Look What I Made Monday: Colored Rice

I found a really simple thing to make for Parker the other day... Colored Rice!

You need:

Rice (I bought a 25 pound bag from Sam's Club for less than $10)

Rubbing Alcohol

Food Coloring

A Rubbermaid Container

A Cookie Sheet (not pictured)

Gallon Sized Ziploc Bags (not pictured)

Preheat the oven to 350* and start by adding 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol and food coloring (amount will be on the back of the box, I did it as if I were making frosting) into a Ziploc bag.  Mix the liquid around a little bit before adding 5 cups of rice. 

Mix the rice and liquid until the rice is completely covered.

Once the rice is completely colored, spread it out onto your cookie sheet.  I lined mine with aluminum foil (for no good reason, may I add).  Bake at 350* for about 5 minutes.  You may have to mix the rice around a little bit half way through if there are some thik spots.

 Dump into your container and enjoy!

Parker LOVES his.. If you can't tell!

He had a lot of fun playing with it and everyday since we made it he has been asking for it. 

However.. I do not suggest this project if you are afraid of a mess.. Because it's bound to happen!

Crappiest Saturday Ever....

Literally!

So Parker has been having an issue with pooping in his diaper right after I put it on for nap or bedtime.  I have tried everything, or so it feels, so I went out looking for suggestions.  My cousin's wife recently posted on her blog (http://www.milkbubblesblog.blogspot.com/) kind of the same issue, so I asked her for help.  Parker wakes up from naps dry, so I tried having him sleep in undies and then hopefully he would yell down to me if he needed to go poop.

Wrong.

I was in the basement and Ben was hanging out with his brother.  I suddenly heard a bunch of yelling and I thought my brother-in-law was yelling something about the dog being lost (she was right under my feet), so I went upstairs to see what was going on. 

Needless to say, I should have stayed in the basement.

I ran upstairs to the boys room because my brother-in-law said he heard yell for my help and he thought the boys were hurt.

Wrong.

I cannot even begin to describe the scene, but I will try my hardest.

POOP. 

EVERYWHERE.

My guess of what happened is that Parker had an accident in his underwear and didn't want to get in trouble so he 'gave' it to his brother to deal with.  Oh my goodness.. I need to pause because my heart is starting to race again.  I wasn't mad that it happened, per say, I am more mad that Parker is that freakin' smart that he wants to hide it, but he is so stubborn that he won't go on the toilet.  Anways.. Back to the poop.  It was on the bottom of his socks, stamped into the shag rug, all over the hardwood floor (thank goodness we don't have carpet in there), all over Preston's bed and the best part...

All over Preston.

I don't just mean a little here and a little there.. I mean ALL over him! 

On his face, hands, hair, legs, and no joke.. He had an ear full of it. 

I wish I would have taken a picture at the time because I know once Parker is completely potty trained (hopefully very, very soon), I will find that moment so funny, but at the moment all I saw was red (and I guess brown).  Ben took the boys down for showers and I was upstairs scrubbing... Everything. 

I felt kind of bad though because Parker said, 'Mommy mad. I sorry, Mommy.'  So he knew (which actually made me a little more upset), but I can say that he did what I told him.. When I was putting his undies on before nap I said, 'Ok dude, you have undies on, so don't get any poopy or pee pee on your bed.'  And guess what.. That was the one place in the whole room that was still 'poop-free'. 

And of course, like an hour later he came running up to me, 'Mommy, poopy' and ran to the toilet and went potty!  Ahhh.. So annoying! 

So obviously I am having some potty training issues that I have been dealing with, but I have come to the decision that we will praise immensely when he goes on the potty (he got two handfuls of mini marshmallows yesterday when he went) and not even say a word when he has an accident.  It is just so annoying because we had NO accidents for the longest time and I know he knows better, but I guess I will let him 'win' this power struggle because I really don't feel like doing that again. 

I will be sure to keep you all updated on Parker's Adventures with Poop.  Hopefully it will be a happy ending!

Total Request Tuesday: Nutrition and My Monsters

I don't know if some of you didn't quite understand what I meant when I said, 'Total Request Tuesday.'  All I meant by doing that was to have an actual topic to write about.  I know moms often feel alienated because of the choices they make and that often brings feelings of guilt.  I just wanted to have a time where you all can ask me to touch on a subject and how it pertains to my life.  How about I just get started and then I can explain more later....

I was talking to a friend about our kids' good nutrition, or lack there of and she suggested that I share it on my blog.  We were talking about how guilty we feel when we sit down for a meal (at the last minute, most of the time) and all we want to make is something fast and easy.  At our house that often consists of me dumping in a box of macaroni and cheese (sometimes tossing in some frozen veggies with it), passing out cold hot dogs (yes, my boys like cold hot dogs), a couple of apple slices.  I know that doesn't sound that bad, but then why do I feel so guilty every time I do it? 

I see all of these kids, eating all of these magnificant (and different) fruits and vegetables and I so badly want to do that for my kids, but when I am shopping and cooking, I become a creature of habit.  I buy what I know.  And I cook what I know.  Simple as that.  For example, I thought I would be adventurous and get some brussel sprouts... Bad idea! I think I made like two out of the container of 20-something!  I tell myself that I tried, but the truth is that I didn't try at all!

Luckily Preston is still at the age that he will eat pretty much anything that I put infront of him, but Parker is already starting to turn up his nose to certain fruits and vegetables (and for your information, this topic, atleast in my house, insn't just about fruits and veggies, but I just wanted to get my point across).  I find it so sad that my little garbage disposal that used to be, is now becoming a 'picky' eater and it is all because of me! 

The other night we had one of those frozen stir-fry meals, where you just add the meat, and as I was eating it (it was yummy, may I add), I was sitting there thinking.. I could totally make this on my own.  All it consisted of was some cut vegetables and some sauce.  However, I blame it partly on me being a boring person when it comes to food, partly on our society and how everything needs to be quick and easy, and a large part of the blame falls onto me for being too lazy to really care.  I really want to care, honestly.  But the sad truth is that I, and from what I hear, a lot of mother don't care enough.  I don't say that I don't care at all, because if I didn't I won't be writing this, but I just don't even know where to begin sometimes.

So, with this post, I am also asking for any suggestions that you may have?  Any delicious stuff you suggest my family to try, any different ways to prepare our food., anything!

So, this this total request thing.. I didn't mean for you all to come to me for advice, I can give it, but I don't promise you want to hear it! Haha.. I just meant for us to wallow in our own guilt (on any subject)... together.  I posted awhile ago that we should all be working together to help each other and if I need to point out my faults to make us all stronger as a group.. I am more than happy to do it!

Look What I Made... Friday?

Ok. Ok. Ok.. I know I have been a huge slacker, but I am hoping to get caught up on this blog... Today! So, I grace you with... Look What I Made Friday.  I know Monday has a better ring to it, but seriously.. Mondays don't get along too well with me and the two rug rats. So I will work on it! Haha..

What did I make, you ask?  On my beloved Pinterest I found an adorable project... A melted crayon picture.  Ok, let's get started.

You will need:

some matting paper cut to the size of the frame

a canvas frame or shadow box (I used a 16x20)

a box of crayons (I found that the box of 48 works great for my size of frame)

some strong glue (I used AQUA Liquid Glue)

I laid the colors out, as best as I could, in rainbow order. However, I suggest you do it in reverse rainbow order, so when you hang the picture it is the right way (I will explain later).  I used the black, gray and white, but I didn't use all of the brows they gave me.  Honestly, they were too hard to put in the right order! Haha...

Glue the crayons down, I used a piece of the matting paper to make sure they were all stright.  I orginally started by putting glue on each crayon.  Dumb.  That too way too long.  So, I put clue directly onto the paper in long lines and then put the crayons on.  Much better!

Ta-Da!

However, this is what I meant when I said I would do the rainbow backwards when I was glueing them down.  Well, too late now!

The directions said to put it in the sun and wait.  So I waited.

And waited.

And waited.  Ben was very intrigued by this point and we both are pretty impatient people, so I resorted to using the blowdryer to melt the crayons. 

(This isn't the best picture.. Sorry!)

The blowdryer gave it more of a runny effect.  I didn't like it as much before, but I'm growing to love my 'mistake.'  When you're blowdrying the crayons, be sure to just do the tips and make sure you're pointing the dryer as straight down as possible.  I suggest leaning the picture against the mirror or wall so good old gravity can help also.  Let the crayons completely dry again and then mount the picture into your frame.

My masterpiece hanging in the playroom!  I love all of the contrast of it... The colors, the white and the think black frame.  I also love that it matches perfectly with our playroom!

Hope you enjoyed my first tutorial!

If you would like to see the original inspiration, please check out:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77431750/16-x-20-custom-crayon-art?ref=v1_other_1

S.L.A.C.K.E.R

Sorry that I have been such a slacker this week! I swear I have my topics and stuff, but between chasing around the two rug rats and rearranging bedrooms (something that makes me feel like I redecorated without spending any money) I am dead tired! A quick note about today/me/the boys....

Ok, so like I said, I rearranged bedrooms and now the Two Peas are sharing a room and, from what I can tell, loving it! I never knew when would be a good time to have them share, and frankly they don't need to, we have plenty of space, but I think now was the perfect time! Today, during nap time, we heard them giggling so Ben peeked in their room and they were playing peek-a-boo through Preston's crib. Awww... So cute! Then I went up a few mintutes later (the fun hater, that a mom must be) and they were both sound asleep! Awww... Even more cute!

I know I have mentioned on Facebook how excited I am to watch them grow together, but I really mean it! Preston is trying so hard to keep up with Parker, literally... He was speed crawling behind Parker while he rode a car around the house and sad to say, it is kind of cute when Parker is playing with something and Preston ruins it. I of course rush over when a mediator is needed, but that is always following an 'Ah Man! No touch Preston!' Yes, my children are too damn cute!

Well, I am off to bed, but I promise to hit you guys up with some good posts this week... I made a crayon poster (it of course didn't turn out the way it was supposed to, but it is still frame worthy in this house) and I also want to touch on the subject (thanks for the request) of the guilt I have been having with the boys and their nutrition....

Obsessed with 'Pinning'...

Here is the first day that I have something to actually write about. Man, oh man.. Am I excited!

Let me tell you about one of my many loves.. Pinterest.  I seriously don't know where to begin when I try to describe it's awesomeness.  I was trying to figure out what one thing I wanted to post today, and then it hit me.  I should get you all addicted to Pinterest first, then you will understand where I am coming from with this wild obsession. 

What is Pinterest, you ask? Well, let me tell you.. It is a website that collects people's pins.  The website consists of links that other people think are interesting.  The links are divided up into categories (clothing, kids, home, diy...) and you can make a board to save all of your pins on. I get that this all may sound very confusing, and very uninteresting... BUT, it's not.

It is a bunch of beautiful awesomeness.. All in one place.

I said before that there were things that I wanted to do to our bedroom.. Well, I found all of the ideas on Pinterest.  New projects I want to do with the kids. On Pinterest.  Cute photography ideas. On Pinterest.  Delicious recipes.  On Pinterest.  Style ideas.  Yup, Pinterest.

This is a picture of part of my 'Kids Stuff' board so you get an idea...

 
Ok.. So then, you can click on a certain thing and this is what that screen will look like:

From here you can do a few different things... You can see where the post orginally came from, in this case.. remodelaholic.com.  You can go there and find other things that they have posted.  Or, you can see who just posted it, in this case it was posted to 'Baby Room Ideas' by Lisa Rusczyk.  You can click on those links to see what else that person likes, because chances are.. You'll find more things you like.

This post may seem like a whole lot of nothing, but I promise you.. If you make a profile, you will become addicted. 

So, if you're interested, just let me know and I can send you an invitation!

Making it Something More...

Ok.. So I am happy and scared to report that my blog is 'growing up.'  An amazing friend of mine has offered to create me a logo.  Awesome, right?  But that got me thinking.. If he is going to put so much time and effort into my blog, shouldn't I?  Yeah, I sit down every so often and pour out the knitty-gritty of being a stay-at-home mom, but my dream (I learned it is healthy for moms to have dreams for when they grow up too) has always been to make this blog turn into something more.  Not that I think my blog deserves it (yet), but I spend most of my free time surfing other people's blogs and I find them so inspiring and I want that!  I want people to check in on my blog, not because I post a link 'telling' people too, but I want them to check it because they want to.. Without being told.

Anyways.. That got me thinking of babysteps that I can take to grow this into something that I can be very, very proud of.. Not embarrased of.  Ok, let me get this out of the way.. I admire a lot of people.  I love hearing what a lot of other people have to say.  I get excited to see what other people find interesting and important.  And that is why I spend MY time checking out people's blogs and facebook 'stalking'.  However, I guess I am trying to teach myself that what I have to say may be interesting, important and admirable to others.  I don't want anyone to think that I think I am cool because I have this blog.  Complete opposite to be exact.  I am always nervous that people will think that I think I am cooler (because I already am pretty cool) for having this.  I know I am rambling, because I haven't quite figured out how to put it.. I guess all I am trying to say is that I do not think I am awesome because 11 people care to read what I write.  I do not think I am any more cool than you amazing people because you don't share your deepest darkest days... Ok, back to the babysteps... I have decided that I want to have a few things that I 'have' to write about. That brings me to: 

'Look What I Made' Mondays: Where I will share any crafts, home decor projects or even special meals that I would like to pride myself on...

'Total Requests' Tuesdays: Where I will ask other people for topics to write about (I feel like all I have been doing is complaining about my children).  I will write about anything.  Ok, almost anything.  I might have to 'ok' some posts with Ben before publishing ;)

'Things I Love' Thursdays:  A time where I will rave about something I found online and would like to share with you all.

I hope you all are excited as I am to see where this takes me...

Oh, if you have any requests you can comment here, message me on facebook or email me at b.kelley320@gmail.com!

Hello Preston, It's Nice to Have Finally Met You



The last few months I have been battling the fact that not all babies are the same.  Yes, I knew that, but now I'm really 'learning' that.



Reading with Auntie Shelly



Parker, no joke, was a robot baby. He ate like a champ, slept like a bear and overall was a very content boy.  Then came along the second PRK....

I am not having any issues with eating, unless you count that he eats too much.  Seriously, the kid out eats every other member of our family.  Sleeping isn't an issue (anymore).  I guess it never really was an issue, but when your first child sleeps through the night at four months, you get a little spoiled.  Luckily, Littlest P-Man goes down very easily and is now sleeping through the night and waking VERY, VERY happy. 



An example of pure joy!



I guess our issue came down to his personality. His very vocal and stubborn personality to be exact.  When he wants something, he will let you know until he gets it.  I am learning that just because he's being loud, doesn't mean he's 'that' upset.  Seriously.. The kid is always grunting.  Granted, he is on the move a lot lately and I know I would be tuckered out if I was working on crawling, standing and walking.  However, it gets kind of old to listen to all day.  So, that covers the time when he's 'not' upset, but the times when he is upset... Whoa!  Get out of his way.  Like I said, he knows what he wants, when he wants it and he will let you know until he gets it.  And it doesn't help that the little brat wants it 'his' way and no one elses...



Preston started 'screaming' (I call it screaming because we have a very quiet house, but I know it's not screaming compared to most other houses).  I figured he wanted something to drink.  I offered him a sippy cup, without remembering that I have let him drink from a cup before.  As I hand him the sippy cup, he looks at me like I just spit in his face.  He looks me in the eye and 'screams' again.  I knew he wanted some water, so I got him a regular cup and offered that to him.  The little punk grabbed the glass, put it to his mouth (with me helping), took a big drink and then laughed like a mad person.  Then he continued to drink from the cup until it was all gone.  I know that is just one example (and it's not even that 'big' of a deal), but that is my point.. It's only one example.  I know these are traits that he will probably benefit from later in life, but until recently (and by recently, I mean less than a week) these were traits that were driving me insane (see previous post).  I guess we will just have to learn a better way to communicate because I love the Preston that I am getting to know more and more everyday.



Standing on his own by the boys' kitchen...
A very proud moment for him!



The kid has the biggest grin and the most infectious laugh and his comical personality is starting to show.  I thought Parker was a little joker, but I think Preston might take the cake for that one.  It is so much fun to see those two feed off each other and I cannot wait to watch their relationship grow.  Preston may also take the prize for being our biggest adrenaline junky...  He was eating a cracker and started coughing.  He is a very good eater (he 'chews' really good), so I wasn't too worried.  But then he coughed a second and a third time.  I was rushing over to scoop him up when he coughed out the cracker and then just started laughing hystarically.  I don't know if it was the thrill of choking or watching me rush and be so worried, but either way, I guess it was super funny.  And I guess I better get used to two boys scaring me half to death....

I obviously don't know what our future will bring and I could be cursing this child tomorrow, but right now Preston and I are in a very good place and I am SO excited to see what our future brings.  These two boys have taught me so much about myself and it is so fulfilling to see their individual personalities come out more and more everyday.  It is just a very heartwarming sneak peek into what our family's relationships may look like.

The Interminglings of My Insanity

Ok.. So today is a day that I need to vent.  And pity myself. And brag. And express any other random emotion that pops into my head while I am writing this.

To begin... I just want to say I'm sorry to any of you who feel like I have been a total flake lately.  My mind honestly feels like it is going to explode lately, so if I have seemed short lately, please don't take it personally!

I feel like I have had so much going on (but looking back, I don't think I really have) that I have not been able to give my whole self to the things I love/want to do as much as I wish I could.  I honestly have a headache just thinking about the things I wanted to have done by now.  However, I am so freaking tired that I cannot get ANY of them done (Side note.. I am not freakishly tired due to a pregnancy.. So let's lay that one to rest right now. Haha...)  I had all of these GRAND plans to do more things for myself and I had all of these goals set, and I think I have done MAYBE one of them (I'll have to look back and report on that when I'm not such a Debbie Downer).  I am happy to report, though, that Ben and I are taking an afternoon for ourselves this weekend.  'Auntie' Laura is going to watch the boys so we can go golfing.  And I'm sure I will have amusing stories for Sunday night or Monday of my golfing adventure.  Either way, I am excited for some time away from the brats.

Speaking of brats... Oh my goodness.  If someone would have offered me $20 for my child yesterday, I think I would have taken it.  I don't know if he is teething, growing, tired or just feeling a little spunky, but whatever it was.. I don't like it.  Preston didn't want to be held, didn't want to be standing, didn't want to be sitting, didn't want to eat, didn't want to sleep, but there was one thing he wanted to do (ok.. maybe two).... Scream and drive Mommy crazy.  Seriously.. I started going so looney that I would start laughing.  No joke, I have a screaming infant on one side of my, a poor toddler with his hands over his ears on the other, and me in the middle with this weird smile on my face.  Then, I would notice how weird I was being and laugh even more.  It was a slightly disturbing scene.  Luckily, the angel I call Preston returned to me today and he was his happy-go-lucky self again.  He was so dang cute today... He offically crawls (as of a week ago or so) and is close to mastering pulling himself up on things.  I think I shed a few tears today when I watched him crawl to his walker/push thing/whatever the heck you call it, pull himself up to stand behind it, and then push it across the room.  Granted, it took him a while to get from one side of the room to the other, but goodness.. He sure was proud of himself.  Little stink. 

Enough being happy.. Back to my pity party.. I am having a really hard time lately with the battle between 'do I need it, or just want it?'... One of my newest goals (one of many) is to get our bedroom redone.  I want to make a headboard, hang new pictures, make a couple of throw pillows and get new bedding.  However, my checking account and the number of hours in the day do not seem to agree with me on this newest venture.  I know I WANT to do it (really bad, may I add), but do I really NEED to?  I know your bedroom is supposed to be a place that you can retreat to at the end of the day and blah, blah, blah, but I seriously go in there to sleep and that is about it.  So, I am debating if I should put my time, money and energy into a different place (because I can promise you that I have more than one GRAND idea) or stick to my orginal plan and finish something that I told myself I was going to finish?  Ok, when I put it that way, I know I HAVE to finish the room now, but I guess my bedroom isn't the main issue (goodness.. listen to me ramble).  I just laugh because I have a 'wishlist.'  Yes.. One of those things that 16 year old girls make where they cut out pictures of cute clothes they want and other crap that they don't need and then leave it laying around the house at Christmas time, hoping that their parents find it.  Anways.. I have been feeling very guilty lately because I WANT so much.  Don't get me wrong.. I am VERY thankful for the things I have, but I think it is the disgusting human nature to want more.  And I hate that about me right now.  I see all of these people get what they want, when they want it and it makes me jealous.  I know I could go out and spend all of our money on clothes and artsy stuff and well.. Anything, but I don't.  I try to and then I get to the cash register and I'm like, 'Wow.. This shirt is the price of a box of diapers.' So, I put the shirt away and grab the box of diapers instead.  I guess what I'm trying to get at is, I wish I could be irresponsible for once.  I see so many people (with and without kids) being irresponsible with their money and I just wonder if they lay awake at night feeling so guilty the way I would?  Am I normal or are they?  I honestly don't even think I could find a 'happy medium.'  Not right now, atleast.  I guess I am just wondering if I am alone in this whole mess?

I would continue (with all of these random and broken) thoughts, but my exhaustion is coming on again, so I think my venting and pitying myself will have to wait for another day.