Help Learning Spelling Words

 I found a wonderful online resource to help children learn their spelling words for school.  I have two school age children in my house.  They are both excellent spellers, but who couldn't always use a little extra help and practice.  Some days it is difficult for me to get the time and how do I say it .....quietness in the house to be able to sit down and work on spelling words.  This is a great way to get the girls some extra practice.


This website offers different ways to learn and practice the spelling words through games, missing letters, tests, flash cards.  There is a membership fee if you choose to become a premium member for a family or a classroom, but there are PLENTY of games and things you can do without the membership.

Spelling City

LOVE IT!!

If anyone else has found other sites or software that they enjoy for spelling please share it with us!

Thank you!

Daylight Savings Time!!

No one LIKES to lose an hour of sleep, but when you are a mother of young children you dread the spring forward even more!  Your angels are finally on a well scheduled routine.  Going to bed at 8:30 every night and waking at 7:30 like clockwork and then the time change steps in and ruins the entire routine!  DOH!  Thanks Benjamin Franklin!!

For some reason this year's Spring forward was just extra exciting this year.  It started out like every other year's daylight savings time day.  By that I mean waking a half  hour before church, jumping out of bed and running all over the house raising it to def con "GET YOUR BUTTS OUTTA BED WE'RE LATE" Red and throwing clothes on children who knows what sizes got put on who I'm just thankful the boys weren't wearing dresses to church!  Yeah that pretty much sums it up.

By some miracle we ALL managed to get dressed and we made it to church!  And before the Pastor entered for the service.  That is how we judge if we are late or not :oD We pulled up in our usual fashion. Ushering children out of the van as they disembark one at a time I begin to feel a bit like the Count on Sesame Street while I supervise the correct number leaving the car as to not leave anyone behind. (I am certain this is how my little ones have learned to count)  1.....2.......3......4.........................5......6 HA! HA! HA! (My Best Count-like voice)

After easing into the pew I breathe a sigh of relief feeling like yet another year of success battling the time change monster!  Church on time bright and early 7:30am technically now 8:30am still WEIRD!  Making it to church for early service extra Mom points!  So I gotta say I'm feeling pretty good about myself Sunday morning!  I guess as a Mom we should grab onto those moments, smile at them, and then wave as they pass by, because the only certainty in Mom World is that they will. Usually just as quickly as they appeared too.

Mine lasted until the end of service.  Everything proceeded along very well.  Mostly quiet children, sitting nicely in the pew coloring and whispering nicely to one another.  The little ones left for the nursery partially through the service, but in a fairly non disruptive manner with Dad.  The older ones had to be reminded to "shush"  a few times and to "listen" but all in all it was a great victory notch in my mom belt.  The final hymn, all was well, and singing with everyone while the little ones cleaned up their coloring supplies.  Last line of the hymn we are home free another great Sunday!  And the lights in the ENTIRE sanctuary go out.   Now I'm not quite sure why....perhaps instinctively my head snaps around and I see it.  Standing NEXT to the pretty black and green glowing buttons is Alex (my now four year old) with a wide eyed sheepish look that said "uh oh" the moment I looked at him.  I realized what he had done and could only shake my head and give him my look of disapproval.  But come on really?  Curiosity, youth, green glowing buttons at just the right height.  I really couldn't be too upset with him on this one.

Our Pastor, who oozes awesome, after walking out of the sanctuary in the usual fashion had managed to turn the lights back on and with a chuckle said "Everyone LOVES buttons!" Which of course elicited a great collective chuckle from the entire early morning congregation.

Well we rounded out this experience with a few teachable moments.  Alex and I talked about not touching the buttons again now that we knew it would turn off all the lights in the sanctuary and would not be a nice thing to do to everyone again.  We waited until our Pastor came in for coffee, and my brave little boy said he was "sorry"  I was so proud of him!  So lights back on, good laugh, lots of important lessons learned by all!

At the end of the day, I think daylight savings still REALLY messes with the time continuum of our family, but this year I'll still count it a success!!

Fizzy Lemonade

 

Fizzy Lemonade is my kiddos favorite summertime drink!! 

1 can of Minute Maid Raspberry Lemonade (un-thawed)

1- 2 liter bottle of Sprite

Mix together and serve over ice.  You can also garnish with raspberries or some mint!

Enjoy!!

Butter Noodles

Okay my super quick and easy noodle recipe!  This one is an in a pinch recipe that when I don't feel like cooking I can still get dinner on the table with minimal effort and time!!

1 box of wheat noodles
butter
parsley
garlic salt
Parmesan cheese

Boil water, cook noodles, strain and pour into bowl or back into pot (why dirty another dish)  put in butter (1/2 stick) chopped parsley, sprinkle in a little garlic salt, and some Parmesan cheese.  Mix it up and serve!

YUMMY!!

Some Of My Favorite Products

So here are just a few of my favorite products for little babies.  Over the course of caring for six children I have found these to be my favorite and most used products and suggestions.  EVERYONE chooses their favorite brands for a reason.  After trying a bunch of different things I have just found these to be my favorites. 

#1 Disposable Diapers

I LOVE Huggies.  I have tried a lot of different disposable diapers and I have found these to be my absolute favorite!  They are GREAT at holding in the explosions that happen in our house.  They save money on clothes and time on laundry!  They are super comfy for the little ones, I love the quality, I love the absorption, I love Huggies!







#2 Baby Wipes

Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes are THE BEST!  The new Thick Sensitive Wipes are even Better!  They make other baby wipes feel like sandpaper!  You only need to use one or two compared to other brands that are thinner and you use more.  I buy these at Walmart and use a $1.50 off coupon to purchase these!  You can usually get this coupon in one of the large boxes, in the paper once in a while, signing up on their website, in the mail, or writing them a letter.  Love em!  One of my girlfriends even used one for her 3 year old when she forgot her diaper bag.  And her 3 year old asked her why they don't use those! 

#3 Baby Soap

Hands Down I LOVE California Baby!  This is initially expensive to purchase, but WELL worth it!  You can purchase it in the smaller sizes, but to save on $$ and running out I purchase the Super Large Container and put it into a foam dispenser.  It lasts our family (if the kiddos don't find the large bottle) an entire year!  Put a little into the bottom of a foam dispenser and fill the rest of the way with water.  Shake it up and it will last and last!  Just learn from my mistake and lock up or put up VERY high the large bottle!  All Natural Ingredients and smells WONDERFUL!  I LOVE this soap because I KNOW it is the very best I can do for my baby!! *Tip it also makes it quicker and easier if you purchase the pump for the large size container* AND BE SURE to put the soap in a foamer.  IT WILL SAVE YOU SO much $$$                                California Baby Shampoo and Body Soap



#4 Powder

SKIP THE BABY POWDER!!  Talc powder when inhaled (AND IT IS IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO) by you and your baby is VERY dangerous.  It is carcinogenic and is VERY similar to ASBESTOS!!  Steer clear of Baby Powder!  Go for Corn Starch Powders or other natural alternatives!  The particles in corn starch powders are larger and less likely to be inhaled and not nearly as harmful.  Still exercise caution when using and storing the powder. Keep it away from siblings! Trust me not pretty! Any brand here I use this brand and a generic as long as it is CORN STARCH!


#5 Bundle Me Car Seat Covers

I LOVE the Bundle me car seat covers ever since I found them!  Of course I live in Ohio so this is a MUST for me.  I combine this, and a blanket over the top, when I put the handles up for the REALLY cold months. I don't have to try to wrestle my sweet baby into a coat.  I can just slip them into their care seat, carry them out to the car or into wherever I am go.  If they fall asleep on the way no problem I can unzip this and pull it off of them so they don't get too hot once inside without waking them.  I am also able to slip them into their car seat without waking them with this. WINNING!        Bundle Me Car Seat Covers

#6 Car Seats

I honestly don't have a favorite for infant car seats, but I do have a few suggestions to help when picking on out.  If buying used be certain that it hasn't been in any accidents before, and that it is not more then 5 years old.  When purchasing a new car seat a few things to consider.  Do your homework before you go to buy.  Go online, most websites have a ratings system where consumers can rate it after they have purchased.  They can help you to decide.  Remember not everyone is going to like everything, so most will have some positive and negative.  TEST THEM OUT!!  May sound weird, but practice clipping the straps and un-clipping them as well.  Is it easily done?  Are the straps easily adjusted?  What about the handle?  Easy up and down?  Listen closely is there a noise when you move the handle bars? Same with the stroller if it is a combo.  Practice opening and closing, is there room for stuff underneath? Are you able to push it easily, is it heavy, are there places for drinks, easy straps.  Do the linens come off easily to wash? What color is it, consider dirt because it's gonna happen.


#7 Clothes

Baby Sacks are AWESOME!!  Here is just an example, any will do.  I prefer the full baby sack with the zipper and long sleeves as opposed to the ones that have elastic or drawstrings at the bottom.  They usually end up around babies armpits after a bit of wiggling.  Carters makes some awesome baby sacks!  Keep in mind you want your baby to be comfy.  Soft material, easy on and off clothes for night diaper changes.*This is NOT a good outfit for going in a car seat*




#7 Laundry Soap and Dryer Sheets

You want to find a gentle laundry soap for your baby.  I popular one is dreft.  I find the perfume a little overwhelming though.  I use ECOS for all of our laundry.  It is gentle and good for the environment.  I feel good knowing I am doing something good for my family and the environment!  I also use method dryer sheets unscented for the little babies.  You could use a wash cloth with a few sprinkles of essential oil in the dryer if you wanted. Lavendar is an AWESOME scent for calming a baby.




#8 Cleaning Supplies

When nesting kicks in I almost ALWAYS start cleaning EVERYTHING!  Especially during winter time and cold and flu season!  So many people reach for the bleach, bleach wipes, Lysol, and other harsh cleaning products. What most people don't think about are all the chemicals they may be exposing their baby to.  So really be aware of ingredients and what you are putting into your babies environment.  You can make your own.  Lots of recipes online, I use water, vinegar, and a little dish soap.  Or if you wish to purchase cleaning supplies I LOVE Method products!!


#9 Swings

Okay first let me start by saying I believe in baby wearing!  Wearing your little angel bundle around like a little capuchin monkey!  Anyone around me will tell you my husband and I hold and kiss and love those little people as long as they will let us!  BUT.....there ARE times while they are sleeping that it is nice to be able to sneak away and get a little laundry, dishes, or time to do whatever and a swing is a blessing!  My absolute favorite swing is a papasan swing.  There are a bunch of colors and different models, but essentially they are all the same.  I have one upstairs in our bedroom and one downstairs in the living room!   




#10 Baby Bags 
I have tried a lot of different baby bags.  I really don't have a favorite brand or anything, but there are a few things to look for.  Choose a neutral color.  You may use it for more then one baby, and at times your hubby or Grandpa may be carrying this.  Be kind and stick with a neutral color.  Choose a dark color it will last longer.  Consider the material and fabric durability, washable, repellent?  

Do you have any favorite products?  Please share them with us!!