What a CRAZY MONTH. February is almost here.

Back in the 2nd Grade I was in a play called "Lazy Old February" and it talked about how ALL the other months have important things to do... and February had all these days off. When in reality, as an adult all those holidays mean your kids have days off school. We also here in the grand old city of Tucson, have this 3 day break called RODEO...YES!!!!! Our kids get 3 days off for Rodeo, apparently it is a HUGE grand tradition. We have never been and being our last one, we won't be able to make it this year. February for this household is going to be MAJORLY BUSY. Birthday parties, a birthday of our own, packing up knick knacks and also fixing up our home to sell.

I can't even take a break now, 2 sick kids. My oldest with bronchitis and my youngest with a slight case of croup. Family just left town as well... no rest for this Momma. Not at all.

So, I have been doing research on things I want to change in my household. I feel in the past 4 years I have made some MAJOR changes with our family. I pretty much got rid of artificial dyes and colorings... (SEE ******** I am asteriking my self) I will admit on holidays (cookie decorating, birthdays, some exceptions are made). I am not going to deny my kids decorating cookies at Christmas or a slice of cake at a party. I want them to have a healthy understanding of moderation... and they are YOUNG. In our daily diet though, those things are not there. I have noticed a MAJOR difference when they get their hands on junk, WATCH OUT. I am humbled though by the changes, my son who is almost 9, should get some major props from other moms. Often, he chooses water over juice, carrots over chips, and over all just makes himself snacks that are healthy.

I often feel that I can do more. I am researching juicing vs making green smoothies with a blender. I know my oldest will NOT go for it. However, my youngest can't resist a fresh Mango Carrot juice. She couldn't resist if you gave her a choice between the juice and a new kitty. She would charm you and end up with both. So the two little ladies of the house are on board, I don't see the men touching anything green.

I am also reading a lot about essential oils. Ways to use them for your body and your home. I am so intrigued and apparently this is a HUGE thing. I have read about 7 different popular companies just TODAY.

I pass the essential oils all the time at my local natural grocery stores. I have never ever tried them, until yesterday. I cringe at Vick's Baby and the mess it makes on the bedding, floors, carpets, etc. My kids also can't stand the stuff.  I was buying some Hyland's Cough medicine and I glanced over and just thought "just go smell some, what could it hurt" Well a half hour later, I had peppered the poor woman in charge of the Whole Living department and left with Eucalyptus and Lavender. I added some to our warm mist humidifier and cold our cold mist one for the croup. VOILA, the kids slept through the night and so did mom. I was amazed, I called my friend who had been pushing me and gushed how excited I was. I am hoping for a repeat tonight of sleepful bliss.


Does anyone have any advice on Juicing vs Mixing or Essential oils? I could use some advice, why you like them. What appliances or brands you like. ANYTHING?

*** All opinions in this post are mine and mine alone. I have nothing against artificial dyes or Vick's and it's parenting company. This was not a sponsored blog from Hyland's or it's parenting company nor any other brand. Before starting a new diet, changing your diet, or starting new forms of medication please consult a physician. Thank you

Happy 2014

How was everyone's New Year? Mine was noisy and peaceful. Early party at a friends and home by 10 for bedtime for my toddler.


Did you make a resolution for the year? I don't have resolutions though I do feel the need to purge and reorganize things this time of the year. I associate it with the fact that nothing is on schedule and my son it out of school so  I have some free time and I notice all the junk on my book shelves or in my closet. We are still out of school until Monday. I feel a massive PURGE in my very near future. I have NO RESOLUTION... just a goal. To make it through 2014 and land at December 21, 2014 with my sanity in tact or I guess partially intact.

My family and I are starting the process to move from Arizona to Texas. So this Purge is coming at an awesome time as we get ready to list our home. I bought Post-Its to tag things I want and what needs to be sold. I have a post-it book to put reminders in my planner (yes, I still use a paper planner). Also purchased was a BEAUTIFUL leather journal. I feel that the only way to keep my sanity is to write 3 positive things about my day and then a little about each day. I feel by the end of the year, my journal should be quite interesting.

I previously wrote about stocking my freezer for lunch items for my son... this move is the reason why. It's going to get crazy so I am planning now.

I hope everyone had a great New Year. Did your kiddos go back to school today? What is your NY Resolution or Goals?

Has it really been 17 days?

I am sorry, between the sickness that is still sort of plaguing us, the holiday bustle, and the holiday clean up. Here I am, I didn't abandon you at all!

So now becomes that lull between Christmas and New Years for us parents. We have been RUNNING on fumes pretty much since Thanksgiving. Baking, wrapping, and attending Winter Programs at our kids schools. My brain is mush, so I am doing some freezer cooking for school lunches :) Easy, doesn't require much thought, and you will be thankful in the coming week. The first day back to school hits you like a ton of bricks, you can prepare all you want. However, the moment that 6 AM alarm goes off, you get mad that you have to get up and go out in 20 degree weather to drive to school.

This week I am freezing. Click on the link to be taken to the source. Some of the Weelicious recipes are from her cookbooks. I will link to those below.

Weelicious Crispy Chicken Bites (Just video, recipe is in her cookbook

Weelicious Graham Crackers

Weelicious Polenta Cut Outs

Weelicious Breakfast Poltenta Cut Outs

For After School Snacks I can never ever go wrong with Momables DIY Frozen Uncrustables easy peasy for my almost 9 year old.

Also, to get you back into the running from school to activities Momables DIY Bistro Boxes will help make the adjustment easier

DIY Protein

Chicken & Hummus

Fruit and Cheese

Goat Cheese and Veggie


As I said above Weelicious which is owned by Catherine McCord has published 2 cookbooks. I own both and they are wonderful. Her first Weelicious Fast, Fresh, and Easy recipes and her most recent Weelicious Lunches I have them both on Kindle Edition and just love them.

Momables is another site I some how stumbled across in the past year and as you can see I love her site too. I am still finding new fun recipes each visit. Her philosophy is to pack the night before and spare the morning stress. I didn't always do this, but really it helps. She is in the beginning stages of her first cookbook which I am so excited and can't wait to read.

I believe the first week or three need to be easy and less stress for Parents and Kids is the BEST WAY TO GO

* Disclosure - Weelicious, Catherine McCord, Momables, and Amazon did not compensate me for this post. These are my own thoughts and views of each recipe and website. 

I am still here!

I am just starting to feel better and also getting caught up. I am looking for some feedback as far as school lunch ideas. Recipes? Packing ideas? Cost Effective ways? please let me know. Onehappymommaoftwo@gmail.com


Thanks

Sorry for my absence

I have been sick for 3 days. Hopefully a new post this weekend. I hope everyone is enjoying their week! I am getting the urge to bake. Any wonderful recipes?

Elf on the Shelf Re-appears

Now, before you go "I hate the Elf on the Shelf", my kids love his antics. My son is 8 years old who will be 9 in mid February and now a 2.5 year old daughter. My daughter does not get what is going on at all, she just get's excited with her brother. She loves the tree, the lights, and all that is pretty. She is so very young and next year, it will all click with her. I also DO NOT use the Elf as a Behavior tool. The Elf in our home does not report bad behavior... he does report good deeds, getting good grades on tests, or if one of the kids is sick, and things along those lines.

November 23rd an invitation appeared on our recently put up, but not decorated Christmas Tree. It was an Elf on the Shelf Breakfast for the arrival of our Elf who is named "Christmas" I found a adorable free Elf on the Shelf Party invitation printable on Pinterest from 505-Designs. If you click on the business name it will take you straight to her page to print them off. The best part is, you can customize them for your kids!

Here are the stuffed Elves that came with the invitation. The kids are loving them, they are with my kids all the time. 

Then it came time for the Breakfast, we did ours on a Saturday since. Sundays we have church, and I didn't want to rush the kids. I was up Friday night long after everyone was in bed setting up the breakfast.

It was super easy, I got most everything from Party City or Wal-Mart. I think the decorations cost like $7.00 and then the plates and cups were another $4.00. If you want, plan with another mom. Then switch cups, plates, and such for the following year. 

We just had Hostess Donettes :) Little elves didn't want to make a mess in the kitchen.

The kids had a blast!

They got Christmas PJ's in the Gift bags and a coloring book.

Best thing I planned, it wasn't a lot, but for them it was the BEST SATURDAY MORNING. 

I also have to add, "Christmas" our family elf brought a friend this year... a girl elf for my daughter. Whom I am having a hard time trying to talk my 2 year old out of naming the elf "Zombie" (Plants VS Zombies is huge in our home).  I might just do it and if she hate it in a few years renaming it. 

I hope everyone elves are behaving. Mine have already Tee-Peed the house so, we will see what else they do.

Megan

Thanksgiving

I just love Thanksgiving, I wish I could bottle up the feeling and during the year when I am feeling like "Woe, is me" I can open up and scoop out some of what just makes my heart SWELL with so much Joy that it is hard to hold it all in.

Since we have moved, our holidays are little different now. I cook, by myself, which is kind of cool I have learned. I cook what I want to eat, end of story. However, last night, my wonderful husband asked for Hashbrown Casserole and lumpy garlic potatoes. The Hashbrown casserole sent me for a loop, we had NO SOUR CREAM. If you are ever with out sour cream, look up substitutes, there a ton I never would have thought of. I used a buttermilk substitute that worked like a charm. Other than that little request, we had a great great meal and day.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday today! With friends or family, many blessings to you and yours. Thanks for reading my little random update.

A little Turkey Sandwich for the kids lunch. sorry for the poor photo quality. I was cooking up a storm. Tail is made from Mozzerella Cheese and Red Pears. 1st attempt, I got the idea from Pinterest.

Megan