Friday, July 10, 2015
NEW WEBSITE!! www.thereallifehousewife.com
I just made a new website called www.thereallifehousewife.com and its all about becoming a better wife, mother, and homemaker! Learn decorating tips to get your home looking beautiful, how to organize your home, and how to become a better person. It has videos and tutorials on all kinds of subjects. My heart and soul went into making this website just so you could better your life. Please go check it out and share it with your family and friends!! You can also add Real Life Housewives on Facebook for a positive and helpful support group. All new updates and videos will now be posted on the new website!
Friday, July 19, 2013
Tips for Stay at Home Moms
With children, it's not long before our homes get trashed and our patience gets pushed to the limit.
I would think any mother would get tired of living in a zoo, surrounded by piles of clutter and out of control children. I struggled with this for years and was tired of picking up the same messes everyday from a thankless job. I've read articles, talked to friends and mentors to figure out how they handle being a stay at home mom and not go insane.
I've done my research and have come up with a plan to get you and your family organized, home running smoothly, increase energy, and feel like their is more to life than loading dishes and folding laundry. I have so many tips it may be overwhelming but will help you in so many ways.
The first main thing you need to do is ditch the schedule. There are too many unexpected things that happen in a day and hardly any freedom to be available to others, do something fun, or anything else if you are living by an hour by hour or min by min schedule. Instead create a Morning and Evening Routine and leave everything in between open. Here is an example of my daily morning routine:
6:00 AM Wake Up
Pray
Say 3 things you are grateful for
Motivational Quote, affirmation, uplifting music
Turn on Music
Turn on Lights
Make Bed
Tidy room
Yoga/ 7 Min Workout
Shower (I wash my hair at night,so in the morning i wear a shower cap) wash body,face
Get Completely Ready (teeth, makeup, hair, jewelry,clothes)
Wipe down bathroom (sinks,counters, toilets)
Take Laundry downstairs and start washer
Pets (feed, let dog out)
Drink Water
Take Vitamins/medications
Sweep
Check Calendar
Cuddle with Kids (wake them up, music, pray, lights on)
Have kids get dressed for school, make beds, brush teeth, hair, shoes
Unload Dishes while kids get dressed
Breakfast
Dishes to dishwasher
Wipe down Countertops and KitchenTable
Grab lunches and backpacks
Take Kids to School
Morning Tips:
1.I am not a morning person cause I like my sleep,but it is important that you wake up ATLEAST 15 min before everyone else. You want to make sure you get everything you can done that would make it harder or impossible to do when the kids wake up. it's easier if the kids wake up to a clean house because you can just concentrate on your kids and make sure they pick up their mess instead of trying to clean one room while your child destroys another. If you are a heavy sleeper, I recommend the Sonic Boom Alarm Clock. It vibrates your pillow and is loud to wake you up.Also the Nightstand App on iPad, and SleepTimezzz are also great apps you need to check out for yourself.
2. remind yourself how grateful you are every day. as soon as you wake up, list 3 things you are grateful for.
3. Avoid electronics till after you drop kids off at school. INSTEAD read inspirational material, quotes, affirmations, funny videos, to help with those good feeling endorphins. No news, tv, computer, phone which will get you hooked. Just wait till after the kids go to school. The first hour is the most important part of your day.
4. Music and lights will get you moving. if you are afraid of waking up someone then put headphones on.
5. Make Your Bed so you are not tempted to get back inside it and it makes your room look clean.
6. I got a Yoga app for ipad and 7 minute app for iPhone which is a quick easy way to get energy to your day.
7. Take care of your face and take pride in how you look. Skip the sweats, do your makeup and hair, brush your teeth. A study showed that women who wore make up 85% had their moods lifted.
8. On your way downstairs, take the laundry with you and start a load of laundry.
9. Stay Hydrated. use the daily water app on your iPad to keep track of how much water you drink which should be 8 glasses or more.
10. Take multivitamins or any other meds you need
11. check calendar to see today's events and MIT (most important tasks)
12. I love spending a minute cuddling with my boys and just enjoying their restfulness. slowly wake them up,,open curtains, say prayers with them, and turn on music to get them going. Give them 2 min warnings when it's time to leave.
13. Don't overload them with two many chores. making their bed and tiding their room is sufficient u til they get home.
14. Eat quick breakfast like cereal, grains, yogurt
15. have everyone put dishes into sink when they are done.
16. Clean up any spills, grab lunches, backpacks and take kids to school.
17. don't forget to say I love you and thank you if they were helpful and on time.
EVENING ROUTINE
1. Pick up the kids from school. I switch off with 2 other moms, carpooling kids to school so this is not a daily thing for me. But if you have time to walk them to school, it is great exercise and great bonding time together!
2. When your children get home from school, make sure they do their homework and help them when they need it. Have them take out all their paperwork from their backpack and hang it up in a designated area so it is not laying on the floor or have a hard time finding it in the morning. I check all his paperwork for any submission slips or flyers for things going on at the school that they might forget to tell you about. I check his homework and make sure it is completed and correct and then have them put it in their backpack and sign any paperwork.
3. I let them play for a little bit before doing their chores since it can be exhausting after just doing homework. While they play, I switch over the laundry.
4. Chores for Kids. There are a few great ways to motivate kids to do chores. Some chores they need to do no matter what, like making their bed, putting toys away before bed, brushing their teeth and cleaning their room. You can have a jar of chores they can pick from to pick a few extra chores to do each day that they can choose. Then you can have harder chores that maybe you dont want to do, where they can earn money and save. If they leave toys out before bed, I pick them up and put them in a bin where they cant reach them and they have to do a chore of my choosing to get it back the next day. Any toys that are left in the bin after a week, get donated.
5. Playtime after chores for kids and then make sure they pick up toys before dinner.
6. I cook dinner while they play. I LOVE Emeals!! you can sign up for it, i did it with groupon, and they send you a years worth of meals, one week at a time based on the sales going on at the grocery store you shop at and the food is amazing and easy to make. We love the different variety and have loved every meal. it takes out all the work of making a grocery list or planning meals for the week.
7. Have family help set the table and eat dinner together at the table so you can have time together and talk about your day and learn what kids are doing in school or learn more about them.
8. After dinner, dishes go straight in the dishwasher. Everyone puts their own dishes in the sink. Anything left over, you can switch days on who does the dishes.
9. We take about 15-30 min to relax before we all go on a family walk. Great bonding time and exercise.
10. Kids take a bath, brush teeth, hair, go potty, and get their pajamas on. If the kids are old enough they can set out their clothes for tomorrow themselves, otherwise you can set out the clothes for them to make it easier and faster in the morning.
11. Read 3 books, sing 2 songs, and then say prayers with my boys before tucking them in and kissing them goodnight and of course the last thing i say is i love you. Then lights are out.
12. Now that the kids are in bed, I go around the house and tidy up, pack lunches, and start the dishwasher. No dishes should be left in the sink or clothes in the washer over night.
13. Write MIT (most important tasks) for tomorrow and kids chores, write a quote on a white board on kitchen or front door so they have something to think about during the day.
14. Budget your money for the day, and check calendar and forecast for the next day.
15. Write in a journal or (our child) app about what you did that day and add picks to remember.
16. Read Scriptures
17. Take a shower, blow dry hair, wash face, take out contacts and pick out clothes for tomorrow.
18. Tidy room
19. Open blinds to help wake you up in the morning using natural light
20. Set alarms
21. Think about atleast 3 things you were grateful for that day.
22. Say prayers and go to sleep
I would think any mother would get tired of living in a zoo, surrounded by piles of clutter and out of control children. I struggled with this for years and was tired of picking up the same messes everyday from a thankless job. I've read articles, talked to friends and mentors to figure out how they handle being a stay at home mom and not go insane.
I've done my research and have come up with a plan to get you and your family organized, home running smoothly, increase energy, and feel like their is more to life than loading dishes and folding laundry. I have so many tips it may be overwhelming but will help you in so many ways.
The first main thing you need to do is ditch the schedule. There are too many unexpected things that happen in a day and hardly any freedom to be available to others, do something fun, or anything else if you are living by an hour by hour or min by min schedule. Instead create a Morning and Evening Routine and leave everything in between open. Here is an example of my daily morning routine:
6:00 AM Wake Up
Pray
Say 3 things you are grateful for
Motivational Quote, affirmation, uplifting music
Turn on Music
Turn on Lights
Make Bed
Tidy room
Yoga/ 7 Min Workout
Shower (I wash my hair at night,so in the morning i wear a shower cap) wash body,face
Get Completely Ready (teeth, makeup, hair, jewelry,clothes)
Wipe down bathroom (sinks,counters, toilets)
Take Laundry downstairs and start washer
Pets (feed, let dog out)
Drink Water
Take Vitamins/medications
Sweep
Check Calendar
Cuddle with Kids (wake them up, music, pray, lights on)
Have kids get dressed for school, make beds, brush teeth, hair, shoes
Unload Dishes while kids get dressed
Breakfast
Dishes to dishwasher
Wipe down Countertops and KitchenTable
Grab lunches and backpacks
Take Kids to School
Morning Tips:
1.I am not a morning person cause I like my sleep,but it is important that you wake up ATLEAST 15 min before everyone else. You want to make sure you get everything you can done that would make it harder or impossible to do when the kids wake up. it's easier if the kids wake up to a clean house because you can just concentrate on your kids and make sure they pick up their mess instead of trying to clean one room while your child destroys another. If you are a heavy sleeper, I recommend the Sonic Boom Alarm Clock. It vibrates your pillow and is loud to wake you up.Also the Nightstand App on iPad, and SleepTimezzz are also great apps you need to check out for yourself.
2. remind yourself how grateful you are every day. as soon as you wake up, list 3 things you are grateful for.
3. Avoid electronics till after you drop kids off at school. INSTEAD read inspirational material, quotes, affirmations, funny videos, to help with those good feeling endorphins. No news, tv, computer, phone which will get you hooked. Just wait till after the kids go to school. The first hour is the most important part of your day.
4. Music and lights will get you moving. if you are afraid of waking up someone then put headphones on.
5. Make Your Bed so you are not tempted to get back inside it and it makes your room look clean.
6. I got a Yoga app for ipad and 7 minute app for iPhone which is a quick easy way to get energy to your day.
7. Take care of your face and take pride in how you look. Skip the sweats, do your makeup and hair, brush your teeth. A study showed that women who wore make up 85% had their moods lifted.
8. On your way downstairs, take the laundry with you and start a load of laundry.
9. Stay Hydrated. use the daily water app on your iPad to keep track of how much water you drink which should be 8 glasses or more.
10. Take multivitamins or any other meds you need
11. check calendar to see today's events and MIT (most important tasks)
12. I love spending a minute cuddling with my boys and just enjoying their restfulness. slowly wake them up,,open curtains, say prayers with them, and turn on music to get them going. Give them 2 min warnings when it's time to leave.
13. Don't overload them with two many chores. making their bed and tiding their room is sufficient u til they get home.
14. Eat quick breakfast like cereal, grains, yogurt
15. have everyone put dishes into sink when they are done.
16. Clean up any spills, grab lunches, backpacks and take kids to school.
17. don't forget to say I love you and thank you if they were helpful and on time.
EVENING ROUTINE
1. Pick up the kids from school. I switch off with 2 other moms, carpooling kids to school so this is not a daily thing for me. But if you have time to walk them to school, it is great exercise and great bonding time together!
2. When your children get home from school, make sure they do their homework and help them when they need it. Have them take out all their paperwork from their backpack and hang it up in a designated area so it is not laying on the floor or have a hard time finding it in the morning. I check all his paperwork for any submission slips or flyers for things going on at the school that they might forget to tell you about. I check his homework and make sure it is completed and correct and then have them put it in their backpack and sign any paperwork.
3. I let them play for a little bit before doing their chores since it can be exhausting after just doing homework. While they play, I switch over the laundry.
4. Chores for Kids. There are a few great ways to motivate kids to do chores. Some chores they need to do no matter what, like making their bed, putting toys away before bed, brushing their teeth and cleaning their room. You can have a jar of chores they can pick from to pick a few extra chores to do each day that they can choose. Then you can have harder chores that maybe you dont want to do, where they can earn money and save. If they leave toys out before bed, I pick them up and put them in a bin where they cant reach them and they have to do a chore of my choosing to get it back the next day. Any toys that are left in the bin after a week, get donated.
5. Playtime after chores for kids and then make sure they pick up toys before dinner.
6. I cook dinner while they play. I LOVE Emeals!! you can sign up for it, i did it with groupon, and they send you a years worth of meals, one week at a time based on the sales going on at the grocery store you shop at and the food is amazing and easy to make. We love the different variety and have loved every meal. it takes out all the work of making a grocery list or planning meals for the week.
7. Have family help set the table and eat dinner together at the table so you can have time together and talk about your day and learn what kids are doing in school or learn more about them.
8. After dinner, dishes go straight in the dishwasher. Everyone puts their own dishes in the sink. Anything left over, you can switch days on who does the dishes.
9. We take about 15-30 min to relax before we all go on a family walk. Great bonding time and exercise.
10. Kids take a bath, brush teeth, hair, go potty, and get their pajamas on. If the kids are old enough they can set out their clothes for tomorrow themselves, otherwise you can set out the clothes for them to make it easier and faster in the morning.
11. Read 3 books, sing 2 songs, and then say prayers with my boys before tucking them in and kissing them goodnight and of course the last thing i say is i love you. Then lights are out.
12. Now that the kids are in bed, I go around the house and tidy up, pack lunches, and start the dishwasher. No dishes should be left in the sink or clothes in the washer over night.
13. Write MIT (most important tasks) for tomorrow and kids chores, write a quote on a white board on kitchen or front door so they have something to think about during the day.
14. Budget your money for the day, and check calendar and forecast for the next day.
15. Write in a journal or (our child) app about what you did that day and add picks to remember.
16. Read Scriptures
17. Take a shower, blow dry hair, wash face, take out contacts and pick out clothes for tomorrow.
18. Tidy room
19. Open blinds to help wake you up in the morning using natural light
20. Set alarms
21. Think about atleast 3 things you were grateful for that day.
22. Say prayers and go to sleep
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Ziplock Omelets
I made these yummy ziplock Omelets today and they are so easy to make.
Put 2 (no more than 2 eggs in a ziplock bag) and shake them up. Then add any ingredients you want in your omelet like cheese, green pepper, hash browns, tomatoes, onions, ham, bacon, etc. Take out all the air in the bag and zip it up and shake all the ingredients together. Put the ziplock omelet in rolling boiling water and keep it in there for13 min exactly. When you take it out it will roll out of the bag easily. If you want to do multiple bags use a large pot.
Put 2 (no more than 2 eggs in a ziplock bag) and shake them up. Then add any ingredients you want in your omelet like cheese, green pepper, hash browns, tomatoes, onions, ham, bacon, etc. Take out all the air in the bag and zip it up and shake all the ingredients together. Put the ziplock omelet in rolling boiling water and keep it in there for13 min exactly. When you take it out it will roll out of the bag easily. If you want to do multiple bags use a large pot.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Top 10 Most Helpful Apps
Here is a list of my 10 absolute favorite MUST HAVE apps that will
help you better your life and home. These are good for both Ipad and
Iphone. For my Ipad, i got a refrigerator wall mount so i can easily see
and access my ipad, as well as a wall mount for my bedroom upstairs. I
love it and would recommend it.
1. Motivated Moms: This is going to be your most used app. Everything you need to do on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis is on this app. Each day it will give you a few weekly chores (different each day) so you dont have to dedicate an entire day to cleaning. It also has your daily chores, and monthly chores such as buying and sending out gifts or cards, grocery shopping, etc. You have to pay a price but it is money well spent to keep you and your family organized and on top of everything. You can even add your own chores you want on there. It has boxes to check off when you are done to keep track of what you have done.
2. Nike Training Club: This is the BEST workout app. You can pick what you want to work on, what level (beginner, intermediate, advanced), and what workout you want to do. Then you can set music too it and push "do workout". It then begins to tell you what equipment (if any) you will need and then will start telling you what exercise to do and for how long. It starts counting down the timer and keeps you motivated, then switches and tells you your next workout. It even has a video you can watch while you work out so you know exactly what to do. I HATE working out, but with this app I am LOVING to work out and cant wait. You can even share your progress and get workout rewards.
3. Big Oven: This INCREDIBLY useful and helpful cooking app, has over 250,000 recipes and its all the kind of recipes I would literally make, unlike other apps where it has food that has a million ingredients or stuff that doesnt interest me. Not only are the recipes amazing, but you can add your own, view friend's recipes, plan your meals on a weekly and monthly basis, add your favorite recipes, and more. It has a "use up leftovers" button, where you can type up what leftovers or ingredients you have in your pantry and refrigerator and it will give you tons of recipes you can make with it. You can even choose one of the recipes on there and click on the ingredients you need to buy at the store to make it and it will automatically make a grocery list for you.
4. Big Fork Little Fork: Is a great app if you have kids. It has easy to make and delicious food for kid's breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and treats, desserts, picky eaters, and more. It even has tips, tricks, videos to watch with your kids on making meals together, and fun games to teach and get them interested in cooking and learning. Instead of making the same meals, get this app for tons of tasty and healthy foods to make for your children.
5. Irewards Chart: My children love this app and so do I. It keeps track of all their chores, and has a star they can click on when they finish the chore. You can set different rewards as well and how many stars it will take to earn the reward and it keeps track of how many stars all together that they have. It has tons of behavior and chores to choose from or you can make your own. My children now love helping around the house and using manners because of this app.
6: Mint.com: This helps keep track of your spending and budgeting. Get your finances back on track with this app.
7. Reqall: When you need to remind yourself of something and dont want to write it down, you can make a voice recording and have it remind you at a later time. This works much like an alarm clock, setting a time you want to be reminded and doing a voice recording of it. Great for when you dont want to write or have a shopping list, etc.
8:Coupon Sherpa, Islick, Groupon, Living Social, and Red Laser: These are my coupons, deals, and savings apps.
9. Night Stand: This is an alarm clock, night clock, and bedtime companion. It will play whatever music you want for your alarm or to put you to sleep. My alarm is set to "Seriously, wake up". It's nice to have some upbeat music for my alarm to get me up in the morning.
10. Drudge Free: This is where I go to stay updated on major news around the world. I hate to watch the news but want to stay updated on current events. and this gives a list of headlines and articles of events and news around the world. I like it cause I can just read the headline to get the gist of the article or I can click on the headline and read the whole article.
Below are some other helpful apps:
yelp, stumble upon, houzz, pinterest, facebook, calendars, grocery IQ, urbanspoon,
key ring, mark on call, one kings lane, catalog choice, stylish girl, my mini wallet, cozi family organizer, intuition:mom's personal assistant, pedometer free, find my iphone, flashlight, makeup alley, pandora, savingstar, lose it, doing time, myfitnesspal.
1. Motivated Moms: This is going to be your most used app. Everything you need to do on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis is on this app. Each day it will give you a few weekly chores (different each day) so you dont have to dedicate an entire day to cleaning. It also has your daily chores, and monthly chores such as buying and sending out gifts or cards, grocery shopping, etc. You have to pay a price but it is money well spent to keep you and your family organized and on top of everything. You can even add your own chores you want on there. It has boxes to check off when you are done to keep track of what you have done.
2. Nike Training Club: This is the BEST workout app. You can pick what you want to work on, what level (beginner, intermediate, advanced), and what workout you want to do. Then you can set music too it and push "do workout". It then begins to tell you what equipment (if any) you will need and then will start telling you what exercise to do and for how long. It starts counting down the timer and keeps you motivated, then switches and tells you your next workout. It even has a video you can watch while you work out so you know exactly what to do. I HATE working out, but with this app I am LOVING to work out and cant wait. You can even share your progress and get workout rewards.
3. Big Oven: This INCREDIBLY useful and helpful cooking app, has over 250,000 recipes and its all the kind of recipes I would literally make, unlike other apps where it has food that has a million ingredients or stuff that doesnt interest me. Not only are the recipes amazing, but you can add your own, view friend's recipes, plan your meals on a weekly and monthly basis, add your favorite recipes, and more. It has a "use up leftovers" button, where you can type up what leftovers or ingredients you have in your pantry and refrigerator and it will give you tons of recipes you can make with it. You can even choose one of the recipes on there and click on the ingredients you need to buy at the store to make it and it will automatically make a grocery list for you.
4. Big Fork Little Fork: Is a great app if you have kids. It has easy to make and delicious food for kid's breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and treats, desserts, picky eaters, and more. It even has tips, tricks, videos to watch with your kids on making meals together, and fun games to teach and get them interested in cooking and learning. Instead of making the same meals, get this app for tons of tasty and healthy foods to make for your children.
5. Irewards Chart: My children love this app and so do I. It keeps track of all their chores, and has a star they can click on when they finish the chore. You can set different rewards as well and how many stars it will take to earn the reward and it keeps track of how many stars all together that they have. It has tons of behavior and chores to choose from or you can make your own. My children now love helping around the house and using manners because of this app.
6: Mint.com: This helps keep track of your spending and budgeting. Get your finances back on track with this app.
7. Reqall: When you need to remind yourself of something and dont want to write it down, you can make a voice recording and have it remind you at a later time. This works much like an alarm clock, setting a time you want to be reminded and doing a voice recording of it. Great for when you dont want to write or have a shopping list, etc.
8:Coupon Sherpa, Islick, Groupon, Living Social, and Red Laser: These are my coupons, deals, and savings apps.
9. Night Stand: This is an alarm clock, night clock, and bedtime companion. It will play whatever music you want for your alarm or to put you to sleep. My alarm is set to "Seriously, wake up". It's nice to have some upbeat music for my alarm to get me up in the morning.
10. Drudge Free: This is where I go to stay updated on major news around the world. I hate to watch the news but want to stay updated on current events. and this gives a list of headlines and articles of events and news around the world. I like it cause I can just read the headline to get the gist of the article or I can click on the headline and read the whole article.
Below are some other helpful apps:
yelp, stumble upon, houzz, pinterest, facebook, calendars, grocery IQ, urbanspoon,
key ring, mark on call, one kings lane, catalog choice, stylish girl, my mini wallet, cozi family organizer, intuition:mom's personal assistant, pedometer free, find my iphone, flashlight, makeup alley, pandora, savingstar, lose it, doing time, myfitnesspal.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Quick Tip to getting you and your family organized
I got these cute frames at Michaels, buy one get one free, plus military discount. I took the documents from my Life Organizer Binder (these documents can be found and printed off on this blog. Just click on Organize Your Life Tab). You can use dry erase marker on the glass and wipe it off everyday to save paper. Since they are in nice frames it will look nice on your wall where everyone can see it and use it. I have the Daily Chore Chart and Weekly Checklist in these frames. You can even print off the Household Rules or any other document you want to post for everyone to see and use to keep your family more organized and put together.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Valentines Day Treats
I made these homemade valentines day treats for my husband. These are great for any occasion. I'll post the recipes below:)
Chocolate-Peppermint Cake Pops
1 box of cake mix (any flavor..I used Red Velvet for valentines day)
2 large eggs
1/3 C. vegetable oil
Frosting
2 bags of super white candy coating disks (I got them at Michaels)
4 drops of peppermint oil (optional)
6 oz red candy coating disks
Assorted topping decorations and colored sugars
Chocolate-Peppermint Cake Pops
1 box of cake mix (any flavor..I used Red Velvet for valentines day)
2 large eggs
1/3 C. vegetable oil
Frosting
2 bags of super white candy coating disks (I got them at Michaels)
4 drops of peppermint oil (optional)
6 oz red candy coating disks
Assorted topping decorations and colored sugars
Directions
- Prepare the cake mix according to package directions (or use the first 3 ingredients above) using any of the recommended pan sizes. When cake is done, crumble while warm into a large bowl, and stir in the frosting one spoonful at a time until well blended and can form into balls. After making them into little balls, place them in the refrigerator for 2 hours or freezer for 20 minutes.
- Melt chocolate coating in a glass bowl in the microwave, or in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.
- Use a melon baller or small scoop to form balls of the chocolate cake mixture. Dip the balls in chocolate using a toothpick or fork to hold them. Place on waxed paper to set. If you are putting sprinkles on them, do it right after you dip them in the chocolate so they will stick before they harden. If you want to drizzle another color on top using a fork, let the first coating dry first.
Peppermint Bark
2 bags of white candy coated disks (i used 1 bag of white and 1 bag of white peppermint in mine)
1 C peppermint candies or candy canes
Directions
- LINE baking sheet with foil. .
- MICROWAVE morsels in medium, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70 percent) power for 1 minute; stir.
- PLACE peppermint candies in heavy-duty plastic bag. Crush candies using rolling pin or other meat tenderizer. Pour half of crushed candy into the white chocolate. Shake to release all small candy pieces; reserve larger candy pieces. Stir morsel-peppermint mixture.
- SPREAD mixture to desired thickness on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with reserved candy pieces; press in lightly. Put in the refrigerator and let stand for about 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces. Store in airtight container at room temperature.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
1 bag of white candy coated disks
8 oz red candy coating disks
1 bag of chocolate coating disks
36 pretzel rods
Assorted colored sugars and nonparrels
Directions
*Melt coating disks in separate bowls.
*Dip the pretzels into melted chocolate and decorate with colored sugars, other melted chocolate, or nonparrels.
Use the same recipe above!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
How to Make Sopapillas
I made these awesome sopapillas today. It was super easy and the ingredients are the usual ingredients you have around the house anyway...at least in my case. Here is the recipe below! Try them out for yourself. I love to put honey and cinnamon sugar on mine. If you tear off bigger pieces of dough and stretch it out and flatten it they make scones and you can put jelly or your favorite topping on it for breakfast:)
Sopapillas
1 env. active dry yeast 1Tbsp. melted butter, cooled
1 tsp. sugar 1 tsp. Salt
1/2 C. very warm water 1 egg
3 C. Flour Oil for frying
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. In a separate bowl, mix flour, butter, salt, and egg. Pour flour mixture into yeast mixture. Add enough water to create a consistency like bread dough (I used a little less than 1 C.). Knead for 15 minutes. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Place in a warm, draft0free area, and let rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size. Punch down dough. Divide dough in half, since it is easier to work with half at a time. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half of the dough 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 2-inch squares (if you dont have a dough cutter, a pizza cutter works great). Heat oil to 375. Stretch squares gently and drop into hot oil. Hold down in oil until dough begins to puff, then turn squares over. Fry only 3-4 sopapillas at a time, turning often until golden. Drain on absorbent paper. Serve hot with butter and lots of honey, and/or cinnamon sugar. Makes 3 dozen.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Where to File Taxes
I HAVE to tell you about my awesome experience! It's tax season and everyone is filing for taxes. For many years we have used HRBLOCK but had to pay $300-$540 to file with them. Lots of people go to HRBLOCK cause they dont know how to file otherwise. We went to hrblock the other day and they said they could only get us back $1600 and that we would have to pay them $540 to file. We decided to look at other options and last night, TURBOTAX had an even in San Diego. They gave us a $20 subway gift card, water bottles, food, and drinks and they were able to get us over $5,700 back! HUGE difference when compared to hrblock. They were SO friendly and helpful. They even paid for us to file our taxes (which we would have had to pay $70 since we are renting out our house so it was a little more complicated). But they paid for everything! And everyone that was working there was a tax professional volunteering their time. They didn't even get paid to help us! Not only was their one person walking it through with us step by step, but at times we had multiple people look at our tax return to make sure we did everything correctly. Their website is easy to use and walks you through it step by step and you can talk to a tax professional at anytime and its FREE for military E5 and below. Just go to www.turbotax4military.com. Jay and I are were so impressed last night and I just wanted to share our experience with all of you. They said they do the event again next year so make sure you go next year! They are amazing! If you missed the event, go to turbotax4military.com and file your taxes for free. From experience I can tell you it is super easy and it walks you through it step by step so you know what to put down and where. You can even talk to a tax professional like I did, and it is all for free! If you have insurance with USAA, you can login with USAA.com and click on the tax center which will be at the bottom and get your discount that way too. I will definitley be using TurboTax every year. Not only did we get over $4,000 more with Turbo Tax. It was FREE for us to use. Where with HR BLOCK we were only getting $1600 back and had to pay them $540 to file. Remember, you can go to turbotax and check and see how much you can get back before you file with them. So dont be afraid to just try it out for yourself!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Easy Corn Chowder
I LOVE easy to make homemade recipes! Here is one of my favorites!
2 cans of cream of potato
1 can of milk
1 can of cream of corn.
When it's close to being almost done, add cheese. And I like to add a little bit more once I dish it out. Super easy!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Potty Training Tips
Here are some tips to get your little one potty trained!
1. No more diapers! If you are ready to start potty training your child, do not buy anymore diapers from this point on. When you start your potty training, there should be no diapers in the house, car, or other hidden place to use as crutch or even to go back to your old ways. This means that you either need to use what diapers you have left, and when they are gone, you start potty training....or you can give the left over diapers to someone who needs them or throw them away. Do not buy pull ups, training pants or night time diapers. Underwear only.
2. Go to the store with your little one before you start potty training so they can pick out what underwear they want. You might want to buy a few packs. When they pick out their own underwear, they like it more, and are less likely to mess in them (that doesnt mean they wont-cause they will...)
3. Plan on potty training your child on a weekend, or where you have atleast 3 consecutive days where your child has your undivided attention. That means no more games on your phone, no running errands, traveling, TV, or anything that takes time away from your child. If you have to pick up kids from school, go to appts, get groceries, etc...try to get a friend or family member to help you so you can concentrate your time on training your child. You need to be FULLY dedicated to potty training your child. You shouldn't leave the room without your child right next to your side. This is a great time to bond with your child too. Keep the end in mind...think about never having to change diapers anymore, being able to take your child out without having to worry about bringing diapers or changing them, and all the money you will save by not having to buy diapers and wipes. It is going to be a long 3 days, but it will be SOOO worth it.
4. You can use a potty chair or have them use the toilet. It might help to get a potty chair for your child and see what they prefer. Mine at first would only use a potty chair and now he only likes to use the big toilet. Since your child is most likely to be potty trained within 3 days if you follow the rules exactly...you might not want to spend a lot of money on a potty chair. Maybe borrow or buy one off of craigslist or garage sale, etc. If you do decide to get a potty chair, it needs to be in the bathroom next to the big toilet, not in the kitchen or other area of the house.
5. Give your child plenty of liquids to drink each day, but don't force them to drink if they are not thirsty. Try to limit liquids an hour before naptime to decrease the chance of bedwetting. If your child has a drink they either take to bed or have one an hour or so before bed, they are more likely to wet the bed. You should stop fluids 1-2 hours before bedtime. If they need a sip of water that is fine, but no more drinks to bed. Before naptimes or bedtime, have them go potty right before they go down. I would put a plastic sheet or trashbag under the fitted sheet and put a towel on top of the sheet in case he made a mess. This will help with the clean up process. In the case, where you do need to change the sheets make sure you have another set on hand. Remind them to let you know when they need to go potty and to keep their underwear dry. Don't use any punitive words with your child if they do end up wetting the bed.
6. Your child should only be wearing a shirt and underwear while potty training. No pants. This will help so you can see when the accidents occur or when they need to go.
7. You need to catch your child in the act EVERY time they make a mess in their underwear. If your child messes in their underwear, take them to the bathroom and put them on the toilet to finish. Don't ever force them to stay on the toilet. You want this to be positive. Continue to be loving toward them. Just remind them to keep their underwear dry, remove the underwear, and put clean underwear on them. Sometimes it helps to show them how the one is dry and the other one is dirty. Don't ever scold them, yell, punish, tell them "no" or "bad" or give them time-outs when they make a mess, even if they did it 15 times. You can say "ew" or "gross" when they mess that way they know that it's gross to poop or pee in their underwear and have them carry it to the laundry room and tell them the underwear is not dry anymore. If they poop in their underwear help them carry it to the toilet and dump the poop in the toilet so they can see where its suppose to go and then have them flush the toilet and say bye bye poo poo. When you need to put another pair of underwear on them, always do it standing up and never lying down. Have them choose out which underwear they want to put on.
8. It is SO important to give positive reinfocement when your child does go to potty, even if it is just a little trinkle. Make a BIG deal of it. Tell them how happy you are, what a great job they did, give them a high five and a big hug. You can reward them with snacks, treats, stickers or other type of reward system. Tell them constantly how they are such a big boy/girl for wearing underwear and how proud you are of them. Tell them to keep their underwear dry. Constantly ask them if they are dry, even when you know they are dry, and when they check and tell you they are, praise them and be super excited for them. Give them a high five. Tell your child, "Let mommy know when you have to pee OK?" Say it atleast several times an hour. Remember to be REALLY REALLY POSITIVE! Do not ever ask them "Do you need to go potty?" Give them the control to make the decision themselves. If they look like they need to go potty, take them to the bathroom so they can go in the toilet. Don't ever bribe your child to go to the potty. If they ask for rewards before they go to the toilet just ignore it. When you need to use the restroom, bring your child with you and tell them, "mommy needs to go pee pee , so mommy is going pee pee in the potty!" and show them how to do it. I know it sounds ridiculous, but when you show them, it really helps them. Show them that they are a big boy/girl when they use the potty.
9. If you keep up using the rules above, even if they don't tell you when they need to pee or continue to pee in their underwear the first two days, they will get it by the end of day three. Just stick with it! When I first started potty training my son, he kept messing in his underwear and we changed him half a dozen times and my husband said "It doesn't work!" I told him to stick with it, and sure enough, he started going to the potty and making HUGE improvements. It took 3 days to potty train both of my boys when I was fully dedicated. Some parents can do it in less, and some take a little bit more, but remember to stick with it and be consistant and positive.
1. No more diapers! If you are ready to start potty training your child, do not buy anymore diapers from this point on. When you start your potty training, there should be no diapers in the house, car, or other hidden place to use as crutch or even to go back to your old ways. This means that you either need to use what diapers you have left, and when they are gone, you start potty training....or you can give the left over diapers to someone who needs them or throw them away. Do not buy pull ups, training pants or night time diapers. Underwear only.
2. Go to the store with your little one before you start potty training so they can pick out what underwear they want. You might want to buy a few packs. When they pick out their own underwear, they like it more, and are less likely to mess in them (that doesnt mean they wont-cause they will...)
3. Plan on potty training your child on a weekend, or where you have atleast 3 consecutive days where your child has your undivided attention. That means no more games on your phone, no running errands, traveling, TV, or anything that takes time away from your child. If you have to pick up kids from school, go to appts, get groceries, etc...try to get a friend or family member to help you so you can concentrate your time on training your child. You need to be FULLY dedicated to potty training your child. You shouldn't leave the room without your child right next to your side. This is a great time to bond with your child too. Keep the end in mind...think about never having to change diapers anymore, being able to take your child out without having to worry about bringing diapers or changing them, and all the money you will save by not having to buy diapers and wipes. It is going to be a long 3 days, but it will be SOOO worth it.
4. You can use a potty chair or have them use the toilet. It might help to get a potty chair for your child and see what they prefer. Mine at first would only use a potty chair and now he only likes to use the big toilet. Since your child is most likely to be potty trained within 3 days if you follow the rules exactly...you might not want to spend a lot of money on a potty chair. Maybe borrow or buy one off of craigslist or garage sale, etc. If you do decide to get a potty chair, it needs to be in the bathroom next to the big toilet, not in the kitchen or other area of the house.
5. Give your child plenty of liquids to drink each day, but don't force them to drink if they are not thirsty. Try to limit liquids an hour before naptime to decrease the chance of bedwetting. If your child has a drink they either take to bed or have one an hour or so before bed, they are more likely to wet the bed. You should stop fluids 1-2 hours before bedtime. If they need a sip of water that is fine, but no more drinks to bed. Before naptimes or bedtime, have them go potty right before they go down. I would put a plastic sheet or trashbag under the fitted sheet and put a towel on top of the sheet in case he made a mess. This will help with the clean up process. In the case, where you do need to change the sheets make sure you have another set on hand. Remind them to let you know when they need to go potty and to keep their underwear dry. Don't use any punitive words with your child if they do end up wetting the bed.
6. Your child should only be wearing a shirt and underwear while potty training. No pants. This will help so you can see when the accidents occur or when they need to go.
7. You need to catch your child in the act EVERY time they make a mess in their underwear. If your child messes in their underwear, take them to the bathroom and put them on the toilet to finish. Don't ever force them to stay on the toilet. You want this to be positive. Continue to be loving toward them. Just remind them to keep their underwear dry, remove the underwear, and put clean underwear on them. Sometimes it helps to show them how the one is dry and the other one is dirty. Don't ever scold them, yell, punish, tell them "no" or "bad" or give them time-outs when they make a mess, even if they did it 15 times. You can say "ew" or "gross" when they mess that way they know that it's gross to poop or pee in their underwear and have them carry it to the laundry room and tell them the underwear is not dry anymore. If they poop in their underwear help them carry it to the toilet and dump the poop in the toilet so they can see where its suppose to go and then have them flush the toilet and say bye bye poo poo. When you need to put another pair of underwear on them, always do it standing up and never lying down. Have them choose out which underwear they want to put on.
8. It is SO important to give positive reinfocement when your child does go to potty, even if it is just a little trinkle. Make a BIG deal of it. Tell them how happy you are, what a great job they did, give them a high five and a big hug. You can reward them with snacks, treats, stickers or other type of reward system. Tell them constantly how they are such a big boy/girl for wearing underwear and how proud you are of them. Tell them to keep their underwear dry. Constantly ask them if they are dry, even when you know they are dry, and when they check and tell you they are, praise them and be super excited for them. Give them a high five. Tell your child, "Let mommy know when you have to pee OK?" Say it atleast several times an hour. Remember to be REALLY REALLY POSITIVE! Do not ever ask them "Do you need to go potty?" Give them the control to make the decision themselves. If they look like they need to go potty, take them to the bathroom so they can go in the toilet. Don't ever bribe your child to go to the potty. If they ask for rewards before they go to the toilet just ignore it. When you need to use the restroom, bring your child with you and tell them, "mommy needs to go pee pee , so mommy is going pee pee in the potty!" and show them how to do it. I know it sounds ridiculous, but when you show them, it really helps them. Show them that they are a big boy/girl when they use the potty.
9. If you keep up using the rules above, even if they don't tell you when they need to pee or continue to pee in their underwear the first two days, they will get it by the end of day three. Just stick with it! When I first started potty training my son, he kept messing in his underwear and we changed him half a dozen times and my husband said "It doesn't work!" I told him to stick with it, and sure enough, he started going to the potty and making HUGE improvements. It took 3 days to potty train both of my boys when I was fully dedicated. Some parents can do it in less, and some take a little bit more, but remember to stick with it and be consistant and positive.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Walk the Talk
Each of us knows that if we sincerely want to make our lives better we must be willing to make a commitment to improvement, and be willing to change the way we do things. We discuss what is others have done to create success. We talk about what we need to do to make it happen. But what happens when we actually walk the talk? In some cases we experience success, in others failure.
“Ideas not coupled with action never become bigger than the brain cells they occupied.”
Arnold H. Glasgow
There is no question that the mere prospect of failing, making mistakes, or looking bad scares away a lot of people. It is easier to talk about what they could be achieved rather than taking action to make it actually happen. The truth is there are always risks involved whenever you take a chance, but there are even more risks if you don't. The truly successful don’t sit around and just talk about what they would like to accomplish. They have learned through experience that they can overcome any potential risk by walking the talk and giving it everything they have. Their commitment and conviction overpowers any obstacle they encounter.
“As I grow older, I pay less attention to what people say. I just watch what they do.”
Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie
Are you willing to walk the talk in order to live your life to its fullest? How will you ever know how good it can be if you never show the courage to give it your best shot? Strive to continually improve. Make a commitment to achieve. Most importantly, be willing to walk the talk and create the life you desire.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Prediction for 2013
At the beginning of
each New Year many in the media make their predictions. I would like to make a prediction for you in
2013. You will have a year full of
personal growth, increased income, and better health. However, there is a catch. You will need to have high expectations, take
time to plan, make the right choices, and take action towards achieving your
goals.
If we
want make our lives better we must be willing to make a commitment to improve,
be willing to change the way we do things, and be diligent in taking the actions
that will produce positive results.
Instead of setting yourself up for failure, why not set yourself up for
success? Top achievers and the truly
successful have learned through experience they can overcome any potential
problems by focusing on their choices and not their conditions. They understand
that each choice will either confirm or compromise their commitments.
“There's no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love.
There is only a scarcity of resolve to make it happen.”
Wayne Dyer
So want to make 2013
a great year? First keep in mind that
we usually get what we expect, whether it is growing a business, improving a
loving relationship, or other personal goals.
So, begin this year with great expectations!
Imagine this year
full of health, personal growth, and increased income. Announce to yourself that you are going to
achieve your goals. Understand that any
problems that come up can be solved. The
next thing you need to do is put together a plan. Dreams and goals by themselves are not
enough. You need some kind of strategy.
Get a calendar or planner and write when you want to accomplish actions.
Speak about your aspirations and expectations. Get together with friends or
colleagues and come up with an action plan.
Find yourself someone who will support you, help you stay focused on
what’s important to you, and cheer you on.
So how
about it, are you willing to commit to your success in 2013? Are you prepared to
take the actions that will produce results?
Will you make the decision to stay focused on your success? Decide on
what you want to achieve in the upcoming year, and create an action plan that
will bring you success. Strive to
continually improve, and make a commitment to your success in
2013.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Changing the Way You Think
Does everyone want what they deserve? Everyone should read this. i read this years ago and it will help you in many areas of your life-marriage, friends, strangers and enemies. Here are a few quotes that will change the way you think when you judge and deal with others. It's long but it's worth it If it can change the way you think for life.
"Jonah feels Ninevah doesn't deserve to be saved. That's why he's running. But guess who else doesn't deserve to be saved? Jonah."
"If Jonah demands that everybody gets only what they deserve, then he must also accept what he deserves."
"We are commanded to love and honor others, and it is likely that people fail to do that-just as you and I fail. There is only one thing we truly deserve, and that's to be sent to hell-you, me, Jonah, Ninevah, all of us. Love and salvation are gifts. How grateful we should be to receive them in any measure!"
"Hell is all we could ever hope for, If it weren't for the redeeming power of the Savior's atonement. We don't want what we deserve, believe me. Our only hope is to receive what we don't deserve-mercy that brings the gift of eternal life."
"Whether or not Ninevah is righteous is critical, of course-but only for Ninevah. It has nothing to do with Jonah. And if he thinks he does - if he thinks he is more deserving because he is somehow better than Ninevah, then he in that moment becomes more 'ninevitish' than the people he is blaming."
"If Jonah really is more righteous than they are, it will not occur to him to think that he is more righteous than they are because he will understand fully and deeply that he is entitled to nothing but hell. At least in one sense, 'righteousness' is simply a humble understanding of how unrighteous one is, coupled with a deep commitment to be better. The truth leaves no room for feelings of superiority. Such feelings are nothing but lying vanities."
"We are each working out our own salvation with fear and trembling before The Lord. And that gift will come to us only if we know in our hearts that we deserve it no more than anyone else. We are all equally damned without the mercy of The Lord. Eternal life is a gift. I have no cause to feel entitled. I have cause only to feel grateful."
" The Lord saved Jonah and Nineveh alike, and in the same terms-repentance. The Lord asks Jonah, should I not spare Nineveh?"
"If Jonah answers, "no, the ninevites, who you have saved, shouldn't be saved,' who, then, by implication, must also not be saved?"
"Jonah is already unworthy of salvation, as is Nineveh. No one merits it. Salvation is an act of mercy."
"The Lords question to Jonah is the same one he posed in the parable of the unmerciful servant, whose debt The Lord -his master-had forgiven: 'shouldest thou not have compassion on thy fellowservant, even As I had pity on thee?' The Lord asked. And his lord was wroth, the savior taught, and delivered him to the tormentors....so likewise, the savior continued, 'shall my Heavenly Father do also into you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses."
"Is there anyway you are forgetting your own sins? Anyway that you are failing to remember mercies that Others have showed you? Any way that you are forgetting The Lord? Anyway that you have become blind to your own Nineveh-ness? Any way that you persist in feeling entitled?"
"Inasmuch as ye have done it (or done it not) unto one of the least of these, ' the savior taught, 'ye have done it (or done it not) unto me." When we withhold forgiveness from others, we are in effect saying that the atonement alone was insufficient to pay for this sin. We are holding out for more. We are finding fault with the Lords offering. We are in essence demanding that The Lord repent of an insufficient atonement. So when we fail to forgive another, it is as if we are failing to forgive The Lord-who needs no forgiveness."
"The lord has already forged forgiveness for everyone. What more could your forgiveness add? They don't need you to forgive them. You need to forgive them, so when The Lord in his mercy comes to you and says, 'The atonement applies as much to them as it does to you. I have already claimed their sins. Let it go."
"He has atoned for those sins and our failure to forgive is therefore in essence a withholding from The Lord.
"Jonah feels Ninevah doesn't deserve to be saved. That's why he's running. But guess who else doesn't deserve to be saved? Jonah."
"If Jonah demands that everybody gets only what they deserve, then he must also accept what he deserves."
"We are commanded to love and honor others, and it is likely that people fail to do that-just as you and I fail. There is only one thing we truly deserve, and that's to be sent to hell-you, me, Jonah, Ninevah, all of us. Love and salvation are gifts. How grateful we should be to receive them in any measure!"
"Hell is all we could ever hope for, If it weren't for the redeeming power of the Savior's atonement. We don't want what we deserve, believe me. Our only hope is to receive what we don't deserve-mercy that brings the gift of eternal life."
"Whether or not Ninevah is righteous is critical, of course-but only for Ninevah. It has nothing to do with Jonah. And if he thinks he does - if he thinks he is more deserving because he is somehow better than Ninevah, then he in that moment becomes more 'ninevitish' than the people he is blaming."
"If Jonah really is more righteous than they are, it will not occur to him to think that he is more righteous than they are because he will understand fully and deeply that he is entitled to nothing but hell. At least in one sense, 'righteousness' is simply a humble understanding of how unrighteous one is, coupled with a deep commitment to be better. The truth leaves no room for feelings of superiority. Such feelings are nothing but lying vanities."
"We are each working out our own salvation with fear and trembling before The Lord. And that gift will come to us only if we know in our hearts that we deserve it no more than anyone else. We are all equally damned without the mercy of The Lord. Eternal life is a gift. I have no cause to feel entitled. I have cause only to feel grateful."
" The Lord saved Jonah and Nineveh alike, and in the same terms-repentance. The Lord asks Jonah, should I not spare Nineveh?"
"If Jonah answers, "no, the ninevites, who you have saved, shouldn't be saved,' who, then, by implication, must also not be saved?"
"Jonah is already unworthy of salvation, as is Nineveh. No one merits it. Salvation is an act of mercy."
"The Lords question to Jonah is the same one he posed in the parable of the unmerciful servant, whose debt The Lord -his master-had forgiven: 'shouldest thou not have compassion on thy fellowservant, even As I had pity on thee?' The Lord asked. And his lord was wroth, the savior taught, and delivered him to the tormentors....so likewise, the savior continued, 'shall my Heavenly Father do also into you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses."
"Is there anyway you are forgetting your own sins? Anyway that you are failing to remember mercies that Others have showed you? Any way that you are forgetting The Lord? Anyway that you have become blind to your own Nineveh-ness? Any way that you persist in feeling entitled?"
"Inasmuch as ye have done it (or done it not) unto one of the least of these, ' the savior taught, 'ye have done it (or done it not) unto me." When we withhold forgiveness from others, we are in effect saying that the atonement alone was insufficient to pay for this sin. We are holding out for more. We are finding fault with the Lords offering. We are in essence demanding that The Lord repent of an insufficient atonement. So when we fail to forgive another, it is as if we are failing to forgive The Lord-who needs no forgiveness."
"The lord has already forged forgiveness for everyone. What more could your forgiveness add? They don't need you to forgive them. You need to forgive them, so when The Lord in his mercy comes to you and says, 'The atonement applies as much to them as it does to you. I have already claimed their sins. Let it go."
"He has atoned for those sins and our failure to forgive is therefore in essence a withholding from The Lord.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Free Stuff and Resources for MOMS, CHILDREN, and Expecting Moms
Moms, Children, and Expecting Moms
New Parent Support Parenting Classes. It is a 9 week course that goes over safety , communication, positive discipline, and any other of your parenting needs. Tuesday from 10:00 am-11:30 am. At the Abby Reinke Youth and Teen Center. You can not bring your children and there is no childcare provided for these classes, but the courses are great with tons of helpful information! 760-725-3884
Baby Boot Camp is for expecting mothers (both couples and singles) to give them basic tools and information to provide loving care for their newborn. Learn what to expect during transition to parenthood and build the skills needed to have happy, healthy families. The class covers tons of topics that will help you and your child with everything you need to know. The class is held once a month, usually the last Monday from 9 am- 4 pm. You can call to register or go to the MCCS website for class schedules and to register. They ask that you go the month or 2 months before you have your baby. No children allowed and no childcare provided for this class. 760-725-3884
Home Visitation from New Parent Support: Someone from New Parent Support can come visit you on a regular basis and give the opportunity to discuss parenting topics such as nutrition, loving care, child development, and age-appropriate discipline and play-all in the comfort of your own home. Home visitors are trained to understand the unique needs of families around issues of deployment and mobile lifestyle. They also provide assistance in identifying military and civilian resources needed by the family. 760-725-3884 to schedule your in home visits.
Headstart: for E4 and below. They offer free preschool for 3,4, and 5 year olds Monday-Friday. Call 760-471-4210.
Mommy and Me Classes: For 1 and 2 year olds. Call 760-471-4210.
Operation Hero Program: Free after school mentoring and tutoring for children Kindergarten-eight. The program targets children in grades kindergarten through eight who are experiencing temporary challenges in school and/or academically or socially. Operation Hero is able to provide children with more one-on-one time. 760-385-4921
ASYMCA Lil' Friends preschool program serves Moms and their toddlers who are 18 months--2 1/2 years old. ASYMCA Kindertyme preschool program serves Moms and their toddlers who are 2 1/2--5 years old. Both programs meet twice a week for one hour, and they are offered at various locations throughout Camp Pendleton. To register your child call our office at 760 385 4921.
Y Shuttle Transportation Program: This is a NO COST transportation program, which offers Camp Pendleton Marines, Sailors and their family members the capability to keep important doctor appointments at the Naval Hospital on Camp Pendleton. Transportation can be provided to those living in base housing, and is also available in the cities of Fallbrook, Oceanside and Vista.
16 hours a month of FREE CHILDCARE is now available to the families of deployed or injured Marines! Call 1-800-424-2246 today to learn about USMC deployed Respite Care through NACCRRA and how your family can receive this care. You can use this at licensed centers, licensed family child care homes, and licensed school-age programs! You can apply for free deployed respite care by calling ShaRonne Byrd at 1-800-793-0324 ext 822.
NACCRRA does 40 hours a month of childcare for free for families in EFMP. It is also free for the siblings too. They dont have to have a family.member deployed either.
Project Liberty Call: This ASYMCA program is offered to junior enlisted families (ranks of E-5 and below who have children). The program is designed to provide leisure and recreational activities such as dining out, going to the movies, game of miniature golf, or some other type of family outing! please check the hotspot on the homepage of www.camppendletonasymca.org and their facebook page ASYMCA CP for upcoming events and activities!
Operation Kid Comfort: Operation Kid Comfort is designed to address the emotional stress of the children of military personnel who are suffering during a parent’s absence from home, due to deployments. A personalized quilt is made for each child by volunteers. The child receives a handmade quilt, which features 7 pictures of the deployed family member. These quilts are for the child to play with, sleep with, or use for comfort during the deployment. Operation Kid Comfort Quilts are for CHILDREN, 12 and Under, of deployed service men and women stationed at Camp Pendleton. To request a quilt, please email admin@camppendletonasymca.org.
Together We Grow: If you have a medically fragile child, you can get free preschool childcare by calling 760-757-6031.
Free Haircuts at JC Pennys on Sundays.
Operationmilitarykids.org: Free camps for military kids with special needs
www.militaryfamily.org: A program that offers free camps for children of deployed service members and military families reintegrating after deployment.
Joint Medical offers free massages and provides free childcare while you get your massage. They have playdates once a month. Let them know Taylor Hewlett referred you. Call 760-888-7303 to schedule an appointment.
Free breast pumps if you qualify through WIC
www.tutor.com: Get homework and studying help from a professional tutor any time you need it. FREE for students in Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard and Reserve families. Expert tutors are online 24/7 and available to help in more than 16 subjects, including test prep, proofreading, Math, Science, English and Social Studies.
7 Habits of Highly Effective Families Class: Call 760-725-9052 to register for free class
Color My Kids Class: How to communicate according to your child’s unique color spectrum. Call 760-725-9052 to register for free class.
Developing Healthy Blended Families: for step-families on how to create a healthy loving relationship within the home. Call 760-725-9052 to register for free class.
Family Care Plan Class: making sure your family will be taken care of properly while on deployment or unrepentant circumstances. Call 760-725-9052 to register for free class.
Dadsonduty.com Dads on Duty is a group for military fathers with children ages 0-5. This program provides military dads the opportunity to meet together and discuss parenting issues and strategies. Dads on Duty intertwines curriculum from 24/7 Dad with the Parents as Teachers model, an internationally regarded curriculum that focuses on parent education and increasing children's readiness for school. The group meets twice a week for 6 weeks. Free dinner is provided and child care is available if necessary, as well as free gas cards, movie tickets, free developmental screenings for your children, and free home visits. 858-496-0044 or Todd Lewis, 858-496-0055.
Operation Special Delivery: 1-888-MY-CAPPA
NACCRRA: Child Care Aware® of America is working with the U.S. Military Services to help those who serve in the military find and afford child care that suits their unique needs. Through the fee assistance program, families are eligible to receive monthly fee assistance to help offset the cost of child care in their communities. please contact us toll free at 1-800-424-2246, or send an email to msp@naccrra.org.
Casa Deamparo Parenting Group: Meets 2x a month. They offer free childcare if you attend the classes. Its for 18 months-5 years old. Call Debbie Bean 760-453-2300 ext 301
Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM -4 PM. Thursdays they close at 2:30 PM. They have visiting nurses. Go to www.nmcrs.org
Budget for Baby Class: military families. 2-3 times a month. Call for schedule 760-725-5337/760-725-7497
Navy Relief Class (Breastfeeding): 760-725-6731 or NHCP website.
Chilbirth./Lamaze Series: This free class is offered at NHCP by MiraCosta College. Call to get registration packet by 25th week of pregnancy. 757-2121-6620 or register online at www.miracosta.edu.
YMCA Transportation Program: Provides rides Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-3:30 PM to OB and WIC appointments for families living either in base housing, or in Oceanside, Bonsall, Vista, and Fallbrook. Call 760-471-2751.
YMCA Childcare Resource Service: refferal source for off-base childcare. 760-385-4921
sittercity.com connects families with quality local in-home caregivers, with over 1 million caregivers nationwide. Your Sittercity membership gives you online access to local caregivers with profiles that include pictures, parent reviews, references, background checks* and more.
Wic provides checks for nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, cereal, baby food, milk, eggs, cheese, tofu, peanut butter, beans, and juice as well as nutrition classes and breastfeeding support. Call 1-800-500-6411 to schedule an appointment or visit their website at www.sandiegowic.org. Here is a list of things you need to bring to your appointment.
Identification (ex: photo ID, Medi-Cal card, shot record)
Proof of address (ex: current mail, rent receipt, notice of action)
Proof of income (ex: paycheck stub, W2, LES)
The woman, infant, or child enrolling must be present
NHCP Prenatal Classes 1,2,3 Breastfeeding Classes 760-725-4327 or NHCP website.
NHCP OB Website: www.cpend.med.navy.mil
Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society: Additional financial resources for active duty families. 760-725-5337
Childcare Programs: 5 sites on base; apply early in pregnancy as waiting lists are long. Dependent wives are also certified child care providers. Fees are based on sliding scale. Call 760-725-9723
YMCA Childcare Resource service: Referral source for off base child care. Call 760-471-2751
Counseling Services: On base counseling and support for active duty and family members. 760-725-9051.
TRIWEST for off base Counseling Referrals. Call 1-888-874-9378
Fisher Children’s Center: drop off day care/reservations preferred. Call 760-725-0845
Food Stamps and Healthy Families Programs: income based health insurance for families. 1-866-262-9881
MCCS One Source: information referral source for Marine families. 1-800-869-0278
Military Outreach Ministries: Civilian program meets a variety of family needs including furniture, and food. Like Mom4USA on face book.
Spouses in the Midst & Warrior Kids Workshops (Family Team Building): three part series for children ages 5-12 exploring the cycles of deployment and reunion. 760-725-9052
Family Forces (MHS): Counseling services to military families, including, parenting skills, child therapy, individual therapy, family therapy. Services provided in schools, community offices, home visits available. Accepts tricare and Onesource. Call 760-300-3313.
Families Overcoming Under Stress (FOCUS): Resiliency training program for military families and children to help them meet the challenges of combat operational stress during wartime. Parent, child, or family sessions are available. 760-621-4533 or 310-794-2482.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
How to get children to do Chores and help around the house
How to get your
children to do chores, dos and donts of getting children to help around
the house, and systems, websites and other chore charts that will
motivate your children.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
How to Clean a Messy/Cluttered Room and Keep it Clean
Is your bedroom cluttered? Does it become a mess soon after you clean it? Here are some tips on how to clean a cluttered room and how to KEEP it clean and clear of clutter.
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