Teacher Gift Idea

My list of teachers, bus drivers, secretaries and teacher assistants rapidly expands by the year.  As my munchkins grow, another one enters school or the bus route changes.

Then there is the school nurse who may as well be a close personal friend.

Last year, I wrote a post detailing my choice for teacher gifts. Since it is only December 7th, and my teacher gifts are not yet prepared, I am re-posting from last year.

While gift cards are always an excellent choice, (and Mommyhood recommended as long as they are cleverly packaged) last year I gave very meaningful gifts that were different from the norm. 

They are also extremely affordable.  Always a plus.

If you teach any of my children stop reading now.  This will ruin one of the 25 gifts you will receive this holiday season.

 I'm 99.9% certain I didn't need to write that forewarning.

This year, I continued on my quest to give teacher gifts that were useful.  I can only imagine how much stuff teachers accumulate. If they have 25 students, that's 100 gifts every four years.

That's a lot of candles.

This is why I struggle with the teacher gift shopping.  I have given the almighty gift card.  Teachers must sing to the heavens when they open that little sucker. 

This year, to change things up, I went a different route.

Samaritan's Purse

I gave something that wouldn't take up space.  And it wasn't a gift card.

I gave the gift of helping to teach a child to read.  A donation in their honor*.  How perfect, the teachers are helping children to read and they don't have to teach them.  It's like giving a paid vacation.

And even though I was loving my gift, I couldn't stay away from a little "stuff" to go with it.

I figured hand soap is always a good bet with all the germs floating around those classrooms.  And chocolates are a good bet with all the chaos floating around those classrooms.  And once used, you throw them out.  They disappear.  I LOVE when my munchkins get fun gifts that disappear.

Like a craft set.  Craft one night and it's gone.  Poof!

To view the online Samaritan's Purse catalog, click HERE. 

My list of teachers, bus drivers, secretaries and teacher assistants rapidly expands by the year.  As my munchkins grow, another one enters school or the bus route changes.

Then there is the school nurse who may as well be a close personal friend.

Last year, I wrote a post detailing my choice for teacher gifts. Since it is only December 7th, and my teacher gifts are not yet prepared, I am re-posting from last year.

While gift cards are always an excellent choice, (and Mommyhood recommended as long as they are cleverly packaged) last year I gave very meaningful gifts that were different from the norm. 

They are also extremely affordable.  Always a plus.

If you teach any of my children stop reading now.  This will ruin one of the 25 gifts you will receive this holiday season.

 I'm 99.9% certain I didn't need to write that forewarning.

This year, I continued on my quest to give teacher gifts that were useful.  I can only imagine how much stuff teachers accumulate. If they have 25 students, that's 100 gifts every four years.

That's a lot of candles.

This is why I struggle with the teacher gift shopping.  I have given the almighty gift card.  Teachers must sing to the heavens when they open that little sucker. 

This year, to change things up, I went a different route.

Samaritan's Purse

I gave something that wouldn't take up space.  And it wasn't a gift card.

I gave the gift of helping to teach a child to read.  A donation in their honor*.  How perfect, the teachers are helping children to read and they don't have to teach them.  It's like giving a paid vacation.

And even though I was loving my gift, I couldn't stay away from a little "stuff" to go with it.

I figured hand soap is always a good bet with all the germs floating around those classrooms.  And chocolates are a good bet with all the chaos floating around those classrooms.  And once used, you throw them out.  They disappear.  I LOVE when my munchkins get fun gifts that disappear.

Like a craft set.  Craft one night and it's gone.  Poof!

To view the online Samaritan's Purse catalog, click HERE. 

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

A Wednesday List

1.  I have had no voice since Monday.  I spend my days alternating between a soft whisper and a hoarse, crackly man voice.

Work tonight should be interesting.

"(throat clear) Would (crackle) you like (hoarse) the soup or salad? It (whisper) comes with the meal?"

2.  I decided last night I would spend my morning cleaning my floors.  All the floors.  I am currently thinking of better things to do.

3.  LLG is on the couch behind me.  I woke up last night to the symphony of him hacking up his lungs.  He slept in and I'm still teetering with the idea of sending him to school.

My evaluation of him is still in progress.

4.  Moopa just ran to me that she needed to "Peeeee peeeeeeee in da potttttyyyyyyy!!!" 

I took a small blog posting hiatus and ran her to the potty.  It was a roaring success.

I can't decide if this makes me happy or sad.  With my other munchkins there was no waffling once a pee went in the potty.  You were handed underpants and wished good luck. 

With Moopa, I have been delaying the cold turkey approach.  I am having flashbacks of public restrooms and a toddler potty in the trunk.  It's enough to buy another pack of diapers every time I go to Target.

5.  Have a fabulous Wednesday.  The weekend is 'round the corner.

1.  I have had no voice since Monday.  I spend my days alternating between a soft whisper and a hoarse, crackly man voice.

Work tonight should be interesting.

"(throat clear) Would (crackle) you like (hoarse) the soup or salad? It (whisper) comes with the meal?"

2.  I decided last night I would spend my morning cleaning my floors.  All the floors.  I am currently thinking of better things to do.

3.  LLG is on the couch behind me.  I woke up last night to the symphony of him hacking up his lungs.  He slept in and I'm still teetering with the idea of sending him to school.

My evaluation of him is still in progress.

4.  Moopa just ran to me that she needed to "Peeeee peeeeeeee in da potttttyyyyyyy!!!" 

I took a small blog posting hiatus and ran her to the potty.  It was a roaring success.

I can't decide if this makes me happy or sad.  With my other munchkins there was no waffling once a pee went in the potty.  You were handed underpants and wished good luck. 

With Moopa, I have been delaying the cold turkey approach.  I am having flashbacks of public restrooms and a toddler potty in the trunk.  It's enough to buy another pack of diapers every time I go to Target.

5.  Have a fabulous Wednesday.  The weekend is 'round the corner.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Brown Sugar Coffee Cake

Tuck this recipe away for safe keeping.  One day you will need a decadent dessert for a holiday party or to serve a killer brunch for overnight guests.

You will need something different and delicious to bring to Christmas dinner.

When any of the above occurs, take out this recipe and dance the jig.  You will be dancing and singing my praises as you prepare this coffee cake.

This cake is easy.  It is made with cake mix.  It is also nothing short of awesome.

Guaranteed.

Brown Sugar Coffee Cake

• 1 (18.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 eggs
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Icing:

• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease bundt cake pan well and set aside.

Blend cake mix, sour cream, eggs and oil.  Mix well, on medium speed about 2 minutes.

Spread 1/2 batter into pan.

In small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.  Gently sprinkle over batter in pan.  Spread remaining cake mixture on top.

Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Let cool 10 minutes, turn cake pan upside down and gently tap bottom to remove cake.  Prepare icing and pour over warm cake.

Serve warm.

Tuck this recipe away for safe keeping.  One day you will need a decadent dessert for a holiday party or to serve a killer brunch for overnight guests.

You will need something different and delicious to bring to Christmas dinner.

When any of the above occurs, take out this recipe and dance the jig.  You will be dancing and singing my praises as you prepare this coffee cake.

This cake is easy.  It is made with cake mix.  It is also nothing short of awesome.

Guaranteed.

Brown Sugar Coffee Cake

• 1 (18.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 eggs
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Icing:

• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease bundt cake pan well and set aside.

Blend cake mix, sour cream, eggs and oil.  Mix well, on medium speed about 2 minutes.

Spread 1/2 batter into pan.

In small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.  Gently sprinkle over batter in pan.  Spread remaining cake mixture on top.

Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Let cool 10 minutes, turn cake pan upside down and gently tap bottom to remove cake.  Prepare icing and pour over warm cake.

Serve warm.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Amazon: Great Gift Ideas for Kids

While cruising Amazon, I stumbled upon a few pretty awesome deals.  Some of these items are on the wish lists for this year, some I have bought in years past. 

Current "Wish List" favorites:

The Gymnastics Queen spent a few hours playing this video game while over a friend's house.  She has been begging for it ever since.  Great deal on it this week, I may just pull the trigger....



My Gymnastics Queen (who is 8) and LLG (who is 6) spend hours playing with these precious little "critters".  They build towns.  They send them on vacations.  They set up houses and schools.  While there are imitation animals now available for less money, the original "Calico Critters" are well made and built to last. 

Another reason to splurge?  My munchkins have been playing with these little animals for over four years.


My Sports Fanatic lives, breathes and sleeps football.  The past few years I have purchased lengthy football records books with stories and information.  He is much more eager to sit and read when a football book is in hand.




Need to make a "book"more exciting?  I just found this football book loaded with activities.



Another "Mommyhood" favorite for boys?  Baseball Guys, Football guys, Hockey Guys...



For the Moopa?  We love anything to keep her busy (and quiet).  These little "lacing" kits are perfect for tiny hands.


Happy Shopping everyone!

While cruising Amazon, I stumbled upon a few pretty awesome deals.  Some of these items are on the wish lists for this year, some I have bought in years past. 

Current "Wish List" favorites:

The Gymnastics Queen spent a few hours playing this video game while over a friend's house.  She has been begging for it ever since.  Great deal on it this week, I may just pull the trigger....



My Gymnastics Queen (who is 8) and LLG (who is 6) spend hours playing with these precious little "critters".  They build towns.  They send them on vacations.  They set up houses and schools.  While there are imitation animals now available for less money, the original "Calico Critters" are well made and built to last. 

Another reason to splurge?  My munchkins have been playing with these little animals for over four years.


My Sports Fanatic lives, breathes and sleeps football.  The past few years I have purchased lengthy football records books with stories and information.  He is much more eager to sit and read when a football book is in hand.




Need to make a "book"more exciting?  I just found this football book loaded with activities.



Another "Mommyhood" favorite for boys?  Baseball Guys, Football guys, Hockey Guys...



For the Moopa?  We love anything to keep her busy (and quiet).  These little "lacing" kits are perfect for tiny hands.


Happy Shopping everyone!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Chocolate Pretzel Wreath

Over the weekend I decided to try something different with my standard chocolate covered pretzels.

Rather than dip them and set them out in a bowl, I layered them to make a "wreath".  I added holiday M&M's and some colored sprinkles, and set my masterpiece out of toddler reach for the chocolate to set.

I learned my lesson with the Rudolph Cupcakes last week.

The pretzel wreath was festive yet extremely easy to make.  And by the end of the night only a few pieces remained.

Chocolate Pretzel Wreath

1 bag bite sized pretzels 
1 11.5 oz bag milk chocolate chips
Holiday M&M's (if desired, any flavor)
Sprinkles (if desired)

Place chocolate in heavy glass, microwave safe bowl.  Microwave on high, in 30 second intervals.  Stir after each interval.

When chocolate is smooth, set aside.

Line working surface with wax paper.  Dip pretzels in chocolate, arranging them in a circle.  I used a large dinner plate as my guide.

Once wreath is complete, decorate with chocolate candies, sprinkles or anything else your heart desires.  When chocolate and pretzels are involved, the possibilities are endless.

Over the weekend I decided to try something different with my standard chocolate covered pretzels.

Rather than dip them and set them out in a bowl, I layered them to make a "wreath".  I added holiday M&M's and some colored sprinkles, and set my masterpiece out of toddler reach for the chocolate to set.

I learned my lesson with the Rudolph Cupcakes last week.

The pretzel wreath was festive yet extremely easy to make.  And by the end of the night only a few pieces remained.

Chocolate Pretzel Wreath

1 bag bite sized pretzels 
1 11.5 oz bag milk chocolate chips
Holiday M&M's (if desired, any flavor)
Sprinkles (if desired)

Place chocolate in heavy glass, microwave safe bowl.  Microwave on high, in 30 second intervals.  Stir after each interval.

When chocolate is smooth, set aside.

Line working surface with wax paper.  Dip pretzels in chocolate, arranging them in a circle.  I used a large dinner plate as my guide.

Once wreath is complete, decorate with chocolate candies, sprinkles or anything else your heart desires.  When chocolate and pretzels are involved, the possibilities are endless.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

What I Know

For as long as I can remember, I have been a big fan of Christmas.  It's not the gifts, it's not even Christmas Day itself.  It's the entire season leading up the end of December.  There is a magic in the air that is absent the other eleven months of the year.

People are kinder.

They are more patient.

They are more generous and more willing to help a stranger.

The holidays are a social time.  December is filled with outings and parties.  There are cookie swaps and drinks after work.

Being around the people we love warms us.  It makes us better people.

There is a general sense of gratitude this time of year that fills the air.  Tips are better and local shops are supported.  That extra $1 for the salvation army outside the supermarket is as routine as getting dressed.

I love Christmas because the world remembers to be kind. 

This holiday season, enjoy the shopping, and marvel at the holiday decor.  Watch corny television specials and make cookies with your kids.

Reach out to those in need, and comfort loved ones who need the support.

Remember to slow down and smell the holiday roses.  The world is a pretty magical place when you do.

For as long as I can remember, I have been a big fan of Christmas.  It's not the gifts, it's not even Christmas Day itself.  It's the entire season leading up the end of December.  There is a magic in the air that is absent the other eleven months of the year.

People are kinder.

They are more patient.

They are more generous and more willing to help a stranger.

The holidays are a social time.  December is filled with outings and parties.  There are cookie swaps and drinks after work.

Being around the people we love warms us.  It makes us better people.

There is a general sense of gratitude this time of year that fills the air.  Tips are better and local shops are supported.  That extra $1 for the salvation army outside the supermarket is as routine as getting dressed.

I love Christmas because the world remembers to be kind. 

This holiday season, enjoy the shopping, and marvel at the holiday decor.  Watch corny television specials and make cookies with your kids.

Reach out to those in need, and comfort loved ones who need the support.

Remember to slow down and smell the holiday roses.  The world is a pretty magical place when you do.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Weekend Craft: Christmas Foot Tree

I have seen these before, and I felt I needed to share.  I love any craft that is easy, but different than the norm. 

These "Christmas Trees" are excellent keepsakes, and if you add a frame it's a fab grandparent gift idea. 

I would highly recommend making these prior to bath time.  I would actually recommend making them in the very bathroom that the bathing will occur. 

Have the bath bubbling while the feet are stampin'.

Toddler feet have a way of escaping to clean carpets.

Happy December!

I have seen these before, and I felt I needed to share.  I love any craft that is easy, but different than the norm. 

These "Christmas Trees" are excellent keepsakes, and if you add a frame it's a fab grandparent gift idea. 

I would highly recommend making these prior to bath time.  I would actually recommend making them in the very bathroom that the bathing will occur. 

Have the bath bubbling while the feet are stampin'.

Toddler feet have a way of escaping to clean carpets.

Happy December!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad