100 Ways to Enjoy Your Summer and Keep Your Family Busy! 1-5

I have to honestly admit, I'm more excited about summertime than my kids are this year.  I cannot wait for the break!  The alarms in our house start going off as early as 4:55am.  So I'm ready for some extra sleep-in time but more than that, I'm ready to have some fun with my kids.  Many of favorite memories of childhood are those of summertime, and I only have 2 more full summers with all 5 of my kids at home.   I intend to make these next two summers completely amazing and create a lifetime of memories...and do it all on a budget. 

For the next few weeks I'm going to share some of my favorite summertime traditions but also new ones that I've found and saved over the last year or so that I have been anxiously awaiting to try out. By the end of this blog series there should be at least 100 fun and wonderful ways to enjoy summer with your family and not spend an arm and a leg.  Because if you're like us, we don't do much long distance traveling in the summer.   First of all there are too many off us and second, we're homebodies and we love to enjoy our own backyard.  After all, we live in Florida, it's a beautiful backyard.  

1. Summer To-Do List - Before summer even gets started sit down and make a list of all the things you want to do this summer.  Everyone contributes to the list....let EVERYTHING get put on the list.  Even if Disneyland is out of the question for travel, add it to the list of that's what your 8 year old wants.  Take the time to explain to them later that although you won't be making a trip to Orlando, encourage them to be creative and use their imagination and that together you can plan a fun "Disney Day" at home.  No idea is too big or too small.

2. MOVIE TIME -Check your local movie theaters for their Summertime Movie schedule.  Many play FREE movies all summer long.  It's a great time to head in for the cool AC and if you have little ones you have to tow along they'll blend right on in with all the noise. ;o)

3. Camps & YMCA's - If your family enjoys camps whether it's week long sports camps or outdoor adventures through your local YMCA, plan for those now.  Many camps are already open and some are filling quickly.  YMCA's offer great adventures for reasonable prices.  Check your local churches for vacation bible schools and even local ranches and farms for horse camps.

4. Grow Something - Plant a garden or a few veggies in pots or even a flower.  Have each child be in charge of their plant.  Maybe even plant sunflowers. By the end of summer they'll be a few feet tall and will last into the fall.  I remember growing them one year in a square shape, which made the coolest fort ever!

5. New Skills - Find out what new skills your children want to learn.  Pottery?  Cake decorating?  Basketball? Fishing?  Make plans now to sign up for a class at a local studio or community college....or teach them yourself or find a friend that knows the skill and ask them if they want to trade off teaching the kids new skills.

My WORD for 2010

At the end of 2008 I had stumbled on this great idea of having a WORD to define you and move you through the upcoming year.   The first time I saw it was at Ali Edwards's Blog.  Once again, I've been in deep thought about "MY" word.  Last year my word was PEACE.  Looking back, I'm so pleased and proud of myself  becuase I truely found the PEACE I was looking for.  It's funny though, it came in so many different ways, none of which I expected.

This is a little bit of what Ali's blog says:

The idea behind the one little word concept is to give yourself something to focus on throughout the year. "A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow."
 
Also from that same newsletter:

Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2009?

It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word.

One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.

Once again, I found myself pulling between 2 different WORDS....

But after much thought my word for 2010 is Hope.

There are many things I Hope for.  They're important and wonderful things.  I know that by having Faith (which was the other word I was pulled between) and Hope that those things I want most in life will happen.  Hope is a belief and feeling that what is wanted can be had and will turn out for the best.  

We also did this as a family last night and I was so impressed with the words my family picked.  My husband is foucsed on "POSITIVE".  My 16-yr-old's word is "DISCIPLINE".  My 14-yr-old picked "INNER-STRENGH".  My sweet 7 year-old son picked "RESPECT".  And of course my little twins picked "SPARKLE" and "HAPPY".  

Need some help with words?? Check out Ali's List here.

12 Days of Christmas

Previously Posted 12/2/08

Sunday, Dec. 13 is the day start the 12 Days of Christmas if you want it to end on Christmas Eve, and Monday, December 14th will begin the 12 Days of Christmas if want to end on Christmas.

Hopefully have read one of my old posts from last year about how as a child my family was given the "The 12 Days a Christmas".  You can see how this simple and sweet project can not only change the holiday season for another family, but also your own.

Here are some tips and ideas on how to prep this project and get your family excited about the secret Santa project they'll be doing. 

I was bouncing around the internet a few days ago and came across this adorable kit with download-able printouts and directions. It's called 12 Days of Christmas Kit by Sandy. For $2.85, I'm thinking it's money well spent. What I love about this one is the ideas and gifts are homemade and inexpensive. I don't need to remind everyone that money is tight, so leaving boxes of $20 bills probably won't be happening any time soon....these gifts are cute, usable, eatable, and easy to find. With the printouts (very cute!!) the gifts look adorable!

....I must confess....I'm happy that money is tight for everyone, including our family. I'm happy that we're being forced to remember why we celebrate this beautiful season. Maybe we should see it as a tender mercy and a blessing in disguise. Immersing your family in service and holiday projects, starting family traditions, keeping old traditions will remind us and keep us focused on Christmas...

Sorry....back to the 12-days....

So if you can spend the $2.96, go download her cute kit! It has a letter for the first night, all the tags and poems, pictures of ideas, and the gifts are easy and cute! If not...here are some cute ideas!! These are ones that I have done, friends have done, had done to my own family, etc.....

TIP: Wal-mart, Dollar Stores, Dollar Section in Target have everything you need if you need to go out and buy something.

"Anything" items could be as simple as bubbles for kids, microwave popcorn, candy, homemade cookies & treats, ornaments, crafts, nativity pictures, holiday wrapping supplies, fruit, mini puzzles, games, eggnog and dollar mugs, cocoa, homemade greeting cards or stationary....


Day 1 ♥ A partridge in a pear tree: One of ANYTHING, one pear, one basket of pears, dove ornament.
Day 2 ♥ 2 turtle doves: Two of ANYTHING, Dove candies or chocolate turtle candies,
Day 3 ♥ 3 french hens: Three of ANYTHING, anything "French", chicken noodle soup (hen is a chicken ;O), 3 Dozen cookies or treats of any kind.
Day 4 ♥ 4 calling birds: Four of ANYTHING, 4 bags of goodies, "calling" cards.
Day 5 ♥ 5 golden rings: Five of ANYTHING, donuts (my fav), ring pops
Day 6 ♥ 6 geese a laying: Six of ANYTHING, Easter eggs filled with treats, Fixings for omelets, 6 pack of soda or favorite drinks
Day 7 ♥ 7 swans a swimming: Seven of ANYTHING, Bubble bath and bath toys, Ugly Duckling Storybook
Day 8 ♥ 8 maids a milking: Eight of ANYTHING, milk maid caramels, Ice cream toppings, chocolate milk, cow print items, cow ornament...pretty much anything milk or cows!
Day 9 ♥ 9 ladies waiting: Nine of ANYTHING, Ladyfinger cookies, box of art supplies for kids
Day 10 ♥ 10 lords a leaping: Ten of ANYTHING, frog items, I heard this one represents the 10 commandments?? I stick with Ten of Anything...but let me know if you think of something creative!
Day 11 ♥ 11 pipers piping: Eleven of ANYTHING, Christmas CD (download and make it or buy it)
Day 12 ♥ 12 drummers drumming: Twelve of ANYTHING, drum ornament, drummer boy "something", ice cream drumsticks.

So here's a list to get the creative juices flowing! Start getting your items and ideas together now. I like to start on the 13th so our last delivery is on Christmas Eve. If you know the family will be traveling or leaving town, start earlier or finish when they return. Organize and start now because the days will fly by quickly. Plus its fun to get the hubby and kids excited about it. Be sure to sit down this week or by Saturday and plan out your gifts, pick a family or two and prep to begin Sunday or Monday. This is good time to "make" some homemade ornaments or crafts that you'd like to give as well. Please pass on your ideas and share them with us all!

Favorite Fall Recipes - Butternut Squash Soup

My newest passion is beginning to cause some serious overload since the arrival of Fall. For the first time in my life I'm spending more and more time in the kitchen than anywhere else in my home...and I'm LOVING IT! Fall offers the excuse to bake and cook wonderful delicious meals every single day!

So in my cooking excitement I'm going to share my newest favorite fall recipe with you...but I'd love love love for you to share one with me too! Leave your favorite in the comments. A girl can never have enough recipes!

With this new passion I've forced myself to try some new foods...foods that I have never ever given a thought to. My newest fav is Butternut Squash. Now, I've only had it as a soup or "bisque", but can I tell you how EXTREMELY incredible it was?!!! Unbelievable! So I have to share it with you. Trust me, you will love it!

A wonderful friend of mine invited myself and a few other friends over for a lunch one day last week and made this for us.

Butternut Squash Bisque

Approximately how this recipe goes...

1 butternut squash, cut-up

1 medium to large white onion

3-4 cloves of garlic

1 large peeled carrot

4 oz. cream cheese

approx 1-3 cups chicken broth

approx 1 cup half-n-half

salt (guessing 2 teaspoons worth)

fresh ground pepper

Boil first 4 ingredients together until vegetables are soft--about 45 minutes. I peel my butternut squash at this point--after it's cooked. Drain water.

Puree cooked vegetables together in blender with salt, pepper, and 4 oz. softened cream cheese. Slowly add chicken stock (start with 1 cup, you may have to go up to 2 or more cups--I just eyeball it). Add about 1 cup of half-n-half. Return to pot and warm on low.

Enjoy!
And don't forget to share some yummy recipes too!

Did you know today is Constitution Day?

Today is a beautiful day. Many people don't even KNOW that today is Constitution Day. On this day in 1787, all 12 state delegations approved the Constitution. 39 delegates signed it of the 42 that were present, and the Convention formally adjourned.

As a family, we have decided that it's time to REALLY REALLY know our Constitution and the beautiful promises and blessings that will be bestowed upon this country if we uphold and honor this document and the men who made this possible.

We have promised each other the following -

1. We will each read and learn about the Constitution

2. We will educate our family and learn about Good Government

3. Show gratitude for our liberty

4. Teach others about America

I found this quote and it gave me chills...we have a lot of work to do as parents.

"A primary object...should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing...than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?"

-George Washington

Finding Hope - 9/11

This is a must see video. Finding Hope through the tragedy of 9/11, remembering not only those who were lost, but those who survived.

Fly an American Flag

Thought I'd share this thought I found...

On Friday, September 11th, 2009, an American Flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States . Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this eighth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11.

Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day.

Sharing Your Life Stories...

I have to share this list with you...someone emailed this to me and I thought it was perfect to share with you all!!

"I'm a totally ordinary person," you shrug. "I'm not famous. I haven't done anything important. In fact nothing really outstanding has ever happened to me. Why would I want to share my life story with anyone, and, for that matter, why would I want to listen to or read the life stories of other ordinary people? And why on earth would I want to write my life story? It's so boring! Memoirs are for celebrities."

Fair questions. Here are a few possible answers. At least 55 reasons why you might consider reflecting on, sharing, and even writing your life stories and listening to the experiences of other people. You may have--or find--additional reasons…

1. You'll learn something from reflecting and from remembering.
2. You'll learn something from telling, both orally and in print.
3. You'll learn something from hearing and/or reading the life stories of others.
4. You'll practice listening skills, boost empathy, deepen relationships.
5. You may experience some cathartic pain, which is often good for the soul.
6. You may heal old wounds--or soothe current pains.
7. You'll deepen appreciation for your life characters--family, friends, coworkers.
8. Those who hear or read your stories will better understand the real you.
9. You'll recapture memories and experiences you assumed were lost.
10. You'll trace and uncover some important threads through your life story.
11. You'll reveal something of what's important to you, what you deeply value.
12. You'll share--and spread--vital values, through what you tell (and don't).
13. Life review may reveal patterns, connections, hidden insights.
14. You'll more deeply appreciate your own heritage, culture, ethnicity, roots.
15. You'll understand, appreciate, and connect with people different from you.
16. You'll find you have a special gift to give that only you can give.
17. You may bring genealogy to life, humanize and honor your ancestors.
18. You will clarify the cultural context, history, and settings that impact your life.
19. You may clarify family and ancestors' cultural context, history, and settings.
20. You'll more deeply connect with your past and your people, living and dead.
21. Paradoxically, You'll more deeply connect with others' past and people.
22. You'll have a good excuse for a healthy cry or two, and lots of laughs.
23. You'll have a great time, enjoying the exploration and the sharing.
24. You'll get a powerful educational tool to share across the table or across time.
25. Your struggles and triumphs, however small, may inspire others.
26. You may inspire yourself.
27. You may surprise the spouse, child, kin, or friend who "know you well."
28. You may increase others' understanding of "people like you."
29. You may prove that there is no one exactly like you.
30. You may wonder at the miracle of our common humanity.
31. You may have a precious written gift (whether book or one-page memento)
32. You can leave a valuable legacy, before it's too late!
33. You can make photo albums and scrapbooks far more meaningful and fun.
34. Brief stories can add meaning and value to heirlooms or artifacts.
35. Your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews will learn "real" history.
36. Family may see you as more than merely Mom, Dad, Gram, Aunt, or Uncle…
37. Family may come to understand their own rich connections and contexts.
38. Family may get a kick out of making fun of you and the "olden days."
39. You may answer some questions that have been nagging you.
40. You may raise questions to spend the rest of your life answering.
41. Past experience may suggest how to best live your future, however long.
42. Your past could help others learn how they might best live their future.
43. Your mistakes may help others avoid some of theirs.
44. "Mistakes," "losses" re-examined may turn out to be blessings in disguise.
45. Opening your senses and imagination will enrich and enhance each day.
46. You'll build, enhance, deepen relationships with folks living and dead
47. You'll build, enhance, deepen relationships with folks known and unknown.
48. If you write it or have it written, you'll have interesting reading.
49. All your life, you can continue learning from rereading. And write more!
50. If you write it or have it written, you may achieve a sort of immortality.
51. You'll illuminate your perspective on culture, religion, places, people, life.
52. You can show appreciation for those who have enriched your life.
53. What you know, care about, feel, and think won't die with you.
54. You may grow spiritually, feel more kinship with humanity, a oneness.
55. You'll discover you aren't so ordinary after all! (Who is??)
    

Banana WHAT?

Banana Spider is what...holy freaking cow! Check this Mama out! She's about the size of my hand spread out and is sitting outside my kitchen window in a thick beautiful web. Been in Florida 4 years and this is THE biggest spider we've found yet...thanks good Mr. Pest Control will be here in 38 minutes!!

A Tradition of Opening Your Home

I came across this little tidbit from Joanna Zucker, author of Millennium Mom. She talked about bring character into our homes to give it an open and welcome feeling. She said the following about Bringing Back Casual Visits.

"These days, our homes are much different from those that we grew up in. They may look different, but more importantly they are not as “open” as they were in the past. Think about when the last time was that you had someone ring your doorbell unexpectedly, just to say hello. This just doesn’t happen nearly as often as it used to. Gone are the days when grandma or grandpa, an aunt or uncle, or even a neighbor would stop by just to check in or have coffee, which then turned into a casual dinner invitation.

Personally, I loved those visits and still do as an adult. They’re more casual and filled with great conversation, rather than weeks of planning and cleaning. If you are like me and want to bring the socializing back, I recommend a few easy tips."

• Staying tidy and organized - I like this one because it doesn't say we have to have a spotless house. It simply means to keep our homes tidy and picked up in away that won't stress us out if the unexpected (and welcomed) guest drops by.
  
• Easy Recipes - She suggests always having a few favorite EASY recipes on hand along with the ingredients so if your guest stays for a bit you can have something yummy to share to make the stay more inviting.
  
• Bring in the Season - These are her words exactly... LOVE these ideas! "Place seasonal decorations around your home to give it visual character. To save money, buy a door hanger, hand towels and other items on clearance after the holidays to prepare for the next year. Also, use nature when you can. Place leaves in a variety of colors in a clear vase for the fall, pine cones in the winter, fresh flowers from a shrub or tree in the spring or summer."

I too love casual visits. I'm learning to love them again and welcome them too. Slowing down life is a part of the "casual visit". In my quest to find my personal Peace, this fits right in to the plan. Take the time to drop by someones house to just say hello or even better create a welcoming space in your home and let the casual visits begin. ♥

Jump Start Summer & Another GIVEAWAY!

Don't miss My BIG Celebration Giveaway!!! Click here for another one!



Are YOU are driving your kids nuts??? Come on....are you driving them nuts yet??

I push mine outdoors and we have lots to do, most days, but once in awhile it's nice to come in the house, shut down the shades, crank up the A/C and let them veg.
My little Z-man has found his veg... it's this!

Jump Start online has been his new little passion...or should I say obsession...and a good one I might add! Before school got out, every day he'd come home and say, "Mom! Can I PLEASE-PLEASE-PLEASE play the cool jumping game!! Please...." I gave him 20 minutes after school each day to play some Jump Start....and I was so impressed with what he learned in that short period of time.

Here's a list of a few of our favorites features!

• EASY to navigate - He had NO trouble at all using www.jumpstart.com and CD game "3D Virtual World - Legend of Grizzly McGuffin"
• Creating his own avatar - "Jumpees"...he LOVED this part!
• The games are educational, but fun! As he enjoyed playing "video games" and didn't even realize he was learning so much....actually, I take that back. He did realize it. He called me over to the computer about every 26 seconds to show me a new word he could spell or a math problem he solved.
  
• Another great feature is it's personalized for each child and it's creative, bright, and let's them use their imagination....it allows them to create and think.
• Progress Reports! Yes, I get his progress reports emailed to me that show me what he's learned and completed....oh, yeah, and they have a Parent section...oh and a blog!
  
• He loves AdventureLand!! They can explore and are given missions. Here are a few screen shots of his adventures...

So I guess what I'm trying to say is...Jump Start has created a great online World and CD program for kids! I give it 2 thumbs up....and so does Z-man!!!

you can't hear him right now....but he's asking to get on and play as I type....

Sonia, over at Jump Start has offered a lucky reader a 3-month membership to www.jumpstart.com! A free upgrade to use and take advantage of the entire site!! Perfect for the summer months! It's a great tool to keep your kid's minds thinking and not forgetting everything they learned over the past 9 months of school....it's so much better than a "workbook"....and who wants to sit down and do a workbook during the summer?? NOT ME!

Here are the entry rules:

• For one entry just leave me a comment
  

• For 5 Entries: Visit www.jumpstart.com. (click the link and scroll down) They have HUGE list of skills that Jump Start helps kids with...Just leave a comment and let us know which skills your kids could use some help and/or refreshing on.
  
• For 5 Extra Entries: Follow my blog
• For 5 More Entries: Follow me on Twitter @cherishbound176 and Tweet about it. Please leave tweet URL in comment
  

Please leave separate comments for each entry (just 4 separate comments...you don't have to do 16 comments), and you must leave your email or have your email in your blogger profile or a new winner will be selected. Giveaway runs until, Sunday, July 26 @ 11:59pm. Open to anyone who can get online!

And I also saw that they're going to have Jump Start For the Wii soon! Hopefully they'll let me review that one too! {WINK-WINK}!!

It's a Celebration! Happy Day to Me - Giveaway!

Well, there is much to celebrate here at my blog this week!

1. This is my 400th post!
2. My Birthday is next week - July 23rd
3. My Blog Birthday is Monday
4. My Wedding anniversary is mixed in with it all too

So I'm doing a big fat yummy Giveaway in celebration of all these things...

• To survive 400 posts, even if I blog to myself is huge...for me! How many hours have at sat staring at this blog?? Too many to think about ;o)
  
• And I love birthdays...I'm not afraid of turning 35...Yes, I'm 35 next week, can't believe how young I still am! It's incredible... (apparently, I have no idea how old I am. I'm turning 34. Just figured that out - 07/16/09 @ 9:16pm EST.
  
• My 2nd Blog Birthday is Monday, and again, that's a big deal for me because I have ADD and the only thing I've stuck with longer than this blog is being a wife and mother.
  
• And of course my wedding anniversary is arriving again....the 15th one! Can't believe we've managed to survive these amazing 15 years....but to be completely happy is worth celebrating! Right?!

So lots to be happy about....

Yesterday on my Wordless Wednesday post you saw those YUMMY delicious HOMEMADE cinnamon rolls that I made right? I'm a wannabe baker, and I'm okay with that. I'm finding myself in the kitchen a lot more these days, but I'm loving it, not fighting it. I love to bake. I've always loved to bake, but have been intimidated by mixers, yeast, sifters, temperatures...you know all the "stuff" that goes with baking. Well, I've discovered that it's actually harmless, it's very hard to get hurt baking, and there are amazing products out there that make baking...enjoyable and easy for people like moi!

Cinnamon Rolls happen to one of my most favorite things to EAT! I lose total control when cinnamon rolls arrive...I have NO guilt, NO limits, NO worries. So when I finally made a batch that worked and tasted good all by myself....I had to share and celebrate! I'll share the entire recipe next week.


I'm going to give credit where credit is due though...without these two products ain't NO WAY it was going to happen. I'm wanted for killing yeast all over these parts, so I pretty much gave up on anything that required the use of that small, single-celled plant. Until....I found this!

SAF Yeast by Red Start

You CANNOT KILL THIS STUFF! It's "tara-proof"...that's saying A LOT! If you're looking for ways to make baking with yeast more enjoyable and successful, look no further! You must get this yeast! Also, they have GREAT recipes, ideas, and other yeasts for those that need gluten free or specialty yeasts as well over at www.redstaryeast.com

Second...I'm all about making from scratch, but I love buying "mixes". I love having some fun varieties to play around with, but I'm also into building my family's food storage in the event of an emergency, disaster, even a job loss and income change. You just never know...

One of my favorite sites for stocking up on Food Storage is the Food Storage Depot. They have a great selection of Food Storage products AND their prices are very affordable. They have lots to choose from from basics to gourmet and monthly to yearly supplies.

• Emergency Food
• Dehydrated Food
• Home Food Storage
• Freeze Dried Food

They also have my favorite MIX! Aunt Kate's Quality Roll Mix! That's the amazing mix that helped me make those delicious cinnamon rolls! They have truly revolutionized food storage!

So what am I giving away...Can you smell the rolls??

• Food Storage Depot has generously offered one of my readers a bag of Aunt Kate's Roll Mix.
  
• The winner will also receive a 16 oz. package of SAF yeast from Lesaffre Yeast Corp. Woo!
  
• And...the winner will also receive a Mini Cherish Bound Recipe Story Starter from ME
• $29 publishing credit to make your own 5x7 recipe book from ME!
  

That's right.... The winner will get ALL OF THIS!

So wanna know how you can win ALL OF THIS? There are TONS of way to get in on this!!

1. Leave a comment letting me know what your FAVORITE thing to bake is (1 entry)

2. Follow My Blog (1 entry)

3. Tweet About this Giveaway & leave the link (1 entry)

4. Put my Button on your blog (1 entry)

5. Post about this giveaway on your blog. Make sure you share your favorite thing to bake and then link back here to the McLinky FOR 5 EXTRA ENTRIES!

Make sure each entry is a separate comment. US Residents only. Giveaway ends on July 22, 2009 at 11:59 pm. I'll announce the big winner on July 23 (my birthday)! Make sure you leave your email in your comments if you don't have a blog or your email in your profile.

My Daughter on Fox 13 News!!!

My Daughter made the Fox 13 news...her name is Kylie!

Tuesday Tradition #44 - Fruit and Veggie Co-op!

One of our newest family traditions has become a bi-monthly favorite in our home. For the past few months I've been apart of a Fruit & Veggie Co-op! Every other Tuesday we enjoy heaping baskets of fresh fruits and veggies at a very affordable price. We're always excited to get our laundry basket that's been filled with wonderful fruits and vegetables and plan our meals around them.

Well, today was EXCITING for me!!! Today was my day to go with my partner to the pick-up spot and get the goods!!!

This week we had 10 participants. Normally we have about 15-16, but with summer and vacations we're smaller in numbers. But each person puts in $15 and 2 of us head out EARLY every other Tuesday to score big on some great produce. It's a hole in the wall acre or two that is lined with trailers, tents, aluminum sheds, etc. Each "booth" has their produce lined up in boxes and trailers for you to see as you drive through the winding rows. There's an excitement and chaos that makes you want to jump right out and buy the first box of goodies you see, but the key to purchasing all this amazing food it to be patient.

We have a clip board that lists all the fruits and veggies and the average price that has been paid in the past. As we drive through the passenger jots down the booth number and pricing per box of whatever fruit and veggie we're interested in....windows down, we yell out, "How much for a box?" They flash up their fingers or yell out the price and the passenger notes it down. We make a pass through the isles and alleys and then decide which deals are the best. We head back through another time, but this time it's for bargaining and buying.

Today we had $150 to spend. This is what we got for $15 per person -

• 50 lbs of red potatoes $10 a bag
  
• Romaine lettuce heads $14 for a box of 24
  
• Strawberries $10 for 10 pints
  
• Blackberries $12
  
• Box of peaches $12
  
• Box of green beans $13
  
• Watermelon $1 each
  
• Cantaloupe .40 cents each
  
• Bananas $13 Box of a gazillion!!!
  
• Corn on the Cob $14 HUGE box
  
• Pineapple $15 Box of 12
  
• Zucchini $ 11 Box
  
• Cherry Tomatoes $10 - 12 pints
  

Here's my PILE of goods....and a watermelon too that didn't make it in the picture!

It's so much yummy, fresh, healthy food! I love it! Look into starting a co-op in your area. You have to find a place that sells like this, but they're usually everywhere, you just have to search for them. It's a healthy and inexpensive way to feed your family...and of course, a tradition that EVERYONE loves!

1959 vs. 2009

I couldn't resist....

1959 vs. 2009

Scenario 1:

Jack goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking lot with his shotgun in his truck's gun rack.

1959 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.

2009 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario 2:

Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.

1959 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.

2009 - Police called and SWAT team arrives -- they arrest both Johnny and Mark. They are both charged with assault and both expelled even though Johnny started it.

Scenario 3:

Jeffrey will not be still in class, he disrupts other students.

1959 - Jeffrey sent to the Principal's office and given a good paddling by the Principal. He then returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.

2009 - Jeffrey is given huge doses of Ritalin. He becomes a zombie. He is then tested for ADD. The school gets extra money from the state because Jeffrey has a disability.

Scenario 4:

Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.

1959 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college and becomes a successful businessman.

2009 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy is removed to foster care and joins a gang. The state psychologist is told by Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has an affair with the psychologist.

Scenario 5:

Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school..

1959 - Mark shares his aspirin with the Principal out on the smoking dock.

2009 - The police are called and Mark is expelled from school for drug violations. His car is then searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario 6:

Pedro fails high school English.

1959 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college.

2009 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against the state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English is then banned from core curriculum. Pedro is given his diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.

Scenario 7:

Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the Fourth of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle and blows up a red ant bed.

1959 - Ants die.

2009 - ATF, Homeland Security and the FBI are all called. Johnny is charged with domestic terrorism. The FBI investigates his parents -- and all siblings are removed from their home and all computers are confiscated. Johnny's dad is placed on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario 8:

Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.

1959 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.

2009 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

Simple Mom Goes Back to the Basics

One of my most favorite blogs is Simple Mom. She's one of those real life people that just gets it. She's simple, but practical, and everything is about family. Yesterday she posted an amazing post and launched a great project called Back to the Basics.

She said, "As a generation of mothers, there is a trend calling us back to our roots. There’s something in many of us that longs for a more traditional sort of homemaking — from scratch, and back to the basics."

That's me! That's what I've been working on for the past year...especially this year. My 2009 motto is PEACE, and I know to find true peace in my life, I must go back to the basics. I've been working hard at it, and I must say it's been an amazing experience. I've loved every minute of stepping away from from "THINGS" that don't create a peaceful, simple, basic life.

I've always had a fascination with history, especially pioneers. I'm drawn to their simplicity and homemaking skills, but so intrigued by their joy and happiness. There is something to be learned from the past. More is not better, faster doesn't mean it's worth it, and easy doesn't mean it's right.

Simple Mom will post one post per week (Mondays) dedicated to the simple steps behind a home management responsibility — this series will be called Back to the Basics. Each week’s post will be featured on Monday, except for this week’s post, which is up today! Today's post starts with simply finding your family's mission statement.

Calling all UTAH Friends!

If you are a blogger in the Utah area.... YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!

Cherish Bound is teaming up with some of our best friends, one of the country's premiere storytelling organizations - Timpanogos Storytelling Festival and the queen of "make a wish - make it happen"... Kelly Anderson from Start Up Princess to bring all of our blogging buddies a night filled with the magic of storytelling....and it's FREE!

the fairytale event

Cherish Bound is teaming up with one of the country's premiere storytelling organizations—Timpanogos Storytelling Festival—to bring social media moms and blogging buddies a night filled with the magic of storytelling. The event takes place June 25 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the enchanting storytelling wing of the Orem City Library.

the happy ending

During the evening, you'll be entertained by some of the areas brightest storytellers, Bruce Jensen and Wendy Gourley. They'll spin a tale all while the fabulous folks from the Blue Lemon fill our tummies with yummy treats. Each guest will receive a goody bag with these fun things $200 retail value:

• Cherish Bound book.
• Story Starter.
• Chat cards.
• Syd Lieberman Storytelling CD.
• Blue Lemon gift certificate.
• Weekend family pass to the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival (Labor Day weekend).

the requirements
In addition to providing you with an enchanting evening of storytelling fun, Cherish Bound is hoping to publicize both its product and the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. To participate in this event, please make sure you are able and willing to meet the following criteria:

• Redeem your coupon for a free Cherish Bound book and publish it by July 24.
• Write a post about your Cherish Bound experience by July 31. This post should include your experiences in publishing the book as well as information about the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival (details will be provided).
• Publicize the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival on Twitter, Facebook, and via e-mail between August 1 and Labor Day (details will be provided).
• Attend the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival (September 3-5 in Orem, UT).
• Write a post about your Timpanogos Storytelling Festival experience by September 14, including promotional information about the Mid Winter Conference (details will be provided).
• Publicize a discount coupon on your blog, on Twitter, on Facebook, and/or via e-mail.
• Hold a Cherish Bound giveaway on your site (optional).

the fine print
We only have a limited number of spots available, so please RSVP no later than Thursday, June 18 by clicking HERE TO REGISTER! Spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

This event is by invite only. If you have other friends in social media or who blog that you think would like to take part and can meet these requirements, please feel free contact Jyl at 801.971.9335 or at jyl.pattee@comcast.net.

-I won't personally be at this event, but I will be at the Timpanogos Story Festival during Labor Day weekend!! I'd love to meet you all!

My Mind is Here....

Well...My mind is here...I'm sure the world will continue to turn with my absence...be back in a few minutes....

Here's to Summer, Family, Kids, Traditions....and Florida Beaches! I ♥ my life!