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

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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!
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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.
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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!