3 Ocak 2013 Perşembe

A New Parenting Blog (You'll Like It!)

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It can be tough to jump back into writing on a regular basis after taking such a long vacation from it. It is especially difficult when you cannot think of anything to write about. I usually write about the fun projects the kids and I are working on or parenting in general. Unfortunately, things have been getting rougher and rougher around here with both kids. I know that some of it has to do with their reactions to the stress I'm feeling. No matter how much you try to hide something like this, it still shows. And, with my oldest, I am honest. He gets a simpler version of what's going on because 1) I don't believe in lying to him by saying that everything is going to be OK - it may not, and 2) if things do get bad, I don't want it to be a shock to him.

As for Little Guy, I am having a terrible time. It's as if he wants to constantly argue with me over everything. He'll ask for a flavor of juice that he knows we don't have, then whine and cry and throw a HUGE tantrum over not getting it. He wakes up in the morning telling me, "Today, I not gonna listen to you, Mommy!" All of the rules get broken all of the time. Not only the silly ones, like pick up your toys. The serious ones, too: no touching the electric outlets. He's thrown Hot Wheels at the TV screen, tossed my coffee mug down our wooden staircase, he runs off when we're on walks... into busy streets. I gave up on cooking and washing dishes with him because he's managed to cut me with a paring knife when I told him to please put it down (he put it down with force on my hand!) and he's broken a ton of dishes by tossing them on the floor just to see them crash. I feel that there is more than his reaction to stress to blame for this sudden change in behavior (no, he hasn't had any vax!)

Anyway, just when I thought I had no where but a physician to turn to (I really don't want labels such as "ADD" on his medical chart - especially at only 3 years old), I heard that a new blog is starting up that may just help me with these and many other parenting problems I will come across. The blog is written by three mothers who have a total of 17 children, ranging in age from 1 to 16 (and one on the way!). And, these aren't just any moms - they are moms who have the same parenting philosophies as I. They "...ascribe to Attachment Parenting, Gentle Discipline, & Natural Family Living philosophies; each in our own way. We wanted to create a place to share our lives as "crunchy" Moms with other similar-minded Moms." Their blog, Grateful Moms of Many, is scheduled to launch on April 1, 2012 and I, for one, cannot wait! On the site, you will find articles on many topics, including pregnancy & birth, breastfeeding, multiples, special needs children, schooling, discipline, frugality, crafts, recipes, mental health, and generally the unique challenges that moms face in daily life. It sounds like the PERFECT mom blog to me!

I really love how these three moms (Sasha, Nic, and Michelle) met each other. They were all on an Online Due Date Club - you know, where expectant moms can commiserate with other women who are at the same stage of pregnancy. Once their children were all born, the three moms stayed in touch via a private Facebook group. Though they all share similar parenting philosophies, they also believe that every parent does what he/she feels is best for their children. You won't find judgment on this blog, only support. And, with the years of experience that these Moms of Many have, you can almost bet that all kinds of interesting things have been encountered. That leaves me feeling as if I can find the help I need with my own kids.




If you can't wait for their April 1st launch, you can head over to their Facebook page, Grateful Moms of Many. There are already a few questions posted and the community there feels wonderful - lots of great ideas being generated and no judgemental attitudes.




 Oh, and I almost forgot! To celebrate the Grateful Moms of Many's blog launch on April 1st (you know what day that is, right?!), there will be a special giveaway with a nice little prank-like twist! April Fool's! So, don't forget to go check it out - I'll give you a quick reminder post so you don't forget. :)

Tuesday's Giveaway Linkup {4/10}

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Welcome to Tuesday's Giveaway Link Up with your hosts Aimee @ Classified: Mom & Karen @ Tots and Me & Alicia @ McCrenshaw's Newest Thoughts!

This link up will be posted Monday at 7 PM est. and run all week long! Make sure you stop in as often as you can to list your latest giveaways.

Here is how to use the Giveaway Link Up



1. Post your reviews and/or giveaways, as many as you have, be sure to add the end date (family friendly please)



2. Help spread the word about the giveaway link up by grabbing our button, Tweeting or posting on Facebook. (Not mandatory- but it helps get more exposure to your giveaways as well!)



3. Take a moment to enter any giveaway that strikes an interest to you!



If you would  like to follow the three hostesses, we will gladly follow you back! Simply leave us a message to do so.





Thank you for linking up with  Aimee @ Classified: Mom & Karen @ Tots and Me & Alicia @  McCrenshaw's Newest Thoughts! 










Tuesday's Giveaway Linkup {4/17}

To contact us Click HERE


Welcome to Tuesday's Giveaway Link Up with your hosts Aimee @ Classified: Mom & Karen @ Tots and Me & Alicia @ McCrenshaw's Newest Thoughts!

This link up will be posted Monday at 7 PM est. and run all week long! Make sure you stop in as often as you can to list your latest giveaways.

Here is how to use the Giveaway Link Up



1. Post your reviews and/or giveaways, as many as you have, be sure to add the end date (family friendly please)



2. Help spread the word about the giveaway link up by grabbing our button, Tweeting or posting on Facebook. (Not mandatory- but it helps get more exposure to your giveaways as well!)



3. Take a moment to enter any giveaway that strikes an interest to you!



If you would  like to follow the three hostesses, we will gladly follow you back! Simply leave us a message to do so.





Thank you for linking up with  Aimee @ Classified: Mom & Karen @ Tots and Me & Alicia @  McCrenshaw's Newest Thoughts! 







Oh So Good Mini Mac & Cheese Pies

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mac & cheese pies

Recently I was looking for a fun appetizer my kids would love! After not seeing exactly what I was looking for I decided to make my own. What I came up with was too good not to share  –  Oh So Good Mini Mac & Cheese Pies!

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To make the crust mix: 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese, and 4 TAB salted butter.  I use a blender for a quick & easy crust, but you can crush & mix together if you prefer.  Note: You can make this with regular yellow cheddar, but the white is wonderful =-)

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Press the crust mixture into the bottom and up partially up the sides of a greased (Pam spray works great) muffin pan. Don’t make the crust too thick – trust me these will pop right out easily! It should fill 10-12 muffins tins depending on how thick your crust is.

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Now make your Mac & Cheese Filling by mixing together in a saucepan over medium heat:

  • 8 oz. cooked elbow macaroni (that is about 4-5 cups cooked)
  • 2 eggs, beaten,
  • 1/3 cup sour cream (I love Daisy!)
  • 1 teas ground mustard
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • dash of salt
  • dash of pepper
  • 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese

Once you have a smooth consistency scoop into prepared muffin tins. You will have a little extra you can bake separately.  Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Top with 1/2-1 cup additional shredded white cheddar cheese to gloss & moisten and put in the oven for an additional 5 minutes.  Cool slightly and used a knife to loosen crust from pan and it will pop out easily.

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These are seriously that simple and oh so delicious! Adults and kids alike will be asking for more of these beauties! Makes a wonderful appetizer or simple lunch. Leftover reheat easily in the microwave while remaining their shape and texture! Enjoy!

Don’t miss more tried & true Family Favorite Appetizer & Cookie Recipes.


DIY Magnetic Sticker Fun!

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Here is another fun project for at home or in the car! We made magnetic stickers for Minnie (and Goofy) to play with. This is super easy to do and allows the kiddos to play with the stickers again and again! I love hearing the stories they come up with!
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Pick the stickers you want to use and put them on a piece of plain white paper. Laminate the page.
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Cut out the stickers and stick a magnetic dot on the back of each.
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I used contact paper to protect the sticker backdrop (found in many sticker books) and then cut it to size.
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The kids LOVE playing with their sticker magnets, making up stories, and having FUN!
Want to make your own? Here are the supplies to make your own!
 

2 Ocak 2013 Çarşamba

TGIF Linky Party #58

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Photobucket A BIG thanks to everyone for linking up & sharing your creativity with the rest of us! I really do enjoy seeing all your creative ideas every week. Just click on any box below to see the entire featured post. If I featured you below, GRAB A BUTTON!! (If you’ve been featured more than once I will be emailing you the code for the special button below!) Photobucket how do i make a gif image  image image  image  image_thumb63_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumimage image_thumb5_thumb_thumb_thumb_thumb image

This is the last TGIF Party until 2013! I plan on taking off from Christmas through the 1st to really be intentional with my family! I will feature ideas you share below in our first party of 2013 on Friday, January 4th! Thanks for sharing your creativity with all of us! I look forward to browsing through all your amazing ideas! By linking up you give me permission to use a picture from your post to feature you. Pictures will only be used to feature you and will always contain a link directly to your blog.

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100 Winter Activities, Crafts, and Treats

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We had such a fun, crafty December! And sometimes it is hard to get the creative juices right back in motion to do some fun Winter stuff. So I rounded up 100 amazing Winter Activities, Crafts, Snowflakes, and Treats for you! So grab a cup of hot cocoa {or coffee if you need some pep} and get ready to be inspired by some of the most creative ladies out there!

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              1. DIY Snow globe by Here Come the Girls
              2. Snowball Painting by Crystal’s Tiny Treasures
              3. Window Winter Scene by Red Ted Art
              4. Handprint Snowman Craft by Learn Create Love
              5. Frosty the Snowman Printable Crafty by7 Learn Create Love
              6. Family Snowman Display by The Freckled Homeschooler
              7. Puffy Paint Snow by The Freckled Homeschooler
              8. Snowflake Lanterns by The Golden Gleam
              9. Yarn Snowman by Play Dr. Mom
              10. Paper Plate Snowman by Artsy Craftsy Mom
              11. Snowman Card by Artsy Craftsy Mom
              12. Penguin Crafts by J4Daniel's Mom
              13. Snowballs Book & Craft by Creative Family Fun
              14. Freezer Frosty by In Lieu of Preschool
              15. 3D Snowman by Crystal’s Tiny Treasures
              16. No Snow Snowman by Here Come the Girl
              17. Egg Shell Snowman by Living Life Intentionally
              18. Marshmallow Painting by Mamas Like Me
              19. Toilet Paper Roll Penguins by Mamas Like Me
              20. Glue Snowman Window Ornament by Rockabye Butterfly
              21. Upcycled Water Bottle Snowman Craft by Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas
              22. Craft Stick Snowman by Serving Pink Lemonade
              23. Pinecone Snowman by Kaboose
              24. Egg Cartoon Snowman by Spoonful
              25. Fruit Cup Melted Snowman Crafty by I Heart Crafty Things
              26. Clay Pot Snowman Craft by Family Crafts
              27. Paper Loop Snowman by AZLearningFun
              28. Marshmallow Snowman by It’s Gravy Baby
              29. Snowman Paper Bag Craft by Preschool Crafts for Kids
              30. Q-tip Snowman by The Indie Tot
              31. Peanut Snowman by Creative Kids Chaos
              32. Snowman Family Picture by Dollar Store Crafts
              33. Snowman Puppets by Hands on As We Grow
              34. Newspaper Snowman by All Free Kids Crafts
              35. Snowman Baubles by Inspired by Family
              36. Snow globe Snowman by No Time for Flashcards
              37. Sock Snowman by Living Life Intentionally
              38. Ice Ornaments by Red Ted Art
              39. Melting Art by Housing a Forest

winter sensory

              1. Polar Sensory Tub by The Fairy and the Frog
              2. Winter Sensory Play with Salt by Creative Playhouse
              3. Winter Wonderplay Sensory Tray by Creative Playhouse
              4. Shivery Snow {Moldable Fake Snow} by Learn with Play at Home
              5. Snow Sensory Bin by Blog Me Mom
              6. Frozen Lake Small World Play by Rainy Day Mum
              7. Sock Snowball Fun by The Golden Gleam
              8. Styrofoam Snow Sensory Bin by Rockabye Butterfly
              9. Cloud Dough by Momma’s Fun World
              10. Shaving Cream Snowman by Living Life Intentionally
              11. Frosty the Snowman Bath by Bath Activities for Kids
              12. Snowman Playdough by The Nurture Store
              13. Winter Sensory Big with Word Recognition by Mama Miss

 



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              1. Salt Snowflakes by Reading Confetti
              2. Foil Snowflake by Glittering Muffins
              3. Button Snowflakes by Red Ted Art
              4. Shiny Paper Snowflakes by Rainy Day Mum
              5. Snowflake Art by The Usual Mayhem
              6. Handprint Snowflake by Mamas Like Me
              7. Glue Snowflakes by Rockabye Butterfly
              8. Fake Snow Snowflake Craft by Confessions of a Homeschooler
              9. Bead Snowflake by The Craft Junkie
              10. 3D Paper Snowflakes by Attempting to be Domestic
              11. Q-tip Snowflake Craft by All Free Crafts
              12. Pasta Snowflake by Glue Gun Crafts
              13. Crystal Snowflakes by Family Corner
              14. Modern Geometric Snowflakes by Creative Jewish Mom
              15. Crayon Resist Snowflakes by Art Projects for Kids
              16. Pipe Cleaner Snowflakes by CraftoArt
              17. Cork Painting Snowflakes by No Time for Flashcards
              18. Puffy Paint Snowflakes by Inner Child Fun
              19. Coffee Filter Snowflakes by Hearts of Wisdom
              20. Packing Peanut Snowflakes by Sun Hats and Wellie Boots
              21. Pipe Cleaner Snowflake by Mama Miss

 



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              1. 20 Ways for Toddlers to Play Outside by Glittering Muffins
              2. Weather Forecast Craft/Activity by Blog Me Mom
              3. Books for a Snowy Day by Play Dr. Mom
              4. Montessori Snowman Activity Trays by PreK & K Sharing
              5. Montessori Inspired Snowman Letter Activity by PreK & K Sharing
              6. Marshmallow Math & Igloos by Mamas Like Me
              7. Snow Painting by Rockabye Butterfly
              8. Emotional Snowman by Living Life Intentionally
              9. {free} Snowman Preschool Learning Pack by Living Life Intentionallysnowman preschool pack blog image
              10. Tree Snow Faces by The Chocolate Muffin Tree
              11. Footprints in the Snow Playdough Activity by No Time for Flashcards
              12. Easy Paint a Snowman by Living Life Intentionally
              13. Outdoor Play Party by Mama Pea Pod
              14. Therapeutic Playful Bath to Soothe Sick Kids by Growing a Jeweled Rose
              15. Winter Bath Paint Recipes by Growing a Jeweled Rose
              16. Frosty Fluffy Snow Play by Growing a Jeweled Rose
              17. Winter Bath Activities for Kids by Bath Activities for Kids
              18. Build an Igloo from Sugar Cubes by The Sac Chef
              19. Animals in Winter by This Reading Mama
              20. Bringing the Snow Inside by Housing a Forest

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              1. Tortilla Snowflakes by Nurturestore
              2. Snowman Cake Pop by Here Come the Girls
              3. Build Your Own Mashed Potato Snowman by Living Life Intentionally
              4. Snowman Pancake by Glittering Muffins
              5. Hot Cocoa Bar by Connecting Family and Seoul
              6. Smore Snowman by Living Life Intentionally
              7. Snowman Oreo Pops by Be Inspired Mama
              8. Muffin Tin Snowman Lunch by J4Daniel’s Mom
              9. Snowy Muffin Tin by Rockabye Butterfly
              10. Marshmallow Skiing Snowman by Crystal’s Tiny Treasures
              11. Hot Cocoa & Snowflake Marshmallows by Living Life Intentionally
              12. Build a Snowman Muffin Tin Lunch by The Iowa Farmer’s Wife
              13. Snowman Mini Donuts by Free Fun Christmas
              14. Snowman Candy Bars by The Educator’s Spin on It
              15. Milk Men by Bakerella
              16. Melted Snowman Cookies by Somewhat Simple
              17. Snowman Sandwich by Little Food Junction
              18. Krispie Snowman Treats by Recipe Link
              19. Egg Snowman by Living Life Intentionally
              20. Snowman Bagel Breakfast by Kitchen Fun with My Three Sons
              21. Nutterbutter Penguins by Hungry Happenings
              22. Snowflake Donuts by Hungry Happenings
              23. Melted Snowman Bottle Labels by Come Together Kids
              24. Crazy Cute Polar bear Cookie by Hungry Happenings
              25. Snowball Fight Treat by Hungry Happenings
              26. Snow Ice Cream by Housing a Forest

 

Are you thoroughly inspired?! I hope so! If this has been helpful, I’d love it if you’d take a moment to like, pin, or share this post! Found another great idea I missed?

Feel free to leave a link in the comments below!