MyBaby - dustbunny Journal

10 Time-Savers for Busy Families!

Posted May 29, 2008 at 1:57PM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

Ok, with kids in the house, there are a million ways to get in a whirlwind of chaos, whining, stress and aggrevation. Many times stress comes when plans change or things are misplaced. Also, we get annoyed at our kids for whining and ask them to wait when really, they can do it themselves!

So, with that, I have some ideas to cut annoying time-suckers. Please leave your ideas as well!

1. Prepare snacks ahead of time. Prep baggies, containers and cut fruit so when the snack urge hits, the kids, if old enough, can grab what they want without stressing you or making a mess!

2. Set out a small pitcher of water and cups. Leave this out all the time. If they are "SO THIRSTY MOM! I NEED A DRINK" they can get it themselves.

3. Store extra ziploc baggies of underwear, t-shirts, pants and socks (like you have to have @ preschool) and keep them stashed in the cabinet for when you're on the go or a mishap happens.

4. Prep kitchen foods at once and store in containers. This means all washing, cutting and cleaning of veggies etc. can happen at once, instead of making a mess 5x a day.

5. Make a homework station. You can tack manilla folders to a wall or buy fancy boxes with name labels. It doesn't matter. Just make sure your kiddo knows where his sh!t is everyday when he comes home from school. I can't tell you how many times we've misplaced a spelling test or the piano book. It's time for a workstation overhaul! check: seejanework.com for ideas.

6. Use Cues. Think preschool here people. When it's time to clean up, play music. When it's time to unwind or come to dinner, ring a bell and have the children change gears. Don't overuse cues but try to invite other ways to get the family on task (other than me yelling....get in here!).

7. Brown and THEN freeze beef. I used to buy it and separate it and then freeze it. Well, it's easier to buy in in bulk, cook it all at once and then divide it. Then, we have much faster meals down the line!

8. Freeze the Cheeze. Same thing- shred large amounts, then freeze. It's cheaper than buying baggies preshredded. This lets you buy local, too.

9. Shower, prep clothing, find shoes and make lunches the night before. I 'd even suggest letting your kid sleep in his clothes for the next day but I have a feeling that might not go over well. It works around here though for my 9yo. He's all about shortcuts!

10. Precook large amounts of rice and potatoes. Then divide, freeze and serve at will! Olive oil helps with stickiness...

Tags: time savers

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laurasutherland responded May 29, 2008 at 2:25PM

Your life is the sum of the choices you make.

GREAT ideas; thanks!

Kelmcmom responded May 29, 2008 at 2:53PM

Diggin the motherhood gig

good stuff! I am all about the ahead-of-time stuff, if you have that luxury. I even have 2 diaper bags...one for a quick trip out and eating out and one for longer trips. It seems to work. Plus I have extra of everything in a container in my car. (diapers, clothes...like your #3!)

benbaby responded May 30, 2008 at 10:39AM

Goofing around with my babies - Big and Lil

Well, you're right. Great minds think alike:) Since we are on the look out for time saving tips we might end up posting almost same content.

5 SIMPLE ways get the kids out of your hair!

Posted May 27, 2008 at 9:53AM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

I have a few tricks when it comes to diversion & distraction. Here are a few things you can keep in a pantry or closet:

MOON SAND in a container. When it's nasty outside, take the container out, dump the sand in a tray and get some matchbox cars/dumptrucks. Girls not into trucks? Use scoopers and shapers. This can keep them going for over an hour. Blog away, mommies!

WATER PLAY is always a great idea. Got fighting kids in the afternoon? Give them each a plastic tub on the fron porch or back deck...even the kitchen floor with towels laid out. Email-checky time!

CLEAN MY WINDOWS! Give them a small spray bottle, a towel, a squeegie if you have one and viola. They'll wash anything: windows, table tops, walls- you name it, they'll squirt it. Great for outside too! Make that phone call, people.

RAMPS. Take cardboard, tape it to a chair. This makes a ramp that is ready for action. My hubby made one last month, it was up for 3 weeks before they got tired of it. Get a basket of matchbox cars and zoom, you're ready to make dinner. BTW, if you add jumps and targets, it's even more fun.

FLASHLIGHT & SHEETs...Give the kids a flashlight, set up a sheet fort and turn em loose...It's good for thirty minutes tops. :) At least you can make that martini in peace, lol.

ADD YOUR QUICK SUGGESTIONS please!

Tags: easy activities

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Kelmcmom responded May 27, 2008 at 11:52AM

Diggin the motherhood gig

LOVE IT
I let my one year old raid the tupperware when I am attempting to make dinner. Sure they end up all over the house but its better than her being attached to my leg or playing with the gas knobes.

dustbunny responded May 27, 2008 at 12:09AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

good one, open up a low-drawer and see what happens :)

benbaby responded May 27, 2008 at 1:54PM

Goofing around with my babies - Big and Lil

I do the same as kelmcmom...raid the tupperware and also raid my collection of empty plastic bottles which he loves to open and close by himself :)

hatescooking responded May 28, 2008 at 2:16PM

drop it like it's hot

I put lids & bottles in a box...big lids and bottles. that's kinda the same

GirlyGirl responded May 29, 2008 at 11:44AM

I enjoy being a girl

My daughter likes to have her plastic animals play in the moon sand. Also Forts are BIG fun. My kids are into putting the couches together to form a big bed, take the pillows off and it's jumping delight.

5 EASY DINNER SANDWICHES you can slap together

Posted May 23, 2008 at 4:34PM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

When the dinner hour approaches, I get aggrevated.

Sometimes, I have something I can shove together and call a meal. Those are what I refer to as "better days." Bad days pretty much have me pulling everything out of cabinets and eventually boiling water for pasta...:).

Today, I'll share 5 MEGA EASY dinners you can serve with chips and carrots and call it a meal.

These are so easy, I don't even need to write "real" instructions!

1. HOT roast beef bulkie sandwiches.
go to the deli.
ask for 1-2lbs roast beef slices
and 1/2 to 1 lb provolone.
buy a bag bulkie rolls
grab 1-2 bottles bbq sauce.

toss the sandwich roast beef into crockpot
pour bbq sauce over (I do about a full jar)
heat, serve on bulkie roll

2. PULLED PORK SANDWICH
(THIS ONE MUST COOK ALL DAY, 6 hours)
pork shoulder
bbq sauce
bulkie roll
toss in crockpot, high 4-6 hours.
shred the pork (it should fall apart when shredded)
serve on rolls w/ veggies & chips

3. Meatball Subs
put frozen meatballs
& red sauce from a jar
toss in cockpot :)
wartm all day,
serve in hoagie roll
cover with cheese

4. BLT
bacon
lettuce
tomato
avocado
mayo
cheese!

5. HOT PASTRAMI
microwave pastrami
add provolone
serve on bulkie roll!

Tags: easy dinners

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rohansmama responded May 26, 2008 at 10:52AM

Thanks for sharing! This is just the recipe I was looking for... when I'm too exhausted,I can even ask my husband to make them.

my husband thinks I am nuts...

Posted May 22, 2008 at 10:35AM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

because I ran around the house doing a touchdown dance when
David Cook won AMERICAN IDOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!
I jumped up and down like a school girl (although my tivo stopped the second they called the winner! I nearly went ballistic!!!) and I was giddy all evening...it was ridiculous but I am SO HAPPY! cougars4cook...

oh and I was talking to the tv...saying, gimme that look, david, gimme the look (ladies, you know the look) LOL

I actually thought the breakdancing was way cool and Brooke White sang with Graham Nash...Cook with ZZ top and Archuletta with that guy on the piano- he killed it!

Anyway, the show was entertaining and I was THRILLED!

Tags: american idol finale

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rockergirrl responded May 22, 2008 at 10:40AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

oh that was me too last night. I jumped up and screamed so loud when he won. I have to say this entire season was by far the BEST they have ever had. I event watched the entire finale last night instead of skipping through it because it was actually good. Great job American Idol. Congrats to David C. You SO deserve this win. Rock on!

dustbunny responded May 22, 2008 at 10:42AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

exactly, rockergirl!

kidatheart responded May 22, 2008 at 11:04AM

Everyday I realize that I get better looking

anybody know of a good divorce attorney?

keeping up with the jones' - DO YOU CARE?

Posted May 19, 2008 at 5:33PM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

Our neighborhood dynamics are shifting in massive propertion due to one neighbor's super success.

Certain neighbors are shying away, others are coming out of the woodwork. Has this ever happened to you? Do you feel like you need to be as good as the next person? It's easy to say no but when it's happening in front of you...how do you take it in stride without feeling like a loser?

Have you ever had a friend make it to the bigtime right in front of your eyes?

My son said (about a friend)..."it going to be really hard to see (his friend) get rich. I don't want to be jealous but it's so hard not to when he gets new stuff."

I thought that was rather insightful for a 9yo observation...and on the money. Thoughts? How would you navigate this situation?

Downplay it? Get pumped on it? Ignore it to an extent???

Just thoughts...no real answers, I know, but it's interesting.

Tags: keeping up with the jones

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Mumsey responded May 19, 2008 at 6:06PM

Ok, I have a friend who is stunningly beautiful - when we used to go out together, I got ignored (and I must say, I looked pretty darned good back then.) She married a guy with a Super Bowl ring, really nice fellow, and they bought an over a million dollar "fixer-upper" in Napa. PLUS she LOVED to go shopping - my daughter's fav thing to do for awhile. While I hated shopping. Their home was amazing, their kids got everything, and yup, we're still friends. No way could I keep up, and was I jealous sometimes? You bet! But we're still friends, even though I moved away, and my dd often asked why she didn't get what my friend's kids got, but it didn't stop their friendship nor ours. It ain't always easy, tho'.

rohansmama responded May 20, 2008 at 1:58AM

Who wouldn't feel jealous if your neighbor or friend is doing well or if you cannot afford the toys that your friend buys for his toddler. We just accept the fact and live along. I would say be like the kids. They always pretend to be in their own imaginary world most of the time. Its fun.

laurasutherland responded May 20, 2008 at 5:26PM

Your life is the sum of the choices you make.

When I was a little girl, my Mom told me about her best friend, Carolyn, growing up. My Mom's family was poor, but Carolyn's was rich. Carolyn had lots of beautiful dolls and dresses. I asked my Mom how she handled the jealousy. She said it never even occurred to her to be jealous - she just felt extremely lucky because she had a friend who had all these dolls she could go play with, and dresses she could dress up in.

Kelmcmom responded May 22, 2008 at 9:17AM

Diggin the motherhood gig

Growing up, we were usually strapped for cash and I could not have everything I asked for. I remember how other kids had fun stuff in their lunch boxes and I had boring carrot sticks and they had cupcakes and juice boxes. But now I know that I appreciate everything I do have. Sure I still get jealous but I also try to think of people who dont even have a roof over the heads etc. I would like to think I turned into a grateful person, and hope to raise my daughter that way...but what the-wait a minute...is that a BMW next door! ah man!!!! ;o)

dustbunny responded May 22, 2008 at 9:38AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

thanks for the personal stories...that makes this feel more"normal"

Help! Is this a BOYS WILL BE BOYS situation?

Posted May 16, 2008 at 3:55PM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

A friend, who shall remain nameless, went OFF on two neighborhood kids because they smashed a handful of soda cans in the street at a blockparty.

One of the kids had to scrub the soda with a brush.

Minor details to note:

the soda tossing happened when it was dark (the kids didn't see the mess)
the angry mom went around moralizing it as if the turbulent little pukes were public enemy number one
the neighborhood kids tattled because they knew they would look like angelic little kiss ups
nobody said, hey, look guys, the street's sticky. do you think I want my street to look like that? Instead, the neighborhood watched the one boy out there with his brush.

I think it's cool for the kids to wash it up (like I don't feel bad about making a kid clean up his own mess) but to be made to feel like an ass over it? no way...thoughts?

Tags: boys will be boys

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hsatkins responded May 16, 2008 at 4:00PM

Hoping to give Olivia a sibling in 2009! (or 10)

Wow - it seems like she was venting some other frustrations on the kid - I know we all overreact at times and maybe she realized after the fact that she blew it out of proportion - but I am sure that little boy was humiliated and will never forget it - it seems sad that he was made to feel so bad. I can see making them clean it up - all of them together - but not in front of a crowd and not in the heat of the moment . . .

dustbunny responded May 16, 2008 at 4:06PM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

I'm sensationalizing it- she never blew up at the kid BUT she blew up with the kid standing right there...she didn't know he was there...sorry!

Sullysmama responded May 16, 2008 at 4:41PM

Will the next one be ginger too??

It's all in the approach. I'd be annoyed if my street looked like crap but I wouldn't go off on a kid or humiliate them for it. For instance, my next door neighbor got TP'd 2 weekends ago and half of it ended up in my yard. She was mortified and is still cleaning up the pieces in my yard this week. If they hadn't done anything, I'd have said, hey so, that TP? it's yours, and maybe you should help clean it up. The major thing is these people are YOUR NEIGHBORS! They don't just go away. They live there. And you have to live with how you treat them until you sell your house and move away or kick it and get taken out feet first. This woman is now going to have to deal with the fact that her neighbors think she's crazy.

Sticky_Mommy responded May 21, 2008 at 10:43AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

Call me crazy, but it's soda right?!
Is the soda bright blue?
Is your street pavement white?
How much worse can the street look with "soda" on it with all the other things that end up in the street such as oil, bird droppings, etc?
Over the top. Maybe the kids could do a can drive and send the $ to China to help with the Earthquake instead of spending their engery on street cleaning. Perspective people.

10 EASY Memorial Day BBQ Ideas

Posted May 13, 2008 at 8:56AM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

Having a BBQ? WHy not? TRy these AWESOME memorial BBQ Tips:

Theme it out or Go red, white & blue. Use daisies in mason jars to polish the look.
Go NO PLATES to make it easy. Serve piles of hot dogs, watermelon slices, burgers, and other finger foods. Use recycled napkins and cheap (real) silverware.
Make enough seating: bring cusions and bean bags outside. Benches and coffee tables can also be used extra seating (just cover the coffee table w/ a table cloth).
DON't make SIDE DISHES. Buy canned beans, spaghetti-ohs, whatever you like. Mac n cheese is an excellent side dish option for the kids.
For dessert: go easy! Make quick bake pies like key lime pie, banana cream pie and ice cream sandwiches.
Make a PLAYLIST. Pick 50 of your favorite songs and queu them up for the party.
Hire a neighborhood kid to keep tabs on munchkins. Two middle schoolers for $5/hour can really help you out!
Make the men cook.
MAKE A LOT OF GUACAMOLE (recipe below)
PREMIX pitchers of margartitas and keep them in the fridge. Better yet, fill a spout container of margs and let your friends refill without a mess!

GUACAMOLE

5 avocados
3 bulbs garlic
green onions
tomatoes
salt & pepper
Lemon juice (squeeze to taste)

Tags: BBQ IDEAS

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rohansmama responded May 13, 2008 at 2:15PM

hmmm interesting !

happy mother's day videos! ha ha!

Posted May 8, 2008 at 11:00AM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

If you have boys, you'll especially appreciate this...very funny! It's something to look forward to!

Mother's Day Video
Mother's Day Video in Lego...

HAPPY MOTHER's DAY!

Tags: humor mothers day

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kidatheart responded May 8, 2008 at 11:07AM

Everyday I realize that I get better looking

made me laugh...Are you sure you really want a family photo for Mother's Day?

dustbunny responded May 8, 2008 at 11:40AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

yep...with all the drama that goes into getting the image

benbaby responded May 8, 2008 at 1:04PM

Goofing around with my babies - Big and Lil

That was really funny:) I wouldn't mind a family photo too:)

8 MUST have MOMMY playdough recipes

Posted May 6, 2008 at 10:05PM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

Hey moms! Get into the motherhood mood and make some old school playdough! Nothing says "I'm a goldstar mommy" more than knowing a handful of playdough recipes off the top of your head. These are from the Creative Curriculum for Infants & Toddlers. EMAIL THIS TO ALL THE MOMS YOU KNOW... at least the ones who have kids who get bored, lol.

Cloud Dough

6c flour
1c oil
water to bind +/- 1c

knead together
will be oily
store in airtight container

Homemade Plasticine (soft)

2 c flour
1c salt
1.5 c warm water
2 tbs oil

mix.
form into balls
store on open shelf- no container needed

"Beginner's Playdough"

3 c flour
1c salt
1 tbs oil
1c water

mix.
store in container

Tempura Paint for One

2oz. water
1tbs dried tempera (whatever that is)
3 drops dish detergent

mix in an old jar/car. store w/lid.

Moist Modeling Clay

1.5cups flower
1.5c warm water
1c salt
2tbs oil

mix.
form into a ball.
store in a rinsed ziploc
place in aplastic bag, let out air, gather @ top

GOOP

3c corn starch
2c warm water

hard in the air. liquid in the hand. wierd

Baker's Clay

4c flour
1 cup salt
1.5c water

mix. shape into a ball. store airtight container.

Paintable Playdough
2 c corn starch
1c baking soda
1c water

mix together.
cook over medium heat.
stir until it forms a ball.
allow to cool, knead.
store in plastic wrap.

NOW WHAT?
These can make your dough balls more fun...

food coloring
sculpt
mold
cut "snakes" with scissors
roll, pound with mallets, cut with butter knife
stick pipe cleaners in
print with golf balls, textures items, cars
collage paper etc to it.

Tags: bakers clay, goop, play dough recipes

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Sticky_Mommy responded July 13, 2008 at 11:42AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

I like to let the kids add food coloring and glitter for extra flare!

would u let hubby go to the playboy mansion?

Posted May 3, 2008 at 7:45AM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

Let's just say, hypothetically, your husband had the chance to go to an event at the playboy mansion.

Let's just say it's random but has a marginally okay excuse (to help with a social event).

Really, though, it's for bragging rights and "the experience." (barf)

Would you let him go?

what could go wrong?

Tags: husbands

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rockergirrl responded May 3, 2008 at 6:56PM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

hell no

dustbunny responded May 3, 2008 at 6:59PM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

exactly...

rockergirrl responded May 3, 2008 at 9:30PM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

so I have to ask - was this something that came up for you for real?

Mumsey responded May 4, 2008 at 10:49AM

Yup, I'd let him go, I either trust him or I don't. However (drum roll), he has to do something for YOU that you want to do that he's not so keen on. Like, take your Mom and Dad someplace like a Big Band event, or whatever. Seriously, the Bunnies probably won't make a play for him espeically at a social networking event, and it WILL make him feel that you trust him. Just my thoughts. I'd rather have him go there than meet his ex-girlfriend for lunch, but I guess that's just degrees of trust.

dustbunny responded May 4, 2008 at 12:00AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

rockergirl...yes :)

kidatheart responded May 4, 2008 at 10:45PM

Everyday I realize that I get better looking

Mumsey is on point. Down to earth and trusting. I mean come on, is your husband actually that drop dead gorgeous that all the bunny babes are going to jump his bones??? Plus, if I'm not mistaken...doesn't he have an amazingly beautiful, smart, witty, trusting, pretty, hot, great, fantastic, understanding, calm, trusting, trusting, trusting, awesome, cool, wife that trusts him??? I think so. :) It could be worse. Hey, maybe I (he) could even bring a bunny home for good luck!!

kidatheart responded May 4, 2008 at 10:56PM

Everyday I realize that I get better looking

The babes there are pretty hot though... I wouldn't trust that bastard! look at his picture, he's into freaky puppets and little dogs.. what a weirdo

Sticky_Mommy responded May 12, 2008 at 12:56AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

I would. My husband wouldn't even be able to talk to the bunnies, he's just blush. Plus if the bunnies are as smart as they seem, they'd want someone with more $.

one month post-baby??? halle barre, I hate you

Posted May 2, 2008 at 7:55PM by dustbunny
dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

Ok, it's only because she is so skinny! What is up? one month...wow. I'm telling you not all the spanx in the world could have...I mean could ever...make me look good like that. Sorry halle but you're really bumming me out.

CLICK HERE TO FEEL EXTRA DOWN...:)

Hate is a harsh word, I take it back. I mean I'm so jealous. Is that better?

Tags: halle barry, mom bod

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