Saturday, May 31, 2014

Father's Day Gift Guide



  ***Before you start shopping, remember to shop through ebates first {it's FREE} where you get money back for shopping online. FREE. Actually you even get a $10 gift card {to wherever you please} after your first online purchase {to wherever}.


1. Leather Wallet & Money Clip: Made out of carbon fiber {bonus for the traveling dads as it's not metal and one less thing for them to have to take out at the airport security}, sleek, thin, durable, and timeless.

2. Leather Wallet & Money Clip: Made out of carbon fiber {bonus for the traveling dads as it's not metal and one less thing for them to have to take out at the airport security}, sleek, thin, durable, and timeless.

3.  Watch case : If your father/significant other is a big watch person, and doesn't have a case, well then they certainly need one.

4. Stack-On PR-23 23-Inch Professional Multi-Purpose Plastic Tool Box, Red: For all their tools in the garage that need a home.

5.  Mantello 100 Cigar Desktop Humidor Glasstop. One of my favorite gifts that Andrew and I got his father one year was a really nice humidor for his cigars. I had never even really heard of them until that year, and now it's one of the first gifts I recommend to people who are shopping for men.

6.  Mr. Bar-B-Q 94001X 18-Piece Stainless-Steel Barbecue Set with Storage Case. Because when I get these for my husband and father.... it means that they will grill more and that only means one thing= everyone is happy.

7. Desktop Electronics Charging Station : A great addition to the office -- home or work.

8. True Fabrications Bottle Hammer Automatic Bottle Cap Remover : The reviews are always terrible on these things, but I gifted this gift to my husband, dad, and father-in-law three years ago and it's still their go-to bottle opener. Mine too.

9.Shaver Electric For those that know grizzly men... this is it.

10. DEWALT Bare-Tool DCD950B 1/2-Inch 18-Volt XRPHammerdrill/Drill/Driver : There's a deal going on for $20 off $100 purchase of Dewalt tools, and this one is definitely the best {according to my husband}

11. DEWALT DW1361 Titanium Pilot Point Drill Bit Set, 21-Piece : Because you can't have a drill without drill bits.

12. Best Dad Ever 13Oz Coffee Mug:  Because it's true.

13. Personalized My dad is my Hero book: it's a put me in the story book and you get to put dad's picture in it and read it to him with his name all over it. Pretty neat.

14.  Just Me and My Dad (Little Critter): For only $2.50, this book is a steel and would be a great addition to a little cute father's day gift basket from the kids.

15. The Berenstain Bears: We Love Our Dad! Another book for a couple dollars and pocket change that would be a fun read for dad and the kids.

16.  I Love You Dad Coupons: A fun little coupon book {for older kids} that dads would enjoy----sit in quiet time for 3 hours... ha!

Thursday, May 29, 2014

$25 Kohl's Giveaway

This is a #Sponsored post by Kohl's, and all opinions stated are that of my own.

One of my favorite places to shop for deals is Kohl's. There is no other place out there that can beat the discount codes, free shipping at $75, and of course the famous Kohl's cash! Sometimes I check out and I have a 75% savings after all discounts applied, and the other day I was able to snag tank tops and t-shirts for $2.00 a piece! And yes, I got bucks back as well.

From clothes to jewelry, baby needs, electronics, shoes, and more---Kohl's has you covered. Thankfully one of you lucky readers will get a chance to also win a gift card to go shopping for yourself {or loved one}. Enter below via the rafflecopter, and don't forget to also enter the Kohl's weekly sweepstakes of $500 {details below}. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Don't Forget!

Kohl's is giving away $500 every week from May 19th-July 6th so that you can have the opportunity to stock your kitchen full of the high quality Food Network products. You may enter via Twitter/Instagram and be sure to use the hash tag and mention below. Very important to follow the rules in order to be considered!

For the avoidance of doubt, a product purchase is NOT required, nor will a purchase enhance your chances of winning 

CONTEST RULES

1. Share a photo via Twitter or Instagram

2. To enter the contest, be sure to include this week’s theme: Summer Drinks. From lemonade to fruit smoothies, Kohl’s wants to hear your favorite summertime drink do’s and don’ts!

3. Tag @Kohls  and use the hashtag #CookwithKohls 


     
      The KOHL’S “#CookWithKohls Sweepstakes” ("Sweepstakes") is open only to legal residents of the 50 Unite States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years of age (or the age of majority in the jurisdiction of their residence, whichever is older). Any individuals (including but not limited to employees, consultants, independent contractors, and interns) who have, within the past six (6) months, performed services for Sponsor, Administrator, Scripps Network Interactive, Inc., any organizations responsible for sponsoring, fulfilling, administering, advertising or promoting the Sweepstakes and/or their respective parent, subsidiary, affiliated and successor companies (collectively, the “Promotion Entities”), and immediate family and household members of such individuals, are not eligible to enter. "Immediate family members" shall mean parents, step-parents, children, step-children, siblings, step-siblings, or spouses, regardless of where they live. "Household members" shall mean people who share the same residence at least three months a year, whether related or not. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
 

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Why night shift is so much better than days

As I sit here waiting for Andrew to get back from the store, I think about today. About staying up all day with the kids today {and sleeping during nap time---thank goodness for the world of naps}, even thought I had worked the night before. And the night before that. And somehow I am still here. Awake, barely, but here.

It's a crazy schedule that I am on and I know it is simply a season of life. This whole little sleep business. I know I may sound insane, but I bet I will miss it one day. I know for certain I'll miss my children being this little, but I even have a feeling I'll miss it all.

Having said that, I also couldn't help but think about the crazy night at work that I had with the crazy people that I work with, and the crazy patients that we encountered. Even though I've worked both nights and days, there is a significant difference between the two. And I'll tell you exactly why nights is better than days:
 


Less family. Sometimes. Most of the time it means that family members are sleeping, whether that be at home or in the waiting room, all we know is that it means they are not hovering over our patients 24/7. Now, believe me, that is not always the case, but being on nights means that we have a better chance of not having someone at the bedside all the time distracting us from the main focus: the patient. Let's just say, less is more.

Less people in general. There is a vast difference in the amount of human bodies around compared to nights and days. From physical therapists to respiratory therapists, transporters, doctors and students, specialists, managers, and every one else in between. I remember my time working days and my phone would never stop ringing. And when it wasn't ringing, there was always someone that needed me. And that someone was usually not even the patient.

Cooler people. It's a fact. The really fun people work at night. Not to say that day shift people aren't fun, but having had worked both days for 2 years prior to kids and now nights for 4, I can tell you with certainty that there sure is a difference. Night shifters are so much more relaxed and go-with-the-flow [not all of course], and it makes such a big difference in how your shift will go.

You can make appointments. Day shift can also make appointments but they have to be during their days off. No office is open before 7 am and after 7pm. So they have 2 days off during the week to squeeze those in. It works. Obviously. But I don't like to think ahead of time and most of the time I don't have my schedule that far in advance, so I love the flexibility of just knowing that I will be off that day. 

You have 7 days off a week. That's the truth. How you decide to spend them is up to you. Most people actually sleep when they don't have two little ones to keep an eye on. They're normal. Then you have people like me who doesn't sleep during the day {except for the wonderful nap time that I talked about earlier} and therefore we get to have all those days to do whatever we want. Park dates. Play dates. Gymnastics. Music class. School time. Whatever we want.

I don't have to send my kids to daycare. I know that this is not the case of every night shifter, but I am thankful that this is the case for me. That somehow we are able to make it work and that I don't have to miss out on a single milestone that my babies go through. I'm thankful that my schedule is flexible and allows me this one in a lifetime opportunity. Kids grow up fast, and before you know it, they're out of the house. I want to a part of their lives as much of possible, and working nights gives that chance for me to do that.

Someone asked me the other day if I would ever think about going to days? My answer to that is simple:

Not while my kids are little.

Monday, May 26, 2014

Memorial Day Weekend Full of Fun + A Recipe You Won't Want to Miss

This is a #Sponsored post by Kohl's. All opinions stated are that of my own.

My mom's birthday was last week. She's 21. She would kill me if I told you her real age. To be honest though, she does not look a day past 40, and I'm not saying that just because she's my mother. I'm saying it because it's the truth.

We decided to go ahead and celebrate this incredible day of life {since neither my children nor I would be here today without her} this past weekend and there is no doubt that the weather cooperated simply in celebration of such a special person.

Let me tell you something though, I take my hat off to any woman out there that has 5 or more children. Although we certainly would not have it any other way, it's quite interesting have 5 kids together that are 5 and under, complete chaos and all. Complete chaos is really the best way to put it---especially when it comes to dinner time.

We spent more time outdoors than in, and everyone couldn't stop talking about how much we would rather be hot than cold. Because after the winter we had? We'd welcome any weather aside from snow. But with the warmer temperatures comes the extra need to feel refreshed and nothing, and I mean nothing, makes me feel more refreshed than an ice cold summer drink. We're talking lemons, strawberries, and a little umbrella for the fun. That and sitting on the raft in the pool....with my summer drink in hand.

There are a few things that I love about making my own summer drinks:
1. I can make them in large quantities.
2. I can take the leftovers and make them into popsicles {score one with the kids}.
3. Everyone loves them.
Of course you cannot serve summer drinks without completing the package with Kohl's Food Network Glass Pitcher  and Food Network Pour 4-pc Crystal Highball glass set.  


I have used Food Network for all my everyday dishes for the past 4 years, and I still get compliments on them when we have guests over. Since then, when asking for gifts or shopping myself, I always choose Food Network simply because I know that I will get the quality and the look without the high price tag. Plus, it helps that Kohl's always has discounts, free shipping at $75, and also my ultimate favorite---Kohl's Cash!

Now, back to my recipe.

You know, the one that everyone is anxious to know so that they can make for all their family and friends and get huge compliments on. Hint hint.

Strawberry Lemonade Summer Drink

Original Recipe found here


Ingredients

Zest of 1 lemon, in wide strips
2 cups sugar
2 cups chopped hulled strawberries
2 cups fresh lemon juice (from about 10 large lemons)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Make the lemon syrup: Bring the lemon zest, 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring, until the sugar dissolves; let cool to room temperature.
  2. Meanwhile, make the strawberry syrup: Toss the strawberries and the remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl and let sit at room temperature until the sugar dissolves, about 45 minutes. Strain the strawberry mixture; reserve the strawberry syrup and berries separately.
  3. Make the lemonade: Combine the lemon juice, lemon syrup, salt and 2 cups cold water in a pitcher. For each drink, put about 1 tablespoon of the strawberry syrup in a tall glass. Fill with ice, then top with the lemonade and some of the reserved strawberries.

You know what they say----when life hands you lemons, just make strawberry lemonade.

----------------
Kohl's is giving away $500 every week from May 19th-July 6th so that you can have the opportunity to stock your kitchen full of the high quality Food Network products. You may enter via Twitter/Instagram and be sure to use the hash tag and mention below. Very important to follow the rules in order to be considered!

For the avoidance of doubt, a product purchase is NOT required, nor will a purchase enhance your chances of winning 

CONTEST RULES

1. Share a photo via Twitter or Instagram

2. To enter the contest, be sure to include this week’s theme: Summer Drinks. From lemonade to fruit smoothies, Kohl’s wants to hear your favorite summertime drink do’s and don’ts!

3. Tag @Kohls  and use the hashtag #CookwithKohls 


     
      The KOHL’S “#CookWithKohls Sweepstakes” ("Sweepstakes") is open only to legal residents of the 50 Unite States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years of age (or the age of majority in the jurisdiction of their residence, whichever is older). Any individuals (including but not limited to employees, consultants, independent contractors, and interns) who have, within the past six (6) months, performed services for Sponsor, Administrator, Scripps Network Interactive, Inc., any organizations responsible for sponsoring, fulfilling, administering, advertising or promoting the Sweepstakes and/or their respective parent, subsidiary, affiliated and successor companies (collectively, the “Promotion Entities”), and immediate family and household members of such individuals, are not eligible to enter. "Immediate family members" shall mean parents, step-parents, children, step-children, siblings, step-siblings, or spouses, regardless of where they live. "Household members" shall mean people who share the same residence at least three months a year, whether related or not. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

What's happening.




The Weather=Perfect

Finally, we have a beautiful weekend and an even better weekend. I can actually sit here and talk about how happy the sunshine makes me and how great the rays feel on our skin. They do. And because of the weather, we have been busy staying outside more than in. Literally unless we have to cook, sleep, eat, or potty. I wouldn't have it any other way.



Summer Busy

One of my favorite {yet least favorite} parts about summer is that we always have something going on, and there is always something to do. I say least favorite because then it means that summer whizzes right by. And it does.

From strawberry picking to zoo dates, pool days, vacation to Cleveland, a mystery place, and the beach. Soccer games {yay} to summer camps. A magic show and a music show. So many shows.

I've even purchased tickets to go to a football game with Andrew in August. August!

The calendar is filling up quickly and I have not a single complaint about that. 

Fourth of July Deal Finds

Just because they are too good not to share. Shop the look here
http://www.zulily.com/e/shop-the-look-memorial-day-bbq-84908.html?tid=social_fb_ref_shareviaicon_na_modal_e95e33528c5ad3b5bd6f4b5196994bf7&ns=ns_004207184|1401050244316

http://www.zulily.com/e/shop-the-look-memorial-day-bbq-84908.html?tid=social_fb_ref_shareviaicon_na_modal_e95e33528c5ad3b5bd6f4b5196994bf7&ns=ns_004207184|1401050244316

http://www.zulily.com/e/shop-the-look-memorial-day-bbq-84908.html?tid=social_fb_ref_shareviaicon_na_modal_e95e33528c5ad3b5bd6f4b5196994bf7&ns=ns_004207184|1401050244316



Recipes Tried

This past week has been quite the week for new recipes in the S house. I mean, if I'm being completely honest here, there are weeks {sometimes months} that go by before I even try a new recipe, and here I am having challenged myself to do three in one week. And? The best part of it all? We loved each and every one of them! And it shouldn't be a surprise that they all came from Skinny Taste. She seriously is awesome at what she does.

Veggie Egg & Cheese Bake 
image via skinnytaste

I made this for dinner. No shame. It looked delicious. It smelled delicious. And it was very much so... delicious. A plus? The fact that breakfast was already thought of {and made} for the next day. Bonus.

I did everything by the book {which is usually very not like me}, but I couldn't help it. I think if you have a variety of vegetables, are in to some more than others, or just want to use what you have on hand, it will turn out great.

Turkey Meatloaf  {as I like to call it}.  
image via skinnytaste

I think turned out perfect. My husband isn't a "meatloaf" fan, but I just called it that and he already had it made up that he wasn't going to like it before he even tried it. The only thing different that I did was throw in mushrooms and green peppers, and I did not buy the "Harisa" sauce. I simply used salsa in it's place.

CrockPot Chicken Chili

image via skinnytaste
Well, we all know my love for the crock pot. Especially on days that I had worked the night before as well as the following night. It means that I want to do the least amount of work as possible. Which means---crock pot it is. Truly? I would eat this without the chicken. So for those that don't eat meat? This is a fabulous recipe for you. I ate it by the spoonfuls and next time plan on omitting the chicken all together.

-------
That is about all that my brain can handle. This week there will be a fun Kohl's giveaway as well as sharing our favorite art supplies during our "school' time at home.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all!

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Friday, May 23, 2014

Stuffed Shells Recipe


If you are looking for an easy, feed {and please} the masses recipe, this is it my friends. Everyone in my family loved it {how could you not}, and I had enough to make 2 large pans {one that I froze}. The first pan fed us 2 dinners {and a lunch} for a family of 4. Basically it can feed a lot!

The original recipe can be found here, but you know... I never follow recipes completely, and this one had too much cheese in it and not enough vegetables, so it was in much need of revision. I cannot compare it to the original because I've only made it once, but I have no reason to make it any differently than the way I did.

Ingredients:

1 package of Jumbo Pasta Shells
2 eggs beaten
1 container of Ricotta Cheese {16 oz}
1 container of Cottage Cheese {15oz}
1 package of Mozarella Cheese {8oz}
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt {probably can do even less}
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 jar pasta sauce
8 ounce sliced fresh mushrooms
1 pepper finely shopped
1 cup of spinach finely chopped

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  3. In a large bowl, mix eggs, ricotta, cottage cheese, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, parsley, vegetables, salt and pepper until well combined. Stuff cooked shells with mixture and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  4. In a medium bowl, stir together pasta sauce, and reserved mozzarella and Parmesan. Pour over stuffed shells.
  5. Bake in preheated oven 45 to 60 minutes, until edges are bubbly and shells are slightly set.
 

***Since my website was stolen, I have been trying to work hard to reach all my lost readers. If you love a post, would you mind sharing--Via facebook, twitter, and pinterest! Thank you!
Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

My eyes, my heart, my focus. At all times. Especially on the road.



 
 
Last week two construction workers were killed while working on the highway 15 minutes before their shift was over. While picking up the last of the orange cones, a vehicle had struck a construction sign that was placed in order to designate cars to get in the right lane and unfortunately the two workers were nearby and were fatally killed as a result. What exactly happened just seconds before the crash? That is still under investigation. However, what the police officer at the scene stated to the press had the most impact of all: "How are we focusing 100% on the road when we have an accident and drivers driving by are videotaping and taking pictures."

What does this tell us? That we need to be more aware of the distractions around us. That we need to eliminate as many of these distractions as possible. And that we, as the AAOS & Auto Alliance state, must keep our most advanced safety feature, ourselves, alert and engaged to the road at all times.
 
Working as a registered nurse in a critical care setting at one of the most advanced hospitals in the state has opened my eyes to many things. Many good, and many bad. We have the opportunity to see the worst of the worst cases, the sickest of the sick, and the tragic crashes that have unfortunately taken the lives of too many, too soon. It has also shown me the impact that distracted driving can have---not only on an individual, but an entire family, strangers, and even the community. How something can instantly change our life in a split second.
 
When you sit down to think about it, driving is perhaps one of the most dangerous things we do on a daily basis. We have to remember that once we are behind that wheel, not only do we have to be aware of our own choices that we make, but we have to be equally aware of the choices made by the other individuals around us. Extra caution, extra awareness, and extra attention to the environment around us while driving.
 
 
Why are we talking about all this right now? Because bringing awareness to this important subject is crucial to bringing on change, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons & Auto Alliance would like to do just that.

Want to learn more and partake in the Decide to Drive Catch phrase contest? Come back here at the end of the month and learn more about the details to enter. The contest will run from May 30th-June 13th, 2014. The program is designed to engage passengers in conversations about distracted driving---at home, at work, and school. Its focus is to bring attention to this problem and reduce distracted behaviors that occur while behind the wheel.

I sit here and look at the pictures of my family members and cannot help but think about how there is nothing more important in life than them. This right there is my main focus. My main focus when I drive----to be safe on the road at all times. Not only for my own family but for every other driver out there that have their own loved ones waiting for them.

Simply put, everything that seems important probably is not when on the road. Everything can wait.
 
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Take two: Passion & Flexibility.

A while back, I wrote out a post on reasons I want to home school. A few reasons, I should say, that I want to home school. It's incredibly difficult for me to be able to iterate on paper, or in writing I should say, exactly how I feel about homeschooling. Why? Because I feel a lot. I have so many thoughts on this topic that I could sit on the couch, drink a cup of coffee, and get lost in conversation the entire day. And still somehow walk away feeling like there was so much more that I could have said.

That's how I felt about my last post. That's probably how I will feel after this one as well.
I was thinking the other day of why I want to do this so much. Something I read in an article stood out to me. Two things actually. And while I could focus on many different directions and reasons with this post, I'd like to stick to just these two very important ones: passion and flexibility.


Passion. How does this apply to homeschooling? How does it affect me and my family? Why this word and what does it mean? You see, when I read passion and homeschooling in the same sentence, I automatically think: That's it! If there could be just one word that I could describe my drive to home school and leave it at that, it would be this. Why? Because of what passion means to me. Passion for me, as the mother {and teacher}, as well as passion for my children {and students}. I think about how motherhood drives me to be passionate about things I never thought I would be---such as the outdoors, learning about our environment and the things around us, exploring nature, discovering new hobbies and skills, and so much more. In turn, I begin to think about what learning is {and should} be all about, and I again find myself coming back to this word--passion. When I learn something that I don't know, or when I begin my quest in finding out more about a topic, disease, or place or time in history, I do so with a passion to dig for as much information as possible. I have this desire to read read read and then talk about it {to myself} and ask questions {to myself} and find the answers {for myself}. I'm passionate about it. I want to know the back story. I want to know the why. I want to know the how. And I want the same for my children. When I think about how I want them to view learning and how I want them to view discovering new things, ideas, and events in history, I want them to do so with excitement. Can this be accomplished in a typical school setting with 20+ kids, tons of distractions, strict requirements and ridiculous expectations through standardized testing? Sure--anything is possible. But do kids get drained out, over-worked, and the passion sucked right out of them with each passing year? I would venture to say yes.

I think we have failed our children when it comes to the public school system and what it has become. I think that there are so many changes that need to be made {too many hours spent at a desk, not enough exploration, too many distractions, too many tests, corrupt school administrators, bullying, and so much more}, but unfortunately I don't see the changes coming anytime soon. I think the school system has taken the purpose of learning and the drive behind learning and made it all about the wrong thing: the school, instead of the student. The focus here is test scores and what looks good on paper. What's lost? Is the passion and excitement in the student for learning---which I believe is much more important and critical for the young students that will one day grow into adults and have to apply various skills not only in their career but in their everyday lives than any test score could ever tell you.

And so the further we steer away from the passion behind learning, the more we are failing all the students out there from having the drive, desire, and will to explore.

Flexibility. So important and I believe nearly impossible in the typical school settings. A schedule? Just as important. However, I think flexibility is something I never truly thought about until I had children of my own. I think about how everything is done when you go to school, how strict of a schedule everything is, and how by the book most of the teachers and schools run. Why? Because that is simply the best way to keep a class full of 20+ students in line {or close to the line}. The more flexible we are, the more likely that things may get out of hand, more disruptions may arise, and things may not get done. Well, when we put it that way, that totally makes sense. However, the most crucial piece to this puzzle is the idea that everyone learns and acts exactly the same. And that, well that we know is completely false.

Knowing that, how could we possibly teach children all the same and expect them to learn the same? We can't. We just hope that they will get it. Or, actually, hope that when they come home from school with all their homework, their parent will tune into their learning abilities and teach them in that way. And then I think.... well then, why did they spend 8 hours in a school setting only to come home for me to teach it to them?

Is it the schools fault? No, I don't think so. Is it the teacher's fault? Absolutely not. Is it the student's? 100% no.

I think the system as a whole is just wrong. I think that waking up at 6 in the morning to start getting ready for school, half asleep during the first hour of school, trying to get your brain woken up and alert enough for what is to come, and then trying to focus with all the distractions around and catch onto every word and explanation during the day can all be just...... wrong.

So how do I envision homeschooling my children through passion and flexibility?

Simple....through passion and flexibility. I want a schedule, but I want to be flexible. If they need to sleep in a little longer because they are going through a growth spurt... then do. If they aren't feeling the desk today and don't want to practice spelling there... then let's go outside and use chalk or kick a ball and spell out our words. If they learn through art better than books... then let's do art. If we are struggling in one area and excel more than the other... then we put more focus on the one we are struggling. The beauty of homeschooling is that there is that flexibility and ability to tune in to the learning style of each individual child. To take that learning style and make it to benefit them. To give them the best possible opportunity to learn at their fullest potential.

To find what they are passionate about, and use that as the center of their learning.

I tell you what, I could sit here all day and go on and on. Like I mentioned before, as my children get older, I get more and more passionate about this topic. I think that as parents, many of us do not realize the potential that is within us. That you don't have to have a teaching degree to teach the ones that you love the most. You don't need to be in a school setting to know what works or what doesn't for your children. You don't need that title in order to give your children the best possible education out there.

And as far as "socialization" goes? Well.... that's a completely separate post that more than deserves it's own space. In fact, we wouldn't even have to talk about it if it wasn't the first thought that comes into someone's head when the idea of homeschooling is mentioned.

I know. I planted that seed.

First: passion. Second: flexibility. Third: Socialization.

Coming.

Friday, May 16, 2014

What's new?

1. My First Prayers Book

So we aren't a big praying family. We'd like to be. We need to be. But we just haven't yet gotten into the groove of doing so as a family on a regular basis. Just from time to time. So during our school sessions in the morning with E, I have made it a habit to start the day with a couple prayers from this book. This book is full of various categories of prayers, lots of rhyming ones, and wonderful illustrations to go along.  

2. I got new glasses. 

And I love them. Even though I look super dorky in them.

3. I'm watching caterpillars turn into butterflies.

So we have been learning about the cycle of a butterfly and metamorphosis and recently discovered a real live butterfly kit that comes do your doorstep and allows you to partake in this live experience with your children. I am so excited that I can barely contain it. I will definitely share pictures and update along the way. 

4. Started writing in a notebook all the funny things the kids say/do. 

Basic. Spiral. Notebook.  About a month ago, I decided to just start a random private blog for my viewing eyes only where I would write a couple sentences once a day and then print it later on down the road. Needless to say, that didn't quite work out. For multiple reasons.

First, I don't do well with expectations out of myself. Putting rules on things just is like me setting myself up for failure. And failure I got.

Two, I just don't have the ability to pop the computer open when I wanted to in order to jot some things down that were on my mind---like something funny Elli said. If I did that, the kids would be all over it wanting me to show them a youtube video of something fun or hilarious---like where poop comes from {kidding}.

So? A notebook it was. And I have to say, nothing beats the ability to actually write things down. I am so excited about it, even if it's on a hello kitty spiral notebook that just so happened to be the only one I owned at this present time.

5. Kroger Organic frozen blueberries are the best.

If you shop at Kroger and have not tried these---do! My youngest is obsessed and they are so much cheaper to buy by the bag. I refuse to spend $5.00 on a one serving size carton of blueberries. Refuse. These run about $3 and last us all week! 

6. Made stuffed shells for the first time.

AP at I love you more than carrots posted a picture of her dinner that she made and it had me going..."Hmmm, I wonder why I've never tried making those?" Part of the reason is that we don't do a whole lot of pasta, and two, I've probably only eaten them once in my life. But, it looked good and easy and so I did it.


I'll post the recipe next week simply because I made ten million changes {per usual}.

End result? Phenomenal and easy!

7. Another reason I want to home school: because of this video.

In short, a teacher is caught on video {reported by another teacher} grabbing a child in the hallway multiple times by the neck, shirt, and face and pinning him to the wall. It does not appear that he is fighting her or that there is a struggle, however, the anger in this woman is quite evident. The result? A 10 days suspension. Now, I could probably write an entire blog post on how wrong this is, but I imagine that in the end the teacher will not in fact be allowed back, and that possibly charges will be filed on her. And should. In fact the public humiliation alone should be interesting as her name and a picture of her face is printed all over the articles.

But my concern, and back to the topic of why I want to home school, isn't because of this woman assaulting a child {as wrong as it is, I imagine these sort of things are very rare instances}, but how the school administration handled the situation. The parents had shown concern over the teacher and in fact asked their child to be moved earlier in the year and the administration refused. Then she is caught on camera doing this and she gets a 10 day suspension {I imagine to work out the legal issues before firing her---I hope}. Very concerning the power of the school system and how once your child goes into it, you as a parent sits back helpless until something like this happens.

Very sad and disturbing all around.

8. Easiest $75 made. Plus free $10 gift card.

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=LsjfTHACGcLsmSGEiIAlmw%3D%3D

I know everyone knows at least 3 people. Mom. Dad. Sibling. Friend.

That being said, I know everyone could use $75. And here is how you get that---FOR FREE. You shop through ebates whenever you shop online {old navy, gap, target, etc}, and then Ebates tracks your purchases and gives you a percentage of that money back to you. They send you a check with no gimmicks, no monthly fees, no nothing. I know, I sound like a sales person. The reason for that is I cannot believe I didn't start using Ebates years ago. Plus, during this promotional period, by referring 3 of your friends, you get $75 bonus on top of your cash back. It's seriously silly if you don't sign up.


---

I think that's all I have. Happy Weekend!

Thursday, May 15, 2014

The best for the skin.

 
Hey guys! My name is Hannah and Becky has given me the pleasure of speaking to you all today! I have recently partnered with Rodan and Fields, the doctors that created Proactiv. They've created a new skincare line that offers products for adult acne, sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, sensitive skin and much MORE.


I have always struggled with acne, as a teenager and as an adult. Your skin is one of the first things people see when they look at you. I have always been self conscious about mine and tried SO many different products. These are my personal results after just 12 days on the Unblemish regimen. Amazing, right?


Not only are these products awesome, but so is the business. Rodan and Fields is changing lives by creating financial freedom for so many people. I NEVER thought I would be in direct sales. I personally can't stand sales people and I'm not one to listen to what they have to say. But this isn't just any old sales pitch. I've actually witnessed consultants that have retired early from well paying jobs, moms AND dads both staying home with their children, and some even tripling their annual salary. The reason I got involved in this company is because while I currently love my full time job, I do want to start having babies in the next year or so and I don’t want my job to take my time or energy away from raising my kids. This business provides the income and the flexibility I need and on top of that I am able to help people get great skin and achieve things they only dreamed of. You can be your own boss and have fun doing it. Imagine where you would be if you had met the doctors of Proactiv years ago and joined in their business. Rodan and Fields is even bigger and you can be a part of it. 



BONUS FOR BECKY'S READERS:

Anyone who signs up as a Preferred Customer* or a Consultant and emails me letting me know you heard about my website on this blog will receive a FREE lip microdermabrasion stick (purchased by me!).



*A preferred customer pays a one time fee of $20, receives 10% off all orders, and has free shipping on their auto-shipment order every 2 months. You can cancel or change your order at ANY time or even delay shipment for a month.

All products and business kits are backed by a 60-day money back guarantee if you are unsatisfied in any way.

If you are interested in trying the products visit my website at:
http://www.hannahlauga.myrandf.com

If you would like to join my team and become a part of this incredible business visit:
http://www.hannahlauga.myrandf.biz

Or if you have questions or comments feel free to email me at:
hlauga@gmail.com

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Pictures. I took PICTURES.

Two years ago, it would have been unheard of for me not to take at least one picture a day. Unheard of. These days, I'll take 1-5 a day, quickly, on my phone. That is about as good as it gets.

And then a month goes by and I realize that my big girl camera is collecting dust sitting on top of the wine cabinet in our dining room. Dust.

It took me 5 minutes to just snap the scene. Five minutes. Those five minutes, I was reminded of how little time it takes to really capture our life. Not only that, but capture how quickly these children of ours are growing, and how fast they change. Just looking back on the pictures I took a couple weeks ago {or a month, whatever}, Graham's hair had grown so much that I had not even realized it until I compared the pictures.

I know I don't share our life and pictures the way I used to, but it sure is nice to change things up from time to time and just write down the little things that remind me of what/who we are.

Like playing loud obnoxious music in our sunglasses.



Or hoarding items from around the house and make the..."Not me mom" face.


Giving ridiculous big hugs

And planning our paybacks.

It's so exhausting to be this good.

Then we whip out the self timer. Take one.

Take two. 

Nailed it.

And because of that last picture right there... I'm whipping out the camera {and Miss self-timer} more often. 

Done deal.


 photo copyright.jpg
blogger template by envye