Gift Giving (never too early to start planning)

As many of you already know we are trying to move towards a simpler more natural lifestyle (Okay I am and everyone else is along for the ride).  That being said our gift giving and wish lists are changing too... a little.

Mini stockings for our advent calendar

I do hope this post doesn't offend or bother anyone (I hate conflict), I am not trying to push our wish list on family members (although Christmas is coming!!), but  wanted to share some fun ideas with everyone.

To start with, I want to recommend Wishlist.com.  It has been a great way to keep track of items we want throughout the year.  There is also a little app button you can put on your internet bar so when you see something you like from any page you can ad it to your wish list.  I currently have three lists

My boys http://www.wishlist.com/1124087/timothyandmatthew/

Homeschool/Daycare  http://www.wishlist.com/1124087/schoolanddaycare/ 

Me http://www.wishlist.com/1124087/meaghanjackson/

Used craft time to make a Father's Day Gift

I know there are so many blogs, lists and Pintrest ideas out there.   Below is a list of inexpensive homemade ideas for kids. Some have links.  You don't need to be super crafty, a simple glue-gun could do most of these.  Also check out the crafts, activities and project on my side bar for more.

Play dough kit - homemade play dough and some accessorize
Fort kit - bed sheet, ropes, big laundry clips
Baskets of natural items - rocks, pinecones, sticks, shells
Dress-up clothes - no need for a full costume just some accessories or head band with ears will work
Play silks- you can go fancy or just put a hem on flowy pieces of material
Nature bag - a simple draw string bag is perfect to collect nature items with
Puppets - again you can buy some or make simple sock puppets (fun to make with the kids), you could give a child a kit of supplies to make their own.
Tree blocks - get a thick branch and cut into various lengths.  Most of ours are about 1-2 inches tall
Wooden blocks - we took the end pieces from our last reno and cut into different lengths, they have been outside all summer and fall.
Felt board - simply cover a piece of cardboard in felt, then cut your own fun shapes out.  We printed a paper doll set and cut it out of felt for dress up, you could also make different face parts...
Mail - unfold a paper envelope and trace onto felt, cut it out and glue up the sides.  We used cut up old cards and some stiff felt to make the mail inside.  You can glue on velcro dots and make different names and stamps too.
Roads - simply cut lengths of denim from old jeans.  You can sew up the sides or just leave them.  I painted a line down the middle and made a parking lot piece.
Bean Bags - think simple like an old pair of socks stuffed with an elastic on the end, or make a rectangle from material and glue up the sides. I made a set out of an old winder coat, you could knit some nice ones too.
Sensory Bins - how about a shallow box with bean, pasta, rice, accessories for a gift.  Water beads are also popular this year. You could even make up themed ones to swap with friends.
Re-gift - each year my boys pass a long a few books to their cousin as their gift to her.  We choose ones in good condition.  You could also pass along other toys to a friend, relative or donate them too.
Thrift Store - kids don't notice if a toy is new or not.  Last year we bought several different used sets of tracks and put them together in a fabric bag.  We also got a really nice metal digger for the sand box in good condition.  Besides then you don't have to spend all morning trying to get the toys out of the boxes.  Be creative with how you present them.

Sock monsters (MeAgainCreations still has a few left)

This year we will most likely be giving homemade gifts too. Here are some ideas for adults. 
  

Notecards - This one is also for adults!!! Use blank note cards or card stock and decorate.  Simple stamps an some trim are very effective.  I used old holiday cards too.  Last year I made a large set for different family member including different holidays and occasions.

Baking - need I say more?!

Frozen dinners - double what ever you are making and save some as a gift.

Time - I can tell you how much I'd love time to go out or have some time.  Consider babysitting even just once for someone.

Kids crafts - if you are at home crafting with your kids, use it as a time to make gifts for others, there are plenty of cute ideas out there.

Wrapping paper - use your children's artwork as wrapping paper! I also made a set of reusable gift bags to cut back on paper waste.

I'll try to update this with more ideas as we go along.  Please do share your ideas in the comment box.

Getting Laundy done!

Around our house the laundry does get done, but recently the folding part has been taking longer than it should.  At times my husband is looking through the dryer for his work clothes instead of in his drawers.  At any given time I have between 3-6 loads to fold.  I am thinking we need to pare down our wardrobe, but also there are certain points during the year when the boys are messier ad muddier than others.

 I am no longer hiding it all away and leaving it only for me to do in the evenings.  We are now sorting and folding laundry together.  We dumped all the clean clothes in the middle of the family room and with the help of the boys and their loaders, we sorted it all into piles (each person got a pile for their clothes, one for towels too).

TJ was very proud to learn how to start folding his own clothes.  He worked on his pile while I did he others.  Then his loader helped deliver the clothes to the right room.  MJ had fun being 'strong' and carrying things for me too.

Quick Tip: using pureed veggies

Like most parents, I am always trying to encourage my boys to eat more vegetables.  TJ is often willing to at least try new food and enjoys cucumber, carrots, corn and bell peppers. I know that isn't to varied but he's expanding his variety as we go.  MJ on the other hand won't touch a vegetable even when he is hungry.  I have never been able to spoon feed him and he has refused veggies since he first started eating.

My solution is to include purees into as much as possible.  There are many great cookbooks about sneaking vegetables into food.  The most common veggies I use are carrots, sweet potato, spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, cauliflower.  I also sneak ground flax into everything too.

Some uses for purees:
Smoothies - I've used spinach, sweet potato, or carrots depending on what I have on hand.
Popsicles - Whenever we make a smoothie I make extra to freeze for popsicles.
Muffins - again use what you have, we often freeze left over smoothies and use that too.
Cookies - same as muffins just add to the mix or replace some of the liquid ingredients.
Pizza sauce - my boys always pick off the toppings so I pureed everything into the sauce.
Pasta sauce - my sauce is packed with veggies, some finely chopped and some pureed.
Potatoes - I sometimes add cauliflower to mashed potato.
Loaves - we like zucchini or carrot.  I also add some in my bread machine loaves too.

To make my purees I most often steam my vegetables in a large steamer (a wedding gift from years ago).  I then use either my food processor or blender for large batches or my hand blender for smaller amounts. I try to store my purees in Baby Cubes for quick access and smaller amounts.  If I am planing a soup or loaf I'll use 1 cup servings in freezer bags.

These are the most common places I sneak in some extra veggies.
I'd love to hear your suggestions and recipes!!

Curtain Tip

Do you have a room where the sun shines in so brightly that you have pined up a blanket or sheet to block out the light?

Well MJ's room was so bright during the day that he wasn't napping very well.  I tied a bed sheet across the window, but after a while it starts looking a bit collage student like, and the curtains aren't functional.  In a stroke of genius I thought to my self, why not just sew some bed sheets to the back of the curtain!

I took off to the thrift store and bought a large dark coloured sheet, cut it in half and sewed it to the back of each curtain.  Tada!!!!  MJ's room is darker now and all the blankets are off the windows.

Magic Flax Seed Bag

First off there is no photo for this because I can't find the memory card for my camera this morning.  I was uploading photos yesterday and got distracted by the boys.  Do you think I can find a tiny little memory card??

Use your imagination here because it is quite simple.  I made a flannel pouch about 4X7 inches (just like a bean bag).  You can make them any size you'd like.  Ours are a nice size for boo boos and such.

Fill you little bag with flax seed.  There are special properties in the flax oil that helps it to retain hot and cold temperatures.  Sew your bag shut.  We keep one near the microwave, zap it or about 20sec.  We also keep one in the freezer.

I'll add a photo later.

Do you have any tips to share?  Let me know.

A Tip and a Tackle

Tip: Laundry Bag Use

I know that many people use laundry bags for delicates, baby clothes and socks.  I heard about this a long time ago and tried it out this week...

You can use a laundry bag to wash all the bottle tops, sippy cup lids, etc in the dish washer.  Just make sure you don't over fill or they don't come clean.  Fill your laundry bag and place it in the top rack of the dishwasher.  It saves from hand washing all those little pieces.

Tackle:  Last Tuesday I linked up to Tackle it Tuesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom. I was so inspired by all the jobs other bloggers were taking on.  I decided to take on the bathroom.  I had missed it during my weekly cleaning schedule at it was getting to be unsanitary.  

 The orange bottle is my husbands industrial hand cleaner, and those are dirty diapers on one of the garbage cans.  We had 3 in the room!  I know, but one is for regular waste, one is for diapers an the other is for cloth diapers and training pants.  I'm thinking of loosing the blue one.

All the laundry baskets were full so laundry was piling on the floor here.  One day this week I managed to get both kids sleeping at the same time so I tackled that nasty room.  I'm so pleased with the results.

It may look a bit crowded but it works for our practical needs.

Next up will be my bedroom!!!

Tuesday's Tips: Doing housework with kids

One of my first few posts was about our cleaning schedule.  My house still often looks like a mess, but we live at home and we are home all day, so it makes sense.  Today I'd like to share some ideas to incorporate your kids in the cleaning process, teach them a lot, and still get the housework done (sort of).  I know there are those days when you need to just get it done, but for daily cleaning, why not make it an activity to do with the kids.

Relax.  Think for the cleaning as the activity, instead of playing with play dough or lego, you are cleaning. You children will be learning some practical life skills, team work, sorting, fine motor, and having fun.

Buy some child size cleaning supplies.  We cut the handle off a broom, shortened a swiffer, bought extra sponges, spray bottles, and dustpan.  We also have a toy vacuum.

Demonstrate and allow your child to help.  I used to get frustrated while cleaning because TJ was making more of a mess.  Now that I show him how to to things and let him practice I see some improvements.  He is getting better and using the dustpan.  He enjoys sorting cutlery, his favourite thing is to push the laundry basket to the laundry room and unload the washer!  TJ is also a bit nervous of the vacuum.  I allow him to turn it on and off which he likes, then he runs out of my way.

Be safe.  Try using homemade cleaners with baking soda and vinegar.  Just allow your child to use water instead of cleaners.  Watch them near water.  TJ is our dishes rinser.  He always loves to help with the dishes but I don't want him to burn himself with the water.

Don't forget about the baby.  I try to do some cleaning while MJ is sleeping because it is just easier with less people to coordinate.  When MJ is around I often put him in the carrier and let him come along.  I have several styles, I prefer to put him on my back for housework.  MJ likes to watch what we are doing and he is happy to be close to me.  On the weekend MJ got at the broom and was dragging it around the kitchen.  Although he can only crawl, he was actually trying to sweep.

Be creative.  I made a game of matching cutlery and socks for TJ.  He thinks it is fun.  Play pretend is fun too.  TJ like to be a loader, crane or bulldozer to help me.  Outdoors he uses his wagon to pick up yard waste for me.

How are you involving you kids in the housework?

Check out Tackle-it-Tuesday over at the Ultimate Blog Party! I linked up.  Have you?

The Ultimate Blog Party!!!

Welcome to my blog.  I hope you take some time to look around.  Although I'm new to blogging I have lots to share.  If you have come from the Ultimate Blog Party a special welcome to you.

Wow I'm so excited everyone.  I was blog hopping around this morning and came across the Ultimate Blog Party which starts today.  It is quite simple.  Just write a blog about the party and add your link.




All About Raising Our Family
I decided to start a blog to remember all the wonderful moments I have with my sons, and a spot to write about my crafting addiction! In this blog I try to keep to a schedule somewhat:

Monday: Missions - a Christian focus on how God is working in our lives.  I sometimes share ideas, tips and sites to help us all raise our families God's way.


Tuesday: Tips - here I share a small tip that has helped me to run our house smoothly.


Wednesday: Crafts - I love all types of crafts.  Right now I'm on a sewing kick.  I often share the crafts I'm working on, tutorials, and contests I've come across.


Thursday: Our Week - this is obviously sharing either generally about our week or some special moments with the family.


Friday: Favourites - I'll post something that was my favourite for the week.  It could be anything so keep tuned.

I always love hearing from you.  Please let me know what you'd like to see, how you found me, what you think of my blog.  I'm always up for improvements too and can't wait to meet new people.

Meaghan

http://raisingourfamily.blogspot.com

Tuesday's Tips: Quick and Easy Doll Clothes

Okay so I don't have a girl right now, but I do have an adorable niece who loves her dolls.  I know just how expensive it is to buy doll clothes.  It can also be time consuming and difficult to make your own.  My tip today is to check out the newborn section of your local thrift store.  It may help to measure your doll or bring it along for the shopping trip.

I bought a newborn onesie for $0.99, then using my amazing crafty skills I turned it into a little shirt/dress.  It was too long as a onesie , but I think a little doll will like this new outfit.  You may need to make some slight alterations but just think of the possibilities!!

Okay so here is a sneak peek at the dress.  I may save it as a gift or give it to my niece sooner.

What are your doll wearing??

http://raisingourfamily.blogspot.com

Tuesday's Tips: Labeled Toy Bins

Yesterday while TJ was playing in his room he asked me where his small cars were.  I was busy feeding MJ so I had a hard time describing to him where they were.  This prompted me to complete a task we had started a long time ago...

I am a bit of an organization freak, but on occasion it does come in handy.  When we first created a playroom for TJ we bought a cool storage unit from IKEA.  I sorted his toys and put them in the nice bins, and of course he dumped them all out and I'd spend a lot of time reorganizing everything.

I got this tips from some friends who did home daycare.  I took photos of all the toys in each bin and placed the photo along with a label on each bin.  Sound simple but it works wonders!

When TJ was younger he would actually point to a specific toy on a bin that he wanted.  It helps a lot with clean up too.  And now TJ can find his small cars on his own!

Labeling bins can be done for any type of storage you have, not just for toys!

Do you have any storage tips to share?

http://raisingourfamily.blogspot.com

Tuesday's Tips: Diaper Pail Pucks

It's Tuesday and time for some handy times and things I've picked up along the way.  I'm really not sure where I learned about this.  I think I was doing a search online to make our diaper pail less smelly.  You can use this idea for any garbage can too!

Okay so here is what you do.  Pour a large amount of baking soda (about 2 cups) into a small bowl.  Then add one table spoon of water at a time.  Stir until you have a thick paste.

Line a muffin tin with muffin cups.  Scoop your thick paste into the muffin cups and let them dry.  This might take a day.

When you are done, you can store them in an air tight container.

To use them just remove the muffin liner and place in your garbage pail.  Mine has a built in spot for deodorizers.

Good luck!

Tuesday's Tips: Cloth Napkins

Welcome to another Tuesday!  I love this idea and wish we'd done it years ago.  The trick is to find the right material, or take the time to make them right.

I just happened to come across this strange material that reminds me of an old nightgown I had as a child.  Anyways I cut it into squares (about the size of a small paper towel).  Now we use them in them in the kitchen all the time.  It's been great for dirty hands, spit-up, washing. Basically anything you'd use a aper towel for.

Here are some ideas you could use to make your own.
* Use flannel (old receiving blankets are great) and sew the raw edges with a zig-zag stitch
* Use polar fleece as it doesn't fray
* Buy a tone of dish cloths or wash cloths on sale and use them around the house.

We also use cloth diapers.  I have made a set of flannel cloths to use for changing diapers.  This has been great and since I have to wash the diapers anyways, the wipes are easy to clean.

I challenge everyone to use less paper and see what difference it makes for you!