Easy clay tags

Today I am taking a breather.  The kids are at school, its overcast, the fire is going, and a Hallmark movie is playing and I am sitting here taking a breath, doing some writing and finishing up the Christmas cards.  My kids have 3 weeks of school between Thanksgiving vacation and the start of Christmas vacation and that has been filled with lots of soccer, errands, and a lot of life.  It's been great!  We have one more week and it's crunch time!

This week, one of my goals  was to work on my gift wrapping for the year.  This year, I decided to try making tags from Sculpey bake-able clay.  I've always wanted to play with this stuff for fun and not for kids class projects (like the time Ethan needed to create some sort of 3 dimensional version of his wolf-finnick fox hybrid or a model stegosaurus).  This time, I got to play with it and I had so much fun!  It was like playing with play doh for adults!  

I rolled it out and cut out my shapes.  Basically, like making sugar cookies. . . except flour isn't everywhere and you don't get to eat them when you're finished! 

I poked a hole a the top of each one with a random chopstick that I found. 

 

I have gathered some beautiful stamps over the years, and it was so much fun to use them for something other than paper!  I picked some of my favorite words, wreaths, and snow flakes and I carefully pressed them into the clay, making sure each little part made it's way in. Then, I very carefully lifted them out and placed them on the baking sheet.  

While, I was doing this, I preheated the oven to 285*F.  I baked them for 15-20 minutes and then let them cool.  If you want to paint them, this is when you do that.  I left mine white since I was going for a splash of white with each present.

 Then, I wrapped up my first present.  I can't wait to finish my shopping so I can finish!  So cheers to the weekend, cups of marshmallow topped hot chocolate, cheesy Christmas movies, and wrapping presents!  
 

Sparks of Joy {Links that Make Me Smile}

 It's Friday!  Wowzers this week sped on by!

 I'm pretty sure I am going to blink and Christmas vacation will be here!  In just 2 short weeks, both kids will be home for 3 weeks!  I am excited!  But, I've got a clean house that is pretty much decorated for Christmas. I've have every intention of being finished with Christmas shopping before the kids get out! I want to go into this season with every intention of slowing down and savoring the days leading up to Christmas. . . I've got some projects, some baking, and a long list of Christmas movies saved up to watch. . . thank goodness Hallmark keeps coming out with new ones all the time!  

Every now and then, I like to sit down and just share some things that have sparked joy in my life lately.  So this post is just that. . . some fun, silly, yummy, creative, weird things that brought a smile to my face.  I hope that you take the time to click on maybe one of them. . . and maybe you will smile, too.  There is no space for joy robbers here. . . let's share the joy have some fun! 

::Advent started this week.  I am doing the She Reads Truth advent and the we are doing the Kids Read Truth advent cards as a family.  I love the intentionality of slowing down each night and opening our Bibles together. It is often the only time of year it happens and it's my favorite. It's not too late for you to join in. . . you can find the plan here.  It has links to the study, the verses and the podcast (which week 1 is with Annie F. Downs and it's so much fun!).  The Kids Read Truth Cards are have been bringing great conversations and suprisingly, still work with the teenager!  You can find the link here. (It looks like they are sold out of all the Christmas ones. . . but there are others!)

:: Amanda over on instagram (@graccieone) has been doing mini quilt Mondays and I think I'm going to go back and try them out after Christmas.  They look so much fun!  

:: I'm currently drinking this coffee and it's my new favorite! I also love their Buena Vista

:: I've been working through the 12 week workout program (second time!!) using my Flobody.  I love it!  

:: Have you seen 8-bit Christmas yet?  So good! 

:: Trying to decide if we are going to Elf some friends this year. . . have you seen this printable I made last year?  

:: There's also some free gift tags, a delivery driver treat sign, and a cookie exchange for free on the blog. 

:: This baked potato bar looks amazing for some Christmas gatherings! 

:: I saw a post (somewhere???) about a soup party that I want to do sometime. Everyone brought soup to share, and also a mason jar with soup for everyone to take home to freeze for quick, warm lunches.  Do you do a soup party? 

:: These sandwiches are going to be on our menu soon. I'm drooling just thinking about them!

:: Jon kept we awake and alert driving home in the fog last week listening to podcasts at half speed.  So much laughter!  You should try it! 

:: Emily Lex has been drying oranges and I want to give it a try.  They look gorgeous!  Maybe next week?

 :: Have you checked out the new Maverick City Christmas Album yet?  It's so good! 

:: And, if you are in need of some warm fuzzy animals doing absolutely hilarious things in the wild and got caught on camera. . . check out this!  I promise it will put a smile on your face!

Well, that's it for this week.  Let's bring on the weekend and all the Christmas stuff!  

Have a great Christmas! 

p.s. do you have something that is sparking you joy?  Post in the comments here or on facebook!  Can't wait to see what you share!

 

  

Weston's favorite snack: GORP

 Snack mix of any sort is always a good idea.  I can remember years ago, when I was in girl scouts and my mom was my troop leader.  My mom always had the best ideas and somewhere I have a ton of badges to show it. . . in fact, my mom recently found a random patch that never made it on my sash in their move.  One girl scout Thanksgiving, we did crazy things like churn our own butter and assist in all the food making.  I think Gorp was on the menu.  It might not have been. . . but I remember making a batch or two during the many years I was a scout.  

I've always loved the idea of combining favorite snack items to make a yummy treat.  When I was teaching, I always had the kids bring in their favorite snack items to make what I renamed as "test week snack mix." The kids had so much fun making a really large batch of what was essentially Gorp.  The kids got to snack on their mix while taking their annual state tests and it brought a little bit of fun to an otherwise kind of stressful week. 

 

This year, I started adding Gorp to the kids lunches with some snacks that we had lying around the kitchen.  I didn't realize how much of a hit it would be and I kind of had laughed in my head because I was using the snacks that had been forgotten in the pantry.  All of a sudden, the kids were eating some of the forgotten snacks right up.  This mom is celebrating that victory! Plus, my youngest started making the snack mix for after school snacks and basically any chance he could find.  I think it's because I add just a little bit of chocolate. . . and it's an excuse to have a few bites! 

This recipe is so flexible.  Use what you have and get creative!  Extra points if you get your kids involved in the kitchen. . . it will empower them!  

Here's the recipe. . . but really it's just a list of possible ingredients.  Feel free to add your own ideas. . . and please share them in the comments!  

 GORP

Ingredients:

 pretzels

dried BARE coconut chips

dried apples

dried cranberries

raisins

mixed nuts

Unreal chocolate candies (less sugar and no extra stuff)

popcorn

chex cereal (or any cereal!)

Annies Bunnies

chocolate pieces (we use the Thrive chunks. . . they use coconut sugar)

cheese its

oyster crackers

Directions:

  mix together desired ingredients and give a little stir or shake.  Pour in snack bags or snack cups and munch away!  have fun!

 

Looking back on onedayhh2021

 Snap a picture.  Post it.  Every hour-ish. For one day.  

Those are pretty much the directions for onedayhh each year, hosted by Laura Tremaine.  Totally easy and doable.  I find it pretty easy to post things in my insta stories because for the most part they are temporary and that's a quick way for me to share a memory from that moment.  I try to be honest and real. . . I don't want you checking my feed and seeing perfection all the time, because the reality is I am soooo far from perfect.  A picture only shows what we want others to see.  

This year, onedayhh landed on a Tuesday. Honestly, I was kind of disappointed.  There was nothing really going on.  I wasn't even going anywhere.  Just me and a quiet house. . . and social media.  But, I did it anyway because I wanted to be real and  honest with how some days just go.  

Let's just say that for me, the day did not disappoint.  What started with getting up, dropping both boys off at their schools and watching them walk away to join their friends and learn amazing things had some unexpected things happen.  I didn't dress cute and even wore socks with my birks to drive kids around.  

The day was going great.  I was productive and started laundry, meal prepped, even did some vacuuming and still had time to watch the latest episode of Nancy Drew (kind of one of my favorite shows right now!) and eat lunch before tackling kid pick ups and drop offs.  

I did not plan for my washing machine to die.  As in stop working mid load, with a basin filled with water. Thankfully, my BFF lives less than 5 minutes away (if we didn't have to zig zag through the neighborhood, it would be like 2 minutes!) and let me rewash the failed load of laundry in between picking  up kids and doing incredibly exciting things like getting gas. Please note that not once did I enter a Starbucks or local coffee shop!  I didn't really even have time to worry about what we were going to do about the washing machine situation and in between sticking dinner (sheet pan dinner for the win!) in the oven and setting up for Bible Study that night, I had a sudden thought to check out Lowe's website and found one in less than 5 minutes on sale and in stock for Thursday delivery.  I moved quick and by the time dinner was on the table, I had snagged that washer and was doing a happy dance in our kitchen. 

Sometimes I get self conscience because I stopped working so I can stay home.  I absolutely love my job as a SAHM and am so thankful I can do it.  But sometimes, those thoughts of doubt fill my mind.  My husband and I joke that I just sit around and eat bon bons and watch rom-coms all day, but we both know that is farther from the truth.  My day was filled with mundane tasks.  I drove kids around, did laundry, cleaned up, meal prepped, fit in my Bible Study, and even hosted and led my Bible Study group.  In all honesty, the day was kind of boring and normal.  But, I am so thankful for the day because it reminded me of some important things.  Here are the things I learned:

:: Mundane, boring tasks are important and make things go smoother the rest of the week.  

:: I believe that God cares about all the little details of my day, including rewashing a load of laundry and finding a new machine. I didn't have time to worry or stress and everything fell into place.  The random thought to check online was from God, guiding and directing my steps. . . not on a big, life changing situation, but a small, minor detail.  

:: Our jobs, no matter how different they are, matter to God. 

:: The little details of our day matter to God. 

:: At the end of the day, we don't realize just how much we do, until we snap pictures of almost everything!  I now realize that I am tired because I am working hard.  It may not feel like it, but I am!

Tonight, I am going to bed with a full and thankful heart.  

Let's be better.

I have come to the conclusion that I do not have it all together.  The reality is I have always known this, but this year, I am reminded of this every single day.  Every day I fall short of something.  I mess up.  I burn something (dinner may have caught on fire last week. . . Oops!),  I forget something.  Things don’t get done.  It is a reality that I am quickly realizing might just be my normal this year and I have to be okay with that. 

I think that It is so easy to look at someone and assume they have it all together.  You might look at this blog and wonder, “How the heck does she do all she does?” Or even, “Why doesn’t she work?”  Instantly, once these thoughts leave our mind, more thoughts come through and we’ve got a problem.  We start looking at our lives, our homes, our projects and wonder what is wrong with us.  The truth. . . Absolutely NOTHING!. 

Over the past year, there was an image and poem that floated around the social media world talking about how, during the pandemic, we were not all in the same boat.  Each of us was in the same storm, but not in the same boat.  We each handled it in our own way and we each had our own struggles.  A sweet mom friend and I were talking a few weeks ago about how, both of us being enneagram 7’s had to find a way to get out of the house and have adventures. . . Being stuck at home was not good on our hearts.  In other cases, my sweet homebody friends were living their best lives being able to work from home.  Some of us had good or even decent experiences with distance learning and others quite the opposite. 

 But, what the heck does pandemic life have to do with not having it all together?  So much, I promise!  I believe that the same analogy found in that poem also applies to motherhood.  I am a mom.  You might be a mom, or even dreaming of being a mom one day.  And if you are reading this blog, you are most likely a woman (I think my husband is the only guy who might read this blog. . . Feel free to prove me wrong).  We are women.  We balance work, family, volunteering, fitness, bible studies, and social commitments and add in our kids activities, appointments, and possibly different schedules in the mix.  We are wonder women who need our villages to make it all work.  Even as a stay at home mom, I need my people to help me manage it all.  My best friend, who is a working mom, have each other’s backs to help with pick ups.  Between the 2 of us, we have 4 kids at 3 different schools, all involved in different activities.  We need each other.

 Now, I wouldn’t call motherhood a giant storm.  But it is chaotic, busy, and beautiful.   It is so easy to become completely miserable the moment we compare ourselves to others.  This is so stinking easy.  Plus, I think the moment we start comparing ourselves to others we build walls around us that make it harder for us to connect with other women. . . And women are the hardest on each other.  I don’t know about you, I could use some encouragement in the midst of the chaos?  No one has time for walls and judgment.  We need each other to spend more time building one another up then tearing each other down because we want to feel better about ourselves. 

 In 2 Corinthians, there is a verse that talks about taking our thoughts captive (I will link it at the bottom).  It is a verse that sounds like it is preparing for war, and in all reality, we are.  Our mind and hearts are at war daily.  John Eldridge, in his book The Sacred Heart, uses the analogy of arrows being flung at you.  Our enemy, also known as Satan (not that mom who in the Pinterest loving room mom) knows your weaknesses.  He knows what words or thoughts will make you feel weak and unworthy. And he flings them at you hoping to break you down and make you angry, depressed, and jealous . . . The opposite of living a life that is Christ like.  He’s sneaky like that.  We need to take those thoughts captive and not let them get to our heart.

 I love Pinterest and Instagram so very much.  I can easily get lost in the sea of pretty homes and projects and after awhile, thoughts might come in that make me jealous, inadequate, or not worthy.  (One of the big ones for me is why bother blogging. . . There are other writers so much better than me doing the same thing. . .That’s a blog post for another day).  I also can look at the other moms around me they balance everything and wonder why I can’t seem to get my ducks in order.  But, then I remember a passage out of Titus.  Paul is writing encouraging words to his friend Titus and the church in Philippi and one of the things he challenges them to do is to think on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellence, and worthy of praise.  This list has been my battle ever since college.  I am so thankful that Satan provides a way to fight those arrows!

Let’s be better women and moms.  Let’s break down the walls we put up to protect us from hurt and jealousy and instead make some new friends and learn something new.  And most of all, let’s not let Satan win with his nasty arrows that go straight to our hearts!  Armor up, fellow ladies!  

What's for dinner? {September 2021}

This morning, I stepped outside to take the kids to school and I could see my breath!  We have officially entered into sweater weather. . . but the kind that has you shedding your sweater by the afternoon because it's still pretty warm.  California likes to take it's time making fall show it's fully glory.  In the meantime, I have apparently been making a lot of soup!  

Between having sick kids and making food for family gatherings, soup has shown up quite a few times this month.  While soup is not my most favorite thing, these ones are seriously delicious! 

I used to do these "What's for Dinner" posts long ago, but I thought that I should bring them back.  I am a huge advocate ending each day gathered around the table.  Now, as the kids have gotten older and busier, this doesn't look the same each night, but we still look forward to the time around the table over delicious food (or the occasional take out) where we share stories from our day, eat, and most often than not, laugh.  

I am constantly scouring Pinterest and my cookbooks for delicious new recipes that fit in our food budget and are mostly clean eating.  In our home, there are dairy and soy allergies, so we often find Paleo-ish meals meet our needs. I also like to try new meals as often as possible so I don't get bored cooking.  I want to feel excited about making dinner. . . give myself something to look forward to. These recipes were all tried on a weekday evening after a busy day of carpooling and errands. My hope through these blog posts are that you feel the freedom to try out those recipes you pin.  There are so many amazing recipes out there that it sometimes can be overwhelming. 

So, let's see what's been on the table at our house last month.

 

1.  Dairy Free Clam Chowder

I love clam chowder and every time my oldest orders it when we are the beach, I get a little jealous.  Last week, he requested homemade and I did not object.  This is the second time Ive made this specific recipe and it hasn't disappointed me yet.  And despite being dairy free, my milk loving son did not hesitate for seconds and leftovers! 

2. Chili

Last month I made two different kinds of chili. . . both from my blog.  They are my go-to and always are a hit.  They also freeze well, so you can make a batch and freeze half for another meal on a busy weekday afternoon when there are chilly soccer games or volleyball games.  

Our Favorite Chili can be found here. 

And Black Bean Chili can be found here. 

Both are so yummy!  

 3.  Simple Sesame Noodles

This is a regular on our menu.  I make a sub coconut aminos for the soy sauce and just use sriacha instead of chili oil.  Ethan has been making this for me so I can work on some other things on busy nights. . . which I love and because I eliminate the soy, Weston can eat it and he LOVES it.  I usually bake some Aidels Teriyaki meatballs to go with it (those aren't soy free, so off limits for Weston, but he doesn't mind!).   I won't lie, we make this at least twice a week!   

 

Cookbook Spotlight: The Defined Dish

And finally, I made a bunch of recipes from Defined Dish, and they were amazing.  So because of that, I am going to also spotlight a cookbook I tried several incredibly delicious recipes from! Let me introduce you to The Defined Dish Cookbook.  We tried her Healing Soup, Muffalata salad, and cheeseburger meatballs. . . all of them soooo very good!  You can find it on amazon or wherever you like to buy books.  She also has a new cookbook coming out soon. . . I'm so excited!  

 

For Your Sweet Tooth: Chewy Brown Sugar Maple Cookies

 And finally, we will end with this post with something sweet and delicious.  Last month I tried out a recipe by Half Baked Harvest (she never disappoints).  I will confess, I messed up the first batch, but remade them the correct way just last night and they were a huge hit.  The maple and apple butter editions add just the right amount of flavor that is not overpowering, but so stinkin' good!  Everyone gobbled them up!   

You can find the recipe here. 

I hope you feel inspired and ready to take on another week of cooking meals for your family.  

 Please note: All pictures were taken from the actual websites of the recipe creators.

A Time to Stitch

 Christmas was approaching quickly and life in fifth grade was very busy.  My fifth grade teacher was always providing us ways to keep our hands busy once we finished our work.  I’m pretty sure I made a lifetime supply of colorful lanyard key chains that year.  But, once Christmas started approaching, she had us bring in a couple dollars for this year’s handmade Christmas project.  Those few dollars bought each of us a calligraphy pen and supplies to make a Christmas tree ornament out of some green and brown embroidery floss.  My entire class made the coolest cross stitched ornaments and a card with an attempt at calligraphy. 

I don’t think cross stitching was completely new to me at that point because my mom would often be found curled up on the couch watching Mash reruns and stitching.  I know that I stitched here and there throughout my childhood, and embroidery floss was constantly getting stuck in the vacuum sweeper between stitching and my sister’s friendship bracelets (sorry mom!).  I do know that I am so thankful for my mom inspiring me to try new things and be crafty.  But, I am also so grateful for the teachers I had that took the time in between grammar, writing, math, and reading to teach us how to be creative and to try new things.

2020 brought us a year of craziness.  What we thought was 2 weeks to a month to let this virus run its course stretched into a year+ of long days.  At some point, I pulled out a stitching project that I grabbed as an impulse buy with the hopes of finding time to go back to that hobby.  I curled up on my bed, let the sunlight stream though the windows, and turned on a movie I had probably watched a 100 times. . . It may have been You’ve Got Mail.  This time was so peaceful.  There were times that the kids joined me on my bed with their own projects and we just chilled. 

 After a few smaller pieces were finished, I purchased a book called Stitch People and quickly stitched our family portrait.  It as so much fun!

 Now, as things are speeding up and regaining a hint of normalcy, I find myself craving those quiet afternoons and some time to stitch.  I have pulled out my Stitch People Book and I am working on my pattern so that I can create something beautiful.  This year will definitely be more difficult to make room, but I am determined to make it work.

 Taking the time to slow down and carefully poke a needle through some cloth and create a beautiful picture provides the time to slow down, process the day or events that have happened, and creates a space to bring rest.  In a recent podcast Annie F. Downs and Amanda Bible Williams were talking about how much they have fallen in love with stitching and how it has brought them much needed sabbath during the week.  Williams and She Reads Truth co-founder have also been including patterns in the past few advent studies, encouraging women to slow down and reflect during an otherwise very busy season.  

Here are some fun inspiration:

::  Stitch People has some great freebies and some really neat books! 

:: Etsy has some PDF patterns like this one and this one. 

::  If you are a Star Wars fan, this kit on Amazon looks fun and is a great kit to start out with. 

:: Pinterest has some free patterns like this baby yoda pattern.

:: If your library has digital magazines, like Just Cross Stitch, there are often stitching ones with free patterns. 

 Here are some tools you will need to get started:

::  Embroidery floss (DMC is my favorite and the color selection is wild!)

 ::  Aida cloth

::  Hoop 

:: Round end needle

 :: A pattern

 Cross stitching is one of my new favorite things to work on right now.  In fact, I have a small project that is calling my name in honor of Stitch People Day (today, actually!) and I am so excited to work on it and slow down and rest!  

Let me know if you try it out. . . I'd love to hear from you. . . tag me in a project on instagram with @jolieklassen!

 

 

Sparks of Joy {Links that made me smile}

Happy Friday All!  And happy Fall!!!!

The last 2 weeks have been slightly, umm. . . unexpected.  I've had 2 kids home sick at 2 separate times. . . but not covid and totally different illnesses.  Anyways, the past 2 weeks have been me running around to activities, helping with LOTS of homework and maybe trying to pass 5th grade all over again?  

I plan on doing these kind of posts once a month, where I take a few minutes and share somethings that made me smile, encouraged, or made me laugh.  I am calling them, Sparks of Joy.  The world of the internet is just so cranky sometimes and it can easily steal our joy.  This is NOT that place.  Sit down, enjoy a few minutes, and maybe smile or laugh a little.  

:: Ted Lasso winning basically all the Emmy awards! Do you watch?  It's sooo good! 

:: I am currently drooling over these cupcakes.  I am definitely going to be baking them soon! 

:: The love the colors and pattern of this quilt.  Look closely at the detailed quilting!   

:: Next week is Stitch People Day and I have a project to work on!

 :: This collab with Olive and June. . . I might have to buy some!  

:: These cookies are on my MUST bake ASAP list.  I can almost taste them! 

:: This would be a nice place to vacation. 

:: this reminder to stop and smell the roses.

And that's it for now.  What things are bring you joy!  Add yours to the comments below and let's keep spreading sparks of joy!  

Have a great weekend!

Cookies and Cream Rice Krispy Treats

Four day weeks are hard.  I really am not even sure what day is. . . someone please tell me it's Friday???  Maybe it's having kids at different schools with different schedules or just the fact that one is in junior high and has so.many.things.  All I know is that I am tired. . . maybe part of it is that we have been at home living our best homebody life for the past year that suddenly being incredibly busy is hard? 

Since we are jumping back on here with some regular writing posts, I want to be honest with you.  I am a mom. . . and in the middle of creating wonderful things or attempting to create something new, I am also juggling the duties of kids and life.  Let's be honest.  It's hard work and sometimes a bit overwhelming.  

Yesterday my oldest ran his first cross country meet. . . ever!  It was not his fall sport of choice, but he wanted to do something and this was it!  He jumped in, went to his first ever practice on Tuesday and ran his first race on Wednesday.  Two miles in triple digit heat was definitely not easy.  I was so proud of him!  He didn't quit and he ran and walked when he had to and finished strong.  I asked him if he had regrets about joining the team and he replied with an excited, "Nope!" Sometimes it feels like we're running a race in triple digit heat and we just can't catch up.  Our jobs, our commitments, our family, the carpool, homework, meals all call out to us and our planners may feel full.   But, there are moments of joy sprinkled in between it all.  Ethan loves cross country because for the most part it is fun.  He gets to hang out and build relationships with his new friends while he's running and when they are hanging out.  I need to remember that life, a lot like running a race, might feel hard and exhausting, but there are glimmers of joy and delight sprinkled in between the things that are wearing me down.  

This weekend, I am looking forward to quiet.  Maybe even time for something delicious, like these Rice Krispy Treats.  Rice Krispy Treats are my favorite things to make when I'm in a hurry or it's really hot and I don't feel like turning on the oven.  I've made these particular treats twice now and it's safe to say we might have a problem. . . they are so good!  

Before I go further, I should ex plain the black specks?  What the heck are they?  Chia seeds? nope.  Poppy seeds? nope.  Mouse poop?  Definitely not!  Rice Krispy Cereal came out with a special Cookies and Cream cereal that is both soy and dairy free (hard to find cookies and cream flavored things to fit both of these!) and so we jumped at the chance to try them. . . and it was worth it!  Now I need to go buy a couple of boxes to keep on hand because I really don't know how long they will last. I found them at our local Target.  

If you are reading this post-2021 and can't find the cereal, I recommend just cutting up some oreos (they won't be soy free) very small pieces and sprinkling the crumbs in with your cereal.  

Instead of using regular butter, I made some brown butter before adding my marshmallows.  Well worth the extra step!  The combination of brown butter and cookies and cream is absolutely divine!  These might just be the best rice krispy treats ever! 

So, this weekend, make up a batch of these for you and your family (If you are willing to share), pop some popcorn (maybe add some m&m's) and declare it a movie night.  I think the new Peter Rabbit is out (Weston said it was super funny!) and that new Cinderella movie (Amazon) is out!  

Let me know if you make so up. . . tag me, @jolieklassen on instagram or facebook 

or use #outoftherightbrainblog . . . or even both! 

 Cookies and Cream Rice Krispy Treats

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of butter

1 bag of marshmallows (I am team Kraft jet puffed)

6 cups Cookies and Cream Rice Krispy Cereal

Directions:

:: In a large pot, melt butter until it starts getting brown and starts smelling nutty.  You will probably need to swirl the pot a bit to keep it from burning.  Watch carefully so that you don't burn it. 

:: Grease a 11x9inch pan. 

:: Once, butter is browned, add marshmallows.  Stir until mostly melted.  

:: Turn off heat and add cereal.  Stir gently until all mixed up.  Pour into greased pan.  Spray a little bit of oil or butter on to fingers and rub them around.  Press cereal down carefully, it will be hot. 

:: set aside and allow to cool. . . 15-30 minutes.  Dig in!

The blog is back!

Hello September. Hello blog friends. 

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve sat down to even write a blog post. I pretty sure if you scroll down, the next post was posted back in February and I left you all hanging on what happened next on our Washington D.C. adventure. I am so sorry. Like everyone, this past year has not been what we expected. As 2021 began, my kids were still in distance learning mode and their schedules changed when we came back from Christmas. Then, later in the Spring, they changed some more as they were able to go back twice a week in small cohorts (it wasn’t ideal, but they had so much fun being back on campus, it made it worth it!). Needless to say, there was a lot of pivoting and adjusting that something had to give, and the blog was the thing that I had to say goodbye too. . . for a little bit. 

Summer started and Covid seemed to be on the decline, and we lived a very adventurous summer that seemed to fly by at record speed. The kids have been in school for a few weeks, and we have adjusted to rising much earlier than we have been (Covid spoiled this night owl mom!) and so much driving! Also, I have a 7th grader and I am just not sure how the heck that happened. Send coffee or wine. 

Now things are once again, looking kind of scary out there, my kids are in school and now I have time to write and create and it feels soooo good! Over the last year and a half, I really spent some time just thinking and doing some of the things that were life giving to me. The first few months of the pandemic were hard because we didn’t know a whole lot about the virus and there were a lot of restrictions. I don’t think I had ever stayed home that much! I realized that I needed to get out and exercise each day and sit down and create something as often as possible. And then, once we knew more about the virus, we were able to do some day trips and even a road trip to Wyoming, in a safe way. I also realized just how much we need people. I consistently kept leading Bible studies, whether online or in my front yard so that women could connect and not lose site of the God that has them and is not surprised when the world goes bonkers. 

This pandemic has taught me so much. Let’s be honest, the next few months kind of look scary. The pandemic is picking up speed with different variants and once again, we are feeling anxiety rush in. I hope that this blog will be a source of encouragement and a source of inspiration for you. I started this blog to help moms find creativity while we juggle all.the.things because I think it’s important and I firmly believe that God created us to create. . . each with our own giftings and insecurities. I also think that act of creating something whether it is baking a quick batch of muffins or sewing a blanket is something that satisfies and brings joy. 

Over the next few months, I will be writing notes of encouragement as well as creating new things. We might try a Pin from Pinterest, and it might fail, but we’re going to try. I hope you stick around and share this space with your friends. Finally, dear reader friend, I am praying for each one of you. I don’t know your situation, but I know that you took the time to read my blog. Thank you for being here!

Let's go on an Adventure: National Zoo, Cathedral, Fords Theater, Baseball & Georgetown (Days 1 and 2)

Are you craving adventure?  Don't feel bad. .. this enneagram 7 can't wait to pack a bag, jump on a plane and go some place she's never been! 

COVID numbers seem to be dropping and I am itching to for a grand adventure, so I am going to take you all on a little one over the course of the next month or so as I go down memory lane.  Let's travel back to 2019, when face masks were not something we had to think about and there weren't travel restrictions (ugh!).  

This summer will mark the 2 year anniversary of our Washington D.C - Baltimore - Philadelphia adventure.  We had so much fun and saw so much that we have very little regret from the trip, except maybe a day where we just rested.  But, really when we are some place new I have no desire to spend it in the hotel room.  I want to be out on the street walking around (My hubby can vouch for this. . . it drives him crazy!).  I always feel like I am missing out on something.  

This trip took 9 days, including 2 days to travel by plane (it takes awhile to fly from California to D.C.).  We spent most of our time in D.C. and then 1 day in Baltimore, and 2 days in Philadelphia.  This post will definitely be broken up into several posts because there is just so much to do!
  

We didn't get into Washington D.C. until around 10:00 at night.  We flew into The Washington Dulles Airport, which was a great experience! We found all of our luggage and found our Uber for the 30ish minute drive into D.C.  Our hotel, the Capitol Hilton, was easy to find and just 2 short blocks from the White House building.  (It's even a hot spot for past Innagural Balls!).  Our room was perfect for the 4 of to camp out this week.  We even paid a little extra for a mini fridge so we could keep sparkling water and some breakfast things cold.  

But, back to getting into D.C. at 10.  We were hungry, we felt like it was 7 and so we headed out to walk a few blocks to the nearest Shake Shack (my absolute favorite) since it was fairly close and still open.  Washington D.C. is very active at night (party, party!) and so we surprisingly had to wait in line to order!  Along the way, we passed the Longfellow statue, which was really cool.  One of my favorite poems is the midnight ride of Paul Revere. . . he wrote it!  So, at 10:00, my kids had a quick history lesson and Weston even posed in front of it for me.  You would never have guessed that it was almost midnight and we had been traveling all day. . . We were all pumped to be in Washington D.C.  

After a good night's sleep, we woke up to a gorgeous day and headed out.  Our first mission, was some snacks and breakfasty things at Whole Foods.  We walked there and ubered back to the hotel. On the way we found these statues and talked about political parties.  

We also enjoyed the absolutely beautiful architecture.  Modern buildings placed strategically between old homes, many that may have dated back to our countries beginnings.  It's really amazing to look at! 

After taking the food back to our room, we headed out for our next stop.  We went to Ford's theater, took the tour (so many awesome things in the museum part) and then sat in the actual theater (that has been redone since Abraham was shot) that the assassination took place.  We walked across the street to see the home in which he actually died, but chose not to take the tour.  We were hungry, hot, and needed a quick break.  So, we went in search of food.  

We found the coolest pizza place just around the corner from Ford's Theater.  &Pizza was a quick style pizza, where the are long and skinny, but so many different toppings and recipes to chose from.  Jon even was introduced to Mike's Hot honey and well. . . .we ended up ordering our own bottle because it is just amazing on pizza!  

From there we wandered towards the FBI building and then on to the National Archives.  This was something Ethan was really excited about, he loves the National Treasure movies!  There were so many documents to look at, including a copy of the Magna Carta.  It was all so fascinating!  

By the time we left, it was time to head to the Nationals vs. KC Royals game we had tickets for.  We love fitting in sporting events when we travel.  Ethan even started collected all the stadium pins while we were on this trip.  The  stadium was beautiful and had a great view.  However, it was our first day in the hot, humid environment, so we left after the 5th inning.  We had laughed about an area at the stadium that was closed due to inclimate weather when it was sunny and beautiful (we don't get a lot of "weather" where we live).  We ubered back to our hotel for a few minutes before heading out to go find a restaurant to eat for dinner. . .

 

We were up in our room for 10-15 minutes at the most and came down to a torrential downpour, thunder and lightning.  We just stood there, laughed, and enjoyed it.  Needless to say, we ordered Chipotle from around the corner via door dash! 

The next morning, we woke up to a sunny day and warmer weather than before! Our first stop was the Smithsonian National Zoo.  We enjoyed the Pandas and loved all of their different homes.  I think my favorite was the naked mole rats. . . they were so adorable! There are only 3 zoos in the U.S.  so that was super fun, plus the pandas are super relatable and seemed to love a good nap!  We enjoyed lunch at the zoo.  It was pretty basic zoo food, but Ethan said he loved his hot dog. . . he may have just been starving!

After the zoo, we ubered (we did a lot of ubering around!) over to the National Cathedral, which was just amazing!  There was even a choir practicing, which sounded so beautiful.  We probably could have wandered around the grounds and the church for hours.  They are even building a replica out of legos. . . we keep getting updates via email about the progress.  You can donate money and a lego piece or two will be added to help raise money for it.  They are not messing around with this Lego replica. . . it takes up almost a whole room!  Just to the back of the cathedral is a smaller, old church with a gorgeous gazebo and a view of D.C. that cannot be matched!  Look for the grassy area with a tall cross and you'll have a wonderful view! 

Can you believe, that day 2 is still not finished?  After this, we headed over to Georgetown to explore.  We waited in a little line (maybe 15 minutes?) at Georgetown Cupcakes. . . remember that show?  This stop was on our bucket list of things to do!  We bought some cupcakes and found a place to share them.  They were so good!  Totally worth the stop!  

 

 

Georgetown is the cutest little town outside of D.C! It was probably one of my favorite places to visit. . . probably because there were some really neat shops.  The buildings are old, the details were wonderful, the shops were both mainstream and local!  Jon started getting a headache partway through the afternoon, so we decided to stop and get a coke and rest for a bit (thank goodness for Chipotle!).  We walked the waterfront, played on a labyrinth and just enjoyed our time.  It was so much quieter there and so beautiful!  I could have stayed there for a full day just walking around (read: shopping. . . ha ha).  Before we left, we had bought macarons from Olivia Macarons, ate dinner at Good Stuff Eatery (this was our favorite new food spot of the whole trip!) and coffee at Baked and Wired (we would have totally gotten cupcakes, but we already had enough food!)  Needless to say, everything we ate was loved!  

We did so much in the first two days, that I think it's safe to leave you here for a little bit. Days 3 & 4 will be coming soon!  

Here's a quick At a Glance guide to all we did:

Day 1:

• Grocery shopping
• Ford's Theater
• &Pizza
• National Archives
• Nationals Game

Day 2:

• National Zoo
• National Cathedral
• Georgetown
• Good Stuff Eatery
• Olivia Macarons
• Baked and Wired 

Main Form of Transportation:  Uber, Lift, and our feet.  

Hotel: Capitol Hilton