Thankful Thursday…..Rice Krispies treats, the treats that keep on giving

Thankful Thursday…..

I initially introduced the 30 days of gratitude to my family in hopes of teaching my children the importance of appreciation through simple acts of kindness each day. However, what was meant to be something minute has evolved into so much more.  The acts of kindness have fostered quality time with loved ones, comforting conversations with friends and acquaintances, and magnificent memories.

Rice Krispies Treats, the treats that keep on giving….

Monday afternoon I found myself pressed for time, as usual.  So I threw the kiddos pajamas, diapers, cups, box of Rice Krispies, bag of marshmallows, stick of butter, wooden sticks, bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips, sprinkles, wax paper, and my book for book club into a laundry basket. I  put this kiddos in the car, picked up my daughter from school and headed to my mother’s.  We have dinner at my mom’s on Mondays; it has slowly become a tradition in our family, which works out great to because I have book club every other Monday.  So, we got to my moms and I started making Rice Krispies for my preschoolers snack box and the bake sale the next day to raise money for Special Olympics.  I formed them into balls and placed them on wooden sticks, way easy.  Then my mom got home from work and she started helping me melt the chocolate while we enjoyed conversation about our day.  We had the perfect consistency and started dipping the treats in the chocolate at which point the kiddos wanted to get involved too, so each took turns sprinkling the sprinkles on the freshly dipped Rice Krispies treat. Half way through we realized we were not going to have enough chocolate for all the treats.  Just then, as if on queue, my father came home from work and made a b-line for their leftover Halloween candy.  BINGO! My father and mother began unwrapping Nestle crunch bars like it was their job while I stirred the chocolate and the kiddos stood by with sprinkles in hand.  It had become a family affair, no longer was it just a task to check off, it had transformed into a family memory.

After book club my father helped me wrap the dozens of Rice Krispies Treats and we placed the necessary amount in my preschooler’s snack box and the rest were ready for the bake sale the next day.

The next day we dropped off the snack box, along with my preschool, at school.  When we picked him up the teacher said the Rice Krispies Treats on a stick were a hit. Thanks goodness, I was a little concerned since we invented the last batch via Halloween Candy.  I was also a little concerned that the teacher might be upset with our choice of snack given that it was picture day (looking back, it was a bad choice on my part but he was so excited to take in somthing on a stick).

Rice Krispies treats on a stick dipped in Nestle Crunch Bars, delicious!!

After I picked him up from school we were off to vote.  He had some leftover Rice Krispies Treats on a stick and asked if he could give them to people inside.  I thought it was such a kind gesture.  So we headed inside to vote and he passed out Rice Krispies Treats on a stick to the individuals volunteering.  Our neighbor happened to be volunteering at the time and my son made certain he received two.

After we voted it was time to drop off the initial Rice Krispies Treats on a stick for the bake sale to support the Special Olympics. We dropped off our Treats, the kiddos each picked out another baked-good, and we donated to the cause.  I am not sure who purchased the Rice Krispies Treats that we had made the Monday night at my moms but I do know that those Treats brought about much happiness and illustrated our gratitude towards our family, friends, and neighbors.

Recipe for Nestle Crunch Rice Krispies treats on a stick

  • 3 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 bag of large marshmallows
  • 4 cups Love
  • 6 Cups Rice Krispies Cereal
  • ½ cup gratitude
  • Package of wooden sticks
  • 1 tablespoon of panic (when you realize you are running out of chocolate chips)
  • 1 cup relief (when you realize there is Halloween candy, Nestle crunch to the rescue!)
  • 1 bag of fun sized Nestle crunch bars

Directions:

In a large sauce pan melt butter and add marshmallows. Stir constantly till both have melted, remove from heat, and add Rice Krispies.  Spray measuring cup and/or spoon with cooking spray and divide into portion sizes.  Spray hands with cooking spray and form the portions into balls.  Place wooden stick into the ball and let cool for 15 minutes. While the Krispies treats are cooling you can begin to melt the Crunch bars.   You will want to use a double boiler so that the chocolate doesn’t burn.  Once the bars are melted grab a treat, holding it by the stick, and quickly dip it in the chocolate and then sit it on wax paper or foil to cool.
Please note: if you leave the treat in the chocolate to long it will melt the marshmallows again.  To expedite the process you can place them in the refrigerator for a little while till the chocolate cools.

Tuesday’s Tribute to my Treasures

As a mom we are always telling our children to, share, respect one another, communicate “work it out”, in hopes of cementing that sibling bond that will last a lifetime.  I also think as mothers we pray that we have given our children the necessary social skills, morals, and values and beliefs, which will last the tests of time. So that one day when we are no longer on this planet they can look after each other.

My amazing siblings, our bond is strong. I hope I can do at least half as well as my mom did instilling the importance of family and faith.

Little did I know at the beginning of last week that I would have the opportunity to experience both the cemented sibling bond, as well as the overwhelming feeling that takes over a mother when they remember they are mortal?

Long story short…..

It all started three weeks ago when my daughter was diagnosed with strep throat. She took her meds and was back to herself in no time!  A week later my throat started to hurt, so like any mom I figured I would save some time and try over-the-counter meds first but nothing helped.  So I contacted my doctor last week and explained the situation.  She called in a script, I picked, it up, and I was looking forward to some relief. By Wednesday my throat was worse, the side of my neck was so swollen it looked like I had a goiter, I was practically choking on the uvula in the back of my throat, I could not open my mouth all the way, and I thought I was experiencing hot flashes between my fever and chills.  I knew this was not normal, I have had strep before, and it usually subsided within 5-8 days, and even faster once you take the meds. There was no relief and my body was slowing down which wasn’t good since mom is the machine that keeps this family running.   So the Doctor made an exception and got me by means of triple booking appointments for Wednesday.

My poor brother walked into my home in shambles, hurricane Toddler hit!

I went in to see her and she basically said what I was experiencing was “normal” for strep throat”.  My gut told me this wasn’t normal and I inquired if there was any other possible prognosis she could think of but, again, she reassured me this was normal.  So, I went home and figured I just needed to suck it up for a few more days.  My husband also reassured me that what I was experiencing sounded like normal strep throat symptoms. Well, come Friday I could not swallow, I was drooling, my voice sounded muffled (when I could talk), there was so much swelling in my mouth that my tongue started to ache, and it felt like my body was shutting down.  I could not do a thing Friday, the house was in shambles, my toddler had pulled things out of drawers, dumped toys everywhere, dirty clothes were piled up, and it was a sad picture.   That evening my mom called and as soon as she heard my muffled, underwater like voice she told me to get to the hospital. At that point I had endured so much, and even though I hate hospitals the visit sounded like relief.

Kind of short…….

This is when that cemented sibling bond that moms so desperate hope to instill in their children really comes in handy.  God bless my little brother.  On a Friday night he put his own personal plans to go out on a date and hang with friends’ aside, without a second thought, and came over to my messy home and watched all three of my children.  I gave him no instructions, no ideas what to do with the kiddos and he did not ask.  He said they would be fine and we left.

Diagnosis…..

Once at the urgent care the nurse did a throat culture and I no longer had Strep. The doctor came in and within a minute explained that I had Peritonsillar abscess. Peritonsillar abscess is a complication of tonsillitis and is most often caused by a type of bacteria called group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. She explained that this is serious and a medical emergency.  The abscess could rupture into my throat and block my airway and/or spread infection further. So she gave me a steroid shot, right then and there, and prescribed a heavy antibiotic and four more days of steroid pills.  I left that room with a huge smile on my face or at least a goofy sideways grin, relief was in my future!

I never took my eyes off of them

My Treasures…..

It wasn’t until the next day that the severity of the event truly hit me. It was during family movie night.  We watched Inspector Gadget and ate pizza.  I could not tell you one thing about that movie but I can describe each of my children’s expressions while they watched the movie.  I never took my eyes off of them; I realized how close to not being here I was.  The thoughts of who would take care of my babies, who would kiss their boo-boos, who would say their prayers at night, etc. consumed my mind.  I am the mommy.  I want to always be their mommy. I want to always be HERE for them.  I prayed long and hard that night.  I thanked God for entrusting those three little souls into my care, for giving me the opportunity to give life and for my life, I LOVE my life and I want to keep it. And most of all I thanked God for my treasures….the people…my husband, mother father, sister, brother, chidlren, in-laws, friends, etc. because when all is said and done it will be the memories we take with us.

They make my heart skip a beat….
The air I breathe....
My life....

One day I will be gone but I can sleep easier
knowing they have each other.

Clipping for causes from the confines of my couch

Since I still have this darn sore throat and no energy (I don’t remember it being this annoying as a child, it was all missing school and eating popsicles) I am kicking it on the couch. I know that I will have a lot of laundry and other household chores to catch-up on once I feel better. So I have been trying to get as much accomplished from the confines of the couch as possible.  Today I am clipping coupons and preparing our trip to the grocery store which should have been yesterday but I am praying I feel better tomorrow.  My dear husband has offered to go to the grocery store for me but I know that is not the best idea.  Last time he went he lost the list and came home with tons of sugary cereals and a tub, yes, I said tub, of Superman Ice cream.  I would probably have better luck letting my 4 year-old son do the shopping.  Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow and the task of grocery shopping will not fall on the dynamic duo (my hubby and son), I do not want frosted flakes with a side of Superman ice cream for the next 14 days.

So, on with the show…..before each shopping trip I review my coupon binder.  I remove all expired coupons and send those to, overseas military members. They can use expired coupons up to six months past their expiration date. Since most military families
stationed overseas often live on one income coupons help stretch their funds further.

Eligible Coupons:

  • ONLY Manufacturer Coupons
  • Coupons must be Clipped and Sorted into Food and Non-food (see website for more info).
  • Do NOT send coupons that are over 30 days expired.

Click on the link to read more…http://www.ocpnet.org/

After all the expired coupons have been removed I then reference the weekly ad, as well as the local charities and shelters we donate goods to. Sound like a lot of work? It doesn’t have to be.

 

Donating done easy

I realize most moms always have the best intentions of donating to a charity on a regular basis but it can be difficult, life gets in the way. Also with the current state of the economy most families are on a strict budget leaving little room for charities but it can be done.  After some trial and error we have adopted a foolproof method for collecting items for our local charities at a fraction of the price and you can too with these simple steps.

  1. Purchase a bin; you can decide what size works best based on how many items you will be donating and how frequently you will donate. (I have a small one I keep in my pantry and a larger one in the basement to place the items when the smaller bin is full).
  2. Print off the charities wish list
  3. Tape that wish list on the inside lid of bin.
  4. Before a trip to the grocery store reference the list with the weekly ad, note if any items are on sale, then take it a step further, clip for the cause, check your coupons to see if you have any for the items that are listed. Write those items down, grab the coupons, and hit the road.
  5. When you get home place those items in the bin.  I like to have my conveniently placed in the pantry but you can decide what location works best for you.
  6. Then, determine a day that you will designate as donation day and drive to the charity and drop off your donation.  I often wait till I have a large bin to donate, usually every other month.

Once you are in the habit of referencing the charity’s list prior to a grocery trip donating can become second nature and thanks to the weekly deals and coupons the items cost mere pennies.

Learning Opportunity

Whenever possible be certain to share what you are doing with your children.  Have your children help clip the coupons, kiddos can be the best clippers. Take them to the grocery store with you and when possible, have your children go with you to donate the
goods.

If you are not a coupon clipper, and not interested in keeping a wish list and bins, you can still give back.  Checkout your local grocery store’s shopping card options, most have options on their websites where you can select a charity and they will donate a
% to that selected charity each time your shop at no cost to you. For full details and instructions on the Kroger’s chopping card, click on the link. http://www.kroger.com/mykroger/Pages/community_rewards.aspx

Do you have a tip to share that has helped your grocery shopping experience? Do tell.

Under the Weather Wednesday……but moms can’t call in sick to motherhood!

Well today started off like the past three mornings, mama’s throat was aching. So, I went to the doctor and the doctor said, “No more monkeys jumping on the bed”. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.  The diagnosis was strep throat. So I had my prescription filled, took my antibiotic, and headed home to my preschooler and toddler for rest, as the doctor prescribed, right! Doesn’t she know moms don’t get sick days?

Thanks to some creative measures mommy was able to lie down for a little while.  I played scavenger hunt with my preschooler. I hid a few of his play cars in various locations around the house and then gave him clues via walkie-talkie to locate them, he had a
blast and I stayed on the couch.

Meanwhile my toddler thought it was fun throwing Legos around the room.  She would throw them all over the room and I would make exciting faces as she did it, then she would go pick them up, and start all over again. I am sure most moms might have
encouraged their child to stop throwing items around the house, especially near daddy’s prized possession, his way to large for the room television.  But, one must remember that this mom was having a sick day.

 

 

 

I survived the morning and before I knew it was time for afternoon pick-up. So I grabbed the kiddos and we headed to the school where I have finally figured out how to avoid the stress inducing afternoon pick-up fiasco. The secret, get there really early.  I pack things for the kiddos to do while we wait and I have an afternoon pick-up book that I keep in the car strictly for pick-up.  So I grabbed my book and began reading and somehow entered the twilight zone.  The author was referencing Lisa Lobe in the book; she went to a party and saw a woman that resembled Lisa Loeb. Long story short, it was actually Lisa Loeb. Then, at that exact moment, as if it was planned, guess what song came on the radio while I was reading this, “Stay” by Lisa Loeb.  No joke, maybe it was the meds but I had a real twilight zone moment.


Naptime Is the New Happy Hour: And Other Ways Toddlers Turn Your Life Upside Down

Once home my mother called and expressed that I need to go outside and get vitamin D in order to get healthy.  I figured I will try anything.  So, we are off to play that ever popular, fun for all ages backyard game, I Spy Poop.  Seriously, it is so difficult to find poop with all the leaves on the ground I need the kiddos help.  You try it; can you spy the poop in the following picture?

Well, I am off to settle a dispute between the kiddos, one claims mud and the other claims poop.  I guess I am the referee; I have to make a call.  So, until next time, stay healthy moms because remember, moms can’t call in sick to motherhood.

Here is to Licking the Spoon!

Here is to Licking in the Spoon!

While the kiddos were making their lunches last night my four-year-old nonchalantly expressed that the best part of a PB & J sandwich is licking the spoon.  Interesting I thought, not making the sandwich, or eating the sandwich, but licking the spoon.  Then I remembered when I was kid, and the best part of brownies was licking the spoon from the brownie mix. Then darn salmonella came into the picture and took that enjoyment out of childhood.

As I carried on with my winding down the evening routine (clean kitchen, double-check the clothes for tomorrow, GPS the book bags & folders) my little Power Ranger’s comment radiated in my mind.   Licking the spoon did bring so much joy as a child. Partially because it was a huge spoon with yummy chocolate, but also because it allowed for a brief reflection and appreciation for how far we had gotten with the brownie mix and added to the anticipation for the cooked brownies.  Just like the age-old saying, life is a journey, not a destination.  Well, in the Brownie mix bowl or PB & J sandwich that is life licking the spoon is a vital step on the journey, one that should not be skipped. Unfortunately somewhere between childhood, salmonella, and adulthood licking the spoon has been left out of life.

Moms are often the worst offenders; we get caught up in the logistics of motherhood. We are often so focused on laundry, dishes, and planning for future events both big, and small, (school lunch, trick-or-treating, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Birthday Party, etc.) that we forget to slow down and lick the spoon.

So, I am declaring today the day that I lick the spoon (metaphorically speaking, salmonella is real people!). I am stopping, sitting, and sipping on some tea while I reflect on the past few weeks, appreciate the time spent with family and friends, and anticipate the future.

Here are my licks…..

We had so much fun at the zoo’s Pumpkin Path
It was really crowded but they did a great job of moving everyone along the path.
I wonder if they take timeout to lick the spoon.
Fisher Price gave these away and coupon for $10 off $50. All three of the kiddos love them!

 

I have enjoyed Wednesdays at the Farmer’s Market remote location.

 

 

Grabbing a snack and getting some fresh veggies, nothing like it!

 

Goodbye, see you in the Spring!

 

Story time fun at the Library

 

I am going to miss this, yes, even the tantrums. (No bubbles)

 

Anticipating the Future, Potty Training on the Go!

Moms with the holidays quickly approaching remember to take a moment to slow down and lick the spoon.

 

Friday fright fun!

Mama’s to do list:

  • Empty litter box & Clean dirty diapers (I like to take care of my crap in the morning)
  • Laundry
  • Drop off lunch money at school (someone forgot their lunch money)
  • Grocery Shopping (sorry again to the gentleman behind us for the wait, I am a coupon mom)
  • Friday Fright Fun!
  • Date Night

It was a crazy somewhat hectic day today but the pay off was exceptional. I am a firm believer in the work hard play hard motto.  So after putting my time in with all the boring mommy chores it was time for some Friday fright fun!

So to start off our Friday Fright Fun we popped the Walt Disney Halloween Songs & Sounds CD into the player, the kiddos raided the make-believe basket, and we boogied.  The kiddos continued to boogie while I made us some yummy fall Carmel apple sundaes.

Carmel Apple sundaes

Ingredients:

  • Two scoops vanilla frozen yogurt
  • ½ a medium-sized apple (which ever you prefer though, the granny smith contrast the caramel nicely) rinse and slice apple into bite sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp of caramel topping

Directions:

Place two scoops of yogurt in the sundae dish.  Place apple pieces on top of the yogurt then drizzle the caramel over the apples. Enjoy!

After our sundaes it was onto the craft.  The craft was a trick-or-treating bag.  I underestimated how much fun it could be doing a craft with the kiddos.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself, I thank God for moments like these, true quality time.

Trick-or-Treat Bags

I purchased everything from Hobby Lobby on Monroe Street.  This craft is economical so there is no need to break the bank.

What you need:

How to assemble:

Have your children trace from the template.  Then have the older ones cut out the figures, you will need to help the younger children.  Then let their imaginations run wild.

I had such a fun afternoon.  The kiddos will be using their trick-or-treating bags at the pumpkin path at the zoo tomorrow.  We can’t wait!

Well I am off to try to make myself presentable, date night!

The Apple of My Eye

On this mama’s to do list:

  • Field Trip to Erie Orchard
  • Make Apple Bake

Field Trip to Erie Orchard

It is funny, looking back on my own childhood, I can’t
remember what I got for Christmas most years but I do remember making a snowman with my father, baking cookies with my mom, and decorating the tree as a family.  I don’t recall ever having any game system or fancy gadgets to lull us to sleep but I do remember the way my mom would sing a song and say our prayers with us before bedtime.  I remember all the local adventures we would have, story time at the Reynolds Corner branch library, art classes at the art museum, trips to the zoo, the park, and much more but my favorite, class field trips.  I always thought it was so cool when my mom chaperoned the field trip, it was special. This past week I was thrilled to have the opportunity to chaperon my first field trip. In my mind it was such a blessed event, it was like a passing of the torch type of moment for me.  You know the type, emotional; hold back tears, lump in your throat type of moment.

While on the field trip I had an unexpected collision with the good old emotional roller coaster. It hit me while the group was gathered around listening to the leader explain how they shine the apples.  It was at that moment I thought about how my baby girl was the apple of my eye. How much I was cherishing the time I was spending with her while at the same time recalling the memory of my own childhood and my mom chaperoning.  I was thinking about how fast we really do grow up.  I was thinking a whirlwind of emotional stuff about growing up, my youth, my daughter’s youth, and how before I know it she will be chaperoning her child’s field trip, and then it happened.  A tear escaped my eye.  I could almost feel the sobbing coming on, or worse, that weird gasping for air sound.  NOOO! I felt like I was going to lose it and I am not talking a cute little cry, I am talking full-blown, hot mess, type of crying.  Just them my daughter asked if I was okay and I said yes, I just really, really love the apple of my eye. To which she replied, “How did you get apple in your eye?” It worked, she had me smiling in no time. I learned my lesson, I will try not to think about anything remotely sentimental while on a field trip. I guess it could have been worse; I could have been near a pile of pooh at the zoo. Crying over apples suddenly seems much more appealing.

Now, what to do with all those apples?

Apple Bake

Ingredients:

  • 12 apples
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • Stick of unsalted butter (cut into ½ inch squares)
  • 2 cups oatmeal (not cooked)

Directions:

Spray crock pot with Pam. Rinse, peel, core, and cut apples into slices.  Place apple slices in crock pot.  In bowl mix together brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, butter, and oatmeal. Sprinkle mixture over apples.  Place on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours
until apples are tender.

Apple bake is so delicious and can be used with a meal or as a desert.

Brinner (Breakfast for Dinner) is a favorite in our house and the apple bake is truly the icing on the cake, pancake that is.  To assemble the sandwich you will need two pancakes, 2 eggs sunny side up, ¾ cups of apple bake, and a drizzle of dark amber maple syrup.

Or serve the apple bake for desert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a dash of cinnamon on top. Your taste buds are sure to thank you.

Tuesday’s Treat, Fun-da-Middles

On this mama’s to do list today was trying out the new Betty Crocker Fun-da-Middles.

My daughter’s birthday is coming up next month and she can’t decide what she would like for her birthday party celebration.  Which sounds funny, when I was little we simply had cake; it was what you did for birthdays.  There was never a question of whether or not to make a cake or order a cake; it was the one sure thing every year.  You have birthday cake for your birthday. However, today the options seem endless. There is cake pops, cupcakes, cookie cakes, brownie cakes, cakes in an ice cream cones, ice cream cakes, rice crispy cakes, ice cream sundaes, ice cream bars, etc.  Then there are the occasional parties where the parents do not believe in sugar. Please, it’s a birthday party, can’t we have an exception? I understand if there are health issues, but if there are not, please do not make the funky tofu cakes.  When guest say they taste great they are lying to you.

So, with that being said, we are on the quest for the perfect party treat!  So this afternoon I got out my mixer and made
some, Fun-da-Middles.

Mama’s Review of Fun-da-Middles

Cost: I thought they were a little pricey at the store, especially considering it only makes 12 cupcakes but thankfully we did have a coupon.  I would have to purchase at least two boxes for a party (maybe three after the kiddos and hubby taste test the first batch).

Preparation: These were rather easy to prepare.  They just required oil, water, and eggs.  Mix them up and then place 1/3 of the batter in the cupcake liners.  Squeezing the filling in the center was pretty easy. It was the making certain there was enough batter left to cover each that was a little tricky.  I had to get out the big spatula and scrap it till there was no batter left in the bowl. Thankfully only one turned out with some filling poking through.

Bake: They baked in 25 minutes but required 20 additional minutes for cooling.

Nutrition: Hello! They are cupcakes, for a birthday party, enough said.

Taste: Wow! We frosted ours and the kiddos decorated them too.  They taste amazing.

Overall Rating, I give Fun-da-Middles a B+

My daughter exclaimed that she would like to try something else before she makes a final decision. So the quest continues….

 

Fall Family Fun at Gust Brothers’ Farm

Have some Fall Family Fun at Gust Brother’s Farm.


Located just over the State line Gust Brothers’ is the place to take the kiddos for a great time. Admission and parking are FREE and you are sure to make a wonderful memory. When you arrive the kiddos will enjoy grabbing a wagon and heading to the barn to jump in the large hay stacks. Then it is on to view a variety of farm animals including, cows, calves, pigs, chickens, bunnies, kittens, and more.

Then grab that wagon and take a short walk over to the pumpkin patch to pick out your own pumpkin. By now the kiddos will be parched, so, it is off to the snack barn for refreshment. Moms are sure to enjoy the amazing selection of fall decorations including pumpkins, corn shocks, straw bales, squash, gourds, mums, etc. (can’t beat the prices).

This year we added a fun Fall Scavenger Hunt to our visit. Please feel free to print off a copy for your visit (please note there are no acorns) or print off a copy for a walk around your neighborhood. Fall is free and fun so get out there and enjoy it with your family.

Admission is FREE!
Dates and Hours of Operation
Open September 17 to November 1
Open from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M
Gust Brother’s is sure to be a fall staple in your family; I know it has for ours.
http://www.gustbrothers.com/

A special thank you to our friend Alison who introduced us to the farm a few years ago.