DIY Gift Giving

We had a birthday/get well soon gift to come up with.  We decided on the following:
 We made a dinner, figuring that would be much appreciated in a time of healing.  Since the meal would only be serving 3 people we split it up into two smaller pans.  I hate always having to worry about giving dishes back to the owners, so thought buying disposable tin foil pans would be a good idea;)  The meal was simple and delicious.

Layered Spaghetti Bake
1 box spaghetti-cooked and drained
1 roll pork sausage
1 jar spaghetti sauce
mozz cheese
mushrooms, onions, green peppers-chopped
Parmesan cheese
brown the sausage and veggies with some Italian seasoning.  In a greased pan layer 1/2 noodles, 1/2 sausage, 1/2 sauce, and some mozz and parm cheese. Repeat layers.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

We then make a batch of the families new favorite cookie.  I simply put them in a zip lock baggie and wrote on the bag "you are one tough cookie"  If I had time I would have come up with better packaging.

I must give credit to my husband for the final part of the gift.  We made a date jar.  We took a mason jar and spruced it up a bit by including a "date jar" label on some scrapbook paper that we inserted into the jar.  On the lid we attached some coordinating paper.  Working together we wrote out several dates on strips of scrapbook paper.  Some were silly and fun, some were for staying home activities, some were trips, some were going out, some were reminiscing, some were sweet.  We then used yet another piece of scrapbook paper (I am in love with scrapbook paper, can you tell?;) and wrote a note:

For a birthday gift we wanted to help you focus on each other and build memories. 

 Please enjoy this jar of dates to enjoy together. 

 For each date take a picture and write a memory. 

 Return the slip, picture, and memory.  

We will make make a memory book for you.

The memory book was all my hubby's idea and I am in love with it!  What an awesome gift of memories!  I sincerely hope our receivers will do this because I look forward to preserving their memories for them.  

This was such a fun gift to do together.  We very much enjoyed preparing it!!

*** I loved this so much I did another one for a bridal shower.  I put together the jar and note and purchased some items to use for the dates (mugs and sharpies for the "make each other mugs date", a gift card for a date, etc.)  So much time and energy is spent planning the wedding that I hope it will be nice for them to take time to focus on each other too!  And again, I so look forward to making the memory book for them!!

Breakfast for Dinner (yummy throw-together-idea;)e

UGH!!  As I sit down to write this I realize I forgot to take a picture!! :/

For a very long time I wasn't a breakfast for dinner kind of person.  Although I did very much enjoy a big breakfast with a cup of coffee on weekends, eating out on the deck, enjoying the chirping birds....(sigh, sorry got a little side tracked;).  Soooo fast forward a few years to kids, busy weekend mornings, and a budget!  Yup,I am now a breakfast for dinner kind of gal (because breakfast for breakfast sure isn't going to happen!)

Tonight I made a winner!  It's not a rocket science recipe, just something I threw together-but it was so good and liked by all and I just had to share:)

My Breakfast Concoction Casserole

potatoes cubed (as many as you want)
sliced/chopped green peppers, onions, and mushrooms (as much as you want)
1 tube breakfast pork sausage
spinach (if desired)
eggs (as many as you want for scrambled eggs)
cheese

cook potatoes and onions and some salt and pepper in oil and set aside.
brown sausage and set aside.
heat peppers and mushrooms in some oil until desired doneness. set aside
mix eggs, spinach, salt and pepper, and a splash of milk.  scramble and set aside
In baking dish layer potatoes, sausage, veggies, and eggs.  top with as much cheese as you would like.
bake at 350 until cheese is melted.

obviously it is easy and very customizable.  And did I mention it was DELICIOUS?!  Can't wait to make it again!!

What are some of your favorite breakfast's for dinners??

School days are sneaking up.....

Oh how I have missed learning activities with the kids!  I have been in  summer mode and not learning mode :/  Today, though, I returned to education.com and printed off two sheets for each little kiddie.

Cam colored, and cut out, and made book marks.  He then wrote the word frog and then wrote a sentence using the word frog.  And then drew a picture of a frog.  He was so proud of himself and I was thrilled;)

Austyn filled out missing alphabet blocks.  She worked so hard on it and did so good.  She didn't give up and was so proud!  She also worked on a sheet for identifying the number 8.

I love how hard they work and how proud they get and how happy they are to do it!  I love seeing their intent, focused faces followed by huge smiles.  Seeing them learn is so exciting!!  And it's so fun that they are at that age where they actually find learning exciting.

They will be learning so much more once school starts up and I'll miss our morning worksheet time.  But I do look forward to hearing all about what they learn and helping them practice what they learn.  I am working on some responsibility charts and there will be daily time for homework, reading, worksheets, and/or flashcards etc.

Lazy, enjoy the sun summer days are quickly coming to a close as we all prepare for the craziness and busyness of another school year!

A fun spontaneous date at home;)

We don't get out much.  And our nights typically consist of catching up on TV shows or engrossing ourselves in electronics.  Occasionally we play a game (which we love, but kinda forget about, lol), or just talk (which is also great).  Still though, we are typically in the TV rut.

Well that's no fun!  And not a good way to stay connected.

So yesterday I informed my hubby that once the kids were in bed it was no TV.  I had a game for us and we were having a  date night.

I then went to one of my favorite sites, and go to place for romance ideas.   www.thedatingdivas.com  (I seriously looooove this site and could spend hours on it:).  I searched site for operation and printed the pieces.

It was silly, quirky, and we had a blast.  We laughed, talked, and enjoyed.  I think what made it even more exciting was that it was unexpected and a week night;)

It was also so easy to prepare.  In 10 minutes (probably less) I had the game printed and cut out.  Once the kids were in bed we split up and gathered the suggested materials.

And then we spent an evening focusing on each other and bonding:)

***my hubby really must of loved it, he just called and told me that now he has a game as well for our next in home date.  curious to find out what he came up with!;)

My Little Boy Woke Me Up

I am sure most of us have seen the posts on pinterest about being more involved with our kids...well here's mine;)  Just a simple interaction between my son and me "woke" me up.....And here is the story....

It was late and had been a long day.  It felt like a long day I think mostly because I didn't make it a good day. I was tired, crabby, and ultimately lazy.  The kids were busy playing most of the day and in my boredom I turned to my phone-email, facebook, and pinterest.  I got so caught up in it that I got annoyed when they wanted or needed something.  Then Alayna got whiny, clingy, and needy after nap.  And when I was trying to cook and bake they were, all three, right there under my feet and I wasn't a fan at all.
Bedtime came and I was "exhausted".  Alayna fought and screamed so I layed her down and left the room.  I tucked Austyn in.  Ed came and rocked Alayna, who did not scream and fight him!  And I sat on the step waiting for Cameron to finish brushing his teeth so I could tuck him in.

 As he walked by he asked what I was doing.  I said waiting for you.  He came over, gave me a hug and kiss and said he loved me and that he was so lucky I was his mommy.  He then chit chatted about his day.  I just sat and listened in awe with so much love in my heart that my chest honestly, physically hurt.  My babies are growing and I'm wasting these precious days being crabby!  Cam is going into first grade-he has friends, opinions, thoughts, dreams.  Austyn is going into 4k and is already totally fine and comfortable wandering away by herself to play.  Alayna is going on two and turning into her own little self.

Not only am I wasting valuable quality time I'm forgetting they are sweet little blessings who were given to me to help shape and mold.  They need and deserve my time and love.  I've slowly turned into the sideline mom.  I used to judge that mom.  The one who sat on the bench while the kids played at the park.  Now I am her, and I understand her!  Time to think of yourself is precious.  But even more precious are these three kids!!

I'm not sue how, but a balance needs to be found.  I do need a  small amount of me time to keep my strength up to make good days for my kids. I also need to be present and involved.  Stop only pinning how to be a good mom, and start being a good mom.  And stop looking back and being negative.  Look at the positive and strive for the good.

 Yes, today was a downer over all, but we did take a nice walk together and we shared lots of love, hugs, and kisses.

I see now, and it makes me feel a little more pathetic.... The kids didn't exhaust me.  I exhausted me by being crabby, lazy, and uninvolved.  Days are much more enjoyable when you find time to laugh and have fun.
Being negative does not help either.  Better to focus on the good, positive, and be grateful.

I am grateful for these babies of mine, happy to be their mommy and am positive I no longer want to be the sideline mom.

And what's amazing is my kids won't hold this crabby day against me.  They still have loving hugs and kisses galore for me.  So I vow to change, but I'm also giving myself break.  If my kids can give me a break and think I'm the best I don't think I am most likely as bad as I think, and deserve that break!  It doesn't help to beat myself up.  Better to focus on tomorrow.

I'm not saying every minute of every day needs to be spent on and focused on my kids. I think parent's need a break and need to have a life apart from the kids as well (another thing I need to work on actually, but that's for another post;) But I want quality hands on, focused time spent on them daily.  Hands on time and time to listen and time to cherish and time to learn and time to influence and time to help them grow and feel loved.

Birthday Ramblings

Yesterday was my birthday.  About half way through the morning I mentioned this to the kids.  It was so sweet...Very heart felt my son asked, "awe, mom, why didn't you tell us right away this morning?"  They then proceeded to sing happy birthday to me.  That was probably my favorite part of the day.  They were so sincere and they were so excited for me because it was my birthday.  Moments like that make mommy hood so much better than having the time and money for vacations and pricey clothes etc.

Later we all went to Cam's last baseball game and then went out for ice cream with my mom.  It's not something we often do, so was enjoyed by all.  When I tucked Cam in he asked if I had a nice birthday.  Again, so sweet he would ask.  I sincerely did!  The little family moments made it special.  No bells or whistles needed.  I loved that we went and did something together that we don't often do.

This morning Austyn asked if today was my second birthday.  Confused, I told her no.  And then I figured out what she meant.  The kids have their "real" birthday and then the birthday party day.  It kind of made me giggle  a little;)

Last year for Cam's birthday we took him out to eat.  Anywhere he wanted-he got to choose.  I think that instead of gifts this year we will do that for the kids.  It makes for a special day for them.  They get to pick and have a dinner focused on, for, and about them.  In years to come I think those memories will be remembered more than yet another gift.  I just tend to feel that they get so much!  And sadly, most of it doesn't seem to matter much in the long run.  They lose interest, go into another phase, lose it, or break it.  I would rather focus on memories and relationships and making them feel special!

What birthday traditions does your family do/have?

Discipline Followup

So I made a list of rules/expectations, and then made a list of punishments to go along with it.  They get one warning and then the punishment.  I am not sold on the punishments-they are a work in progress...

Rule/Expectation    (punishment)                                                                

-respect mom and dad    (30 min. in room)                                                        
    the way you talk                                                                
   do as you are told, no arguing
-clean up after self (no elecronics for rest of day)
   if you make a mess, clean it up
   pick up house, yard, and room before bedtime
   help with chores                                            
-attitude (early to bed and no story)
   be grateful
   say please and thank you
   no fighting, arguing, being mean to each other                    
   be kind and respectful
   be honest and truthful
   be responsible
-misc rules (10 min in room)
   no running in the house
   no tantrums                                                                        
   inside voices
   no messing around at dinner

We are also talking about making a stop/go visual.  Each child will have a clothespin.  Green/go is good behavior, yellow is caution or warning, red is punishment.

Before we fully implement this I see a few "issues".  The visual is great.  I know Cam had this at school last year... Will I actually use it though??
Ed pointed out--what do we do when we are not at home?  We can't send them to their room for 30 minutes.
What if bad behavior is done before bed? We're not going to do 30 minutes in bedroom before bedtime.

Tonight was an example of another gray area, or hiccup of my new plan.

It's hot and humid!  I was not really looking forward to cooking and cleaning up.  So I told the kids we were having popcorn, ice cream, and fruit for dinner while we watched a movie.  Eyes lit up, squeals filled the room, and excitement was felt in the air.
So when I was ready I said pick out a movie and clean up while I get it all together.  Unfortunately they just messed around.  I gave them several "looks", but still nothing.  So I took away all the fun and we ate leftovers at the kitchen table.  That punishment seemed to fit better then the pre planned punishment.  (sigh) I want consistency AND flexibility!  I want it all!
I may be looking into it a little too much.  I just really want known expectations, consequences, and I want consistency! (but flexibility as well I guess :/)
It was a bummer to take away the fun night.  I loved how excited they were and was looking forward to it.  I typically would have caved and let them do it anyways once they cleaned up.  But that's the problem.  We do threats and don't carry through.  So on the flip side it felt good to "take control".

I'm going to cling to the idea that it may get worse before it gets better (kind of a "culture shock" to all as we shift things) but the end result will be better kids, happier parents....right...??

Please please offer thoughts, suggestions, advice, etc.  Did I mention please? ;)