Rough Chop Crockpot Applesauce

Save time and energy by throwing in quartered apples - skins on with seeds and stem still intact! The result is the same delicious applesauce you love without all the work up front. 

 

Rough Chop Crockpot Applesauce

4-5 lbs apples (about 15)

1/2 cup water

2-3 Tbsp lemon juice

1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (optional)

 

Place quartered apples (seeds, stems & skin intact) into your crockpot. Top with water, lemon juice and cinnamon sugar. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Puree using a food mill leaving most of the water in the crockpot. Discard seeds, skins and stems. Makes 2 qts of applesauce.

 

 

Stuffed Sweet Red Mini-Peppers

 These are absolutely amazing and super quick and easy to make. The Savory Vegetable Spread couples with the sweet peppers so nicely -- your guests will be begging for the recipe (and for seconds)!!

 

Savory Vegetable Spread
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup finely shredded carrots
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup diced green onions
1/2 packet (about 2 Tbsp) powdered Ranch Dressing Mix

Combine well and serve immediately with your favorite crackers. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Stuffed Sweet Red Mini-Peppers
Stuff halved mini peppers (or jalapeños) with 1-2 tsp of the Savory Vegetable Spread. Bake at 350 on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper for 20-30 minutes. Serve hot. (Shown above)

Veggie Ranch Tortilla Roll-Ups
Spread a 1/4 inch layer of the Savory Vegetable Spread onto warn flour tortillas. Roll tightly & chill for 30-60 minutes to allow spread to firm (will help your tortilla not collapse when you cut it). Cut into 1 inch discs, discarding ends. Serve with salsa. (Shown below)

January Busy Bag Swap Activities

Cheyenne Busy Bag Swap, a set on Flickr.

Why Every Mom Deserves A Day Off

For the first time since my oldest son was born 7 years ago, I spent the entire weekend completely and totally by myself! Thank you Babe - you are AMAZING (but little did you know you just opened Pandora's Box). When my husband left with my three boys yesterday morning it took a little getting used to the quiet and the freedom that had just fallen into my lap. As I began to continue with my usual routine of picking up after everyone and cleaning house, I had to tell my guilt conscience to take a leap because for the 48 hours I had resolved to do NOTHING for anyone else but myself! Selfish - a little. But do I deserve it - ABSOLUTELY! The laundry will still be there on Monday morning and the errands can wait. The chance to do whatever my little heart desired is something that is rare. Moms don't get excited about Friday - because having the "weekend off" doesn't exists for us anymore. I honestly can tell you from 7 years experience as a SAHM --- it is truly the most sacrificial, exhausting, and challenging job that you will ever have! But it is also the most rewarding, beneficial, and fulfilling job you are blessed to have!! It is a blessing - but everyone, ESPECIALLY SAHMs, need a day off. And if you are like me and haven't had one since the birth of your first child, I challenge you to make it a priority, put it on the calendar, find a sitter if you have to and make it happen.

Top 10 Tips for your Mom's Day Off

10. Spend time alone.

We are around people all the time. Give yourself a large portion of time (if not all of it) to just be alone. How long has it been since you we are to do what YOU wanted to do, when you wanted to do it. Most moms are very good about making sure that everyone else gets what they need -- during your day off focus on what YOU need!!!

 

9. Turn off your gadgets.

In the last decade we have become obsessively "plugged in" - to the TV, to music, to the computer, to our smart phones. I would think it safe to assume over 90% of our daily routine involves some sort of an electronic. And the chaos of children and babies only adds to the noise! Our brains are on overload and begging for quiet. Spend some time enjoying the peace of silence.

 

8. Make a to-do list.

It will take you a little while to not feel the urge to get up and do something - to clean, to run errands, to get that one thing done that you've been putting off. You only have a little while to truly relax -- make a list of things to do when your day off is over. The list can wait, I promise!

 

7. Sleep in.

I have never spoken to a mom (at least one with kids still at home), who can honestly say they feel well rested and like they get enough sleep at night. This is a secret that no one ever told me before I had kids --- Your babies won't sleep through the night, and when they do they will wake you up before dawn! I rarely get the opportunity to go to bed and sleep until I wake up on my own. So this morning when I saw sunlight shining under the door, I actually leapt out of bed to see if someone had come home. (I thought there was a light on in the house - because it has been that long since I have woken up after the sun)

 

6. Go out with your husband or with a friend.

Free childcare!!! Make plans to go out and enjoy yourself knowing that you can sleep in the next day!

 

5. Do what you love.

Stay in bed all day. Go shopping. Get a massage. Read a book from start to finish. Cook. Watch a movie. Go running. Get a manicure or pedicure. Take a bath. Give yourself a facial. Do a craft. Do you hair and makeup without feeling rushed. God made every mom different - we all love different things and feel recharged by different situations. Do what you love.

 

4. Give yourself an allowance.

Plan to have some money to spend on your day off based on your own family budget. (Or set aside Christmas and Birthday money to spend) Let someone else worry about dinner and the dishes for a change, buy a new outfit or a new book, or go to the spa.

 

3. Go somewhere you can relax.

For some people (like me) staying at home is the most relaxing place where you could be - all your things are where you can find them, you can sleep in your own bed, everything is familiar. But for others they look around and can only think of things that need to get done, so getting away is more relaxing.

 

2. Don't feel guilty.

I bet you can count on one hand the number of times that you had an entire day to yourself. Take the day off, make a list of what needs to get done later, relax and don't feel guilty about doing it. You deserve it - you work from sun up to sun down 7 days a week 365 days a year. You don't get sick days or vacation time --- THIS is your vacation! Enjoy it!!

 

1. Set aside time for worship and prayer.

God created us to need rest. Our culture pushes us to do the opposite. During your time off, plan a special time to be alone with God in worship and in prayer. Listen to quiet music, journal, pray. Leave your worries at the cross. Listen for the still small voice of God and let Him restore your weary soul.



Would you like to be featured?

I am looking for one or more generous people or business to donate a gift for a Valentine's Giveaway next month to bless my mommy readers! One winner will be chosen for each sponsor. If 5 people donate a gift, then 5 Mommies will win!! Donations large and small are welcome.

If you are interested please contact me via email with your name/business, a logo or image if you have one, and the details about your gift. (If you would like to pre-write a script for me to use that is fine too) You will be featured on my blog and more importantly have to unique opportunity to say THANK YOU to a hardworking momma with your gift & generosity.

Baby Busy Bag: No-Sew Fabric Pull

Have you ever found your baby with a box of tissues happily surrounded as she pulls them out one by one? What fun for your baby! What a mess for you!! This fast and easy Busy Bag Activity encourages them to explore tugging and pulling and the best part is that they can do it again and again without wasting endless tissues!

 

 

Supplies:

24 oz Tupperware containers (the cheap ones work fine - found mine in a pack of 5 of $1.50)

6" x 45" strip of colorful fabric per container (check the clearance section for scraps)

Pinking sheers (zig-zag scissors) or similar blade for your rotary cutter

 

Instructions:

 



1. Cut an "X" in the lid of the Tupperware with scissors or an exacto knife (you have to look really close to see mine).

 

 2. Trim edges of your fabric with the pinking shears to prevent fraying.

 

3. If desired glue one end of the fabric to the inside bottom of the tupperware bowl. Finally, poke one end of the fabric through the slit in the lid, put the lid on with the fabric inside and let your baby go at it! :)



Jan 19 Basket Plans

We have been under a frost here out west for the past week so I was a little concerned we might get a bum basket full of persimmons and brussels sprouts! HAHA The coordinators at Bountiful Baskets pulled if off an amazing basket once again! Hooray! This morning we walked away with over 26 lbs of fresh produce PLUS a bushel of apples!

Fruit

Bananas

Pineapple

Granny Smith Apples (3.5" diameter)

Naval Oranges (4" diameter)

Strawberries

Lemons

 

Veggies

Yellow Onions

Avocados

5 lb bag of Russet Potatoes

Kale

Red Chili Peppers

Recipe Ideas
Banana Bread Granola Bars
Pineapple & Corn Salsa
Caramel Apple Bites
Strawberry Orange Sorbet
Lemon Pepper Mason Jar Chicken
Mini Cherry Pepper Quiches
French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese
Chicken Enchiladas with Avocado Cream Sauce
Baked Potato Nachos
Kale Pesto

Using Up The Scraps
Candied Orange Peel
DIY Orange Peel Cleaner
Orange Peel Candle
22 Uses of Lemon Peel
Strawberry Leaf Tea
Apple Suncatcher (kid's craft with apple seeds)
Banana Peel Plant Food

Recipe plans for my 40 lbs of gorgeous apples

Crockpot Apple Butter

Apple Sauce

Apple Pie/Apple Crisp Filling

Dried Apple Rings

Junk In My Trunk: Orange (Citrus) Peeler

Junk In My Trunk is a series about the tools that I own & why I can't live without them...this week is all about items made for a specific purpose but work amazingly well! This item brought oranges back into my home and has saved my nails from an unmistakable orange hue --- the Pampered Chef Citrus Peeler.

Oh, little orange stick how I love you so. The notched edge (top left) cuts easily through the peel making it easy for the rind to be removed. Any remaining pith (the white stuff between the fruit and the peel) comes off with the notch on the opposite side (top right). The bottom side helps pry the peel away from the fruit, helping your hands stay more clean.\

Junk In My Trunk: Pineapple Corer/Slicer

Junk In My Trunk is a series about the tools that I own & why I can't live without them...this week is all about items made for a specific purpose but work amazingly well! You remember my post yesterday about my apple wedger? Today's goes hand in hand with that! This is one of my all time favorite kitchen gadget brags --- my pineapple corer/slicer. LOVE!!

 

If you like pineapple as much as we do you MUST have one of these! Like the mango slicer, it makes quick and easy work out of a once tedious job. After I core and slice my pineapple, I use my apple wedger to cut the slices into chunks then freeze any leftover (which rarely happens) for smoothies. Pineapple slices are also tasty dehydrated but they do loose a ton of their volume in the process.

Junk In My Trunk: Apple Wedger

Junk In My Trunk is a series about the tools that I own & why I can't live without them...this week is all about items made for a specific purpose but work amazingly well! Today, is something you may already have at home...the apple wedger.

I have gone through a few of these because I use it so often. Think outside it box...you can also use it for pears and other semi-hard fruits. It also works great for chunks of onion (like for kabobs) and for potato wedges for fries. I have tried it on a tomato and an orange without much luck (may work with a newer wedger though, mine is getting dull again).

But the thing that I love cutting with it most is (drum roll please...) sliced pineapple!! That is right - fresh or from a can, the cylinder or pineapple slices fits perfectly and easily becomes pineapple chunks with your apple wedger!

Junk In My Trunk: Cherry Pitter

Junk In My Trunk is a series about the tools that I own & why I can't live without them...this week is all about items made for a specific purpose but work amazingly well! Next up --- the cherry pitter.

 

You and I pop cherries into our mouths and spit out the seeds without even thinking about it. When I introduced cherries to my oldest son I quickly realized what a mess seeding a cherry can be. This tool helps do the job quickly so that little ones can enjoy cherries too. This is the one I have, but there are several different models including ones that will do multiple cherries at once and even an electric one that does all the work for you as your pour them in.

Junk In My Trunk: Mango Slicer

Junk In My Trunk is a series about the tools that I own & why I can't live without them...this week is all about items made for a specific purpose but work amazingly well! First up ---- the mango slicer

My oldest son LOVES mangos - but I avoided buying them because I didn't like to cut them. That awkward ginormous pit in the middle is a serious pain in the rear! I bought a mango slicer reluctantly but haven't once regretted it. Last summer when mangos went on sale I bought a whole case, but only because of my handy-dandy slicer!

Simply align the ripe (but too soft) fruit with the oblong shape of the slicer and cut down. I then cut slices through the fruit but not the skin which allows me to flatten it and easily cut off the skin. Prepare a whole bunch at once and freeze chunks for smoothies or dehydrate them.

Does Your Starter Need a BOOST?

I have been using the same Friendship Bread Starter for a few months now and in the last week I noticed it wasn't rising as much each day, though it was still thickening...time for a boost!

An active starter will bubble and rise over a 24 hour period of rest in a warm area.

You will need:
1/4 cup warm water (110-120 degrees)
1 tsp active dry yeast

Directions:
On feeding day (typically day 5 or 10), gently mix yeast into warm water using non-metalic containers and untensils only! Let rest for 5-10 minutes or until bubbly. Feed your starter as directed and ADD the 1/4 cup yeast liquid, combining well. Check your BOOSTED starter frequently for the next 3 days or so to make sure it does not spill over or over-inflate the bag. (You may want to put your bag or jar in a pan or dish just in case). Continue to nurture and bake with your starter as usual.

*Why not use metal?
Some metals will react with the ingredients and process of the fermenting starter, which can spoil your batch. If it turns pink or green in color, discard your starter and ask your friend for a replacement.

New Meal Planning Printables!!

I am always adjusting and improving the resources I use to make them just right. I wanted a grocery list that was smaller than the previous full page version, but still as efficient and organized. The lastest version prints 3 to a page which you can cut and have made into a tear-off pad for about $1 at an office supply store. Choose colored or patterned paper & add a strip of magnet and you can stick it to your fridge. :)

Download my shopping lists for free

{smaller third page version}

{larger full page version}

I also condensed the 3 main Meal Planning worksheets onto one page! This will help you see everything on one page when you are planning your meals and making your grocery list. :) If you really want to save paper - print one and laminiate it to use over and over with a wet/dry erase marker!

Download my meal planning worksheets here for free 

{3-in-1 Meal Planning Worksheet}

{Kitchen Inventory}

{14 Day Meal Plan}

{Shopping List_full page}

Junk In My Trunk: Egg Slicer

Welcome to a new series about the stuff I have in my kitchen that I can't live without. My favorite tools and appliances and why I love them...

 

This week I will be talking about the top 3 multi-purpose tools that I use the most!

 

 

Not a fan of hard boiled eggs? No problem you should still have one of these in your drawer because they are perfect for slicing...

 

* eggs

* strawberries

* olives

* grapes

* mushrooms

* banana chunks

 

What other ideas can you add to the list??

PreK Busy Bag: Create A Silly Monster

Create A Silly Monster
This Busy Bag contains bodies, arms & legs, eyes, hair, mouths, tongues, teeth & nails plus LOTS of shapes for decorating. While you and your child are having fun making monsters, they are learning about body parts and where they go, shapes, sizes and colors! Have fun!!

Supplies
Felt
Scissors or a rotary knife
Googly Eyes

Directions
Cut out shapes to encourage creativity while making a monster face
* Large rectangle/oval - body
* Medium rectangle/oval - mouth
* Small rectangle rounded on one side - tounge
* Small triangles - teeth or nails
* Small rectangles - teeth or nails
* Long medium rectangles - arms or legs
* Long strips - hair or tails

Toddler Busy Bag: Popsicle Stick Puzzles

 Popsicle Stick Puzzles
This Busy Bag contains 4 sets of color-coordinated stick puzzles. Teach your young toddler about colors as they match the colors of the popsicle sticks. As they get older help them put the animals together, while teaching them about farm animals and the fun sounds they make!

Supplies
Large popsicle sticks*
Full sheet label or sticker paper
Printer

*If staining at home you will also need rubbing alcohol, liquid food coloring, newspaper & rubber gloves

Directions
(Otional)To stain your own popsicle sticks, add 30-40 drops of liquid food coloring to 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol in a ziplock bag. Add dry popsicle sticks and allow to sit in the stain for 15-30 minutes, rearranging the sticks every 5-10 minutes for even saturation. When time has elapsed, lay the sticks in a single layer to dry on several layers of newspaper (I used an entire section) for each. Allow several hours or overnight for them to completely dry. The alcohol smell will weaken over time.

To add a photo to your stick, print and cut out images using your computer/printer. Press firmly onto the sticks paying close attention to the area between the sticks. I used my Cricut tools but the flat end of a butter knife would work as well. Cut between the sticks with an sharp knife or rotary blade. Press down any loose edges hanging over the edge.

Baby Busy Bag: Ribbon Play

Ribbon Play
This Busy Bag contains one wooden ring with 7 colored ribbons attached. Play with your baby using this fun ring of colorful ribbons! Help them learn about colors and textures as they explore the ribbons. Let your baby on the move run with the ribbon-ring and watch the colors fly behind them, or wave them overhead to make a rainbow!

Supplies:
Inner ring of an embrodery ring
3/8" spools of ribbon

Instructions
Discard the outer portion of the embrodery ring (or save for another craft). Cut 24" strands of ribbon. Attach to the ribbon by looping it abound the ring and securing with hot glue.

How I Avoid Housekeeping Burnout

As I sit here and write this there is a mountain of laundry waiting to be folded...AGAIN...as well as a list of other things I should've been doing but haven't. That being said, we can learn to appreciate this together! When all of the housework is split up into short manageable daily & weekly task, the work seems less daunting and the house stays more clean! I have never been a fan of doing all of the housework on the weekends and letting it pile up all week. I prefect to divide and conquer.

Every home is a little different and every mom has different standards for how clean she likes to keep her home. As a SAHM mom of 3 boys and a husband I like my home to be clean but not uncomfortably so for those who bring their own children into my home --- I have three boys! Spills happen & things get broken, but my home is a happy one where creativity and play is encouraged! So here is how I divvy up the work and make sure it all gets done (please feel free to take it and use it or change it to fit your family as you'd like)!

{DAILY TASKS}
* Wash and dry a load of laundry
* Empty the dishwasher
* Load the dishwasher/empty the sink (run overnight)
* Wipe down kitchen/dining room
* Fold and put away a load of laundry

{MONDAY TASKS}
* Daily tasks plus...
* Clean toilets
* Sweep kitchen
* Dust

{TUESDAY TASKS}
* Daily tasks plus...
* Clean bathroom sinks and mirrors
* Vacuum
* Windows

{WEDNESDAY TASKS}
* Daily tasks plus...
* Laundry catch-up day (towels, sheets, extra load of clothes)

{THURSDAY TASKS}
* Daily tasks plus...
* Sweep/mop kitchen
* Sweep/mop bathrooms
* Vacuum

{FRIDAY TASKS}
* Daily tasks plus...
* Bathtubs
* 30 minute de-clutter or deep clean area

{WEEKEND TASKS}
* Daily tasks ONLY

Junk in My Trunk: Microwave Rice Cooker

Welcome to a new series about the stuff I have in my kitchen that I can't live without. My favorite tools and appliances and why I love them...

 

This week I will be talking about the top 3 multi-purpose tools that I use the most!

Number 2 {Pampered Chef Microwave Rice Cooker}

I bought mine probably close to 5 or 6 years ago, and I still love it as much as the day I bought it!! And would you believe that I hardly ever use it too cook rice - its the truth! The number one thing that I use it for is to cook ground beef, followed closely by frozen chicken breasts...that is right --- straight out of the freezer, into the microwave, don't have time to defrost, frozen chicken! A pound of frozen ground beef or chicken breasts will take approximately 10 minutes to cook completely! But the awesome thing is that it is large enough to fit probably 3-4 pounds of ground meat or 5-6 chicken breasts!! I do them all at once then save portions to use throughout the week/month. Another thing I love to use it for is steamed veggies! Fill 'er up with chopped veggies and add just a splash of water, put the lid on and you are ready to eat in 5 minutes or less!

 

 

Junk In My Trunk: Ice Cream Scoops

Welcome to a new series about the stuff I have in my kitchen that I can't live without. My favorite tools and appliances and why I love them...

 

This week I will be talking about the top 3 multi-purpose tools that I use the most!

At the top of the list: {ice cream scoops}

I have two sizes of ice cream scoops: 1 Tbsp and standard 1/2 cup scoop.  I use one or the other of them (sometimes both) several times a week depending on what is on the menu. Both have a sweeper arm that helps the contents slide right out - probably my favorite feature besides the convenient size because it makes your work fast and easy plus you don't get your spatula or spoon dirty scraping out a measuring cup or spoon.

 

The small one is perfect for making:

* cookies

* meatballs

* cake pops

* melon balls

* mini muffins

* mini brownies

* coring halved pears or apples

* removing the pit from peaches

* measuring honey or molasses --- the sweeper arm is key! No more waiting for it to drip - drip - drip

 

The large one (you probably have one already) is perfect for:

* muffins

* pancakes

* measuring out 1/2 cup portions of just about anything

   - yogurt

   - oatmeal

   - mashed potatoes

   - vegetables

   - diced fruit or berries

   - pudding

   - ice cream (of course)



January Busy Bag Swap DETAILS

Thank you to everyone who signed up for our very first Busy Bag Swap!! Below you will find a final list of the participants & their activities as well as the number of bags you will need to make and bring to the swap. Have fun making your bags this week - see you on Saturday (Don't forget to bring a basket or tote to take home your new busy bags).

ALSO:
Please see the {Busy Bag Swaps} tab at the top of the page to sign up for more upcoming swaps, including theme swaps every other month. Also, find the {Cheyenne Busy Bag Swap} fan page on facebook to connect with other local moms as well as share and find ideas to keep your kids learning and having fun while they do it! :)

SWAP DATE: Saturday, Jan 12
LOCATION: Laramie County Library, Sage Room (2nd Floor)
TIME: Infants 10:30am; Toddlers 10:45am; PreK 11:00am

INFANTS: Please prepare 4 sets of the activity you chose to trade.
*Sarah S - peek-a-boo pictures
*Rebecca H - ribbon play
*Cori R - discovery bottles
*Denisea A - sensory jars

TODDLERS: Please prepare 6 sets of the activity you chose to trade.
*Megan H - beading activity
*Rebecca H - popsicle stick puzzles
*Meghan L - I-Spy bag
*Sarah S - pom pom tins
*Sherry S - button snake
*Sherry S - lace stringing cards

PRE-K: Please prepare 6 sets of the activity you chose to trade.
*Rebecca H - create a silly monster (flannel)
*Meghan L - I-Spy bag
*Sharon H - number/color wheel with clothespins
*Sarah S - counting cards
*Kylee H - AaBbCc spoons
*Karen S - Laminated alphabet tracing cards

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me: Day 2

Find the list {here}
Day 2: Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears

Today's topic is a pretty personal one, and one that I am constantly in prayer about. When I was 18 my mom died after a 3 month battle with cancer, and because of that I am afraid of these three things...

1. I am afraid that I will die young
2. I am afraid that something will happen to my family and I won't be able to do anything to stop it
3. I am afraid that God won't hear/answer my prayers because my faith is weak

God says, "Do not be afraid" in the Bible 70 times. Fear is a real emotion and one that can be crippling to our faith. In Jeremiah 29:11 God promises, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I lean on this verse to bring me through my doubt and fear. Last year, for the 10 year anniversary of my mom's passing, my family and I ran a 10K. I would list this run as one of the top 5 most significant events in my life (along with marriage and the birth of our first child). For me personally, this run was a chance for me to begin a new chapter lead by HOPE not FEAR. You can read more about my story {here}.

Busy Bag Swap Coming Up

Deadline to sign-up: January 5th

Swap Date : January 12th *Please bring completed activities ready to trade (More details below)

 

Cheyenne Busy Bag Swap Group

* Free to Join * Local Moms * Fun & Educational

What is a busy bag? A "busy bag" is a ziplock bag that contains all the materials your child would need to complete a given activity. These quality age-based activities are intended to enourage fun while learning as well as keep them entertained for a period of time to give mom a break. These are especially helpful for older siblings when a new baby comes home during the adjustment phase. I will say thy are most successful when only available to the child during special occations, such as during daily quiet time, when mommy is nursing or during a long car ride.

How does a swap work? Some busy bag swap groups charge an entrace fee to participate --- The swaps hosted here are limited to local participants and because of that are FREE TO JOIN! You only pay for the materials it cost to create your activity for the swap!! Join a group - make multiples of the activity your chose - trade with other moms at the swap event...You end up with 10 different activities for your child and hours of quiet entertainment!!  

1. Select the age category you wish to swap within & find an activity that would be appropriate for that age. There are hundreds of good ideas online by searching: "infant busy bag -OR- toddler busy bag -OR- preschool busy bag."
2. Reserve your spot by posting your name (or initials) and chosen activity below with the link if you have it. **You may participate in more than one group at a time, but please note that you will need to put together up to 10 bags for each age category that you select**
3. Put together up to 10 of the same activity with instructions to bring to the swap event (time and location will vary) -- The number of participants and how many bags you will need to make for your age category will be announced here on the day after the reservation deadline. Cost to create each activity will range from $5-$20. Please bring a laundry basket, tote or some other way of carrying your new busy bags home.

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me: Day 1

Find the complete list here
Day 1: 20 random facts about myself

1. I lived in the same house until I was 18 years old.
2. I am really bad at learning names.
3. I love crafts, but don't like anything that I can't start and finish and one sitting.
4. I have never been a night-owl. Even in high school, I went to bed by 10 usually.
5. I failed my first drivers license test because I turned in front of a group of people crossing the street.
6. I eat a piece of chocolate every day.
7. I was on a competitive swimming team from age 6 through my senior year of high school.
8. I hate being cold.
9. My favorite season is fall.
10. The smell of crabapple tree blossoms reminds me of home.
11. My friends are mostly all at least 5 years older than I am.
12. I earned a full-ride scholarship to the college of my choice for leadership skills.
13. My favorite music is 90's pop - the Pandora station I listen to most is: "Walking In Memphis"
14. I had three majors in college and went to three different schools before I graduated: Metro State College Denver (Photography); Colorado Christian University (Youth Ministry); Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids (Bible).
15. I ran a 10K in Sept. 2012
16. I am more afraid of alligators than of sharks
17. If I ever won the lotto my first stop would probably be either a bookstore or a kitchen supply store.
18. I have never been out of the United States (besides Canada) as of today
19. The first cassette tape I ever owned was Boyz II Men
20. I like to make foods from scratch - my favorites are yogurt, bread, and waffle mix

30 Things My Kids Should Know About Me - The List

I am stealing this from a friend's blog who stole it from another blog -- haha. I place a lot of value in my life story and leaving a legacy for my kids (just in case I am not able to share it with them myself one day). Here is the list from The Baby Making Machine if you would care to join us...

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your spouse.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. What’s the hardest part of growing up?
14. Describe 5 and weaknesses strengths you have.
15. Describe when you knew your spouse was the one or how I fell in love.
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What do you think your spouse loves most about you?
19. How did you feel the moment you became a parent?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. Describe your relationship with your parents.
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. What’s your favorite holiday and why?
24. What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about parenthood?
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What’s your favorite quality in your spouse?
29. What are your hopes and dreams for your prosperity?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

Wannabe Boutiful Basket

The amazing coordinators at Bountiful Baskets headquarters took a much deserved break for the Holidays again this week --- and once again I am reminded of just how valuable the baskets really are! Every two weeks I purchase a basket for my family for $16.50 that weighs approx. 25 lbs. On pickup day I am blessed with a wonderful array of fruit and veggies that cost far less than retail for quality produce that often stays fresh for the full two weeks.

Saturday would've been a pick-up day and my stash from last time is waning quickly so I scanned the ads this morning to see what I could come up with. My basket isn't nearly ask glamorous as the ones that Bountiful Baskets provides, often spoiling us with an item that is off-season that would cost up to $5/lb in the grocery store --- we got pineapples last time! So, if you are missing your basket like I am, here are the best of the local sales in Cheyenne to create a basket that is similar.

Store- Qty or Weight and Item - Sale Price (Notes)
Safeway - 2 lb Lettuce - approx. $2 (final price not advertised)
Safeway - 2 1/2 lb Red/Golden/White Potatoes - $2.50 ($0.99/lb)
Safeway - 2 lb Bananas - approx. $1.10 (final price not advertised)
Albertsons - 2 lb Broccoli Crowns - $1.80 ($0.88/lb)
Albertsons - 3 lb Yellow Onions - $1.69 bag
Albertsons - 2 lb Braeburn Apples - $1.80 ($0.88/lb)
Albertsons - 4 lb bag Naval Oranges - $1.69 (sale price valid THURSDAY-SAUNDAY only)
Albertsons - 3 medium Red Grapefruit - $2.70 ($0.88 ea)

Good luck shopping & I hope this helps you make it by until the next basket pickup day. :)

30 Family Journal Prompts

In December, I committed to keeping a 5 Year Family Journal - well, January is upon us and now I am beginning to realize that I don't have very much to write about. So, to spur your creativity (and mine as well) here is a list of prompts for your own family journal or scrapbook.

1. About someone you love
- Something you are proud of
- A characteristic you enjoy
- A prayer you have for them
- Something they enjoyed
- Something that made you laugh
- Something they said

2. Angels in disguise
- Someone who blessed you today
- Someone who helped you today
- Someone you appreciate
- Someone you have learned from
- A new friend
- An old friend

3. Eyes open to the hand of God
- A glance of unconditional love
- A glance of forgiveness
- A glance of hope
- A glance of faith
- A glance of peace
- An answered prayer

4. A day in the life
- Something you do everyday
- Something you rarely get to do
- Something you have been looking forward to
- Something you take for granted
- Something new
- Something you love to do

5. From the eyes of a child
- Something fun to do
- A new experience
- A simple joy
- Something to get super excited about
- Something to laugh about
- A friend to play with

My 2013 SAHM List of Resolutions

1. Be more active with my kids
Tangible Goal: 15 minutes of quality one-on-one time with each of them, doing something they would like to do.

2. Read to my kids every day
Tangible Goal: Make story time a part of our bedtime routine.

3. Keep up with the laundry and dishes
Tangible Goal: Start the day with a load of laundry in the washer & empty the dishwasher; finish the day with laundry folded and put away and dishwasher running.

4. Discipline in love
Tangible Goal: No more yelling. Build them up with two encouraging words for every time discipline is used. "You are so good at..." "I love it when you..." "It makes me proud when you..."

5. Maintain a stash of frozen meals to avoid lazy-mom-syndrome
Tangible Goal: Plan for 1-2 freezer meals every 2 weeks to have on hand for lazy days and sick days.

6. Have a Mommy Day Off once a month!!
Tangible Goal: Schedule it in advance, write it down in PEN, budget for $50 to spend, and plan for a sitter --- no excuses!!

7. Avoid 4 o'clock daily meltdowns
Tangible Goal: Plan for daily quiet time filled with fun activities for my kids - special basket with Kiwi Crate activities, Busy Bags and Art/Writing prompts.

8. Make my husband feel like he is the most important person in my life (second only to God)
Tangible Goal: Have an intentional LOVE RELATIONSHIP with my husband including a date night once a month and more tangible ways if showing him how much he means to me (gifts, notes, daily compliments).

9. Provide my family with quality meals and snacks
Tangible Goals: Less sugar and salt (fruit alternatives for dessert), prepare healthy snacks in advance to make them quick and easy.

10. Practice Mommy Time-Out when I start to lose my patience
Tangible Goal: Spend 5 minutes alone to calm down so that discipline can be practiced in love and not out of frustration.

New Year's Giveaway --- the winner is....

Congrats Wendy! Please let me know which diva you would like (blonde, brunette, or african american) and I will email your new planner to you right away! Thank you to everyone else who entered, please enjoy 25% off your pdf planner purchase today with the code: NEWYEAR at my etsy shop! (Not valid on printed version --- please use with pdf download only).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!