The Remote Duck

"Where's the remote?"

How many times have you heard or asked that question?
For me the next question is, "Ok, I'm serious, where IS the remote??"
Next, I'm tossing couch cushions in the air, muttering to myself, where's the bleeping remote??!!

You know you need it, you know it's always hiding. These flat screen t.v.s have hidden buttons that, to me, are impossible to figure out.

Well I have a solution. Something you can do that will make it nearly impossible to lose those pesky remotes ever again. You will need:
1. String or ribbon.
2. A stuffed animal that you don't mind seeing frequently.
3. Tape.

Tie one end of the string to the stuffed animal, and the other end to the remote. I find it necessary to tape the ribbon to the back of the remote for reinforcement. I have included pictures of our beloved "Remote Duck" It is a scraggly looking puppet of a duck that quacks portions of the tune, "Here Come's Peter Cottontail" every time you close it's beak. In my defense, I chose the duck in a moment of desperation. It now has become a novelty. BUT. . .  I LOVE this duck. He has a Ruth and Naomi thing goin' on with the remotes, "Whither they goeth, HE goeth" The only thing that stands between our family and our t.v. experience - is that scrappy little duck, who is oh, so easy to find.

Our Remote Duck in all his glory.

Ribbon tourniquet. Don't worry, he likes it.

Reinforced with tape. This is especially necessary
if you have kids that like to fiddle with stuff.

So if you ever find yourself asking, "Where is the remote???" I suggest you go find yourself a duck, or other "remote-ly" cute animal to become your new best friend.

Your Welcome.

Don't Let The Pigeon. . . .

Have you ever read the pigeon books by Mo Willems? If the answer is no, then you haven't lived. If the answer is yes, then you know what I'm talking about. We ran across them at the library a few years ago and have gotten bit by the pigeon bug. The thing I love about Mo Willems' books is they are so simple yet amusing at the same time. They are extremely entertaining not only to listen to but to read aloud. Some of our favorites are:
(first and foremost, obviously) DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!

DON'T LET THE PIGEON STAY UP LATE!
THE PIGEON NEEDS A BATH!
THE PIGEON WANTS A PUPPY!
THE PIGEON FINDS A HOTDOG!
THE DUCKLING GETS A COOKIE!?

We even got the DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! Boardgame. It's great fun for preschoolers and grown-ups alike. If you enjoy driving a miniature bus around the city in a race to collect a driver's license, a set of keys, a hot dog and a knuffle bunny then this game is for you.

Sometimes I wish Mr. Willems would hold a contest to find the cleverest title/subject for his next Pigeon book. Mia and I actually have made a little game out of it, we call it, the don't let the pigeon game. To play, you just say, "Don't let the pigeon. . ." and then you add something random at the end. Some of our favorites are:
Don't let the pigeon get a perm!
Don't let the pigeon perform open heart surgery!
Don't let the pigeon audit your business!
Don't let the pigeon date your daughter!
Don't let the pigeon run for president!
Don't let the pigeon grate the cheese!
Don't let the pigeon do your taxes!!!

What? You got anything better? Post it in the comments below.
Thanks Mr. Mo Willems for sparking our imaginations by writing/illustrating such masterpieces.

p.s. If you like the pigeon books, you really should check out the Elephant and Piggie series and "That is Not a Good Idea" You won't be disappointed.
p.s.s. For more Mo Willems fun, check out this website:  http://www.pigeonpresents.com/ or here http://mowillemsstuff.blogspot.com/

Great Expectations? or Back To School Remedy: Part 2

I guess it's time to go buy myself a freaky hairless chihuahua.
If you read my last post, you'll understand.
Yesterday I went to make the "back-to-school" cookies and I didn't have butter so I reluctantly started using margarine; only to realize that I don't have any brown sugar. At that point I gave up for the day and ended up just taking Will out for a soda. Today was Spencer's first day. I went to the store and bought butter and brown sugar. When I got home, I started to make the cookies again and . . . . drumroll. . . .  I didn't have enough eggs!!!! Warm fuzzies gone for everyone concerned. I quit.
Just let it go Rochelle.

This is me letting go of my cookie expectations.

(photo courtesy of Margarita Tartakovsky)

And this is Spencer making cookies for himself.

I'm such a great mom.

In my defense, he volunteered. I was fuming before but I've had a good laugh and I'm going to go help him make them now. 

Lesson of the day for mom; maybe Elsa has things figured out, letting go feels great.

Lesson of the day for the kids; Cookies taste just as good, if not better, when you help make them.

Back To School Remedy: A Heaping plate of Gratitude and Chocolate Chip Cookies

Granted, going back to school (public, private, or charter) is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful for all parties involved. I think the kids have the worst end of the stick though. Leaving their comfort zone (home), venturing out into a new environment, let by new authority figures, different rules, expectations, peers, trends, schedules, etc. No wonder some kids (especially with pre-existing behavioral or emotional issues) struggle.

So what can we do as moms to lighten the blow? Can we start by helping them feel prepared and empowered? Help them appreciate the opportunity to obtain an education? (Check out this clip for instant gratitude) How about helping them by filling their tummies with unhealthy yummy chocolaty laden goodness? That's right, I'm talking Mrs. Fields Chocolate Chip Cookies and no, they're not organic. But you can pretend they're fat free. ;)

I feel so "Donna Reed" right now, but each year, on the 1st day of school, I move mountains to make sure there's a big plate of warm chocolate chip cookies on the table when the kids get home. I may not get the dishes washed, or even get dressed that day, but I'll own a freaky hairless chihuahua before I'll let this tradition die.

Quick story, My Grandma lived in Woodland, Utah across the valley from Mrs. Fields, who graciously shared her Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe with Grandma. I should clarify, I don't know if it was her top secret recipe, but really, I don't care, they're delicious.

Try them out. Just be aware that you may need to alternate baking times depending on your altitude.
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Mrs. Field's Chocolate Chip Cookies
Non-Oatmeal Version
1 lb. room temperature real butter
1 1/2 c. White Sugar
2 c. Brown Sugar
4 Large Eggs
1 Tbsp. Vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
1 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
5 1/2 -6 c. Flour
1 Bag of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Bake at 350 Degrees 9-11 minutes (or till desired golden brown-ness).

Oatmeal Version
1 lb. room temperature real butter
2 c. White Sugar
2 c. Brown Sugar
4 Large Eggs
2 tsp. Vanilla
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Salt
2 tsp. Baking Soda
4 1/2 c. Flour
4 1/2 c. Oats
1 Bag of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Bake at 400 Degrees for 8 to 10 minutes (or till desired golden brown-ness).

Beat butter and sugar well. Beat in eggs vanilla, baking powder, soda and salt. Stir in flour. Add Chocolate Chips and Oatmeal last. Bake on a greased cookie sheet, I like to undercook them just a little so they are nice and soft.
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(Lifting a cookie in the air, and talking with my mouth full) Here's to hoping the back to school chaos goes as quickly as it comes, and that you like the recipe.

p.s. If you're not a chocolate fan, we can still be friends and you are welcome to try my firend Lydia's amazing "Back To School Cinnamon Rolls." Hey, different treat - same good feelings generated by ingestion of semi-unhealthy gooey comfort food. Thanks Lydia!
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Beck's Back-to-School Cinnamon Rolls
Dough:
2 Tbsp. Yeast
1 Tbsp. Granulated Sugar
1tsp. Salt
1 c. Warm Water
1 c. Milk
6 Tbsp. Butter
1/2 c. Granulated Sugar
3 Eggs, well beaten
7 c. Flour

Filling:
4 Tbsp. Butter, Melted
1 c. Brown Sugar, packed
2 Tbsp. Cinnamon
Dissolve yeast, 1 Tbsp. Granulated sugar and salt in water. Scald mild and add 6 Tbsp. butter and 1/2 c. granulated sugar. Cool. Add eggs. Add 2 cups flour to the yeast mixture. Beat until smooth. Add the milk mixture to the batter and stir in remaining flour. Knead to make a smooth dough and place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and allow to rise to double the bulk. Divide dough into four sections and roll each 1/2 inch. Brush top with butter. Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle on top. Roll jelly-roll fashion and cut into 1/2 slices (dental floss works really well for cutting). Place cut side down in greased cookie sheet. Cover and allow to rise until doubled (about an hour), then bake at 350 until lightly golden brown (approx. 18-20 minutes). Cool and frost with buttercream frosting.

Frosting: 
1/2 c. Butter, Softened
2 Tbsp. Shortening
4 c. Powdered Sugar
1 Tbsp. Vanilla
Dash of Salt
2 Tbsp. Milk
Mix until smooth. Add more milk if too thick and more sugar if too thin.

**Then be sure to deliver them to some friends and neighbors, so they TOO can look forward to something on the first day of school :)

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Please pass the milk.

We're All A Hot Mess

Amen Jane. Amen.

Bickersticks Changed My Life

Listen. Kids fight. They don't get along. They tease each other and press each others buttons. This is as predictable as Celine Dion's heart going on and on. I don't know about you but these little rifs affect me. Try as I might to go to my happy place and let my dear little angels figure out their problems, their little spats grate my nerves to no end. My sister Delynn spared my poor nerves the day she told me about bicker sticks on Pinterest.
Bickersticks.
Have you heard of them?
When I went to find them on Pinterest, they were nowhere to be found. As it turns out, they go by the name of  "The Get-Along Jar." Check it out.

Concept: an argument brews. You say the magic words, "Go get a bickerstick." Both culprits go to the jar. One of them takes out a bickerstick. (It may be necessary for you to draw a stick. After all, they're already fighting).They must do whatever the stick says. End of story. No re-draws, no disputes. You act out, you do the bickerstick. 
Here's a couple of examples:

• "Say three nice things about the other person.
• Turn on some music and dance together for at least five minutes.
• Read a storybook together, taking it in turns to each read a page.
• Set the table together.
• Clear out the car.
• Make up a ‘getting along song’ and perform it for the family.
• Make the other person’s bed.
• Write a poem for the other person"
• 
  
• Brilliant right? Maxabella from Parenting/Kidspot, I tip my hat to you, and thank you for your abounding genius.
• 
  

Leftover Restaurant

Hallelujah! Leftover Night Gets a Makeover
How many nights have you racked your brain trying to think of what to make for dinner while days worth of leftovers are sitting in the fridge destined to be thrown away? For me it's too many to count. We started something new this year. I knew it was fun but I didn't know it was a success til last night when I told my twelve-year-old son that it was "leftover night." He surprised me by responding, "Leftover night? YES!!!"

I exaggerate not.

"Restaurant" is the idea, but getting rid of leftovers is the overall objective.
You will need four-ish things:
1)A waitress: This works especially well if you have younger kids that have just learned to write (although last night I was the waitress and it was fun).
2)A pad of paper and pencil.
3)Leftovers: Preferably edible.
4)A Chef: Someone who knows how to operate a microwave and reanimate food. It's a gift.

The waitress puts on her apron. I take the pad of paper and write each menu item and next to it I write how many people can choose it.
It may look something like this:

Chicken Enchiladas (2)
Beef Stroganoff (1)
Roast and Potatoes (3)
Pizza (3)

The waitress takes the pad and pencil and goes to each person in the family, reading them the menu, writing their initial next to the food they want and feeling really important. She then delivers the list to the chef who promptly heats up the food.
Yes, everyone starts eating at slightly different times (the poor microwave can only reheat so much at a time), but your fridge gets cleaned out, somebody gets to practice reading and writing, and empty tummies are filled.
Success.

Bon Apetit!

p.s. thank you Someecards and imgflip.com for your hilarious memes.