Kinder Keepsakes {Blog}

Everything in Between

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:14:00 +0000

Where to start. I feel like it's a been about a month since I have last posted anything. (It's been about 3 weeks which is so sad!) I have missed you all dearly! I hope you will excuse my absence but I did warn you right??? Between, Graduation, Birthdays, Gardner's Market, Mother's Day and everything in between I have not been able to keep up with everything. So over the next few days I will be playing catch up. My busy season is about over, which I am kinda excited about because now I can relax a bit and focus more on my family, my house and blog (which have all been neglected), and just get grounded again.

So again, I really appreciate all of you and your comments and suggestions! Thanks again for understanding, but now I am back and ready to get back to blogging. So watch for new posts coming starting tomorrow morning! Whoohoo!

Have a ton-of-fun Tuesday! (Sorry, I know that was lame, but I couldn't resist!)

Two Dollars

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 22:49:00 +0000

Well, I went to a craft fair for two days and you want to know how much I made?? $2. That's right! A whoppin' two bucks! How is that for full 16+ hours of work.

And technically I didn't even "make" $2 because I had to pay the booth fee. So really what I meant to say...was I made -$33.00 for 16+ hours of work. If that isn't a downer, I don't know what is. So excuse me while I go sulk in a corner for a bit. I will be back to my cheery self tomorrow.

The truth is, with craft fairs, who win some and you lose some. Well, this was my biggest loss yet. Oh well, live and learn!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Here's to better craft days.

crazy busy = missing blog posts

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:02:00 +0000

Wing-it Wednesday!

I've been having orders coming out of my ears, taking care of my girls, trying to finish an online class, and have been driving around town like crazy because we only have one car now. (My hubby wants to buy a motorcycle to save gas money, so we sold the car and are now waiting 'til he finds his bike.) I forgot what an adjustment it is to go back to a one-car family :) But I'm sure we'll manage some how, some way!

So I just want to apologize if my postings are sparse for the next month or so. Things will start slowing down around June and I will pick up my normal schedule! So until then only expect me to post once to twice a week :) Thanks for understanding!

If you want to keep up with me you can check out my facebook page: www.facebook.com/kinderkeepsakes

Just for kicks: Look at what my hubby bought me yesterday! He is such a sweetheart! They are soooo comfy!!

RealFlex Run Women's Shoes

Mail Command Center

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:21:00 +0000

Thrifty-Thursday!

I love snail mail. I love going out to the mailbox with my girls and seeing what goodies are inside. It's almost like Christmas morning because you never know what you are going to get!

The part I HATE about snail mail is once it get's inside it's everywhere! It always ends up on the counter and it just stacks up and stacks up. Can anyone relate to this? Not only does it look really clutter-y on the counter but you also loose important documents and bills etc., because they get buried under all of the piles of mail that you don't know what to do with.

Well, I knew that there had to be a way to stop the chaos. And that is when I came up with:

THE MAIL COMMAND CENTER

I know, sounds scary right? lol. Actually it was the best thing that could happen to us in the mail department. I'm sure everyone has there own variation on how they like to sort their mail, but this is my take on it.

Instructions on how to make your own MAIL COMMAND CENTER

1. Get whatever size bin you want (preferably a rectangle)--and make sure that it has spots for hanging folders. (I got my mine at staples for like $15.)

2. Sometimes these totes or bins will already come with hanging folders. If they don't, buy 1 pack of hanging folders.

3. Label the folders to fit your needs (here is what I have mine labeled as):

* Incoming mail (that way if you don't have time to sort it right then, at least it is still put away)

* Outgoing mail (bills or netflix movie that needs to be put in the mail

* To File (this is important stuff that needs to be filed away for safe keeping)

* Bills (this is where I find all the bills that need to be paid, make sure to keep checking back so you are up to date on all bills)

* Receipts (ALL receipts go here. Then every Sunday I sit down and sort through all the receipts for the week and do the budgeting)

* Coupons (JUST coupons go here, then they are all in one easy place, you can just grab the folder and go!)

* Grocery Ads (it's hard because you don't necessarily want to keep these out all the time, but they can come in handy when you need to go grocery shopping. This way, you still have access to them to see what is on sale at what store!)

* Aly (mail that is specifically addressed to me)

* Ryan (mail that my hubby gets to go through)

* Other (mail or other documents that don't really have a place. Try not to put to much in that folder because then it will defeat the purpose of having a MAIL COMMAND CENTER!)

4. (Optional): Buy the little Binder Clips to clip mail to the front side of the bin if need be.

Feel free to use however many of the labels you want. You can use them all, or just a few, or you can come up with completely new labels that fit you the best. The important thing, is to remember to go through the your MAIL COMMAND CENTER at least once a week, so that everything stays neat and organized. Don't let all of that mail command you! YOU command the mail! And not only does the mail stay organized but it looks nice--so you can still display it on the counter :) Enjoy!

Tell me how it has worked for you, and what you have changed or made better! I want to know! You can even post a picture if you want! The more the better! Comment below!

Family-holic

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:47:00 +0000

This past weekend has been such a wonderful one. I have ditched everything and everyone to spend time with my family. I don't like to have so many days between posts but honestly, it happens. And I am not going to pretend like it won't happen in the future. So just know I still love you all, and am so grateful for all of your support to me in my "family-holism."

Personally, I think it is the best to be a family-holic. My hubby had Saturday, Sunday and today off of work which was sooo nice! Family always comes first, and sometimes you just have make sacrifices for what is most important. We had so much fun as a family just hanging out an enjoying each other. And today we cleaned out the garage and cleaned our room (MUCH NEEDED!). It's a good feeling to get things cleaned up. We are even having a garage sale this weekend, so for those of you who want some GREAT bargains come stop by! (comment with your e-mail if you would like me to tell you when and where)

Lastly, I am so excited because I have a new addition to my Luvi Blankets! When you order a Luvi Blanket, you will get this adorable Birth Certificate to go with your new baby Luvi Blanket for F.R.E.E! My friend from Ellamae Designs designed it for me. Thanks so much Alli! You are so talented. The birth certificates turned out so cute!

Tell me, what do you think???

Peanut Butter Playdough

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Toddler Tuesday!

I hope you all had a fabulous Easter Weekend! We sure did. We went up the canyon and had tinfoil dinners and roasted hot-dogs too. It was super fun! My girls could not get enough of the outdoors and have continually been asking me when they go back and have dinner "in" the fire. Lol! So we may have to go back a few more times this summer. What do you think?

Well, my kids love to play with playdough. It happens at least once a day--if not a few times a day. Well this week, I thought it would be fun to make some Peanut Butter Playdough. They had never had it before and I thought it would be a nice change to our playdough routine. I just hope that it doesn't backfire and the girls thing they now EAT all playdough. We shall see :)

Here is a recipe we found on MakeandTakes.com for Peanut Butter Playdough.

Peanut Butter Playdough

-1 cup of peanut butter

-1/2 cup of honey
-2 cups of powdered sugar

Mix together in a bowl and you're done! (Make sure to store in an air-tight container or bag.)

My girls LOVED the eating part of playing with playdough. I'm sure your kids will too! Enjoy!

YUMMY!

PS- I wanted to share the winner of the Kinder Keepsakes Giveaway! Congrats to: Hannah Hinkson! She chose to get the Baby Graduation Cap and Gown. Congratulations!

Featured Today: Cooking Classy!

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:14:00 +0000

Featured Friday!

Who doesn't love good cooking?? I'm not going to say that I like to cook, because I don't. But when I found this fabulous website Cooking Classy, I just knew that my life would change in the cooking department! This past week I have cooked all of my meals from the recipes on this blog and they are phenomenal! I actually enjoyed making every dish, (if you can imagine that!)

This past week we made:

Southwestern Chili

Lasagna Roll-ups

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Sweet n' Sour Chicken

They were all so yummy and my family approved! So if you want some great recipes that the whole family will love, head on over to Cooking Classy! Your tummy will thank you!

Easter Egg Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 02:30:00 +0000

Wing-it Wednesday!

Today was so fun! The girls went to an Easter Egg Hunt and had a blast. Kyrah knew exactly what to do, while Syd just liked to watch everyone run after the eggs. (Don't worry, being the loving mom I am, I helped her get some goodies too. lol!) I will let the video speak for itself! Enjoy!

HAPPY EASTER WEEK!

Red Velvet-White Chocolate Chip Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:46:00 +0000

Meal-Time Monday!

Good morning! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! I sure did! I haven't done a recipe in a long time so when I found this recipe on pinterest, I just HAD to try these. Most people would think the combination of red velvet and white chocolate would be a little odd, but the two flavors are amazing! My taste buds do a little dance every time I take a bite of these delicious cookies.

Just try them and tell me what you think!

I got this recipe from WhipperBerry.com . I changed a few things to my liking, but for the most part it follows the recipe.

Red Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Chips

1 box Red Velvet Cake Mix

1 cup of flour

1/2 cup of sugar

2 sticks of softened butter

1 egg

2 cups of white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, add butter and mix until light and fluffy. Then slowly add the cake mix, flour and sugar. Next add the egg and mix completely. Stir in the white chocolate chips and form dough into 1 inch balls and place in oven for about 8-10 min. (This recipe makes around 24 cookies).

Enjoy!

The best 2 days

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 05:13:00 +0000

I can't let a day go by without expressing my gratitude and love for General Conference. For those of you

who don't know what that is, it's a special meeting held twice a year by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And this weekend is the lucky weekend!

Today (March 31, 2012) and tomorrow (April 1, 2012) is when the Prophet and leaders of our church speak to us. We all come together in one great meeting ALL OVER THE WORLD! That is why technology is such a beautiful thing because we are able to just sit in our homes and watch it over the internet.

I won't get all preachy or anything, but let me just say that this is the best two days that happen every six months for me! I get to check in within myself and see how I can improve and better myself as a wife, mother, and as a person. It lifts me up when I am feeling down, and gives me such a feeling of hope and fulfillment that I am on the right path.

Everyone is welcome to watch HERE.

Here are some quotes from some the leaders of the Church that really touched me and inspired me from today's sessions.

"Don't delay, it's getting late."~Jeffery R. Holland

"Our Heavenly Father did not put us on this earth to fail, but to succeed gloriously!"~ Richard G. Scott

"No little one. You cannot come to me now. But, I can come to you."~ (Heavenly Father speaking) from a story that was told by one of the General Authorities.

Just remember, that no matter how rough things get, we are here for a reason. We are here to overcome our trials and to "succeed gloriously! With our Heavenly Father's help. We are never alone.

My daughter Kyrah touched me today. She drew a picture of President Monson; our prophet while we were listening to conference.

Then, she asked me if we could go to his house and play tomorrow.

I almost cried right there. Our children's faith is so simple and so sincere. They believe anything is possible. Even going over to President Monson's house. :) I thought I was going to teach Kyrah about the Prophet today, but instead, she taught me. What a beautiful thing.

I appreciate you letting me share something that is so precious and sacred to me. Have a fabulous weekend and I hope it brings you joy!

Don't forget!

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:37:00 +0000

Hey Ya'll!
I hope you are having an awesome week! I just wanted to send out a friendly reminder...if you haven't entered the giveaway DO IT NOW! It ends tomorrow-- 03/31/2012! I don't want you to miss out!

CLICK HERE to enter the giveaway! Good luck!

F.R.E.E. Custom Placemat for your kids!

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:26:00 +0000

Thrifty Thursday!

Good morning! It is beautiful day today! The sun is shining and the temperature is in the mid 50's. Spring is here! :) I think I am more of a warm person than a cold person. I will be happy when we move to somewhere warm.

Well, I am excited about today because I found this really fun deal on Ink Garden. They are letting you customize your own kid's placemat! You can have pictures or illustrations or whatever you want. It can be completely customized to them. So every time your kids eat, they have something that can help them stay clean and something that they created! Let your kids decide how they want their placemat to look! This would be a fun activity to do together!

Make sure to you use the code: PLACEFREE when checking out. This offer is good until 4/30/2012. You just pay shipping. I'm going to get mine right now! Have fun!

Enjoy!

Organizing Play

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:54:00 +0000

Toddler Tuesday!

Hey Ya'll!

It's good to be home. This past weekend we had a lot of fun! We were able to spend a bunch of time with family and friends. My sister is getting married in June and we had a wedding shower for her. It was great! They got a lot of things for their home. I am so happy for them. They are so good for each other. And yesterday we went on our last ski trip of the season. It was a bit icy/wet sticky snow, but it was still fun. Kyrah is doing SOOO good with skiing. I am so proud of her! She is becoming quite the little ski bunny.

We are still waiting to hear where Ry (my hubby), has gotten into school. The wait is KILLING me! But hopefully we will know this week! I will keep you posted!

So, I love that my kids like to play. I think it is a healthy and that is what kids do! The part that I don't like it cleaning up. It's frustrating when all the toys are out and there is no place for them. I just felt like there were piles and piles of toys everywhere. I am not a super organized person but the toys everywhere were DRIVING ME CRAZY! I was almost temped to throw everything away. (I'm sure my kids would not appreciate that.)

That is when I realized things needed to change.

So, I made labels for everything! It was really fun actually. I got online and found pictures of all the toys we owned. (If I couldn't find they exact toy, I got a similar picture.) I printed them all out on card stock and laminated them and taped them to all of the toy buckets. I decided to do pictures so that my little girls could know exactly where things go. It has been amazing! Clean up is breeze and it make playing more enjoyable. And even my almost 2 year old knows where things go.

So even if it is something as simple as printing out written labels that works too, just make sure that everything has a place and you will have one happy mama (and kids!) :)

Here are some pictures of the labels I made for my kid's toy buckets. Enjoy!

Have fun organizing your play!

Live. Laugh. GIVE! {Giveaway Time!}

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 06:34:00 +0000

Sewing Saturday!

So, I have to say that I super, super excited about today! Because I have teamed up with an amazing gal and we are going to bring you a fabulous giveaway! Rachel is the founder of FAMILY EVER AFTER Blog and shop. She has got some amazing things going on at her blog so PLEASE check her stuff out!

Soo...the time has come to unveil the gift! Drum roll please.....

More Drum roll please......

Ta da!

I know you are excited about this and can't stand the anticipation anymore...soooo....

GO HERE TO SEE WHAT YOU CAN WIN!

Good luck! See you over at Family Ever After Blog!

Please read all the rules before entering!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Getting in the way of life

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:44:00 +0000

Wing-it Wednesday.

Today I had a whole other post planned. But when I sat down to write it, it just didn't seem to be what I needed to write today. So, without arguing I switched gears and this is what came out.

Do you ever feel like your life can get in the way of your life? Like things just come up without even asking you if it's ok?? I've been feeling like that. Not, that I am not blessed or anything. Because I LOVE my life, and my kids and my amazing, adorable hubby! But you know, those days when you set out to do one thing and then something else comes up and consumes you. You kinda feel lost? Like--what was I supposed to do again?

It's times like this when I am grateful that I am able to ask for my Heavenly Father's guidance in what I am supposed to do. No matter what, I always feel peace after a hectic day or a big decision that is looming, as long as I check in with the Man upstairs. Because He can see everything and more. He knows what I need and what I should be doing, even before I do.

I find that with this blog, I want to always post things that will be helpful and things that will be interesting to read for other moms. And don't get my wrong! I LOVE that part! But then there are other times where I feel like I just want to share my personal thoughts and feelings; like today.

I am an ordinary mom/wife and life isn't always about THE BLOG...or THE PICTURES to capture the moment. Sometimes it's just plain LIVING the moment. Being in tune enough with the spirit to know where my life will take me, not trying to dictate how I think my life should go. Whether that is my girls and I, playing on the floor with duplo-blocks and making the tallest tower we can. Or reading a story. Taking time to cherish those precious moments instead of checking that one more thing off my list. That is what this life is about.

So stop for a moment. Don't let your life get in the way of your life!

So here is to LIVING the moment and enjoying the ride...wherever it might take us.

St. Patrick's Day Printable Party!

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

I love this Holiday!

#1 It means that I get to wear my favorite color.
#2 It means we get to eat corned beef and cabbage.

Most people will turn up their noses to that dish, but I have a recipe that never fails! Every time someone tries it, they ALWAYS like it.

Enjoy this free printable St. Patrick's Day Party!! Who doesn't LOVE a party with everything GREEN! Brought to you by: Love the Day Blog. (Click on the link to download your FREE St. Patrick's Day Party.)

Have a Greener than Green Day!

Saving Space & Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Wing-it Wednesday!

Hello Ya'll! Can you believe that we are almost in the middle of the March already?? Where does the time go? I tell ya, I am going to blink and my girls are going to be in high school. I am trying enjoy every minute because they are only young once.

Well, as I said in a recent post we are going to be moving in about 4 months and so I have been trying to find space saving ways to fit multiple kids in one room. I found this and thought it was awesome!

http://www.southernstudio.com/portfolio/at-the-lake/

I know that we want four kids someday so this would be perfect! (I don't know if they will be as happy as I am about it, but that's ok. I can dream can't I?)

What are some ways that you save on space in your home?? In the kid's room, kitchen or anywhere in the house?

Guess what else! I am doing a giveaway! The Handmade Heritage is running it :)

You can win this $25 gift certificate good towards anything on my site. You can even give it away as a gift to someone! Don't miss out!

Go to: http://www.thehandmadeheritage.blogspot.com/2012/03/march-madness-giveaway.html
and read all of the rules. It's called the March Madness Giveaway! There are a lot of other prizes you can win too. So get on over there and enter! It's super easy! And you will have a chance to win some pretty cool stuff!

Have a wonderful Wednesday! :)

Orange Julius

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:41:00 +0000

Meal-Time Monday!

Today will be a little different. Instead of doing a full meal we are going to focus on one of my special drinks. Orange Julius! YUM!

My hubby found this recipe off the food network and it is seriously the best Orange Julius I have ever tasted. Seriously! We have been having one of these babies at least two to three times a week. Especially since this nice weather is coming, it's making me more and more in the mood for this yummy drink.

So sit back relax and sip this amazing, refreshing, super easy to make, Orange Julius!

Orange Julius
(This recipe makes enough for one person [8 oz]. So double it if you want it for 2 people.)

6.5 oz of fresh OJ (frozen in ice cube trays--this will be your ice)
2 oz of fresh OJ
zest of 1/2 an orange
1/2 cup of whole milk
1/2 tsp of vanilla
1 tablespoon of powdered sugar

Put everything in the blender and blend until thick and creamy. (The powdered sugar is what makes the Orange Julius frothy. Enjoy!

DIY: Hot Chocolate Drums!!

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 20:01:00 +0000

Thrifty Thursday! (well...rrr...Saturday??)

So, you know how sometimes you get caught up in changes that are happening around you and once that happens you get sucked in and everything else doesn't matter? Well, that's my excuse. lol. I've been house hunting. That's right, we are looking to buy our very first home.

It's doesn't matter that we don't know where we are moving to yet. I have to check out every possibility. We should hopefully know where we are going in a month or so. (Believe me, I CANNOT WAIT!) So my eyes have been glued to the computer for about 2 days straight. Searching for the best deals on houses. I have seen hundreds and hundreds of houses in all different areas. I have seen so many homes that when I close my eyes to go to sleep I see pictures of houses in my head. I dream about them too. I think there is something wrong with me. lol! But it's been fun!

I have found my dream home (not in our price range of course), and I have found our dream price (not in our dream home of course). So I am still looking for the happy balance. And I am loving EVER SINGLE MINUTE! I am ready to have a home that is our own, and all that comes with it. It will be a good learning experience. I have found a few potentials which makes me very hopeful. Do you have any tips for a first time home buyer? Being as we have never bought a house before--we could definitely use the advice.

My family is getting ready to enter another chapter in our lives and we could not be more excited! With a Master's degree under his belt now, hopefully after my hubby gets his PHD...he won't feel like he needs more school...we will see though :)

Ok, so I know that was a little off topic--(well, I guess it's good to be thrifty when you are house hunting to right? So I guess it still fits.)

This post was supposed to be done on Thursday and it is now Saturday. So here is to Thrifty Saturday!

So many people drink a cup of coffee each morning. Well, I drink a cup of hot chocolate each morning. No joke. Even in the summer. I LOVE that stuff. I just starts my day off right. Well, because I go through hot coco like it's water, I have a bunch of hot chocolate cans laying around. I like to keep them as containers or something, because I know I will use them someday! Well, that someday came!

I was trying to figure out what we could do with all these cans and the thought occurred to me...DRUMS! My girls are always banging on the tables with pencils, hands, duplo-blocks or whatever they can find. This would be perfect. And that is how our Hot Chocolate Drums were born :) My kiddos LOVED them. Hope yours do to :) They are very simple to make, and they make a lot of noise...so embrace it!

Hot Chocolate Drums

Here is the tutorial:

1.) Fill your hot chocolate can with beans. (This makes them a shaker and a drum in one.) I just put in enough to cover the bottom of the can.

2.) Hot glue the lid on so it's sealed and cannot be taken off.

3.) Feel free to add tape if you want. (I was worried my 3 year old would still try and pull the lid off so I added tape as a re-enforcement. But I think the tape makes it look less appealing. I think with just hot glue you should be fine.)

4.) This is my favorite part, you cover your hot chocolate can with your favorite scrap book paper. (You may have to cut it to fit the can.) I used hot glue to attach it to the can.

5.) BONUS: If you want to get really creative, you can add a piece of yarn or string and tie it around the can so they can wear it around their neck. My girls thought that was pretty cool!

A fun and simple activity to do with your kids! Have fun! Go little drummers, go!

First Hair Cut

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:53:00 +0000

Ok, so I know this is going to be a little silly to some of you. But last night, my baby girl (who is 3.5 years old) got her hair cut for the first time. It was very bittersweet for me because her first hair cut means she is growing up. She's not my little baby any more.

The other reason we have put it off for so long is because my hubby LOVES long hair and he didn't want to cut it because she has such beautiful curly hair. It seriously looks like I curl her hair every day. They are beautiful ringlets. I have say I am a bit jealous. Kyrah did so well getting her hair cut! I was so proud of her. It's hard for a little 3 year-old to stay still, but she did so well. (Considering she was worried that cutting her hair would "hurt.") She cried about it the night before until I explained to her that cutting your hair is not like cutting your hand or something. It doesn't hurt. She was ok after that. Kids are so simple and pure, I love that.

Being such a mom, I had to take pictures. So I did. Here is a great milestone! My baby Kyrah growing up.

From this.... to.... THIS!

She is such a big girl now! We love you Kyrah!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:52:00 +0000

Toddler Tuesday!

Last Friday, (March 2nd) was Dr. Seuss's Birthday! What an incredible man. In a world where sometimes we think life is falling apart, Dr. Seuss brings happiness, joy and simplicity to everything. My girls and I read "Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?" this morning and it was so much fun! There is just something about Dr. Seuss's books that puts a smile on your face. So Happy (be-lated) Birthday Dr. Seuss! Thank you for sharing your gift with the world! We are forever grateful.

I'm sure that if you ask anyone, they will be able to to tell you their favorite Dr. Seuss book. I actually have two favorite Dr. Seuss books. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Green Eggs and Ham."

What is your favorite Dr. Seuss Book?

Tater-Tot Casserole

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:41:00 +0000

Meal-Time Monday!

This is a dish is sooo yummy! It is taylor-made for kids! Enjoy this with all of your little "tots!" This casserole will have them begging for more! (My kids did!)

Tater-Tot Casserole
2 lbs of hamburger
1 medium onion
1/4 cup of water
2 lbs of tater tots
2 cans of cream of chicken
1 cup of grated cheese
1 cup of chopped celery
salt and pepper

Brown hamburger, celery and onion. Combine rest of ingredients then pour into a 9x13 pan. Top with tater-tots. Bake @ 350 degrees for about 45 min.

Happy eating!

Featured Today: Forever Andrea {Gift Boutique}

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:06:00 +0000

Feature Friday!

We all love our babies and toddlers to pieces. But let's face it, our little ones won't stay babies and toddlers forever. They will grow up. As much as you don't want believe it, it will happen. Some of you may already have older kids in your homes! Aren't they a joy? Built in baby-sitters right? (gotta love that!) They are able to do everything themselves and they are starting to discover who they really are.

Our little girls always get spoiled with little gifts here and there. But what about the teenagers. They deserve to get a little praise too! After all, it's hard being a teen/tween!

This is where I would like welcome FOREVER ANDREA {Gift Boutique}. owner Dawnmarie.

"Handmade crochet hats and scarves for teens and tweens, little girl jewelry, pretty bobby pins, big flower rings and other fun stuff!" ~ Dawnmarie

Each item is handmade and is very high quality material. So you will be getting the best and it will last! Show your teens and tweens that they are special and unique and deserve to be treated as the queens that they are! I know my girls would absolutely LOVE this stuff! What girl doesn't want to be hip and stylish?

Go check out Forever Andrea's FACEBOOK PAGE! She will be doing a hat giveaway soon, once she reaches 2,000 fans! So don't miss out on this great opportunity! Go check out this shop! You won't regret it!

Rare Disease Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 21:54:00 +0000

Wing-it Wednesday!

Today is a very special day. As you can see from the title of my post, today is Rare Disease Day! It is a day where we recognize and focus on those men, women and children with diseases or health issues that the world has no idea about.

This day is near and dear to my heart. It is honestly hard--especially when little children who get teased or made fun of because no one really understands what's wrong. But we are going to fix that because today is National Rare Disease Day, and we are going to make people aware of those health issues that are unknown to the general population.

So, I am going to get a little personal with you. I hope that's ok. I would like to share something with you about me. I also have a rare disease that most people have never heard of.

I am a vampire.

No, seriously. Let me explain.

When I was about 4 years old I went on a trip to Lake Powell with my family. Which is a huge lake that is in southern Utah. Anyway, we went camping, boating, and had lots of fun. And I was having a ball (for the first day).

I was playing in the sun and sand and my arms, hands and face started to get all tingly, and they began to burn like they were on fire. Nothing could help them cool down. Then the itching started. It wasn't like an itch you need to scratch when you get a mosquito bite. It was a deep itch, under my skin. And when I would itch it would hurt. My hands and face started to swell a little while later and I got this purple-ish rash on my hands. And the pain lasted for about 3 days before it went away.

We found out later that I have a rare metabolic disorder called Erythropoietic Protoporphyria. EPP for short. I am missing the last enzyme that helps my body break down the UV rays from the sun. The UV rays just build up and build up in my body. So if I am out in the sun for longer than about 15 minutes or so, then I start to get all of these symptoms I spoke about. The only way to get it to go away is to stay in doors until it subsides. It will usually take 24 hours to about 3 days for it to go away. EPP doesn't usually show up until you are about 3 or 4 years of age. There is no cure for this disease. But it preventable and for that, I am blessed.

I don't go out in the sun very often. If I do, I am usually all covered from head to toe. It does make it hard for me to be able to go swimming with my kids or take them to the park or even go on a long walk. But we manage. I like to joke around all the time that I am a vampire because it makes it a little less, shall I say, "weird." Because in this day in age, vampires are cool! It is actually been said, that is were vampires came from. People with severe cases of this disease who could not go out in the sunlight. There are only about 350 cases of EPP in entire world.

For the next week I will be donating 15% of my sales to The American Porphyria Foundation in honor of Rare Disease Day, so that the research can continue and we can hopefully one day find a cure for this rare disease.

Today, please honor all of those wonderful people in your lives that have to live with these things. It's hard enough as it is to live with it, day to day. Let them know you care by supporting Rare Disease Day!

Please share your stories and let me know if you or loved has a rare disease! I would love to support them in any way that I can!

I love this one! My hubby says I look like a ninja. :)

In my nice wide brimmed hat and long sleeves and gloves. I am also wearing long pants and tennis shoes.

I thought I would never do this, but I actually ran a half marathon last September. In my sleeves, gloves and scarf to cover my whole face. Whoohoo! :)

Happy National Rare Disease Day!

Got Tips?

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 22:13:00 +0000

Hi gals! I just had to hop on and write a little something today, even though technically I don't post until tomorrow. But that's ok right? As a mom we have to learn to be flexible.

Well, here I am sitting on my bed with my lap top and it is almost 3pm (and yes, I am still in my pj's). My girls are supposed to be napping, but I can hear them talking and banging things around in their room right now. I honestly wish they would just sleep, because when they don't sleep, guess who gets to enjoy THAT? Oooo! Oooo! ME! Yup--super fun.

So today has been one of those "off" days, where I should be motivated, but I'm not. I have a nice list of about 4 or 5 things that I need to get done today, and that's so bad, but I still don't want to do them. So, I have come on here to get some tips on how to stay motivated? Anyone?

How do you do it? Even on your "off" days, how do find the strength to keep going? Or even, how to not feel guilty about having a non-productive day? I've noticed that as moms we really like to be perfect moms and wives. We want to keep the house clean, have the kids fed, have dinner cooked. It can get exhausting. And for those of you moms you are businesses owners--add that to growing mountain of stuff and phew! Where do we start?

(photo courtesy of blogs.babble.com)

Comment and let me know what you do to keep yourself sane. I could use it right now. And if there are some really good ideas I will be sure to post them on the blog as a Top 10! Thanks bunches! See you tomorrow on "Wing-it" Wednesday!