Shaving cream, has my heart.

From time to time I am going to write a post that will offer ideas to keep a little one busy and entertained. Though I only have one kiddo at this point in time, I feel more like I have had a hundred between growing up with so many siblings and also teaching in the elementary school setting. Sometimes my "ideas" of things to do might be classic and boring...such as the good old box of crayons. While sometimes they might be a little more "edgy" and outside of the box.

I figured I would start with shaving cream because it is an old time favorite yet often forgotten. The following is a list of what I like about this activity:

1. It's cheap--only a couple of dollars a can. And I definitely get the cheap stuff. My child is not picky with the scents and flashiness of the can.

2. It's tactile and provides the sensory input young children love.

3. It can even be an academic based activity! Sit your first grader at the table and have him/her practice tracing their spelling words in the shaving cream--How fun would THAT homework be!?

4. While initially causing a good size mess, the end result of the shaving cream (which actually happens to be soap based) after taking a wet cloth to the counter top it cleans VERY nicely and gets any sticky goo up without even scrubbing! If you are still not sold on a shaving cream covered counter top, get a tray or pan and keep the shaving cream on it.

My most favorite reason I like the shaving cream activity is that my Little Liv LOVES it! :)

That's all for now folks. I'll be back again soon!

C is for Crafting

The older I get, the more I enjoy crafting and making "stuff". When I work on a project I get so involved and focused on what I'm doing and making it exactly how I want it to look. It is near impossible, ok-TOTALLY impossible, to do a craft with a toddler under toe. I fully enjoy and am thankful for any time I get to work on something. At some point I will spend time writing a few posts that outline the steps of the "How To" in making some of these items. For now, all you get is a few pictures. Enjoy and leave me comments on what "Do-it-yourself"/"how to" post you would like to see first!



I made this bow to match Liv's Christmas dress-matches perfectly. I will post pictures of her in her dress--so adorable.













I made this holiday centerpiece for under $10!!!




This isn't the best picture but I made the orange hairbow Liv wore to the pumpkin patch. It was quite a festive boutique bow with korkers attached.




One more hairbow :-) As you can see, they are my favorite. Isn't she a cutie!?!






That's all for now, folks! Have a great week!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

I made this soup yesterday in the crock pot and it was so fabulous I had to share it with you. I made a few small changes. I did not use green chile peppers (I didn't have them in the house), and I added a can of black beans. Also, instead of water I used low sodium fat free chicken broth. We sprinkled some cheddar cheese on top and of course I had to put a little sour cream on mine too.

1 pound shredded, cooked chicken
1 (15 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, mashed
1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups water
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

Directions
Place chicken, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, onion, green chiles, and garlic into a slow cooker. Pour in water and chicken broth, and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir in corn and cilantro. Cover, and cook on Low setting for 6 to 8 hours or on High setting for 3 to 4 hours.

Something's got to give...

And blogging was it, my friends. I've got So.Much.Going.On. And yes, I realize most people do, but really-I am too busy. So busy that I've been told that my to-do list and the many "to do list babies" must be greatly shortened. The problem is that I love what I do and what I'm involved in....I'm enjoying my BCBA classes...love my job...love my church.....I enjoy crafting and couponing and cooking. I even got involved with a local MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers)group-and I'm having a great time with this also.

Did I mention my hubby was away for 3 months? Sooo happy he is home now.

Even though I didn't blog for long, I did enjoy it and would love to start writing again. Maybe I will...maybe I won't...maybe I will on occasion. That is the awesome thing about my blog. There are no rules or due dates--I didn't get in trouble for disappearing for a few months (though they did delete my lovely background which I was unable to locate again).

Anyways, just some rambling. Busy is good for me...it always has been. So, I'm not complaining but just letting everyone know I have not forgotten about my little commentary and will at some point start writing again more frequently.


Happy Holidays Everybody :-)