Dear God…Thank You for Rainbows - and our Nice Family.

By simplesahm | August 11, 2008

I am starting to realize that I could learn a lot from a 5 year old.

I’ve always considered myself to be someone who delights in simple things…a stunning sunset, a quiet walk in the woods…an unusually calm restaurant meal with preschoolers…

But sometimes, I forget to thank the one who makes it all happen.

Lately, Jenna-bean has been randomly praying. I love it.

Tonight…on the way home from our not-so-traditional Sunday night family dinner (aka…whatever local restaurant cuisine we are in the mood for)….

I catch Jenna praying while looking at a stunning rainbow that covered our city.

“Dear God…thank you for rainbows and our nice family”.

As someone who always found rainbows to be pretty spectacular…I am delighted that she feels the same about our “nice family. =)

Just What I Needed Today…A Free Household Management Chart

By simplesahm | August 9, 2008

Today was one of those days that seem to be happening all too often lately.  I spend the day frantically running around…cleaning, errands, laundry, more cleaning…more laundry…etc…  only to end the day thinking I got absolutely nothing accomplished. 

While surfing the web tonight…I found this site, “Mommyclub.ca” that offers free printable checklists (including my personal favorite which offers a checklist of things to do around the house). 

I don’t know about you…but sometimes I just like to be told what to do..and when to do it. =) 

12 Awesome Tips: How To Be A Great Mom

By simplesahm | August 6, 2008

Obviously, a great mom loves her kids, takes care of their basic physical and emotional needs, and spends quality time with them. But what are the subtler, less obvious ways to become a great mom?

read more | digg story

A Few Kitchen "Sprintcuts" for Busy Cooks

By simplesahm | August 6, 2008

Have you heard of “sprintcuts” yet? It is a cool video campaign by Sprint that shows viewers how to do things faster…. Here are two of my favorites…view more (like how to “quick pour ketchup” at waitless.org.

Quickly Peel a Potato

Quickly Peel Boiled Eggs

What? God isn’t here to make me happy?

By simplesahm | August 4, 2008

I am feeling extra whiny today about various things in my life that I have no control over. Nothing serious…just annoying.
Thankfully, in mid-whine…my husband told me to go grab a coffee at a local coffee shop and “settle down a bit”. (Those were probably well-calculated words). =)

So, here I sit - doing a little google-searching, and soul searching. I am a big fan of Rick Warren so I thought I’d “Google him”. Here are some powerful snippets of the interview that has helped pull me out of self-pity mode (until I finish my coffee, at least).

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you’re just coming out of one, or you’re getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that’s not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.
You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems. If you focus on your problems, you’re going into self-centeredness,’which is my problem, my issues, my pain.’ But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.

Are You a Tigger, or an Eyore? Living the Last Lecture Legacy

By simplesahm | August 1, 2008

There are so many lessons to be learned by “The Last Lecture”…”live life to the fullest”…”tell the truth…”play more”. 

Amidst the most profound lessons, Randy asked a life changing question - “are you a Tigger or an Eyore”.

In honor of Randy…I had a “Tiggerish” day and I encouraged my kids to do the same.

The morning started with a simple question for both of them…

“Are you going to be a Tigger or an Eyore today?”

My preschoolers (ages three and five) naturally shouted “TIGGER”. 

“What’s the difference between Tigger and Eyore?” I asked my kids.

My daughter responded…”Tigger is always happy, but Eyore is always grumpy”.

So we decided to devote our day to “Tigger-ish-ness”.

We made pancakes and flipped them high into the air…”order up”, I shouted as the kids held their plates high into the air while they giggled feverishly.

We also made a clubhouse out of bed sheets….let the guinea pigs run in the yard and searched for treasure at the local “Goodwill”. 

This isn’t an atypcial day at the Anderson house…in fact, it’s pretty routine.  However, we decided to partake in the fun with Tigger-ish attitudes.  No one whined, no one complained (including mommy) and everyone enjoyed the day.

It was a day that would make Tigger proud…and thanks to Randy - I am reminded to have them daily.

Which leads me to wonder…are you a Tigger or an Eyore? 

Post your response in the comments section?

Simple & Fun Kids Activity - Milk & Dishsoap"Fireworks"

By simplesahm | July 30, 2008

Ever since the Fourth of July…my kids have been begging to see a fireworks show again.  I remembered seeing a little note that was sent home from my daughter’s summer camp showing how to make safe & fun “fireworks” from home. 

It was a lot of fun..and a wonderful learning experience for the kids.  Y

You simply take 2 or three cups of milk…put it in a pan and let the kids add drops of food coloring randomly in the milk. 

Then, allow the kids to put droplets of dishsoap on top of the drops of food coloring.  The reaction(caused by the milk-fat mixing with soap) looks like a mini fireworks show.

Our favorite part of this activity was watching the colors blend together. 

Here are some photos of our fireworks show.  (The colors aren’t nearly as vibrant as they are “live”. =) )

Enjoy!

Randy Pausch, Last Lecture Author Dies

By simplesahm | July 25, 2008

Very rarely am I moved by a YouTube video.  Sometimes I find them funny…sometimes interesting - but very rarely am I truly touched. 

That was until I stumbled upon Randy Pausch’s last lecture.  It made me laugh.   It made me cry.  It  made me feel encouraged…and best of all, it made me remember how blessed I am. 

If you haven’t listened to the lecture…I’ve posted it below. 

Randy leaves behind three young children and an adoring wife whose courage is also inspiring. I remember an interview she did where she discussed the inevitability of losing her husband (and the father of her children).  Her response….”I have everything I need”.   She says it is her motto. 

Thanks to Randy’s inspirational message and his wife’s courage…it is my motto too.

God bless you Randy.  You will be missed. 

Attention Children: The Bathroom Door is Closed

By simplesahm | July 20, 2008

Attention Children: The Bathroom Door is Closed! Author Unknown

Please do not stand here and talk, whine, or ask questions. Wait until I get out. Yes, it is locked. I want it that way. It is not broken.

I am not trapped. I know I have left it unlocked, and even open at times since you were born, because I was afraid some horrible tragedy might occur while I was in there, but it’s been 10 years and I want some PRIVACY.

Do not ask me how long I will be. I will come out when I am done.

Do not bring the phone to the bathroom door. Do not go running back to the phone yelling: “She’s in the BATHROOM!”

Do not begin to fight as soon as I go in. Do not stick your little fingers under the door and wiggle them. This was only funny when you were two.

Do not slide pennies, Legos, or notes under the door. Even when you were two, this got a little tiresome.

If you have followed me down the hall talking, and are still talking as you face this closed door, please turn around, walk away and wait for me in another room. I will be glad to listen to you when I am done.

Oh … And yes, I still love you. Mom

Strawberry Freezer Jam

By simplesahm | July 19, 2008

Strawberry Freezer Jam

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