As summer winds down and school begins, we get into school mode and not play mode so much. Luckily for us, school doesn't start until after Labor Day! I am trying to enjoy the last few weeks of summer break with my kiddos.
This week I decided to focus on simple, but fun things to do. We have visited a few parks in our area, gone bowling (we get 2 free games each day for each kid during the summer), painting pictures, reading new books (thanks to the local library), and preserving food. It has all been inexpensive, simple, yet very enjoyable and quality time. That's my favorite kind of time to have!
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Fun and Free
My spotlight for a fun and free place this week is "Treehouse Museum" in Ogden, UT. (http://www.treehousemuseum.org/visiting_treehouse.php) This is an amazing children's museum with a TON of fun things for the children to do. I took our little monkeys there last week. We spent almost 4 hours there and they weren't ready to leave. We had 1/2 price coupons so it wasn't too expensive. They are having a free day this coming Saturday (Aug. 18). (I think they have a free day each month during the summer.) I highly recommend trying this place out.
Just FYI - Next week (Aug. 19-23) is KUTV Viewer Appreciation Days at Lagoon. Mention it at the window and you will can buy one adult ticket, get one free. Unfortunately it doesn't count for children's tickets :(.
Also, Thanksgiving Point is doing their $2 Tuesdays this month. You can get in to any of their places (gardens, farm, and dinosaur museum) for just $2 on Tuesdays this month. Just be warned it is usually packed! But for $2 instead of $10/person, it is a GREAT deal!
Have a great week!
Just FYI - Next week (Aug. 19-23) is KUTV Viewer Appreciation Days at Lagoon. Mention it at the window and you will can buy one adult ticket, get one free. Unfortunately it doesn't count for children's tickets :(.
Also, Thanksgiving Point is doing their $2 Tuesdays this month. You can get in to any of their places (gardens, farm, and dinosaur museum) for just $2 on Tuesdays this month. Just be warned it is usually packed! But for $2 instead of $10/person, it is a GREAT deal!
Have a great week!
Monday, August 6, 2012
Fun and Free (or cheap)
I will admit that I am a sucker for a deal or freebie. I also hate to pay for something at full price. I have been able to find lots of fun places to go with our little monkeys without paying an arm and a leg :) Sometimes it is free or sometimes it is for a discounted price. I decided that there might be other people out there that would be interested in knowing about the deals that I have found. So I am going to share with you some of our favorite places and adventures that we have been on. I'll start off with two fun things that we did last week. I'll try to post about one place each week. Here it goes:
1. Hill Aerospace Museum: http://www.hill.af.mil/library/museum/ (Located in Roy at North end of Hill Air Force Base.)
This is a fun museum that has full sized air force planes and helicopters both inside and out. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. There are picnic tables outside underneath some of the huge airplanes. The monkeys and their cousins LOVED eating lunch there. They were amazed that the wheel was taller than any of them! They also enjoyed looking at the planes inside. If you have older kids, you could probably stop and read some of the info, but with my little monkeys right now, I just let them lead and will stop to read more as they get older. Another fun thing is the kid's area that they have. It is open Tuesday-Saturday. The monkeys love playing there. It has a dress up area, lego area, and lots of fun activities for the kids to do.
2. Elephant Rock Hike, Muellar Park, Bountiful UT (http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/mueller.htm)
We went on this trail last week with my friend and her two little ones. It is a great trail for younger children with a gentle climb and mostly shaded hike. The full hike is actually 3.5 miles one way, but it is nice because you can go as far as you want and then turn around. Watch out for bikers, hikers, and dogs. There is a picnic area close to the trail head that you can stop to eat lunch at, however it costs $5/person or $8/vehicle. There is a small stream that is great for throwing rocks in or playing in for a few minutes.
I hope you enjoy trying these fun and free spots. Let me know how you how you like them and if you know of other fun and free (or cheap) activities for families!
1. Hill Aerospace Museum: http://www.hill.af.mil/library/museum/ (Located in Roy at North end of Hill Air Force Base.)
This is a fun museum that has full sized air force planes and helicopters both inside and out. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. There are picnic tables outside underneath some of the huge airplanes. The monkeys and their cousins LOVED eating lunch there. They were amazed that the wheel was taller than any of them! They also enjoyed looking at the planes inside. If you have older kids, you could probably stop and read some of the info, but with my little monkeys right now, I just let them lead and will stop to read more as they get older. Another fun thing is the kid's area that they have. It is open Tuesday-Saturday. The monkeys love playing there. It has a dress up area, lego area, and lots of fun activities for the kids to do.
2. Elephant Rock Hike, Muellar Park, Bountiful UT (http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/mueller.htm)
We went on this trail last week with my friend and her two little ones. It is a great trail for younger children with a gentle climb and mostly shaded hike. The full hike is actually 3.5 miles one way, but it is nice because you can go as far as you want and then turn around. Watch out for bikers, hikers, and dogs. There is a picnic area close to the trail head that you can stop to eat lunch at, however it costs $5/person or $8/vehicle. There is a small stream that is great for throwing rocks in or playing in for a few minutes.
I hope you enjoy trying these fun and free spots. Let me know how you how you like them and if you know of other fun and free (or cheap) activities for families!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Fun Baby Gift
I saw this somewhere and had to make one for my new little niece last spring. I framed it and it turned out so cute that I had to share. I don't have a picture of it in the frame, but will be doing another one soon and will take a picture then. Also I have changed the info so it is generic. So fun and so easy to make. Thought you would like to see it.
I also did a family one for weddings and such. I loved it too!
I also did a family one for weddings and such. I loved it too!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Happiness is...
Happiness is...
Doing "fuzzies" every night and hearing my family share what they have done to serve each other during the day.
Putting leaves on our Thankful tree each day and focusing on what we are grateful for.
Hearing my children play and laugh together.
Introducing my children to the magic of chair trains and then watching them play for hours on the "train" while I clean the kitchen.
Listening to my children sing to a Christmas CD with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Brian Stokes Mitchell. (They claim the cd as theirs:)
Seeing my family have fun together.
Reading a story each night before it's time for bed.
Having family dinner together with everyone home.
Having my children "help" me clean up and having fun while doing it.
Hearing my husband say "I love you" as we go to sleep at night.
Hearing my husband say "Thanks for all you do" after a LONG day.
I hope each of you can find a little happiness in your life today!
Doing "fuzzies" every night and hearing my family share what they have done to serve each other during the day.
Putting leaves on our Thankful tree each day and focusing on what we are grateful for.
Hearing my children play and laugh together.
Introducing my children to the magic of chair trains and then watching them play for hours on the "train" while I clean the kitchen.
Listening to my children sing to a Christmas CD with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Brian Stokes Mitchell. (They claim the cd as theirs:)
Seeing my family have fun together.
Reading a story each night before it's time for bed.
Having family dinner together with everyone home.
Having my children "help" me clean up and having fun while doing it.
Hearing my husband say "I love you" as we go to sleep at night.
Hearing my husband say "Thanks for all you do" after a LONG day.
I hope each of you can find a little happiness in your life today!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Love my choice
A few months ago I saw a quote that hit home to me. It read "Choose your love, Love your choice." It is by Thomas S. Monson. Although I had heard this quote before, it touched my heart and I wanted to make a sign with it on. I considered making a vinyl sign, but after thinking about it, I decided that I wanted to make it more personalized. This is what I came up with. I don't have a picture of my husband and I since I cut my hair, but I figure that I can easily swap out the picture once I get one :)
Let me know what you think.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Life
Life has been busy the past couple of weeks. I bottled, froze, and dehydrated some peaches. I also dehydrated some more zucchini. (I have had at least 20 zucchinis this year and almost as many cucumbers! ) I painted my bench for my garage, washed and sorted through about 10 dozen bottles, and started cleaning out my side of the garage. Plus I've been a single mom with my husband working 12+ hour days. Kudos to those that are single all of the time! I don't think I could do it. Needless to say, life is busy :) but so good.
Last Saturday, I was able to keep my hubby home and go on a much needed date with him. We went to "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat". I must say that the production was top notch and so fun to watch. I enjoyed the play, but must admit that it isn't my favorite one. Overall, I'm glad that we were able to go. It was so fun to be together and spend time with each other.
Yesterday I was so excited to stumble upon dairy free milk and gluten free cereal for my Extraordinary little boy. That gave me the motivation to jump into a dairy free and gluten free (GFCF) diet to see if it will help him. I purchased supplies today to make the transition smoothly (hopefully). I decided to try it for a few months and then go from there. I have found some helpful books to guide my way and am starting to collect some recipes. Hopefully they are tasty :)
Tonight I went in to check on child #2 and found him asleep on the floor with a bare bum. He is known to fall asleep almost anywhere (much like his dad), but he usually has his clothing on. :) It was so funny that I had to take a picture! Alas, I will not post it on here because this is a public blog. However, if you read my private blog, I will post it there :) I slipped on his underwear and put him to bed.
Last Saturday, I was able to keep my hubby home and go on a much needed date with him. We went to "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat". I must say that the production was top notch and so fun to watch. I enjoyed the play, but must admit that it isn't my favorite one. Overall, I'm glad that we were able to go. It was so fun to be together and spend time with each other.
Yesterday I was so excited to stumble upon dairy free milk and gluten free cereal for my Extraordinary little boy. That gave me the motivation to jump into a dairy free and gluten free (GFCF) diet to see if it will help him. I purchased supplies today to make the transition smoothly (hopefully). I decided to try it for a few months and then go from there. I have found some helpful books to guide my way and am starting to collect some recipes. Hopefully they are tasty :)
Tonight I went in to check on child #2 and found him asleep on the floor with a bare bum. He is known to fall asleep almost anywhere (much like his dad), but he usually has his clothing on. :) It was so funny that I had to take a picture! Alas, I will not post it on here because this is a public blog. However, if you read my private blog, I will post it there :) I slipped on his underwear and put him to bed.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Tomatoes coming out my ears
I have been preserving this week. It started off with corn (I froze it). Then I have moved on to tomatoes. I had almost 2 bushel to preserve. So I started with chili sauce, 2 different salsas, & crushed tomatoes. Then I finished off with half tomatoes. I was getting ready to finish up the half tomatoes and said "I feel like I have tomatoes coming out of my ears!" My little Bubba looked in my ear and replied "Yep, I can see one!" It made my day :)
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
My Extraordinary Boy
extraordinary
adjective
1. remarkable, special, wonderful, outstanding, rare, amazing, fantastic, astonishing, marvellous, exceptional, notable, serious (informal), phenomenal, singular, wondrous (archaic or literary), out of this world (informal), extremely good
2. unusual, surprising, odd, strange, unique, remarkable, bizarre, curious, weird, unprecedented, peculiar, unfamiliar, uncommon, unheard-of, unwonted
I think it is interesting that such a word could have so many different meanings.
I am a mother of an extraordinary boy.
He can name every sign we pass when we head South from our home without looking, he knew his letters and sounds by the time he was 2 1/2 years old, he can tell you which direction (north, south, east, and west) most of his relatives live from our house, he recognizes roman numerals, he can tell time on various types of clocks, he can spell and read a lot of words, he can count over 100, and he looks for things he likes about people. He is only 5 years old.
He also has a hard time looking in your eyes when you talk to him, struggles to socialize with children his own age, he gets overwhelmed when he is in social situations, he uses a very loud voice, has a hard time communicating effectively sometimes and struggles writing correctly. He has been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified. (PDD-NOS). It is a disease on the Autism Spectrum. He is very high-functioning and if you didn't know his diagnosis, you might think that he is just a little strange, but very cute child.
Most days, we accept this challenge as part of our life and go forward. However, some days, it is really hard for me to watch him and other children and see what a difference there is. My heart aches for my little boy who seems so out of touch to the world. I seek for guidance and help, but there is so much information out there, I don't know what way to go. I worry about what will happen when he begins Kindergarten in just a few weeks. Will the children make fun of him and tease him, or will they accept him and be friends with him? How will he deal with being in a socially charged environment for such a long time each day? Will he be able to keep up on his school work? How can I make sure that he doesn't get lost in the shuffle? What can I do to help he be successful in school and life? Sometimes it is just so overwhelming!
Yet I look back and see how far we have come in the six months since he was diagnosed and I realize that we have been so blessed and guided. I have no doubt that Heavenly Father is very aware of my son's needs. I know that Heavenly Father will continue to guide us and to help him succeed.
I read on another blog about a lady who has a child with PDD-NOS. (I wish I could find it again) In one of the comments, someone told her:
"Don't forget, God isn't done with your son yet."
I just love that quote. When I feel so overwhelmed and mourn the loss that I feel for my child, I just remember that "God isn't done with him yet." and that God isn't done with me either. Each day I learn so much from my sweet, tender hearted little boy. He sees the good in others and helps me remember to be good too. He is forgiving and always willing to say "sorry" even if it isn't his fault. He strives to please his parents. He is kind and loving to all around him. And he always makes people smile. I try really hard to follow his example.
adjective
1. remarkable, special, wonderful, outstanding, rare, amazing, fantastic, astonishing, marvellous, exceptional, notable, serious (informal), phenomenal, singular, wondrous (archaic or literary), out of this world (informal), extremely good
2. unusual, surprising, odd, strange, unique, remarkable, bizarre, curious, weird, unprecedented, peculiar, unfamiliar, uncommon, unheard-of, unwonted
I think it is interesting that such a word could have so many different meanings.
I am a mother of an extraordinary boy.
He can name every sign we pass when we head South from our home without looking, he knew his letters and sounds by the time he was 2 1/2 years old, he can tell you which direction (north, south, east, and west) most of his relatives live from our house, he recognizes roman numerals, he can tell time on various types of clocks, he can spell and read a lot of words, he can count over 100, and he looks for things he likes about people. He is only 5 years old.
He also has a hard time looking in your eyes when you talk to him, struggles to socialize with children his own age, he gets overwhelmed when he is in social situations, he uses a very loud voice, has a hard time communicating effectively sometimes and struggles writing correctly. He has been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified. (PDD-NOS). It is a disease on the Autism Spectrum. He is very high-functioning and if you didn't know his diagnosis, you might think that he is just a little strange, but very cute child.
Most days, we accept this challenge as part of our life and go forward. However, some days, it is really hard for me to watch him and other children and see what a difference there is. My heart aches for my little boy who seems so out of touch to the world. I seek for guidance and help, but there is so much information out there, I don't know what way to go. I worry about what will happen when he begins Kindergarten in just a few weeks. Will the children make fun of him and tease him, or will they accept him and be friends with him? How will he deal with being in a socially charged environment for such a long time each day? Will he be able to keep up on his school work? How can I make sure that he doesn't get lost in the shuffle? What can I do to help he be successful in school and life? Sometimes it is just so overwhelming!
Yet I look back and see how far we have come in the six months since he was diagnosed and I realize that we have been so blessed and guided. I have no doubt that Heavenly Father is very aware of my son's needs. I know that Heavenly Father will continue to guide us and to help him succeed.
I read on another blog about a lady who has a child with PDD-NOS. (I wish I could find it again) In one of the comments, someone told her:
"Don't forget, God isn't done with your son yet."
I just love that quote. When I feel so overwhelmed and mourn the loss that I feel for my child, I just remember that "God isn't done with him yet." and that God isn't done with me either. Each day I learn so much from my sweet, tender hearted little boy. He sees the good in others and helps me remember to be good too. He is forgiving and always willing to say "sorry" even if it isn't his fault. He strives to please his parents. He is kind and loving to all around him. And he always makes people smile. I try really hard to follow his example.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
A New Me
This is hard for me to share, but I feel like I need to share it. It has been a life changing experience for me. Here is my story:
Ever since I was a young girl, I have never felt like I was very pretty. I wasn't tall, skinny, or a big flirt. In fact, I was painfully shy and awkward around guys - especially the ones I liked. I accepted those facts and knew that to attract guys, I would have to use other features, qualities, and talents that I had.
I remember the day that I got married. It was so cold outside, but inside my heart I was warm. I was warm because I had found a man that I loved with all of my heart and he loved me back. He looked past my faults and saw who I was inside. I also felt very beautiful and like a princess. I wondered if I would ever feel so beautiful again. It was a day that I will never forget.
Fast forward 6+ years, 3 kids later, and several pounds heavier. I rarely wore makeup, nice clothes, or any jewelry (except for my wedding ring). I just went day to day and tried to just get through the day sometimes.
Then my friend, Michelle, told me about "Dressing your truth". She shared some books and a lot of information with me. I was interested in it, but hesitant because it was expensive and I didn't feel like I should pay that much for it. So I waited. I was blessed to be able to purchase the program for a really good price a little while later.
I purchased the program on July 1st. After watching the beauty profiling and dressing your truth online courses, I was very excited to let the real me show on the outside. Michelle and I went to Deseret Industries (2nd hand store) to find some clothes that fit my type - a bright and animated woman. I have always hated shopping, but this was great! We were in and out within 1 hour. I found a pair of capris, a skirt, a jacket, and a couple of shirts for a great price and all the style that compliments my type.
Then on July 14, I decided to take the plunge and go to the Dressing Your Truth Beauty Salon for a haircut and consultation. My mother-in-law came to watch the kids while I went. I would have never thought that a simple haircut would be so life changing. However, when I was done at the salon, I felt like a new woman. I felt those same feelings that I felt on my wedding day - beautiful and like a princess. It was so wonderful and exhilarating!
The hair stylist was so good to explain to me everything that she was doing as she styled my hair so that I could duplicate it on my own. She did the same as she shared some makeup tips with me. I feel like this haircut brings out my natural beauty and personality. The best part is that each morning as I wake up, I am excited to get up, get dressed, and do my hair and makeup. I just feel so wonderful and I want that to show!
I was worried about what my husband would think about my new haircut. Thankfully, he LOVES it! I feel so much more attractive and beautiful that it flows over into every part of my life! I am so grateful for a friend who shared the "Dressing Your Truth" program with me and for my Heavenly Father who has helped me to feel his love for me.
So here is my before picture:
And here is my after picture:
Ever since I was a young girl, I have never felt like I was very pretty. I wasn't tall, skinny, or a big flirt. In fact, I was painfully shy and awkward around guys - especially the ones I liked. I accepted those facts and knew that to attract guys, I would have to use other features, qualities, and talents that I had.
I remember the day that I got married. It was so cold outside, but inside my heart I was warm. I was warm because I had found a man that I loved with all of my heart and he loved me back. He looked past my faults and saw who I was inside. I also felt very beautiful and like a princess. I wondered if I would ever feel so beautiful again. It was a day that I will never forget.
Fast forward 6+ years, 3 kids later, and several pounds heavier. I rarely wore makeup, nice clothes, or any jewelry (except for my wedding ring). I just went day to day and tried to just get through the day sometimes.
Then my friend, Michelle, told me about "Dressing your truth". She shared some books and a lot of information with me. I was interested in it, but hesitant because it was expensive and I didn't feel like I should pay that much for it. So I waited. I was blessed to be able to purchase the program for a really good price a little while later.
I purchased the program on July 1st. After watching the beauty profiling and dressing your truth online courses, I was very excited to let the real me show on the outside. Michelle and I went to Deseret Industries (2nd hand store) to find some clothes that fit my type - a bright and animated woman. I have always hated shopping, but this was great! We were in and out within 1 hour. I found a pair of capris, a skirt, a jacket, and a couple of shirts for a great price and all the style that compliments my type.
Then on July 14, I decided to take the plunge and go to the Dressing Your Truth Beauty Salon for a haircut and consultation. My mother-in-law came to watch the kids while I went. I would have never thought that a simple haircut would be so life changing. However, when I was done at the salon, I felt like a new woman. I felt those same feelings that I felt on my wedding day - beautiful and like a princess. It was so wonderful and exhilarating!
The hair stylist was so good to explain to me everything that she was doing as she styled my hair so that I could duplicate it on my own. She did the same as she shared some makeup tips with me. I feel like this haircut brings out my natural beauty and personality. The best part is that each morning as I wake up, I am excited to get up, get dressed, and do my hair and makeup. I just feel so wonderful and I want that to show!
I was worried about what my husband would think about my new haircut. Thankfully, he LOVES it! I feel so much more attractive and beautiful that it flows over into every part of my life! I am so grateful for a friend who shared the "Dressing Your Truth" program with me and for my Heavenly Father who has helped me to feel his love for me.
So here is my before picture:
And here is my after picture:
Monday, July 11, 2011
Sunday Afternoons
We have church at 11:00 a.m. We get home around 2:00p.m. It is nice to have the rest of the afternoon to relax. Yet some Sundays, I have a hard time coming up with something to do. Yesterday (was Sunday), I was listening to General Conference while I was fixing dinner. One of the talks that I listened to was Elder L. Tom Perry's about keeping the Sabbath Day holy. As I listened, I remembered the feelings I had as I listened to it the first time.
I know that there are things that I can be doing with my family to make the Sabbath a special day. I have three small children that I want to teach that Sunday isn't just day that we go to church, but that it is a day that we spend worshiping our Heavenly Father.
So I want to know- What do you do to make Sunday a special day in your family?
I know that there are things that I can be doing with my family to make the Sabbath a special day. I have three small children that I want to teach that Sunday isn't just day that we go to church, but that it is a day that we spend worshiping our Heavenly Father.
So I want to know- What do you do to make Sunday a special day in your family?
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