don't do that!" Instead, Dr. Forehand suggests focusing on addressing the specific behavior and taking the opportunity to patiently teach your child why hitting is wrong.
Breathe
Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. Sometimes all it takes is a moment to cool down. You told your child to pick up all his toys and get ready for bed. Five minutes later when you check in, the toy cars are still all over. You feel your blood start to boil. You're on the verge of losing it. Turn around, close your eyes, and breathe. Take a moment to collect yourself -- and your emotions. Michelle LaRowe, author of A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists, says, "Take a time-out. If you're worked up, you're only going to work up your child. Before addressing your child, take a deep breath and think through what you're going to say, calmly."
Have Clear Rules & Follow Through
Not carrying out your threats will result in them testing you -- and you getting angry. "Jenna, please turn off the TV." Five minutes later, Jenna is still watching TV. "Jenna, I mean it, turn off the TV or you will sit in time-out." Five minutes later, Jenna is still watching TV. "Jenna, I mean it ..." Empty threats and nagging won't work on your children, and eventually they will call your bluff. And when they do, it's likely parents will find themselves frustrated and yelling. But this is easy to avoid. Have clear rules. When you state a consequence, follow through.
Give Praise for Okay Behavior
Parents praise their children for good behavior, and scold for the bad, but what about the in-between? Children love getting attention from their parents, sometimes even if it's bad. "Parents tend to give attention to their child either by praising them for good behavior or punishing them for bad behavior. And at times a child will take either or," says Dr. Long, who advises to ignore your children when they are acting badly, such as whining to get attention. "If you yell at them, you are still giving them the interest they wanted, and therefore they will continue to use negative behavior to get a reaction from you," Dr. Long says. If you praise behavior, even when it is just okay, then your child will be more likely to repeat it because of the way you took notice.
A Strong Bond Makes Discipline Easier
The stronger your relationship is with your child, the stronger your discipline will hold. At this age your child wants to be close to you. Take advantage of it and reaffirm your bond with your child. Not only will it strengthen the relationship between parent and child, but your child will then have a greater respect for you. According to Parenting the Strong-Willed Child: The Third Edition, the closer you are to your child, the less likely your child is to act up, even though no child is perfect. "A child who has a strong relationship with a parent is more prone to accept the discipline offered by a parent," Dr. Long says.
Put Yourself in Their Shoes
Are you hurt when someone yells at you? Of course; so why wouldn't your child be? "Our goal as parents should be to teach our children and to build them up, not to tear them down. When we yell at our children we risk damaging their self-esteem and sense of self-worth," LaRowe says. Consider how you'd feel if your boss yelled at you. You'd likely be embarrassed and hurt. LaRowe points out that often you don't have a chance to process what your boss is saying because of how it was said. The same goes for your child. You want to be able to teach him what is acceptable and what is not without making him feel shame or embarrassment.
Good Eating & Sleeping Habits
Healthy children are the happiest children. Parents underestimate the power of what a well-balanced diet and a good sleeping schedule can do for a child's behavior. If you think about it, what are two of the major underlying problems that cause toddlers to act up? Hunger and fatigue. Well-rested, well-nourished children who are on predictable schedules tend to have fewer behavioral issues. On the flip side, the better your sleeping and eating habits are as a parent, the more likely you are to keep your cool longer -- and catch yourself before you start yelling.
We're Not Perfect
No matter how hard we try, sometimes we will slip up and yell. And that's okay, as long as we know how to make it right. Your child has been driving you up the wall all day. You have tried to keep your cool and follow all the steps, and yet you still feel your temper escalating. And then, one small mishap from your child, and you lose it. You raise your voice, and there's no taking it back now. Dr. Forehand and Dr. Long suggest talking to your children when you've calmed down after yelling. "It's important to explain that Mommy or Daddy didn't mean to raise their voice, and that they didn't mean to get mad," Dr. Forehand says. "Explain to them that it frustrates Mommy or Daddy when they don't listen, and ask them to do better, and that you will, too."
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Check the Chart!
I’ve realized that miss Mailey’s bedtime routine had become something that I dreaded. She would cry and say “No it’s not bedtime!” After a few nights of struggles with her I deiced it wasn’t worth it. She is very independent and this mama was getting VERY tired of fighting her to get to bed before 10pm. I was browsing Pinterest and actually found something I’ve used! ;)
I came across a printable bedtime chart! (Found here. You will have to scroll down a bit to find the bedtime chart). I printed that bad boy out, laminated it and plastered it to the bathroom cabinet. That night I took Mailey into the bathroom and explained that this was her bedtime chart and that she was in charge of moving the sleepy moon (free clipart I found online) as she completed each task. She loved it!
Now when bedtime comes and Mailey says “Check the Chart” and is excited about completing each task before bed. The website listed above has lots of great pintables and ideas for organizing. I have bookmarked her website and began a few other projects.
I came across a printable bedtime chart! (Found here. You will have to scroll down a bit to find the bedtime chart). I printed that bad boy out, laminated it and plastered it to the bathroom cabinet. That night I took Mailey into the bathroom and explained that this was her bedtime chart and that she was in charge of moving the sleepy moon (free clipart I found online) as she completed each task. She loved it!
Now when bedtime comes and Mailey says “Check the Chart” and is excited about completing each task before bed. The website listed above has lots of great pintables and ideas for organizing. I have bookmarked her website and began a few other projects.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Mom we don't say that!
Mailey did not think we should say shut up.. She wouldn't stop talking about it until I fixed it. Now if only she used her manners all of the time.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Too much stuff!!
I'm a bit embarrassed to admit these garbage bags came from just me going through my clothes... I'm going to be spending the next couple of months de-junking and organizing our house!!
Over the last couple months Daniel and I have realized we have too much stuff and spend too much money. So we've decided to work towards a simpler life. Throwing things out and cutting expenses. Keep you posted..
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Beauty and Beast
I decided to have a girls day with my little miss today. She was really excited to go to "beauty and beast" in 3D as she calls it. We got our popcorn and drink and headed to our seats. She liked the glasses, but didn't like the things coming out at her. So she didn't wear the glasses. She had to go potty about halfway through and decided to head home (she was sleepy). I love my sweet little girl and this age! She is so much fun to be around and still thinks I'm the best.:)
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Late of course
It’s a little late to update on our Christmas festivities.. BUT here they are! I haven’t been able to get online on my laptop because our Internet card isn’t that great. My dad showed me how to use my phone Wi-Fi on my computer, so I’ll be back up and running, although our life isn’t that exciting. J
We went and got our tree. Mailey didn't care too much about picking out a tree, but Daniel had to find the perfect one. We paid and were off to decorate and have dinner.
She really enjoyed putting the ornaments on mostly in that one area.
Grandpa came over for dinner and helped decorate the tree.
Then it was off to Storybook Land the next week. Mailey loved it this year and knew most of the cartoon characters.. She watches a bit too much TV.
The bears and trains are always a favorite.
She was a bit shy with Santa, but let him know that she wanted a dollhouse and that she wouldn't be mad if he brought it to her. :)
She was so excited to see the dollhouse, she didn't really want to open any presents.
But then we convinced her and she loved the dollhouse furniture
and the Pet Shop animals.
Christmas morning at Geeg & Poopa's with a "cheese" smile.
I'm really horrible at remembering my camera, so I don't have any pictures of Christmas at my moms or dads... BUT we sure had a fun time this year celebrating Christmas!!! The day after Christmas Mailey asked if it was Christmas and we said no. So she thought for a few minutes and then said. "So,
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