Teaching my kids

I am a stay at home mom. I have the time to make lunches, make beds, pick out clothes, clean rooms, pick up toys {you get the idea}... I take on the responsibilities that my children are capable of doing. I always thought that since I had the time & to show my love, I would do everything for them! I mean, isn't that what a mom does?!

 

I was reading an article in the Ensign several nights ago about raising resilent children. I started thinking of the things I do for my children, even my older boys 10 & 13. I do a lot! Two things that I don't do, is teach them how to do things themselves and the responsibility.

 

That's changed! {I know, it's only day 2, but learning that I needed to change was BIG!} My 10 year old wasn't happy with the idea of making his own lunch. He pleaded that he didn't have the time. I cheered him on. He ended up having 15 minutes to play on his Kindle. My 4 year old threw a fit when I wouldn't put his shirt on for him {not on me, on him}. I tried to talk him through, but he threw the shirt on the floor & stomped off mad. Today I taught him how to deal with failure and to retry. And when that didn't work, I taught him how to stick to something until it's accomplished {ie., to stay in his room until he put his shirt on}. He was able to work through it and get that shirt on under a minute. Such dedication! 

Got oily hair?

Hello! I'm a busy girl and wash my hair every couple of days. It does get a little oily, but nothing too bad... until day 3.

Here is a trick a stylist told me about. She puts BAKING SODA in her hair. Then she shakes her head upside down to remove the powder. Baking soda soaks up the oils. 'Whala!' No more greasy hair.

I was telling a friend about baking soda. She told me she uses baby powder and that it leaves a nice smell.

 

Gel Petals

{FOR GIRL EYES ONLY}

 

This last week I found out about these sweet things from a friend. I have always had "high-beams". I know you know what I'm talking about, right?! 

 

Now I'm thinking, "Why didn't I think of something like this before and why didn't I use them years ago!"

 

I bought my petals from Victoria Secret. They come with 2 sets, small and medium for $25.00. These have a sticky underside so that it sticks gently to you. I didn't care for the sticky stuff so I rubbed it off. They stuck fine without and they stayed in place.

 

A draw back is that I still have a small bump... my sisters didn't tease & call me tiny tarts for nothing!

 

I heard about another nipple covering called Dimrs. They are oval shaped and silicone, which is a tad firmer. I do plan on trying those out. Dimrs need to be ordered on-line. With shipping, they are $30.00.

 

I will update you when I get my Dimrs. :)

 

 

Pimple stopper

Toothpaste is the best disappear zit TRICK!! It doesn't matter what brand you use. I just happen to have this one on hand. I had a pimple coming... (but no white head yet).  I applied a little bit of this on the pimple for 2 nights and it was GONE!!

Toothpaste is my NEW FAV!! I use it all the time. It Works! TRY IT!!

I thought I was saving money...

While shopping at Costco the other day, I bought a box of diapers for my little girl. I usually expect the cheaper brand {Kirkland} to be,... um..., well, cheaper. Nope! Kirkland brand was the same price as Huggies. So being the savvy shopper, I bought Huggies...  choking on paying almost $40 for a box of 180 diapers.

I'm a penny pincher, {okay, I'm a wanna-be, I try! I really do.} I have no problem with Target brand diapers. They work just like any other diaper. {Side story: I was talking to a friend that was told by her sister that different diapers work for different babies. And it's true. Actually, my daughter leaked with the Huggies the other night.}

After Costco, my husband & I continued our shopping to Target. {Yes, it is a weekly thing we do together.} Amidst our shopping, I ran over to the baby section to check the price & quantity of the diapers in the same size that I just bought at Costco. I used my mad math skills on the cell phone and {gasp!!} realized I paid more at Costco. Target’s diapers are $0.03 cheaper. I know, I know... it's only 3 cents, but when I consider that I just paid almost $6 more at Costco? Yeup, Target diapers it is.

 

I keep a stash of diapers in the credenza in our family room.

 

My drawer of diapers

Teaching my kids

Ohmigoodness! I just got done settling my kids sibling argument. I know that totally doesn't make sense. Let me explain. My daughter falls. My 9 year old quickly yells at my 4 year old, thinking that the 4 year old pushed my daughter. In turn, my 12 year old yells at the 9 year old. I run downstairs and find my 9 year old in the corner crying. AHHH!!!!! Who did what to who? When? Where? WHAT?!

 

Finally after hearing who did what, who yelled at who, who made who cry - I'm left figuring out who gets what punishment.

 

I decide on the first thing that pops into my mind... it's called mother's intuition {well, that's what I'm calling it anyway}. I decide to have my 9 year old read two stories from the Friend, a church magazine and my 12 year old read two stories from the New Era, another church magazine. After each of them finished reading, I asked them "How did you feel reading those stories?" and "How did yelling at your brother make you feel?" I tried to make them understand that yelling at their brothers was not Christlike; how quickly the Spirit leaves when we are yelling.

 

Yes my 12 year old rolled his eyes! It might have been a lame way of teaching, but it's my privilege of teaching them. I'd rather it be lame then not take the time to teach.

 

I added that I am guilty of letting my emotions go and being quick to anger {tail tucked between my legs - GUILTY}. I told him that I'm learning to change this behavior in myself and I want to teach them this lesson now, rather than them figuring it out when they are 33.

 

Fingers crossed that this lesson sinks in for them... and ME!

 

 

Towel Hanger

After taking a shower, I like to have my towel close by. Have you ever had to run to the other side of the bathroom dripping wet?

 

I purchased a wreath hanger. You can find them at the Dollar Store or Wal-Mart for cheap. I put a floor protector (those round fuzzy things for the bottom of chair legs) on the back so it wouldn't bang the shower door when I opened and closed it.

 

You can use one or two towel hangers. Your towels are convenient when you get out of the shower. 

 

P.S. This also frees up your towel rod for those pretty towels that no one is suppose to use.

Baby Jars for touch up Paint

 

If you are like me, touching up your walls is not easy. Imagine going into the cluttered garage and figuring out which paint went with which room. Finally pulling out the gallon of paint, cracking it open with the closest flat head screwdriver and then dousing a brush into the big can. There's got to be an easier way! 

 

To make it easy and convenient grab some baby food jars. Fill it up with paint.

 

 

I typed up labels in Word, labeling which room the paint was used. You may have to be specific. Cut them into strips. I used packaging tape to adhere them to the jars. This way it is organized and easy to identify where the right paint goes.

 

 

Put them somewhere that's easily accessible.  It makes them easy to grab to touch-up in a hurry!!!!  If there is a dent or writing on the wall, I can fix it in no time.

 

Orange Rolls

Happy Thanksgiving!! Don't we live in the most beautiful country?! I feel so blessed! I have a great husband that loves me and puts up with my randomness. I have 5 children and although 4 are living, they are healthy and happy. My baby was a blessing and taught me so much! I am grateful for the gospel and promises of an eternal family!

 

I live thousands of miles away from my family... all family. They live in Washington, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. I'm in Virginia. Yeup, that's far. It's not easy to gather for holidays. Not to mention that it cost a shiney, pretty penny.... {lots of shiney pennies} 

 

For Thanksgiving we are having some friends over. Thank goodness they have kids because I enjoy a loud, crazy house!

 

Yesterday I was preparing my grandma's famous orange rolls. I've never made them before. I started making them and had to call my mom because I was really confused at the directions. My mom walks me though them and as she's talking, I realize that what she is saying is written in the recipe... that I didn't read all the way through. Haha!

 

So today I'm actually making them and I think "I really wish I had my grandma here to help me." She's living and well in Utah. I kick myself because I didn't hang out more in the kitchen when we gathered for holidays or in general. If I could pass on today's lesson it would be to "get in the kitchen, help and enjoy the girl time!" There is so much to be learned from our great grandma's, grandma's and mothers!! I'm including my grandma's orange roll recipe. It's too good not to share! And read the recipe thoroughly :o) {P.S. I didn't read the directions thoroughly [again] and didn't let my rolls rise the second time. So your rolls will look different then mine below.}

 

 

Orange Rolls

 

2 tablespoons dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

2 cups water

6 cups flour

2 eggs

 

 

Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.

 

In a large bowl, mix sugar, butter and 2 cups of water. Melt these ingredients in the microwave on high for 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and let mixture cool to room temperature. Once cooled, add dissolved yeast and stir well. Add eggs one at a time and mix well. Next begin to add flour. Start with 4 cups and keeping adding 1/2 cup at a time. Mix well. Dough should be firm but a little sticky. 

 

Cover and let it rise. You can make this up to 3 days before you use it. If you are making these for another day, place in a covered bowl overnight in the refrigerator. Take out of refrigerator 1/2 hour before you want to make the rolls. 

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Divide dough in half and roll into a rectangle. Dough should be thin. Spread orange filling (below) all over. Roll up rectangle long ways and cut about 1.5 inch rolls. Place in greased muffin tin. Let rise until double in size. Bake 12-15 minutes. 

 

Orange filling

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

grated orange rind

 

Put ingredients in a bowl and melt in microwave until butter is melted.

 

 

I miss family. I pour myself a pepsi in a wine glass. A girl needs a pretty glass to sip from!

 

Enjoy the rolls, your family and friends!

 

Happy Thanksgiving from us girls!