things i love

I haven't done one of these lists in a long time. But we all know sharing is caring. (Wink!) So here's some things that make my life a little more enjoyable.

My kids LOVE the Squooshi. They are seriously so easy to fill and clean.

Double Duty Nail Coat. This stuff has lasted through multiple loads of dishes, MAJOR errand running, gardening, and a night out. 4 days in and not ONE chip.

6pm.com. Stride Rites for my darling, flat footed daughter. Cheap, cheap, cheap.

Just enough chocolate chips lend sweetness to this otherwise healthy muffin. So easy to put together, too.

THIS bag is the best bag for mommies and daddies. Best part? Handmade in my hometown. Artifact Bag Company is a finalist for Martha's American Made Contest, too!

Kids never brush their teeth long enough. Until now. Firefly helps me prove to my kids they need to keep brushing. And they're fun!

I think this is the best home espresso maker. Plus, Cook's Illustrated agrees with me. Hendrix found me one at the thrift store for $4.95! It makes my mornings better.

a gift to my future self

The children of my future self ALWAYS want a snack. The minute I sit down. Or when we are in a hurry to get out the door. Or anytime when I REALLY do not want to make a snack. Sure we have designated snack times at our house. Growth spurts and incessant whining don't care about the clock, though. Also, my kids LOVE prepackaged snacks because they are fun and at their eye level in the grocery store. I like them because they are easy and (sometimes) good portion control. I hate them because they are more expensive.
So, a couple of weeks ago, I bought a box of Ziploc snack size bags. Then I divided the boxes of goldfish crackers, Graham crackers, and almonds into the bags. I cut up all the fruit and vegetables and did the same. I ordered some Squooshi bags from Amazon, too. Every few days I fill them up with applesauce and green smoothies. (I also use them for oatmeal and savory purees, too.) And, guess what? My future self loves it. It takes me about 20 minutes every week and is priceless when my kids (or me) are DYING for a snack. It has made packing lunches and after school snack a breeze. Also, kids are kinda gullible. Mine are, anyway. So guess what snack size Ziploc bags are in my house?? Kid Size Bags. Duh.
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Green Smoothie for Squooshi
2 cups of frozen berries
1 banana
1/2 cup of chopped kale
1/2 cup of almond milk
1/2 cup of OJ
Squirt of honey
Blend until smooth. Divide into Squooshi bags. Serve or Freeze for future self. 

top 10 {new} crockpot recipes

About a year and half ago, I sent Jenny at DALS an email with my Top Ten Crockpot Recipes for Parents.  Clearly, people were looking for some tried and true crockpot recipes because that post and my Korean Ribs continue to be the most popular reads on this site. It goes to show you that reaching out and sharing is always a good thing. And since I am a crockpot junkie I am always trying new recipes. So, in the spirit of sharing, here are ten more tried and true crockpot recipes. The following have all been winners and have made the "on rotation" list.

spaghetti squash and meatballs ready to go in the crockpot

Here are my ten {new} favorites for parents or novice crockpotters:

Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs (so stupid simple)
Lentil and Sausage Stew (great way to introduce lentils)
Chicken Taco soup (party winner!)
Corn Chowder with Shrimp (Hendrix's fav)
Veggie Lasagna (only time cheese and my crockpot work together)
Holiday Ham (see below)
Franks and Beans (the boys' favorite and my favorite for summer)
Salisbury Steak (a mike favorite and winter keeper)
Black Bean, Barley, and Corn Burritos (great vegetarian options, but adjust seasonings to your tastes)
Banana Bread (yes, bread)

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Holiday Ham
After trying a few different crockpot ham recipes I found this way works the best for me.  You'll want to use the largest crockpot and tent foil if the lid does not go on all the way.  This ham makes an appearance at most of our gatherings...from Baptisms to Christmas. It couldn't be easier. 

1 good quality, spiral cut, bone in ham
1 c. Maple Syrup
3/4 cup Brown Sugar,
Pepper, to taste
Water
Place ham in crockpot. Drizzle maple syrup all over.  Sprinkle brown sugar and pepper on top.  Pat into ham.  Pour about 1/2 cup of water into bottom of crockpot.  Cook on low for about 4-5 hours or until heated through.  Do not over cook.  Enjoy.

friday favs {winter uniform}

Every winter, I pretty much wear the same thing but this year since I swore off the FUG UGGs and leggings (!!!)...I had to step it up a knotch. Also, my beloved military-grade red peacoat finally gave out.  I got it at the Salvation Army about 5 years ago for $10 so I probably shouldn't be too disappointed.  Then I complained about my feet being frozen one too many times so Mike took me to Cabela's where SOREL and I were finally united in forever matrimony. Thankfully, my husband values good footwear. And a happy wife.

So, here are my favs this winter....

sorel joan of artic in black

old navy black puffer (no longer available)

old navy flirt skinny jean in rinse

boredom busters

cloud dough

tis the season for stir crazy kiddos.  either it's too cold, windy, or rainy out or worse...the kids are sick AND the weather sucks. anyone knows that oftentimes when the kids are sick they are still mobile and extremely stir crazy.  which makes parents crazy. at least it makes me crazy.  enter my tried and true ways to bust boredom in the balls.  i'm sharing them with you today, but also recording them for myself...so i can look them up and implement them instead of having a meltdown.

cloud dough 
slightly messy, but worth it. store it on one of those "under the bed" storage containers. (found here)

fish for letters
fill the tub up and throw a bunch of those magnetic numbers or letters in it.  have your kid fish the letters or numbers out with a kid fishing pole that has a paperclip attached to the end of the line.  older kids can spell stuff out or practice math.  younger ones can identify the numbers or letters.

shaving cream
this cheap stuff is your friend.  in a tub, cover a toy in it and have your kid shoot water at it until they find their "prize".  OR put some on baking sheet and let them add color with those water tubes that come with flowers.  just dilute food coloring in some water.  then let them go to town.  very easy to clean up.

tub painting
strip the kids to their underoos.  cover the tub walls in paper and make some edible finger paint or just color some cool whip with food coloring.  let them create a masterpiece.  when they are done, remove the paper and start bath time. OR make your own bath paint by coloring shaving cream with food coloring and let them paint during bathtime.

rice game
fill a bowl up with uncooked rice and hide things like magnetic letters in it.  have the kid dig around until they find all the treasures. give them some smaller containers and let them transfer the rice from container to container.  keep it all contained on a large, rimmed baking sheet for easier clean up. (i used this one for all of hendrix's 2nd year so that i could get dinner made)

pompom game
find some unbreakable container with a lid and preferably clear.  cut a smaller hole in the lid.  give your kid some pompoms and have them stuff the pompoms in the container.  use different colors and sizes then have them practice colors and sizes.  (this was also great when hendrix was about 1 1/2 - 2 1/2)

balloon pong
things can escalate quickly but it gets a lot of energy out. see here for how to.

make granola or animal cookies
easy recipes for kids to help with and they freeze for up to 3 months.  granola recipe is here and animal cookie recipe is here.

clean up relay race
at my house, everything that is supposed to be upstairs is always (somehow) downstairs.  so i get a tub and set it by the bottom of the stairs.  i go through the downstairs and collect everything that needs to go back upstairs.  while i do it i have hendrix RUN the items to the box.  gets energy out.  sometimes he falls, but he loves it.

paper highway
tear off a big piece of kraft paper.  draw roads and a town on it.  give your kids some crayons and cars.  have them add to the town and go for a drive.

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what are your boredom busters? let's all share so that we have some arsenal this winter and upcoming rainy (hopefully!!) spring.



  

thankful tuesdays

good advice if you are preparing the feast.

we're all thankful for something this time of year. hopefully.  even in my family's darkest moments we have found gratitude.  i know this year has been full of ups and downs for everyone including my family.  i do hope that we all have a chance to gather on thursday, eat good food, and take a moment to give thanks.  here's what i am most thankful for...

• my husband, my son, and the growing, very hungry baby in my belly 
• the super folks  heroes at the heart ministry center that delivered thanksgiving meals for over 400 families in the omaha metro last saturday
• my brother and his family who are making our thanksgiving feast
• all the coats the preschool parents, parishioners, and CCD children at our preschool collected for the heart ministry center's clients
• my MIL is getting better everyday and can use a walker and get herself out of chairs.  she'll be home in a couple of weeks!!
• that i live a world where a parent can overcome his greatest grief to celebrate his children and make life better for other kids through art.
• that it is tuesday which means it only two more days to my favorite holiday!!

have a happy thanksgiving all!

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feeling guilty about all the yummy food? drink a smoothie.  smoothies solve almost all problems.

blueberry banana smoothie

1 frozen banana

1 c. frozen blueberries

1 1/2 T/ ground flax seed

1/2 c. vanilla yogurt

1/2 - 3/4 c. milk 

blend together in blender and feel the guilt melt away. 

things i love

i love him.



happy saturday!  here are some exciting things i want you to know about....

oh darling boutique is having their fall open house this weekend.  today is the last day and they are open from 10 - 6.

does this weather have you thinking about snow? are you going through the winter coats?  think about donating to the heart ministry center.  instead of doing one big giveaway coat drive like last year they will be giving coats away throughout the month of october.

the french bulldog meat + cheese shop opens tonight for dinner service at 5pm.  our family is so very happy for bryce, phil, and ann.  be sure to check this new place out.

meet some of the pathway women and learn about what the program has done for them

i love this blog.  especially this post.

homemade animal crackers



mike came home with the cookie cutters that his grandmother bought at the town grocery store in the 1930s when she lived in this house we now call our home. mike's mother had made cookies with her mother, in this house, with those exact cookie cutters.  then he made cookies with his mother and grandmother in their house in another town.  now the cookie cutters made their way back to this house.  i was so awe struck with the bag of cookie cutters that mike's mom had saved all of these years.  there are ones for every holiday.  i knew which one hendrix would like the best.  an ax shaped cookie cutter.  so hendrix and i made animal crackers with the lion, owl, bird, horse, dog, and alligator shaped ones.  and the ax shaped cookie cutter. 
.....
homemade animal crackers
yield 2-3 dozen depending on size of cracker

1 stick of butter, softened
1 cup of brown sugar
1 egg
1 t. vanilla
1 heaping teaspoon of baking spice
1/8 t. salt
1 t. baking powder
1/2 cup of rolled oats (can grind them up if you like)
1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
1 cup of all purpose flour

cream sugar and butter.  add egg and vanilla, mix well. in a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients.  add to sugar mixture and mix well.  form dough into a ball, wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to overnight. 
preheat oven 350 degrees.  take a hunk of dough off your dough ball and warm up with your hands.  roll out onto a floured surface.  cut out shapes and bake on parchment lined baking sheet for 5-8 minutes.  store in an airtight container at room temp for up to one week.

things i love

this week has certainly ended well, hasn't it?  this weather is killer.  the rain on wednesday was blessed.  we haven't done a {things i love} post in awhile...so here it goes:



someone else doing the dishes after dinner

chevron dressers

asking hendrix "what the favorite part of his day was" at dinner

peace of mind in the fridge

taking morning walks with summer + kids

silver repurposed

seeing old friends, pregnant & happy, at baby showers

open houses

seeing old friends, holding their new babies

family breakfast

having a dream that mike was a monster truck driver and the truck's name was "methodical"

pinning fall style ideas

hendrix going to preschool (!!) next month & actually getting to buy school supplies



goldenrod {appearing on the roadsides} + zinnias



things i love this week

oh darling nursery photo by ashley + colin dworak



so many lovely things and people this week....

oh darling {mom + baby} boutique is now doing a nursery design + decor set up at the beginning of each month.  this will be a great way to help new parents envision the nursery of their dreams. or better yet, visit with ashley + colin about adding unique elements to your nursery...they custom paint stuff, people!

like bbq? check out the heart ministry center's 7th annual holy smokes bbq dinner and fundraiser at anthony's steakhouse on thursday, august 30th from 5:30 - 9:30.

amy is killing it....this week she debuted homemade nutella (!!!) on her blog.

this vet office is the best.  our cat whitey is now back home, healthy, and happy...thanks to their excellent care.

i am lucky to be part of such a kind and proactive community. please sign this petition for a couple of high school sweethearts to have the chance to share their big news in our school newsletter.

another community i am lucky to be a part of...gretna has banded together for baby knox thomas lewis.  donate or come to the spaghetti dinner on july 14th at st. pat's in gretna!

fast, veggie laden, summer dinners that can be prepped in advance.

a friend from high school's husband is chronicling the life and times of their new baby girl. 

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this week's posts in case you missed them:
hello, july!
breakfast and the oven are my enemies
next week's dinner