Monday, March 26, 2012

Nothing says "I am retro more then Jello".


We love Jello, whats not to love, its cheap and easy! Jello can be so versatile, you can add anything and the kids love it, the whole family does! Today we decided to make Cherry Jello with Ginger Ale and sliced banana's....Yummy, reminds me of when I was a kid and my mom would ALWAYS add the fruit cocktail to it! Wasn't to fond of the canned fruits so I love to use fresh fruit, great way for the kids to get their fruits in as well. Of course you can always use the sugar free jello if you like....
3 packs of cherry jello
3 cups of ginger ale
3 cups of hot water
sliced banana's

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Mad Men Mania


Mr.Retro asked me "What's so great about this Mad Men show"? He doesn't watch it ever, matter of fact the retro loving woman I am didn't even start to watch until this past year and I am not even caught up on all the episodes. There is something very appealing about this show, of course it has all the drama that a modern day soap opera but there is more to it, its almost like watching history. The clothes, the decor the way people talked, I mean really did people say "Swell" that much!? I love it! I can't get enough, its like Beatlemania to me, except Mad Men Mania! I love the fact that there are shows that actually have made it set in that era. Everything is so advanced today that its nice to see the days when there were no computers, cell phones, video games ect...Its refreshing to see the kids in the parks, or birthday parties outside with ponies and cookouts. I just love it. Of course seeing Mr.Draper is an added plus! My oldest made me a Man Men Lego set today. I just love it. I can't wait to watch season premier tonight!! Who's with me?!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Flavored Kool Aid ice cubes


Here's a "Kool" idea, seen it in one of those Family magazines. Take some flavored Kool Aid and make some ice cubes with them, try about 3 different kinds, then poor some sprite, seltzer or lemon lime soda and add the ice cubes and they change flavor and kiddies love it. I have the soda stream so I make the seltzer water and am ALWAYS flavoring it here. My kids love it, I sometimes will even add a splash of lemonade ice cubes to it as well. So refreshing and great with the spring and summer coming up!

LOVE this song.....

Resurrection Rolls


1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
8 large marshmallows
Melted butter
Cinnamon
Sugar


Directions:

Give each child one triangle shaped section of crescent roll. This represents the tomb.
Each child takes one marshmallow which represents the body of Christ.
Dip the marshmallow in the butter and roll in cinnamon and sugar mixture. This represents the oils and spices the body was anointed with upon burial.
Lay the marshmallow on the dough and carefully wrap it around the marshmallow.
Make sure all seams are pinched together well. (Otherwise the marshmallow will "ooze" out of the seams)
Bake according to package directions.
Cool.
Break open the tomb and the body of Christ is no longer there!
Celebrate God's love!
Bake at 400 for about 15 min or until golden brown


Monday, March 19, 2012

Blessings


I said awhile ago I was going to make a point to try and blog on Mondays about what my blessings were and what I was Thankful for instead of having the Monday morning dread, so here it goes. This Monday I am Thankful for modern day conveniences. I have a good friend of mine who has to buy prepaid minutes for a phone and we have unlimited, doesn't that sound so dumb, but I am blessed to not have to watch every minute I'm on the phone! These things that seem so small are the very things we rely DAILY on. We have cable, my friend doesn't, we have internet and she doesn't. She complains to me about how she wishes they had the money for these "small" things and I complain that there is nothing to watch! Go figure! It really makes you look and reflect on whats important and wants not. I want to raise my kids that even though we are blessed to have those things they are not necessities. This day and age thats a hard thing to do since we live in such a fast paced Society. I am trying though, and I am also trying to change my outlook. I hope you add to the list of what your blessing are too!

Thursday, March 15, 2012


"A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams."
~John Barrymore

This quote say so much to me, I've always been a dreamer. It sounds corny but its so true, I have the type of mind that NEVER stops, its constantly going and I'm thinking of the next thing to do. I have noticed though the older I get it does slow down, things that I used to say I was going to do no longer seem attainable, its just because with kids and family my priorities have shifted, greatly. Its no longer about what I want to do but what they need, whats best for my family. Sometimes it does make me feel older, I know I am getting older even though I'm 37 but before kids you have all these things you want and could do. I wouldn't trade my kids or life for anything in the World. They are the best thing that have ever happened to me. However, getting older and realizing life is shifting is kind of a wake up. It makes me want to embrace what we have now, I still have dreams but my dreams have shifted. I will never stop dreaming, I think when we do that, we ARE old. I will just redirect them now. I am happy to do that for my family and I believe thats the stuff you do for family. You put others first. If I could give any type of advice for the newlyweds I would say attain your goals, get them in place because when you have family they become your first priority". I would also say "never stop dreaming, it keeps us young".


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Alittle about me and my family


Heres a little sneak peak into our daily life. Today we have a full day planned, we are making some fun crafts, coloring some spring dittos and doing a cute Bible Study on kindness. I have the kind of kids, like most do, that need to CONSTANTLY be stimulated! They rarely let me alone, I know one day they will slow down, or I pray they will, but for now I am always trying to figure out the next thing to do with them. Our day usually consist of waking up and eating, watching a few cartoons while mommy drinks her coffee and sends daddy off to work then we start School. I put the little ones at the table, get the older ones books out, start talking about our subjects for the day, usually I need to get the play dough and puzzles out for them. I try to put on educational shows like "The magic School bus" or "Sesame Street" or"Veggie Tales" which has a wonderful lesson in each one to occupy them for the moment while I do school with the oldest. I hear a lot of comments made from my family that I am "crazy" or "I can't believe you homeschool" and it upsets me sometimes. We went to a birthday party a few weeks ago and one of the ladies there said to me "How can you do that, your crazy" I was so offended, really made me not like this girl to much! While it may not be ideal for everyone it works for us, people should really leave their comments at the door. I don't say "I can't believe you send yours to school" or "I can't believe you use daycare" I wouldn't do that, to each their own. I am learning that you have to do whats best for your family and not worry about what others think. I have heard many on those comments in the almost 4 years we've been homeschooling so I am getting used to it but it still upsets you. I think as long as your hearts in the right place, your kids are safe, and your family is happy then who are we to judge. We live in a society that LOVES to point fingers. I pray I raise the kind of kids that are not like that, I pray I am not that way either! So I just wanted to give you all a little peak into our lives, nothing to exciting, just a regular mommy who loves to be with the kids and her family.

Monday, March 12, 2012

LOVE

Today I am so blessed to have a family that really loves one another, there is nothing that we wouldn't do for each other. I can honestly say that there is unconditional love in this home, just the way its supposed to be. I am very Thankful to God for blessing me with all of them.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Sunshine Award


Sunshine Award

1. Include the award's logo in a post or on your blog.
2. Answer 10 questions about yourself.
3. Nominate other fabulous bloggers.
4. Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs, letting them know that they have been nominated.
5. Share the Love and link back to the person who

1. What is your favorite color? Purple

2. What is your favorite animal? Dog

3.Favorite non-alcoholic drink? Coffee, Duh!

4.What is your favorite number? 7

5.Facebook or Twitter? Facebook

6.What is your passion? My family. LOVE my family, raising happy kids is very important to me...

7.What is pattern? Um, don't quite know but I do like florals.

8.Favorite day of the week? Sunday, LOVE Sundays its like a vacation to me, we are all here and happy big dinners and all. LOVE IT

9.Favorite Flower? Sunflowers. Its happiness in a flower!!

10.Give or get presents? I love to give.

My Nominations: This is so hard for me. I don't want to leave out any of the wonderful blogs I have started reading.

1. Marvelous Memories, thats my girl! I just love her and think we are separated from birth! We have so much in common.
2.One Tired Mama, been following her for awhile and can totally relate to being tired....I am so honored that I have helped her find joy again....
3.Running from Hell with El....Such a survivor, she really inspires me to confront anything that comes my way!
4.Fried Green Aprons, she is such a sweetie, so talented and makes me feel so happy when I look at her page.
5.Vintage Living. My other retro sister, love that page. Makes me feel like its 1950.

Friday


Who doesn't love a Friday, its the day we long for all week long! I can remember in School making plans and praying Friday would come fast so we could get together and have our sleepovers, go skating, to the pool hall, the movies and lets not forget the Mall. Boy how times have changed, while I still long for Friday its just in a different sense now, I long for the weekend so I have an extra set of hands here to help me with the kids, someone to help me do the laundry, help me give baths, feed the kids, do their homework and projects, take the Dog to the vet and the list goes on. Funny, when you are a kid you would NEVER be caught going to bed by 9 on a weekend, as a teenager I was just walking out the door at 9 now I can't keep my eyes opened. Yes this thing called parenting has turned me into a boring person, I am in bed by 9, keep ben-gay by my nightstand for those aches, drink coffee to wake up and I love every minute of it! I know its totally "cliche" to say things to your kids like "One day you will see", my parents said that to me but boy how true is it? Your whole life changes with a family and its such a blessing. We usually have on Fridays a movie, pizza and let the kids stay up late so its fun for them to look forward to that day as well. Its a nice time to bond with the kids with us all here and no hurries for bedtime and other things. So happy Friday, relax, enjoy the family and the weekend cause come Monday its back to the same old grind and we need the weekend to charge up!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Relaxation

If you ever need to relax and just be calm watch Bob Ross! I remember as a kid him being on PBS often and I would fall asleep and wake up to the sound of his voice. Something so calming and peaceful about him. He died at the age of 52 from Lymphoma, his wife jane died 2 years prior of cancer. He seemed like such a kind man. So many memories I have of his show. RIP Bob Ross, I wish I could paint like you!

Monday, March 5, 2012

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars


After this bout of sickness we all had for a whole week I really wanted to get back to cooking and baking but wanted to start simple since we all are still on the mend. I was watching "The Pioneer Woman" who I love, and she was making Strawberry Oatmeal Bars with the kids, whom she Home Schools, so I just had to make these! The kids can help to and thats always a plus. It also helps them learn their measurements which can give them some Math credit!! They are super simple and much to my surprise very moist and the kids loved them!! The cool thing is you can mix up the flavor, I think the next ones I am going to make will be peach. I was very surprised that my 3 year old asked for the "Strawberry Bar" for breakfast. Don't you just love it when the kids want to eat what you actually make and are not asking for something different!! Love this one and will definitely be making it more in the future.

Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 sticks salted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for greasing pan
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cup oats
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • One 10 to 12-ounce jar strawberry preserves
  • Directions

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch rectangular pan.

    Mix together the butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Press half the oat mixture into the prepared pan. Spread with the strawberry preserves. Sprinkle the other half of the oat mixture over the top and pat lightly. Bake until light brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely, and then cut into squares.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Spring Fever


Mr.Retro bought our kids the cutest "Veggie Tale" starter plant set. I can't wait to get started. I am having major spring fever. This year its been pretty boring and the weather has been so unpredictable its insane! With 3 kids and homeschool we tend to get spring or cabin fever pretty fast. We love to be with one another but its so nice to get out once in awhile. About 8 years ago I decided to give gardening a try and started with some cayenne peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and chives. Well, much to my surprise it all grew! My father was in love with the peppers, he said they were the best peppers he'd ever had! Wow, I couldn't believe I could actually garden, now it wasn't the prettiest garden but it was a start. Since then and 2 more babies added to the mix I've not been able to get out and do a lot of stuff like that but this spring I plan on changing that! I am going to do an herb garden with the kids and they love to help. Its easy to maintain since I can buy the green boxes and keep right on the back porch. Easy access for me to take the kids out the sliding door and right onto the porch. I want to teach them that they can be resourceful in things like their food. It definitely will save you down the road. Since we do homeschool its so nice to be able to learn things at our own accord. Its also nice to allow the kids to help with the planting of the seeds, filling the dirt, watering and everything else that goes with it. Its nice when there is a finished product for them to see, the actual fruits of their work! How many of you garden? What is the easiest thing you have found to grow? I could use some tips and much appreciate it.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Family


Things my kids say that I just love:
1. I love that all my kids call me "mama". My daughter is notorious for holding onto my leg and saying "Mama" in the softest voice ever, it just melts my heart.
2. My youngest boy always says he loves me "ever".
3. My oldest cracks me up and swears that whenever he gets married if his new wife doesn't like his mom he will just "kick her out" lol. Of course I tell him different but secretly I crack up!
4. My oldest is the biggest helper, he always says things like "You rest ma and I will watch the kids" or "You deserve a break, everything you do its for us".
5. My little ones always yell "Mama, are you" when they can't find me.
So many things they say that just makes me melt. Of course everything I do is for them, thats our jobs as parents. I hope and pray that I raise kids who are sensitive to the needs of others and who grow up to be a great addition to society. When my oldest talks about "kicking out" a future wife I have to laugh, right now I am their world but one day I do know that they will marry, have kids of their own, and have a life outside of mine. I get nervous to think of that, I also get excited to see what they will become. I want the best for them and pray for them and their futures. I can still remember being a young girl and my parents were my whole world, I remember a time when I went to school and cried because I missed them so much. Ah, to be young again and not have any cares and be so full of love. I have a long way to go before my kids are out of the house but its never to early to start to prepare and train them for the World and prepare my heart for them to be gone. I often hear people talk about "Empty Nest" syndrome and most say that it happened so fast, they just never thought the day would come. Its never to early to prepare for anything, I really believe that. So whether its just taking in the small things my kids say and really appreciating them or just spending time with them coloring I am going to appreciate and really absorb every moment. I hope you will too!