Wordless Wednesday - "freebird"

irony

... I opened up an individual Dove chocolate filled with YUMMY caramel, and my Dove Promises Message was :

Kick a bad habit for today.

WT#!%$?????? Hows that for a guilt trip.

Random Tuesday Thoughts - sleep deprived

Head over to The UnMom to see more random Tuesday!

• I titled this random Tues thought "sleep deprived" because I am... I think I got more sleep when my youngest was a newborn! It's been crazy around here sick after sick after sick in my house... we're so tired of sick!! I've not been sick, but I'm tired.


• Went to get our taxes done today, we drove 1 hour to a highly recommended accountant who is spectacular with self-employeed tax filing... and we were there for THREE HOURS!! No, our finances aren't that big of a deal, the appt was for 1030am, and we were there about 30 min early, but weren't seen until almost 1215. The toddler was amazing... husband and I got impatient.


• My face is broke out like a 12 yo boy. I'm guessing that getting 2 hours of sleep per night on average for about 1 week (sickness - see above) has not worked well for me. It's proof that I'm no longer the young person I used to be. Back in the day, I could go for days w/o proper sleep and I swear it didn't affect me at all!


• I watched the same lifetime Nora Roberts movie 3 x's this week, and I don't feel guilty at all. I didn't actually get to "watch" it un-interrupted each time, I was working some, and nursing the sick some... but either way, the 10pm showings were on my TV.


• What's with Time Warner Cable thinking about dropping ABC??? We're calling Direct TV today.


• Im making chicken and rice for dinner.


• I bought myself something frivilous, and that's not like me... but I invested in some decent makeup... right about the same time it arrived, my face broke out. So - go figure, I can't even try out my new makeup yet!! I'm pretty bitter about the acne, I've never really had it.


• I can't believe it's 4pm and my kid's still asleep. I'm going to wake him up when I publish this post.


• I hope that rash on the toddler is gone when he wakes, or it'll be a FOURTH visit to the doctor in 3 weeks. And I'm NOT one of those parents who takes my kid(s) when they get the sniffles... this poor little fellow has had it rough!! See THIS photo, that was when it ALL started! He's been one really fortunate boy in his 3 years, only had antibiotics now 4 times... but wow, he's been through the ringer this go of it!


• I'm going to go eat a piece of Dove chocolate... I bet that'll do wonders for my face!!!! HA!

Sham WOW that's just creepy

Seems Vince got himself into a bit of trouble. I can't help but read junk on the net at times, read more HERE.

isn't it amazing what a little makeup does for a guy?? GEEZ!

still here

I thought I'd drop a quick note to say that we're still around here! We've been a little occupied with general stuff around here .... I have alot to write... Hopefully will get those posts edited and pop them on here soon!!

Thanks for checking in on us :-)

Think Thrifty Thursday - frugal is the new black

I dance a jig when I save money with coupons, and I have even been known to call a friend or two when I save a ton by using triple coupons... but it's not because I'm bragging.

I have often felt like I should just keep it to myself for not seeming like a bragger... It's evident that society places importance on material things, so it makes it harder to impress upon others the benefits of being even just a little thrifty. With todays barely surviving economy, thrifty is a little more accepted then it used to be.

I've noticed that more people are taking advantage of super double coupon days, or triple coupon days at local grocery stores. I notice spring sales at the local malls draw bigger crowds then in the days of the booming economy. There's also auto dealerships now offering "walk away with no strings" deals if you get laid off with your job during the first 12 months of your purchase of a brand new car. What major changes have you noticed since the economy has hit rock bottom? Have you or your neighbor or close friend/family been affected directly by job loss?

For us, it's been small adjustments here and there since we decided for me to stay home after the birth of our youngest. I work from home and make a modest income, but we have taken a 50k a year income hit due to job changes, and my staying home. While that sounds like a lot, we quickly learned to live within our new income without a terrible strain. Very similar to Julie over at coolmomguide, we made some changes quickly.

I ran across this article recently: Why isn't frugality more conspicuous? Thrift seems to go hand in hand with other virtues, such as modesty. In some instances, when a frugal lifestyle is forced on someone due to financial crisis, there is some embarrassment about the thrifty measures required to make ends meet. We even call these situations "financial embarrassment." Why do those who conspicuously consume make their consumption so visible? Presumably, they know that others want what they have. If you want to give frugality a positive spin, focus on the good that others want in their lives. Mention frugality and people don't immediately think of the good that results. They picture a frugal or "tight" person with tight, pursed lips, squinty eyes, wearing poor-fitting clothes. **

I think you'll be hearing alot more about being frugal. Frugal is the new black. Visit Julie at CoolMomGuide for more Thrifty Thursday.

**Thanks to stretcher.com for this article excerpt

Wordless Wednesday - the new do

Random Tuesday Thoughts - random musings

Total Randomness today...

• What's with the people who bumrush your rear end at a stoplight only to realize they have parked right on top of train tracks... where there are clearly marked solid white lines you're supposed to stay behind?? I had a woman do this to me last night and she honked her horn in effort to have me move forward so she could get around me instead of being parked like a dummy on the tracks... unfortunately for her, the Hummer that was in front of me had an attachment on the bumper that prevented me from being able to move forward. Eventually the constant road rage honking raked my nerves so bad (long stoplight) that I rolled down my window and poked my head out so that she and her passenger could hear me and told her that there was no way I could move, and suggested maybe she back up past the white line. Then I realized she was clearly older then me... so shouldn't she know the rules of driving??
• My 3yo wanted to take a bath and it's only 1030am... so, ok. He's in the bath :) It's overcast outside, so might as well... I may follow in his lead during his nap and take a long one myself!!
• My cat was just sleeping with her entire head tucked under her neck in between her front legs. I tried to catch a picture of her, but sure enough she heard me.
• I think I may make soup today.
• I need to do laundry too.
• Never really thought I'd say this... but I totally love Miley Cirus's new hit The Climb ... when I was in my car yesterday I was thinking about my brother and it hit an emotion and I just sat and cried to the lyrics. Amazing song for such a young girl. The lyrics can relate to so many people and so many situations.
• On a less serious note, I wonder when the people who destroyed my yard are going to really "get it" that I'm not paying that bill?? Got another in the mail today. You can read about that HERE and HERE if you aren't familiar... and see pictures of the wonderful work HERE. Thanks to my local King Green experts... I still have mud tracks in my yard... and those plugs that they said would "dissolve" in a few WEEKS are still scattered randomly in my yard. But what do I know...?? I'm not bitter.
• My 3yo just got out of the bath... what did he say to me?? Him: "I have penis." me: "yes, yes you have penis." And with that folks, I'm gonna close this edition of RTT. Thanks for humoring me by reading.

Head over to The UnMom for more RTT!!

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Think Thrifty Thursday - get a box of borax

Borax is the most versatile and CHEAP way to clean... it's also sanitizes!! Not too long ago I was on the hunt for ways to cut back on household cleaners, and I ran across this handy list of ways to use borax. Some that I'd never even considered! So, I thought I'd share a few.

You can stretch one box of borax to do ALOT of cleaning, not too shabby for a box that costs about 4.00 on average!

Visit CoolMomGuide for more Think Thrifty Thursday!

Also, you can visit another of my favorite blogs each week for Frugal Friday over at LifeAsMom!

1. Sanitize your garbage disposal
   I love my garbage disposal, but its also a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. To sanitize, every couple of weeks pour 3 tablespoons borax down the drain and let it sit for 1 hour. Then turn on the disposal and flush it with hot water from the tap.


2. Clean your toilet
   Who likes the unpleasant fumes from bleach and other chemicals? Borax disinfects AND sanitizes!! Use a stiff brush to scrub it using a solution of 1/2 cup borax in 1 gallon (3.7 liters) water.


3. Keep away weeds and ants
   Borax kills weeds!!! Also, sprinkle some around the base of your house (outside) and it keeps ants, and other creepy crawlers out! Be very careful when applying borax -- it is toxic to plants.


4. Get out rug stains
   Remove stubborn stains from rugs and carpets. Dampen the area, then rub in some borax. Let area dry, then vacuum or blot it with a solution of equal parts vinegar and soapy water and let dry. Repeat as needed. Don't forget to first test the procedure on an inconspicuous corner of the rug or on a carpet scrap before applying it to the stain.


5. Clean windows and mirrors
   Borax can get your windows and mirrors streak free and spotless!! Wash them with a clean sponge dipped in 2 tablespoons borax dissolved in 3 cups water.


6. Unclog your sink without worrying with the fuming chemicals, Borax is much gentler : Use a funnel to insert 1/2 cup borax into the drain, then slowly pour in 2 cups boiling water. Let the mixture set for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. Repeat for stubborn clogs.


7. Remove mildew from fabric
   To remove mildew from upholstery and other fabrics, soak a sponge in a solution of 1/2 cup borax dissolved in 2 cups hot water, and rub it into the affected areas. Let it soak in for several hours until the stain disappears, then rinse well. To remove mildew from clothing, soak it in a solution of 2 cups borax in 2 quarts (2 liters) water.


8. Get out bad sink stains.
   Even rust -- in your stain-less steel or porcelain sink. Make a paste of 1 cup borax and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Put some of the paste on a cloth or sponge and rub it into the stain, then rinse with running warm water. The stain should wash away with the paste.

Wordless Wednesday - being sick sucks

Random Tuesday Thoughts - Where's my brain??

Go over to TheUnmom for more!

• I have had about 10 hours of sleep in the past 3 days... and now, I'm paying for it with a major face breakout AND I'm getting the cold/sinus infection my son has (which is part of why I've had no sleep!!).... mommys don't get sick though, so I'm going to drink a pot of coffee to make me forget about sleep deprivation and the sore throat I have, and shoot up with Afrin to clear my nose, and I'll be good as new...


• Our family has been in from Texas for the past week or so, and it's rained the ENTIRE time... go figure, the day they're headed back home, it is forecast to clear up and be 70!! At least they'll have a pretty day for send off and a nice trip back.


• The tea pitcher broke and it was full... the handle just fell right off as my husband went to get it out of the fridge. Thankfully his feet weren't in the way... our floor paid the price and the faux tile has a giant gash in it now. Just another reason to replace it.... I've been wanting to extend the hardwoods from the foyer anyway - so YAY me!!


• The downside to the tea pitcher breaking, is I've mopped that stupid floor 4 times now, and still find sticky spots.


• Wow - something just happened and my house filled with light.... OH YEAH, that's the SUN. I forgot what it looked like - since it's been raining for 5 days straight. I could never live in Seattle.


• I am hungry, but too tired to worry with it. So I'll drink another cup of joe.


• Target electronic warranties rule, I got my little guy a portable DVD player 2 years ago, and bought that 19.99 3-year warranty on it... after wear and tear with a toddler for 2 years it had it, and I called, turned it in, and they sent me a giftcard for the full amount of original purchase price!! YAY!! I went today and bought another portable DVD player, this time I found one on clearance and guess what - I got home, opened up that baby and there's A BONUS DVD PLAYER!!! Two brand new ones for FREE!!! HA!!! You better bet your ars I bought another 19.99 3-year warranty on them.

• Who ever thought of naming a medication "aciphex" had a serious sense of humor. It's a mediation for frequent reflux and heartburn... but if you're tired like me, you can't watch the commercial for ass-effects (what it sounds like) without giggling. Go HERE to watch... and yes, I need to grow up.

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sick day

Little J didn't sleep last night... instead a nasty sinus infection creeped its way into his little nose and ears...

After a visit to the doctor, we grabbed the meds they gave and headed home...
These pictures were taken when I had to wake him from his 3 hour nap (usually 2 hours) and go pick up big E from school....
Little J said "no mommy, I sweepin(sleeping), I sick".... pitiful little face...
He only fussed for a moment, then chilled out in the car for the 2 hour commute to and from school.

Basically, sinus infections SUCK.

big times

Little J is having a blast getting to know his Uncle Monkey (he can't say Mikey without it sounding like Monkey - so we'll roll with Uncle Monkey for now).... It's been fun with all of the "littles" in the house each day!! Each day when little J wakes he says "more babies now??" wanting to play with all of his cousins!!

There was alot of jumping on Uncle Monkeys back yesterday... I'm betting Uncle M is feeling the after effects of that today.

Texas is big at my house this week

We're planning to try to take some decent photos during this visit...but this is what our family looks like now. There's 13 of us in this group, and we're having a blast with our Texas family visiting!! Such a blast that they've been here 3 days so far and this is our only real photo!!! HA! Can't wait to soak up more time with all of the fam while they're here!

Think Thrifty Thursday: Spring it up edition

Today's thrifty thoughts are about spring ideas...

Need to re-mulch?? I do!! This year I plan to call my local sanitation department, and if that doesn't pan out, I will try a few tree cutting companies. Did you know that in most areas, you can get free bark mulch from your sanitation department which typically recycles yard cuttings and organic debris?? Also, companies that clear limbs around power lines usually make wood chips and give them away rather than paying for disposal. Check your local utility bill or call your local tree trimmer!!

Enjoying some outdoor fun w/ the kids?? Grab a bird identification book from the library and go out to see which ones you can spot!! The kids (toddler and up) will likely enjoy playing along!

While you're at it outdoors, grab a cheap kite at your local Walmart/Target and have alot of fun for a little bit of money! You can usually grab a kite for about 5.00 or less, and the kids love it. A kite, some bubbles, and a big blanket with a basket of snacks or sandwich's and you can have a makeshift picnic day in your own back yard!! Top it all off with some homemade icecream as a outdoor treat.

Now's a good time to get some packets of seeds and start a few flower gardens in containers or even veggies!! Last year me and the boyz grew alot in our container gardens. We had a big supply of yellow squash, zucchini, onions, tomatoes, and even some strawberries!!! All in 10 gallon containers, with the right amount of drainage holes and a few rocks on the bottom for proper rooting, container gardens are a inexpensive way to enjoy a mini garden of fruit/veggies or simply flowers. My kidz really enjoyed watching them all grow into fruits and veggies.

More with kids...with the weather ups and downs, we try to have rainy day goodies set aside. We like to take a few sheets and blankets and drape them over the dining room table to make a "tent"... you can also set aside some of the "old toys" into storage bins and when you're stuck indoors then pull them out and the kids will be excited to see some things they haven't played with in a while.

For more ideas - go to CoolMomGuide for Think Thrifty Thursday. Also, another one of my favorite blogs is hosting a frugal meme, so head over to LifeAsMom for some Frugal Friday ideas!

Wordless Wednesday - 7 days of crazy weather

Above - 4.5 inches of snow LAST Monday and 20 degreesBelow: 80 degrees THIS Monday

Random Tuesday Thoughts - where's my sanity?

Head over to The UnMom for more randomness today...

gosh - where do I begin.... it's been a really random day.

• What happened to my sweet 3yo little boy who would go to bed w/o complaints (ALWAYS - not kidding, never a problem since birth) ??? Where did he go??? Suddenly I have this independent fighter who really voices his opinion about not wanting to go, so much so that he kicks and screams his way up the stairs at times.... it's heart breaking for me. Why do they have to grow opinions?? I'm not naive, I know opinions are part of growing up - I just want a time freeze....
• My 10yo's teacher had a class hamster, it died. The teacher thought it'd be cool to have a makeshift funeral for the hamster... I'm on the fence... now my 10yo comes home talking about the "burial chamber" at the playground area where the hamster is buried... they occasionally go over to the "burial chamber" and leave flowers, etc. I'm not sure what I think about this yet... given I had no choice in the matter.
• My BFF is having what she likes to call "blama" (blog drama)... some unoriginals decided to rip off her blog title and try to receive her traffic because of the likeness in the web addresses and similar content. Isn't it a little obvious that they're stealing this idea because HER site and content is successful and they're wanting in on a piece of that action? I'm constantly amazed... she's busted her butt to become successful and can't go one week lately with out some sort of blama. ARGH!
• I need to clean downstairs.
• I have family coming in from Texas this week, some of them I've never met. My BIL/SIL are foster parents now and I get to meet a 2 new nieces and 1 new nephew, this is along with my 2 nieces (their biological children)!! I'm stoked. YAY!
• My hair needs to be cut.
• It snowed here on Monday of last week, and then was 80 degrees this past weekend. So literally we went from winter to summer in 4 days time.
• I love IKEA.
• I also love Caramello.
• I'm still wearing my shirt that my 3yo cried and snotted all over just under an hour ago, it's still wet from all of the drama. I don't plan to change it... is that bad?
• I need to get my brows waxed, I hope I remember that when I get my hair cut.
• The word Nads just sounds gross... who buys that stuff?

That's all from my randomness.... Thanks for humoring me by reading!

one little note

IKEA,

I think I love you.

I think we'll have a good thing going....

I'm saving $$.... oooo I'm so excited!!

YAY!!!!!!

XOXO

PS - The boys loved hanging out today...

Little J got a Blue SPOKA, and big E got a Green SPOKA....

The totally love you too....

this one's for my dad...

Amazing scene reconstruction...

Think Thrifty Thursday: Around the House

Alot of times in the past when we would do crafts, or projects with the kids we would end up running out to buy alot of supplies. I started looking around at things and decided to start saving what would ordinarily get tossed in the garbage. There are alot of thrifty uses for what I like to call "stuff leftovers".

What I do with my "stuff leftovers":

• Plastic baby wipe cases (the ones that you buy pampers/generic/huggies wipes in) - can be used for all sorts of goodies. Crayon storage, snatch the top off of it and stick it in a kids drawer to organize rolled up socks or small toddler undies, manicure storage box (holds everything!), make up little "surprise" boxes for a day spent indoors or for fun in the car - I keep one ready and full of small toys, mini books, etc., and it's ready to go!


• Empty paper towel or tp rolls.... we use these for LOTS of stuff!! You can decorate them with child safe paints, then fill them with rice and beans, seal off the ends with some foil and top that with contact paper to seal and you have yourself a shaker!! OR you can use these to keep your boots standing upright in the closet... just tuck one or two down in each boot and there you have it! The tp rolls are good for clever organization of jumbled up cords behind furniture, no one will know that it's there but you and your cords are neatly out of the way!


• Empty milk or OJ cartons can quickly transform into a "build a house" craft project. Our oldest made one of these for Halloween a few years back. Endless possibilities with the design and theme!


• Old nylon pantyhose? Cut off the feet (about 6-8inches) and fill with potpourri, then tie off with a ribbon or string, and stuff that in the back of your drawers or on a shelf in your closet to freshen up the space.


• Uses for Aluminum foil that I've ran across in the past few years... to sharpen dull scissors: layer about 7 pieces of foil and cut through with the dull scissors, it sharpens them! Another use for foil, wrap your doorknobs and/or hardware in foil before painting a room and you don't have to worry about drips of paint getting on them. My most recent tip for using aluminum foil is when baking a pie, about 1/2 way through baking wrap foil strips around the edge crust and secure with a metal paper clip to prevent your crust from getting too dark.


• Re-use your holiday cards in a "make a placemat" craft. Cut out the picture part of the cards, place them between two clear sheets of contact paper and the kids have a special holiday placemat or a mat to color on and do crafts.

Recipe Swap: Easy Chicken Fettucine Alfredo

I love participating in the weekly recipe swap over at LifeasMom!! My recipe this week is hijacked from a Kraft cookbook I once received w/ easy recipes. I've modified it to make it a little less fatty... but no getting around alfredo being a little 'bad for you'!! We rarely enjoy pasta dishes, but when we do - this is one the family favorites at our house. I like it because it's quick and simple.



Ingredients:

1/2 lb. fettuccine, uncooked --- I substitute for whole wheat pasta or even spinach noodles
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1-1/4 cups fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 tsp. flour
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz.) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, cubed - I sub FAT FREE CREAM CHEESE
3 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided - I use 1/2 of this instead.
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. pepper

COOK pasta as directed on package.
While pasta is cooking, heat large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 5 to 7 min. or until chicken is done, stirring occasionally ( I add a little Mrs. Dash OR Blackening spice at the very end of cooking to keep the chicken from being bland, but not too much). Remove from skillet. Mix broth and flour in same skillet. Stir in Neufchatel cheese, 2 Tbsp. Parmesan, garlic powder and pepper; cook 2 min. or until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly with whisk. Stir in chicken.
DRAIN pasta; place in large bowl. Add chicken mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.

I've added broccoli after everything else was done and tossed it to coat, and it's yummy!

What the....??!!??!! Wednesday

Ok - I'm for breastfeeding, but seriously?????

This is sure to make some think WT??????!!!!!!!??????

GO HERE FOR THE INTERESTING READ

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Wordless Wednesday - the view from Monday

random Tuesday thoughts - really random

Go over to The UnMom for more Random Tuesday Thoughts.

Here's what's going in my random thoughts today....

• It really frustrates me when I see sports news... for example: Manny Ramirez turned down a whopping 45million dollar deal for 2 seasons, because it simply "wasn't enough money". What the #@&! man?? Serioulsy?? When TEACHERS make as little as 39k in some states?? Not to mention, the economy is on it's ars!!! Where are our priorities in this country???
  
• Something else that frustrates me, when you pass someone because they're going slower then the speedlimit on the highway, only to find that in about 10 minutes they pass you... and go slow again. What's that about?? Almost seems like drivers insecurity to me... "you passed me and I have to be in first place".... well ok - but DRIVE THE SPEEDLIMIT!!
  
• It was 15 degrees here last night... good news is that it's supposed to be 70 degrees on Saturday, ahhhh I love the East Coast weather!! >sarcasm<
• I'm making soup tonight.
  
• When my 3yo says the word "crab", it sounds exactly like he's saying "crap". So I can't help but giggle like a 12 year old when he says "look mommy, look at this crap".
  
• I have no doubts that Casey Anthoney is guilty... just like I had no doubts that OJ was....**disclaimer: The preceeding statement is my OPINION.
  
• My cat needs a shave, she's a tortie persian and I'll probably be accused of animal neglect when I take her in. The other day my 10yo says to me "that catfood we buy, on the bag it says it helps PREVENT hairballs... I don't really think it's working, just look at her fur?!?!" I had to tell him that it's for inside of the tummy hairballs... not the matted mess on the outside. $50.00 to shave a cat?? Insane.
  
• We made a snowman yesterday, and since we live in a "cookie cutter" neighborhood, we don't really have alot of trees, we have one in our front yard that is bare. So our snowman ended up with a 1/2 of a banana for a nose, two girlscout cookies for eyes (thin mint to be exact) mulch for buttons, and a pinch of a bush branch for it's mouth... below is our masterpiece...

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I ordered mine, and I'm betting my husband hopes it will work :).

exciting

We had such a fun day today!! Playing in the snow with the boys, taking a ride mid-day to sight see and then making a snowman at home... It's been SO pretty !!! I'll post some more photos later!

review: Eat your Voots

We recently received some Voots to try out. Just like my oldest child did, my youngest is currently going through food jags as he's discovering his independence. It's so weird to me because up until about 2 years old he'd eat everything I put in front of him, but right around 2-2.5 years old something happened, and he realized he can say NO!

I was so worried at one point w/ our oldest that he'd never eat veggies, but now he eats ANY veggie (even some I don't eat)... so, I'm picking my battles and I'm doing what some would consider a total no-no... I'm not saying "eat that or have nothing", instead (after a suggestion from our pediatrician) I'm making sure that 2 out of 3 things on my toddlers plate are things I know he LOVES (even if those are different then what I'm having as a meal), i.e., cheese slice, raisins, 1/2 pb&j on whole wheat... and then I toss on a few green beans, or a fish stick, or something I know he doesn't really "like" now. I get rejected most often, but I know if I keep offering it eventually he'll pick up one or two new likes. I don't agree w/ food battles, I believe they're the root of emotional eating, and eating disorders. So - we just do it the way that works best for us for now.

The pediatrician said what we're doing was terrific, and suggested that we do the sneaky chef thing, or add in V8 (which the tot loves) and/or Voots + a daily multivitamin. Can't say that finding a multi-vitamin has been easy, all of the ones I ran across at first (common ones) list their FIRST ingredient as high fructose corn syrup...that just doesn't even seem natural. With the help of the pediatrician we've found what suits our needs.

So, we tested these Voots out, and the little guy didn't complain one bit. I went out and bought more, and plan to keep buying them until he's eating more servings of veggies each day!

Link to Voots on Amazon here: Voots Box of 42 Packets

Voots:

Voots are chewable tarts made for kids that contain the nutrients and goodness found in three servings of the daily recommended fruits and vegetables.

Voots supplies important vitamins and minerals, they don’t contain the full array of vitamins and minerals found in a children's "multi-vitamin." However, Voots contain other vitally important nutrients, like antioxidants, phytonutrients, and flavonoids that are contained in fruits and vegetables but not in a “multi-vitamin” supplement.

Voots are made in the USA, using only ingredients produced in the USA. In fact, our manufacturing is registered with the FDA and is one of the first few to receive the National Nutritional Foods Association's (NNFA) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Seal of Approval. What’s more, the production of Voots follows a stringent set of regulations that encompass every aspect of the manufacturing process to ensure that only materials that meet the highest quality standards and are of the highest purity and potency are used.

Voots Box of 42 Packets

For more information - please visit the website HERE

"mommy look"

I woke up at 7am, the room was bright and I knew the snowstorm had passed because the sun was glaring down on the white blanket of my yard and the brightness is almost blinding! Little J wasn't too far behind me waking up and when we got downstairs he said "mommy, look..... snooooowwwwwww!!"

We haven't ventured out yet...
But the view from our backard into the wooded area of the n'hood sure is sparkly!

I guess we have about 3-4 inches total, and it's sooo pretty!! It's melting a bit already, and sliding off of the side of the house and off of the outdoor toys, etc., we'll probably do the wrong thing, pack up the kids and head out to sight see.....
That's what my parents always did, so I feel the obligation to do the same :).

thunder snow

It's thundering and lightening, and snowing!! It started as sleet around 530pm, and then turned quickly to snow around 6pm and has been snowing about 1 inch per hour since then. Last time I measured was at 8:15pm, and it was just over 2 inches.

We're forecast heavy snow for the next 6 hours.... accumulation is predicted near 8 inches. And I'm SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!

This photo was taken at 645pm.

This photo was taken at 815pm. (same toy truck at our grille)

I wish it was daylight to take more photos of the white blanket in our little part of the world tonight...

random: rainy day activity

It's raining and it's pouring at my house.... So what's a couple of kids to do after several days of raining???

I'm headed out to buy some dry tempera paint (as long as I can get out before the SNOW comes!!) and I plan to have the kids try out this activity once I get the supplies. If you prefer not to use dry tempera paint... try some dry KoolAid packets!!

If anyone who's reading tries this activity, link me to your photo!! I'd love to see it!!

How to make Rain Art:

Step1 - Purchase dry tempera paint. Tempera paint comes as a white powder, no matter what color it is. (or KoolAid packets)

Step2 - Use large pieces of thick paper. (heavy white construction paper)

Step3 - Sprinkle different colors of the paint on the paper.

Step4 - Go out in the rain and hold the paper flat under the rain.

Step5 - Watch as the rain turns the white powder into colors and creates beautiful designs.

Step6 - Bring the paper inside before it becomes so wet that the paint washes away.

Step7 - Allow the art to dry flat and then display it.