Tip #74 From Mrs. Sunny

"Enjoy the special moments that winter brings with your children!"

I thought I would show a few pictures of what we've been up to this winter season already.

On the weekends my kids get pretty restless without my daycare kids around. Kristofer always asks, "My friends coming over today?" I have to say, "No, not on the weekend. We'll see them in a couple days on Monday!"

It takes some effort to keep them occupied and not fighting, but here are a few things we've been doing to keep busy!



Christmas cookies! I will always remember making Christmas cookies with my mom. I do have to admit I'm not a fan of how they taste, but the kids love them! We practiced "giving" this season by picking out cookies to give to their Uncle and his roommates!

We have also put up our Christmas tree and Nativity Scene. I love how Kristofer is at the perfect age for remembering traditions and understanding the meaning of Christmas. He was pretty hyped up about Santa and gifts and then I reminded him that it has to be Jesus' birthday party first. So he's excited about making a cake for Jesus!



Today was perfect for making our first snowman! We've been outside the past few weeks and Kristofer would get snow in his gloves and say, "It doesn't make a snowball!" Finally today it got warm enough to melt and here is our Mr. Snowman. I did most of the work as Kristofer was eating the snow, but he had fun putting the arms and face on him. And being pregnant I probably shouldn't have lifted that middle on the snowman, but Sunny was working and we had to get him done!

The kids love it outside and it brings back so many memories growing up on the farm in the winter. We would walk down the ditches to our creek and sled down the fields for hours. My parents sure trusted us!



And I end with a craft I found on another blog (I think "steadymom" - sorry about that and I don't know how to turn pictures...)

The kids enjoyed getting their foot tickled with white paint and gluing on all the pieces. I usually like crafts more hands-on for the kids, this was definitely a craft more for me since I had to do the cutting, but they were so cute I just had to. I'm planning on putting them in a frame and either giving them as a present or hanging them up in our house!

Merry Christmas to all and keep enjoying those memorable moments with your kids!

Tip #73 From Mrs. Sunny

My tip of the day is.... "Don't take advise from Mrs. Sunny on laundry!"



I don't have a good method of washing clothes. I'm not a "sorter" of colors that's for sure. I have one basket in the hallway where all clothes and towels go and in the laundry room there's 2 piles: 1 for towels and 1 for all other clothes. It just takes too much time sorting and I've had no problems with clothes running, so I don't sort. Not even the whites. Why do I need white socks in my shoes?

My ideas on laundry is of no fault to my mother who is very particular about sorting, washing, folding and putting away clothes nicely I must add!

I don't mind washing clothes, though, it's the folding of the clothes that never seems to get done fast enough. Right now there are about 3 baskets of clothes in our room and one in the dryer...not going to be a fun day tomorrow because that is my only goal to tackle (other than wipe noses, change diapers, feed mouths and play with kids all day!)

I don't have a good way of "folding" clothes either, mainly because I don't really fold. I dump all the clothes in a pile and make a pile for bathroom towels (those of which I fold and put in the linen closet...I do have a small basket for hand towels that I don't fold, though), kitchen towels (I just put in the drawer without folding), Kathryne's clothes, Kristofer's clothes (both of which I don't fold, I just put into the right drawers...on any given day Kristofer throws everything out of his drawers trying to find what to wear...no point in wasting my time!) my clothes (really don't fold, just put in the right drawers) and Josh's (which I do fold and hang up his nice shirts).

I sound really lazy about laundry and frankly I am. I can't stand folding clothes! In fact, when my mom comes over, if there's any spare moment she grabs a basket and folds for me. I tell her there's no need to fold the kids' clothes but she insists. I have taught Kristofer how to fold my hand towels in the small basket in our linen closet. I do think it's important to show your children how to do things the right way...slowly the kids can take over the folding when they learn how to keep their clothes in their dresser nicely! :)

I will take any advise on how to motivate myself to fold the clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer...I don't know if there's any advise other than just do it! I just don't like doing it and apparently Sunny doesn't like doing it, either! :)

Tip #72 From Mrs. Sunny

"Think about keeping the little kids home when buying gifts for family and friends
this holiday season"

We had a great presentation at church yesterday on the Sermon on the Mount. The speaker added his own 3 Beatitudes that we tend to focus more on in this media-filled world than the original Beatitudes.

The Beatitude for children that they hear everyday in the media is: "Blessed are those who buy things!"

I couldn't agree more that the media is bombarding our children...even our 2 and 3 year old children! Kristofer gets to watch one 1/2 hour cartoon in the afternoon before nap and maybe one 1/2 cartoon in the evening if I'm pulling my hair out waiting for Sunny to get home. I love how Nick Jr. is commercial-free, if there's a show on another station that Kristofer wants to watch, I make sure I turn it on just as the show is starting because they are just filled with commercials wanting to sell TOYS to kids!

So back to my tip: "Think about keeping the little kids home when buying gifts for family and friends this holiday season"

This evening I needed to buy yellow envelopes at the stored and thought I would get ahead on a few gifts for Kristofer's friends. Before I went in I explained how during Christmas we GIVE gifts to those we love like baby Jesus was given gifts when he was born. He said, "And a present for Kristofer and Kathryne?" I explained "No, just for your friends".

All went well until he saw a toy he wanted and it all went downhill. Kristofer is not ready to understand buying presents for his friends without thinking he needs something himself, so I am opting to keep him home this season and shop on my own.

I only bought my envelopes and Kristofer cried for his toy all the way through the store and in the line...another lesson to be learned!

As Kristofer gets older he'll understand, but it's not worth the "Gimme Gimme" struggles and it's not helping to teach him the lesson of giving. Maybe he can make gifts at home to add to the presents!

Just think about it.

Tip #71 From Mrs. Sunny

"Make a list of things that need to get done!"

This may seem like an obvious thing to do...but I learned how important it was to keep a list in college from one of my professors. If I don't write it down, it probably won't it done.

I can often be a procrastinator on things such as...window washing, cleaning the fridge, dusting the piano, vacuuming, going through the pile of bills on the counter, folding the clothes (I can't stand doing this and clothes will sit in the basket for days or all week)...you name it, I'll procrastinate as long as possible. There's always something better to do.

But lately I've been going back to my scribbled list of "Things To Do" and amazingly I'm accomplishing more. Just seeing what needs to be done helps. Every day I try and check just ONE thing off the list and by the end of the week it's all done! I must just like the feeling of checking things off and throwing the list away when it's all done!

Just remember your house will never be perfect...especially with kids...but this may help you keep your sanity and feel a little more on top of things around the house! I know it helps me!

Tip #70 From Mrs. Sunny

"Follow the ... 'Better late than never' policy"

So I finally got to the store and bought my 17 month old a toothbrush - gasp! I know, she has had those back teeth for months! I just kept forgetting! After an episode this past week I had to get Kristofer a new toothbrush and alas, I got Kathryne one as well. They were actually fighting over the double pack of toothbrushes all the way through the store - screaming and tears. I guess there are worse things to be fighting over like candy or a toy. :)

Here is why Kristofer needed a new toothbrush. As always, with 6 kids in the house during the day, grabbing 30 seconds to myself on the Ol' John is a rarity and when I do, it's like they know I'm not watching and someone always gets hurt or in trouble. But this past week it was quiet - I was enjoying my time until I come to the kitchen and Kristofer, Kathryne and Lucy (whom I watch) all have their hands in the peanut butter jar. This has been a classic for Kristofer the past 2 years and he finally drug the two little girls into it!

It was cute, though. I sent Kristofer to go wash his hands in the bathroom and he was taking forever! There was so much peanut butter on his fingers that it was stuck to the sink and he was trying to wash it off with his toothbrush...that toothbrush needless to say got thrown away! So we got new ones for the whole family!

Always remember it's better late than never!

Tip #69 From Mrs. Sunny

Continuing a previous post..."Make a prayer table at home!"

I finally finished our table by finding an old piano bench at St. Vinny's here in town. I put it in the corner by the kids' rooms. I love how the top opens, so I can store things inside for different seasons if I wish as well.

I found the picture of "laughing Jesus" a few weeks ago and I love it. What a great way to see Jesus every morning when the kids get out of bed! You can add anything to the table that you want that corresponds to your religion or beliefs.



I recently read a little about children and their relationship with God. They're born with this love for God and they just need their parent's help to bring out this relationship in their daily lives. One way to do this is by setting up a prayer table for them to express their thoughts and feelings about God. It's like giving them the tools to grow closer to God on their own.

Hope this is an inspiration for you all! It's amazing watching my kids "play" at the table. I teach them it's sacred and they know to keep everything at the table...a great lesson!

Tip #68 From Mrs. Sunny

"Always remember you're better at the 'parenting thing' than you think!"

So the Sundstrom family was at Olive Garden a few nights ago, because when Mrs. Sunny is pregnant, we go out-t0-eat a lot more often (And no one complains either!)

From our standpoint it was a lot of work keeping the kids occupied and polite...Kathryne had to keep eating ice cubes and when she didn't have one we heard, and Kristofer needed constant reminders to sit on his butt and almost tipped his chair backwards.

As the couple next to us were leaving, they stopped and said, "We wanted to commend you on how well your two boys (yes, they thought my hairless daughter in a pink shirt was a boy...) are behaving and eating their meals!"

Wow, we thought. That was nice of them to say. Although as parents we all know it takes a lot of work keeping kids under control at a restaurant, know that you're better at the parenting thing than you think!
___________________________________________________

I wanted to add the recent craft my kids made for Halloween. We made hand print trees and pumpkin sponge prints...Kristofer loved this and added his own leaves with markers.




I must say that I am not an organized mother when it comes to things like this, and I know I'm not going to be the most organized homeschool mother either. That's not to say they aren't going to learn! I'm more of a spur-of-the-moment type of parent and teacher. I was standing in the kitchen, found a sponge and came up with the craft. Just know that what ever type of parent you are, you are doing an amazing job!

Tip #67 From Mrs. Sunny

"Make homemade fruit smoothies!"

So I'm not finding out what this baby is, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's a boy. I am having a hard time eating fruits and veggies which is how I was with Kristofer. I would rather have salty chips or pizza, honestly. But I decided I needed to start doing something about eating those fruits and veggies. I remembered eating a lot of smoothies with Kristofer, so I'm starting it again!

All I put in the blender is the following:

Frozen apples (Every summer I cut and freeze apples for the year from my brother's apple tree and trees my dad finds around the country-side...this is a great filler for me because the apples didn't cost me a thing!)

Frozen berries including strawberries, raspberries and blueberries (I buy these all in frozen bulk at the store...these can be pricey but Sam's is a great place to buy them!)

Then I add a little juice for the sweetness without adding sugar and water until it's the right consistency

No need to add ice cubes if you're using frozen fruits! You obviously can add any fruit you want and it's a great way to use up fruit before it goes bad and I know adding yogurt is great in them as well!

***Enjoy those frozen fruit smoothies - they're oh-s0-good for you! It's the only way I can choke down those fruits these days!***

Tip #66 From Mrs. Sunny

"Cherish the younger years of your children!"

Wow, have my kids grown up fast! I realized I never posted about Kathryne or Kristofer's birthdays. Kathryne turned 1 in May and Kristofer just turned 3 in September!


Kathryne didn't like her cake. I think she was teething and not feeling very at her party, though. So much for cute messy birthday cake pictures!




Kristofer loved his Hawkeye Train cake that I made him and wore his Hawkeye outfit for days...




He couldn't even take off the helmet for nap time...adorable...



I hope to have time to post more about my two beautiful kids, but for now here are some adorable pictures we just took this weekend for Kristofer's 3 year-old pictures!

Tip #65 From Mrs. Sunny - Sunny's Sunday Select

"Eat ice-cream and chocolate cake for supper"

The past few days I have finally felt the agony of "morning sickness" or "all day sickness". I never had this with either of the other kids, so Sunny is not used to me complaining during a pregnancy. But I feel sick and hungry at the same time, which makes it hard to find something that sounds edible to me. I'll be halfway through a hamburger when it's just not appetizing anymore.

What I've eaten today...eggs, hash browns, toast, cereal, fruit bar, egg rolls, corn, chicken noodle soup, and I opted for ice-cream and a chocolate cake that Sunny brought home after work today for supper (bless his soul!) The picture doesn't do it justice, it was amazing.




Needless to say, you can see my house is seeing the brunt of how I feel:

This too shall pass...

Tip #64 From Mrs. Sunny

"As parents, sometimes our kids need a little nudge..."

Remember my blog a while back saying I was trying to get Kathryne in her own room. I caved. I was not getting any sleep. For one, she just knew I wasn't in the same room and secondly, she kept rolling into the side of the crib and waking up!

So she's back in the pack n' play in our room, which I honestly don't mind. Normally she would sleep well until 5:30, then she would sleep in our bed until about 7:00. But this past week, she has been waking up every time that darn pacifier fell out of her mouth! I know, I know, my goal was to get rid of it at the age of one...she seemed too young then and I wanted my sleep.

Kristofer never really used one, and I always wished he had, because he screamed all the time in the car. But it was nice not having to take it away. When Kathryne turned one I only gave it to her when she was sleeping or in the jeep.

But now she's not sleeping well anymore and I think the pacifier is starting to hold her back. From 1:30-3:00 last night she woke up 3 times because it fell out of her mouth and I had had it. I took it away and she wasn't very happy. She calmed down as soon as we went downstairs because she doesn't associate downstairs with going to sleep. She let me hold her and ended up falling asleep at 5:00 watching Little House on the Prairie with me. So it took 2 hours and a few tears, but I had to do it sometime.

And she just barreled out of bed now at 8:30 happy as a pea. I confess when Kristofer woke up at 6:30, I put in a movie and went back to bed. Being pregnant and missing 2 hours of sleep just doesn't mix well.

We'll see how the nap and this evening goes with no pacifier...wish me luck and few prayers!

Tip #63 From Mrs. Sunny - Monday Madness

"Monday always comes around again..."

It's Monday morning again and I realize I haven't posted anything in like a month. I almost stopped posting, but I was missing our time together. Really.

I must say I have a perfectly justifiable reason for not posting in such a long period of time...I was tired. More tired than normal because I am 9 weeks pregnant with our 3rd Sundstrom Baby! Double - take...yes my due date is May 3rd. A little early to be telling people, but Sunny gets really excited and starts telling friends early. I am very happy that he is excited, because we are! Children are such blessings!

I don't want to know if it's a girl or boy this time. I already have one of each, but Sunny doesn't think I can wait. I can wait Sunny. We have joked that if it's twins we'll probably find out...we're joking only because I can' stop eating and Sunny had a nightmare about me having twins. Yes, he called it a nightmare, he couldn't sleep. Then I told him that ever since I was little I've wanted twins, so maybe it's fate. We will update you in a few weeks on that.

So that's the reason for my absence! I'll try and get back on board here as new Baby Sundstrom continues to grow strong!

Tip # 62 From Mrs. Sunny

"Make a prayer table in your home"

This is something I have been wanting to do for a long time. I just need to find the right table to fit in a small space. I don't have pictures of my own, yet, it's a work in progress. I was searching online and found great ideas at:

http://familyatthefootofthecross.blogspot.com/search/label/Home%20Altar%2FPrayer%20Table


No matter your religion, a prayer table is a wonderful way to remember your faith throughout the day and is a wonderful visual for not only you but your kids.

Tip #61 From Mrs. Sunny - Sunday Thoughts

"Let your children be care-free children"

Sunny has started the vigorous P90X fitness series, so I have been preparing food by a set meal plan for him. Nothing too exciting, and he hasn't complained a bit. I'm proud of his persistence! There's just nothing to post for Sunny's Sunday Select!

So it's "Sunday's Thoughts" today, because it's always a day I'm able to think about the coming week and life in general much more easily. Sunday is relaxing and less chaotic than the upcoming week.

I plan on homeschooling and I have been doing a lot of reading on when to start. I have concluded that I won't start anything formal until Kristofer turns 5. It's easy to get ahead of myself when you hear about all the 3 and 4 year old preschool programs out there. I just want Kristofer to be carefree and live these childhood days to the fullest. Of course, I am teaching him along the way, but nothing formal.

Check out the link below...great perspectives on waiting to formally teach your children:

http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/early.htm#readiness

Enjoy your carefree Sunday with the kids!

Tip #60 From Mrs. Sunny - Family Fun Saturday

"Make different shapes out of sandwiches with cookie cutters!"

Yesterday I just didn't post because I was lazy, so today is Family Fun Saturday. Which is perfect because today the Hawks are playing and Kristofer is snugged in with Sunny on the couch. To top off the moment I decided to make football sandwiches for his lunch while watching the game and he loved it! He ate the sandwiches faster than he ever ate his regular sandwiches.

You could do this for birthdays, or any special day with different cookie cutters!This will be on the menu again soon!

And for Savings Saturday...

Tip # 61: "Save time by washing the shower while taking a shower!"

My dorm building cleaning lady actually gave me this tip when I was in college. She was the cleaning lady who blared the country music while cleaning our bathrooms and we always had interesting conversations. Today I cleaned the shower while I was already in there and it saved me a lot of time and energy! Try it!

Tip #59 From Mrs. Sunny -Thankful Thursday

"Be thankful for all the little things your hubby does for you - and tell him!"

Sunny and I have been married 4 years and it seems every couple goes through the battle of who does what and when, when it comes to house work, lawn work, children etc.

Here's a list of things I'm thankful for Sunny doing:

*Fixing things around the house (refrigerator hoses, clogged drains, caulking, changing light bulbs)
*Changing the laundry over before going to bed
*Mowing the lawn after long work hours
*Spending quality time with the kids after work and on days off - they love their daddy
*Surprising me by making a special meal for supper
* And most of all, for putting up with me!

The list could go on, I love you Honey, and thank you for all you do! You're a wonderful person!

Tip #58 From Mrs. Sunny - World View Wednesday

Think about the following quote by Albert Einstein:

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as
though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though
everything is a miracle. "

Wednesday nights I teach religious education and tonight was our first meeting where we always have a spiritual and inspirational speaker to help kick-off the year.

The speaker reminded me to see the "sacramental" experiences (grace-filled encounters with Christ) in my everyday living and Einstein's quote encompasses the evening. It's easy to go through life not recognizing Christ's presence while cooking, cleaning, caring, etc.

Here are a few sacramental experiences of my own:

*When I gave birth to both my children - what an encounter with the miracle of life!
*At the end of the day when both kids are safely in bed sleeping and my heart is thankful
* Any moment Sunny and I have to ourselves to nourish our loving marriage
*Any encounter with nature is absolutely an encounter with Christ

Tomorrow, try and view everything in life as a "miracle". The fact that you are here on earth is a miracle of God. The all-knowing and all-loving God should be raised up, named and praised!

Tip #57 From Mrs. Sunny - Teaching Tuesday

"Look into the Montessori method of teaching for different teaching ideas for your preschooler!"

A friend of mine is a Montessori teacher, so this method of teaching always inspires me. Above Kristofer is doing his "work", practicing sweeping. I love how each activity has certain steps and there's a place for everything. First he dumped the rocks, then swept them between the taped lines, then swept them in the dust pan. Then he repeats the process as often as he wants!

Not only is this everyday living, but great fine-motor skills. He loved it. Children love repetition and that's how they learn. This will definitely be pulled out again soon I'm sure.

Check out my blog roll, I have a few Montessori blogs you can check out.

Tip #56 From Mrs. Sunny - Monday Madness

"Find free grocery checklists online to help ease your shopping!"

I went grocery shopping today with both kids while Sunny worked this evening, and I always scribble my list for Aldi's on one scrap paper and Hy-Vee's on another. This evening I decided to try and be a little more organized in the future by having a printable checklist of groceries next time I go grocery shopping.

I quickly found one at... http://www.workingmom.com/grocerylist.htm - it looked like a great list.

While searching for a checklist online, I read that the longer you stay in the store wandering the more you're going to spend. Which, obviously makes sense. A lot of times I'm standing there looking at my scribbled mess making sure I've got everything and having to go back down a different aisle for things I've missed and then happen to pick up a few extra items along the way. If I had an organized list, I could easily check things off and be on my way a lot quicker!

I'll let you know how my checklist goes in 2 weeks! Happy grocery shopping!

Tip #55 From Mrs. Sunny

Sunny's Sunday Select..."Make Ham and Fried Egg Grilled Cheese Sandwiches"

Saturday night I drove to my sister's house with the kids while Sunny worked that evening and today. We actually had McDonald's as a treat from Grandma this evening, so I had to whip something up quick for Sunny. When Sunny's hungry, I need something quick and easy...

Last month I found a recipe for BLT's with a fried egg on top...delicious! So with sliced ham in the fridge, I thought I would make a Ham and Fried Egg Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Sunny thought it was yummy and that's all I need to hear! He ate it so fast I didn't catch a picture. This may be on the menu for daycare tomorrow!

Sorry about "Saturday Savings" - I was at my sister's and Kristofer was starting to get a fever which he still has this evening :(

Have a great evening!

Tip #54 From Mrs. Sunny - Family Fun Friday

"Have fun with your family by just 'hanging out' "

With Fall just around the corner, it seems I've been trying to get the kids outside as much as possible before we're all stuck inside for the winter. Pool time, walks, riding bikes - we're having a blast.

I'm definitley dreading the long days inside...but I am looking forward to the time just "hanging out" together not only with the daycare kids but also with the family. More crafts, story times, and games indoors. More cozy times under blankets, building tents, and puzzles.

I really should be thinking about books to read. If you have any suggestions, please let me know! How do you enjoy "hanging out" with your family in the upcoming change of season?

Tip #53 From Mrs. Sunny - Thankful Thursday

"Be thankful for your healthy kids"

I am fortunate as a parent to have two healthy kids. Many women have a hard time getting pregnant and others have children with various illnesses. I can't relate to these women, but I did miscarry my first child at about 6 weeks before having Kristofer. This gave me a new perspective on life. Life is precious. Life is a miracle. Life is a gift from God. Cherish life.

I'm thankful that my kids haven't had more than an accidental fall down a few stairs or a fall on the cement. It's always important to be prepared for emergencies, though. I bring this up because today I took a re-certification of Infant/Child/Adult CPR today and was reminded of how important this skill is. Anything can happen whether you think you're watching closely or not. I've had my share of finger-swipes getting objects out of mouths, but nothing more than that. That I am grateful for.

So whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or just plain citizen, CPR training is a must. Locate your nearest American Red Cross today. Life is precious. Life is a miracle. Life is a gift from God. Cherish life and be prepared.

Tip #52 From Mrs. Sunny: World Vision Wednesday

"Try something new to become more self-sufficient"

I briefly watched a PBS show on country-life versus city-life in the 1950's in Iowa. Slowly, those living in the country had the same benefits of city-life and became less and less self-reliant. Many were getting their first fridge once electrical lines became available and canned foods were becoming popular as well. The 1950's doesn't seem like that long ago, it really intrigued me to learn more.

I found the following article about the Iowa Radio Homemakers during this time. Wives on the farm had a way to hear about what was happening in the world through the radio at this time:

http://www.iptv.org/iowastories/story.cfm/609/section:iowas-radio-homemakers-up-a-country-lane

__________________________________________________

Both my parents grew up with 8 brothers and sisters on a farm and they have told me many stories through the years. I specifically remember how my dad's family stored vegetables and fruit from their harvest in the basement. We just don't know how to do this anymore. Along with all the canning and butchering of chickens.

I also remember stories of how my grandmother made all their clothes. When I can get shirts for $.50 at garage sales, this just isn't cost-effective anymore, but I definitely want my children to know how to sew like my mother taught me.

I would love to live on a farm with a huge garden and chicken coup, but at this time, it's not possible for me. I have briefly read articles on some cities allowing chickens, which I think is a great idea, personally. It's such a cheep protein for families.

A lot of information, but I am trying to be a little more self-reliant every year. From my homemade laundry detergent to making my own pizza dough, every little effort saves money and decreases the amount of resources being used to make everything that we use every day.

Summer is coming to an end for growing a garden, but try growing spices indoor, make homemade cleaners, or make homemade cake for your next birthday party!

Tip #51 - Teaching Moment Tuesday

"Everyday living is full of teaching moments"

Whether you're homeschooling or not, we all know that everyday living is full of teaching moments for our children. From learning the stove is "hot" in the kitchen to learning how to take turns on the slide in the back yard, kids are constantly learning.

This past weekend, my kids not only had a blast in a pool of corn at their friend Logan's birthday party on the farm...

They also had a blast learning about farm life by watching cows and going on a hay rack ride! By the end of the party, Kathryne had learned how to "moo" like a cow and Kristofer was talking about tractors all the way home...

Moments like these keep inspiring me to continue on my journey towards home schooling my children. Maybe I'm selfish and just want to be a part of all their special moments, but I do know that there is a lot of learning to be had outside the classroom on the farm!

Tip #50 From Mrs. Sunny - Monday Madness

This is what I often feel like doing at the end of a Monday...I can always tell when my in-home daycare kidsand own two kids didn't get quite enough sleep during their busy weekend.

To keep myself going I often search the internet and different blogs for inspiration and different teaching ideas for homeschooling Kristofer in the near future. He turns 3 next month! Wow!

So drumroll please...Tip #50 From Mrs. Sunny is...

"Visit Mama Jenn for great inspiration at her blog!"

http://mama-jenn.blogspot.com/2010/08/expedition-earth-review-giveaway.html

Mama Jenn is giving away an excellent curriculum called "Expedition Earth: A Journey Through God's World" created by Confessions of a Homeschooler!

Both Mama Jenn and Confessions of a Homeschooler blogs are on my blog list -
please check them out!
____________________________________________________

Thank you all who visit my blog regularly. I can't believe I made it to 50 posts! I often put my posts on Facebook and it's great to hear when someone is peaking at them in their free-time!

The next step is the "Follow" me by clicking on the follow button and encourage me to keep going for 150 posts! I really enjoy getting my feelings and thoughts down in this blog and it's great to get feedback from my readers!

Tip # 49 From Mrs. Sunny: Make Calzones!

Sunny's Sunday Select...Homemade Calzones!!!

Last week Sunny had an urge to make homemade spaghetti sauce and we decided to use it to make some Calzones. Below is the sauce recipe and pizza dough recipe which I just put in the bread machine and take out after it has risen (before it starts cooking).

Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce
1 lg. can tomato sauce1 med. can tomato1 med. can stewed tomatoes
1/2 tbsp. oregano1/2 tbsp. basil
1 tbsp. parsley
1 tsp. garlic powder1/4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. sugar
3 cloves garlic1/4 c. oil
1 sm. can tomato paste

In a large pot brown garlic in oil. Add tomatoes, paste, sauce and puree. Add all other ingredients. Bring to boil. Then simmer for 1-4 hours. Serve over pasta of your choice.

Homemade Pizza Dough
1 C. Water
1 package yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp. yeast)
2 T. Oil
2 T. Sugar
3 1/2 C. Flour
1 tsp. salt

Heat the water until luke-warm, add to bottom of bread machine. Add the yeast, oil, sugar (which helps the yeast grow) and flour on top. Then add the salt (which inhibits the yeast from growing). Let it rise.

If doing this in a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients and add to the water and yeast slowly while stirring with a spoon a couple times. Then you will need to just use your hands for best results adding more flour if needed. Let it rise.
__________________________________________________

Okay...the dough is ready and the oven is preheated to 350 degrees... Roll out a ball of dough into a circle, add toppings (hamburger, cubed ham, pepperoni, olives, cheeses, peppers, etc.) and then fold over and press the edges. Butter the top and add Parmesan cheese and poke a few holes with a fork.


Sunny and the kids putting their toppings on! They had a blast!



Cook about 20 minutes until brown and dough is done. They are steaming. We had to put the kids' in the freezer before serving.


Kristofer gives a thumbs-up!

Tip #47: Savings Saturday

I can't say it enough..."Go to garage sales before summer is over!"

I would have to say that this is my addiction. But it's not unhealthy and it saves me lots of money as long as I limit myself, so I'm okay with it.

Yesterday I found the Holy Grail of the small Legos for...$3.00!!



If you know how expensive Legos are, there are at least 20 sets of Legos in this huge bin, which could easily have cost $100 brand new at only $5 per set. I know they are more expensive than that, though.

Hours of fun in the upcoming years for my kids! You would be amazed at what you could find! Happy shopping!

Tip #46: Family Fun Friday

"Jump on the bed with your kids and spin in circles until you're dizzy!"

You will be amazed at how fun this is! You'll never wonder again why they think it's soo fun to jump on their bed. As long as all the little kids are out of the room, I let Kristofer jump on his bed. You may be amazed at that, but once they fall off once, they usually figure it out. We had a blast!

And spinning in a circle is just as fun. I have mentioned before how the Tea Cups at Adventureland is my least favorite ride, and if I would spin in a circle long enough, I think I would feel sick. But to fall to the ground and watch the world go 'round and 'round is absolutely fun!

My kids were just laughing hysterically and thought I had gone crazy. Kristofer had a blast jumping with me and Kathryne was spinning in circles all while listening to music. Great times with the kids and family...that's all I need in life.

Try it tonight!

Tip #45 From Mrs. Sunny - Thankful Thursday

"Very obvious, but... "Be thankful to be alive!"

Life can get pretty hectic: Typical day of a typical family

Fall asleep. Tend to Kathryne with a cold. Decide to stay up and see if she stays asleep. Read a book. Tend to child with a cold. Bring her in bed to get her asleep (a big no-no when trying to keep her in her crib, but she has a cold) Bring her back to the crib and fall asleep. Kristofer wakes at 6 a.m. (which is great for Kristofer) wanting "pancakes". Don't have pancakes - we eat cereal. He plays outside. Kathryne wakes at 7:30! Yay! She eats on the deck. Say hi to the neighbor and daycare kids start arriving!

This all happens in between cleaning the kitchen. I can't stand doing that in the evening, I'm a morning person. So I sweep, unload and load the dishes, and switch laundry before the other kids arrive.

Then we play outside in the sand, in the pool, have snack, play outside again, eat lunch, read books, take a nap, play more, dance to music and kids are heading home!

Then all-of-a-sudden I think, "What's for supper?" I'm good at making a list of meals I want to make when getting groceries, but I don't write down what day I will make each meal. (Maybe I should work on that...maybe next week)

Sunny gets home late so I end up eating with the starving kids and warming it up for Sunny when he gets home.

We hang out for an hour, kids go to bed and we start all over again!

Does anyone else seem to have monotonous days? Sunny and I have gone to two movies in the last month which is really impressive for us. Sunny had seen a couple movies with my brother but it had been 2 years for me! And soon our bowling league will be starting so we will get out once a week. It's really important to get away.

And always remember that no matter how hectic life gets. How tired and snappy you may get with the kids at times (and your hubby), that it's important to be thankful to be alive and do better the next day!

Tip #44: World Vision Wednesday

"Save money with energy efficient refrigerators"

Like I have mentioned before, you never know when you'll need a little extra money. Last week our fridge upstairs stopped running and it was only 8 years old! When we were at Lowe's picking out a new one I asked what the average life of a fridge was and the sales guy said 10 years - that blew me away!

After paying for it and picking the delivery day I second-guessed myself and thought maybe we should have looked for a used fridge and then this week we got our Alliant Energy newsletter which said that if you have a fridge:

From the 1970's - costs an extra $246/year to run

From the 1980's - costs an extra $190/ year to run

From the early 1990's - costs an extra $143/year to run

...so I decided I might as well get a new fridge and be happy knowing I'm saving money each year! And if you have an old running refrigerator, freezer or window air conditioner Alliant will pay you to pick up and recycle it for you!

Tip #43 - Teaching Moment Tuesday

"Basic 'play' is essential to the development of children"

I had to put this picture of Kathryne and her saggy cloth diaper. It makes me smile. As you can see our sandbox is full water after a hard rain, but that doesn't phase my kids. There's no greater sensory than water and sand! Needless to say, they were hosed off after this!

As Kristofer gets closer to preschool age I'm starting to make "teaching" materials for him, but the one thing he and Kathryne really need at this age is to PLAY! I love seeing Kristofer and his daycare friend run around outside pretending to be "puppies" or any other pretend playing that they come up with on their own. They're learning and they don't even know it!

Enjoy the last of summer and get those kids out and playing at the park or running around with some friends!

Tip #42: Monday Madness

"Try a little spring cleaning in the summer!"

I visited with a friend last week and she was telling me how she had gone on this cleaning craze and I think I caught it. Now if you looked at my house you wouldn't know it. But since that visit I have cleaned the garage, gone through my storage bins (and now have two empty bins after getting rid of things we weren't using) , washed my cupboards, and cleared the pile on our kitchen table.

I read somewhere that clearing clutter can relieve stress in your life and I really think it's true. Our house is well-lived in from day-to-day (envision 6 children running or crawling through my house during the week!) and may seem like a mess, but I try to have a place for everything when I do pick up the house. Sunny makes fun of my "baskets" or containers for things. Apparently he wouldn't mind a pile of shoes on the floor instead...I love you!

I admit I don't have an organized way of cleaning the house. If I have time, I try to check something off my list. Sunny can attest, that all of a sudden I just start picking up a room or vacuuming (which is always way over-due).

I do feel I am good at getting rid of things I'm not using, though - and I live by the phrase "waste not - want not". Now this may amaze you, it sure amazed Sunny, but I saved a casserole dish from our wedding that I had two of and couldn't return one and I just used it as a wedding gift this weekend. I added some things to it, but it was brand new and never opened!

If I don't know someone who could use what I don't need, I donate it. Sunny and I have been married 4 years and I think I could have had at least 2 garage sales by now. I just can't stand having the stuff hang around long enough for it to pile up for a garage sale!

Isn't it amazing how much "stuff" we fill our lives with when we can't take any of it with us after this life?

Tip #41 - Sunny's Sunday Select

"Always take advantage of any meal you don't have to cook!"

From church gatherings to graduation parties...isn't it nice when you don't have to cook a nice meal for the family? :)

Today we had an extended family reunion at my parent's house where my dad rented a huge grill and we enjoyed steaks, brats, hot dogs, sweet corn, potatoes and toasted bread off the grill. Yummy!

All the grand kids and adults had a blast. My parents built their house 5 years ago and added a pond down the hill. The kids flew kites, swung on a tire swing, played in the mud, ran around the pond watching frogs jump in, ate lots of cookies, played baseball, and just hung out!

I cherish the moments we spend together as a family - there's nothing better than spending the day outside together and eating great food!

Tip # 40 - Savings Saturday

"Make a set amount to spend on groceries each month"

Before I had a full daycare I was able to spend $200 a month on groceries (food only, including Sunny's sack lunch) with two kids. I shop once every two weeks when Sunny gets paid.

Lately, with a full daycare, it has been $300 a month or $150 every two weeks.

How do I do this? (10 extra tips!)

1. I know I would not be able to achieve this without shopping at Aldi's. There are items that Aldi's doesn't carry, which I get at Hy-Vee since it's right across the street.

2. Sunny helps me watch for savings days at Hy-Vee, which are pretty good for those items that you can't get at Aldi's and sometimes everyday items end up being cheaper there. I used to go to Wal-Mart after Aldi's, but it's not as close and locally owned.

3. At one time I had a list of items and the current prices at both stores - this is something that I got lazy on and it really helps. Sometimes I have bought something at Aldi's not realizing that Hy-Vee had a sale on the same item for cheaper. Bummer!

4. I buy the basics for snacks - crackers, yogurt, cheese, fruit, cereal, peanut butter, bread - nothing special, but healthy and the kids love it!

5. I make a list and stick to it! I'm not one to stock up on items - in the long run for me, I end up spending more than I wanted.

6. Before making my list, I look at what items I have in my cabinets, fridge and freezer.

7. I make a list of meals for the following two weeks and make a list of groceries excluding any items I already have for those meals.

8. And like I'm sure you've all heard before - don't go grocery shopping with a hungry belly and always feed your kids beforehand or bring a snack! Otherwise those brownies and candy bars are going to end up in your cart! :)

9. Meat is what can really raise that bill - buy on sale, or make more casseroles! I also buy whole chickens, bake them and I usually can make 3 meals out of one chicken.

10. Last one for the night...if something is about to go bad in your fridge and you don't foresee using it - freeze it! Ripe bananas, that cup of pasta or veggies nobody wants (great toddler TV dinner!), apples (slice and make applesauce another time), spinage (puree and throw into chocolate brownies), and the list goes on and on...

I am fortunate to have an in-home job, but things can still be tight at times when you least expect it...this has really helped our family! I hope something help yours!

Tip #40 From Mrs. Sunny

"Let your kids experience the outdoors - in any weather!"

I have always loved the outdoors. My dream of living on a farm will always be there...but my kids and daycare kids still experience the outdoors everyday! One mother has already noticed I never put shoes on the kids...I let them feel the grass, rocks and squishy dirt under their feet!

Even if it's raining (and no lightening, of course) we'll jump in the puddles and catch rain on our tongues. I wanted to post a picture, but it just takes too long and I never know if my computer can handle it. I had the kids watch the rain come in today, sitting on chairs on the deck and they loved it!

Next time there's a storm - sit and watch it come in. What an amazing sight!

Sunny's Sunday Select
I have been wanting to thank my friend, Teressia, from high school, who tried my breaded chicken and green beans! I love to hear from everyone peeking at my blog! Go ahead and "follow" me!

Upcoming..."Monday Madness" Tip, "Teachable Moment Tuesday" Tip, and more! I have aspirations to do this daily. Sunny doesn't have faith in me considering my latest blogs have been weekly or less than weekly.

Tip #39 From Mrs. Sunny

"Help the imagination of your children grow!"

This past week Kristofer has been having a hard time going to bed. For one, he refuses to fall asleep in his bed. Which is fine, I'll lay down with him in our bed if he can easily settle down and then move him to his bed. But lately he won't settle down. With him, routine is a must, but even that is not working.

So then I had an idea to start telling him a fantasy story at night. He's almost three and right at the age where he can add to the story and he loves it! I got the basis of my story (a dragon) from the old movie "Pete's Dragon" that he watched a while ago. We haven't decided on the Dragon's name, but every night the Dragon and Kristofer go on an adventure.

Last night Kristofer was climbing a mountain and came upon the Dragon sleeping in his cave. He woke him up and went on a train ride across a bridge to "downtown" until it was time to go back to the cave and go to bed.

By the end of it, Kristofer wasn't asleep, but he was calm and on his way to closing his eyes!

Try telling a made-up story with your children tonight and help that imagination grow! You'll be amazed at what you can come up with together!

Tip #38 From Mrs. Sunny

"To all you super-moms...Some days (or weeks), just let laziness prevail!"

This week has been my worst week for sleep and I don't have an infant in the house anymore! Kristofer is doing better and better with the potty training. It has been over two weeks and he has only wet the bed twice. But this also means he has been getting up early needing to go to the bathroom...by early I mean 4:45 one morning!

This morning was finally better. He has always been an early-waker and it has always drove me crazy. I've tried everything including keeping him up late, but he just gets up earlier and over-tired. I have come to the conclusion that he is just a morning person. When he wakes up, he sits on the potty while watching one cartoon and the night before I fill his milk in the fridge, put a snack on the piano bench with a few games he can play after the show's over.

(If you know me I'm not a big TV person, but I have come to realize there are times when it works to my advantage as a life-saver and he knows how to self-control by turning the TV off himself after one cartoon...seriously.)

So that's what I've come up with to help Kristofer in the morning. Kathryne is finally sleeping in her "cage", or that's what I call the crib she's sleeping in. But really, she likes sleeping in it now I just love my baby sleeping with me. She's just not a baby anymore - how did she get to be a toddler! Anyways, Sunny isn't getting much sleep and although I loved sleeping next to her at night, I probably wasn't getting the best sleep either. So the first part of this week I was getting her back to sleep every time she realized I wasn't with her in the crib. (I've got a spare bed in her room I can always lay with her in.) But last night she slept really well and she's liking her new room! Yay!

This past week was pretty lazy and sorry for flopping on my " Sunny's Sunday Select". We had leftovers and egg sandwiches (fried egg on bread with cheese if you choose...a great protein meal on the fly! :)

But the upcoming week is looking promising for good sleep! It's okay to have a lazy week all you super-moms out there! It's inevitable!

Tip #37: "Make Taquitos and Burritos!"

Sunny's Sunday Select - late...I'm sorry! Little man was sick last night, but is better now.

Here's another recipe from Rachael Ray. Last summer when I was low in daycare and pregnant with Kathryne, I watched this show during Kristofer's nap and Sunny bought me one of her books. Although, like I've said, the ingredients are pricey at times, I just swap them out for other things...enjoy! This reminded me of authentic Mexican take-out I had with my friend a month ago - yummy!

Poquito and Grande: Taquitos and Burritos

Taquitos
2 C. shredded chicken (cook a whole chicken the day before)
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. oregano
Salt & Pepper
1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chiles
Cilantro & Parsley
Oil for frying
12 (6-inch) corn tortillas

Dipping Sauce
1 T. EVOO (or vegetable oil)
1 red onion (or white) chopped
1 tsp. sugar
1 T. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
pinch cinnamon
Salt & pepper
1 can (28 oz) crushed fire-roasted tomatoes

Burritos
3 T. EVOO (or vegetable oil)
1 1/2 lb ground pork (or turkey)
1 small zucchini, grated
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2-3 T. hot chipolte in adobo......puree the leftovers and put in ice-cube trays for later use!
salt
1 lg. (19 oz) can black beans
Pepper
8 (8 in.) flour tortillas
2 C. cheddar cheese
1/2 head lettuce

To make the taquitos:
Season the chicken w/ cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in chilies, cilantro & parsley. Dish into corn tortillas. (Can bake for 12 mintutes)

To make dipping sauce:
In saucepan w/ oil add onion and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes to soften. Season w/ sugar, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt, pepper and stir in roasted tomatoes. Simmer.

To make burritos:
Coook pork in skillet until brown and add zucchini, garlic, chipolte in adobo and salt. Cook until meat is done.

Beans: Mash in a skillet and heat until crusted around the edges...add salt & pepper.

Soften tortillas in microwave and pile beans, cheese, pork, and lettuce - roll and serve!

This seems like a lot, but it can be done in 1/2 hour if you have each thing cooking on a different burner!

Tip #36 From Mrs. Sunny

"Bad luck only makes you stronger :) ..."

Looking back two years ago when we moved into our current home, here is what went wrong in the first 6 months which is funny now:

1. Front rotted tree fell down (luckily not on the house!)
2. Leak from the sink light (replaced the roof this summer)
3. Clogged sink (Called Mr. Rooter)
4. Dishwasher broke (my fault - the bottom sprayer fell on the heater on the bottom...oops)
5. Sump pump went out - basement wet
6. Garage door stopped working (replaced motor)

These are probably some of the main reasons why I'm thrifty with my money...who knows what will go next...like in the last week...

1. Clogged sink again! (Didn't call Mr. Rooter this time - always find someone you know and trust!)
2. And our sump pump again went out...basement wet

But, we made it through the week!

Extra Tip: "Pour boiling water down your sink once a week to prevent clogging" - Mr. Rooter never told me that! And I have vowed not to use my sink disposal anymore, apparently it takes a lot of water for those to work well!

Alright, I'm done venting and thinking about all the money we have thrown at people the past two years!

Hope everyone survived all the rain the past two days...hang in there! :)

Tip #35 From Mrs. Sunny

"Praise, praise, praise your children!"

I'm excited to tell everyone that Kristofer has been in underwear for 3 days now! We tried this 6 months ago when he said he wanted to wear underwear but that lasted 1 day and I knew he wasn't ready.

This time it all started when I called the booster seat at our kitchen table a "baby chair". He sometimes still sat in it because he thought it was fun. But after calling it a baby chair, he said "I'm not a baby". I replied, "You're right. Kristofer is a big boy and big boys sit on potties as well!" And then he told me he wanted to wear underwear! Yes, that's how short the conversation was - he just up and decided!

I know this has come sooner than I thought because he has a wonderful friend at daycare (My daycare) that was just potty trained. The past few weeks I've asked if he wanted to sit on the potty, too and he said, "No, I'm just watching". So this friend was a great example and we are on our way to having ONE child in diapers! I'm really excited!

Now we are not accident free, that's for sure. But he definitely does not want a diaper on. I've only put them on at night, but this morning he was dry when he woke up!

So keep praising your children, whether it's for potty training or everyday exciting moments.

Sunny's Sunday Select: Provencal Tuna Melt
(Originally a Rachael Ray recipe, but I changed it up a bit...her ingredients are soo expensive! :)

3 cans tuna
3 T. oil
1/2-1 onion (depending on taste)
Basil, Rosemary, seasoning to taste
4 T. fresh squeezed lemon juice (or bottled lemon juice)

Butter your favorite sandwich bread, top with tuna and favorite cheese.

Set on a pan and put in your oven on BROIL.

Watch closely, in about 3 minutes the top will be crisp (and in 4 minutes it will be burnt...I know by experience!).

Flip the sandwiches and put in for another 3 minutes!

Enjoy your toasted sandwiches! It should make about 5 sandwiches!

Tip #34 From Mrs. Sunny

It's Sunny's Sunday Select: "Make Baked Pork Chops With Parmesan Sage Crust"

Ingredients -

1-1/2 cups Italian Flavored Breadcrumbs (Or toasted bread w/ seasoning) 1 cup grated Fresh Parmesan Cheese 1 tablespoon Dried Rubbed Sage 1 teaspoon Cumin 1 teaspoon grated Lemon Peel 2 Large Eggs 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour ½ teaspoon Salt ½ teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper 4 Bone-in Center-Cut Pork Loin Chops (each about 1 inch thick- or whatever's in your freezer!) 2 tablespoons Butter 2 tablespoons Olive Oil

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Add Italian flavored breadcrumbs, grated fresh parmesan cheese, dried rubbed sage, cumin, and grated lemon peel in glass pie plate. 3. Stir to combine. 4. Add eggs to medium bowl, whisk with fork until well beaten. 5. Place flour in shallow bowl or on plate. 6. Season flour with salt and pepper. 7. Dredge pork chops in flour. Shake off excess flour. 8. Dip chops in egg, then breadcrumbs. 9. Add butter and olive oil to heavy ovenproof skillet. Heat over medium high heat. 10. Add breaded pork chops to hot skill. Cook 2 minutes per side until well browned. 13. Place skillet in preheated oven. 14. Bake 20-25 minutes, until pork chops are crispy on the outside. Voila! Okay, so I haven't made it today, yet. I'll have an updated picture tonight! And the detergent worked wonderfully! Considering it cleaned my cloth diapers, it should clean your underwear! :) Here's the website I found my recipe: http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/laundrysoap.htm The recipe called for 1/3 bar of Fels Naptha, and I put in 1/2 of a bar...oops. A little extra soap won't hurt...let me know if you try this!