Harley says thanks for the Card Murchie!

Forced Sterilization

Flipping through television channels I stopped on this in the bottom left corner of Anderson Cooper the topic was forced sterilization. It was interesting because it happened in the past right hear in our soil! It has not been publicized very much due to the negative attention it draws. It sure is appalling to citizens can be forced not to have children if they desire to. This is very sad things like this actually happened. :-(

Stop and Smell the Flowers!

Relationship Maintenance: Can I have an Aspirin Please?

Relationship Maintenance: Can I have an aspirin please

• If you are hanging out people chances are you will experience trying to maintaining relationships.  
• Relationships take work.
•  Sometimes in the relationship a person does not want to do the work so they leave.
• Things that can stick in the back of the mind and only to return as ammunition for later. 
• Ammo is words they are bullet aimed and ready.
•  One may call for a cease and desist but the other calls for more fire. A ruthless battle of words and whits takes place. 
• While the war would may not be visible from the surface the damage and destruction is beyond any natural disaster .
•  If not careful it can turn hearts black, tears into rivers, and days into nights.  

• Why? Simply because we are human. God allows us to make our own choices.

Do all humans face struggles in life?
On thing is for sure is that every human will experience loss, sadness and pain and struggle in their life. Sin (bad choices) is a part of the human experience and the choices humans make impact directly and indirectly others around them.

Unfortunately the wages of sin equals death. Death spiritually which is most importantly. But there is great news!!! There is life in Christ!!! (see the next post on Romans Road)

Even when we know Jesus it does not make us perfect. Only Jesus was perfect.  Christians still make bad choices from time to time. Being a Christian (meaning Jesus paid for our sins) does not mean suddenly being perfect. However, it simply means we have a trail guide along the way, or partner to help make the right choices. Christians like everyone else still have the ability to choose right and wrong.  

• Read the book of James in the New Testament this week.  

• This is a great resource for A Trail Guide Manual Resource to Christian living 101 also and read the next  post focusing on the Romans Road.

•  If you are already Christian find ways to challenge yourself. How can you improve? Are you speaking to others wisely? Are you loving on people even when it is hard?

In the sermon this last week something hit hard. We should never be too busy to make time for five things:

1. Prayer 
2. Reading Gods Word
3. family: this means calling mom or dad brother or sister too
4. finally friends

Don't just call but take time to write a personal letter this week. This can show you really care.

Romans Road

http://www.teenmissions.org/resources/roman-road-to-salvation/

Have a Recipe You would like to share?

We would love to have your recipe here! Please share Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor

Our Blog Gets A New Look: 30 Days of DIY

Today the blog got another make-over!!!  Once our blog month the blog gets a new look.

Whats in store: DIY Projects

For the next 30 days the topic of discussion will be homemade do it yourself fun projects. These can be ones that we find and have links for you or ones we can create from us to you. We will have some great adventures as we travel into the unique and exciting world of DIY  at home creations! We have some friends and family that have some great stories and ideas to share that are really neat. I am looking forward to your stories and pictures of how-to projects and whale of a tales. What works and what flunks out!  I can't wait!

Snickers Friendship Pie

I am glad to share this with all my friends and family from my house to yours!
Warning: This Recipe contains nuts
So here's what you do:
1. You start with a graham cracker crust. You can do this a few different ways. I bought mine prepackaged this time. You can also buy them in the crumbs already smashed or if your prefer can smash it yourself. If you decide to to use the pre-made store bought gram and you make your own the recipe is super easy just melt some butter and mix in the crumbs until it covers the whole surface. Sometimes I find it's easier just to buy the pre-made ones if I am running low on time.
2. Condensed milk- not to be confused with evaporated milk. I have done this before. It is definitely not the same. You will find one can will do. Pour condensed milk on top on crumb crust.
3. Now preheat oven 375.
4. the fun begins- Toppings
Starting with coconuts I sprinkle coconut, macadamia nuts, pecan, chocolate chips, almonds, white chocolate slivers, walnut, more chocolate chip, xoxoxo, more coconut,
Repeat more nuts and chocolate. Finally I some snickers bars cut them into slivers and put a top layer on the pie.
5.Bake it at 25-35 minutes depending on oven and elevation.

Enjoy!

Communication: What Did I Do Wrong?

Today I sit and wonder with a few people in mind. I must have hurt them in the past but I just don't know what I did.. I lie here and wonder. With only my side of the story I am missing key facts and will always be wondering what happened. I won't be able to fix the problem with missing pieces to the puzzle. Why is this:

Communication
Somehow there is a gap in communication between two people. One person desires to give up on the relationship it be friend or family instead of giving feedback.
One person may not even be aware of areas to improve on. How can one improve if they don't know what to improve on?

Commitment
If you walk away from any relationship
out of pure frustration how does that help build character? Does that solve the problem in the long run? How will the other person remember you? Does the other person even know they did anything wrong.

These are all things to consider before walking away from a relationship because chances are good the other person doe not even know there is something wrong. The issue may turn out to be a simple correction or even a non-issue if there is effective communication used in the relationship.

Wisdom

"Wisdom is often nearer when we stoop then when we soar"
- William Wordsworth

What to Do When the Schools Fail:

I have been told my kids attend one of the best schools in the state of VA. I find that highly questionable. What if the best is not good enough? This is a question I am asking myself as I face sending them off another day into the lions den.

Why are They Failing?
My son with an IEP and is failing math with a 36%! I asked for an IEP meeting to address this. They asked me to hold off. Now this is their results.

Specifics
Why is it on my other child's report card they wrote my other son failed I meet grade expectations yet they failed to mention what he was failing at. The rest of the report card was pretty good. The evidence was lacking sufficient data to represent such a comment.

Wrights Law
I really am looking into what are the rights for a child's education by state and government standards. I do believe their may be some violations taking place and I have never been so frustrated. I am trying to set my feelings aside to make ensure no rash decisions are made. At this point I really want to start homeschooling immediately but need to give it some time but I really think I can do a better job.

Knee Jerk Reaction or The Best Choice
Should I pull them now? Should should I speak to a lawyer. Is it worth my time? Even Military families that are at a duty station for a short term PCS move deserve the best education the schools have offer.



Wrights law is a great place to start researching education rights

http://wrightslaw.com/

Deployment Struggles

Two Deployments: Less Than Blissful Attitude
Each deployment posesses its own unique set of trials. Even Christians are without struggle. Each person is a product of his or her own attitude which during deployments can be less than blissful.

A House = The Cave = The Perfect Hiding Spot
The house is the perfect hide away from it all. This includes the housework, the homework, the army, the other wives, you name it. FRG are the the Military's response to helping the needs of the families back home. Regarless of things that one might have heard about this their are some good FRG's out there. Most of the time they require a huge amount of time and effort and are not as effective as first intended. It can easily become a place for gossip and a trap for needy wives. The program needs some overhauling to become more effective to serve military families. Some changes should include communication, budgets, structuring, leadership, FRSA positions and other formalities.

A Biblical Solution
Looking for a biblical solution when ours fail.  Looking at failed attempts how can one prevent future deployments from the same outcome? It is clear that one need to be plugged in to a great churnch with a servant heart for people all over the world. Remember,  it is just as important to serve within the community as it is to serve in other parts of the world.

Serve as God Called Me To Serve
It you have a gift use it.  God has made that abundently clear I am good with children and I can teach. I remember my Unce Steve telling me that I had a gift to teach and he called me out when I stopped using it. I chose to ignore that for several years. It is a waste of talent God gave me not to teach not only my own children but as he leads me in other areas as well.

Mentorship/Small Group-  Fellowship and Dicipleship
It became clear recently the need for a spiritual mentor. This will help to keep accountability during deployments. It is a vital role in spiritual growth and dicipleship. Getting plugged in and staying commited to a small group is also important.  These friends are a very vital role in keeping friendships and spiritual growth and accountability within the church community. Small groups help to  keep a big church small and that way it is impossible to get lost in the crowd.

It's Not All About Me
Last, I need to make an effort to relate more to people. I somehow need to find a way to become less about me and more about others. I really am not sure how to do this. I do not know what that means yet, but I know it is needed to become a better friend. Hopefully Jesus will lead me on the right path with this one.

We can only improve from our past as a way for positive growth. Let our experiences inspire us to towards only pushing towards our goals. If we fail we are simply to pick ourselves up dust ourselves off and push ourselves harder. With the extra push our choice to drive on becomes our courage and strength to make our goal our next story of success in our book of life.
-Sandy-

Leaving the Sick to the Sick?

Should mental illness like gaining the attention of others by being sick to gain attention or making yourself sick to gain attention be treated with attention?  We know that mental illness is an illness in a form of illness within itself. So then, what is the best treatment for this type of treatment for this type of illness? Is it nurturing our loved one or is it tough love? Kind of like how many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? 1, 2, 3...crunch...perhaps the world may never know.

http://www.thebody.com/content/art30637.html

Military Wives

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=386962281343076&set=a.119956258043681.8528.119657418073565&type=1

National Park Service Military Pass Program

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fon.doi.gov%2FK2294E&h=tAQHp_D09AQFZ9C0foVtiZmrd2qoSrpjR-qwa92GRc5bZmw&enc=AZOxwyjVOIZCAEw41C-pqw8PdL473nbJVsCDTX5WyiBmD3vGLao7j4Js6WZqFEk-q3qvAPYNwvunOCunTYu3xHuN

Homemade Bitter Apple Spray

Going to the pet store can be an expensive trip but their are several ways to do homemade remedies to cut back on some of the costs.
Right now I have done some experimenting trying homemade bitter apple spray.

Why Try This?
-->If you have a dog, it deterred dogs from bad behavior especially chewing, biting, and mouthing behaviors.
-->It is much better using this with dogs that can be stubborn as I am finding Harley to be.
-->It seems be very effective. I was surprised it worked as well as it did.
--> Low cost. It only costs pennies to make.


I am very pleased to report a positive outcome from a homemade product once again. What surprised me was the simplicity of making this product it is a mix of apple vinegar and water. Just half in half in a spray bottle. Hope It works for your dogs too.

Happy Savings
Sandy

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?sugexp=chrome,mod%3D8&q=apple+vinegar&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=425069430469276784&sa=X&ei=FxS9T7TmMqi16AHr_ulS&ved=0CL0BEPICMAU

A look at: Aspbergers

Aspbergers is a developmental disorder . It makes communicating with others a daily challenge.

A look at Josiah. He is my son. He is 10 years old. When he was first diagnose many people didn't understand and surely this wasn't Josiah. I was a challenge as we could not take him to the store, go to church, he was throwing fits relentlessly. It was challenging. It seemed like there was a complete breakdown in communication. I knew something was just not right but but did not seek testing out of fear. Moreover I was afraid to talk about it. Soon a teacher came along. Together we made it a mission to help Josiah. I and the teacher made it a mission to help Josiah. Soon after he was diagnosed with Aspbergers which is on the high functioning on the Autism spectrum.

It's hard sometimes because he looks normal but he thinks differently and I forget that sometimes. He has come a long way since he has had ABA therapy a few years ago. He has come to utilize tools for effective communication that his therapist has taught him and there is no more fit throwing. Aspergers used to have a grip on our child and I can with joy say it is no longer true. He has learned to use it as a strenghth no longer as a weakness. It will always be a part of my son just as his fingerprints and DNA it is a part of his makeup and cannot be changed.

As he gets older I realize that I no longer need to be the soccer mom that I once had dreamed of. What I have seems much better, as I now yearn to hear train noises from the other room or the stories of roller coaster or Godzilla. I long for the consistensy of Josiah's stories and I often learn from him along the way. God has made him special, he is my son and I love him just the way he is.

Proctor and Gamble Coupon Website

http://www.pgeveryday.com/

This link contains Proctor and Gamble products and also you can get samples too. Proctor and Gamble makes products such as Pampers, Bounty, and Crest.

A Carnivorous Squirrel?

Yes!
Apparently, here in VA we have the species known as the Southern Flying squirrel. It is nocturnal. He eats nuts during the colder season but during warmer months he's on the hunt. His broad appetite for leads him eat not only the normal squirrel feat fruits, nuts, and berries but he will eat meat as well. Their pallet desires the delicacy of fine dining on insects and even bird eggs. Other squirrels have been known enjoy meat as tasty meal as well.

I never knew squirrels had such a broad appetite for different foods. So now I know where the neighborhood cat went. Interesting!

Check out the following article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4489792.stm

Now that's crazy!

Harley Update: Harley Versus Pet Store Chew Toy

Harley has chewed through another chew toy! We have gone through several toys already. We have even tried the extra durable chew toys and Harley still seems to chew through even these as well. So it's off to the pet store tomorrow to look for the most durable chew toys I can find. I am thinking of trying the Kong.
Can the most durable indestructible chew toys withstand Harley? We shall see.

Harley Update: Harley Takes on the Bush

Tonight we were walking the dogs suddenly, Harley stops and excretes a big one right in a bush. Not in it, but right on top of a sticker bush. Now, the rules here say we do have to pick up after our pets. So Josh had to think what the best way to approach the bush. We could not stop laughing as Josh had to made his way into the bush and had to dig around to make sure he got it all.
What was Harley thinking?
P.S. Josh's hands are still itchy from the sticker bush. LOL

A Dogs Life: A Look at Harley and Peyton's Adoptive Brother Bond

Peyton the pug is a great dog. We have had him four years now. At first he was crazy. I remember thinking, I hope this puppy stage doesn't last forever. Naturally, he has grown past this and is now doing what pugs do best. If you know pugs, you understand their lack of desire to go out and exercise. In fact, Peyton lacks the desire to do much of anything except to eat and laze around. He says in close proximity to where we are and he makes an excellent lap. The pugs life is a great life!

Josh is my Husband and a Soldier. He needs to exercise daily to maintain Army fitness standards. He really wanted a running buddy. Peyton cannot be "that" dog. He gets has a doggie asthma attack just walking to the corner and back. So our family decided to adopted a shelter dog who's name is Harley.

Harley is a lab/retriever mix. One thing I can say for sure about Harley, he is a high energy dog! This makes a really great family dog. I must admit he is really smart too which can be great but challenging as well. When he lays he does't lie down gently,no he flops wherever he lands. When it's time for bed he hides on the couch hoping to blend in and provides new challenges to the dog crating experience. I must Harley has adapted well to his environment. He is the best bug catcher I have ever seen. He loves flies and moths the best and now flies are clearly endangered around this guy. He doesn't always eat the bugs but he only desires to hunt them for sport. In one recent attempt to catch such bugs he has even pulled down our curtains! He definitely enjoys the outdoors and I often leave the door to the porch cracked. When he wants to go outside he just opens doors with his paw. He watches and waits anxiously awaits for the arrival of every family member and greets then at the door. He has quickly learned that Josh rides a motorcycle and perks up anytime a motorcycle can be heard in the distance. When there is a knock at the door he even looks out the front door through the peep hole to see who it is. He's a character alright!
Now, I must admit it has only been a short time since we adopted Harley. It seems though Harley and Peyton are forming an unstoppable bond. Harley insists on walking with Peyton. The two dogs walk proudly with their heads held high side by side. They explore nature, chase cats, and find trouble together.
I am also beginning to see their playful nature emerge as they learn to interact. I honestly do not thing Peyton realizes he is a rather small dog. Peyton's size does not seen matter nor does it affect their relationship. Harley will bring a toy to Peyton and squish it in his face. Peyton has no choice but to play as Harley entices Peyton, repeatedly smooshing it into his face until Peyton grabs hold of the other end. The fun begins as we watch Harley and Peyton running around tugging on the rope. Sometimes Peyton lets go, we watch Harley bring the rope toy right back to Peyton then It starts all over again. I have even seen them go completely crazy and Harley will start winging Peyton around and around and send him flying through the air. This continues until they completely wear themselves out.

They also play bite and wrestle.I do not like this as I was worried they would get hurt. I have to admit due to size, I worry more that Peyton would get hurt. I have seen then play pretty rough at times but I am beginning to understand that this is how dogs play. Harley and Peyton don't really want to aggressively bite but and that type of play is just something all together different.
I do have to remember that Harley is still young and has many traits of being a puppy. We call him our toddler. I remind myself that We have years of teaching invested in Peyton to make him the great dog he is today and it simply does not happen over night. Right now our focus is teaching when it's ok to play and not to be too rough.

We never let either dog even play bite with humans. We just don't want to form any bad habits. We are strict on our rules so that our dogs to be able to socialize properly with humans and around animals.

With Harley, I learn something new every day. Teaching him what is acceptable behavior takes work and it's challenging. The benefits but understand it takes work to make a dog a great family dog so that's what we will do. We love that Harley is ALWAYS ready for an adventure and very loyal to our family already. I am really glad Harley is found place here in our family.

Todays New Product Look: SC Johnson All-In-One Concentrates

This product allows multiple cleaners in one container. It rotates holding three cleaners at a time for maximum efficiency.

Here is a product coupon below:
http://www.smarttwist.com/#Coupon

As for me, I think I will pass on this one as I don't mind using cheap or homemade cleaners that only take a few minutes extra to save a dollar and seen to work great.

But really, how many people really enjoy cleaning? Not many! Further more, not many are interested in making cleaning products which can be time consuming for busy families on the go. It depends on what is right for you and your families to decide what works best.

I will be interested to see if this product succeeds over an extended period of time.

Happy Shopping!

Have Migraines?

There is a product that may help you. Migrelief is a supplement to help those suffering from migraines. It is useful in helping lower the frequency of these types of headaches.

It is always important to your healthcare provider before starting new vitamins or supplements to assess medical condition needs as well as drug allergies/interactions. A healthcare provider can make a treatment plan that's right for you.

For Families of Service Members Facing Deployments

If you have a Soldier facing an upcoming deployment and you want to keep a connection while they are away, try recording your Soldier reading stories.
This really helps to keep the connection and kids can follow along with mom or dad. They can connect anytime they need to. This take some preparation but is well worth the time.

Josh made several books to read before his first deployment. This has come in handy for two year long deployments so far. It helped my boys to stay strong and they still refuse to get rid of any of the books we used. I hope you consider using this as a tool to prepare your family for the next deployment.
Happy Reading!
Sandy

Saggy Pants

I hoped to avoid this fad as my husband and I agreed it looked ridiculous. Pull up all those saggy pants and wear a belt because most of us don't care to see your undies!

This last week my boys have laughed and joked about wearing saggy pants. They actually asked my permission to do this because apparently it's popular at their school.

Josh and I are trying to teach respect, honor, and dressing modestly. It represents direct disobedience and my husband explained to our boys as for this house, "As for ME and MY house we will serve the Lord!" I cannot believe my boys actually asked if this was alright. I wonder what's next?!?!?!
Never-mind, I don't want to know!!!

Celtic Festival

Thank you for all your support from the Celtic Festival! Continue to look for update daily from the blog :-)

Hey did you know...

If you are a an active duty military family many posts offer free classes you can take to obtain free over the counter medications. It does not pertain to every medication but just some specific ones which are usually on a specific list. Check with your local post to find out which ones. It is helpful especially for families with children. Active duty Military and their spouses are offered an over the counter class to learn about medication safety to earn their card but this easy can save lots of money. Information on classes can usually be found though available through the post pharmacy or hospital.
Hope you take of these great savings! :-)

What's Hot: Tyson

It's what's Hot right now! It is currently gaining in the stock market. Most people might want to know why?  Market trends show grocery stores are going toward simple, cheap, and healthy more farm fresh foods and more home cooking. Some of Tyson's new products include Grilled and Ready Honey BBQ Chicken Breast Strips.  If your in a hurry and you can't make a home cooked meal this would be the next best thing since it is grilled chicken The rest of  Tyson's their new products seem to be focused toward the families that need quick food preparation but don't focus on the health food aspect as much with products such as, Tyson Mini Bread Bowls Chicken and Bacon Flavor, which offers families the appeal of fast and appealing. It does not however appear to be as healthy of a choice offering, but it seems that many families may decide to outweigh the health factors for a quick easy meal. On some nights it with kids, not cooking a whole meal seems so much easier. Seeing big named brands start to make their way towards offering healthier foods at cheaper prices to be the way the grocery markets trends are heading and  I sure hope so. I know that cooking healthy is best for my family so hopefully companies will continue to come out with new and innovative products that will challenge the industry to lead to a healthier America one family at a time.

Trending Now: Mother's Day

I have to ask myself (Sandy), what is trending for Mothers Day? Perhaps it is something new and exciting and different from the previous years flowers, candy and jewelry. This years Mothers Day theme seems to be about creating a moment that will be a forever memory. It doesn't take a lot to do this and a Mothers Day can be special and really does not need to include money to make your day extra special. Men you can make her favorite dinner or breakfast in bead. Throughout the day make sure to treat her with extra respect and dignity that she deserves.  Remind her that that you are thankful of all the hard work she does. Take her hand go for a nice walk and maybe go for a picnic if the weather permits. If you have some money saved up you might think to get her a gift and get it engraved. This would be very special and specific, this is designed to show your love, effort, and thoughtfulness.
 Please remember that even your wife is pregnant and this is her first child PLEASE remember that she is still every bit of a mom too. She deserves to be treated as such just the same so please don't forget to do so dads!
Happy Mothers Day
Sandy

Teaching and Training Shooting: Using Our Talents and Resources Wisely

My family seems like we were born to shoot! An average Saturday includes some good ole fashion range time.

Every time I hear a bullet blast out of the barrel it creates a euphoric state of mind. I always say, " Goodbye stress!" It doesn't take long soon all my stress goes down range. Each from my .22 (pop) .357 (boom) to my .45 (BaaOOM) has a different sound. Each time a shoot I follow it up with a resounding laughter. See, I just can't help it! I usually hear everyone else in the range cracking up too as they get a kick out of watching me as I have so much fun firing each shot!

Not only have I found joy in shooting but I have found that I trust my weapons. I am in control of them. I know the many features of each weapon personally. It is good o know then inside and out and would not I do not like to carry them if I do not know my weapon.
I have a conceal permit in which is a must for anyone who wants to conceal carry. Check the laws for your state and any other states you want to go to with your weapon(s). Always know the laws because YOU are responsible for knowing the laws! In my state, I was required to shoot 40/50 on the acquired target. If I broke any safety violations or didn't pass the written test this was an automatic disqualification. I absolutely believe this led up to my success. I believe it has helped me to learn all the important fundamentals to teach others as well. Before getting a conceal carry permit this class should be necessity as everyone could benefit from learning the basics in proper conceal carry safety.
Now, I am teaching others they have a right to carry. I want them to do it safely. I always tell my ladies to take the class. I find however most classes are taught by men. Often when men try to teach the ladies (no offense guys), the ladies tense right up and get scared. This can be stressful on a lady trying to learn how to shoot. I try to teach that it's only scary if you let it intimidate you. I also explain it's more intimidating to see a criminal, a rapist, or someone breaking into your home with a weapon. I always start out with a big target at a close proximity and with an easy weapon like a .22.

Most of the time I am teaching ladies, in which I have had a 100% success rate. So far my experience has been my ladies all have been able to hit their acquired target and achieve and to achieve their goals of protecting themselves. Also, their husbands are now standing proud! I always teach safety first. Most of my ladies are working on their conceal weapons permits and some have even made first or even second weapons purchases! In our church and community several of the ladies go to the range with me. Throughout he area I maybe come known as the next Annie Oakley, well maybe not but at least I know I will keep letting ladies know you have 2nd amendment rights and then bringing then to the range and training ladies to be gun enthusiasts like me!

Today's Look at a Hot Product Trend in 2012:

Today I will look at Tide Pods made by P&G. I am a big fan of Tide and for my family there is nothing like it. To have a good ole fashion clean clothes well, that's just priceless. Tide Pods seem to bring the consumer ease of use and an attractive product and packaging all in one. Perhaps what has drawn me to this product the most is knowing how much is in tablet actually saves me from wasting detergent or not using enough. I have probably done both from time to time. To me this way of having the pre-measured capsules probably saves me a few dollars in the long run, who knows! What are your thoughts?

Uh Oh: Time for Your Medicine

Since our dog Harley has been diagnosed with kennel cough right now both dogs are being treatment with antibiotics. Harley is also taking cough medicine. Getting Harley to take medicine isn't easy. Peyton has always been pretty simple because he is a pug and he will pretty much eat anything. Even including once my husbands motorcycle title! Peyton likes his medicine wrapped up in some cheese while. Harley unlike Peyton, will eat the cheese and spit the pill. Harley does seem to like meat and this works great. Now both dogs are taking the pills they need no problem.

Kids and medicine seemed to be rather kind of the same story. Nathaniel also would spit out the pill right in my face! Aaaarrrrgggghhhh! We found with my older son we found putting the medicine in pudding worked well for him it did not for our other son. We found that applesauce worked much better for our younger son. Since we found what works for each of the individual needs it has made giving medications a problem of the past. :-)

Yummy bread pudding

Use Louisiana "Purchase Bread Pudding Mix". I found this at the commissary. I uses real butter and whole milk to give it rich flavor. Josh said it was the best he had ever had.

Thank You Everyone!!!!

Thank You all for your support as our page has successfully had over 1,000 views as of today!

Homemade Playdough

Not only is this fun for kids to make but it only costs pennies to make versus buying play-dough at the store only to have it dry out a few days later. Why not have a recipe where you can have an endless supply?

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 tsp cream of tartar or you can use this gives play-dough it fun flexibility shaping ability
2 cups warm water
2 teaspoons canola oil
Food coloring (we used red but any color will do)

Heat in a pan once the ingredients are mixed over medium heat. After a few minutes it should take form into dough.

Let it cool.

Let your kids have fun!

We used cookie cutters and this provided fun for several hours. We put it in a container to save again for another day. I may also try to add in some cocoa to have the play-dough smell like chocolate yummers! However, I would never suggest letting anyone eat this because of the high salt content, it just wouldn't be very good for humans or animals. Happy Saving!