Just Couldn't Resist

Lately, some of my children sightings have been pretty comical to me. The children have discovered "closets and cubby's". My daughter discovered that pouring shampoo in the tub makes it nearly impossible to get out of....slippery factor!

5 Things You May Not Know About Me

1. My Mom still plucks my eye brows :) [Anytime she's here for a visit, it's mandatory. She's the best I've ever found]

2. I've never eaten an entire oreo (only the dark piece in cookies and cream ice cream)

3. 99.999% of the time my phone is on vibrate. I have what I like to call, "Ring Tone Anxiety" if I can hear my phone & I am not near it, I start to panic....i.e. changing a diaper..I begin to rush. If I'm near it, I answer [unless kids are screaming] If I'm not, its a nice surprise!

4. I still roller skate (not roller blade)

5. I owe $10 in library fines!!! [don't judge me! I can be a bit overzealous when I go to the library. I find all these books, check them out with the intention of reading them, and usually bring them back having read ONE! This last time I went on vacation and forgot to return them...oops!

Green Organization

Stumbled upon these organization ideas and wanted to share. Sparks great ideas for recycling in these "tough economic times" *Hubby and I joke about saying this for everything... i.e. Mr.Thurgood: Man, I'm really tired today! Me: It's because of these tough economic times.

Restroom Refugee

We mothers know all too well what emotions a simple bathroom break can bring out in our children. I seem to collect quite an audience with me 3 year old, 20 months old, and 3 lb dog, Emma.

I often feel as though I'm an academy award winning actress with the audience in the palm of my hand when I suddenly disappear to take care of business. Inevitably feet patter, voices call for me and the hide and seek game is over, as I am stranded and my audience of three occupy themselves in the bathroom I am in like a game of sardines!

Tonight I have foundrefuge. You see, Daddy is home and I slipped away not really thinking about it. As usual, my son knocks on the door and attempts to enter. The door isn't locked, but a little jammed :) He asked me what I was doing and I responded. He told me he wanted to come in (not sure what the fascination is) and I reminded him that he doesn't like it when his sister enters the bathroom when he's there. I then try to tune him out and he goes away. Cue the second child....slipping toy bracelets under the door (or attempting to), "here u go mommy". The silence worked last time and Sargent Daddy picks up on my peace attempt, so he scoops the wee laddy up and away. Not a minute later....."scratch, scratch, scratch" you guessed it! The dog....REALLY! Ignorance is bliss :)

It worked Daddy has the outside perimeter and I am enjoying a room all to myself :) I have long since finished what I set out to accomplish, but I can't help staying a little bit longer. So here I am a refugee in my own restroom, blogging about it. Yes, I did take the laptop in with me (I'm a Multi-tasker), and yes I am blogging in el bano. And I like it. :) Mr. Thurgood just asked if I was still alive..I laughed. So I guess that means my time is up. Until next time my dear friends and mothers....find solace and peace in your porcelain placed palace :)

Tithes

My son has begun asking for toys/things. So we felt it was a good time for him to start making his own money. He has done some work for Uncle and the E's (a neighbor of ours). With his money he chose to purchase a toy motorcycle and gum.

For one of the Family Home Evening Lessons, Dad taught about paying tithing. He asked my son, "who gives us everything we have?" My son quickly responded, "Sister E!" (our neighbor) Although Daddy was the mature parent, I busted up laughing. I couldn't stop. It was so cute we just had to share it.

C.D.O. at its Best!

You've heard of those people that are Obsessive Compulsive! Some would argue that I am one of those. I simply tell them I am NOT O.C.D. , I am C.D.O. because that is "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder" alphabetized!

Yes, it is that bad. But I enjoy the simplicity of organization. I snapped a few of my accomplishments (pictured below). I continue to try and find new/better ways to organize my house to fit my needs.

Enjoy making fun of me. I do laugh at myself from time to time (the rest of the time I pat myself on the back :))
Short Sleeves on top shelf, long sleeves/skirts/pants on bottom. Separated by color

I heart drawer dividers! They are in all of our clothing drawers :)

The linen closet...one of my favorite places to organize because it was my biggest headache before. Top Shelf: Mismatched pillowcases, linen spray, and hand towels, Second Shelf: Bedding (fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcase) are folded and tucked into the matching pillowcase. Third shelf: towels rolled, so much easier to SHOVE IN THERE! Third Shelf: storage drawers separated for medical supplies, child care items, over the counter medication, and external & prescription meds. Fourth Shelf: (not pictures) extra pillows and blankets.

4th of July Hoo-rah!

My son is such great kitchen help (at times). We whipped up a few things over the holiday weekend, and I'm in a sharing mood!

Hawaiian Sweet Bread Rolls (not sweet, but great with butter)

INGREDIENTS

• 7 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup instant mashed potato flakes
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups flour, potato flakes, sugar, yeast, salt and ginger. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water, butter and pineapple juice to 120 degrees F-130 degrees F. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add eggs; beat until smooth. Beat in vanilla. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/4 hours.
3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Shape each into a ball. Place in three greased 9-in. round baking pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Patriotic Trifle

Pretzel Sparklers