Mason Jar Crayon Organization

     I have a confession...I am slightly obsessed with mason jars.  Really, I am obsessed with any type of glass jar.  I mostly use them in the kitchen for food storage, but they are just so darn cute that I had to find another way to utilize them in my house.  I am pleased to admit that I did not break our motto of "Use what you already have" in the making of this post ;)

     My lovely children use crayons on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis, and I am often asked, "Mom, where is my favorite red crayon?"  I didn't know it was possible to have a favorite red crayon, but according to Dancing Queen, it is quite possible to have not only a favorite red crayon, but a favorite green, blue, and yellow one, too.  Anyway, my go-to response was, "Um...I'm not sure...go look in the crayon tower."  Our crayon tower is our much-loved mishmash of crayons container.  But we somehow also have crayons stashed in other random spots all over the house.  With all that chaos, it is hard enough to find one red crayon, let alone a favored red one.

Mishmash pile

     I decided that the solution to (1) finding crayons and (2) using mason jars somewhere other than the kitchen would be to sort all of that mess by color.  You don't really need directions for this project, as I am sure you, my dear reader, can sort by color.  Basically, I took 9 mason jars and put one color in each jar.  I combined white and black in one jar, and I have one jar for pencils and pens (because another statement I hear often is "Mom, I can't find a pencil!!").  I then tied a matching ribbon to each jar, just for fun.  I am missing a ribbon for my orange jar, as I had no orange ribbon on hand.

So colorful!!

Now, if only I could figure out how to keep The Hulk from destroying my masterpiece...

A Giant's Purpose

Dappled sunlight....flickers across the ground...breeze blowing...sweet scents of ocean mixed with wood...teases the senses. Ancient giants...leaves dancing in the breeze. Guardians of the Western coast. Like an army standing at their post. Gatekeepers to the East...keepers of secrets from ages past. Much has changed over the centuries they have guarded. Volumes of books could be written about the stories they could tell...if only they could talk.

Tall, stately, grand, these trees are world renown. Travelers come from around the globe to see their beauty and gaze up at their stature. When one falls, the earth trembles, far and wide, crashing, producing sounds like that of a train wrecking. Opportunity for sunlight to cast its warm glow comes through the space left open by the mighty fallen one.

My heart feels sad as I look at the one whose massive girth lies out in the distance. But as I walk around its' length, I realize that even in death, there is life. The hole left from the massive trunk and roots becomes shelter for small animals, and also provides an excellent photo opportunity for the tourist. Sunlight rushes in, causing smaller ones that once had the privilege to grow in the shadows of the fallen giant space to grow slowly over time to the same stature. On the top, running the length, is new growth. As I look, I realize eventually, ever so long from now, that tree will become part of the forest floor. Life will have long been established from all of the nutrients even in death the fallen one offers.

In my random thoughts, as silly as it may seem, I have caught a glimpse of a truth in the body of Christ. There are spiritual giants, guardians of our hearts, gatekeepers, tall, stately, and grand in the spirit. There are those who grow up under their covering, in their shadow...protected...kept. But even in death, if a true giant, there is life. The roots, things they established, give safety and shelter. New life and growth are established on top of what they were and their strength eventually becomes the floor and the nutrients necessary for the next generation. Continuing the heritage of tall, stately, grand. 

Creating a Read Aloud Household

     I can vividly remember my favorite childhood summer as if it were yesterday.  My little brother and I spent the whole summer with my grandparents in Maryland.  Days were filled with playtime with cousins, exploring the the woods, jumping on the trampoline, and swimming in the community pool.  Nights were occupied by swim meets and milk alongside Oreo cookies.  However, the most precious memory I have is snuggling up with my grandma on the couch while she read Roald Dahl's The BFG and James and the Giant Peach.
     Now that I have my own children, reading aloud is something we strive to do daily.  Even if we didn't homeschool, we would still read together every day.  Here are some tips to get started reading aloud:

• Start small.  Pick a fun book you think you and the kids will enjoy.  Start with just reading for 5 minutes.  Increase time as your kids either start asking for more or are willing to sit for longer periods of time.  
• Break out coloring books (or other quiet activities like legos, play dough, etc.).  Keeping little hands busy is perfectly fine!  They will still be listening to you.  
• Pick a time that works for your family.  For us, it is right before bedtime.  On days I know we will be out of the house later than normal, we will read right after lunch.  We aim for 30 minutes of read aloud time, but on busy days, we are happy with just 5 minutes.  
• Use audiobooks in the car.  Libraries will often have quality audiobooks you can check out.  
• Be excited about reading to your kids!  They will pick up on your excitement and want to hear you read aloud, too.  
• Get kids involved by letting them pick the book you will read.  I create a box of read alouds I want to read, and let them choose from them.  
• Start young if you can, but don't be afraid to start if your kids are older.  They will still benefit from being read aloud to.  

Need help getting started with a booklist?  I have booklists by age that we read for literature in school, but these are also just amazing books to read aloud as a family.  The grades don't really matter, as most can be read at any age.  These lists are also in no way all-encompassing.  There are many options for excellent children's literature...these just happen to be some of our favorites.  I will also include a link to Pinterest with some booklists I have found on other boards:)

Ages 2-3
Ages 4-5
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade

Booklists from Pinterest

We would love to hear what your favorite books are!!  I am ALWAYS looking for something great to read.  

To Honor....'Tis so Sweet

There is something so sweet about friends and family gathered around the a well set table. As if the table is dressed in its Sunday best just for the sheer pleasure. Delicate dishes, lace, candles, silver, napkins, crystal and delicious food. But friends and family gathered around a table set with paper plates, plastic utensils and foam cups holds its own graciousness as well. Memories are made around a table, whether its a Happy Birthday, We will miss you, Congratulations, Holiday or everyday dinner.

One of my favorite dinners was set with paper plates after a very long day. The meal consisted of  hot dogs, baked beans and fresh cut veggies. The laughter around the table will forever be etched in my memory. Big Boy, in rare comedic form, had the whole family roaring with laughter.

Our home seems to be the hosting place, whether it's a picnic, birthday or an out of town guest,  and it is more frequent than not to have the minimum of thirteen for dinner. We love every minute of it! What better way to express love to others than through good food and lovely conversation.

Recently, I had the privilege of hosting a birthday dinner for one of my favorite individuals! Can I say, I felt nothing but sheer joy as I planned, cleaned, prepared and cooked. But setting the table....that is my favorite part of hosting any kind of meal or party. BLISS...that is the only word that comes to mind. As a little girl, my mom had a set of Blue Willow dishes that belonged to my dad's mom. I remember asking if I could have them when I got married. I would have tea parties and dress up...there are a lot of happy memories attached to those dishes. A birthday party for one of my favorites, with my favorite dishes, seemed like the perfect idea.

Having the privilege to honor someone I love is a passion of mine. Actually, just honoring others is one of the most fun ways I can think of to spend my time.

Reading, Writing and Arithmetic

It happens all to soon.....that repulsive noise...Time to wake up. I roll over and hit the snooze, again and again. Just a few more minutes wrapped in sleeps warm embrace. Oh, but then I remember. There is no time to dilly dally this morning. I drag out of bed, look in the mirror to see if my hair might be in good enough condition, dress myself, pour a cup of "Heaven's Goodness" and dash out the door.

The traffic is heavy. It's a good thing I am going the opposite direction. Gratitude washes over me as I think about the privilege of working from home...little fingers on the keys...rather than long commutes and traffic.

The pickup is loud as I roll into my parking space. Walking to the building, my eyes well with tears. This will be my last year to walk into this building. Time Flies...how did we get here so soon? These thoughts pass through the doors of my mind as I press the buzzer. I walk down the long hallway filled with fun art and proudly displayed creative writings.

She sits on her stool, activity around her as a couple of classroom helpers pack up for the summer. She says good morning. Motions to the stool next to her. Here is the end...teacher by my side...explaining the accomplishments of Little Boy. Reading skills, check. Math skills, check. Writing skills, well lets say maybe a half check. Summer work, keep progressing, new grade standards, delightful boy to teach.

Tears stream down my cheeks, the trucks loudness drowns out the morning traffic.

Like the repulsive noise of the alarm, I am wide awake! Where did the time go? What seemed like endless nursing, poopy diapers, muddy feet, feverish bodies, blankies, cuddles, hugs, kisses, more hugs, more kisses and I love you to the moon and backs. I look and see there is no time to dilly dally. There is no more time to be wrapped on grief's embrace. Time refuses to stand still. I am faced with the choice to miss out or be fully awake and fully alive!

The Icky Sticky Frog, The Story of Jonah and the Whale, Moostle Toe, these are the staples of Little Boy's favorites. Hugs, kisses and alarm clocks, these are the staples of The Mom's favorites. I am fully awake!

Recipe - Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

I am not a cook, but I absolutely LOVE to bake.  Today, I am sharing my favorite recipe for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.  According to Superman, my very hard-to-please husband (at least when it comes to food), claims these are the BEST EVER cookies.  

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (double batch* - makes about 4 dozen 2-inch cookies)

1 1/2 cup crunch peanut butter

1 cup vegetable shortening

2 1/2 cups brown sugar (packed)

6 Tablespoons milk (we use whole, but any milk is fine)

2 Tablespoons vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 3/4 cup flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

(1) 16oz bag of mini chocolate chips

Set oven to 375 degrees.  Combine peanut butter, shortening, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla in a large bowl.  Add eggs, one at a time until blended well.  

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.  Add flour mixture to peanut butter mixture a little at a time until gone.  Mix until flour is blended.  Stir in chocolate chips.  

Drop by rounded teaspoons onto baking sheet and bake for 9-10 minutes.

Enjoy!!!  

*Double batch too much?  Halve the recipe or follow these directions to freeze your dough.  

Laundry Room Refresh

 I might as well call it Mt. Everest. The pile of laundry that never ends. Wash, dry, fold....wash, dry, fold. No matter how much I hate the thought of running around naked, that horrible thought doesn't change my mind about doing laundry. Washcloths that didn't get rinsed, wrung and hung, leave an odor that I am not fond of.

Every time I would pull back the curtain on the shelf that housed the laundry supplies, it seemed that something would fall out...ENOUGH.
So I decided to change my life by changing my laundry room (if only it were that simple). I stood in the doorway starring, hoping that perhaps divine inspiration would simply fall down from the sky, giving me a love and passion for cleaning clothes.

 I simply became more frustrated until I decided...no more! Rolling up my sleeves, giving myself a pep talk, and turning up the music really loud, I set out to reorganize and beautify. Inspiration came slowly, but as I simplified all the cleaning supplies and organized, I began to feel better. With each dust bunny that I vacuumed, hope was birthed...maybe just maybe I could learn to like the laundry process.

Pinterest makes all things seem possible. All the beautiful, enchanted, magical laundry rooms that wash the clothes that are on there as well. So dreamy...OH!!!! SORRY!!! I must have fallen asleep:)

We had several people live with us this past year, and one of the purchases we made was an armoire from Ikea. I simply repurposed it for the laundry and cleaning supplies as well as a home for my handy dandy vacuum cleaner, broom and dust pan of which was homeless in the messy laundry room.

In the organizing process, I decided to rank the cleaners I like the most and only purchase the basics from now on. The simpler the better. That way even my six year old knows where the toilet bowl cleaner belongs. I have figured out to stick with what works and leave all the fancy labels at the store.

Generally, I make my own laundry soap. We have a well and our water has a lot of iron and minerals. The soap recipe that I use cuts all the unwanted odors and makes everything smell fresh. But time has been limited lately and so I have purchased soap instead.

I now have a place to hang a hand towel and write love notes to The Husband....hehe...multiple functioning items are always a plus!



The breakdown of the Refresh is this....four laundry baskets $3.47 each, S hooks $3.97 (two packages), two jars with chalkboard labels ($5.97 each). My grand total was $33.76 plus tax. Not bad a price to pay for an attitude adjustment.

I won't exaggerate and say I LOVE doing laundry now. But it is a pleasure to be able to serve my family and at the same time enjoy the process. The best part about the whole refresh is the fact that I would spend quite a bit of time sorting laundry. Not anymore!!! All four of my children sort their clothes at the end of the day...all I have to do is put them in the washer, add soap and softener and it is on its way to cleanliness!

Although it may not be Pinterest Perfect....its Practically Perfect to me! And that's what matters!!!