"We Have The Power" -NieNie

I was having an overwhelming stay-at-home-mom morning. I was tired, feeling defeated, and in no mood to cheerfully deal with my bambinos. I could feel myself drowning in my own negativity when the wise words of Stephanie Nielson, author of the NieNie Dialogues Blog, popped into my head...

After waking up feeling pretty horrible about herself she happened upon all of her kids peacefully and happily asleep together and says, "It felt like a big gust of fresh air blowing into my face. Immediately I felt better, then I vowed to change the way the day would start. Because I believe we can do that. We have the power."

I took her words to heart at that moment, admittedly pleaded for a little help from above, then chose to put on a smile and find the good in my day. Hey, it worked! There's no denying this is easier said than done, but truth be told we really do have the power to push out the negative and find favor in each day.

Thanks NieNie.

Click Here to read Stephanie's full post, "I Think They Are Pretty Happy".

Guest Post: Warm Tupperware Lids Fit

My mom was trying to get a tupperware lid on and it didn't fit so she ran it under warm water and tadaa--it fit.

Amanda, Washington

Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning

"Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning" is the name of an article that I just read, one so poignant to me.

I have braved it alone to our community pool twice now this summer with four kids, ages 6, 4, 2, & 2ish months. My six year old can swim, my four year old is stellar in floaties, my two year old I have in a puddle jumper life jacket (the one and only toddler floatie anyone should ever buy if you ask me), with the baby watching & sleeping on the sidelines.

My confidence in taking them to the pool has been shaken as I've already had my 4 and 2 year old nearly drown. Both of their incidences were eerily silent & happened in a split second. My four year old didn't have his floaties on (mind you, I was right there), and I looked down at him in the water to see his arms straight out and his chin under the water with water bobbing in and out of his mouth and his eyes staring blankly up at me. I quickly asked if he was ok and he didn't respond. I acted quickly and helped him get to where he could stand. It wasn't until I read this article tonight that I realize he was drowning. Then just this past weekend my husband and I had finished feeding our kids lunch when they went running for the pool. Our 2 year old jumped in without either of us knowing, before we had put her puddle jumper back on. My husband saw the top of her head in the water and jumped in to save her. Talk about too close for comfort.

I think everyone should read this article as it points out the drowning is incredibly quiet, that the person is usually vertical in the water-unable to talk-with part of their head above the water, and that it happens when caretakers and others aren't far. Hopefully this article will help us all to have a safe and fun summer at the pool!

Click Here to read "Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning" in its entirety.

Below is a picture of the Puddle Jumper Life Jacket...it can be purchased on Amazon or sometimes at your local Target. My two year old can swim by herself in this, or at least she insists she do it alone being the independent little thing she is.

Whole Wheat Goodness

I don't have a great memory but I can vividly remember my Grandma Barbara's cooked wheat. It was a staple in her home, used for breakfast any way you liked it...with your cold cereal, warmed with brown sugar or anything else you wanted to throw in.
It's something I've been wanting to have in my own house and when my mom recently came to visit she brought her whole wheat grains and cooked some up! I was thrilled to finally know how to make it and it couldn't be easier:

I cup whole wheat grain to 2 cups of water. Cook it in a crock pot on low for about 6 hours and you've got yourself some whole wheat goodness.
This stuff will keep your system flourishing.

Guest Post: Kid's Kitchen Drawer

In order to simplify my life and give my kids some independence I moved my kids dishes to a drawer they could reach. My kids can get in the drawer whenever they need a drink of water, a plate for a snack, or help me set the table. Also one of the jobs they have is to help me unload my dishwasher--having the drawer reachable allows them to put all the 'kid dishes' away for me.

Amanda, Arkansas

Guest Post: Tackle The Mess With A Tackle Box

I looked and looked for a jewelry box that I liked and didn't find anything that I thought would work for me. I don't wear tons of jewelry, but have enough that one big box didn't do the trick. I knew that I just wanted a place for everything to go.

That is when I realized that a cheap tackle box would do exactly what I needed. (Please don't use mine as the best example of how it can be used because it is currently a mess in this picture.) That was just the beginning! You can use them to sort beads, embroidery thread, buttons, kids hair accessories, sewing utilities, junk drawers, and more! A great cheap solution to a lot of little items.

Amanda, Arkansas

Guest Post: Let The Show Begin!

My girls love to dress up and perform. Instead of spending a lot of money and making a big tadoo stage, my husband made a cheap removable set of curtains. I can put them up when the girls have a show and take them down when they are done. I LOVE to put things away!

Materials:
2 old sheets, thin blankets, or shower curtains
2 eye hooks
shower hooks
sting
2 carabiners

Screw the eye hooks into the walls (These are permanent, but we just painted over them so they weren't very noticeable.) Sew button holes into the tops of the sheets. Loop shower hooks through holes and slip onto sting. Tie end of string to the carabiners. Turn off your cell phones and enjoy the show!

Amanda, Arkansas