I'm Back!

About once a year, I try to sneak away for about a week. Whether it's a sister trip or women's conference or a girl's get-way, I always take time by myself to evaluate my life and get a fresh perspective. I ponder on how I'm doing as a mother, a wife, and how our family is doing. I set new goals and re-commit to being the kind of person I want to be. On these trips I often wonder why it's so hard to keep my goals in perspective and why I can't seem to be the loving, patient, full of love and understanding mom I strive to be.

THEN I RETURN HOME! :0)

Some of the most stressful moments are when I return home to find REAL LIFE is not quite as relaxing as my get-ways. Now don't get me wrong, I love my home and my family, but those first few moments are quite a shock! The returned responsibilities, overwhelming chaos, and hardly a moment to breathe all add up and unfortunately, I usually BLOW all my "peaceful" mother goals within the first hour.

Here are some steps to take when feeling OVERWHELMED and BEHIND!

1. Take a breath & DON'T FREAK OUT! It's hard not to scream,- but it NEVER really helps and you just feel guilty afterwards.

2. Remember what's most important: A calm, peaceful home and MOTHER are a sure way to have a happy home. A good friend taught me our homes should be a soft place to land (even after a vacation).

3. Recognize you can't catch up everything in one day. Your routines WILL help you catch up and after-all you really of the rest of your life to catch up don't you?

4. Every time you see a task that needs to be done - write it down. Get the work out of your brain and down on paper.

5. Delegate - You don't have to do it all! Write down all your family members names on a piece of paper and divide up the tasks. Working together is one way to happiness in family life.

6. Say No to outside tasks until you get a chance to feel caught up. Remember - when you say YES to someone OUTSIDE of your family - you say NO to someone INSIDE your family.

7. Decide how long you are willing to work - set a timer and WORK HARD! It feels good to work hard and get things done! After the timer rings - take a REST!

8. Do something fun with your family! Enjoy REAL happiness - the rest can wait!

Food Storage Friday - Butter

Today's Free-day Friday is a guest post by homegirl Love this Post! Gotta get me some Butta!

Did I Say Real Butter?
Why yes I did!

My friend and I spent a few hours turning real butter into food storage butter! I promise its really easy, so easy its silly not to have some real butta in your store house!

Buy any butter on sale. Cheaper butter requires more shaking but the results are the same.

Heat jars in 250 degree oven for 20 minutes without seals or lids.

One pound of butter will fill one pint jar with a little leftover. 11 lbs = 12 jars.

While jars are heating, start on your butter. Melt all butter until it comes to a slow boil. Use a spatula to stir bottom so the butter will not burn. Once it comes to a boil reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

When jars and butter are done, you will then pour the butter into the jars. Leave 3/4 of head space in the jar so you have room to shake the butter.

Once butter is in the jars, carefully wipe off the top of the jars. Get a hot lid from your simmering water and place on top of the jar. Then seal tightly with the ring. Wait for your butter jar to "ping".

When the jars are still warm, begin shaking them. Do this every so often until the jars have cooled off.

It's time to place the jars in the fridge. You will then set your timer for 5 minutes. Once the timer goes off you will shake each jar. You will continue to do this until the butter becomes a solid. This process takes about 30 minutes.

Look how pretty it looks! The wonderful thing about the butter. . . it will not melt! It will last for up to 5 years, maybe longer we just don't know yet!

Thanks for sharing Allie! Let's all get to work!

Tuesday T-Shirt Toss!

How many t-shirts does one person really need? I dumped all mine in a pile and came to a realization - there are only 7 days in a week - do I really need 47 t-shirts??

It can be HARD to toos your T-shirts 'cause there are so many reason's to save that "T".

It fits.

It used-to fit.
It's going to fit.

I got this one as a gift.

This was my high school cross country shirt -It's sentimental!

I won it in a raffle.

I wear it when I paint,
I wear it when I garden,

I exercise in it,

I wear it under other shirts,

It's still a great jammie shirt...... and on and on :0)

Well today's challenge is throw all your T's in a pile, toss any that you can possible part with and re-organize the rest.

**WARNING - Tossing out any hubby t-shirts can be harmful to your MARRIAGE!

Here's some ideas on storing those essential T's.

My Hubby like to hang his - He won't admit it but he loves when I hang them in group them by color.

You can also Fold them and stack them on shelves. There are those sweater/t-shirt racks that hold your pile in place, if you like:

I prefer Baskets:

If you still can't get rid of them - you can always make a quilt!

Have fun and let me know how many t-shirts you were able to TOSS!

Menu Monday - Clean out the Freezer!

This week I'm cleaning out the Freezer! I just loved using the Freezer Meals last week and I want to make room for some more. It's also time to rotate the "winter" foods and make room for summer foods like - meat for BBQ's and fruit for smoothies.

Monday: Sunday Leftovers
Tuesday: Cheese Tortellini (from Costco) w/ Spaghetti Sauce & Garlic Bread
Wednesday: Chimichangas, Burritos w/ nachos
Thursday: Stir Fry Potstickers & Rice
Friday: Pizza Night!
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Slow Cooker Pot Roast & carrots, potatoes, and onions

Not the most healthy week - but it feels great to de-clutter the Freezer?

What's in your Freezer?

Roll out the Barrels!

Suggested Barrel Cleaning Procedure for used barrels

(previously held soda syrup )

So easy anyone can do it- (even with a broken arm!!)

1. Unscrew lids with bung wrench.
2. Use hose to put about 2 gallons water in the barrel.
3. Tip the barrel upside down & swirl water around - then empty water out of barrel.
4. Measure 1 cup of BLEACH and 2 gallons of water into the barrel.
5. Put the bungs (little white lids) back into the holes and seal them tightly.
6. Tip the barrel on it’s top and swish the liquid around.
7. Then Roll, Roll Roll the Barrel!

** Allow the disinfecting solution to stay in the barrel at least 30 minutes, but it can remain in the closed barrels until ready to put storage water into them. Swishing the solution around the entire interior of the barrel occasionally helps disinfection. BE SURE to empty the disinfecting solution and rinse the barrel with clean water before putting storage water into the barrels.

Food Storage Friday - Water!!

WATER!

The most important thing about storing water is to just START!

While providentliving.org doesn't tell us HOW MUCH to store FEMA suggess you should have at least a three-day supply of water & each person needs at least one gallon of water per day.

• Family of Four - at least 12 gallons
• Family of Four - at least 18 gallons

Providentliving.org says "If water comes directly from a good, pretreated source, then no additional purification is needed; otherwise, pretreat water before use."

If you're just starting ou: just buy a few extra water bottles each time you go to the grocery store. Two liter soda or apple juice bottles (look for PETE plastic symbol) also work great!.

If you want to take the next step

water barrels like these are great!

You can buy new 55 gallon barrels for around $60.00 or you can buy used barrel for around $20.00. If you buy used barrels, make sure they have only stored soda syrup or juice. Watch for the upcoming post on cleaning the barrels.

My Goal is to get one 55 gallon water barrel for each family member - so far I have 5 barrels - (only 4 filled with water.)

If you really want to spiff up your water storage, check this out:
http://everythingunderthesunblog.blogspot.com/

and don't forget to check out baby step #2 on:

I'm getting lonely!
Leave me a comment and let me know what you've been working on :0)

Used: http://www.arizonabarrels.com/55_gallon_closed_top_blue_plastic_barrels_drums.html

New Barrel:

Your Kitchen Window!

Today is Work Outside Wednesday!

We are going to concentrate on our Kitchen Window.
(And no -the pic is NOT my window - just dreaming).

Go LOOK out your kitchen window!

What do you see?
Today we want to make sure whatever your looking at thru the window is beautiful. A wise man once said, "As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you." It is up to US to create a beautiful world around and inside us. It doesn't require money, education, or really even skill. It require effort and a little bit of creativity -something we all have - whether we admit it or not.

Even if you just get your window washed today - it will feel great!

Here are a few more simple ideas to make the most of your "kitchen view":

• Spend a few minutes cleaning up winter debris


• Have each family member pick weeds for 15 minutes.


• Cut a piece of a neighbor's flowering vine (ask first :0). Dip the end in rooting hormone and plant in your yard.


• Use a metal rake to loosen up the soil around garden beds, this not only looks nice, but discourages week growth if done routinely.


• Divide or Trim your bushy perennials back - gives your yard an instant face-lift.


• If your really feeling creative, paint some Garden Stakes
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Check out garage sales, thrift stores, or even the trash for unique garden pots, trellis' and decor.

For more words from that wise man, check here:
http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-37,00.html

Toss-It-Out Tuesday!

Having a MomSpace is a great way to keep you feeling in control! BUT if you have too many crazy days in a row - your "stash" can look like "trash".

TODAY: Sort through your paperwork, copy info from flyers onto your calendar, file "savers", and toss the trash!

If you need a refresher course on MomSpace click on this link:

http://justorganizeyourself.blogspot.com/search/label/MomSpace

Here's a pic of Michelle's updated MomSpace:

I'd love to see YOURS!

Menu Monday & Freezer Meals

Looking for a way to simplify dinnertime in your home?
You might want to give Freezer Cooking a try. Freezer cooking can be as simple as doubling a recipe and freezing half or as involved as spending an entire day cooking for the month.

Here's the Basics:

http://happytobeathome.net/freezer-cooking-101/

Here's a great site with 5 simple steps of Freezer Cooking!

http://30daygourmet.com/Freezer_Info/Freezer_Five.asp

And here's a blog my friend Natalie introduced to me. It has some great recipes and tips for your freezer meals.http://freezerfriendz.blogspot.com/

Give it a try - you might find it saves time, money and sanity!

I did!

Monday - Sunday Leftovers
Tuesday - Crock-Pot Asian Chicken**
Wednesday - Chili & Cornbread
Thursday - Chicken Fajitas**
Friday - Pizza Night
Saturday - Leftovers
Sunday: Tomato-Onion Roast : Place 3-4 lb. beef chuck roast, 1 1/2 pkg. onion soup mix, & 14 1/2 can stewed tomatoes in crock pot on low 8 hrs. (I didn't end up making this last Sunday)

**Click on this link to download the recipes (remember to click on "click here to start download " after you get to the mediafire page.
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=783fa0a4f7714b754012e8015643d9c8bd6a1a6b5eb57f6e

Perfection is a Myth!

One of the biggest Home Organization MYTH is

PERFECTION!

Look at this magazine picture of a closet- don't we all crave the look of organized perfection? Take a look at the clothes - do you or any of your family members dress like that - all the shirts, dresses and sweaters are exactly the same? Perfection is un-real.


Look at the model home bathroom - wouldn't we all love to have our bathrooms shine - no toothpaste blobs, no hair in the sink, and no towels on the floor - well guess what? NO ONE LIVES THERE and little cleaning ladies come in every day (or more) spiffing up the place.


Comparing our homes to spiffed-up magazine covers or trying to keep up with a team of PAID housekeepers will only lead to discouragement and exhaustion.

Being organized is not about perfection! Being organized is about managing our homes with the least amount of stress, thereby establishing a home where family members work and play together, loving relationships are fostered, and chaos is replaced with calm.

Today's Challenge: Do ONE small thing to change a "re-occurring" chaotic moment in your home.

Here are some ideas:

• Have everyone prepare church clothes the night before to avoid Sunday morning chaos


• Set-up a "lunch" cupboard where kids, hubbies, and mom's can get their lunches ready for school. Make sure their are lunch sacks, baggies, and plastic spoons in there too!


• Create a homework station complete with tape, scissors, ruler, calculator, glue and #2 pencils. No one is to use these supplies unless they are doing homework at the homework station.


• Re-stock your medicine cabinet with thermometer, ibuprofen, bandaids, neosporin & cough drops. You'll have them when you need them!

Leave me a comment and let me know what you did!

Sock Solution

Since we are in the Laundry Zone - I thought I'd include a a guest post by: ReFabulous... it's new again.

My sock solution!

Imagine having 10 people in your household. OK, maybe that was a bit too difficult to start off with, but let's pretend for a minute.
Those 10 people have 2 feet, and wear a pair of socks at a time.
Let's assume those 10 people have a minimum of 10 pairs of socks. (That's a low guesstimate, but a nice easy number to work with.)
10 people x 20 socks = 200 socks total (again. . . minimum)

So you can also try to imagine my nightmare trying to launder said socks. Most of the time, I don't know which sock belongs to what person's foot. Owen's and my husband's are about the only distinct socks in the house. However, my teen daughters can tell by the stitch count and thread distortion on their own socks, and have a keen sense of when someone else is wearing their particular species of sock. And then cat-fights then ensue.

I refuse to sort socks any more, or be a party to the above-mentioned sock crimes.

My solution?

I don't know why it took me so long to think of this. Every sock in the house goes into this really big basket (that I picked up, new, at the thrift store for $3) and every person is responsible for rooting through the basket for their own socks. It's not my problem any more. And it has worked amazingly well for us for the past 3 months.

And no, my whites are not that white. Need to work on that. Next year. Or not.

Thanks for sharing ReFabulous... it's new again. Love your sock solution!

Work Outside Wednesday!

Last week I was gardening with my oldest son (17 yrs. old). I was feeling a bit nostalgic and I said, "Remember when we use to garden all the time together? Are you going to garden with your kids?" (I don't know what I was thinking). He said, "Ya mom, but do you know what I'm going to do FOR SURE with my kids? - Play video games!" I about died. Oh well, I'm sure some good things have sunk in.

Gardening with kids is MORE than fun .....

1. They'll have the chance to see that food isn't just "born" at the store.
2. It's a great opportunity to get them to try new things - many times they
will eat things that they wouldn't normally eat - because they grew it.
3. Helps them to have pride in their work -nothing feels better than enjoying the
"fruit" of your labors.
4. Responsibility - Depending on your kids ages, they could be responsible for any of the stages of gardening - planting, watering, upkeep or harvesting.
5. Generosity - Let your kids learn the benefits of giving by giving away excess produce to friends, family, and neighbors.
6. They will learn a skill they can use forever and teach their children (hopefully)
7. Gets them away from SCREENS (video games, TV, computer...)

Check out simple mom's recent post on gardening with your kids: http://simplemom.net/garden-with-your-kids/

Go Outside with your Family and Enjoy Creation Today!

Toss-It-Out Tuesday!

We're in the laundry room this week.
Take a look at your basket of mismatched socks - is it over flowing?
It's time to TRASH those lonely stockings!

Here's two ideas to help make matching socks easier:

The Sock Sack - http://www.thesocksack.com/2index.html

Sock Locks - http://www.sock-locks.com/buy.htm

But my all-time favorite solution is toss the clean socks in a basket or drawer - let everyone match their own!

How many socks did you toss today?