How to be Perfectly "Miserable"....

How to Be Perfectly Miserable

Think about yourself,

Talk about yourself,

Use "I" as often as possible,

Mirror yourself continually in the opinion of others

Listen greedily to what people say about you,

Expect to be appreciated,

Be suspicious,

Be jealous and envious,

Be sensitive to slights,

Never forgive a criticism,

Trust nobody but yourself,

Insist on consideration and respect,

Demand agreement with your own views on everything,

Sulk if people are not grateful to you for favors shown,

Never forget a service you may have rendered,

Be on the outlook for a good time yourself,

Shirk you duties if you can,

Do as little as possible for others,

Love yourself supremely and ...

Be Selfish!

This recipe is guaranteed infallible!!

Author Unknown..

are these little girls not Sweet?!

I found this video years ago and was captivated by it!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8dZom-srPM
Check it out..they did so well for their age...

Smoothies...a building Block for Healthy Living

One of our favorite things to do is make nutritious smoothies. They are easy and fun to blend up. I would recommend a good quality blender because once your family gets a taste of these, they will be asking for Smoothies often!

The Basic Smoothie:


2 bananas

10-12 frozen strawberries

1 cup of apple juice
 
 
The High-C Smoothie:

2 bananas

1 orange

2 kiwis

10-12 frozen strawberries

½ cup of frozen blueberries

1-2 cups of orange juice
 

Eclectic Smoothie

2 bananas

1 apple

1 orange

1 chunk of fresh pineapple

1-2 cups of apple juice
 
There are so many variations and options. You can add any fruit and sometimes you can add soymilk, whole milk or rice milk.  Our family enjoys these as a wholesome breakfast, midday "pick-me-up" snack
or even a bedtime snack. I sneak in some BarleyLife for an added serving of fibre and important vitamins especially for the little ones.
 
 
 

Peaches n' Cream Smoothie

2 Bananas

1 cup of frozen peaches

1 cup apple juice


Exotic Smoothie:

2 bananas


1 mango

2 kiwis

½ a papaya

10-12 frozen strawberries


1-2 cups cranberry juice

Berry Refresher:



2 bananas


1 cup of raspberries


½ cup frozen blueberries

10-12 frozen strawberries


1-2 cups cranberry juice

Happy Smoothie Making!

Around the Corner....

Hello All!

We have been blessed here at the "Nest" and have been soaking up whatever sun we can, savoring Summer.
I have found that the last week has been getting cooler and some nights we've been doubling up the blankets. That can only mean that summer is almost on the way out and around the corner is September and Fall. 

I have been making it a purpose to try to "rise up early" again like I do every year around this time. I am trying to train my body to get on an earlier schedule so that I have a few weeks to ease up to it.  Sadly, with me it's been hit and miss. I admit it-I love my sleep too much. 

I think I may need to head to Wal-Mart and purchase an alarm clock. I know too well the feeling of starting the day later and trying to play "catch-up" the rest of the day. NOT how I want to start September. My personal goal is to be up out of bed at 6:30 and I think that is more realistic than my original 6:00 a.m goal. It doesn't help that the children enjoy their sleep in the mornings too and sometimes can sleep in till 9:00 am!

 Along with getting up early, I have started to write out my routine in my Home Management Binder and started to fill out my menu plans and lunchbox ideas for September. It takes some planning and organizing to get 2 preschoolers up ready for their programs, and  4 children ready for school. 

 The mornings are full with making lunches, getting diapers changed, overseeing that  6 children are dressed appropriately, boys hair combed, girls hair done up, wholesome breakfast made and eaten in set amount of time,  6 sets of  teeth brushed, 6 faces washed, homework put in proper backpacks, and all outdoor clothing on properly. Not too mention prayers that are prayed, kisses and hugs exchanged and words of blessing spoken over their day. It is very busy but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

With that being said, we still have to finish purchasing back to school clothing and switch over from summer to fall clothing. This includes going through ALL the clothing in all the dressers and getting rid of clothes that are out of season and no longer fit. I have an account with a second-hand store called "Mainly Clothes" here in town that carrys "mint" condition Brand name clothing . I bring my clothes there for exchange of in-store credit. Last time I went to browse there, I had $25 in my account from my old stuff being sold! It felt so great to be able to buy more kids clothes with my in store credit- it felt like I was getting it all for free!

Yesterday I bought all the children their new socks and underwear, because after a year of washing it is incredible at how many mismatched sets there are, and of course with boys there are numerous holes in their socks. I like to start Fresh. I bought some of their school supplies too.  I bought them cute stainless steel hot food containers for their lunches, as with many children they do get bored with sandwhiches all the time.

We are trying to be as prepared as we can for this school year. I find each year that comes around it does get a little bit more challenging because there is usually one more child starting school and it takes me a good few weeks to get my routine down pat and for things to run smooth in the morning...that is until I messe it up by sleeping  in!! ha!


Praying I will be able to master getting up early in the next 2 weeks!!! 

so true

Summer Fun!

Hello Everyone;


We have been enjoying our summer days here at the Nest immensely. Each day has been filled with activities, beach days, daytrips and lots of birthdays. We have four birthdays alone just in the month of August! That has meant alot of  BBQ's, spending time with loved ones and friends, and CAKE.


One of the fun things the children enjoy doing each summer is creating their own "Lemonade Stand". This is often set up in our living room and the odd time they are allowed to go out to the front of our house on the sidewalk to setup and sell their lemonade to families or children walking by. They are at the point now where they can make the lemonade on their own with minimal help and its wonderful to see them work together cooperating for their common goal.

They spend the morning creating their own signs, making their own  little money box and getting all the cups and the pitcher ready. With their permission I thought I would share with you all the recipe that  they use. It is super easy , yet is not necessarily for the health conscious ! ha!

 

EASY LEMONADE

Mix well in a 2 quart pitcher:

1 cup lemon juice

1 cup sugar

6 cups of cold water

Chill until ready to serve~

PS. For the most enjoyable lemonade experience, pour into frosty clear glasses and garnish with a sliced lemon and a fresh strawberry or cherry !!

oh...and dont forget the ICE!

I will post later in the week  but just wanted to say hello and update you all.

Cheers!