Free downloadable calendar

I found this super cute calendar that you can download for free! So cute just follow this link for details on how to get it. I was thinking this would be a cute calendar for my activity girls to keep in their binders!

We absolutely need this at our house...

This article was super helpful for me. I figured I'd share in case any of you have similar issues at your houses. :) Kids... gotta love 'em. Defiance: Why it happens and what to do about it by Karen Miles Reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board Last updated: April 2007

Why preschoolers defy their parents

Your preschooler refuses to leave his friend's house, ignores your request to put away his toys, and pushes his trucks down the stairs despite your repeated instructions not to. Why is he being so defiant?

Less dependent on you than he was as a toddler, your preschooler now has a stronger and more secure identity. He may even be developing a bit of a rebellious streak. "Defiance is how a preschooler asserts himself," says Susanne Ayers Denham, a professor of psychology at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

What you can do about defiance

Be understanding. When you ask your preschooler to come in for lunch and he yells, "Not now!" and then cries when you make him come in anyway, try to put yourself in his shoes. Give him a hug and tell him you know it's tough to leave his friends, but lunch is ready.

The idea is to show him that instead of being part of the problem, you're actually on his side. Try not to get angry (even if the neighbors are checking out the show your child's putting on). Be kind but firm about making him come in when he must.

Set limits. Preschoolers need — and even want — limits, so set them and make sure your child knows what they are. Spell it out for him: "We don't hit. If you're angry, use your words to tell Adam you want the toy back" or "Remember, you always have to hold my hand in the parking lot."

If your youngster has problems abiding by the rules (as every preschooler does), work on solutions. If he hits his little sister because he's feeling left out, for instance, let him help you feed or bathe the baby, then find a way for him to have his own special time with you. If he gets out of bed because he's afraid of the dark, give him a flashlight to keep on his nightstand.

Reinforce good behavior. Rather than paying attention to your preschooler only when he's misbehaving, try to catch him acting appropriately. A simple "Thanks for hanging up your coat!" or "It's so helpful when you share with your baby sister!" will go a long way toward encouraging your preschooler to do more of the same.

And although you may be sorely tempted to give your child a verbal lashing when he engages in less-than-desirable antics, hold your tongue. "When a child behaves badly, he already feels terrible," says Jane Nelsen, author of the Positive Discipline series of books. "Where did we ever get the idea that in order to make children do better, we first have to make them feel worse?" In fact, doing so may only produce more negative behavior.

Remember, too, that disciplining your preschooler doesn't mean controlling him — it means teaching him to control himself. Punishment might get him to behave, but only because he's afraid not to. It's best for your child to do the right thing because he wants to — because it makes the day more fun for him or makes him feel good.

Use time-outs — positively. When your preschooler's ready to bust a gasket because he isn't getting his way, help him cool off. Rather than a punitive time-out ("Go to your room!"), take him to a comfy sofa in the den or to a favorite corner of his bedroom.

Maybe your child would even like to design a "calm-down place" himself — with a big pillow, a soft blanket, and a few favorite books. If he refuses to go, offer to go along with him and read a story.

If he still refuses, go yourself — just to chill out. You'll not only set a good example, you might get a much-needed break. Once you both feel better, that's the time to talk about appropriate behavior.

Empower your preschooler. Providing opportunities for your youngster to make his own choices allows him to strut some of his newfound autonomy in a controlled environment. Instead of demanding that he put on the jeans you've selected, for instance, let him choose between two pairs you've laid out. Ask if he'd like peas or green beans with dinner, and which of two stories at bedtime.

Another way to help your youngster feel more in control is to tell him what he can do instead of what he can't. Rather than saying, "No! Don't swing the bat in the house!" say, "Let's go outside and practice batting." If he wants an ice-cream cone before dinner, tell him he can choose between a slice of cheese or an apple.

Choose your battles. If your fashion-savvy preschooler wants to wear his green camouflage sweatshirt with his orange striped shorts, what do you care? If he wants waffles for lunch and peanut butter and jelly for breakfast, what's the harm? Sometimes it's easier to look the other way — when he splashes in a mud puddle on the way home, for example, or stuffs his puppet under his bed instead of putting it on the proper shelf.

Distract and divert. Avoid situations that might spark your preschooler's defiant streak. Why risk taking him to a fancy restaurant when you could just meet your sister for a picnic in the park? How realistic is it to expect him to behave in a clothing store or sit quietly during an hour-long community meeting?

If you find yourself in a tricky situation, use distraction to avoid a head-on collision with your child. If you're walking through the mall and spy a toy store that tends to send your kid into a frenzy, quickly steer him in a different direction or divert his attention ("Wow, Jason, look at that fountain! Want to throw in a penny and make a wish?").

Respect his age and stage. When you ask your preschooler to make his bed or sweep the porch, make sure he knows how. Take the time to teach him new tasks, and do them together until he really gets the hang of it. Sometimes what looks like defiance is simply the inability to follow through on a responsibility that's too difficult.

Finally, respect the unique world your preschooler lives in, especially the way he perceives time (or doesn't). Rather than expecting him to jump up from a game at preschool to get in the car, give him a few minutes' notice to help him switch gears. ("Aaron, we're leaving in five minutes, so please finish up.")

There's no guarantee that he'll break away from his fun without complaint — in fact, he'll probably grouse all the way home. But as long as you're patient and consistent, your youngster will eventually learn that defiance isn't the way to get what he wants.

Another Sushi Party

Ok so since you brought up the topic of sushi parties Bec I found this one a while back and have been dying to try it!

Here are a few pictures from the party, this dessert sushi looks so fun and easy-





So I think now we need to have a sushi party!!! Who's in?

Sushi Junk Food Style

I thought you all might find this fascinating... :) Now THIS sushi I could do!

{Entire how-to and article/post found at Blue Cricket Design}

*Picture credits: Blue Cricket Design

Home Buying...

I was reading in one of my many mags, Parents, and came across an article called "The New Home-Buying Rules". I figured I'd share this little section of it, if you're interested in the entire article click here. Whether your a ways away from buying, or looking now, I think this little "worksheet" is a good way for you to get an idea of things.

"
Figure out what you can afford.
As alluring as home ownership may be, you need to be on solid financial footing first. Don't begin your search until: 1) You have enough stable income to handle the expected monthly mortgage payments; and 2) You have ample cash on hand to cover the down payment and closing costs. Use this family-specific worksheet to see whether you're there.

Mortgage Math
A. Enter your monthly gross (pretax) household income ___________________

B. Multiply line A by .36 (mortgage lenders generally want your total debt payments to stay below 36 percent of your gross income) ______________________

C. Add up your monthly debt payments (student loans, car payments, credit cars, etc) _______________

D. Calculate how much you spend on child care or preschool/school each month _______________

E. Calculate how much you contribute to a college savings account per month ________________

F. Add up the totals from line C, D, and E ________________

G. Subtract line F from line B _________________

H. Multiply line A by .28 (mortgage lenders generally won't approve a principal and interest payment larger than 28 percent of your monthly income) ________________________

I. Write the smaller of line G or H here ________________

Buying Budget
J. Divide the number you came up with on line I (above) by 5.44 (the average monthly interest cost for every $1,000 you borrow, based on a 30 year fixed-rate mortgage at 5.125 percent, the typical rate at press time) _________________________

K. Multiply that figure by 1,000 _______________

Now, on line I is the largest monthly mortgage payment you can comfortably afford. Note: Lenders don't include child care, school, or college-savings expenses, but families should factor them in)

On line K is the most money you can afford to borrow.
"

Patriotic treats

This fourth I found so many fun ideas for treats to take to all the parties we were invited to. I went a little over board but I want to remember them for next year! I found almost all my ideas at Be Different Act Normal
For a BBQ at my sisters I took these cute sparkler strawberries-

They were super easy I just washed the strawberries dried them, then dipped them into the white candy coating. I would then scrape off the excess coating- (but only on the bottom I found that if I didn't do this that when I went to dip it into the sprinkles the coating would bunch and look funny) before dipping them into the blue sprinkles half way up. They set really quickly and don't put them back in the fridge this will be something to do a few hours before a party. And they tasted so yummy, all the guys at the party loved them!

Smores on a stick


I saw this idea and just had to try it out I dipped the marshmallows in melted chocolate chips then rolled it in chopped nuts. I used scewers but lollipop sticks would work too, and next time I might make a cute little flag to hang from them. I put them in cupcake liners to set. The actual recipe called to roll them in crushed gram crackers and nuts together. Either way these are soooo yummy. I was actually surprised at how heavenly they were!

Watermellon and Berry fruit salad

This was so cute and so yummy, I just cut all the watermelon with star shaped cookie cutters, and put some blueberries with it! So easy and pleasing to look at too! Just make sure you cut your watermelon in a place where you don't mind if the watermelon juice goes all over!

The next few are ones my mom did and had to post her cute ideas-
Green salad with cheese stars

Isn't this so cute! Makes the salad cute, and green salads usually are so boring! Loved it!

Patriotic Punch

My sister made lemonade, with blue raspberry punch frozen into ice cubes, with strawberries on top. This juice was so yummy, and all the flavors and colors made it even better!


Flag Cake

I loved this cake, my mom made a jello cake with blue jello topped it with whipped cream, and put strawberries and blueberries on it for the flag shape! Isn't it so cute!

Awesome Silhouette Giveaway!

The blog, Tater Tots and Jello is giving away a Silhouette Craft Cutter! It does so much! From vinyl to card making, and scrapbooking to heat transfers! And no more need to buy expensive cartridges. If you want to take a swing at winning it, head on over to http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com. Have fun crafting!

Tasty Milk

For the nursing mommies out there, I found this in one of my million magazines I get. I found it interesting!

Here's how long (on average) it takes for various flavors and substances to travel from your tummy to your milk:

Caffeine -> 15 to 60 minutes
Alcohol -> 30 to 90 minutes
Cow's milk allergens -> 1 to 2 hours
Garlic -> 2 hours
Carrots -> 2 to 3 hours
Mint flavor -> 4 to 6 hours
Bananas -> Never! The taste doesn't come through the milk

My Decorating fever

So lately I have decided that my house just isn't cute- livable and if you catch us on the right day clean. I have put off decorating since I really don't have the money to buy anything. So the other night I got fed up with my decorating and I hated my book shelf so I took everything off- but once off I had no clue as what to do next! My very wise hubby told me to google it.... oh google saves my life! So I did and found all kinds of great how-to's and different ideas.
I love the top shelf and like a couple of the other shelves, but haven't found exactly what I want for the others.
So I am still on the look out for inspiration. But while I was digging around in my stuff I got an idea for my bathroom. My counter is really long, and I don't have anything on it which at first I liked, but it started to get on my nerves and just look boring so I put together this little useful display.
I love it every time I see it! The flowers make me happy, and I finally can display this beautiful bar of soap my sister brought me from Paris, and I have a useful place for my cottonballs and bath salts. The greatest part is all the stuff is from around my house, the tray I have got from a garage sale but decided I don't like it so it was in my storage room, the vases are all ones I have in a cupboard that I never use, and the flowers I got from my sister in law for free! My house still isn't professional looking or anything, but there are a few things that I like, and now I know I don't have to spend a lot of money.
So if anyone has any ideas about decorating cheaply please share!

Congrats to Becca!

Becca had her little girl Saturday! We are so happy for her! Hope all goes well for you guys and your new little addition.

Jolie Elizabeth
Feb. 13th around 1:15pm
9lbs 8oz 21 inches