New Year's Resolutions

Many of us approach the New Year with good intentions. "I'm going to exercise more." "I'm going to keep the house cleaner." I'm going to play with the kids more. And then sometime around March, April, or May we realize we've long forgotten those well meaning goals. Many a year, I played out this tired old tradition too.

Until last year, when I was introduced to the idea of really looking at the year in review. Taking time to thank the Lord for all the things He's blessed us with and all the lessons learned along the way. Looking back often helps you look forward too and I was introduced to the idea of a personal or family breakthrough prayer request.

If you've been around COD for a while you've likely heard about breakthrough prayer requests. These are the big ones. The out of the box desire of your heart you pray earnestly for all. year. long.

So Jon and I sat down and spent some time thinking about where we had been in 2008 and where we were headed in 2009. We came up with a family prayer for 2009. And then we prayed it. What a blessing and a challenge it was, but so very worth it!

Jon and I have already taken time to talk and pray about our 2010 Family Prayer and in HUB a couple of weeks ago we challenged everyone else to take some time to do this exercise too. We started with a time of thanksgiving and shared with one another what we were most thankful for in 2009. What an absolutely encouraging, faith building experience! Many of the thanksgivings mentioned were things we've prayed for over the years we've been meeting together. Answered prayer! Much thanksgivings!! And then from there we looked at where we'd like to go as families in 2010. And then we prayed them. Together.

And so here it is: your part. Would you take some time to do this? Ask God what he'd like you to focus on in 2010. I know He has big plans for you! And then pray it. All. Year. Long.

Don't forget to get a journal and keep record of how your prayers are answered and how they change. I know you'll have so much to be thankful for at the end of 2010.

Here's a great article (my inspiration for this post) from Pastor Ed about Not Wasting This Week - spending time looking at the year in review and thinking and praying about where you're going next year.

Eat From the Pantry Challenge

That's right, MoneySavingMom has issued a challenge, and you all know I'm hard pressed to back down from a challenge. So I'm passing it on to you! Will you join me?

Are your cupboards full of stuff you bought ages ago? Is the freezer stocked? And yet, how many times did you go to the store in the last week?

Thus, the Eat From the Pantry Challenge. The idea is to cut back on the grocery bill and use up what's already in the house over the next month! The rules are easy cause you set the goals yourself. Sit down and make up your goals for the month and then set out to accomplish them.

I haven't determined my goals yet, but I think I'm going to attempt less than 3 trips to the store in January (which is about half I think...) and to cut my grocery budget substantially.

You can check out MoneySaving's goals here. And she's teamed with another blogger FishMama
in this challenge. So ... are you game? I am!!

Time to take the tree down...or not?

Okay Christmas is over and I miss it! So do I really have to take all those wonderful Christmas decorations down? I know some of you already have...but here's another suggestion for that ol' Christmas tree. Turn it into a New Year's Tree!!!

Most kids don't get to stay up to celebrate the New Year at midnight. But why leave them out of the celebration? Instead of sleepy cranky kiddos put them to bed on time and then decorate the Christmas tree (yes, it's still up!!) with New Year treats! Poppers, hats, noise makers and confetti. You'll instantly have a New Year's Morning Party! Whip up some waffles and snuggle together to watch the Rose Parade after the confetti hits the floor!

Happy New Year!!

More Fun Stuff:
New Year's Wish List - A fun printable which aids in setting some New Year's Goals for kids.
Tons of New Year's Family Fun - over at Family Fun Magazine

Tutus & Turtles thanks for the reminder this year!!

Jingle Bells for Mom!

If you missed Gum last week here's a bit of our creativity on paper!

From Judy's Table:
Dashing thru the house with only one hand free
O'er the piles I hop landing in the tree
Cell phone starts to ring but its out of sight
Oh what fun it is to be a mother all uptight

Crying kids - diaper smells kids are still not dressed
I can't wait till they're in bed and I can clean the mess
Dad comes home thinks he's tired wants to go to "bed"
I tell him that I'll meet him there and fall asleep instead.

From Carol's Table:
Dashing thru the house with a broom and mop in tow
tripping over toys, I broke my nail - Oh no!
Friends are coming soon and all the relatives
My mother in law will check my tub to see if it is clean

Oh Jesus came, Jesus came who cares if it is clean
She won't like it anyway, Fing'rs crossed she won't make a scene
Oh Jesus came, Jesus came Let's celebrate this season
Toys and mops they come and go Jesus is the reason!

From Tina's Table (a true story):
Dashing thru the snow on the way to Idaho
over the icy road w/the temp of 2 below
We cut a 9 ft tree, decorate 'til 3
We gazed at all it's glory until it collapsed on me.

Idaho, Idaho Crying all the way
Oh what fun it is to see the in-law family!
Idaho, Idaho Crying all the way
Oh what fun it is to see the in-law family!

The very next morning much to our surprise
We heard the doorbell ring and right before our eyes
It was the lawyers hand no presents did he lay
He served the in laws for a bill that already had been paid

Idaho, Idaho Crying all the way
Oh what fun it is to see the in-law family!
Idaho, Idaho Crying all the way
Oh what fun it is to see the in-law family!

The very next morning we thought it would be bright
we started with a bath that didn't end quite right
A 12" bear fell of the shelf on top of Johnny's head
4 stitches later he's ok were glad that no ones dead!

Idaho, Idaho Crying all the way
Oh what fun it is to see the in-law family!
Idaho, Idaho Crying all the way
Oh what fun it is to see the in-law family!

Merry Christmas!!

Homemade Christmas: Applique

Okay so I've fallen in love with applique!

I made these shirts for the girls birthday parties this past summer for them and their guests:

Twas super easy and fun. I'm repeating this, with a new pattern and die cut, for the girls and their cousins.

Having started planning for this in June I watched for a good sale on plain t-shirsts. I haven't finished this project yet, so no final picture yet!

In addition, I decided to make some library bags for all the girls too. This idea came from Chasing Cheerios dance bag. So I made these:

Directions: Again, super easy. You'll need a canvas bag in the size of your choice (I got mine from Walmart). Scrap fabric or a fat quarter (which is really a little too much fabric, but they usually have some on sale at Joann's or Michael's) and Seam2Seam paper. Print you're design choice backwards on the paper. Peel and stick to the wrong side of the fabric. Cut out the design. Peel and stick to the canvas bag and steam iron for 15 seconds. You can add a decorative stitch to the fabric if you choose.

You can also use spray glue if you have that on hand, but you'll need to make sure you stitch the outline of the applique well, as the spray glue won't stick for ever. However, this method does produce a cut fray effect.

Homemade Christmas: Hot Chocolate

A nice steaming cup of cocoa with chocolate chips, marshmallows and a candy cane! What could be better? I love a good cup of cocoa during the holidays and what better way to spread holiday cheer?!

This year I mixed up a special blend of cocoa. Now you can find a number of recipes on the web for homemade cocoa, and you're going to have to cause I'm not sharing mine!

What I will share is how I packaged it this year. You could find a small Christmas container and fill it and give it out. The 99 cent store/dollar store/big lots all carry small sealed containers. I've seen several already this year. There are also small Christmas tins, and you could fill those with cocoa too.

This year I choose to give individual servings though. So I purchased some pretzel candy bags from the local candy store. Filled them full with the right measurement of cocoa for a single cup full, added some chocolate chips and mini marshmallows on top and tied the top with a decorative twist tie. All done!

Just add hot water, and you've got a little taste of Christmas in a cup.

Homemade Christmas: Spice Blends

This is a fabulous gift for the cook or bar-b-que-er in your life.

I found this while looking longingly though all the wonderful things at The Container Store. This year they teamed up with Real Simple and put together a list of homemade christmas treat ideas. Translation: Fabulous homemade Christmas gifts!!

The very last one is homemade rubs. Yes I did use those recipes! And though I haven't cooked anything with them yet, it was super fun to do! My hands smell super yummy as I'm typing this.
I purchased lots of spices for the recipes in bulk (from Sam's) and ordered some individual glass spice jars with lids. Once I had all the materials, I mixed the spice and filled the jars.

I hope this makes some tummies very happy this holiday season!

The Living Nativity

This weekend is COD's Living Nativity. We hope you'll join us on the hillside to see what the first Christmas was like in a real and powerful way. The live nativity repeats every 20 minutes. You'll also find carolers and refreshments for all. Hope to see you there!

When: Dec. 18, 19, 20
From: 6:30 - 9pm
At: Church of the Open Door

Christmas Trees of the Edible Sort

Tonight we decorated our treeS. Yes plural trees. But not our large pre-lit tree where the presents will reside under until Christmas morning, but some small and very individualized trees. This was super fun and easy and the whole family got into!

Supplies: sugar cones, green frosting (white and a little dye), chocolate chips, m&ms, mini marshmallows and a few sprinkles. And some kiddos and have fun!

I admit the grown-ups had just as much fun!!

Deal of the Day: NWF Gift Packs 50% off!

Thanks to Chasing Cheerios for posting this!

The National Wildlife Federation has Just For Fun Gift Packs on sale today only for 50% off. You can order your pack here for just $10 dollars. Then your child will receive Get the activity pack that keeps kids busy. Ranger Rick's Just for Fun is filled with games, riddles, crafts & puzzles. Plus each pack includes special bonuses like stickers, posters, animal trading cards and more!

December Advent!

I missed a lot of my prep time for December with being sick, so I'm going to have to jump right in!

Advent Devotional! Along with decorations, I've pulled out the book we used last year for devotions with the kids. Getting Ready for Christmas is a daily advent prayer & activity book for the family. We loved it together last year, and we're doing it again this year.

I had planned to put together an advent activity calendar for my kids this year. But alas, all my good intentions didn't produce a thing! It is times like this when I'm grateful for other blogs (hey look I added a bonus thanksgiving to this post)!!

The Crafty Crow has a wonderful December Book & Activity Advent again this year. The link lists the general idea and the books being used. Daily posts give you ideas, added links, crafts and more.

If you'd still like to make your own advent this year (or next) here are some ideas:
Advent Round Up @ The Crafty Crow Lots of ideas all in one place!
Advent Calendar @ Chasing Cherrios A very cute magnetic calendar to hold your daily activities.
Countdown to Christmas Has recipes and activities for each day.
Celebrate Advent Focus on the Families advent for the family, including scripture reading.

What wonderful things are you doing with the kids to celebrate Advent?

Happy Thanksgiving...just a little late!

Okay - so I sort of went MIA during November, I was sick most of the month, having literally less than 10 healthy days! I am so sad to have missed many wonderful Thanksgiving posts I wanted to share with you all.

But I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to spread Thankfulness. Thanksgivings this year for me revolve around my health and that of my families! Though I've battled laryngitis, allergies, colds and bronchitis, I am here and healthy! Thank You Lord!

What are you thankful for this year?

Welcome Oliver!

We are pleased to announce the arrival of

Oliver Charles Konoske 7lbs. 3 oz. and 19.5 in. Born at 11:47 am on November 5!

Congratulations Brenda & Charlie! Many blessings to you and your new little one!

If you would like to show your love for the Konoske's you can sign up to bring a meal later this month, at CareCalendar. Please contact me at ke_osborn@hotmail.com for login information.

Sawdust Factory Details for 10/29

For those of you already RSVP'd I'll see you at 10am, Thursday (tomorrow - or likely for most of you, today!)

BUT FOR THOSE NOT RSVP'd!!! We've gotten special permission for you to show up tomorrow with no RSVP, you might not get to do a handprint piece, but there are lots of other projects you can choose from.

Hope to see you all at The Sawdust Factory at 10am!!!
For more info here or The Sawdust Factory. Driving Directions.

Halloween Walk

It's Halloween Week!
I've already passed on some great events going on this week here.

But I wanted to make a special reminder about the Halloween Walk. Friday morning from 10 - 2pm the stores in the downtown Glendora Village will be particpating in the annual Halloween Walk. Bring your kiddos down for some mid-day, trick'or'treating fun.

Can you name these fabulous little ones from a few years back?








Why do I love this event? Well, its during the day for one, which means there's daylight and warmer temperatures. It's super easy, because the stores are very close together and the majority of them participate. And its a good practice for the real deal. Plus maybe you'd like to go to the Halloween Festival or some other event or party on the 31st or do nothing at all, and this allows the kiddos to still get to trick'or'treat.

Happy Halloween!

A Picture of God

I came across a new book this week, and I couldn't wait to share it! It's called: 3 in 1 (A Picture of God). And it's just down right awesome!

We're studying apples right now, and when I saw this title and recommendation I ordered a copy on blind faith.

The book uses an apple to explain the Trinity in the most easily understood way. Emma ate it up and we had a good conversation about the Trinity. This is a hard spiritual concept, (even for me!), and this book broke it down and made it understandable to a child. It's for sure going to be well read around our house!

Anyway, I hope you like it as much as we do!

True Friendships: Are Like the Items in Your Purse

I just wanted to write down some of what Shannon shared with us, for those of you who weren't able to be there, and for those of us who won't remember when we try! And of course there's a few of my thoughts tossed in.

True friendships are like the items in your purse:

p by SPKarenO featuring Vera Bradley accessories

True friendships are like your checkbook: they balance. (Hopefully!) Each person is on the giving and receiving end. They are not receipts which you double check with a fine tooth comb, but they fairly balanced accounts with free-flowing deposits and withdrawals.

True friendships are like coupons and giftcards: chalked full of fun and rewards. They are built on common ground and matching coupons.

True friendships are like your lipstick (on your teeth): they point it out! Sometimes you make a fool of yourself, but they love you anyway, and help you put your best foot forward.

True friendships are (not) like your sunglasses: they keep you accountable when you just want to hide. You don't have to wear your sunglasses to hide what's really going one with your friends. They can already tell, and they care enough to ask.

True friendships are like hand-sanitizer: they clean off the gunk. Sometimes they're painfully honest and it stings. But speaking the truth in love is a valuable thing in a friend.

True friendships are like your keys: they give you access into each other's life. Friendships that are safe enough to allow open doors into your soul are truly a wonderful thing!

I hope each of you has some True Friendships!

Calling all No. 2 Pencils

Today I spotted this fabulous website on a very crafty blog called angrychicken.
What fun to have your kids learn to write and teach them to write fabulous sentences,
like the one I made my kindergartner do for me.


Go here to create your own penmanship practice fun!

Pumpkin Carving Teaching Moment

Well it's pumpkin season right? So most of you have likely brought home a pumpkin or two. Will you carve it? Paint it? Otherwise decorate it?


This year we'll be decorating our pumpkin with Mr. Potato head parts. I stuffed a box full of potato parts at California Adventure recently, so we'll be using those on our pumpkins. But if you don't have some potato parts already, they sell kits for it too like these pirates and princesses.

However, if you're actually going to carve that pumpkin, I recommend printing this Pumpkin Prayer Mini Books.

Here's the prayer:
Lord, open my mind and fill me with Your wisdom and guidance.
Lord, take out all my fussies and frownies and fill me with your love.
Lord, open my eyes to see all the beautiful things You have made.
Lord, help me to be a sweet, sweet fragrance for You.
Lord, help me always speak Your words of love and kindness.
Lord, let me be a light to others For you have filled me with your light.

With each line pause and complete the following:
Cut out the top.
Scoop out the yuckies.
Carve the eyes.
Carve the nose.
Carve the mouth.
Place the candle inside and lid on top.

May each of us be filled with Christ!








*Single pumpkin picture by Amy Bower (thanks Amy!),
pumpkin field by me.

Women's Mini Retreat

This year COD is having an in-house mini retreat, Finding Joy in the Hard Times. No need to pack your bags, just mark it on your calendar and plan to attend. The speaker is Dottie McKissick. Dottie has taught Bible Study Fellowship for 35 years in Covina/Glendora and is a very gifted speaker.

I had the privilege of attending a retreat last spring where Dottie was the speaker. What a joy it was to listen to her share her heart right from the word of God. I was blessed immensely and I know you will be too.

Registration is now open following the Sunday morning services. Fee: $30

I hope you'll consider attending, I'm looking forward to it!

The Sawdust Factory - SPECIAL Pint-Sized Adventure

We'll be headed to the The Sawdust Factory on Thursday October 29th.

The Sawdust Factory is an adventure in wood. You and your little one(s) will be able to complete a fun wood craft to take home. If you've never been, or never heard of The Sawdust Factory you're in for a treat. We'll be taking a tracing of your child(ren's) hand(s) and turning them into the woodwork for the project. What keepsakes they will be. Though I plan to give my project as Christmas presents, I may just end up having to keep them!!

Projects & Pricing:
Project #1 Hand-print Flower Pot - $9
Project #2 Hand-print Fall Leaves - $ 10
Project #3 Hand-print Holiday Wreath. - $16

Each child can make one project (although if no one is scheduled behind us, we may have some extra time!).

If you'd like to make 1 project using multiple hands it costs an additional $2.50 per hand. So for a wreath with two hand-prints, its $18.50. For fall leaves of 3 hand-prints it's $15.













Because of the nature of this Pint-Sized Adventure, we have a few things that will be different. You must sign up in advance to attend. You'll need to pick your project and turn in your fee and child hand-prints (traced on paper) by October 22nd to Tiffany Czarnota.

For those planning to attend you can find driving directions here.

Fall Crafty Ideas

Here are some of my favorites crafty ideas with fall themes:

Thankfulness Fall Leaves Wreath: We did this earlier this yesterday. I printed out some fall leaves and had Emma color them. Then we cut them out and glued them to the paper plate. This was pretty fun. I skipped the thankful part, mostly because we're studying leaves, and I was busy talking about the leaves rather than being thankful. But it would be fun to put something you are thankful for on each leaf.








Apple Prints: We haven't done this yet, but I plan to incorporate them into some Christmas projects. I love how crisp and clean these ones are from Martha Stewart are, but then I'm sure the one's our kids make will be cute too!

Pint-Sized & MNO

Get it on your calendar for Thursday October 8th!

Pint-Sized Adventure: Finkbiner Park, Glendora 10AM
Bring the kiddos and some snacks play as long as you like!









MNO: Barnes & Noble, Glendora 8PM
Bring YOURSELF, and hang out for coffee drinking, book browsing, girl talking, yogurt eating fun as long as you like!

October Community Events

Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch: Now through October 31st
Oak Glenn: Apples Galore, Now through ...
Food for Thought: Reading Program October 10 through November 21st
Azusa Golden Days Carnival Weekend & Parade: Saturday October 10th
Glendora Pumpkin Festival: Saturday October 17th
CalPoly Pumpkin Festival: Saturday & Sunday October 17th & 18th
Pumpkin Roundup: Saturday & Sunday October 23rd & 24th at Descanso Garden
Spooky Stories Under the Stars: Monday October 26th
Trick or Treat in the Library: October 27, 28 & 29th
Glendora Halloween Walk: Friday October 30th
Goblins in the Garden: LA Arboretum, Saturday October 31st
Glendora Halloween Carnival: Saturday October 31st
Store to Store Trick or Treating One Colorado, Pasadena: Sat October 31st
RIP: Rest In His Peace, Grace Church Glendora: Saturday October 31st

Parents Night Out

CALLING ALL COD PARENTS! Do you need a night out without the kids? Or do you have some errands you'd like to get done child-free? COD Youth to the rescue!

The COD Youth Group is hosting Parents Night Off regularly on the first Friday of the month. By providing babysitting for church families, the high school kids will be raising money for camp. Although there will be adults present, the high school kids will be doing all the work - playing with your kids!

Babysitting Rates: $5/hour for each child, Max of $30 for a family
Ages: Infants to 10 years old

Next Night: Friday, October 2nd

RSVP to Angela Collett in the church office at 626-914-4646.
Or Via Email at angelacollett@verizon.net
Please bring your child fed or provide a meal/snacks for them.

Please forward this information to other parents.

GUM visits CalPoly's Pumpkin Patch

CalPoly's yearly Pumpkin Patch Festival is October 17th. I've never been, mostly because between Saturday and Sunday they have over 25,000 guests!! WOW.

But this year I learned they take field trip reservations the week before and you can tour the patch and pick your own pumpkin for just $5 dollars. Any size pumpkin. And you can get as many as you like, $5 each.

This year it didn't work out to match up with a Pint-Size Adventure date, so I took a leap of faith and booked for Monday, Oct. 12th at 9am. Would you like to come? I hope you do! You're going to have to let me know so I can fill you in on patch-day details, so if you'd like to come please email me at ke_osborn@hotmail.com.

For more information on the festival click the link above!

Free Museums Tomorrow

The Smithsonium is hosting Free Museum Day tomorrow Saturday, September 25th. To find out more information, to download your free entry pass, and to find out what local museums are participating click here.

Great Scott at the Glendora Public Library

Just wanted to pass on this information! Maybe we'll see you there?!

Great Scott

Table Assignments are out!

Mentor Mom Judy will host: Kara, Korina, Brenda, Breanne, Monica, Amy, Gillian, Sara R, and Steffani.

Mentor Mom Carol will host: Nancy, Salpy, Elizabeth, Lindsay, Shauna, Andrea B., and Melissa

Mentor Mom Tina will host: Tiffany, Michele, Melissa, Karen, Katie M, Janeen, Yvonne, Abra, and Tashina

There's still more room, so join GUM!

Instant Gratification

Somehow this didn't post back in June, so here it is for your reading pleasure!

A friend of mine posted a small experiment she did with the kids in her house recently, called Don't Eat the Marshmallow. She recently was exposed to this video and when the kiddos saw it they decided to try it too. Take a moment and watch this video now.

Fascinating stuff, right? How many of you have already mentally surveyed your cupboards searching for some marshmallows to try this experiment out for yourself. I'll be trying it with my girls later this afternoon, but since I don't have marshmallows on hand I'll be supplementing some other equally enticing treat, but that's not really the point.

Success. Delayed Gratification. Interesting thoughts, right? Those who were able to understand at 4 the benefits of delayed gratification went on to be successful in other areas. In a world revolving around instant gratification, I thought this required a bit more discussion. What isn't instant these days? We have instant entertainment, instant coffee, instant messages, instant food, instant wealth, instant privilege, instant results. We want instant answers to prayer, instant spiritual maturity, instantly happily ever after.

Success isn't built in an instance. Success takes hard work, discipline, goals, and the day to day of working things out. It often is supported by encouragement and comradery. Sometimes this means daily gratification, but it's hardly ever instant.

As parents are we teaching these truths to our children or are we supplying their every need? Am I modeling hard work for them, or do I expect to be handed everything my heart desires? Sometimes creating success means accepting delayed gratification.

And now I'm not quite sure where I was going with this. So I'm leaving it to you, share your thoughts in the comment section.

Challenge: Read the Entire Bible

Yep, that's what I said. Can you do it? Have you ever read the entire bible? I've tried. Several times. I've tried to do it in one year more than once. But a year is a really long time. And by summer or early fall I'm so far behind I practically give up.

But last night my friend (and yours) Melissa said she did it. In 90 days! I'm so proud of her. And astounded. And skeptical I can do it to. But read the bible in a year is on my list of 101 things in 1001 days. Not only is it on my list, but it's #1. It's a big One. So when she said she did it in 90 days, I was super interested.

So this morning I found this: Haven Ministries: The Bible in 90 Days - Reading Schedule. The whole thing broken up into sections over 90 days. Haven Ministries also has a Bible in 90 Days Blog. The blog isn't live, but you can pull up thoughts from Charles Morris and other Haven listeners. It's only about 30 minutes of reading a day. I can do that (right?).

So here it is. (You knew it was coming right?) I'm challenging you to do it with me. Are you up for it? Are you discouraged? Are you skeptical? Me too. That's why we need to do it together. As I write this I'm reminded of Ephesians 4:16. "From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

So here's my plan. I thought about starting on October first, that would give us 3 months and we'd be done by New Years. Just in time for new resolutions. But with all those holidays, I'm a bit worried, so although they give you two flex days included in the 90, I'm going to start September 21st. My goal is to be done by New Year's Eve, but I'm going to aim for Christmas Day.

So. What do you think? Are you up for it? I'm hereby challenging you to join me. If you're up for the challenge, let me know. And even if you don't join me on this journey, would you ask me how I'm doing periodically? There's nothing like a little public accountability to help you reach a goal!

Cooking Ideas from Karen

I know, some of you probably just fell out of your chair. Cooking ideas from, ... KAREN? I know as unlikely as that is, I have a great website I wanted to point you all too.

I saw the movie Julie & Julia a few weeks ago, and was totally uninspired, other than the part about doing something everyday and blogging about it. Don't get me wrong it was a fabulous movie, and I've now watched parts of the Julia special they've been running on PBS a few times. I think she was brilliant and wonderful. But I'm not really a cook. I'm just a fake. I can't make an omelet or any of those wonderful french dishes Julie & Julia made. What I do love to cook with is my slow cooker.

I love my slow cooker (fyi - slow cooker is the actual appliance, crockpot is a particular brand of said appliance). I use it about once a week, sometimes more. It's really boosted my self-confidence in the kitchen and I have several recipes our family simply adores. I've even made cake in my slow cooker (and it was delicious too!)

I love this cookbook I found at Murrietta Hot Springs one of the years we had women's retreat there. A few of the above aforementioned recipes come from it. And then I found this blog, A Year of Slow Cooking. The author, now publishing a cookbook having completed her 365 days of slow cooking, spent a year eating dinner from her slow cooker. She tweaked recipes her family only mildly liked until they became family favorites. She tried new things, flavors, courses, etc. And then she blogged about it daily, writing reviews instructions and improvements along the way.

I've recommended these two sources to many a person who asks about my slow cooking recipes, and then it occurred to me today, some of you might enjoy this knowledge too. I hope you do!

And as an added bonus, here's one of our favorite recipes: Apricot Chicken
4 frozen boneless skinless chicken breast pieces
1 bottle of Russian or Catalina dressing
1 packet of dry onion soup mix
1 jar of apricot preserves

Place frozen chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Mix half the bottle of dressing, onion soup mix and half the jar of apricot preserves in a small bowl. Then pour over chicken. Cook on low 6-8 hours or on high 4-6 hours. Serve over warm rice. (Tip: I love Trader Joe's frozen Jasmine rice. It cooks in the microwave in 4 minutes and comes out PERFECT every. single. time. Shout out here to Amy for tipping me off to this fabulous rice years ago!) Add a veggie or salad and dinner is done.

Variations to mix it up: Instead of apricot preserves, mix in one can of whole cranberry sauce. And you've got Cranberry Chicken. Instead of Russian or Catalina use French dressing. Add a little dry basil and thyme (about a teaspoon of each) to the recipe. For a larger crowd I've added more chicken and more dressing and preserves.

Tim Hawkins Video: Food & Corporate Worship

Came across this today and laughed hysterically. So if you're not friends with me on Facebook (in which case you should be!), here it is for your enjoyment. Tim Hawkins has several funny videos on youtube. He has a song about Delilah that's hysterical, as well as "things not to say to your wife". Let us know which video you like the best.

Grandparents Day

Grandparents day is Sunday September 13th. Now I'm not usually all about the made up holidays. Valentine's Day isn't a big affair for Jon and me. And I prefer appreciation for Jon and I as parents be year round, rather than in May and June. Clergy Day and National Children's Day (both celebrated in October) don't rank high for me. BUT occasionally when I remember I like to do a little tiny something on Grandparents Day.

I'm lucky enough to have both Jon's mom and my parents local. I am constantly reminded what a wonderful blessing and treasure this is, and I like to make sure they know they are appreciated beyond the weekly hugs, phone calls, I Love You's and what not. Here's some ideas to help you celebrate.

ABC & 123 Learning has a great link to the history of the holiday.

Cheerios.com has some question ideas for your kids to ask their grandparents in an interview.

AKidsHeart.com has some printable cards and pages along with a several other ideas and activities.

EnchantedLearning.com has Grandmother and Granfather Books for your young readers to put together about their grandparents. (I hope to do these with my girls this week!)

Do you have any plans for Grandparents Day? Do you have any favorite books about how wonderful grandparents are? We'd all like to know...so leave us a comment!

MNO: Ice Cream Social

You are cordially invited to our first Mom's Night Out of the new year of GUM.

What: Ice Cream Sundaes and Girl Talk!

Where: Yvonne's House

851 W. Carroll Ave

Glendora, CA 91741

When: Thursday September 10, 2009

8:00 p.m.

Come and hang out and have a relaxing night!

Just bring your favorite topping (nuts, sprinkles, whipped cream, oreos, butterfinger, M&Ms, be creative!!) Ice cream, chocolate and carmel sauce provided.

Hope to see you there!

Jackson Polluck Art

Here's the info that inspired my gum art which won me the award titled, "what in the world is that?" for which I am very honored. I think I may have forgotten my acceptance speech and would like to take a moment now to thank the appropriate people. I'd like to first thank my mother and father for always encouraging me to try new things. I'd like to thank the countless art teachers I had over the years for giving me direction and teaching. And I'd like to thank Jackson Pollock and Olivia for inspiring me to create this particular pink bubble gum piece.

Jackson Pollock was an American Abstract Expressionist, and you can read more about him here. This is one of my favorites of his: Jackson Pollock, Number 1

Still don't think you've heard of him? Well, if you have this book, Olivia, by Ian Falconer, its likely you've seen some of Jackson Pollock's art already. In the book Olivia and her mother go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And upon returning home she recreate's some art on her bedroom wall. Beside's Pollock's art, she also sees several other famous pieces, and what I love about this book is that the piece's are printed with description in the back of the book! Fabulous stuff!!

Moving on.

Why not let your little one create their own Pollock? I know what you're thinking. Are you crazy? Turn my kids loose with a canvas and some paint to throw around? I think not. Well you're in luck. Kuddos to you if you're brave enough to allow this in your home, but around here we settle for this website. JacksonPollock.org The mouse becomes a paint brush. Fast movements leave smaller lines, slower movements big splotches. Clicking the mouse will change the color. My kids both love it. Not only is it fun, but it's easy for those little hands to maneuver and create. My two year old is learning to use a mouse and having fun being a big girl getting to play on the computer. But it's not just art for kids. It's great stress relief for grown ups too!

Here's a few tips, and my latest creation. Once you've navigated to the page, maximize your browser windod and hit the F11 key. This will hide the start and navigation bars. Which is helpful so little ones don't navigate away to other places on the internet. Want to save you're little ones masterpiece to print? Just hit the Print Screen key on your keyboard and paste the image into your computers Paint or Word program, then save as a .jpg picture. The fun never ends because each time you load a new range of colors will be used.

Art for kids, and for you! Enjoy!

September Calendar

Here's the September Calendar:
Gum 013

Calling all Superheros!

Hello Superheros! Has the summer worn out all your super powers? Every superhero needs a little GUM to replenish those super powers!!

Gum starts September 3rd. Get it on your superhero calendar!

Meeting 1st, 3rd & 4th Thursday of every month: 8:45am - 11:15am.
There will be childcare on all three days.
Cost per semester: O children: $45 1-2 children: $55 3+ children: $60
Scholarships are available.

First Thursday: Fellowship. A time to bring what relaxes you or what needs to get done (writing thank you notes, making birthday invites, wrapping gifts, doing nails, scrapbooking, reading, etc.). You'll be free to use this time however you'd like, and fellowship with everyone too! Breakfast will be continental style.

Second (& Fifth Thursday): Pint-Sized Adventures are back in full force!

Second Thursday Evening: MOM's NIGHT OUT!

Third Thursday: Study. This year we'll be doing a DVD study by Beth Moore, Believing God, with discussion questions to follow. (No homework though!)

Fourth Thursday: Speaker or Panel discussions. Again this year we'll be having a number of speakers/panels as we discuss different topics.


GUM Flyer
To print click on MORE on the Scribd menu bar. Be sure to change your orientation to landscape.

Summer Boredom Buster: Indoor Train!

This past weekend I helped a friend move an armoire home she purchased at a garage sale. At the same sale I scored over 200 (yes I counted!) books for just $5 from two elementary teachers. It's an absolute treasure trove!

I also scored to rather large cardboard boxes, which I set aside until further need of them.

Today I found this at Rookie Moms blog. An indoor railroad! I instantly found my use of those boxes!! I did a quick google search on how to make a train from a cardboard box and voi-la: in under 15 minutes, and with many questions being asked, I created this in our playroom!









As soon as I started laying the tracks the girls knew what I was doing. But I think the train engine will also act as a vegetable stand or ice cream stand in a couple of days when we're done with the train. I love re-purposing!!

All you need to re-create is a rather large cardboard box, box cutters, tape and some small chairs or stools. Instant summer boredom buster!!

Need a new carseat?

I thought there may be a couple of you interested in this sale from Land of Nod. The sale is $50 dollars of Britax Frontier, Boulevard, and Marathon, PLUS free shipping. Good deal!! Let us know if you use it!

Land of Nod Sale

You've Got GUM

Subscribe via email and receive an email with each new GUM post.

I know that a number of you don't check the blog regularly, but do want the info provided in each little mommy moment blogpost. So I finally sat down today and researched and investigated how to have the blog broad-casted to email subscribers. It didn't take too long, though I did have to consult wikipedia for some definitions in order to figure it out.

So, drum roll please, you mail now subscribe to the blog and receive email updates in your desired inbox! I hope this helps keep everyone in the loop.

On the right hand side, scroll all the way down and you'll find a "Subscribe Here Via Email" with a box to enter your email address. After entering your address you'll have to activate your subscription by opening the email they send in your inbox (check junkmail if you don't find it right away). Then from now on GUM will be delivered right to your inbox.

Hope this makes it easier to enjoy the Growing Up Mom content here on the blog.

Christmas in July or Just a Fun Activity

Need something to entertain the kiddos these days? Why not make an indoor hopscotch for them. The directions are here @NickJr.

Emma and I saw this when on vacation last week, and I immediately looked up the link and bookmarked it for later. I'm hoping she's forgotten about it already actually as I'd like to make it for her as a handmade christmas gift. I might even forgo the Backyardigan prints and make my own more traditional as shown in the picture - haven't really decided yet. Either way it looks fun and includes easy clean up for indoor play - two stars from me! I know its July, but Christmas is only 6 months away!

Protecting your Blog from Picture Theft

To all of you who have a blog:

I've recently come across several blogs whose photos of their children were stollen using right click. Now they were stollen by a woman in Canada running a in home daycare, but that's really besides the point. She ended up shutting down several sites and listings under her business name as a result of the outrage when it was discovered. At least that's what we all hope. The possibilities are quite stomache-turning if you begin to entertain them.

Because of all this discussion, I have 'right-click disabled' this blog. Which means if you right click on a photo to copy and save it, you'll get an error message. This will not completely prevent someone from lifting your photos if they are determined to do so, but it will certainly give them pause to look somewhere else.

Here are directions on how to disable right click in a Blogger blog. I'd be happy to discuss this more with anyone who has questions.

Parents Night Out

CALLING ALL COD PARENTS! Do you need a night out without the kids? Or do you have some errands you'd like to get done child-free? COD Youth to the rescue!

The COD Youth Group is hosting four Parents Night Off in July. By providing babysitting for church families, the high school kids will be raising money for camp. Although there will be adults present, the high school kids will be doing all the work - playing with your kids!

Babysitting Rates: $5/hour for each child, Max of $30 for a family
Ages: Infants to 10 years old

Dates:
Friday July 10th, 5:30pm-9:30pm
Saturday July 11th, 9am-12pm

Friday July 24th, 5:30pm-9:30pm
Saturday July 25th, 9am-12pm

RSVP to Angela Collett in the church office at 626-914-4646.
Or Via Email at angelacollett@verizon.net
Please bring your children already fed! They will not have meals.

Please forward this information to other parents.

Happy Independence Day!!

Here's a craft we threw together this morning from things on hand: Sparkler Wands!

Twist some red, white and blue chenille pipes together. If you have some star gift wire add that too. We used a pipe cleaner and a straw for the handle.

Super fun, festive and easy! Enjoy!

Transition to Mommy-hood

I had a friend recently ask me about my transition from full-time work to full-time mom. And I had to stop and pause and think back to almost five years ago. Doing so has created this post and I hope you enjoy it!

My transition was pretty easy. See ever since junior high I've known I was going to be a stay-at-home mom. I vividly remember going to my friends Sarah's house one day after school to work on a project. Both my parents work to send me to private christian schools (an education I am extremely grateful for), so I spent lots of time in after school care until my parents or my older siblings could pick me up when they were done with sports or drama practise or whatever else.

So on this particular day I remember being picked up right after school got out and getting into her moms car as she came through the pick up line. We hopped right in and shared about our days and chatted about this and the other as we drove to her home. When we arrived we went in and (no lie!) had fresh homemade cookies from scratch that were still cooling having been removed from the oven on the way out the door to pick us up. And as I sat right there eating cookies and milk it hit me. I was missing out. I was smart enough at the time to still understand the sacrifice my parents were making for me, but I was missing out! And I decided right then, I would be a stay-at-home mom. Years before the desire to have children had already been growing, but this was new, this was a cognitive decision to make sure that with my best efforts I would stay at home. And then I began praying it. Not regularly mind you, but every so often as another event arrived and I was reminded of what I was missing, I prayed, Lord let me stay home.

This was such a huge issue to me, it was one of the first things Jon and I talked about early on our relationship. By then I knew I need a spouse who felt the same way. I remember bringing the subject up without sharing my heart, and sighing with relief when DH shared, timidly, that he knew he wanted the mother of his children to stay home with them.

By the time I was pregnant and about to hit maternity leave I was working in a fabulous job with great friends and bosses who created a family friendly work environment and hoped I would return to work with baby in tow. And DH and I considered it! It would be the best of both worlds! But somehow, neither of us could go through with it, and we finally notified my employer I wouldn't be returning. It was sad, because I loved the people and the work, but I was easily cheered by some snuggles with my newborn.

So the literal transition from full-time work to 24/7 stay-at-home work was easy so to speak. As easy as sleepless nights, feeding and poop, rinse and repeat can be anyway. But a few more months done the road, was DD1 (Dear Daughter 1) grew into a little person, and the routine became familiar, I remember thinking: what in the world are we going to do all day?

And that's when I got going! I volunteered at church more because I had the time to coordinate, plan and serve during the week. I joined children's classes to find interaction for me and DD1 and to get out of the house. I spent a lot of time looking for free and not-so-free activities for in and out of the home (I'm quite the source should you need some help!). A friend invited me to a moms group and we attended regularly. We fell into a routine and every so often as life happens the routine would jumble and we'd settle back down again someplace new.

Early on I realized I was not super-mom. I needed help, and since I know you're like me to, I'm mostly not worried about admitting it. I needed childcare here and there, I needed advice and encouragement from other moms young and old(er). I needed some alone time, a lot of adult time, and some date time with DH. I realized that even if my kiddos were going crazy at home and driving me nuts, a trip out of the house usually produced better behavior and longer naps! I discovered timing can be everything. A half hour late for nap could be disastrous, and a week late on time with DH makes two cranky parents!

In some ways I'm still adjusting to parent-hood, I don't think you ever really stop, we just keep growing up! But I'm pretty sure it didn't take me long to transition from full-time career to full-time mom. I'm lucky, and I thank the Lord often for allowing me to stay home.

Tell me about your transition: Was it hard, was it easy? What helped? What didn't? Were you a full time working mom when you transitioned to be a stay at home mom? Or where you new to motherhood when you transitioned? Either way, I'm glad we're in it, growing up together!!