Moxie's closed... (frown)

I know I had read somewhere recently that Moxie's would be closing near the Labor Day weekend, however, I guess I assumed in my mind that they'd be open still today, being the Saturday before Labor Day.  Wrong!  We mistakenly told the kids that we had a surprise for them after dinner and the only hint I gave then was that we were taking them to a place where they could play.  We were all disappointed when we pulled in and saw that they were closed until next Mother's Day.  We ended up stopping at a little corner stand near Bubie's Garage in Poestenkill and enjoyed some hard serve ice cream.  And since the children were looking forward to being able to "play", we took them to Tamarac's playground for a 1/2 hour of play afterward.  The sun was setting, so we decided to stop at Blockbuster and pick up the original Willie Wonka movie.  All in all, despite the lack of fresh homemade ice cream, it was still a very nice evening with the family.  Now off to watch the movie! .....

Pecan Cinnamon Buns

This has been the summer of bread & cake making from scratch.  It began one morning in the early summer when Alex asked me to make pancakes for him.  Eager to please my recent graduate of Kindergarten, but lacking the staple box of Bisquick, I thought "wait a minute, can I make pancakes from scratch?".  So off I went to my trusty Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook and amidst the recipes for pancakes and waffles was a plethura of bread recipes.  I realized I'd never made any sort of bread from scratch which required the use of active yeast.  So I made the pancakes that morning and began a new challenge for myself, that of bread making.  That week we picked strawberries   and made jam (another first for us... the jam-making, that is).  Hmmm... now what will go well with fresh strawberry jam?  Aha!  Croissants!  How hard could those be to make?  Turns out, after searching online for a recipe, that in order to make a true croissant, it takes hours or prepping the dough and days of work.  I discovered why croissants are so buttery and flaky in layers.... purely the result of  "folding" the dough in layers of butter multiple times over the course of a day or so.   I found a recipe that was a nice compromise between the very first recipe and a no-labor required/open the tube and bake recipe for croissants.  The result was relatively time-consuming but wonderfully delicious!  I've tucked this recipe in my files under "worth the effort, but save for special occasion"!  

I had a packet of dry yeast in my fridge left over from the 3-pack I bought last month for the croissants that was screaming at me to be used, thus my project for today unfolded.  I debated on doing dinner rolls (which would have made 24 rolls and I would have ended up freezing some for later use) or cinnamon buns.  I'd never done either, but was hoping to make something with a punch of flavor.  Cinnamon rolls it is!  The thing that's nice about this recipe is that you can make the rolls ahead of time, plac

e them in their baking pan, cover and refrigerate them to bake the next morning.  I made a Caramel Pecan version this afternoon (which are SO YUMMY) and I have a batch ready for tomorrow's breakfast that will be the cinnamon with sugar glaze variety.  The recipe makes 24 buns, which is too much for us to eat, which is why I've saved half of them for tomorrow.  They end up baking relatively small, about 3 inches in diameter, so the 12 should be just about right for our appetites in the morning!

Check and check...

Two things "checked" off our summer to-do list.... 

I finally finished staining the children's wooden swing set.  We purchased the Rainbow play-system 2 years ago and I knew that it would require biannual maintenance in order to keep it in good shape.  At first glance I thought, "this should be easy; I can get this done in an afternoon".  WRONG!  When you look at it, it doesn't look like there's much wood but once I got started, realized that there's much more to it than I had thought.  Every side of every piece of wood had to be stained and trying not to get any of the hardware or accessory pieces stained was tricky.  All in all, I think I did a pretty decent job and I'm happy that it's FINALLY done!  I'm hoping that it will last another 2 years before it requires re-staining.

The second sigh of relief is that we picked up a new (to us) used car to replace Tim's truck which has put in a good effort in its last months.  We purchased the 1994 Ford Ranger truck from our best friends, about 5 years ago.  We only held a loan payment on it for a few months and we got several years with minimal repair costs.... the truck had served its purpose and didn't owe us a dime.  We'd been trying to squeeze every last week out of it and this time last year, we weren't quite sure it would even make it through the winter.  With its inspection expiring at the end of this month, and a heavy repair bill to get it to pass, we decided it was long overdue to get a more practical car for Tim.  We have the minivan now, so if we need to haul bigger items, it's almost as big as the bed of the pickup is, so we'll use the minivan now.  Tim's commute to work is roughly 45-55 minutes and the truck's gas mileage was less than desirable.  We spend hours searching online and basically concluded that our goal was to get something small, inexpensive to fit our budget, good gas mileage and 50K miles or less already on it.  We emailed and called on a lot of cars but the best deal that we found (looking at affordability as our primary priority) was a posting on Craigslist for a 2002 Hyundai Accent with 53K miles on it, one owner and a clean title.  I noticed that there were quite a few postings for the same vehicle with around 90-120K miles on it.... seems like that's when people are dumping them, my guess, for mechanical reasons.  So we figured that we ought to be able to get another 40-50K miles out of it before it needs any real major work done on it (we hope!).  That said, we should get 2-3 years with it... and for $4500, it was the most affordable option for us.  The gas mileage for highway is expected to be about 34 mpg.  We anticipate that Tim will only spend about $150/month (at the current gas rate) on gas commuting to work compared to the $250-280 he has been spending.  So Tim is happy that he has a newer vehicle to drive that he doesn't have to worry about breaking down and we're both happy that we found something that fits our budget pretty well.

  

Update on Terrible 6's

Okay... so here I am over a week later from my recent post regarding 6-year old behavior and I have to say that this past week has been MUCH better and we are, in fact, heading to Hoffman's Playland this afternoon!  Although Alex has lost his opportunity to have a chapter of Harry Potter read almost every night this week, that is the only thing he's lost each day, having no warnings or second chances given throughout the day.  This said, I think being more strict with him has paid off.  This means that he's only done, really, one thing each day that would be considered "bad behavior" (enough to warrant punishment, anyway).  The attitude that he exhibited last week has diminished substantially and our trip to the grocery store was much more successful.  

I began our trip by telling them, once we were in the parking lot, that we would not be using the car cart as we had the previous week because both of the children showed me through their behavior that they could not be trusted to use one.  I continued by telling them that if they argued with me about not using the cart, they would loose storytime that evening, but if they were good, we could get a car cart for the next trip.  They were both well-behaved for this trip and I was quite pleased with their behavior.

Of course Tuesday would have been the day for good behavior since Alex was much too lethargic to be bold due to his minor surgery.  But for the rest of the week, both Alex & Emily have played well together, sometimes going for hours of pretend play without one of them running to mommy with a problem.  I've baked a cake, gotten caught up on the laundry, and witnessed some truly wonderful sibling play time.  The major thing that I've changed in my parenting this past week has been not to give in, even the slightest, to Alex's wheelin and dealin with his punishments.  I haven't given him any second chances.  And most of the time, he doesn't even get a warning because I feel that he's old enough now and knows what good/acceptable behavior and bad/not acceptable behavior is.  The next thing that we are working on now is having respect.  We've worked on it a bit and I think the attitude has improved, but he has still raised his voice at me a couple of times  in a sort of disrespectful & "blaming" kind of tone.  I hope that my children will, throughout their lives, be respectful and kind human beings.... thus, the foundation must be laid now.

Carrot Cake

We're having dinner with my brother & sister-in-law this evening and I offered to make a dessert.  I guess baking cakes is sort of my forte this week because it was decided that I would make a carrot cake.  I was anxious to begin my baking this morning as I've never made a carrot cake from scratch.  Several months ago, I found a classic carrot cake recipe in an edition of Taste of Home Magazine and wanted to try it then but never did.  This was the same edition of the magazine where I was introduced to the (now infamous) Layered Mocha Cheesecake and Tiramisu brownies that I've made.  The cream cheese frosting is very creamy; perfect for smoothing on the cake but not very good to work with for decorating the cake with borders, etc.  I'm pretty happy with the way the cake came out.  I just hope it tastes as good as looks!  

Our little Trooper!

Well, I'm going to make this a quick post as an update on how Alex is doing.  Alex had very minor surgery done at the doctor's office this morning to remove a small "lesion" from the inside of his lower lip.  The little spot formed over a month ago, most likely the result of a cut on the inside of his mouth that didn't heal properly.  Unfortunately, the doctor recommended that he have it removed and removal required use of general anesthesia.  Alex was extremely sluggish and sore this morning and got sick from the anesthesia, but he is feeling MUCH better now.  He seems to be much more alert and has started making jokes with his sister.  Emily has been quite nurturing as well.  Having never seen Alex in that sort of "state" before, she became concerned and was mimicking some of the behaviors I exhibited, rubbing her hand over his hairline, etc.  Alex has had lots of hugs and words of encouragement this morning.  It's difficult as a parent to see your child in discomfort and know that there's little that you can do to comfort them.  We've been fortunate that we've only had to go through this sort of thing a handful of times in the last 6 years!  I think I can count on only 1 hand the number of times I've even been up at night with either of the kids due to illness.  It makes me really thankful, and my heart goes out to all of the mothers/fathers that have children who are chronically ill.

Boob Cake ***CAUTION - Not for little eyes!

So here was my "project" for the day.  Yes, you read the title correctly, I made a "Boob" cake.  And despite a slightly collapsed left breast (there were issues after getting it out of the pan), I would say that it almost met my expectations.  I underestimated the amount of flesh toned frosting I'd need, and wasn't able to create an upper chest area and slight shoulder line for the straps to rest on.  But despite this, (and the collapsed breast... did I mention that?) I think it looks pretty good.  All complete with a heart "tattoo" that reads the guest of honor's name and a sexy bra to go with it!  This project came about after talking with my friend, who's husband is hosting a bachelor party tomorrow night that hubby will be going to.  The food will be BBQ style and I offered to make something for hubby to bring.... aha!  How about a cake?  And not just ANY cake, of course... something appropriate for the occasion.   I hope the guys like it! 

Mary, Mary, quite contrary....

How does your garden grow?  Well, as for OUR garden, it could be better, but it could also be worse!  Despite the apparent lack of nutrient that stunted the growth of our corn, and the abundance of rock/shale and clay, we DID manage to grow some veggies this year.  We began harvesting green beans and cucumbers a few weeks ago.  Recently, we've picked squash, zucchini, tomatoes (viva italia & cherry), and peppers.  The corn was growing well, then tassled before it was tall enough to assume we'd get any kind of harvest, but, believe it or not, we've actually picked a couple of ears, albeit, they are very small.  Our entire carrot and lettuce crop became dinner for some lucky bunny that had an open door to the garden 2 weeks ago.  And we have 2 watermelons that we are hopeful will mature to an edible size.  All of the rain we've had seems to have put a damper on our pumpkin crop.  Any time there's been even the slightest hint of a small pumpkin formation, it rots within a day or so.  You can see how rocky our garden is by looking at the pics.  I'm amazed that anything grew at all!  And the last picture is what I harvested yesterday.  We enjoyed a yummy salad and breaded zucchini for dinner!

More Free stuff

I recently stopped by the Freegrabber website and found some other offers for "FREE" stuff. Check out the links below:

Sample of Sundance Organic Superfruit Tea Blend.

Welcome Home Pack from SC Johnson Companies. The first 10,000* registrants only will receive a free 10-count pack of medium Ziploc® Brand Zip 'n Steam™ Microwave Steam Cooking Bags and one Glade® Air Infusions® in Clean Linen™ fragrance as well as $7.60 in coupons to enjoy.

Free bag of Iams Premium Protection dog or cat food.  Coupon sent via email. http://www.startsampling.com/sm/100323

Free Pampers Potty Training Kit.

Free Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn Cakes sample.

BPA-free Baby Bottles

After a recent discussion with another mom-friend about nursing and bottle feeding, I've decided to do some light research on BPA-free products and found that there's a few companies that make BPA-free baby bottles.  One that I found, called "Born Free" can be found at BabysR'Us.  Medela is also making a baby bottle that is BPA-free and I just came across a promotion to get a free bottle.  Check out this link:

BPA-Free Bottle

I just registered to get one for free and it said it may take 4-6 weeks for delivery, but all I had to do was register with their site!  Enjoy the freebie!

Terrible 6?!?!

UGHH!!!  I just don't know what to do anymore.  Maybe it's because I'm not used to having Alex home 24/7, and he's not used to being bored, but these mental games that my soon-to-be 6 year old has been playing with me have got me fed up!  Over the last week, in particular, Alex has been playing games with me, changing his mind about what he wants to eat for lunch and then pitching a fit when he doesn't get his way, lying to me when I ask him a simple question because it might mean that he might actually have to get off his butt and do something, or just plain not listening to me.  His sister often acts as partner in crime but not NEARLY as often as he is!  Ironically, they are playing relatively well together, with few arguments and cries of "Mommy, Alex did (fill in the blank) to me".  So I guess I should be happy about that.  But what to do about my little/big first grader who is once again, testing his boundaries?!?!  Yesterday we went to the grocery store and I let the kids have fun with the "car cart" (it's the grocery cart that has a car in the front for the kids to ride in).  Although they weren't fighting, they were being VERY silly and tickling each other.  I allowed the tickling to continue until arms, legs and head came flying out from the sides, posing a potential hazard to their limbs as I wheeled through the aisles and passed other carts.  I asked, Alex and Emily both nicely to keep their hands to themselves and explained to them why they needed to tone the silliness down.  To no avail, they continued.  I repeated this several times until I finally had to tell them that we wouldn't be going to Hoffman's Playland this week if they continued (which they did).  

Our next stop was Walmart to get school supplies for Alex.  He was in good spirits and excited about our trip "for him" at first.  But he quickly became disinterested in looking for things on the list and remembered that I had told them we wouldn't be going to Hoffman's this week.  Once he got the idea in his head that we wouldn't be going, it was all over!  He began to whine and stick his biggest pouty lip out as I was browsing the Kleenex's.  Then the tears came.   I warned him that if he continued the poor behavior, he'd loose Hoffman's for next week.  Fortunately, we were just about done with our shopping.

Today at lunch he changed his mind 3 times about what he wanted to eat.  (He ultimately got what he want, thus, I feel as though I gave in and was manipulated)

While bringing laundry upstairs, I noticed a lollipop stick on the carpet, this, after I specifically asked them to put the sticks in the garbage when they were done with their special "treat".  I questioned both children and here's how the conversation went:

Beth: "Alex & Emily, do you know who's lollipop stick is on the carpet upstairs?"

Alex: "It's Emily's" 

Beth: "Emily, is that your lollipop stick?"

Emily: "No, I put mine in the garbage"

Beth: "Oh really?  Which garbage?"

Emily: "In my bedroom"

Beth: "Alex, did you throw yours out?"

Alex: "Yeah"

Beth: "Which garbage did you use, tell me the truth?" 

Alex: "well, um, mom, it's mine, but you know why I told you it was Emily's?  Because I didn't want to get up and throw it away".

So, I try to calmly explain to him that he wasn't going to be in trouble if it was his, that all I wanted him to do was to throw it away.... that lying to me about it was bad and that I'm disappointed in him for lying.  I tell him to go upstairs and throw it away, to which he replies (whining) , " but I don't want to, I'm not gonna".

So..... what does a mother do?  Do I threaten no ice cream tonight at Jumpin Jacks?  Do I take Hoffman's away for next week too?  I can't let him manipulate me and speak to me in the tone that he did... but this, all over a silly little lollipop stick on the floor!?!?!  

The game continues..... stomping and pouting his way up the stairs, he tells me he's "not gonna throw it away".  5 minutes later he returns to the kitchen and says "I didn't do it".  To which, I reply "I'm going to ask you once and if you don't tell me the truth, you won't be eating ice cream tonight; did you throw it away?"  He nods his head, yes.

HELP!  I know this is normal, I just can't tell if I'm really in control of it or not!

   

Hilarious, yet potentially immoral?

I am a member of the Bzzagent website and I just came across this website that is SO FUNNY, but I have mixed feelings about it because it's sort of one of those services that could be helpful but has the potential for being very naughty.  It's called SlyDial.

Check it out:

Visit slydial

Smart Shopping

I've posted on our 4livingstons.com site in the past about this, but I was so proud of myself yesterday for the great bargains I got, I decided to write about it again today.  I've been so frustrated with the rising cost of living lately that I've really been thrifty about my spending habits, particularly when it comes to groceries and household items.  Since March, I've been clipping coupons weekly, scouring the Sunday paper's ads for deals & looking for ways to cut back on expenses in general.  So let's get down to the nitty gritty of my shopping trip yesterday.

Can you believe I got all of this stuff for $14.74?!?!?!  

Here's what I bought:

Price Chopper

$5 (2) boxes Raisin Bran

$4 (2) boxes Froot Loops

$4 (2) boxes Apple Jacks

$4 (2) 2 packages Keebler cookies

$4 (2) packages Keebler cheese/crackers

$2 (1) box Crest toothpaste

$4.99 (3) boxes Puffs Tissues

$3.99 (1) Lysol spray + wipes

Rite Aid (all FREE after rebate)

1 Gillette Fusion Razor

1 package Old Spice Disposable razors

1 bottle Gillette shampoo

1 Revlon Nail polish

So here's the catch, my out of pocket expense was $40.21 but I will be getting back $25.47 in rebates in the next few weeks, which is how I arrived at the total final cost of $14.74.  The first 10 items on the list are part of a promotion through Kellogg's.  If you purchase 10 Kellogg's/Eggo/Keebler products on one receipt, you get $10 back by mail in rebate.  I had coupons from this week's paper which brought my initial cost for each of these items down from $21 to $17.  Then, Price Chopper is running an additional program where if you purchase those 10 items, they also give you a coupon good toward $10 off your next purchase at Price Chopper.  So I turned right around and bought the 1/2 gal milk, 3 Oikos yogurt & 2 frozen lemonades..... basically, all for FREE!!!   The Crest ended up being FREE as well after I doubled my $1 off coupon, the Puffs 3 pack was $2.99 after I doubled my $1 off coupon and finally, the Lysol spray + wipes was $1.99 by using a $2 off coupon.  Most of the coupons I used I found in this past Sunday's paper.

Pre-Nesting Possibly?

For the last couple of weeks, I've been on a mission to finish unfinished projects around the house like reorganizing our filing system and finally completing Emily's baby book (she's almost 3 1/2 years now).  I've been paying particular attention to reducing daily clutter and doing things I'd never worried about before like making the beds (even the childrens') before noon.  I started to think about this new "mission" that has overcome me and pondered, "could this be a sort of 'pre-nesting' state?  In case you need some clarification, yes, that means we're working on baby #3 ....  

A little bit of history

I've been trying to keep up with our family blog site (www.4livingstons.com) since the construction of our new home began last summer.  In an attempt to "learn" more about the ever-changing world of blogging, I've decided to start from scratch again and stumble through as time goes on.  This blog will mostly be posts about random topics that come into my brain as I'm meandering through my daily routine of childrearing and housework.  Some of the topics that may appear include recipes, fun quotes & parenting tips, parenting issues, books, craftiness and of course, pictures of my wonderful family!  Perhaps you'll find a topic of interest or some useful information that will help you in your life.  Either way, I hope you enjoy and please comment often as I'd love to get some feedback on my thoughts!