30 by 30 Update. Is 30 Really Only Two Months Away?

A quick update on my list: 

1. purge home, clear clutter {Ongoing. I have been spending naptime working on this.}
2. make cleaning a habit {Always ongoing, but being deliberate has helped a ton!}
3. make recycling a habit {After a few visits to town council meetings, our town finally started curbside recycling last August!}
4. scan pictures, organize pictures {This goal is crossed off because I know I’m not getting to it in the next 3 months.}
5. organize recipes {I have found a method that seems to be working, will share with you Wednesday.}
6. paint bedroom; decorate {Rearranged, and deep-cleaned/organized. Started thinking about colors…}
7. paint living room; decorate {Picked a color, bought a sample, loved it. Need to remove wallpaper border at top of 12 foot wall, buy paint, and paint!}
8. learn how to effective manage household, and time {I am happy to say that I am getting much better at this.}
9. make wedding album {See excuse #4}
10. journal for the boys {I am not very consistent, but the journals are started.}
11. journal for my husband {See #10}
12. learn how to use my camera, and take more pictures {Ongoing, getting better.}
13. have monthly date nights with my husband {Christmas gifts have helped us in this department.}
14. go on mini-vacation with hubby {We did go away overnight in September, and December. (not my idea of mini-vacation, but we will take what we can get!)}
15. go on vacation with the family {Thanks to a wonderful Christmas gift last year we took the family to Great Wolf Lodge. This is probably going to have to suffice for this year.}
16. read to the boys every day {I may have figured this out!}
17. learn to/teach the kids to pray (and Lord's prayer, and Ten Commandments) {Am I a bad mom?}
18. teach my step-daughter to sew and/or encourage her creative interests {Struggles here…}
19. implement a budget {Nope}
20. start nursing clinicals {Crossed off because I didn't get in this winter, hopefully in fall.}
21. manage time better {Isn’t this the same as #8? Improving greatly!}
22. get up early (like to start day by 6:00) {Boys are early risers. I am no means perfect, but so much better.}
23. dress for my hubby more often (less jeans and t-shirts) {I am struggling in the colder season, but I am crossing it off because 1. I wore skirts/dresses most of summer and 2. hubby likes me in jeans and t-shirts.}
24. style hair more, less ponytails {Since I made the cut, I have been better, not perfect, but better.}
25. blog regularly {Getting better, but I think I need to make myself a schedule.}
26. exercise regularly {You would not believe that one of my previous careers was a full-time fitness instructor and personal trainer.}
27. craft through books; get rid of books not needed {I have not actually been crafting through books, but I have been getting rid of the ones that do not inspire my creativity.}
28. craft through stash {Stash is still here, but getting smaller. The only materials I have bought have been project-specific.}
29. make a dress, and wear it {Made another one, look for it in the future, meanwhile check this one out.}
30. start selling on etsy {Been working on shop, a little. Need to tell my confidence (or lack of) to leave me alone. }
31. do a 365 project {I started. Got 21 days in. And quit. I will restart, after I knock out some of my more important goals.}
32. have a (semi) handmade Christmas {did not finish all I aspired too, but did manage to make a few gifts.}

Wowza! Only two months left.

I actually feel pretty good about my progress. When I think of where I was a year ago when I made this list, I have made huge strides. My life doesn’t feel nearly as chaotic as it used to. (Want a few laughs, or even tears? Check out some of my posts from about a year ago.)

What method do you use to track your personal progress? I really like this method, it is a nice reminder of the desperation I felt ten months ago, which is now replaced with ‘I CAN do this!’

*Posts planned this week: Tuesday- Toddler Tip, Wednesday- Lesson’s from Grandma’s Kitchen, Thursday- More Little Boy Refashions, Friday- Egg Free Sharing.

The Moment He Became a Man

I had plans for Tuesday night. Since hubby bowls Tuesday nights, I had planned to write (blog posts) after the twins went to bed. I had at least three days worth in my head, ready to be stroked onto the keyboard and rescued from the tornado of ‘things to remember.’

Its funny how life never happens the way you plan.

The boys and I were on one couch while my step-daughter was on the other couch. We were cuddling, and watching her movie choice, Tinker Bell. My step-son was in the kitchen.

We heard a BANG.

He came in the living room a minute later, “Did you hear that?” Yes, indeed I did.

Let me give a little background here. We live in what I would call a rural town. One of those communities where you don’t have to lock your doors, because bad things don’t typically happen. Neighbors are family (literally and figuratively). It’s usually quiet around here.

Our community is also of the hunting variety. It is normal to hear a BANG echo from the bay… during the fall.

Its not fall.

We dismissed it, and went on with our tasks. About an hour later the next-door neighbor called. Our street had been barricaded. She was not allowed home. She was told everyone had been evacuated. There was a man. With a gun.

While talking to her and looking out the front window State police pulled up in front of our house, parked in the street, and exited their car with guns aimed. “I have to let you go,” I told the neighbor.

I called the local police. “We have a sensitive situation. Everyone has been evacuated.”

“NO! Everyone has NOT been evacuated! I am in my house with 4 children.”

They told me they were someone was on their way to escort us out on foot.

Obviously I am scared. I coral all the kids into the kitchen. I ask them to stay on the floor. Then I calmly (at least as calmly as I could), explained to them what was going on. “I need you guys to help me get your brothers’ snow pants, coats, and boots on.” I then crept through the house gathering everything I thought we might need; sippy cups, extra milk, warm clothes for the bigger kids, diaper bag, etc.

This story is not to ruminate about the incident itself, the fact that we were overlooked, or even the fact that we sat on the kitchen floor dressed for a snowstorm for an hour before being rescued from the chaos. This story is about a boy becoming a man.

We have been blessed with the most wonderful children. My step-son gets good grades, is very active in sports, and makes good decisions. Today, he stepped up to the plate. While it would have been easier to argue with his sister, panic, worry, or freak out he choose the more difficult road. He helped get the confused toddlers dressed. He kept in touch with his dad. He helped council his sister and entertain his brothers. He pushed his fears aside and put our safety first.

This transformation from boy to man usually happens slowly. Changes that often go unnoticed until one day you wake up and wonder where did our little boy go? Despite the stress, fear, and anxiety; I am so thankful God opened my eyes so I could see this transformation amongst the havoc.

Have you been blessed to see a character transformation in your children?

How We Menu Plan

Menu planning has been a struggle for me. I have the freezer cooking down. I love my crockpot. The problem I usually had was sticking to the menu.

This is how it used to go; I’d start the week off good. I would get two days in, realize that I ALWAYS cook too much food, get discouraged with myself, and just give up on our menu. Not anymore. (Well, I do still cook way too much.) I have devised a plan that works for us, and that’s what is important- that it works for us.

Want to know what works around here? Here is a step-by-step (well, sort of):

Menu planning goes on all week. When hubby mentions something that sounds good, I make note of it. No, not a mental note, because I lose those notes, but I actually write it down.

On Friday or Saturday I ask the family what sounds good for dinner this week. I write those suggestions down. If nobody offers any suggestions, there is absolutely no complaining about what is for dinner.

Next I look at our schedule. For instance, my step-son’s sports schedule. On busy days we eat from the crockpot. Every Wednesday everyone is here, so I need a picky-eater-friendly meal. I usually take my step-daughter’s suggestion (since she’s the picky eater) and put it down for Wednesday, or we have roast or spaghetti.

Every other Friday is pizza night. I make pepperoni for the kids, and some version of pizza using whatever is in the fridge for the adults.

I fill these meals on the board. Then I get to work filling in the blanks. My goal is to have 5-6 meals planned for the week, and one leftover day. I then make sure we have everything needed to make these meals.

If have a lot of leftovers or something came up, I just push a planned meal to the next week. (Have you noticed that some meals show up repeatedly on my menu posts?) After trying many ‘meal planning techniques,’ I think we have found what has worked for our family.

Here’s what we are eating this week:

• Sunday- Leftovers
• Monday- Spaghetti
• Tuesday- Sloppy Joes 
• Wednesday- Chicken Fried Rice
• Thursday- Leftovers
• Friday- Pizza
• Saturday- Steak and Potatoes

Do you plan a menu? If so, what method have you found works for you?

Egg-Free Cheesy Veggie Muffins

I get stuck figuring out what to feed my toddlers. Meals have to be easy for little hands to pick up and eat, egg-free, and mama wants the meal to be nutritious. I love freezer-friendly recipes, so I can make more now, freeze, and pull out later.

While catching up on my blog reading, I came across this Savory Muffin recipe. When I was ready to bake, do you think I could remember where I found the recipe? I didn’t feel like searching through Pinterest, so I just pulled up a recipe that sounded close and made my adaptions.

*These muffins are very versatile. Try any veggie/cheese combo. (I am thinking about adding meat next time.)

Egg-Free Cheesy Veggie Muffins

*recipe adapted from Best Recipes

• 2 cups vegetables (used 1 1/2 c. grated carrot, 1/2 cup corn)
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup cheese
• 2 Tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 Tablespoons warm water (or 2 eggs)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup milk

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Grease muffin pan (I made mini-muffins).
3. Mix flaxseed and water, set aside.
4. Combine veggies, 3/4 cup of cheese, flour, Italian seasoning, and baking powder.
5. In a separate bowl mix flaxseed mixture, oil, and milk.
6. Add to dry mixture. Stir until combined. (Do not over mix. Nobody likes rubbery muffins.)
7. Spoon into muffin tins.
8. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
9. Bake for 15-25 minutes, until golden. (mini-muffins only took 15 minutes).

Serve warm. Freeze leftovers.

These muffins are delicious, egg-free, and toddler approved. I have enjoyed having these in the freezer for those dinners that the boys decide to throw everything we offer them.

Have you tried a savory/veggie muffin? If so, what are your favorite combinations?

Kitchen Lessons I Have Learned From Great Grandma; part 1

Celebrating 90 years.

I am one of those fortunate people who had the opportunity to know my great-grandparents. Our family would take the two hour drive to Lake Orion every Sunday for a visit. They also took us kids (usually separately) for a whole week during the summer.

Great Grandma was a wise woman. Additionally, like most people from her generation; she knew her way around the kitchen. For the next 4 weeks I plan to post lessons I have learned from that simple and inviting kitchen in the city.

Here goes, the first lesson:

Shortly after I learned to read, I became more interested in helping in the kitchen. Mom, dad, and grandparents all received my “help”. One summer while staying my week with Grandma and Grandpa, Grandma had decided it was time I learn how to make pancakes.

We were having breakfast on the picnic table. The neighbors and their children were invited. So you can imagine the honor I felt receiving the opportunity to make most important part of breakfast, the pancakes.

Grandma handed me the 3x5 index card, covered with her beautiful scrawl. I immediately started getting out ingredients, bowls, and utensils. I knew what I was doing, I have helped Grandma, and mom and dad (who both learned how to make pancakes from this very woman, in this very kitchen).

I measured and poured. I stirred and mixed. I cooked and flipped. All the while Grandma looked over my shoulder with a proud smile on her face, letting me do my thing.

We all sat down at the picnic table in the backyard. There were at least 8 of us. Everyone dove in, putting a pancake on their plate. Smoothing butter (the real stuff, no Can’t Believe in this house), drizzling with syrup. I did the same, cut off a piece, and took a bite.

YUCK! This was my very loud internal thought. I looked around at everyone else, waiting for their horrified reactions.

No reactions were to be seen or heard. In fact, I was told “good breakfast.” I did observe additional syrup going on all the pancakes though….

After breakfast, while cleaning up I asked Grandma why the pancakes tasted so bad. I did use her recipe, and they tasted nothing like the pancakes I was used to.

Grandma let out a little chuckle. “You didn’t read the recipe.” she went on to explain that I put salt in for sugar, and vice versa.

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“If I stopped you, the same mistake will be made in the future. Now, you will always read the recipe thoroughly.”

“Why did everyone still eat them, and even say they were good?”

Although there were many kitchen lessons learned during this experience, here’s the most important lesson I took from that day:

“They were gobbling up the love you put into those pancakes, not the salty flapjacks. Besides, any meal you don’t have to cook yourself is a good meal.” Grandma is very intelligent…and matter-of-fact.

What is your earliest memory in the kitchen? Any life lessons learned?

Twin Tip Tuesday: The Diaper Bag

Today’s tip is short and sweet. We are talking about the diaper bag.

While registering for our baby shower I sent hubby to the diaper bag aisle. Personally, I didn’t have a preference as to what the bag looked like, I just wanted it to be big enough to carry enough stuff for two babies. It was important that hubby would be comfortable carrying our new luggage (so it had to be manly).

We received the bag hubby picked out at our baby shower.

We used it….. for about a month.

Twin Tip: Do not buy a diaper bag.

After about a month of trying to carry two babies in their car seats, and a diaper bag over one shoulder, we gave up. We ditched the traditional diaper bag and switched to a backpack.

We were fortunate enough to receive a hand-me-down military backpack.  We love it. It is so easy to throw on the bag, pick up the two littles, and head out the door. Disclaimer: It has not been easy to get out the door since we added twins to our family, but it has been easier since we switched bags.

That’s it, short and sweet.

Have you tried a backpack, or are you faithful to your diaper bag?

T-Shirt Refashion for Toddlers

Hubby has earned/collected a ton of t-shirts in his lifetime. He plays softball, bowls, and used to shoot darts. Every team needs a t-shirt right? What about if they win the championship? You guessed it, another t-shirt. (Hey, I guess it’s better than a trophy, how on earth would I upcycle all the trophies? )
My step-son is also involved in sports, so more t-shirts. We have hand-me-downs from my baseball/football/basketball playing nephew. Needless to say, we have a lot of t-shirts.
One of my 30 by 30 goals is to craft through my stash. Somehow these t-shirts ended up in my stash.
The twins need t-shirts. Specifically long-sleeved shirts. (Have you ever tried to buy long-sleeved shirts in February?)
Last week Melissa from Melly Sews posted a how to sew a t-shirt tutorial (and pattern). She made it look achievable, so I decided to tackle our t-shirt pile. Here’s the outcome:

The gray shirt was the first one I tackled. The project was a quick one, about half an hour. I used an XL men’s gray t-shirt for the body. The neck and decal came from a men’s large softball t-shirt.

This one was my problem tee. I was working at night, and that seems to be when I make stupid mistakes (like forgetting to not cut the fold, that’s why we have the layered sleeves). The quality is lacking compared to the gray shirt.
Melissa’s tutorial and pattern are wonderful! The hubby was so impressed, he mentioned going through his closet so I have more t-shirts. Thanks for supporting my stash busting hubby. Here’s a few tips:

• Use the biggest shirt possible. The orange shirt was small, causing a little frustration and creativity.
• To save time, and have a finished-looking project- use existing hems. This is why the sleeves are a little long, I didn’t subtract the extra seam allowance. Oh well, it works (and they grow, fast).
• Use the neckband from the old t-shirt. Just cut it off right above the serging. I unpicked the red collar during a car ride, too much work. The blue collar I just cut. They had the same effect.
• Want a cute ‘boy’ applique? Look in your coloring books. I traced the animals from a coloring book. Then I traced it onto fusible stuff. Ironed it onto scrap t-shirt. Cut it out, and ironed it onto the finished project. I didn’t sew them down, too many small details. (I’ll let you know how they hold up.)
• If existing t-shirt has details you like, use them. (For example, the name on the sleeve.)
• Toddlers are awesome to practice your skills. The project is usually small and quick. Also, they rarely stay still, so any imperfections that you are hung up on are not noticeable to the general public.

Have you done any boy refashions? If so, share them in the comments, I am always looking for more things to sew for my boys.
Here’s to a wonderful week!

Partied here.