Pinterest

I try with all my will power to stay off Pinterest but always end up there at night before I go to bed... So I have started picking away and trying to do one craft/recipe daily or at least 4 a week.

Today we tried a hummus recipe and I kind of used to pins to make one recipe. I wanted so bad for a hummus recipe my kids would enjoy and I think I accomplished it. Next time I will add more garlic but its yummy no less.

I also printed out a sheet I pinned that is 10 Ways to Play in January... I posted to wall and kids can suggest something when they are at their bored part of the day. Some fun things... upside down drawing, blow cotton balls with straw (races), freeze dance (which we did this am to Pandora Music).

So there is 2 for today. ~ and a blog post....

"The few wonders of the world only exist while there are those with the sight to see them." Charles de Lint


Yesterday I went to the store to get paint since we were almost out of almost every color. As soon as we got home guess what we did.. PAINTED. I love watching my children paint. They are so different in the colors they pick and how their final paintin comes out. Even though there is an age separation, I see the difference from when M was 3 and D's artwork at the age of 3. I wish I knew then to take pictures of their artwork a few times a year at least. I think I saved it somewhere but to dig it out... nah another time. Today we had so much snow we accomplished a lot art wise... painting again, drawing on our new chalkboards we made, make shapes in the snow with our feet. They love all aspects of art!! When they are fighting or arguing I always suggest we paint and then talk about what was going on because it calms them. Art helps them let go.





“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” ~Picasso



I love this Quote by Picasso because its so true. I think as we get older its harder to hold onto the artist in us. I used to LOVE to draw whatever came to mind. I wasn't a great artist but i still liked it. Now to empty my mind to draw/color/paint its difficult. Us as parents have SO many responsibilities, how do we shut them off and take time out to let go??


I struggle with that every day and every day I hope I make it a little closer to being able to let go of the big things and enjoy the little things as well....

Painting and lunch with a friend

Today we went to a friends house with painting and lunch in mind for us and the kids. We started by painting the tops of our mason jars lids with chalkboard paint so we can mark and change the contents of our jars easily without labels. (Another brilliant Pinterest idea!!)

Next we painted some repurposed trays my friend found cheap at a second hand store...instant (well almost) chalkboards for the kids.

Next we setup the kids station for bubble painting the younger 2 boys decided to go outside instead of paint but Mekayla tried it and liked it.....

When the boys came in to see what we were doing... well they changed their minds and decided to help make a mess. I think they enjoyed blowing bubbles and paint everywhere more than the painting part. =)

And how can I forget to include a picture of our yummy lunch....

Pasta Dempstera

1 1/2 packages of Tinkyada GF Pasta (cooked and drained)

6 eggs scrambled in coconut oil or butter

frozen veggies of choice (peas, or mixed veg, or broc)

8 oz Shredded Cheese (Use preference) We used smoked Mozz but sometimes use cheddar as well....

I usually put some butter in bottom of pan, layer pasta, eggs, veggies, cheese, sprinkle with seasonings of choice (garlic salt or All season salt) and bake for about 20 minutes @ 350

This was a huge hit with the kids and adults alike... We have been making at least once a week.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas used to be on the list of things I didn't really like. I was more of a coffee person then I started reading about how herbs not only can heal but they can nourish, and coffee isn't good for you at all and is better in moderation. So I cut the coffee out of my diet, and added in herbal teas. I started with pre-bought Yerba Mate bags that is the tea that most resemble coffee in taste and caffeine without the jitters. Then started drinking many other blends to heal and nourish. Now after taking a course which made me a certified herbalist I mix my own blends of herbal teas with my plentiful herb stocked cupboard.

My favorite to put into teas is licorice root since it sweetens a little while soothing and coats your throat.

The best for nutrients is Nettles which are high in iron and vitamin k.

Chamomile is best before bed or to soothe an upset stomach. Great for children.

Valerian is great if you have problems falling asleep. Its a mild sedative.

I have many recipes and can also bag it into convenient bags to give as gifts or to sell to others.

If you need or want a special blend let me know.

Missing them...

New Years Eve 2011 was the 1st night EVER away for my children. I have left them during the day for a few hours even all day once or twice but this was the first time ever at night and especially at bedtime. They stayed the night at Gramma and Grampa's house (less than a mile away).

I have ALWAYS done bedtime. Not even their father has ever put them to bed without my getting them there to start. I felt like a piece of me was missing all night. I couldn't bring myself to watch a movie let alone go to the movies (they might call and need me right??). Dinner at a organic and /or local food restaurant was out of the question due to it being New Years Eve without reservations and they all seemed to have special menus that were $50-85 a dinner (7 courses included but still pricey) and I am too frugal...besides (they might call and need me right???)

Well I admit I cried ALOT! and played on Pinterest (if you don't know what that is it's a virtual corkboard for the internet). Lit the candles they made and my protection chakra candle all together in a dish, drank wine, meditating and waiting for their call that never came...

I missed them more than I thought I would and when I woke on Jan 1st I called them to ask when they wanted to come home... they said loudly "Now please!" So within 15 minutes I was there to get them. I was getting their stuff loaded into the car wondering where they went. They were already in the car and buckled, without asking at all! WOW I think they missed us and home.

I appreciate the cuddles a little more and kiss them more throughout the day. Tell them I love them.... Because over time we forget that the little things like this do matter and our children need to hear it so they will always remember it for when we aren't there. Whether its an overnight or longer.

Next time its easier, right?