tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50121882530549925812024-02-18T23:25:27.986-08:00Penny Pinching MomAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14704650582222442496noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-48250597826218694842012-05-12T21:03:00.001-07:002012-05-12T21:03:16.817-07:00Sunday School Resources<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJT_aO1iPVU/T68wgAahnnI/AAAAAAAAAZM/9PZt0ap48ow/s1600/SS+resources+title+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJT_aO1iPVU/T68wgAahnnI/AAAAAAAAAZM/9PZt0ap48ow/s320/SS+resources+title+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wanted to share a quick post with the resources I tend to use when coming up with out lesson plans.<br />
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<li>I created a <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmd1JyVmNadFU1Z3c" target="_blank">template</a> in a word processor so I can easily add each weeks info.</li>
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<li> Our take home sheet was created in Photoshop but I made a JPG version so you can edit it in your favourite word processor. Simply "insert" the JPG in the document and change the properties of the photo so you can type behind and the text will show through. When I am planning my lessons, I find two activities for that topic - one for the class and one to add to the take home sheet. Then, I Google a colouring sheet and shrink it to fit the small space on the page.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTB3Vlm55GI/T68woIMapVI/AAAAAAAAAZU/0THdZ1zF8E0/s1600/Today+I+learned+template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTB3Vlm55GI/T68woIMapVI/AAAAAAAAAZU/0THdZ1zF8E0/s320/Today+I+learned+template.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/inspirational.html" target="_blank">Kididdles</a> has lots of "kid friendly" worship songs. I have added it to my <a href="http://pinterest.com/jen_pitre/kids-sunday-school/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a> so I never loose it!</li>
<li>Another great worship resource is <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://littlelambsministry.freeservers.com/sundayschoolsongs.htm" target="_blank">Little Lambs Ministry</a>. They have audio files for most of the songs.</span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.daniellesplace.com/" target="_blank">Danielle's Place</a> has both free and "member's only" activities. I find the activities and craft easy to adapt to various age groups.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.kidssundayschool.com/Preschool/Lessons/lessonindex.php" target="_blank">Kids Sunday School</a> also has both free and "member's only" lessons. I really like how the lessons are laid out - I can easily plug them into my template and we are good to go! I also like how the topics are organized - Even if the lesson isn't free, I can choose a theme (prayer, the book of Ruth, etc...) and the weekly topics are titled for me.</li>
</ul>
I hope these help your planning as much as they help me!<br />
JenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-16502668633378619032012-04-16T18:26:00.003-07:002012-04-16T18:37:42.052-07:00Easter {Sunday School Unit}Thanks to Pinterest, I had so many Easter ideas I wanted to incorporate! Alas, you can only cram so many projects into one Sunday morning. I know the order of the story is a little messed up but I really wanted the Palm Sunday lesson to fall <em>on</em> Palm Sunday... The printable story was found at <a href="http://www.dltk-bible.com/guides/easter-index.htm" target="_blank">DLTK</a>. I will also add a link to the song <a href="http://www.biblestudycharts.com/CH_Jesus_Wants_Me_For_A_Sunbeam.html" target="_blank">Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam</a>, in case you don't know the tune. As always, I am not very good at keeping track of where I have found all my resources. All images were copied from Google searched and I created the Take Home Sheets. There aren't a lot of printable for this unit. On another note, if you are on Pinterest, I have a board that is dedicated to <a href="http://pinterest.com/jen_pitre/kids-sunday-school/" target="_blank">Sunday School Resources</a>.<br />
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We split the story into 3 weeks:<br />
Week one: The last supper and washing feet <br />
Week two: Palm Sunday <br />
Week three: Jesus is risen<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">Lessons:</span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9Hj6M4p-AU/T4zAs-CUuOI/AAAAAAAAAUg/BizOxvz5cD8/s1600/lesson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9Hj6M4p-AU/T4zAs-CUuOI/AAAAAAAAAUg/BizOxvz5cD8/s320/lesson.JPG" width="315" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmekRndmxqNFFlbWc">The last supper</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmTGlUOHdoam81NWM">Palm Sunday</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmd3FCN29kZTRxRG8">Jesus is risen</a><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Crafts, Activities and Stories:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lca9tL7tL-w/T4zCxHNoj1I/AAAAAAAAAUw/tYVls58aPXs/s1600/craft.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lca9tL7tL-w/T4zCxHNoj1I/AAAAAAAAAUw/tYVls58aPXs/s320/craft.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmMU5ya3hFVVV0TFU">He is risen craft</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmV2EzTUtIdUI2VTA">Words for He is risen craft</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmOGVQb1JMUFdLeVU">Palm Sunday craft</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmSFdKUkUzRkwySU0">Last supper story</a><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Take home sheets:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBvie7aJTTw/T4zDU1e63DI/AAAAAAAAAU4/nVplFtdc2Pg/s1600/he+is+risen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBvie7aJTTw/T4zDU1e63DI/AAAAAAAAAU4/nVplFtdc2Pg/s320/he+is+risen.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmMmk5dDgzREQ0VVE">Last supper</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmNHB5eWJ4TkFKU0U">Palm Sunday</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmZExBVDdtdFBkYXc">He is risen</a><br />
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I also wanted to include a couple <em>super </em>cool Easter projects that I really wanted to do but didn't get a chance:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/82120393175567313/" target="_blank"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="320" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache2.pinterest.com/upload/116882552799136731_ZYfafbtK_c.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"></div><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/82120393175567253/" target="_blank"><img alt="Pinned Image" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache5.pinterest.com/upload/5136987045121033_2UO2piGb_c.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/82120393175461155/" target="_blank"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="299" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache7.pinterest.com/upload/145030050470279376_yJSUFwJE_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Right now, we are working through a short unit on the life of Moses. We completed 10 weeks of the 10 commandments and the children seemed to be quite interested in Moses. I now wish that we had planned it so we did an overview of Moses' life and <em>then</em> a closer look at each commandment but this way should work too.<br />
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After Moses we are jumping into a pretty huge project. We are going to do 3 months of "Bible Legends" with trading cards and all!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51Fs5qtqJQo/T4zFZTSWPaI/AAAAAAAAAVA/WOFgzuuGToA/s1600/david+trading+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51Fs5qtqJQo/T4zFZTSWPaI/AAAAAAAAAVA/WOFgzuuGToA/s320/david+trading+card.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Each week we will do an overview of important people throughout the Bible. We will print out these trading cards and each child will build a little collection of Bible Legends to take home! I am actually <em>quite</em> stoked about this one!<br />
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The only thing I have yet to figure out is how to store all these trading cards...<br />
We have children that come and go and children that are regular attenders. I am thinking of creating a little box or something for each child and it could stay in the Jr. Kid's Church Room but then they may loose some of the excitement... I also haven't figured out exactly how we will "trade" cards. I thought a "trading party" would be in order but not sure how that will look. Any suggestions?<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: right;"></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-55891760182183767182012-04-11T11:20:00.000-07:002012-04-11T11:20:15.868-07:00No Impact ManThe nerd in me (or am I am geek? I always forget!) loves a good documentary.<br />
I had put the movie No Impact Man on hold at the library but I just couldn't wait anymore! I am quite sure that the hold will expire before I ever get a copy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TP1o2z%2BnL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="prod_image_selector" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TP1o2z%2BnL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>"In November 2006, author Colin Beaven announces his No Impact Project. He vows to unsettle his complacent liberal consumerism and, along with his family, to make no environmental impact from their Manhattan home for one year. While two-year-old Isabella is content among the compost worms, mother Michelle endures withdrawal from coffee and shopping, and Colin suffers heavy criticism from friends and the media. Humorous and insightful, No Impact Man discovers the strength of a family living off the grid, and the quiet truths that reveal themselves when the lights go out."</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When I first saw this movie I thought it would just be a good watch - I mean your preaching to choir here. Just the same as <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Super-Size-Me-Morgan-Spurlock/dp/B0002NIB38/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1330574055&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Supersize Me</a> - I already wasn't a <em>fan</em> of McDonald's but that movie was the starting point (so many years ago, now) of my making a real connection to what I eat and most importantly what I feed my children. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
I thought I was doing good when our recycling bins are overflowing every week but I want to take it a step further - avoid all that packaging in the first place!<br />
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As I type this, I have happy to say that we only need to put out one bin for paper and one for containers. I buy milk that comes in glass bottles so I can return the bottles for the dairy to use again. I was thinking about learning how to make my own yogurt, so we could avoid the plastic containers but I'm not ready for that yet. ;) On a side note, I am going to try making butter and cheese soon! Not sure if I will have an cost savings but we will see.<br />
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I have been scouring the web trying to come up with ways to reuse those margarine and yogurt tubs but I only have so many craft supplies to store! Do you have any ideas?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-11806089095782461082012-03-23T10:35:00.000-07:002012-03-23T10:35:48.495-07:00Project 365 {February Favourites}<a href="http://pennypinchingmother.blogspot.com/2012/01/project-365.html">Project 365</a> is going strong! I completely forgot to post my favourite photos last month. I missed 4 days in February but I didn't even notice until now and I am kinda bummed that I didn't take a photo on February 29th. I guess I was too busy doing <em>leapy</em> (yes, that's word...) kind of things. Annnnnd, I realized that I haven't used a real camera in a <em>month</em>! As great as my camera phone is you can't print and frame those photos. So now I have added another dimension to my project: take a photo everyday and use a real camera more often then never.<br />
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I think that is an attainable goal. ;)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uaCs3fLtbIQ/T2yx5aiZ95I/AAAAAAAAAQU/rF1lzy_is-0/s1600/2012-02-07+17.18.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uaCs3fLtbIQ/T2yx5aiZ95I/AAAAAAAAAQU/rF1lzy_is-0/s320/2012-02-07+17.18.55.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you put a wooden spoon over your pot of boiling water, it wont boil over!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNbiV8B4xEc/T2yx73WiPrI/AAAAAAAAAQc/_5DC5PpAE64/s1600/2012-02-04+19.13.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNbiV8B4xEc/T2yx73WiPrI/AAAAAAAAAQc/_5DC5PpAE64/s320/2012-02-04+19.13.41.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Papa and Red</td></tr>
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1FUPwtLCTI/T2yyCk2lvdI/AAAAAAAAAQs/J1bknLd6PhU/s1600/2012-02-14+14.17.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1FUPwtLCTI/T2yyCk2lvdI/AAAAAAAAAQs/J1bknLd6PhU/s320/2012-02-14+14.17.28.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red found a hole in the floor! I PROMISE he was not as hurt as his face would suggest! He was sticking his arm in there all morning! I barely snapped the photo before he pulled his arm out and then stuck it in again! LOL</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fu5NH3LTK4/T2yyDiXfm5I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/a6d8zuqQ7MY/s1600/2012-02-16+12.14.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fu5NH3LTK4/T2yyDiXfm5I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/a6d8zuqQ7MY/s320/2012-02-16+12.14.50.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger's buildings are becoming more detailed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lr9xZNopS5M/T2yyHgE4f7I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/TWLSKOeX4T0/s1600/2012-02-18+11.15.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lr9xZNopS5M/T2yyHgE4f7I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/TWLSKOeX4T0/s320/2012-02-18+11.15.59.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our one and only snowman of the year. It wasn't even that cold out, I put snowsuits on them because it would be wet out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-62O7p3M6KKY/T2yyKOhE8OI/AAAAAAAAARE/JKcVhf8Au3o/s1600/2012-02-28+19.20.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-62O7p3M6KKY/T2yyKOhE8OI/AAAAAAAAARE/JKcVhf8Au3o/s320/2012-02-28+19.20.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baking "spicy cookies" (A.K.A. Ginger Snaps)</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bz-Q2w2UPNE/T2yyPJafttI/AAAAAAAAARM/lmB5hwEHnmI/s1600/2012-02-28+21.48.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bz-Q2w2UPNE/T2yyPJafttI/AAAAAAAAARM/lmB5hwEHnmI/s320/2012-02-28+21.48.10.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kEODJq0Kz7Q/T2yzpOU-GpI/AAAAAAAAARc/y5PiRxzJ_PA/s1600/2012-02-06+18.13.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kEODJq0Kz7Q/T2yzpOU-GpI/AAAAAAAAARc/y5PiRxzJ_PA/s320/2012-02-06+18.13.58.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are getting pretty good at the back wrap</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bnzxVOoKtgw/T2yzrfXNSPI/AAAAAAAAARk/6s2IGaO6qJ0/s1600/2012-02-08+10.41.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bnzxVOoKtgw/T2yzrfXNSPI/AAAAAAAAARk/6s2IGaO6qJ0/s320/2012-02-08+10.41.42.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P6NMRsdIR_I/T2yzuS70paI/AAAAAAAAARs/s08wKi_q-fs/s1600/2012-02-10+19.42.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P6NMRsdIR_I/T2yzuS70paI/AAAAAAAAARs/s08wKi_q-fs/s320/2012-02-10+19.42.15.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 1st Bulldog's Hockey game, as a family. We scored seats for $10 each!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QltNKGwJiBw/T2yyUw4hC1I/AAAAAAAAARU/CYnLRK3Qcuw/s1600/2012-02-17+10.42.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QltNKGwJiBw/T2yyUw4hC1I/AAAAAAAAARU/CYnLRK3Qcuw/s320/2012-02-17+10.42.01.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Hamilton Children's Museum. We borrow a family pass, from <a href="http://hpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/5204233006_hamilton_civic_museums_family_pass_for_4" target="_blank">the library</a>, and we get in for free!<br />
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<em><strong>Do you use a "real" camera or your cell phone camera, more often?</strong></em>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-18627712738073436632012-03-21T09:20:00.000-07:002012-03-21T09:20:19.354-07:00How Jesus Loves Me {Sunday School Unit}This was a three week unit. It can be difficult for a four year old to understand how to have a connection to a person they have never met. This unit was a short intro to who Jesus is and how he loves us. I am not very good a keeping track of where I find all our resources. The only thing I made myself (for this unit) is the take home sheets. I used a lot of ideas from <a href="http://www.kidssundayschool.com/Preschool/index.php" target="_blank">Kids Sunday School</a> for this lesson, too.<br />
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The three topics are:<br />
<ul><li>I am special to Jesus</li>
<li>Jesus is my healer</li>
<li>Jesus is our shepherd</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9KNbKA7wQw/T2QX76ivCSI/AAAAAAAAAMA/Yj8zqWHjcOU/s1600/i'm+special+to+jesus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9KNbKA7wQw/T2QX76ivCSI/AAAAAAAAAMA/Yj8zqWHjcOU/s1600/i'm+special+to+jesus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Lessons:</span></strong><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmWWFBZ0JGbmtTdHExbU9oZ1FtUVJsQQ" target="_blank">I am special</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmR3BnbTFnNUJTM2FhNjVpeFlBTXBMUQ" target="_blank">Jesus is my healer</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmeFlnNlZtbzhULVN0dWdHVTd6NnVvQQ" target="_blank">Jesus is our shepherd</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9KNbKA7wQw/T2QX76ivCSI/AAAAAAAAAMA/Yj8zqWHjcOU/s1600/i'm+special+to+jesus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9KNbKA7wQw/T2QX76ivCSI/AAAAAAAAAMA/Yj8zqWHjcOU/s1600/i'm+special+to+jesus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9KNbKA7wQw/T2QX76ivCSI/AAAAAAAAAMA/Yj8zqWHjcOU/s1600/i'm+special+to+jesus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Crafts, Activities and Stories:</span></strong></div><div align="left" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pgtdoGwOhw/T2QZAUbZTWI/AAAAAAAAAMI/urQu6og_Goc/s1600/a+chair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pgtdoGwOhw/T2QZAUbZTWI/AAAAAAAAAMI/urQu6og_Goc/s320/a+chair.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: left;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmYnVTWWFJYjRUNkt4UDJ1MDFVYmlmdw" target="_blank">A chair for a crown</a> - game</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmTVFUbE9IMVBUV0dCaE5pOXdaRTBXUQ" target="_blank">I am special</a> - craft</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmZXJscGdxZWRUSXFlRkxPY3BkX0FxQQ" target="_blank">Jesus is our healer</a> - story</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmQWhPLVJNeHlRLXVLazJiXzM5ZGo3dw" target="_blank">Who is the lost sheep</a> - game</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9KNbKA7wQw/T2QX76ivCSI/AAAAAAAAAMA/Yj8zqWHjcOU/s1600/i'm+special+to+jesus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Bible verse:</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">I found the</span>se printables from a website/blog called <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/RaisingRockStarsPreschool.html" target="_blank">1+1+1=1</a>. She has so many homeschooling and Sunday school resources!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAswnMNMPgg/T2QadnQ-7UI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/kFaH9Qo3WXk/s1600/Ww.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAswnMNMPgg/T2QadnQ-7UI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/kFaH9Qo3WXk/s320/Ww.JPG" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmVTM3N0x6QzdRRWFYTjludHpqekpSUQ" target="_blank">Poster</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmdkg4X0RwanNTYnVmX0h4MkNLT1pGdw" target="_blank">Memory verse activity</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Take home sheets:</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q3FkRSUut5s/T2QbHjpDpbI/AAAAAAAAAMY/_q3LFWWKXAc/s1600/I+am+special+to+jesus+-+today+i+learned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q3FkRSUut5s/T2QbHjpDpbI/AAAAAAAAAMY/_q3LFWWKXAc/s320/I+am+special+to+jesus+-+today+i+learned.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmLWhDVlZGWC1TcUdaQUduOXJNOTF6Zw" target="_blank">I am special to Jesus</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmdXZQSmtZbVNSZ0tzeUZ2akVFWGc1QQ" target="_blank">Jesus is my healer</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmdElxYWg3RHJRdzZlMUs2RHV5RklxZw" target="_blank">Jesus is our Shepherd</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-3212536119872457342012-03-19T21:20:00.000-07:002012-03-19T21:20:19.967-07:00March Meals {Week of March 19/12}Cooking.<br />
Meal planning.<br />
Budgeting.<br />
Bleh!<br />
<br />
Well, I think I have found my groove!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="333" id="il_fi" src="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID24730/images/bread_machine_bread(1).jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="500" /></div>We using our bread maker almost every week, there is always the right ingredients in the cupboard and the kitchen is organized!<br />
<br />
I am always trying to find ways to save money on food. First I thought I would do some research and see if anyone suggests how much I should be spending in the first place. I have figured out two numbers.<br />
<ol><li>Your weekly budget should be $3-$5 per person, per day.</li>
<li>You should expect to spend 11%-14% of your take home, families income.</li>
</ol>What does that look like? (Yearly income) <span class="Unicode"><strong>×</strong></span> .11 ÷ 52 = weekly food budget.<br />
<br />
Right now we are spending about 11.5% and I think it would be awesome if I could manage 10%.<br />
Now I just need to figure out how to do that!<br />
<br />
I have slowly but surely figured out a few things.<br />
<ol><li>No Frills will price match. This was the first week I tried this. I felt a little disorganized - I grabbed the wrong name brand of frozen corn, forgot to get grapes... but I know it will go better next time.</li>
<li>Make food from scratch. This one is tough. I remember working a 9 hour shift in Oakville and the 3 hour commute - there is no way I would have been able to make everything from scratch. Now, I have a lot more opportunities. I only work about 15 hours outside of the house and about 4 hours at home. Red is sleeping through the night. I have a bread maker (even though it is technically my husbands!)</li>
<li>Buy in bulk. I had to hyper-organize the kitchen to make this work. I needed to have the room to store all that extra food. </li>
<li>Buy when things are on sale (even if it isn't needed yet). I don't seem to get a big benefit from this one. I am trying to eat clean so I don't food that is full of preservatives; that has a long shelf life. Right now, this only seems to apply to my husbands shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and toilet paper.</li>
<li>Cooking meals once a month and freezing them. I have just discovered this <a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/" target="_blank">amazing site</a> that gives you detailed instructions on how to do this. I just got all the ingredients for the March menu today. Including our extra snacks, meats and dairy purchases I spent $175. I am hoping this will last us 2 weeks - with a little left over for milk and such in the second week. Instead of using this menu as the site suggests (spreading out all the meals for the months), I am going to cram it all in for two weeks.</li>
<li>Participate in a Freezer exchange group. If you are on Facebook, there is<a href="https://www.facebook.com/messages/639650879#!/funkyfreezergirls?sk=info" target="_blank"> fan page</a> that explains the whole idea.</li>
</ol>So, what's on the menu?<br />
<br />
<strong>Breakfast:</strong><br />
<ul><li>Apple Spice Oatmeal</li>
<li>Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-pumpkin-pie-oatmeal/" target="_blank">Pumpkin and Nut Oatmeal</a></li>
<li>Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins *</li>
<li>Pumpkin Biscuits *</li>
<li>Fruit Smoothies</li>
</ul><strong>Lunch:</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><ul><li>Mini Vegetarian Meatloaves *</li>
<li>Broccoli Cheddar Biscuit Muffins *</li>
</ul><strong>Snacks:</strong><br />
<ul><li>Mini Zucchini Muffins</li>
<li>Pizza Dippers</li>
<li>Rice Cakes</li>
<li>Roasted Chickpeas</li>
<li>Popcorn</li>
</ul><strong>Dinners:</strong><br />
<ul><li>Salmon Frittata and Salad (2 meals)</li>
<li>Veggie Pizza and Salad</li>
<li>Zucchini/Meat Burgers, Spaghetti Squash and Broccoli *</li>
<li>Asparagus and Mushroom Q<span style="background-color: white;">uesadillas *</span></li>
<li>Broccoli Cheese Stromboli *</li>
<li>Spinach Meatballs and Pasta *</li>
<li>Chickpea patties and Veggies *</li>
<li>Greek-Style Quinoa Burgers with Pitas and Veggies *</li>
</ul><span style="font-size: xx-small;">* </span><a href="http://www.onceamonthmom.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">www.onceamonthmom.com</span></a><br />
<br />
<ul></ul><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Here's hoping this works!</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-60418411751191798012012-03-17T22:04:00.000-07:002012-03-17T22:04:14.389-07:00Project Simplify {week 2: the pantry & fridge - the finished product}I did it! A complete overhaul of every cupboard in our kitchen! Phew! It took three hours and I am SO glad that <em>no one</em> was in the house all day. I was able to focus and make all the noise I needed to (without worrying if Red was about to wake up!). Have you heard of Project Simplify? We are on week 2.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://simplemom.net/project-simplify-2012/" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignleft" height="181" src="http://simplemom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/projectsimplify2012button.png" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lets start with some before and after photos...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szBG5yx0cY4/T2VVwWOUI5I/AAAAAAAAAMs/_RKIFwqr8Ss/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szBG5yx0cY4/T2VVwWOUI5I/AAAAAAAAAMs/_RKIFwqr8Ss/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2uQ3DErDtQ/T2VV5K7SCnI/AAAAAAAAAM0/edYJ8XPWcGc/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2uQ3DErDtQ/T2VV5K7SCnI/AAAAAAAAAM0/edYJ8XPWcGc/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjP0aaREulQ/T2VWBARRgiI/AAAAAAAAAM8/vdvam7_Skws/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjP0aaREulQ/T2VWBARRgiI/AAAAAAAAAM8/vdvam7_Skws/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WM-GQl5qoO0/T2VWI2MmmDI/AAAAAAAAANE/9fMD7x9Fd40/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WM-GQl5qoO0/T2VWI2MmmDI/AAAAAAAAANE/9fMD7x9Fd40/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The counters don't <em>always</em> look that bad (more often then I would like them to, though) but the cupboards are always <strong>that</strong> bad!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First I washed all the dishes, emptied all the cupboards and organized all the stuff into piles. Boy, was I happy to find this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mORM04rMh4E/T2VejhER_AI/AAAAAAAAAO8/SNuLvXgursw/s1600/IMG_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mORM04rMh4E/T2VejhER_AI/AAAAAAAAAO8/SNuLvXgursw/s400/IMG_0206.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Spice Cupboard</span><br />
I had zero money to purchase a spice organizing system so I just kept moving things around until it made sense. We made this jar of spice rub from Father's Day last year and now we can access it better.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYft3aCPYHU/T2VYSTAg3-I/AAAAAAAAAN0/RTLPWZZApjM/s1600/IMG_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYft3aCPYHU/T2VYSTAg3-I/AAAAAAAAAN0/RTLPWZZApjM/s400/IMG_0210.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have a useless skinny cupboard beside the sink. I put the spices that we use most often on the bottom shelf, multi vitamins on the 2nd shelf and cake decorating/toothpicks on the top shelf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sobdy_q1kC8/T2VfNQaAsZI/AAAAAAAAAPc/cBEJ5cvf6OI/s1600/IMG_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sobdy_q1kC8/T2VfNQaAsZI/AAAAAAAAAPc/cBEJ5cvf6OI/s400/IMG_0220.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iL_gnt76J9s/T2VfXeBtDiI/AAAAAAAAAPk/sV-3HV_MgeQ/s1600/IMG_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iL_gnt76J9s/T2VfXeBtDiI/AAAAAAAAAPk/sV-3HV_MgeQ/s400/IMG_0221.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I put a bright green label on the inside of the cupboard to indicate what spices were in there. We have more spices than magnetic tins so now we won't be riffling through baggies of spices every night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FCOW4lBUYs/T2VeuKv2SsI/AAAAAAAAAPE/z7jEwc-0bTw/s1600/IMG_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5FCOW4lBUYs/T2VeuKv2SsI/AAAAAAAAAPE/z7jEwc-0bTw/s400/IMG_0211.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Any left overs that we rarely use or unopened packages were put into containers and shoved the very back of the highest cupboard. I found we had a few duplicate bags of spices.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygRMDisX13s/T2Ve4HoX2vI/AAAAAAAAAPM/7hljNK0EJoU/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygRMDisX13s/T2Ve4HoX2vI/AAAAAAAAAPM/7hljNK0EJoU/s400/IMG_0212.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
I am super excited about this discovery! This is Playtex bottle that uses a plastic liner - so there is no bottom. I was looking for containers to fill the Bulk Barn bags of spices with and saw these. There were no nipples for these so I think this is the best way to re purpose them. This way, I can take the baggie to the Bulk Barn, fill it and then just drop it into the bottle.<br />
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</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;">Pantry</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">The bottom shelf of the pantry was particularly offensive. So many random bags of flour and baking things I had no idea what was in there!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DaM33Jf0AgM/T2VmGO79bKI/AAAAAAAAAQE/qoF0Pd8wzGU/s1600/IMG_0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DaM33Jf0AgM/T2VmGO79bKI/AAAAAAAAAQE/qoF0Pd8wzGU/s400/IMG_0414.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ee2oSVTDa8/T2Vm4MO-qLI/AAAAAAAAAQM/4dtiWLCuRok/s1600/IMG_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ee2oSVTDa8/T2Vm4MO-qLI/AAAAAAAAAQM/4dtiWLCuRok/s400/IMG_0224.JPG" width="266" /></a></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was searching the web trying to come up with ways to re purpose something to store everything in. The problem is that we are trying to choose our groceries that has the least amount of packaging. That means the only usable containers we have are medium sized yogurt containers. We go through a glass jar of apple sauce a week and they are the perfect container. I created round labels for all the containers, and took out rarely used baking supplies and put them in the newly cleaned out cupboard above the stove. If you would like the labels, I have added them to my Google Docs for you to download. They are formatted to be used with <a href="http://www.avery.ca/avery/en_ca/Products/Labels/Branding-%26-Merchandising/Easy-Peel%28R%29-Permanent-Glossy-White-Round-Labels-Laser-InkJet-2in-Print_To_The_Edge_22807.htm?N=0&refchannel=071911b4e0e2b110VgnVCM1000002118140aRCRD" target="_blank">Avery</a> round labels. I also left some of the labels blank for you to customize. <br />
<ul><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmUHpRYkQxRHBUMjZOa3ctX1RnSHZJUQ" target="_blank">Page one</a></li>
<li><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmajBwZm95N3JRTi1GOVJ5QVZyZDBFdw" target="_blank">Page two</a></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJwnC0Ex4f4/T2VfC9mDd6I/AAAAAAAAAPU/g96fN7cZxk4/s1600/IMG_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJwnC0Ex4f4/T2VfC9mDd6I/AAAAAAAAAPU/g96fN7cZxk4/s320/IMG_0215.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>I taped the cooking instructions on the back of the jars so I would always know the ratios for the beans and such.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LI74XKmbQxk/T2VfsGk0BrI/AAAAAAAAAP0/EiTezMTUEFE/s1600/IMG_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LI74XKmbQxk/T2VfsGk0BrI/AAAAAAAAAP0/EiTezMTUEFE/s320/IMG_0228.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Finally, I cleaned up the command center. Here is our menu board, recipes, coupon folder, paper organizer and pens/scissors.<br />
Well, last week, I didn't do any of the project. This week I didn't finish the blog post in time to join the link up. I think come next week I will be on top of things! LOL If you are looking for more kitchen <a href="http://simplemom.net/the-pantry-organized-before-and-after-photos/" target="_blank">organization ideas</a> head over to Tsh's blog. Next week challenge is a big one - closets!<br />
<br />
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</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-30181028899141905712012-03-16T12:23:00.000-07:002012-03-16T12:23:31.160-07:00Gingers are not to be trusted with scissors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I have this theory that you have to give children a glass cup so they learn how to be gentle with it. You have to let children use scissors so they learn how to be safe with them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This child is testing ALL my theories!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last December, Ginger cut her hair. How, you ask?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometime in the fall, she decided that she didn't want me to cut her bangs anymore. She wanted them to "grow long like the rest of her hair". Sure, no problem.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then just as they are almost long enough to tuck behind her ear, she has had enough, she wants me to cut her bangs. Sure, no problem.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After her bath, I set her up and trim her bangs. I remind her (as with <span style="color: #f6b26b;"><span style="color: black;"><em>every</em></span> </span>hair cut) that only adults cut hair. "Okay Mommy, no problem"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That night was rough, Red woke up three times. Ginger woke up twice. The kids slept in so I took advantage. 9:30 rolls around and Red wakes up <strong>screaming</strong>. I roll out of bed and Ginger is standing at the foot at my bed, staring at me! I rub my eyes and ask "What are you doing?". He response is "What, Mommy?" And then I see her hair... or should I say lack thereof...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmcrVNzwHSo/T2OKY2Pn02I/AAAAAAAAALs/ndlpBdADih8/s1600/ginger's+with+scissors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmcrVNzwHSo/T2OKY2Pn02I/AAAAAAAAALs/ndlpBdADih8/s400/ginger's+with+scissors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I didn't want to spaz on her so I sent her downstairs. Now she is crying and Red is still crying. As soon as I open Red's bedroom door, I can smell the vomit. <em>That's</em> why he was crying all night! After bathing him I go back into my room and see the <strong>puddle</strong> of hair at the foot of my bed. An indication that she stood at the foot of my bed, with a pair of scissor and cut her hair while staring at me!<br />
<br />
After a looooong conversation about what scissors are used for... blah, blah, blah it was decided that she couldn't have any scissors until her hair grows back!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last month, her scissor privileges were returned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last night, Ginger walks up to me and stares at me. You know, the "I did something I'm not supposed to and I am sure you can plainly see that, but I don't want to tell you" look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I see red smear all over he hands and shirt. "Is it marker?" "No." "Is it make-up?" "No." "Is it nail polish?" "No. It just keep coming out of my finger."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She had found my rotary cutter (which was at the back of my desk, in the pencil holder, behind the lamp!) and sliced her finger. Then as her thumb kept bleeding, she would wipe it on herself. Come on! So I put them on a decorative shelf that <strong>I</strong> can hardly reach. But the more I think about it the more I realize that there is only so much you can do.<br />
<br />
I remember learning how to climb into my kitchen counter, with out a stool or chair, so I could get at things that I wasn't supposed to touch. Ginger is so much like me; she will figure this out too. That's not to say that I will leave things laying around but now I am worried about the knives that are on the magnetic knife rack, behind the kitchen faucet. If she is determined to slice her arm off I feel like she will find a way! Ack!! I wonder if I can google "what to do when your child keeps finding your hidden sharp things"?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hang on, I am going to to try that...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">... okay, I found this:<a href="https://www.bcma.org/files/Keeping%20Kids%20Safe.pdf" target="_blank"> Keeping Kids Safe</a> ... practical advice, just not what I need! LOL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, in other news:<br />
How do I remove blood stains from a cotton t-shirt?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-reeQAASLmRE/T2OS3efOYHI/AAAAAAAAAL0/H9M-WNhgLvk/s1600/blood+on+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-reeQAASLmRE/T2OS3efOYHI/AAAAAAAAAL0/H9M-WNhgLvk/s320/blood+on+shirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-21765693506272851972012-03-15T06:08:00.004-07:002012-03-15T07:38:47.629-07:00Easter Traditions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2idiG6-AWec/T2Fj1POBIPI/AAAAAAAAAKA/ywu9LA9WtpA/s1600/easter+traditions+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2idiG6-AWec/T2Fj1POBIPI/AAAAAAAAAKA/ywu9LA9WtpA/s400/easter+traditions+web.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't remember Easter being a big deal in our house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I remember Palm Sunday because we all got big palm leaves and we would bring them upstairs, at the end of church and walk down the isle, laying the leaves down as we walked to the front. I remember my Mom would take great pride in hiding the eggs so well that we wouldn't find them until the next day! That's about it though...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was a while, before I got married, that my in-laws would make a big dinner but that kind of faded away too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year, Ginger is 3.5 years old For the first time in my life, I feel like I have a solid understanding of the spiritual side of Easter and I am excited to share that with her. I posted about our <a href="http://pennypinchingmother.blogspot.com/2012/03/kidney-beans-are-exciting-again.html" target="_blank">Lent Jar</a> and she is really digging it! Every day she either does something on purpose (so she can add a bean to the jar) or she realizes hours later that her actions deserve a bean.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I have the important parts covered, now I want to start some fun traditions!</div><br />
We try to take them to an outdoor Easter egg hunt every year, I put a little bag of carrots on Ginger's door on Easter morning (a sign the Easter bunny has been there) and I love painting blown out eggs with her. According to my photo album, Red slept through most of his first Easter!<br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XT68idLC6zs/T2Fp4WyrqAI/AAAAAAAAAKI/fLBKDce3e6M/s1600/easter+collage+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XT68idLC6zs/T2Fp4WyrqAI/AAAAAAAAAKI/fLBKDce3e6M/s400/easter+collage+web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The photo with the big yellow egg was taken by <a href="http://daniellevaliquette.com/" target="_blank">Danielle Valiquette</a></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I remember my dresses...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every Easter, my Mother, Grandmother and I would pick out a dress. Most of the time my Grandmother had it purchased for me in August...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I couldn't find any photos to share with you but as soon as I found these images through Google, all the memories came flooding back :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" id="il_fi" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5649305555_fb6b01bd02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="298" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had the purse, the shoes, the frilly socks, the hat... the only way you can tell this photo isn't me is the red hair!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" id="il_fi" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.234820432.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="299" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why did the dresses have so much fabric!?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't care if Ginger wears a dress or if Red wears a suit (although, I have a small sweater vest obsession!) I am super excited to get them dressed up for Easter photos! How <em>convenient</em> is it, that I am a photographer! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nSJ12_4ekbw/T2FtG4KKTqI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/SyldeetKdLk/s1600/easter+collage+2+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nSJ12_4ekbw/T2FtG4KKTqI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/SyldeetKdLk/s400/easter+collage+2+web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since Red was sleeping when <a href="http://pitrephotography.synthasite.com/specialty-portraits.php" target="_blank">my bunny sessions</a> were all done, I am going to <strong>schedule</strong> a time slot for my <em>own</em> children so I don't miss out! LOL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Do you have any Easter traditions?</span></em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-75614819767727682372012-03-12T10:48:00.002-07:002012-04-04T12:17:24.312-07:00Project Simplify {week 2: the pantry & fridge - plan of attack}<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://simplemom.net/project-simplify-2012/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-17503" height="316" src="http://simplemom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/projectsimplify2012banner.jpg" title="projectsimplify2012banner" width="525" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple Mom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I had planned to participate in Tsh's Project Simplify from week one but life was too disorganized to start - a clear sign I <em>need</em> to participate!<br />
<br />
So now, I will start at week two and finish with week one :)<br />
<br />
So here is what it plan to do:<br />
Monday: <br />
<ul><li>Assess the damage and decide what needs to be done</li>
<li>Come up with a plan of attach</li>
<li>Create a list of needed storage items</li>
</ul>Thursday:<br />
<ul><li>Clean and organize the fridge</li>
<li>Clean and organize the food storage containers</li>
<li>Purchase needed storage items </li>
<li>Worry about the fact that I have no money to purchase anything right now ;)</li>
</ul>Friday:<br />
<ul><li>Clean and organize the pantry</li>
<li>Clean and organize the spice cupboard</li>
<li>Pray that I complete my list so I can have a date night!</li>
</ul>And I will leave you with a sample of what I need to deal with:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0o0lPLcA4c/T142urleDKI/AAAAAAAAAJg/w989-pCBMa0/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0o0lPLcA4c/T142urleDKI/AAAAAAAAAJg/w989-pCBMa0/s400/IMG_0418.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Wish me luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-17844161768187392602012-03-10T15:20:00.000-08:002012-03-10T15:20:38.416-08:00Food, books and crafts {Weekend Reading}<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="265" id="il_fi" src="http://images.divinape.multiply.com/image/jzfbft7k5V8zJii-Ng3WDw/photos/1M/orig/621/lentil-stew-2.jpg?et=DIuKf2hME37nl34sXTnEOg&nmid=0" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></div><ul><li>Food</li>
<li>Books</li>
<li>Crafts</li>
<li>Baby shower</li>
</ul><br />
That pretty much sums up my weekend!<br />
I hosted our first "Freezer Exchange Group". The idea is to get, say, 5 people to make 5 freezable meals. Then you all get together, once a month and exchange. It is cheaper to buy in bulk and easier to double a recipe. This way, you get 5 meals that are ready to go and you only spent about 2 hours (or less) in the kitchen. I am really excited to try the meals we concocted! We have a "meatless, gluten free group and hope we can invite more people because right now it is just the 3 of us. Though, I am stoked that I don't have to cook for three night!!<br />
<br />
I don't get a lot of time to focus on reading actual books but I love finding random things through Facebook and Google :) <br />
<br />
50+ Great Re-purposing Ideas:: <a href="http://savedbylovecreations.com/2012/02/50-great-repurposing-ideas.html" target="_blank">Saved by love creations</a><br />
Keep Calm And Carry On - The Story Of An Accidentally Iconic Poster:: <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/books/keep-calm-and-carry-on-the-story-of-an-accidentally-iconic-poster.html" target="_blank">George Stroumboulopoulos</a><br />
Grow Green Onions … from your Groceries!:: <a href="http://sumptuousspoonfuls.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/grow-green-onions-from-your-groceries/" target="_blank">Sumptuous Spoonfuls</a><br />
Clean Eating Super Berry Smoothie:: <a href="http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-super-berry-smoothie/" target="_blank">The Gracious Panty</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-44723420708147520392012-03-08T07:45:00.000-08:002012-03-08T07:45:52.932-08:00When babies turn into 3 year olds...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOqc-JP-Euk/T1jT4ROUdUI/AAAAAAAAAJY/WEHlQYemwyQ/s1600/full+moon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOqc-JP-Euk/T1jT4ROUdUI/AAAAAAAAAJY/WEHlQYemwyQ/s400/full+moon.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s438.photobucket.com/albums/qq101/Daleni_bucket/MOON/?action=view&current=FullMoon.jpg&mediafilter=images" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div align="left">It's 11pm.</div><div align="left">It's dark outside but the moon is full and bright. So bright, I can see the clouds drifting across the night sky.</div><div align="left">The only noise I hear is Adam laughing as he plays XBOX.</div><div align="left">Red is fast asleep.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I hear a thud. Ginger fell out of bed. A minute later, little footsteps tell me I am about to have a visitor.</div><div align="left">When I ask her what happened, she responds with a shrug and says "I just love you."</div><div align="left">How can I send her back to bed? Besides, I am in desperate need of some snuggle time. </div><div align="left">As we lay in bed, I stare at the moon and cry.</div><div align="left">Who is this 3 year old? She was 2 only a few months ago! She was learning to walk only last summer! Well, maybe it has been a little longer than that...</div><div align="left">That thought only reminds me how quickly Red is growing. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I wanted a snuggle. I didn't feel like crying - maybe it's good for me...maybe not.</div><div align="left">Now all I can think about is how much i want another baby. Would a third child satisfy my baby fetish? Probably not. Would I cry when that baby is 3. Most likely. I still want more babies though. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I can barely see the moon now, it is quickly moving through the sky. And Ginger has readjusted so she is laying on my face. No room for tears now! Time for sweet little redheads to go to bed.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">The moon rises and sets. It follows it's path through the sky.</div><div align="left">Life goes on.</div><div align="left">Babies or no babies - I will suck up<strong> every</strong> moment I am blessed with.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I pray.</div><div align="left">"Lord,</div><div align="left">Help me focus on what I have instead of what I don't have.</div><div align="left">Don't let me miss a single moment.</div><div align="left">Amen"</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d6G_8C7hBAY/T1jSdoAYs4I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/DhigYFhf2EY/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d6G_8C7hBAY/T1jSdoAYs4I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/DhigYFhf2EY/s320/IMG_0089.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-75318258884949869962012-03-06T18:57:00.000-08:002012-03-06T18:57:59.509-08:00Fruits of the Spirit {Sunday School Unit}<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCGLrH8gYmwtzrM3zZhIGtv54PcWV2iLYzfP5Uht2_L6DQOtiyilAe2i4XoB0NH4zhNqcDulWLJCap-vMqYIWSx4N-oXLpbIz3uAzrxPnuQ4o7lDI5eQYdZKlg6q74CjLe_Kp1WvHLi0/s320/TCR7066.gif" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></div>With the help of two <strong>fantastic</strong> volunteers, I teach Sunday School at Wentworth Baptist Church.<br />
Last summer, we did a whole unit on the Fruits of the Spirit, and I thought I would try to share everything we came up with. There are lesson plans with activities, crafts, worship songs and prayer/discussion topics. Our class is made up of 3-5 year olds but this lesson could be adapted to a younger or older audience. The lessons are created in order but they certainly don't need to be used in this way. I have also included my <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmQ2FrMjJ3MzBUWHF3bGlwZVFUT0RlQQ" target="_blank">"brainstorming" notes</a> - no guaranties it make any sense!<br />
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<strong>Our routine:</strong><br />
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<strong>The lessons:</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHJgdxpXzhA/T1a8B5c-fEI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/M3JaLHefUXM/s1600/love+lesson+jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHJgdxpXzhA/T1a8B5c-fEI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/M3JaLHefUXM/s320/love+lesson+jpg.JPG" width="281" /></a></div><br />
Intro (I didn't create a lesson for the intro. We coloured a <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmRUh2OGpFa0tUS3VWb293aG5tTkZCUQ" target="_blank">colouring sheet</a> and we read a little <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmQ2FrMjJ3MzBUWHF3bGlwZVFUT0RlQQ" target="_blank">intro story</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmbjVrcjE5MkVUWFNkVWo3bFhJSEJxQQ" target="_blank">Gentleness</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmOTVKdXdqc0NTMmFvOHRfWFhxR1VGQQ" target="_blank">Goodness</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmVEJZTDZPRmlSdjI2OUVYMTlqN2daUQ" target="_blank">Faithfulness</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmNnlXVGtkcXVUQVcxSjdiYWxjWlZnQQ" target="_blank">Joy</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmNmJkdTU0a0tUd09vLURUMFI2V0swUQ" target="_blank">Kindness</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmTGEwNnNSb3NTRlM4XzBUNlJvc296QQ" target="_blank">Love</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmWlh0SFc4VWhSNGVQWWw4T1pZdE9fQQ" target="_blank">Peace</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmMDc0a1NyU2FRTjJQdWwyMDZyZFVEQQ" target="_blank">Self-Control</a><br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmdnc0aldzb1FUdGFGamZFMlk2dThIZw" target="_blank">Patience</a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Activities:</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Each week, we decorated a "fruit" and added to our bulletin board. Today I realized we didn't take a photo of the final result!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waKuGMhDAWw/T1a9Yw4qgRI/AAAAAAAAAIY/fBGKZXm9Wtk/s1600/fruits+colouring+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waKuGMhDAWw/T1a9Yw4qgRI/AAAAAAAAAIY/fBGKZXm9Wtk/s320/fruits+colouring+page.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmRUh2OGpFa0tUS3VWb293aG5tTkZCUQ" target="_blank">Fruits of the Spirit Colouring Page</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmcTlMcW10Z2RRc1dxaDhIV0IwOElJUQ" target="_blank">Self control</a> (game)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmWWZzczRxWVRTTEdodll2R1d4ckJLQQ" target="_blank">Photos for Bulletin Board</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmWmJWNWRad2VRWDJVZTZ3T3UxQkEyZw" target="_blank">Labels for Bulletin Board</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmS2FpcENmbWNRYXljdFpfOU1qTWc2dw" target="_blank">Kindness Song</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmWTZkcVJYdC1UbzYyRHhocS03SllNQQ" target="_blank">Colour photos of fruit</a> (I didn't create this one and I don't remember it's source)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Crafts:</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">There isn't a printable for every craft. I hope the descriptions in each lesson plan will be clear so you can figure out how to create the art activity.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7olJ28mcFJE/T1a-Cq3BaDI/AAAAAAAAAIg/erzd2gvRFsQ/s320/peace+-+craft+pieces.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmSlM4OUJ4Y2FTbFdIZno5YkpOM185Zw" target="_blank">Dorcas</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmbjVrcjE5MkVUWFNkVWo3bFhJSEJxQQ" target="_blank">Lamb template</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmQnpudnVuNmNUa2lsdzBtQjcxY3pjQQ" target="_blank">Self-Control tree</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmeDE0NkZFR1BTQ3lGajlWZXgwc1NxZw" target="_blank">Peace craft</a> (part 1)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmcmRXcWpidFFSbUdvRE9WWFV1anFTdw" target="_blank">Peace craft</a> (part 2)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmU01Bc0tHalZRdkstRXBJTmhCcU1LQQ" target="_blank">Love craft</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Take Home Sheet:</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Each week, we send home a little note that tells the parent what we talked about. There is a little colouring picture and an idea how to incorporate that weeks lesson into the families week. We started adding the Bible verse that we practice after this unit, so you will see that version in the future. These are formatted to print on a legal size (8.5" x 14") but you can edit your printer settings and it will print on a letter size (8.5" x 11") quite fine. They are JPGs so they aren't able to be edited.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NXb1UbPG43c/T1bELQ3ablI/AAAAAAAAAIo/xjxtJWWUVGE/s1600/love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NXb1UbPG43c/T1bELQ3ablI/AAAAAAAAAIo/xjxtJWWUVGE/s320/love.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmejQ5V2VEUnNSM2lEd2lOZVVPUmpQUQ" target="_blank">Intro</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmZG9GZkxSU05SZmVsak84VlBtbFUtQQ" target="_blank">Faithfulness</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmbEhPdlBLODZUZS1KQ0JOLXhSZThRZw" target="_blank">Gentleness</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmZGp6QnhXZ1BRNUtvQzJxQmo2MDFKUQ" target="_blank">Goodness</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmZTBoaFFyWEhSam04dV9IQk5Xb1p5Zw" target="_blank">Joy</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmMmZ1VXhKdjFRU1NGVXFQSHcyOFBSUQ" target="_blank">Kindness</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmMHNDSFZzbDNROFNidERzSkJac0NBZw" target="_blank">Love</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmeENiclhXR3VTRUdKWkpMVWVyYmFndw" target="_blank">Patience</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmZWhFenVNeHBTSE9jMzhuRkhCN3AtUQ" target="_blank">Peace</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmamFwcGhUajZSbm1jYXZ3WjJKQkpsUQ" target="_blank">Self-Control</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-83794256851350570302012-03-04T12:53:00.000-08:002012-03-04T12:53:55.984-08:00Learning How to Rest {Weekend Reading}<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" id="il_fi" src="http://www.rachelia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Busy-Mom.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Even when I don't have a busy weekend, I still feel like I don't know how to rest.</div><div style="text-align: left;">All the other members of my family are napping and I just finished mopping the floors!</div><div style="text-align: left;">How do you take necessary time for yourself? How do you turn it all off?</div><div style="text-align: left;">I found it easier to rest when I was working out of the house full time. I worked 9 hour shifts, I did a couple chores when I got home and then it was time to rest. But, keeping the house clean and hanging out with the kids is my job. Well, that and planning birthday parties, editing photos, and sewing children's accessories ;) I've tried not to clean the house one day a week but then we can't <strong>do</strong> anything because I can't <strong>get</strong> at anything... I've tried not planning an activity but the kids get restless...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe if things were more organized around here I would feel less guilty about resting...<br />
<br />
Kat Lee at Simple Mom recently wrote an article about finding a mentor. Maybe that's what I need...<br />
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For now, I will read...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>3 benefits of a mentor (and how to get one):: <a href="http://simplemom.net/3-benefits-of-a-mentor-and-how-to-get-one/" target="_blank">Kat Lee</a> at Simple Mom</li>
<li>7 ways to keep your home strong:: <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/01/seven-ways-to-keep-your-home-strong/" target="_blank">A Holy Experience</a></li>
<li>Pinterest and the 7 Handy Tricks:: <a href="http://www.crunchybetty.com/pinterest-and-the-7-handy-tricks" target="_blank">Crunchy Betty</a></li>
</ul></div><br />
Now, go get some rest!<br />
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</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-63761393383866225962012-03-01T06:44:00.000-08:002012-03-01T06:44:11.226-08:00Kidney beans are exciting again!This is the first time I will be observing Lent. The only reason I haven't in the past, is because I felt I didn't really understand the whole point. This year something clicked. It's more than just giving up something for 40 days. It's about giving up that thing to remind you to give back - to make a sacrifice like our Lord did.<br />
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I decided Tim Horton's was getting the boot and any money I would have spent there will go back to the church. I feel really good about it! Until I realize I had to explain this to Ginger. The kids go along with all my crazy food restrictions and detoxes so this would be no different. She was so confused why we weren't having Timmy's. She even asked if we weren't aloud to have sugar, again. I probably should have just said yes, but I tried to make this a teachable moment. I kinda failed. She was more confused than ever.<br />
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<em>Pinterest and Google to the rescue!</em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvrPGKayC1bDrpAypFrC5XyzdkYnfsPsv6ahgxZ_ffgmP5EHozRe2gwevuw58LnS-Dzj-4gkcPrY0sv8-genmKa-ejSwiq7C7Qd9hDV41BElnXVLH_izBI9a_M6gSZ_WEAUoA9zz8kBGe/s1600/pintobeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_ickh0u="2" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvrPGKayC1bDrpAypFrC5XyzdkYnfsPsv6ahgxZ_ffgmP5EHozRe2gwevuw58LnS-Dzj-4gkcPrY0sv8-genmKa-ejSwiq7C7Qd9hDV41BElnXVLH_izBI9a_M6gSZ_WEAUoA9zz8kBGe/s320/pintobeans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I came across a post from<a href="http://montessoricandy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Montessori Candy</a> about the "sacrifice jar". This is exactly what I was looking for. Every time you sacrifice something, for someone else, you add a bean to the jar. At Easter, all the beans turn to jelly beans! I tried my best to explain what the word sacrifice means. I tried to explain it in terms she would understand. "Remember when Daddy is late for work and we drive him instead playing? That's a sacrifice". "Remember when Red really wanted some of your milk this morning and you let him have a sip before you had a sip? That's a sacrifice." <br />
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This is a visual reminder that all your small sacrifices can add up to something wonderful. And it also gives a purpose or meaning to Easter that little minds can understand.<br />
"Why do we get candy and chocolate at Easter?" To be honest, I have always wondered the same... even when I was little. <br />
We will do one jar for the whole family - I don't want it to become a competition (and Red can't exactly participate). <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMR7iZY6Fnk/T0-KJFRrUrI/AAAAAAAAAH4/h7PXxgYrEH0/s1600/2012-03-01+09.12.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMR7iZY6Fnk/T0-KJFRrUrI/AAAAAAAAAH4/h7PXxgYrEH0/s320/2012-03-01+09.12.06.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The storage jar in the cupboard</td></tr>
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We just started today and she is SO excited! Every time she shares a toy or give Red a hug she comes running over to ask if she can add a bean to the jar. At this point she thinks every positive action/behavior gets a bean and I am going to go with it. The more we talk about it I think she will learn the true meaning of sacrifice...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmbDA2Okfto/T0-KVCH_vCI/AAAAAAAAAIA/8k72m_IZLvU/s1600/2012-03-01+09.11.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmbDA2Okfto/T0-KVCH_vCI/AAAAAAAAAIA/8k72m_IZLvU/s320/2012-03-01+09.11.44.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRDQVF9M2Vo/T0-KWTjAHMI/AAAAAAAAAII/I8FUtofHeXg/s1600/2012-03-01+09.11.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRDQVF9M2Vo/T0-KWTjAHMI/AAAAAAAAAII/I8FUtofHeXg/s320/2012-03-01+09.11.13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding a bean</td></tr>
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...and maybe she will cry a less when I tell her no Tim Horton's!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-80434562912439024672012-02-28T09:00:00.003-08:002012-02-28T09:00:09.293-08:00Leftover Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.santafeeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/winter-soup-ck-1696593-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" id="il_fi" src="http://www.santafeeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/winter-soup-ck-1696593-l.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">For a long time, now, I have been trying to get organized with a meal plan. Last year I found this book called <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/More-Time-Moms-Family-Meals/dp/192664414X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330399272&sr=8-1" target="_blank">More Time Mom's Family Meals</a>. It has 6 weeks of meals with a shopping list for each week. This worked for a while but it just didn't fit out family's needs. I'm a vegetarian (the rest of the family eats both kinds of meals), and most of the meals have meat in them and I am not that good at translating the recipes into meat-free. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Since finding that book, I have decided to eat more "clean" diet. No refined sugar, very little processed/pre-packaged foods and no artificial preservatives. On top of that, my husband is making HUGE changes to his eating habits and for the next little while we need to avoid pasta (as the main dish), casseroles and heavy sauces. Quite simply the perfectly organized meal plan I want to create has a whole lot of random restrictions!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">So, for now, I am going to try to break down what I want to accomplish and work on each goal separately:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">1. Use every leftover.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">2. Double 1 meal every 2 weeks so it can be frozen for a later date.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">3. Start a "Freezer Meal Exchange" group.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">4. Come up with a meal plan every week, for 6 weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">5. Create a ready made shopping list for each of the 6 weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Task #1 (and #4)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><strong>Freezer soup.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">One of my friends showed me how she adds leftovers to a container that is left in the freezer. I thought that was a great idea but at the time I was intimidated by cooking so the idea was stored away. Now, I think I am ready to do it - I mean it can't be any worse then it is right now! If the soup turns out gross then it gets thrown out - just the same as all those leftovers getting thrown out now...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><strong>On the menu this week:</strong></div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Moroccan Chickpea Stew with couscous {recipe from a good friend}</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Broccoli, whole roasted chicken/pan fried tofu with salt and pepper, carrots, butternut squash and potato</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Orange marinated salmon, mixed salad (with homemade dressing), rice {recipe: More Time Mom's}</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Beef/tofu stir fry with peppers and rice noddles {recipe: More Time Mom's}</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Asparagus and cheese quiche with whole wheat pie crust and salad{<a href="http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/how-to-make-clean-eating-pie-crust/" target="_blank">pie crust recipe</a>}</div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><strong>As for the soup...</strong> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I feel like I still need a plan so I started with some veggie broth and added the leftover carrots, broccoli and chicken. I will add either some leftover rice or rice noodles (depending how the stir fry is made). I usually just make veggie puree soups but this one will be more like a chicken noodle with chunks of veggies. Not sure if that is enough for 2 3/4 servings of soup but we will see!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">p.s. Just in case you are curious: I don't eat chicken but I try to have a serving of fish twice a month. This will be the first time, in a long time, that I have had meat in my soup...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-10226634019571489862012-02-26T21:00:00.001-08:002012-02-27T19:19:27.948-08:00A slow weekend {Weekend Reading}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="337" id="il_fi" src="http://parentsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/89651788.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="506" /></div><br />
<br />
So, I kinda have an easy going weekend planned...<br />
<ul><li>The big boys (Daddy and friends) are playing road hockey and if the weather co-operates I may take the kiddies to the park.</li>
<li>Salsa dancing with the girls</li>
<li>Church (<em>without</em> teaching Sunday School)</li>
</ul><br />
I do hope to get some work done though. The whole family had a stomach bug this week and I have a lot of catching up to do.<br />
<br />
When I'm not working on editing photos and planning birthdays I would love some solid time to read some blogs!<br />
<br />
Looking for some entertainment this weekend?<br />
<br />
Love and Lullabye songs and stories:: <a href="http://pitreperfectparties.yolasite.com/blog/love-and-lullabyes">Perfect Parties</a><br />
Fort Friday:: <a href="http://www.allfortheboys.com/home/2012/2/24/fort-friday.html">All For the Boys</a><br />
Sunday Sweets:: <a href="http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2009/12/6/sunday-sweets-wintry-wonders.html">Cake Wrecks</a><br />
How To Make Cheese:: <a href="http://www.eatingrules.com/2011/10/make-a-simple-cheese/">Eating Rules</a><br />
The Date Wheel:: <a href="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/just-the-two-of-us/the-date-wheel/">The Dating Divas</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-34648358298818429792012-02-25T13:05:00.003-08:002012-02-25T13:12:06.741-08:00Community Helpers {Preschool Printables}Ginger is really into playing "Lady". This is her blanket term for any kind of community worker - librarian, cashier, etc, photographer...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqPQk43dUDU/T0lKWt38PMI/AAAAAAAAAHI/PCJB2OVWYjI/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqPQk43dUDU/T0lKWt38PMI/AAAAAAAAAHI/PCJB2OVWYjI/s320/IMG_1287.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I have been really slacking in the kindergarten prep department so I got to work! <br />
<br />
Normally, I have a collection of awesome online resource that I can just click and print. This time, I wanted to have some printable that was a mix of various community helpers. I could find <em>lots</em> of firefighter stuff, <em>lots</em> of police officer stuff and <em>lots</em> of doctor stuff. I wasn't interested in getting into too much detail so I started pulling bits and pieces from here and there. <br />
<br />
You know, it's funny that when I was working in the classroom full time, I had an hour a week to prep for the next week and it was plenty of time. Now, only got a couple games and worksheets made up in 2 hours! Shameful! :)<br />
<br />
I thought I would share the printables I have created. I just print these off and add them to a duo tang binder - then she just pulls out the binder and works on pages as she pleases. Later, I will post the activities and games we come up with.<br />
This is my first attempt at Google Documents so I am not sure how this will go!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-znpRkVrQB34/T0lKpjjMyXI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/9WAl5uNzKFw/s320/circle+begining+letter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="247" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmMEZmaHlMc3lSa1dHYUI0OGJKdHEtdw">Download</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDLZMO2PJso/T0lKvf6OJjI/AAAAAAAAAHY/SZOrlhLENbw/s1600/circle+the+biggest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDLZMO2PJso/T0lKvf6OJjI/AAAAAAAAAHY/SZOrlhLENbw/s320/circle+the+biggest.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmY0ZObDMyclpRQnFIQXloMWxzOWNzdw">Download</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3NGjqlf3QBw/T0lKzxTXYQI/AAAAAAAAAHg/2LHx3rwPzq8/s1600/number+1-5+tacing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3NGjqlf3QBw/T0lKzxTXYQI/AAAAAAAAAHg/2LHx3rwPzq8/s320/number+1-5+tacing.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmVGtVOFdIeWRSZ1NpMWp6d0dDNnlPQQ">Download</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_rihFJsI58/T0lK7XNLN1I/AAAAAAAAAHo/tWM-fclYl4g/s1600/number+6-10+tacing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_rihFJsI58/T0lK7XNLN1I/AAAAAAAAAHo/tWM-fclYl4g/s320/number+6-10+tacing.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmb1JlRzFhZmJTa0tXemwzelZRTk95Zw">Download</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1mENqB01J0/T0lLAexJveI/AAAAAAAAAHw/NEGzVjUQ1DU/s1600/vet+maze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1mENqB01J0/T0lLAexJveI/AAAAAAAAAHw/NEGzVjUQ1DU/s320/vet+maze.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByK9pxlCcQLmZXNuVDZiZklRNkdjTGdXQk14UFYxdw">Download</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-68520944633863589732012-02-23T15:30:00.000-08:002012-02-23T15:30:10.068-08:00Red's Dedication<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">The Dedication</span> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0IV8Av4Nupw/T0bK86esxSI/AAAAAAAAAHA/cJZAMV6XGBU/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0IV8Av4Nupw/T0bK86esxSI/AAAAAAAAAHA/cJZAMV6XGBU/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wondering around<em> during</em> the service!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iqpz5nzYUU8/T0MraKwVjGI/AAAAAAAAAGY/pI7xP-BAjDQ/s1600/IMG_0095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iqpz5nzYUU8/T0MraKwVjGI/AAAAAAAAAGY/pI7xP-BAjDQ/s320/IMG_0095.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2qaeKZSy0c/T0Mr5MQvstI/AAAAAAAAAGo/4jRkOvDrRd4/s1600/IMG_0119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2qaeKZSy0c/T0Mr5MQvstI/AAAAAAAAAGo/4jRkOvDrRd4/s320/IMG_0119.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aeo5b96nC0s/T0MsItMplzI/AAAAAAAAAGw/XYxHoXL1GN4/s1600/IMG_0121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aeo5b96nC0s/T0MsItMplzI/AAAAAAAAAGw/XYxHoXL1GN4/s320/IMG_0121.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOUhg7vnQsk/T0MsYSHXx4I/AAAAAAAAAG4/wncqZr-06jQ/s1600/IMG_0137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOUhg7vnQsk/T0MsYSHXx4I/AAAAAAAAAG4/wncqZr-06jQ/s320/IMG_0137.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Noah and the Ark music box.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">Invitation </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I created this invite with a Photoshop template. I really tried to find the template so I could give credit to the designer, but I just can't find it again. I am a big fan of emailing invitations. No wasted paper, no lost invite because it fell off your fridge and no wasted $$. I will call the people that may not have email or if I know they don't check their email often.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHHc0apIiK0/T0B1OhAYsVI/AAAAAAAAAFo/zdGZR_e9ObA/s1600/coles-invite-dedication-web1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHHc0apIiK0/T0B1OhAYsVI/AAAAAAAAAFo/zdGZR_e9ObA/s320/coles-invite-dedication-web1.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">Food</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Big spender loves an excuse to prepare 20lbs of meat! Luckily for our budget, I had purchased some ribs and steaks a couple of months ago and stuck them into the deep freezer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>He made:</strong>- Ribs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Steak Skewers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Meatballs in Diana sauce (in the crock pot)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>We bought:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Greek Pasta Salad, Egg Salad, Potato Salad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Hotdogs (bleh!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Shrimp ring</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>For the ribs:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He used a dry rub recipe from the book <span id="btAsinTitle"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barbecue-Bible-Steven-Raichlen/dp/0761149430/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329795568&sr=1-1">The Barbecue! Bible</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="btAsinTitle" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://www.portlandbookreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/The-Barbecue-Bible.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="276" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Steak Marinade:</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">T-Bone Tom's Choice Steak Marinade</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Recipe courtesy Barry Terrell, owner of T-Bone Tom's in Kemah, TX.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Prep Time: 10 min</div><dl><dt> Inactive Prep Time: 10 hr 0 min</dt>
<dt> Cook Time: -- </dt>
<dt> Level: Easy</dt>
<dt> Serves: 4 servings</dt>
</dl><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">2 cups <a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/vegetable-oils/index.html">vegetable oil</a></div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">1 cup <a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/soy-sauce/index.html">soy sauce</a></div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">1 cup <a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/worcestershire-sauce/index.html">Worcestershire sauce</a></div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">1/2 cup <a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/pineapple/index.html">pineapple</a> juice</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">2 tablespoons granulated garlic</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper</div></li>
<li>2 tablespoons dry mustard<br />
</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Directions:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mix all ingredients in bowl, and marinate steaks overnight or for 10 hours in refrigerator. Makes enough marinade for 4 steaks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">Table Decorations</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Food Signs</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used the bottom of the invitation to create little "food signs" (is there a real word for these?).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fhx5adbNhoo/T0McbrqLETI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/Tn3vk4P2KN4/s1600/table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fhx5adbNhoo/T0McbrqLETI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/Tn3vk4P2KN4/s200/table.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Centerpiece</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I literally covered a glass applesauce jay with blue tissue paper and stuck a big wooden skewer in it. I taped a photo of Red onto the skewer and presto-blamo, we have a centerpiece!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span style="color: orange; font-size: x-large;">Tissue paper pom poms</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3bsP2_bcXM/T0Gv3MSqhtI/AAAAAAAAAGI/Xx7aeqRDpEY/s1600/pom+poms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3bsP2_bcXM/T0Gv3MSqhtI/AAAAAAAAAGI/Xx7aeqRDpEY/s400/pom+poms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
I used this video...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tDAgjtScFpU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
...and this <a href="http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/tissue-paper-pom-poms-diy-wedding-decor/">blog</a>...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pompoms11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="pom poms" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-6257" height="265" src="http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pompoms11.jpg" title="pom poms" width="400" /></a></div>...to figure out how to make them.<br />
<br />
Did you know that orange coloured tissue paper is NOT a popular colour? I was all over the city trying to find it! <br />
<br />
Dollarama: Nothing. <br />
Random Convienience Store: Nope<br />
Zellers: Zip. <br />
<em>New</em> Walmart: Zilch. <br />
Michael's: Zero! - Come on Michael's... really!?!<br />
<br />
I am glad I had the smarts to call Party Packagers (in Ancaster) before driving out there! Honestly, if they didn't have it, I might have cried... over orange tissue paper... stoooopid Walmart!... I mean tissue paper ;)<br />
<br />
None the less, we had an awesome gathering of awesome people who will love and support our little Red. We are so blessed to have such supportive family members and friends. If our support circle wasn't so large, we would have so many more struggles than we tend to think we do. Our kids make our life full - our family makes it happen. Love you all!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-53274844909707709612012-02-18T09:00:00.000-08:002012-02-18T09:00:03.501-08:00Take care of your golf balls first...the rest is just sand!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><em>I came across this story on Facebook, the other day, and it has really stuck with me. Our family has gone through a lot in the last couple of years and we are starting to pick up the pieces. I was so consumed with all the things I was expected to accomplish in the day that I let it overwhelm me. I knew it was important to take time for myself but how could I ever enjoy "me time" when I wasn't making time for my own family (let alone good friends)?! These days, the house is under control - within reasonble expectaions ;) - and important relationships are mending. I think its time I thought about my priorities without making excuses why I can't work within them.</em></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: left;">When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee.</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/402404_381051711920429_173967849295484_1526369_1752560225_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="fbPhotoImage img" id="fbPhotoImage" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/402404_381051711920429_173967849295484_1526369_1752560225_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: left;"></div><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4f3c6f5c7c51b0969031642" style="text-align: left;"><br />
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and fills it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They ag<span class="text_exposed_show">reed that it was. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “YES”. <br />
<br />
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. <br />
<br />
“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - dreams, family, health, friends, and favorite passions. Things, that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else - the small stuff.” he said.<br />
<br />
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “There is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you...” he told them.<br />
<br />
“So... pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Worship with your family. Play with your children. Take your partner out to dinner. Spend time with good friends. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap. Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”<br />
<br />
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled and said, “I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."</span></div></span><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4f3c6f5c7c51b0969031642" style="text-align: left;"></div></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-40731150364699263272012-02-16T09:00:00.001-08:002012-03-04T18:27:53.808-08:00Project 365 {January Jewels}Have you heard of Project 365? I <a href="http://pennypinchingmother.blogspot.com/2012/01/project-365.html" target="_blank">posted</a> about it a couple of weeks ago. I have actually surprised myself and have been taking a photo <strong>everyday</strong>! I actually started taking my daily photos on the 19th but I had to get my cell phone replaced (which is a whole other post!) and my photos didn't get transferred to my new phone.<br />
<br />
Would you like to see a couple of my favourites?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRINSUhyXrQ/TzsjslEyxsI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/EXsFpixxVPw/s1600/2012-01-22+14.52.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FRINSUhyXrQ/TzsjslEyxsI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/EXsFpixxVPw/s320/2012-01-22+14.52.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last photo of Red and his soother</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zf4gb5gwJvE/TzskI9ghK8I/AAAAAAAAAEY/gBeE3E05l08/s1600/2012-01-23+08.46.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zf4gb5gwJvE/TzskI9ghK8I/AAAAAAAAAEY/gBeE3E05l08/s320/2012-01-23+08.46.17.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This what happens when you wake up at 5am: a 9am nap!</td></tr>
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpH9PEGXxS8/TzskPCZCfXI/AAAAAAAAAEg/UvBojA6wdCU/s1600/2012-01-25+20.55.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpH9PEGXxS8/TzskPCZCfXI/AAAAAAAAAEg/UvBojA6wdCU/s320/2012-01-25+20.55.55.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner out at the resort</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RwkEmwTI1kc/TzskjumXnCI/AAAAAAAAAE4/FVcz2GoJ__c/s1600/2012-01-28+20.02.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RwkEmwTI1kc/TzskjumXnCI/AAAAAAAAAE4/FVcz2GoJ__c/s320/2012-01-28+20.02.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner out at the resort in the Dominican</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho6ReUeHNgE/TzsklG2hYzI/AAAAAAAAAFA/loA7yvrd_B4/s1600/2012-01-29+22.32.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ho6ReUeHNgE/TzsklG2hYzI/AAAAAAAAAFA/loA7yvrd_B4/s320/2012-01-29+22.32.41.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the Michael Jackson Impersonators</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azJb9i_21yk/Tzsko2uRK0I/AAAAAAAAAFI/kP_YNI9Tcok/s1600/2012-01-30+12.05.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azJb9i_21yk/Tzsko2uRK0I/AAAAAAAAAFI/kP_YNI9Tcok/s320/2012-01-30+12.05.27.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my fancy hat</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IF_POLRzWx4/Tzskps6W7mI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/IXurCtjt9jU/s1600/2012-02-01+19.01.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IF_POLRzWx4/Tzskps6W7mI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/IXurCtjt9jU/s320/2012-02-01+19.01.50.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He wasn't really crying but the camera captured the spilling milk perfectly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zpLQpeaqZsw/Tzskq-vdu-I/AAAAAAAAAFY/jfWnSiEtebQ/s1600/2012-02-01+07.56.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zpLQpeaqZsw/Tzskq-vdu-I/AAAAAAAAAFY/jfWnSiEtebQ/s320/2012-02-01+07.56.02.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome home Mommy! I just wanted to show you how much I love your oatmeal!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TAx7-n-XO-Y/TzskriBJrZI/AAAAAAAAAFg/B7iLMWfPpGY/s1600/2012-02-03+12.52.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TAx7-n-XO-Y/TzskriBJrZI/AAAAAAAAAFg/B7iLMWfPpGY/s320/2012-02-03+12.52.05.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off her dance moves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love that this project is kind of forcing me to slow down and enjoy the little moments - the important moments.<br />
<br />
<em>What's your favourite part of the day?</em>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-68625541288594431992012-02-14T19:00:00.000-08:002012-02-14T19:00:29.447-08:00You Can't Eat a Princess!I honestly thought, Ginger wouldn't be interested in princesses! I have this crazy dislike for all things pink and I thought she wouldn't be influenced by the world of the princess... at least until she went to school. Boy, was I wrong.<br />
<br />
So, it's no surprise she asks for a princess book, EVERY time we go to the library. I am not usually a fan of most of the princess themes- until we found this book:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0843198818/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="You Can't Eat a Princess!" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hIjo2IdZL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/You-Cant-Princess-Gillian-Rogerson/dp/0843198818/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329274541&sr=1-1" target="_blank">You Can't Eat a Princess</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A princess in outer space! A princess rescuing the King!? Madness! and awesomeness - all rolled up in one ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Princess Spaghetti is getting ready for a party but the King is missing! She finds a note, left by some aliens, that they have captured the King. This mean Princess Spaghetti must ride the royal rocket (hmmmm sounds dirty!) and rescue the King. Once she lands on the new planet, she discovers the aliens want to eat her and and the King! But, she has a delicious alternative waiting at the palace...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I need to find the "perfectly piratey swashbuckling" version!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/1407124544/ref=dp_image_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="You Can't Scare a Princess!" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61tE9i7JCvL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cant-Scare-Princess-Gillian-Rogerson/dp/1407124544/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329274427&sr=1-4" target="_blank">You Can't Scare a Princess</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<em>Do you and your little reader enjoy reading the same books or do you have different tastes?</em>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-87553606823598041122012-01-22T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-22T14:28:53.782-08:00Come on Winter! {Weekend Reading}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/Curling_stones_on_rink_with_visible_pebble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" id="il_fi" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/Curling_stones_on_rink_with_visible_pebble.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left"></div>I find it ironic that I am flying away, on Tuesday, to somewhere warm and sunny yet I am sitting here hoping the snow will still be here when I get back! I will admit, I am not a fan of being cold, but I just love snow! I love to ski, toboggan, build snow forts and snow people. I don't know if you have noticed, but there isn't that much snow here. About once a week, there is a little tease but them it melts away.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, we went curling - a whole day of curling actually. It was great. Always a fun time with friends and family. Now that I am ready to warm up I thought I would share some wintry blogs for your Sunday evening.<br />
<br />
Root Vegetable Mulligatawny soup recipe :: <a href="http://wholelivingdaily.wholeliving.com/2012/01/2012-action-plan-make-this-root-vegetable-soup-for-dinner-tonight.html" target="_blank">Whole Living Daily</a><br />
Stories, rhymes and poems :: <a href="http://pitreperfectparties.yolasite.com/blog/nest-winter-theme-" target="_blank">Perfect Parties</a><br />
How to beat winter weight gain :: <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/health_blog/how_to_beat_winter_weight_gain" target="_blank">Eating Well</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-18012360544853042172012-01-19T10:00:00.000-08:002012-01-19T10:00:02.657-08:00Project 365A few years ago, I came across a project where you would take a photo of yourself every day for one year. I just loved the idea of this and the amount of creativity that could come from it. I mean take a look at <a href="http://www.rsblog.ca/shawnvandaele/" target="_blank">Shawn Van Daele</a>! Go check him out. It's OK, I will wait................ Your back? Isn't he a crazy talented photographer with amazing photoshop skills! Now, I wasn't expecting myself to be at <em>that</em> level but I thought I could manage to click a shutter button once a day. <br />
<br />
Well, the problem was:<br />
I'm a perfectionist! I can't just take a snapshot of my self and be satisfied with it!<br />
<br />
Then I come across the idea of taking a photo of <em>anything</em> everyday for a year. This sounds WAY more do-able!<br />
Then I realized:<br />
1. My camera is huge and not exactly something I want to throw into my diaper bag every day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.flickr.com/56/152386455_3fddcf95cf.jpg?v=0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" id="il_fi" src="http://static.flickr.com/56/152386455_3fddcf95cf.jpg?v=0" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
2. We are lucky enough to have a 2nd camera that I feel more secure about bringing everywhere with me but the quality is poor, the battery life is short and it just plain frustrates me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/KodakZ740/images/3q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" id="il_fi" src="http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/KodakZ740/images/3q.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, now..... I have a fancy smancy smart phone!</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://latestpriceindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/samsung-galaxy-ace-s5830.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" id="il_fi" src="http://latestpriceindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/samsung-galaxy-ace-s5830.png" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> And it has a pretty descent camera on it. Today I realized, this is perfect! I am starting my own Project 365! I am just not sure the best way to get said photos off my phone onto the blog... But, I will figure it out eventually!<br />
<br />
I will leave you with my 1st photo:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://co118w.col118.mail.live.com/att/GetAttachment.aspx?tnail=0&messageId=e8d72029-4203-11e1-9122-002264c195e2&Aux=14|0|8CEA427D2A72DB0||0|0|0|0||&maxwidth=220&maxheight=160&size=Att&blob=MHwyMDEyLTAxLTE4IDEyLjQ4LjEzLmpwZ3xpbWFnZS9qcGVn" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img ablob="MHwyMDEyLTAxLTE4IDEyLjQ4LjEzLmpwZ3xpbWFnZS9qcGVn" adepth="0" aidx="0" alt="Download 2012-01-18 12.48.13.jpg (1944.2 KB)" border="0" class="Thumb" entrypt="thumbnail" height="298" src="http://co118w.col118.mail.live.com/att/GetAttachment.aspx?tnail=0&messageId=e8d72029-4203-11e1-9122-002264c195e2&Aux=14|0|8CEA427D2A72DB0||0|0|0|0||&maxwidth=220&maxheight=160&size=Att&blob=MHwyMDEyLTAxLTE4IDEyLjQ4LjEzLmpwZ3xpbWFnZS9qcGVn" style="height: 159px; width: 213px;" title="Download 2012-01-18 12.48.13.jpg (1944.2 KB)" width="400" /></a></div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012188253054992581.post-69804237076764744652012-01-16T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-16T09:00:04.272-08:00Goodbye Sucky!Binky, Nungy, Suce, Soother, Pacifier... apparently, there are <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_160-pet-names-for-the-pacifier_3659111.bc" target="_blank">LOTS</a> of names for that little devil!<br />
And as I <em>try </em>to write this post, Red is whining that I won't give it to him!<br />
<br />
Before I was in the trenches, I read that the developmental need to suck is well gone by the age of 6 months. In my mind that meant no soother after 6 months. Big Spender and I both didn't like to see a child running around or trying to talk with a soother in his mouth and we agreed it would be better to get rid of it sooner than later.<br />
<br />
There is a small chance I was wrong...<br />
<br />
Ginger never was really into the soother. We would wait until we tried other things to help her calm down and then offer the soother. She would clamp he lips tight! The only time she ever wanted it is if she was already calm. Around 6.5 months we just stopped offering it to her and she seemed fine with that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wMNA2bcV6Ak/TxCQ-CViZpI/AAAAAAAAADo/11VGBguCkVE/s1600/IMG_0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wMNA2bcV6Ak/TxCQ-CViZpI/AAAAAAAAADo/11VGBguCkVE/s320/IMG_0751.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2cJOXnLWsg/TxCRbiA4UBI/AAAAAAAAADw/DYd9A1YdNNM/s1600/IMG_1967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2cJOXnLWsg/TxCRbiA4UBI/AAAAAAAAADw/DYd9A1YdNNM/s320/IMG_1967.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger - Toes are WAY more tasty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Red, on the other hand LOVES his suce. From the moment he was born I said, "he is either going to be a thumb sucker or crazy for a soother". I don't really remember him sucking his fingers at all but once we had a good latch (for breastfeeding) established he was delighted we introduced him to a soother. I would try to only offer it when he was fussing (which was all the time!) but I soon attached that sucker (haha) to his shirt and we were all happier!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Isn't it funny how siblings can be<em> so</em> different?<br />
<br />
Now Red is 16 months old. The suce usually hangs out in his crib and he has it for sleeping. But lately he has been extra fussy. I think there is a good chance he is teething - but I am tired of making excuses to keep the thing! A few months ago he created a sign for soother where he makes an O shape with his mouth and taps his index finger to his lips. Super cute when he is 9 months old... but hard to say no to because he is trying to hard to communicate without whining/screaming.<br />
<br />
So now I am finding ways to get rid of the soother. Ways that will minimize the amount of stress this will cause for Red and the family. So far I have:<br />
<br />
- Snipping the tip off.<br />
- Attaching it to a toy and then eventually he will just have the toy.<br />
- Poke holes into it so there is less resistance - therefor less interest.<br />
- Attaching it to a helium balloon and have a "release party"!<br />
- Put it in a <a href="http://www.buildabear.ca/" target="_blank">build-a-bear</a>.<br />
- Create a story about the "Soother Fairy".<br />
- Give it to a baby in the family and explain that it's time to "pass it on" to a baby now.<br />
<br />
The last four are really only good if the child is old enough to understand what is going on. I really hope his soother is gone well before then! He has become quite dependant on it. It took us a <em>long </em>time to get him to self-soothe to sleep so I would like him to learn how to, eventually, do that all the time. This is also why I am afraid to say goodbye sucky, for good. It is only now I would call him a good sleeper - a 2-2.5 hour nap everyday and sleeping about 11 hours most nights. What is going to happen when the soother is gone? How long will the chaos last? I can't handle this!? Phew - As I often say to Ginger: "Deep breathe in... and blooooooooow". Ok we can do this! ........... Once I return from my week away at the end of the month ;)<br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Have you ever had to do this transition?</span></em>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0