No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars

(recipe makes a 9x13 pan)

• 2 cups quick cooking oats (or pulse whole oats in a food processor a bit)
• 1 C rice crispy cereal
• 1/4 C shredded coconut
• 1/4 C butter
• 1/4 C honey
• 1/2 C brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Mix -In variations listed below

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the oats, cereal and coconut. Set a small saucepan over medium high heat and melt the butter. Add the honey, brown sugar and salt. Stir together then leave it alone as it comes to a boil. Once the boil has reached all the way around the edges of the pan, begin timing. Allow this mixture to boil for 2 minutes and 15 seconds. During this time, you may need to turn the heat down a bit so it doesn't overflow, but be sure it keeps boiling.

2. Pour the mixture over the oats, using a rubber spatula to get all the sugar mixture out of the pan. Mix the ingredients together until the oats are completely coated. Add in your desired mix-in then press very firmly into a lightly greased 9x13" pan. If you like your bars thicker, you can use a smaller pan. If you do not press firmly enough, the bars will fall apart when you eat them. Place them in the fridge for 20 minutes then cut to size.

Chocolate Chip
Add 1/2 C of mini chocolate chips to the finished mixture before pressing into the pan, allowing it cool just a bit or you will end up with melted chips. Sprinkle on a few extra chips over the top after they are pressed into the pan.

White Chocolate Cranberry
Add 1/3 C of white chocolate chips and 1/3 C of Craisins to the finished mixture before pressing into the pan, allowing it to cool just a bit first or you will end up with melted chips.

Candy Bar
Add 1/3 C of Heath bar pieces, 1/3 C of mini M&M's and 1/3 C of chopped pretzels to the finished mixture before pressing into the pan.

Peanut Butter
Add 2 Tb of peanut butter to the finished sugar mixture before pouring it over the oats. Once mixed with the oats, add 1/2 C peanut butter chips before pressing into the pan.

Raisin Nut
Add 1/3 C of chopped raisins and 1/3 C of chopped pecans to the finished mixture before pressing into the pan.

Saturday Photohunt: Model and Circles

The themes for the Saturday Photohunt this week are:  This one  was fairly easy for me.  My kids are always willing to be a model for a pic or two.  And there are lots of reasons that we can include circles. This time I included circles in the form of bubbles with my willing model, Princess Magpie.

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Messes, rearranging and other things

What is with my kids and their need to find new and interesting ways to keep me busy.  First of all the little Princesses got a hold of some crayons and while they were "napping" created murals on every one of their bedroom walls, the hallways, all the doors in the hallways and in their sister's new room.  CRAYON EVERYWHERE!!!!  Secondly, they seem to be fascinated with toothpaste.  Every time I got into the washroom, I find toothpaste in the oddest places, the walls, the toilet, the bathtub, the shelf.  I don't know what they are doing, but NOBODY is that messy at brushing their teeth! 

I have been working on the house and doing even more rearranging of rooms.  With Princess Belle having recently seeming to be thrust headlong into puberty, I felt like she couldn't really be expected to share a room with two little girls.  So, I moved her into the room formerly known as the classroom.  Then I moved to the basement and carved a corner out of it to be the classroom.  It is looking functional now and all the books are out and on a shelf and ready for school, but I have ideas to make it fabulous over time.  Notsosnowwhite came over to help out yesterday and it was fun to spend some time working together.

I am a little concerned about Little Prince and his milestones, so I made an appointment to get him checked out.  It stresses me out, but I do want to know if he is as behind on some things as I think he is. 

Princess Snifflefritz seems to be really insecure lately and spends all her time at my knees, trying to keep my attention at all times.  She seems to need lots and lots of love and attention and follows me all the time, keeping me withing arms reach at all times.  

Easy Chicken Crockpot Dinner

• 1 bag (around 1 lb or a little more) frozen boneless chicken
• 1 jar salsa
• 1 block cream cheese
• 1 can corn, (drained) 
• 1 can black beans (drained) 
• rice, or tortillas or salad to serve

1. Combine frozen boneless chicken, salsa, cream cheese, corn, black beans.
2. Cook for 6 to 8 hours on low heat. 
3. Shred chicken and serve over rice, fill tacos or tortillas or use on a salad.

This Moment: At Mommy's Knees

A beautiful and fun Friday ritual. Inspired by SouleMama.

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. – Amanda Soule

Peanut butter protein balls

Ingredients (Makes 8 servings)

• 2 cups crunchy peanut butter
• 2 scoops chocolate protein powder
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 tbsp flax seeds
• 1 tsp stevia
• 1 tsp pure cocoa powder

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, cocoa powder, stevia, whey powder, bananas, and flax seed.
2. Shape the mixture into 8 walnut-size balls, and place them in a container lined with parchment to separate the layers. Freeze for 2 hours minimum before serving.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Serving Size 1 Ball
Calories 87
Protein 8g
Carbohydrates 7g
Fats 3g

Fools Toffee

• 36 saltine crackers
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 (12 ounce) package chocolate or white chocolate chips
• 1 cup of your choice of chopped walnuts, peanuts, sprinkles, crushed candy, etc...

Directions:

1. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non stick cooking spray.
2. Place the saltines side by side but not over lapping each other.
3. In a sauce pan melt the 1 cup of butter and add the cup of brown sugar bring to a slow boil stirring constantly for about 3 minutes.
4. Immediately pour over the crackers try to coat as evenly as possible.
5. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes immediately remove from oven and pour the entire bag of chips over the toffee (give them some time to melt) and spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle your choice of topping over the candy and press down lightly.
6. Refrigerate till cool then remove and break into pieces and serve!

Notes:

• VERY good with dark or semi-sweet chocolate. 
• You can try something new and replace the crackers with salted pretzels.  
• If you want to, after the chocolate melts and is spread - sprinkle it with sea salt.  
•  Crushed peppermint with white chocolate chips look awesome during Christmas!

Wordless Wednesday: Breakfast Face Kisses

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Haircut Fun with Princess Belle

Princess Belle had a rough day in the friend making department the other day (D*mn you Aspergers!) and she was feeling bad and worried that living here was going to be like living in our previous residence. (It isn't anything like it and she has since made a new friend.)  But she was feeling bad and needed a pick-me-up.  So I took her out and we got our hair cut.  She picked out the style she wanted and chatted with the hairdresser the WHOLE time.  We both got it cut short and I am loving her new 'do and mine!  She hasn't been to a hairdresser in YEARS, so it was a fun experience for her. 

Here is her scary pic before she had it cut.  Her hair was always frizzy and looked messy a LOT it was one of the reasons, I wanted it cut.  I tried to get her to smile, but she said, "MOOOOM, you don't smile in a before pic!)

Here she is getting her hair washed.  She giggled the whole time!  She found it VERY tickly!  It cracked me up.

Here she is after she got it cut.  She was thrilled with it.

Quick and Easy Cheese Muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 2 cups cheese 
• 2 cups milk

1. Mix together all ingredients, trying not to overwork the batter.
2. Grease your muffin tins well, these are notorious for sticking.   
3. Bake at 425F for 15 minutes in a greased muffin tin.
4. For extra flavor you can add a variety of things; chopped bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms or whatever you like

Zucchini Brownies

Brownies made with zucchini, bananas and applesauce, yielding a brownie with only 120 calories, 2 grams of fat, and a whole bunch of vitamins and minerals, and egg free.(These are even a very moist low fat chocolate brownie alternative, for weight watchers, only 2 ww points per serving ( 24 servings).

Its not going to be the same as boxed brownies, but this healthier option is delish and guilt free!!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 2 small or medium bananas mashed
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups finely shredded zucchini
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup walnut pieces

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
2. Grease and flour an 9x13 inch baking pan. 
3. In a large bowl, mix together the applesauce, mashed bananas and sugar. 
4. Add vanilla and cocoa and mix together. 
5. Then add baking soda, salt, and zucchini and mix together. 
6. Add flour and walnuts and mix together. 
7. Spread evenly into a prepared pan. 
8. Bake for 25 minutes until brownies spring back when gently touched.

Saturday Photohunt: Humble and Your Morning.

The themes for the Saturday Photohunt this week are:  Humble and Your Morning.  MY MORNING was spent in my HUMBLE home with my beautiful babies.  They are sweet and as humble as it is, they make everyone one of my mornings just a little sunnier.

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This Moment: Princess Belle

A beautiful and fun Friday ritual. Inspired by SouleMama.

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. – Amanda Soule

Reeses Muffin in a Mug

1 egg
3 tbsp. golden flax meal
1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (heaping)
2-3 packets sweetener of choice
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp water



Stir vigorously until very well combined
Microwave for 1 minute

Peanut Butter Icing
1 Tbs. peanut butter
2 heaping Tbs. of Plain Greek yogurt
sweetener to taste
 
Put in a bowl and mix well with a fork. 
sweeten to taste.  
Stir with your fork until icing is smooth
Cut your muffin in half and top each half generously

Quick and Easy Apple dessert

• 5 to 7 granny smith apples (whichever apples you like), peeled, cored & thinly sliced
• 1 (9 ounce) package yellow cake mix
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 stick real butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cut apple slices crosswise in half.
3. Place in pan; sprinkle with dry cake mix.
4. In small bowl, combine sugar & cinnamon; sprinkle over cake mix.
5. Drizzle with butter.
6. Bake at 350*F for approximately 35-45 minutes -- it's done when it is nice and bubbly.
7. Serve warm with ice cream, if desired!

Thoughts

I am settling into a routine here and things are going pretty well.  It has been surprisingly nice having a friend next door.  It takes some getting used to for me since Prince Charming have spent our marriage living away from friends and family for the most part.  But having someone to walk to the store with me, to have coffee with in the mornings (or evenings) to have someone to have a spontaneous BBQ with is kind of fun.  Now being true cousins, my 11 year old daughter and her 10 year old son tend to argue a lot, but my girls adore both of her boys and her little son, LOVES Little Prince which is really sweet. 

Wordless Wednesday: Sick Babies

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Glad to be back!

My computer is busted and it has been frustrating not having internet access.  I am back with limited internet access at least.  Glad to be here and to be able to update you.  I will be posting some more updates, but first I have some reviews that I am late with.  Thanks for being patient

Understanding Child Brain Development: Family Hope Center - TOS Crew Review

 

 Recently I was excited to get an opportunity to review Understanding Child Brain Development from The Family Hope Center.  Located in Norristown, PA, The Family Hope Center is dedicated to helping children with special needs and their families. They believe that most developmental conditions are caused by specific injuries to the brain and work with families to pinpoint the location of the brain that was injured and develop and individual treatment plan.  Their purpose is to help you and your family improve your child's capacities and quality of life.

The Essentials - What you need to know

• Vendor: Family Hope Center
• Product: Understanding Child Brain Development DVD 
• For parents of young, struggling children or parents and caregivers of children of any age and ability,
• How to Order: To order the DVD, please call 610-397-1737 or you can order Understanding Child Brain Development from IEW.
• $19.00 - To order the DVD you can call 610-397-1737 or you can order it from the Institute for Excellence in Writing

For parents and caregivers of children of any age and ability, Understanding Child Brain Development features the director and vice director of The Family Hope Center, Matthew and Carol Newell.  In this seminar lasting a little over 2 hours, they help parents understand brain function better so they can help their children develop and grow to their fullest potential no matter which end of the brain function spectrum they fall on.  During the seminar you will take a peek into the brain's functions and learn 7 ways that you can start helping your child's brain to function better today.

To order the DVD you can call 610-397-1737 or you can order Understanding Child Brain Development online from IEW  for $19.00.

You can see Andrew Pudewa's introduction to the DVD and why IEW sells it by clicking here.

You can see an except of the DVD here.

 

Family Hope Center travels around giving seminars to families that have children with special needs. However the DVD is geared towards everyone, as it helps give a better understanding into brain development in general. They really focus on teaching the parents not to focus on the disability but on the things that their kids can do. When charting development you need to start a chart on where your child is and try to make progress from there. Not making progress on a goal that is meant for other children.

There was lots of information on about how what we put into our bodies affects us. I know for a fact that this is true as my daughter has high functioning Autism and I have seen for myself how the food she eats has a dramatic effect on her.

I think the one thing to note is that this is 2 hours filmed during a live presentation and at times it may be hard to stay focused.  But I found pausing the DVD and taking a short break helped.  Also, because it is filmed and you are not there it was difficult to see the slides while the camera was focused on Mr. Newell’s face but I liked having the printed PDF with the slides to follow along with.

I really liked the fact that they didn’t promise quick fix solutions but explained that every child is unique and the time taken to achieve certain goals will depend on where the child is currently on the continuum of development.  One of the most interesting facts discussed in the video was that all the time babies spend on their backs these days can inhibit normal brain growth and development.  I like the hope that is presented during the video as well. 

The information shared in the video was hard fought for by the Newells, whose own daughter was unable to read for years and suffered rather profound brain injury (however, at the time of filming, she was reported to be a concert violinist and honors student).  As both husband and wife came from therapeutic backgrounds, they were determined to search out and find the solutions to help their child. The information was applied again when they adopted a child who also had learning and developmental challenges.

I found the entire two hour of the video very enlightening, literally introducing a whole new way to think about a child’s diagnosis and the hope for seeing change and while the Newells don’t talk about “cures,” they do talk about “recovery” and “hope.”

For any parents who swear by alternative healthcare, this DVD may be something you will want if you have a child with special needs. In fact, if you don’t have a child with special needs, and even if you don’t believe quite so firmly in alternative methods of healthcare, I think you’ll find all of the information on child brain development to be very informative and interesting.  In fact for any family dealing with any of these issues, in my opinion, it is two hours and $19.00 well spent. To order the DVD, please call 610-397-1737 or you can order Understanding Child Brain Development from the Institute for Excellence in Writing, facilitators of the production of this video.  Other Schoolhouse Review Crew Members also watched and reviewed this DVD. To read what they thought, please click the graphic below

Or you can click to read more reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew.

TOS Review: Reading Kingdom

Princess Magpie just turned five and is in the VERY beginning stages of learning letters and about letters make words, so I was very excited when I was given the opportunity to do a review of Reading Kingdom.

Reading Kingdom is an interactive online learning game for ages 4-10, or grades Pre-K through 3rd, available to teachers, parents, and homeschoolers that will help children learn to read or improve their reading skills. It is customized to your child, and works on motor skills, grammar, sequencing, sounds, meaning, and comprehension. The cost is $19.99 per month for 1 child, and $9.99 for each extra child. Or, you can pay yearly at the rate of $199.99 for one child, and $99.99 per year for each extra child. There is also a 30-day free trial that you can sign up for.

There is a scholarship program available. They don't want anyone to be turned away because they can't afford to pay. If you do have financial hardship and can show during your 30 day free trial you use the program consistently, you may be granted a scholarship. 

The program uses 6 language skills that are necessary for reading and writing, these are:

• Sequencing
• Motor Skills
• Sounds
• Meaning
• Grammar
• Comprehension

Reading Kingdom was developed by Dr. Marion Blank, a world renowned expert on literacy and the Director of the Light on Learning Institute at Columbia University, who feels that teaching these six skills to master reading and writing by combining the best of phonics and whole word learning without emphasizing complicated grammar rules.  Reading Kingdom believes that the issues with struggling readers stems from emphasizing only phonics or only whole word learning and not combining them. Reading Kingdom combines them.

After an initial assessment, Reading Kingdom guides your child through the six language skills.  With a round little owl as his companion your child will be asked to recognize specific letters in a word, type the letters, select letters that make certain sounds, and more. Each time your child answers correctly there is a little celebratory animation. When they answer incorrectly there is a little cartoon that pops in to the screen and shakes his head. Every lesson gets incrementally harder and customizes itself to your child’s level and only progresses as quickly as he can.

Reading Kingdom is very simple to use. Princess Magpie was very excited by the idea of it. She has never had any exposure to computers at all in the past, so we did have to work on the very basic mouse and keyboard skills. But she was so excited by this and loved "playing" with it so much that I know that program is going to be a lot of fun for her for this whole year!

You are given the option of using the onscreen or physical keyboard. Princess Magpie had better success with the onscreen keyboard.  What a I really liked about this is that it starts out by showing you a word and gives you a mixed box of letters. Your child has to spell the word seen in order. Later it shows you the word and disappears so your child has to do it from memory. There are cues if your child gets stuck. It also teaches them the name of the words when they complete the word. 

This above is the onscreen keyboard. see the lighter letter t. That’s the letter the child mouses over too. I really like this as it gives them a visual using the mouse as to where the letters would be on the keyboard. You have the choice to use the on screen key board or the real key board.

Reading Kingdom Benefits:

•     Research based and incredibly effective.
•     The program adapts to every child and provides individualized instruction.
•     Kids can use the program on their own.
•     It's fun so children think they're playing a game and want to use it.
•     It was created by Dr. Marion Blank, one of the world's top experts in reading.
•     It works as a standalone curriculum or a supplement.

Links to follow:

• Reading Kingdom Website
• Reading Kingdom Facebook page
• Reading Kingdom Twitter page

I love that this program is progression based. It builds on skills that are already mastered instead of just picking something random to work on next. It seems to be a logical sequence for moving forward.

All in all, I found this program outstanding and I can see this being a big part of our homeschool lesson plans throughout the remainder of the year as Princess Magpie increases in her reading skills as well as her motor skills. 

Make sure you take time to read the resources tab on the Reading Kingdom website. There are lots of great extras as well as detailed information about the program which may help you decide if this program is right for your child:

• Sample Lessons - Reading Kingdom example lessons. 
• Educational Activities for Kids - fun hands on educational activities.
• Great Apps for Kids - very good list of Apps, of course they were all for iPhone though which doesn't help us Android users. 
• Great Books for Kids - links to children's book reviews posted on the Reading Kingdom blog.
• Kids Reading Games - explains how and why Reading Kingdom is a great game.
• Learning Tips - a great list of learning tips written by Dr. Marion Blank.
• Worksheets for Kids - lots of fun worksheets covering reading comprehension, sight words and holiday themes.
• Tutorials - lots of "how to articles."
• Videos - links videos with Dr. Blank, program overviews, and testimonials
• FAQ's - includes faq's about the program I highly recommend reading thisPDF as well.

Wordless Wednesday: Little Prince

 

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Coconut Balls

 

• 14 ounces (440g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 stick (½ cup)butter
• 14 ounces (440g) coconut
• 2 cups chopped nuts
• 2 lbs (1kg) powdered sugar
• Ghirardelli Chocolate Candy Making Block (or your choice)

1. Mix all ingredinets except chocolate, chill and roll into balls.
2. Let stand 1 hour in refrigerator — after rolling into balls.
3. Dip each candy into melted chocolate.

Tuesday Talk

Random thoughts for today:

• I just realized I was defriended on Facebook by someone.  I wonder why?  I hate that old high school feeling I get when stuff like that happens.
• No one in my house got nearly enough sleep last night.  This is looking to be a VERY GROUCHY day in my house.
• On the good side, I am still enjoying the Trim Healthy Mama way of eating!  I LOVE the food, I never feel deprived and I LOVE the variety of food I am allowed to eat!  And oh btw, I have lost 8 lbs in two weeks!!
• Little Prince isn't secure in his walking and has only really taken a couple of steps now and then, but he is so cute when he is teetering there trying to get his balance.
• One thing I am liking about Mrs. Potts living next door is that we tend to eat together.  It is fun to have a sort of pot luck, I cook something, she cooks something and we all eat together of whatever we like. 
• It is good for my kids to have other kids like Maurice and Chip around too.  It is good for them to learn to get along with other kids.
• Princess Magpie was sick yesterday.  Poor baby was so pathetic and listless.  You just wanted to kiss all her yuckiness away.
• Another good thing, I am getting SO MUCH unpacking done!  I am unpacking things I haven't seen in years.  I need more shelves for some stuff now, but it is fun unpacking stuff.
• It is funny to see Little Prince in his cloth diapers because he has such a tiny little bottom and when you put those on him, he looks like he has this giant bottom with tiny little legs coming out.

STRAWBERRY FUDGE

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 16 oz can of strawberry frosting
• 1 12 oz bag of white chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS:

1. Lightly spray an 9×9 pan (or a 9 x 13 pan for thinner bars) with cooking spray.
2. Put white chocolate chips in microwave safe bowl and melt them, (not letting them burn) You could also use a double boiler.
3. Stir in entire can of strawberry frosting.
4. Stir in pecans.
5. Spread into pan and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
6. Cut into squares and serve.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

 

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 12-ounce Cool Whip
• 1 6-ounce package Strawberry Jello
• 2 cups boiling water 1 -10 ounce bag frozen sliced strawberries
• Whipped cream or Cool Whip for garnishing

Directions

Topping:

1. Add 2 cups boiling water to Jello; mix well.
2. Add strawberries to jello.
3. Cool Jello mixture in fridge until thick.

Crust:

1. Melt butter; add sugar.
2. Crush pretzels with rolling pin and add to butter mixture.
3. Press into bottom of greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
4. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees; cool well.

Filling:

1. Combine cream cheese and 1 cup sugar; beat well.
2. Add Cool Whip; spread over cooled crust.
3. Pour or spoon thickened jello mixture over cream cheese mixture and set until firm.
4. Spread additional Cool Whip over the top, cover with foil & refrigerate for at least 2 hours.     

Marshmallow Whip Cheesecake

 

Graham Cracker Crust:

• 40 squares of graham crackers (crushed)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine (melted)

1. Mix above ingredients.
2. Press into top and sides of 9 x 13' greased pan.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup for top.

Filling:

• 10 1/2 oz. large marshmallows (40 marshmallows)
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 - 8-oz. packages of cream cheese
• 12-oz. Container of fat-free Cool Whip

1. Melt marshmallows and milk over low heat.
2. Beat cream cheese; add marshmallow mixture.
3. Cool. Fold in Cool Whip.
4. Spread into crust and sprinkle with remaining graham cracker crust.
5. Refrigerate until set.

 

Saturday Photohunt: Blue and Play of Light

The themes for the Saturday Photohunt this week are: Blue and Play of Light.  This one took a little thinking. First I came up with a picture of the sky on Princess Magpie's birthday.  I LOVED the way the light played with the clouds in the blue sky.

I also was a little silly and thought of Little Prince playing with the light from the television wearing his little blue and green diaper cover. 

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Cheeseburger Soup

2lbs ground meat
onion
garlic
head of cauliflower
4 cups of chicken broth
dash (maybe 1/4C) of cream
garlic powder
1 cup shredded mozzarella
spinach

1. Cooked ground meat with onion and garlic in a skillet.
2. Add a chopped cauliflower
3. Cook it until the cauliflower was cooked al dente.
4. Poured this into a crockpot and add chicken broth, cream, garlic powder (optional sprinkle in some gluccomannan).
5. After letting it simmer a while I add shredded mozzarella and chopped spinach and leave alone until dinner time.

This Moment: Princess Belle

A beautiful and fun Friday ritual. Inspired by SouleMama.

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. – Amanda Soule

First haircut

My last baby had his first haircut yesterday.  Notsosnowwhite was there with us and it was really special. 

Here he is getting ready for his haircut.  He DID NOT like that cape!

We started out with him in a booster seat, but he felt insecure and cried!

I took him in my arms, hoping to calm him down a little bit

We gave him a toy car and that helped for a short while

But only a short while . . .

When I turned him around to face me, he calmed a for a little while

But only for a little while . . .

Finally it was over and he looked like a brand new boy . . .

His tears were over.  But, when I it struck me that this was my last first haircut, I shed a few of my own.  Every one of his firsts is a last for me.  I find it exciting and sad at the same time.  I am glad that Notsosnowwhite got to share it with me.

Here he is being rewarded with a snack afterwards, don't his eyes look HUGE with his new haircut??