A Day Out of the House

I'm sure that all of you know, but Stacey and I are gone A LOT from home.  We're usually gone for most of the day as we are either running errands in the car or cleaning houses.  I know that most of you don't do this as often, so maybe a couple of tips might help on how to survive being gone all day with little ones might help....


First of all, I usually try to prep her the night before and tell her what our schedule is (or failing that the morning of so that she knows what's going on and isn't surprised.).  Some days now she'll ask if she can just stay home and sometimes if someone is going to be home she does. 


The other days she's with me, we make sure we're prepared for an extended stay away from home.  First of all, we have found that a couple of "car toys," toys that are only used in the car, are pretty effective.  Her favorite one is her magna-doodle.  It lets her draw and play around without having to worry about dropping things and then crying because she can't reach whatever she dropped.  I also make sure to have something tucked in my purse that may be a quick snack or drink.


If we're going somewhere for the day, I let her get her suitcase packed.  We got her a little soft-sided suitcase for Christmas and that works really well for us, but any kind of a bag would do.  I allow her to pack (all the way full if she wants) several kinds of toys - whatever she wants to play with that day.  The items that she packs changes depending on her mood that day and I really let her have a say in it so that she feels like it's her pack.


I also make sure to pack plenty to eat for snacks and meals while we'll be gone.  If we're gone for 5-6 hours, I'll make sure to have a couple of snacks, drinks, and a meal for her to eat.  I try to pay attention to when she's getting whiny or upset and ask if she's hungry.  I try to tell her what I'm packing for lunch so she knows what to expect for the day.


I have also found that especially while in the car for long periods of time, switching things up helps too.  I try to have time where we listen to songs, some times when I'm just talking to her with no music on, some times when she's playing - either with the car toys or my phone, and some times when we're singing songs she's learning together.  I sometimes even just tell her stories. And the best times are when we're talking and just laughing together in the car.  She likes to "scare" me by roaring and I'll play along with her.  Switching things up in the car helps keep her (and me!) from getting too bored or antsy.


And finally, I try to make sure to keep her updated as to where we are in our errands/cleaning/time frame.  If we're chasing, I'll update her as to how many stops we have before we get to go home or what's coming up next.  I find that it helps a lot when she knows what's going on and isn't just "along for the ride."


I'm not sure if this will help anyone, but hopefully it'll help in some way!


Love,


Sara

Tricks!!

Sisters! Good Day, I apologize that this post is so late... I have been so busy at school and just almost forgot that it was my day to post again. After pondering about what to post I found something that I think is just fantastic. You ever have those weird tricks that help fix things? I found a post all about it. Yes once again, it is from pinterest, but hey I what works works. Here is a weird concoction of quick fun facts... If you have any more little tricks to things let me know or just comment~ One trick I found was the other day my roommate spilt rubber cement on the carpet. I finally found something to get it out. Put dish soap on it, and it works miracles! Anyway I hope everyone has a swell week!!
Love Your Southern Sister :) Paige

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/383931936955588592/

Workout

Good morning sisters!

I have decided to do a post today about a quick workout that I have found works really well when I don't have long and getting to the gym isn't an option.

Starting CrossFit, there is a movement we frequently do- BURPEES!!! :)

They are pretty hard, but a super great way to hit all the major muscle groups and get some good cardio in as well.

I have included a link below with a nice video demonstration of how to "properly" do a burpees. Essentially, you get your chest to the floor, then jump back up as quickly as possible. The form of the push up doesn't really matter, you can do "girl push ups" and use your knees, or if you want more of an arm/chest workout, work on your form of your push up. You also can "worm" your way up and down, like is demonstrated in the video.

http://www.crossfitrainer.com/2012/11/burpee-how-to-do-burpees-properly.html

So here's the workout:

100 burpees.
       I know the number is intimidating, but break it down! I have found it easiest to break it into sets of 10. I will do 10 and then rest for 15-30 seconds then do the next set. If you are struggling to do 10 without resting, break it into sets of 5 with 30 second breaks in between or minute breaks between sets. It is exhausting, but feels so good when you are done!

I am to the point that I can do quite a few burpees without stopping so I find it a great challenge to time myself and see how quickly I can get 100 done. This is a great way to challenge yourself and again, get a full body workout in in just a couple minutes.

If I want to get a little more of a workout in after I've done burpees, I often to plank holds (front, left, and right) immediately afterwards for a minute each. You can also add in extra jumps between touching your chest if you want more of a leg workout, etc. This workout is nice because you can modify it to work specific areas but just doing the regular burpee hits legs, stomach, shoulders, chest, etc. This movement can just be completed in your living room so that also makes them convenient.

I hope this is a helpful idea :)

Have a wonderful day!

Love,

Your sister from Logan, Utah :)

My Favorite Berry

Post title from The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.  "Whoever heard of a berry with only one R?"

 

Each year since 1922 the American Library Association has awarded the Newbery Medal to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.  For several years, I have made an effort to read as many of the winners as possible and have had a ball.  The subjects and styles of the books are varying: some are entirely unengaging for me (...Strawberry Girl) but others make my heart sing (over and over). 

On Monday at 8 AM the 2014 Newbery Award winner will be announced from Philadelphia.  You can bet I'll be up early, putting holds on the books that are announced!  In celebration of that announcement, I wanted to share a few of my most favorite cherished Newbery books, both medal winners and honors.

A Bakers’ Dozen

of (some of)

My Favorite Newbery Books

 

A Year Down Yonder - I am not sure there is a literary character I love more than Grandma Dowdle.   A Year Down Yonder is a sequel to A Long Way from Chicago (not pictured - 13 is a hard number of pictures to work with...) about Grandma Dowdle's grandkids who have to come live with her (first during the summers and then for a whole year at a time).  She is a force to be reckoned with and most of the town lives in fear of Grandma Dowdle, but her heart is in the right place and she is a good woman.  It takes the kids a long time to learn that.  I read all three books (a more recent one was added titled A Season of Gifts) at least once a year.

I, Juan de Pareja - The fictionalized story of the (real) slave of the famed Spanish painter, Velazquez.  Juan de Pareja recounts his own history as slave of his wonderful master: I enjoy the descriptions of the art, the friendship between Juan and the whole Velazquez family, and the Spanish culture that forms the setting throughout.  When people ask me my favorite book, I tell them this one.

Hattie Big Sky - I have read this three times in two years and love it every time (as a note, this is a great audiobook and would be perfect for a road trip).  An orphan named Hattie, through unusual circumstances, inherits her late uncle's land in Montana.  There is a caveat, and that is that she has a year to prove up on the claim, which includes setting so much fence on the property and also planting so many acres of the land.  As a teenager she sets out to finally have a place called her own.

 

Miracles on Maple Hill - Since reading this book I have on my bucket list "watching sugaring season somewhere."  This is a beautiful telling of living on Maple Hill and experiencing the daily miracles of life and rebirth, both in nature and in a family.

 

Heart of a Samurai - A captivating adventure!  Heart of a Samurai is a rough history of the first Japanese man to come to America and his eventual return back to Japan.  I was fascinated by the contrasting cultures as well as life on the water.  (Note: Margi Preus also wrote Shadow on the Mountain about Norway during World War II and it is fascinating.)

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate - Calpurnia Tate shares a special connection with her grandfather: they both love the great outdoors.  They work together to gather information about the world around them, even while Calpurnia struggles against the system that girls and women in her time are "supposed to" fall into.

 

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon - This is based on Chinese folklore, about a poor girl who goes in search of the Old Man of the Moon to ask him to change her family's fortune.  The premise and style were so different from what I typically read; I was enchanted by the rich uniqueness of it.  

The Wednesday Wars - If I was listing these in any particular order, this one would be very near the top.  Holling Hoodhood is the only kid in his class that doesn't leave for religious activities each Wednesday afternoon.  While his classmates are gone, he is forced to spend time with his English teacher.  There is war in Holling's house and in the world around him and his teacher (bless her heart) forces him to read Shakespeare through it all.  

Princess Academy - As a general rule, I dislike princesses.  This book was nothing like what I had imagined.  A village in a remote mountain is forced to send all their girls to be trained to become the princess.  The protagonist is one of the girls there, and the one most likely to be chosen, but there are many struggles along the way.  A very unexpected storyline for me.

A Single Shard - Tree-ear is a young boy in Korea who is barely surviving while scavenging for food.  He falls in with a potter, who makes magnificent and elegant works.  Over time Tree-ear begins to train with him and learn how to create beautiful things.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH - One of the best books I've ever read: this one just sucks me in.  An interesting tale about highly intelligent rats: their history and what they are working together to accomplish.  As a testament to how great this book is, I might just add that more than one million copies have been sold. 

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler - The story of two children who decide to run away into New York City and live, in all places, inside the art museum.  I love the descriptions of each area of the museum every time (I especially revel in the accuracy!)  The two of them stumble upon an art mystery while there, but they have the benefit of night-time research.

For the full list of winners and honors, click here.

-Rachel

Novelty

Robert has recently introduced me to my Podcast app.  I had never really opened the app, so I had no idea that you could subscribe to a vast array of podcast stations/episodes for free.  He had listened to a podcast on the “You are Not So Smart” station entitled ‘Happy Money’.

David, the host, interviews psychologist Elizabeth Dunn about her new book (she co-wrote it with Michael Norton, a marketing expert), “Happy Money.”  As David sets the stage for the interview, he gives an overview of what her book is about.  He states, “It’s peculiar, your inability to predict what will make you happy, and that inability leads you to do stupid things with your money.  Once you get a decent job that allows you to buy new shoes on a whim, you start accumulating stuff, and the psychological research into happiness says that stuff is a crappy source of lasting joy. …If you want to be happy you should buy experiences.  To maximize your happiness, make those experiences treats instead of routines, share them with others, buy them as far in advance of when you will enjoy them as you can, and avoid wasting money on objects that won’t affect how you spend your time on a typical Tuesday.”

To further illustrate this point, here is a small excerpt from their interview:

David: “In the section on buying treats, you focus on the idea that boredom is a relationship killer, and that novelty, along with absence, can actually make the heart grow fonder.  Can you expound on that a little bit?”

Elizabeth: “Sure, yeah.  So novelty is something that really excites our emotions, unleashes our potential for happiness.  One of the problems with long-term relationships is that the person that was once our new and exciting first date becomes our spouse, and then as wonderful as that person might be, they are no longer offering us that thrill of novelty.  But luckily it turns out that you can inject that novelty back into a relationship.  And, in fact, doing something as simple as completing a wacky obstacle course with your partner can give you the feeling that your relationship is novel and exciting again.  Just doing something novel and exciting with your partner can make you feel like that person is actually new and exciting.”

David: “How does that translate into advice that you would give on how to spend our money and purchase things better?”

Elizabeth: “One thing that I think about with my husband is that it is worthwhile to spend money on something that is really new and exciting that we could do together….  I am thinking for our five year anniversary of taking him on a hot air balloon ride.  Now it’s expensive and it seems kind of indulgent because it’s like this thing that costs a lot of money and in two hours it’s over and you’re left with nothing, but I think you are left with something important, and that’s this feeling that your relationship is exciting.  Doing these kinds of unexpected novel exciting things together can make that lasting difference, but those new and exciting things often cost money, and I would argue that it’s probably actually money well spent.”

(For more information and to listen to the podcast, click here.) 

I have thought a lot about the idea of connections and novelty.  Last summer, at Mary’s house, we had a BBQ and then a photo shoot.  If I recall correctly, everyone was laughing hysterically as we posed for the camera!  We did something novel together.  It was fantastic and brought us all closer together.  I think back to some of my fondest memories growing up, and they include going on family vacations to St. George, Maui, Disneyland, and Lake Powell.  I can recall Mom and Dad telling me that to them it was worth every penny to take these vacations as it brought everyone closer together.  I believe they were on the right track.  It is rather amazing that we are all friends.

Mom and Dad have always stressed the importance of continuing to date after you are married.  Although dinner and a movie is what readily comes to mind for a date, I would have to say my most memorable dates with Robert have been when we do something different (i.e. novel).  When we lived in Utah, we went camping at Strawberry Lake (and I caught a fish or two!).  Other times we have gone running together, and just talked as we took in the great outdoors.  Last summer we purchased backpacking equipment and a tent, and we took Max and Kate backpacking/camping (which they vividly remember and frequently inquire as to when our next camp out is going to be).  I would argue that you do not need to spend a lot of money to make your relationships stronger, but rather an active imagination. 

Lately I have tried to inject novelty into my day-to-day routine.  I am more home-bound than I have ever been, and so I decided to do “Something Fun” every day with Max and Kate.  We have had a sock ball fight, made homemade play dough, filled the kitchen sinks with water and plenty of dish soap (and then played in the bubbles), made pine cone bird feeders, sampled spices (and wrote down if they made us smile or frown), cut out “blocks” for the bath out of foam paper, created treasure hunts, etc.  It has been so good for all of us to have Something Fun to do every day.

All of us have relationships- friends, siblings, parents, children, spouses, teachers, neighbors- and we are happier, according to the research done by Elizabeth Dunn, when we are making new and exciting connections with them.  How can you inject novelty into your relationships?

-Julie

Protein Pancakes

I always like to have breakfast foods that are quick, easy and healthy.  I love this protein pancake recipe.  The ingredients sound a bit strange but they taste marvelous.  I often make up a batch and freeze them individually on a cooling rack.  Once they are frozen I put them all in a large ziploc bag so they are each frozen individually.  Then on crazy mornings I pull them out of the freezer, pop them down the toaster and smother them with butter and enjoy worm comfort food on the go!

For these pancakes you will need eggs, oats, cottage cheese, vanilla, cinnamon, and a sweetner.

(I do realize this sounds a little crazy for pancakes - but trust me!)

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Cook on a griddle just like normal pancakes at 375 degrees.  

Enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast!

Protein Pankcakes

12 egg whites

2 cups of cottage cheese

2 cups of oats

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Dash of Truvia 

Blend in a blender until smooth.  Cook on griddle at 375.  Enjoy!

 -Mary

Snacks

Hello Sisters!

I was getting my wisdom teeth out on my scheduled date, so I am going to post right now. Hoorah!

I am often on the go and running around for most of the day so today I am going to share two of my favorite recipes that I have found.

I don't know if they will be helpful for any of you, but I have found them to be great filling snacks when I want more than just an apple but don't have much time to whip something out. I generally make them on Saturday or Sunday and then they are readily available throughout the week.

Enjoy!

With this recipe I have used both rhodes rolls frozen dough and pillsbury cresent rolls. I am sure it would be a fun activity with the kids to make a simple bread dough and stuff the chicken into those as well. 

Second- I love to make small servings of things in muffin tins. I have made these mini pizzas a couple of times and they are great to be re-heated and eaten on the go. I have used tortillas like is demonstrated here, but I have also used rhodes rolls frozen dough and just pressed a little bit of that into the bottom of the muffin tin then added the sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. 

Best wishes to all!

Holly Christine

New Book Series - Ranger's Apprentice

The Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan (Australian author)  is a fun and rather quick read.  The one nice thing is that the series is complete, he just did, I believe, his last book this last October.  Most of them are available digitally as well as in print so if you have a "reader" you can just read them off of there when you're rocking children etc.  The books are clean with no language or questionable scenes and I have really enjoyed them.  Apparently Danny has read them as well and loved all of them!

The series is about Halt, a Ranger (spy), and his new apprentice, Will.  The first book begins with Will being a young boy and it's all about his growing, learning under Halt, finding out about himself and his parents and growing up to be a honorable man.  The first book is "The Ruins of Gorlan."

Blogger Basics: Scheduling a Post

One thing that I find very helpful is writing my post the day before my scheduled date and setting it to post in the morning.  In the event that is helpful for you, too, here are some quick directions.

After you've written you post, go to the right toolbar and locate where it says "Schedule."

Click on the bubble "Set date and time."

Choose the date and time you want it to post and click "Done."

When you're done writing click "Publish" at the top and it will post on that date and time.

Happy posting!

-Rachel

Fashion Frenzy! 1 Shirt- 6 Ways!

Add any cardigan and it just adds to the outfit as well as keeps you warm for all of the sisters that get cold easily! It can be any color! I also love big chunky short necklaces to pull it all together! I'm wearing jeggings in this but you can do any pants!

 Scarfs add a lot to an outfit. Sometimes it's just great to throw one on! It looks cute and its comfy and warm. The white pants are just to show that it doesn't matter the color! Make it fun! Don't be worried about the colors, they're so fun! Spice it up ;)

I wore this to church yesterday! I did another big necklace and then just rolled the sleeves on the shirt. Maxi skirts are awesome and very much comfortable! And it doesn't have to match perfectly either! My blues are different but it still works!

I switched the color of pants again! (But really.. go for fun!!) This one I put a sweater on top of! This adds class and a totally different look to the outfit. I like to cuff the sleeves at the bottom so you can see the shirt with it too! I did a long necklace in this but short would've been great! Whichever you own I'm sure will be fantastic!

This way is probably the most casual, yet it's still darling I think! Unbuttoning it gives it a whole new look. I did jeans with this one and just stuck an undershirt (any shirt would do! Shade shirt, v-neck, etc.) under it!

I tried to dress it up a bit in this! I did a pencil skirt with heels and fun tights! The leather jacket also adds style. You can tuck in the shirt or leave it out depending on what you perfer. This one is great for work or church or anything!

There are countless other ways to wear it too!! Ultimately, just make outfits your own and realize that just because you wore it one way once doesn't mean you always have to wear it like that!!  Mix and match from these options and don't be afraid to try something new! Love you all!!

~Tiffany

Shopping for the Wise

Living down as school has taught me all sorts of wonderful tricks to shopping at the grocery stores. I love to go and find all the good deals on foods. Many of you know that most stores have sells on meat when they are almost expired, same with bread and almost anything and everything. You just have to look. I love to buy these foods because usually you can just cook and freeze it. If it something like sour cream it usually will be marked down a week prior to the expiration. So make something that calls for sour cream. I also have found a list for in season Fruits and Vegetables! Perhaps this will be beneficial to you, I use it and love it!!

-Paige

Trick for NO Nausea

I know that this post isn’t really pertinent to most of you right now, but hopefully this will help some of you or even your friends out if you get morning sickness when you become pregnant and aren’t finding anything that is effective for you!  
 
This past year has been interesting in the sense that I have been pregnant three times and had about seven months of first trimesters. Because of this I have learned to really appreciate having something to help with nausea! I have tried so many different anti-nausea medicines and none of them have been very effective, some have even made my symptoms worse. After talking to some of you that have been pregnant it sounds like you’ve had the same problem. 

About a month ago I was at the doctor’s office and told about a brand new anti-nausea medicine called Diclegis. I was told that this medicine is the most effective anti-nausea medicine they have ever had on the market but that most women do not ever get to use it because it is so expensive. I was given sample bottles of the medicine and found that it was extremely effective. This past Tuesday I was down to my last sample and went to the pharmacy to have a prescription filled for the medicine. I was told that it had to go through insurance first and I would not get the medicine for days. (A lot of insurance companies won't cover the medicine at all). A kind pharmacist spoke up and told me that really this medicine is just made up of two ingredients that can be bought for a very low price at the grocery store and I could save hundreds a month if I let her break it down for me. 

The sample bottle that I was given has 10mg pills of Diclegis in it. You start the medicine by taking two pills at night before bed. If nausea persists on day 3 you can increase the medicine by taking the two at night like you have been and add one in the morning (for a total of 3). If symptoms persist add another tablet in the afternoon on day 4 (for a total of 4).

Here is the breakdown of what 1 Diclegis pill actually contains:

1 pill of Diclegis= 12mg of Unisom (Doxylamine), 25mg of Vitamin B6

Unisom is a sleep aid that is sold in any grocery store; you just have to make sure it says Doxylamine on the box as well. The pharmacist helped me find a box that had 25mg pills inside of it. I just cut the pill in half. It is a small enough amount I am able to take it during the day and I don’t feel sleepy. 

Vitamin B6 is also sold in any grocery store. The pharmacist helped me find 100mg tablets of the vitamin. I cut the pill into fourths (it sounds like it would just crumble but it actually does not). She said it wouldn’t be a big deal if the pill didn’t cut into fourths very well and I took a little extra Vitamin B6 because your body will just remove the extra waste.

I take half the pill of Unisom and a fourth of the pill of Vitamin B6 as needed 1-4 times a day and have felt so much better. 

Like I said, this has been the most helpful aid for my nausea this past year. Hopefully it helps some of you out with nausea and finances in the future as well!

-Sheri