I hate shopping. The whole experience is unpleasant for me starting with getting shoes and socks on and ending with putting groceries away. So I try to make sure when I go to the store I get everything I'll need for the week. If not longer.
In order to be successful, I use a few tools.
1. I always use a shopping list - and I make sure to bring a pen and cross things off.
2. I plan meals ahead and buy ingredients I don't already have on hand.
3. I buy extra of things I go through quickly and store them for a few weeks.
4. I check ads to see if there are items on sale that I frequently use.
The one I want to talk about is #3. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we are taught to gather our food storage and be prepared for anything that can test us. Natural disasters, economy crisis, loss of job, etc. A very easy way to gather food storage is to practice tool #3. For just a few dollars a shopping trip, I can get an extra can of crushed pineapple, cream of chicken soup, green beans, chili, and so on. Whatever you are buying to feed your family, buy an extra can or two and store it in the basement, an empty closet, the top shelf of your pantry, under your bed, whatever. And soon you'll have we lovingly like to call food storage.
But what about perishable items, like milk and bread?
Hold on to your hats kids.
Did you know you can freeze milk? Probably everyone in the world knew this except me, but that's ok. I just discovered a few months ago that you can, in fact, freeze milk and it comes out with the same flavor and consistency!
Are you ready for this? So does bread! If you freeze a loaf of bread, it will thaw light and fluffy, just like it was before you shoved it in that cold abyss.
The trick to having quality food come out of the freezer is all in how you thaw it.
First of all, the milk will expand in the freezer. It doesn't usually leak all over, so that's a good thing. But it will expand making it harder to get out of the freezer than it was to shove it in. But once you get it out, put it in the sink or in a large bowl and leave it there for a day. Seriously, a day. It takes a very long time to thaw, and if you don't wait until it's all the way done before you start using it, then it's going to be weird because you are taking out liquid when some of the fat is still frozen. Then it turns grainy and weird. So be patient. Let it thaw on it's own terms, and soon you'll have milk. The same with bread. If you pull two slices of bread out of the bag frozen and microwave them, they'll come out tough and crusty. Not fun or appetizing. If you are really in a hurry for bread though, you can always toast it, and then it will be crispy, not crusty.
The other part of this food storage equation is planning. If you go through a gallon of milk a day and you are down to half a cup left in the jug, you are not going to have time to get out your milk and thaw it before you run out of milk. So plan ahead and start defrosting your frozen milk a day before you think you'll need it.
I understand that freezer space can also be an issue. And if you live wicked close to a store, or you just sort of enjoy that situation - you know, the whole shopping thing - then you do what works best for your family. But, it's always good to know money and time saving tips.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
HELP!
Okay ladies, I'm in some serious need of advice... my son has started a horrible habit (well several actually, but I'm not going to talk about stripping in this post):
He thinks it's funny to run away from me in the store and hide.
His mom DOES NOT think it's funny.
Now I know what you might be thinking: just keep him in the cart. And I do, when I'm somewhere that has a cart. But what do you do when it's a store that has no cart like the mall (and my son will not stay in a stroller) or when you go into the dressing room and he climbs out under the door when you're standing there in your underwear?
That happened to me in DI this week. I'd already pulled his little hiney back into the dressing room four times as he tried to escape but he was too quick the fifth time. I hurried and finished getting dressed and then opened the door to see where Kaleb had gone. I couldn't see him ANYWHERE. I called out his name and he didn't come. Panic immediately set in as I'm looking around calling out his name, just visioning that someone has kidnapped my child. After what felt like an eternity, I found him. I turned around and he was just standing there, looking at me like, "What's the big deal, Mom?" I chewed him out for running away and he just kept saying, "Funny." (his favorite word right now. In fact he's saying it right now) And I just kept saying, "Not funny. That was NOT funny."
HELP! What do I do? He's done it multiple times now and he always laughs and says, "funny." I've spanked him and chewed him out, but what else can I do besides putting him on a leash or never going shopping again?
He thinks it's funny to run away from me in the store and hide.
His mom DOES NOT think it's funny.
Now I know what you might be thinking: just keep him in the cart. And I do, when I'm somewhere that has a cart. But what do you do when it's a store that has no cart like the mall (and my son will not stay in a stroller) or when you go into the dressing room and he climbs out under the door when you're standing there in your underwear?
That happened to me in DI this week. I'd already pulled his little hiney back into the dressing room four times as he tried to escape but he was too quick the fifth time. I hurried and finished getting dressed and then opened the door to see where Kaleb had gone. I couldn't see him ANYWHERE. I called out his name and he didn't come. Panic immediately set in as I'm looking around calling out his name, just visioning that someone has kidnapped my child. After what felt like an eternity, I found him. I turned around and he was just standing there, looking at me like, "What's the big deal, Mom?" I chewed him out for running away and he just kept saying, "Funny." (his favorite word right now. In fact he's saying it right now) And I just kept saying, "Not funny. That was NOT funny."
HELP! What do I do? He's done it multiple times now and he always laughs and says, "funny." I've spanked him and chewed him out, but what else can I do besides putting him on a leash or never going shopping again?
Friday, October 22, 2010
Constipation Anyone?
If your kids are anything like mine, then their internal plumbing systems will stop working quite as well once they start solids. I don't know what it is, but my babies just plug right up once solids are introduced. It doesn't matter how much they drink, or how diluted their cereal is, they seem to have a really tough time with filling their diapers up. I have learned a few different things to try when your little one is spending a lot of time grunting without much to show for it.
1. Prunes and Prune Juice: Doctors will usually recommend this first. They claim that it softens things up and gets them flowing again. I have never had much luck with them myself, but old people eat/drink them for the same reason, so there must be some truth to it.
2. Blueberries: I haven't had to use blueberries specifically for this purpose, but my kids love them. I have been told that they work like a charm when it comes to cleaning out those little baby pipes.
3. Yogurt: I tried almost everything you can imagine with my first child and she continued to remain clogged up almost constantly until she was introduced to yogurt. Once she was old enough, I started to feed her yogurt every single day and she has not had a bowel problem since.
4. CARROTS: Yes, those beloved little orange bits of deliciousness that most children will gobble up quite willingly are filled with fiber. Especially if your baby is not old enough to eat yogurt yet, then carrots are a good option. If my little one has gone for several days without stinking up the house, then I will feed her a big helping of carrots. Without fail, she will have a major blowout by the next morning. Sometimes they work a little too well and the mess is uncontainable. But that is information for another post ;)
5. Suppository: If nothing else works, you may be in need of a suppository. However, I would suggest trying the other options first. Suppositories are very effective, usually working within 15 minutes or so, but they are uncomfortable for your child and are not a long term fix.
1. Prunes and Prune Juice: Doctors will usually recommend this first. They claim that it softens things up and gets them flowing again. I have never had much luck with them myself, but old people eat/drink them for the same reason, so there must be some truth to it.
2. Blueberries: I haven't had to use blueberries specifically for this purpose, but my kids love them. I have been told that they work like a charm when it comes to cleaning out those little baby pipes.
3. Yogurt: I tried almost everything you can imagine with my first child and she continued to remain clogged up almost constantly until she was introduced to yogurt. Once she was old enough, I started to feed her yogurt every single day and she has not had a bowel problem since.
4. CARROTS: Yes, those beloved little orange bits of deliciousness that most children will gobble up quite willingly are filled with fiber. Especially if your baby is not old enough to eat yogurt yet, then carrots are a good option. If my little one has gone for several days without stinking up the house, then I will feed her a big helping of carrots. Without fail, she will have a major blowout by the next morning. Sometimes they work a little too well and the mess is uncontainable. But that is information for another post ;)
5. Suppository: If nothing else works, you may be in need of a suppository. However, I would suggest trying the other options first. Suppositories are very effective, usually working within 15 minutes or so, but they are uncomfortable for your child and are not a long term fix.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Taking Naps
I know the word "nap" is a trigger for all kinds of emotions. I think we could spend the rest of our lives talking about nap taking, but I won't bore you to death.
I read an article in a magazine when S was a few months old and it was really interesting.
There are three kinds of nappers:
1. Kids who need a nap at the same time every day, no matter what.
2. Kids who will fall asleep whenever wherever, as long as they're tired.
3. Kids who need a nap every two hours, no questions asked.
As far as I know, there is nothing that specifically determines what kind of napper a child is. They're just born that way.
It sounds so silly; you look at the list and say, "yeah, I know a kid who fits into every category." So why even list them?
When I read the article, it was so helpful to see that first of all, it wasn't strange that my kid's nap wasn't scheduled every day. It just so happens that he is number three, and after two hours, almost on the dot, he is yawning and reaching for his crib. I'm not kidding. His nap time is dependent on what time he wakes up in the morning, not what time I think he ought to take a nap. So it was reassuring to know he wasn't abnormal, just different than his cousins.
It also helped me to know his patterns a little better and I felt more informed and more better able to parent. If I tried to put him down at the same time every day, it wouldn't work! (I tried.) So knowing that he isn't a schedule baby, he's an hourly baby, helped me plan and make sure he got the sleep he needed when he needed it.
One last note. Even though S doesn't have a schedule, he has a routine. And that is really important, especially at night time. He knows that when we do certain things, it's time for bed and for sleeping. Occasionally we have to break the routine if we're on vacation or at a friend's house, but mostly it's helped keep order in our house.
I read an article in a magazine when S was a few months old and it was really interesting.
There are three kinds of nappers:
1. Kids who need a nap at the same time every day, no matter what.
2. Kids who will fall asleep whenever wherever, as long as they're tired.
3. Kids who need a nap every two hours, no questions asked.
As far as I know, there is nothing that specifically determines what kind of napper a child is. They're just born that way.
It sounds so silly; you look at the list and say, "yeah, I know a kid who fits into every category." So why even list them?
When I read the article, it was so helpful to see that first of all, it wasn't strange that my kid's nap wasn't scheduled every day. It just so happens that he is number three, and after two hours, almost on the dot, he is yawning and reaching for his crib. I'm not kidding. His nap time is dependent on what time he wakes up in the morning, not what time I think he ought to take a nap. So it was reassuring to know he wasn't abnormal, just different than his cousins.
It also helped me to know his patterns a little better and I felt more informed and more better able to parent. If I tried to put him down at the same time every day, it wouldn't work! (I tried.) So knowing that he isn't a schedule baby, he's an hourly baby, helped me plan and make sure he got the sleep he needed when he needed it.
One last note. Even though S doesn't have a schedule, he has a routine. And that is really important, especially at night time. He knows that when we do certain things, it's time for bed and for sleeping. Occasionally we have to break the routine if we're on vacation or at a friend's house, but mostly it's helped keep order in our house.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Keeping Secrets
There are several secrets that have been deemed "worthy" to keep from your kids, such as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. I grew up having the truth about these "people" kept from me and I was blissfully happy (and ignorant...and naive).
I still remember the day my parents took me into their bedroom to tell me "the truth", though I don't remember how old I was. I wasn't devastated, but I WAS disappointed. It took just a little bit of the magic away from my absolute favorite holiday (Christmas). After they told me, they asked me to keep it a secret from my 2 younger siblings so I didn't ruin their fun. I immediately went out to play with the rest of my family and almost let it slip. What can I say? I was VERY disappointed!
Although I plan to keep my kids as in the dark as I was during my younger years, I've thought about this off and on for awhile now and wonder...How old is too old to believe in these characters?
I have quite awhile before I even have to consider "telling" my oldest the truth about any of this, but since Christmas is just around the corner, which means that we're gearing up to play Santa, I thought I'd ask all you pros out there. When did you tell your kids "the truth"? How did you do it so you could still keep the magical secret alive for your younger kids? And, of course, how old do you think is too old for them to still believe?
I still remember the day my parents took me into their bedroom to tell me "the truth", though I don't remember how old I was. I wasn't devastated, but I WAS disappointed. It took just a little bit of the magic away from my absolute favorite holiday (Christmas). After they told me, they asked me to keep it a secret from my 2 younger siblings so I didn't ruin their fun. I immediately went out to play with the rest of my family and almost let it slip. What can I say? I was VERY disappointed!
Although I plan to keep my kids as in the dark as I was during my younger years, I've thought about this off and on for awhile now and wonder...How old is too old to believe in these characters?
I have quite awhile before I even have to consider "telling" my oldest the truth about any of this, but since Christmas is just around the corner, which means that we're gearing up to play Santa, I thought I'd ask all you pros out there. When did you tell your kids "the truth"? How did you do it so you could still keep the magical secret alive for your younger kids? And, of course, how old do you think is too old for them to still believe?
Saturday, October 16, 2010
How to protect your crib!
You read that right, it's how to protect your crib, not your child. My parenting book never told me just what a kid could do to your precious, $200 crib once they learned how to pull themselves up.
This is what happened to my crib:
Thank heavens it wasn't lead paint, right? Still I was devastated. So now I had to find some way to cover the horrible bite marks. I looked online and crib rail covers were like $20 or more! I thought, "there's no way I'm paying that much." (I'm a frugal/cheap-skate!)
So I decided to make some. I picked out the fabric, made my own pattern from looking at the ones online, and sewed them for at least half the money. Now I'm not embarrassed for people to see Kaleb's crib and I don't have to worry about any more biting (although he's long over that now).
Moral of the story: if you don't have something like this yet on your crib, buy/make them before it's too late!
This is what happened to my crib:
Thank heavens it wasn't lead paint, right? Still I was devastated. So now I had to find some way to cover the horrible bite marks. I looked online and crib rail covers were like $20 or more! I thought, "there's no way I'm paying that much." (I'm a frugal/cheap-skate!)
So I decided to make some. I picked out the fabric, made my own pattern from looking at the ones online, and sewed them for at least half the money. Now I'm not embarrassed for people to see Kaleb's crib and I don't have to worry about any more biting (although he's long over that now).
Moral of the story: if you don't have something like this yet on your crib, buy/make them before it's too late!
Don't forget
A few days ago one of our mommies asked for help with healthy snacking. Don't forget to check out her post and see if you have any ideas for healthy snacks...I'm also very interested in your ideas!!!
~D~
~D~
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Name Game
I don't know about anyone else, but I've been making lists of baby names I loved since I was like 10. I'm sure if I were to see the lists from yesteryear now, I would gag! :) There is one name though that I have LOVED since I first met my husband. It's a boy name and we have 2 sweet little girls...so it continues to sit on an imaginary list of "Boy Names" in my head. With every baby boy that's born on either side of our family, I hold my breath and hope that they didn't give him "my" name. Well, yesterday, I found out someone is using "my" name. I almost cried. Then I decided, there's just going to be two little boys with that name in the family. Cuz try as I might, I can't cross off my favorite name on my imaginary list.
What about you. Do you keep your names a secret for fear of someone stealing it? Not liking it? Simply wanting it to be a surprise?
I have a friend who had chosen a name for a boy. She announced it to her family...and her sister in law stole it. She decided to pay her back. She named her dog the "girl" name her sister in law loved. ;)
What about you. Do you keep your names a secret for fear of someone stealing it? Not liking it? Simply wanting it to be a surprise?
I have a friend who had chosen a name for a boy. She announced it to her family...and her sister in law stole it. She decided to pay her back. She named her dog the "girl" name her sister in law loved. ;)
Healthy Snacking
I have a bit of a problem. I try really hard to make sure my kids snack healthy....but I totally disregard myself when it comes to this. I will cut up apples or banana's and couple it with peanut butter or honey and off goes snack for the girls, then I go grab some chips or a cookie out of the pantry. It would have taken five seconds more to add a plate and make me the same snack I know darn well is better for me. But no I don't. Why do we do this?
Yes, not all the yummy snacks are healthy for you and dang it sometimes I want a cookie!! And unhealthy snacks are conveniently packaged and wonderfully advertised. But if I make the effort not to give them to my children, why would I put my body through that?!
Sooo...I need to remember to eat better. I need some ideas of fun, fast, easy healthy snacks!!!
Here are a few I'm going to work on doing:
Sliced apples (with peanut butter or honey)
Grapes (when you come home from the store - wash, seperate and bag up these tastey treats then they are ready to go when you are)
Raw veggies like carrots, broccolli or cauliflower (again, bag them when you get home and they are ready for the week)
Wheat Thins (pre-bagged for the week)
What else can I try that I can use for both me and my kids for snacking?
Friday, October 8, 2010
Milestones
All children have milestones. Learning to roll over, eat by themselves, walk, going to the potty.....
All of these are great and we work hard to help our children learn these things. The other day one of my daughters learned to do something that I never considered a milestone, but the minute she said "mommy look what I can do" and TIED HER SHOE!...I swear the heavens opened and angels sang!
I don't know why this was such a huge thing for me, but it was. I was soo incredibly happy that she could finally tie her own shoe and not only that helps her sisters with it. I could just skip for joy in the mornings now when I say tell them to get their shoes on and (insert angelic music here) I don't have to tie six shoes!!!!
What are some things your children accomplished that were wonderful that you didn't think would be a huge deal but turned out to be wonderful for you?
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Good cop vs. Bad cop
No matter how badly I wish I was "Good cop", I'm just not. I spend all of my time with 2 little boys, J is 3 and B is 7 months.
Recently I have been given the actual title of "Bad Cop" with my disciplines on the boys.
For example...during conference little J wanted to play his Mickey Mouse on the computer. I told him that "No, we are watching conference, this is church today." He ran to Mr. A for help and this is what I heard "Sorry dude, mom said no, she wants to watch conference". Bad Cop title inserted here.
Example number 2: Mom is watching "The Biggest Loser" (a fave for me), and little J wants to play his wii game. I explain that he already had his game time earlier and that it's mommy's turn to watch something. He again runs to daddy for help, to which I hear "Sorry man, mom said no. She wants to watch her own show." Insert Bad Cop title here.
Example number 3: I have tried implementing the Scripture stories at bedtime, because little J doesn't do so well sitting and listening to us read (us, what was I thinking? It's just me.) I try to wrangle little J and Mr A to come and listen and I get another plee for help towards dad. I then again hear "Sorry, mom says we have to listen." Insert Bad Cop title here.
Why is it that Mr A seems to 'blame' mom for things instead of saying "WE read at night as a family." or "Mom worked hard taking care of you all day, it's her turn with the TV, we need to share." or "WE watch conference as a family, to listen to the prophet."
Is there some way to get a unified front? I mentioned this last night, after days of frustration of being 'blamed' for everything. I think sometimes it's easier for the Good Cop to 'blame', even if they don't realize they are blaming, because they are gone all day, don't have to deal with the discipline during the day, the cleaning, the frustration of toys everywhere, the feeding, the napping, the wiping of snotty noses...and when Good cop gets home, all they want to do is play and relax...
Let's just say this post is a vent, but still, does this happen to anyone else? or is Mr A the only one that seems to take upon himself the role of Good Cop Blame Game?
Recently I have been given the actual title of "Bad Cop" with my disciplines on the boys.
For example...during conference little J wanted to play his Mickey Mouse on the computer. I told him that "No, we are watching conference, this is church today." He ran to Mr. A for help and this is what I heard "Sorry dude, mom said no, she wants to watch conference". Bad Cop title inserted here.
Example number 2: Mom is watching "The Biggest Loser" (a fave for me), and little J wants to play his wii game. I explain that he already had his game time earlier and that it's mommy's turn to watch something. He again runs to daddy for help, to which I hear "Sorry man, mom said no. She wants to watch her own show." Insert Bad Cop title here.
Example number 3: I have tried implementing the Scripture stories at bedtime, because little J doesn't do so well sitting and listening to us read (us, what was I thinking? It's just me.) I try to wrangle little J and Mr A to come and listen and I get another plee for help towards dad. I then again hear "Sorry, mom says we have to listen." Insert Bad Cop title here.
Why is it that Mr A seems to 'blame' mom for things instead of saying "WE read at night as a family." or "Mom worked hard taking care of you all day, it's her turn with the TV, we need to share." or "WE watch conference as a family, to listen to the prophet."
Is there some way to get a unified front? I mentioned this last night, after days of frustration of being 'blamed' for everything. I think sometimes it's easier for the Good Cop to 'blame', even if they don't realize they are blaming, because they are gone all day, don't have to deal with the discipline during the day, the cleaning, the frustration of toys everywhere, the feeding, the napping, the wiping of snotty noses...and when Good cop gets home, all they want to do is play and relax...
Let's just say this post is a vent, but still, does this happen to anyone else? or is Mr A the only one that seems to take upon himself the role of Good Cop Blame Game?
Sock Saver
Have you ever noticed that the Sock Monster particularly enjoys baby socks? (Almost as much as he loves his wings)
Do you have a front loader washing machine? Do you hate losing your baby socks only to find them tucked in your favorite pair of jeans or folded into your sheets? Do you wish you could have all your baby's socks in one place so they are easy to match and put away?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, then I have a solution for you.
(Cue the infomercial music; insert the bad acting and overly dramatic reenactments of finding socks in the weirdest places.)
My sister-in-law gave me this advice long before I had a baby, and I think it's been a life saver. Or at least a sock saver. If you go to the laundry section of your local store, you'll find a small mesh bag called a garment bag, or a lingerie bag. If you are LDS and ever attended girls camp, you may have had to use these as a place to hang dry and store your dishes.
Anyway, buy this bag. Take it home and put it in your hamper, tack it on the wall, keep it in the sock drawer. Whatever. When your child takes off dirty socks, throw them in the bag. Or, when you sort laundry, pull the dirty socks aside and put them in the bag before running the washing machine.
Make sure you zip the bag. I say this from experience. This nifty little trick will get your child's socks clean and keep them all in one place for easy matching and clean up. Hurray! Your prayers are answered!
And as a side note, if you have a front loader, the socks can get trapped in the little space between the machine and the rubber insert around the opening. It pulls away and baby socks are the perfect size to squeeze in there and mold. Gross. So it's a really good idea to pull that rubber part back every once in a while and see if anything is hiding down there.
Do you have a front loader washing machine? Do you hate losing your baby socks only to find them tucked in your favorite pair of jeans or folded into your sheets? Do you wish you could have all your baby's socks in one place so they are easy to match and put away?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, then I have a solution for you.
(Cue the infomercial music; insert the bad acting and overly dramatic reenactments of finding socks in the weirdest places.)
My sister-in-law gave me this advice long before I had a baby, and I think it's been a life saver. Or at least a sock saver. If you go to the laundry section of your local store, you'll find a small mesh bag called a garment bag, or a lingerie bag. If you are LDS and ever attended girls camp, you may have had to use these as a place to hang dry and store your dishes.
Anyway, buy this bag. Take it home and put it in your hamper, tack it on the wall, keep it in the sock drawer. Whatever. When your child takes off dirty socks, throw them in the bag. Or, when you sort laundry, pull the dirty socks aside and put them in the bag before running the washing machine.
Make sure you zip the bag. I say this from experience. This nifty little trick will get your child's socks clean and keep them all in one place for easy matching and clean up. Hurray! Your prayers are answered!
And as a side note, if you have a front loader, the socks can get trapped in the little space between the machine and the rubber insert around the opening. It pulls away and baby socks are the perfect size to squeeze in there and mold. Gross. So it's a really good idea to pull that rubber part back every once in a while and see if anything is hiding down there.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Master of Distractions
I'm sure you're all VERY aware that part of being a mom is coming up with distractions for your children. Creative moms can even make it seem like their kids came up with the alternate activity, therefore making it all the more appealing to them. I haven't quite reached that status yet, but I'm learning how to keep a stash of alternate activities (even just a mental list) because I work from home and have to care for my 2 year old at the same time.
My list of "distractions" includes:
My list of "distractions" includes:
- Starfall.com
- drawing/coloring
- reading his favorite books
- toys
- letter/number magnets
- eating a snack
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