That's a Wrap

Twenty thirteen is coming to a close and as I look back, the only word that comes to mind is...BUSY! I spent a good part of this year providing childcare, often up to 12 hours a day. Throw in my own 6 kids and a hubby that worked nearly EVERY day throughout the year and it all seems to be a bit of a blur. I've recently found myself running out of steam. I miss spending time with just my family, even though I have come to love the "littles" that I care for. Tomorrow is my last day as a childcare provider. I'll miss the kids, but it is what is best for my family. 

It seems strange to think that when the big kids go back to school on Thursday, the only "little" I'll have at home with me is Stella. I'm actually excited to do some "mommy school" with her. With all the chaos that has been going on here everyday, I really haven't had much of a chance to do any of the fun things I did with the older kids when they were her age. It actually makes me sad because she's my baby. It's like I've robbed her of those moments by spreading myself too thin. :( Darn that mommy guilt...it gets me every time!

Oh well, there is no turning back now, the new year is knocking on the door and I, for one, am happy to have a fresh start. Farewell 2013 and welcome 2014!

Happy New Year! 

From Our Home To Yours...

Wordless Wednesday {Way Back When...}

Raise Your Hand if You Like to Get Crafty

It's no secret that my favorite kids crafts are those that use my little one's hand print. When I pull them out from year to year, it's nice to see how tiny they once were. Here are a few from our past. They're all super easy and adorable! 

Hand print ornaments make great gifts for grandparents!

Christmas Trees

Reindeer

A hand print wreath.

These are, hands down, some of my favorite Christmas crafts!

 

Oh Christmas Tree...

The past several weeks we've manage to squeeze in just about as much Christmas fun as we can handle. We decorated a tree for Treefest, helped to decorate the church, went to the Parade of Lights, went to our town's Santa party for the kids, and headed back to Treefest so we could marvel at the amazing display of trees and entertainment. Throw in some shopping, work, and school and we found ourselves with very little time to deck the halls at our own home! Finally, this weekend we managed to get a tree and, although it took us two days to get it up and decorated, we finally got it done!  

The girls did almost all of the decorating and I think they did a fabulous job! It's finally starting to feel like Christmas around here. Now all we need is some more snow. Today, school was cancelled due to an approaching storm, but it turned out to be a bust. 

There wasn't even enough snow to cover the grass! I guess we'll just have to be patient and hope "the big one" comes soon!

 

Spreading the Christmas Joy

I'm usually a "one holiday at a time" kind of person. Seeing Christmas ads on tv and the store shelves packed with Christmas goodies before Halloween makes me cringe. This year, I'm finding it harder to resist decking the halls! Yesterday, I was able to get a little fix by getting together with Madelyn's Brownie troop to decorate a tree for Treefest. Their theme was helping hands.

 Treefest is a fundraiser for the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble where trees are donated and decorated by various groups and organizations. We're talking over a hundred trees! At the conclusion of the event, all the trees and the gifts under them are donated to local families in need. Hopefully next weekend we will be able to return to see all of the completed trees and enjoy the festivities. It really is amazing to see all the different themes and decorations. Just beautiful!

 

The Picture of Health

Today I had a visit with my oncologist for a check up. He reviewed my recent mammogram and examined me to determine that everything looks good. He'll follow up with me again in 6 months to make sure I am still well and then hopefully I can just see him yearly. He's a nice guy, but I really don't want to see him any more than that. Ha! And that, is what I am thankful for today!

 

Giving it Another Shot

I've been MIA for way too long! Life has gotten the best of me and I stopped doing some of the things that I love, including blogging, simply because I have been too busy to do things for myself. That is about to change! I'm ready to give this blog another shot. After all, I started blogging as a way to document our lives and all the twists and turns that we encounter and we are still living so this blog will continue!

What's up with us? Here it is:

• I'm still providing childcare at home 5 days a week. I'm not going to lie, some days I just don't want to do it anymore! I love the kids, but I feel like I never leave work and it's exhausting me.
• The kids are growing up and I'm getting a little sad that I have no more babies. The boys are now 20, 18, and 17 and the girls are 9, 8, and 3. 

  

  Halloween 2013

• Several weeks ago Mike found out the company he works for will be shutting down at the end of February. He's been there forever! On a positive note, he is a hard worker who never calls off and is a very dedicated employee. We are confident that another company will see just that and snatch him up quickly! Until then, we would appreciate any positive thoughts and prayers that you could send our way.  :)
• I will soon be adding "Assistant Brownie Troop Leader" to my resume. Madelyn's leader could use an assistant and I have volunteered to step up! 

  

  Brownies at the zoo!

  

  Getting crafty!

  
  

  

  Visiting the turkeys!

 I have so much more I want to share and I am looking forward to getting back to blogging! See you soon!

 

A Little Update on Me

It's been a while since I have posted an update on my health and I know that some of you have been wondering how things are going for me in my cancer recovery. Yesterday I had another mammogram and everything looked normal! Thankfully, aside from a few aches and pains from the meds I'm on, I feel fantastic! :)

 

A Few Things...

~I can't believe it's August already! In a few short weeks we will go from the carefree days of summer to the rigid school schedule. Although the kids seem to be excited about getting back to school I am not ready for it.

~ I've been enjoying my mornings sitting on the patio watching the kids play while the sun peeks through the giant spruce in our backyard. Speaking of the spruce, when I was a little girl, it was one of our family Christmas trees. It now towers over everything in our neighborhood including our house. We have scheduled to have it cut down. Lately, I have been having second thoughts. I guess we'll have to think about it some more. 

 ~My sister is "home" visiting from Kansas. I haven't seen her yet and I can't wait. I miss her. 

~ Lately, Stella has been a super bug catcher. She has found six Praying Mantis so far this summer! She has now started digging to find bugs. 

~It's raining today. I guess I'll do laundry. 

~Felicia has really had me laughing this week. A few days ago, my Dad was visiting and talking about his old security job at a strip mine. He referred to it as the strip. Felicia leaned over and whispered to me. " Eww, I had no idea Poppy was a male stripper!" Hahaha! Excuse me while I try to bleach that image from memory!  The next day she was helping to clean the kitchen and asked if it would be okay for her to use one of those "S.O.B. Pads". That kid cracks me up!

~The kids are all still asleep including the little boy that I am watching today and it is almost 9:00 am. That NEVER happens. It's too quiet....and I spoke too soon. Here comes Stella! I guess on that note, my random ramblings are finished. Have a great day!

Favorite Meal?

 Today is the final day of the Commenting Challenge hosted by Jenna's Journey and the topic is favorite meals.

What's your very favorite meal EVER? It can be home made, mom made, store bought, restaurant, etc. 

 This question is actually a little hard for me to answer because I love ALL kinds of food! I tend to gravitate more toward comfort foods and one of my favorites (and a family favorite) is homemade chicken and waffles! I make stacks and stacks of waffles because when we've finished stuffing ourselves with dinner, the kids always want ice cream waffle sandwiches for dessert. YUM!

Do you have a favorite meal? It's not too late to link up over at Jenna's and share!

Merry Christmas...in July

I must admit, it usually takes me until the day after Thanksgiving to start thinking about Christmas shopping. I'm a "take one holiday at a time" kind of girl. But, the topic for the Commenting Challenge hosted by Jenna's Journey is just that!

"Share some of your gift ideas for this upcoming Christmas season and/or share about the best gift you have received!"

With six kids, as I'm sure you can imagine, our budget is pretty tight. Although the kids have their Christmas lists complete in June, I'm usually still wrapping up Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve. I always say I'm going to start early, but that never happens! 

Last year, I decided to focus more on the season and less on the shopping.

 We baked cookies together...

 Did a few crafts...

Watched some Christmas movies together...

 ...and found the perfect Christmas tree!

For me, the family time is the best gift ever!

 

Pinterest Love

Today's topic on the Commenting Challenge hosted by Jenna's Journey is Pinterest.

"Share a project or recipe you've found and completed, your favorite pins or if you aren't a pinner, share a favorite tip with us (cleaning tip, cooking tip etc). "

 I've actually tried a few things that I have pinned and I've also had some pins spark other crafty ideas. My girls have even gotten into Pinterest as well! They use the search feature to find what they are looking for. Felicia even made her Valentine's Day box this year based on this pin:

For the most part, I pin way more than I actually attempt! Ha! But I still love to scope out new ideas and I get lots of inspiration from Pinterest. You can follow me here:


 If you're on Pinterest, leave your link in the comments and I'll follow along! 

What I'm Watching

It's day 2 of the annual blog commenting challenge hosted by Jenna's Journey and here is the topic for the day:

What's your favorite TV show/series/reality show? If you don't watch TV, what about a favorite movie or book series?

Well, as a mom of 6, it's very rare for me to actually be able to sit down at a specific time and watch anything in particular on TV. Thank goodness someone invented the DVR! It has changed.my.life.  I know, the really sounds pathetic, but seriously...life changing!  So, when I finally get to relax and catch up on my dvr, what do I watch..."reality" tv! I'm almost embarrassed to admit it, but the more twisted, the better! Some of my favorites are:

• Gypsy Sisters
• Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
• Dance Moms
• Pretty Wicked Moms
• Teen Mom 2
•  Breaking Amish
• Duck Dynasty 

My summertime guilty pleasure...Big Brother on CBS! Anyone else watching? Wow, talk about serious drama! I've never seen a bigger bunch of whiny, catty, arrogant, racist, homophobic adults in all my life. But...I...CAN'T...STOP...WATCHING! It's the whole good vs. evil thing that sucks me in every time.

In addition to "reality" TV, I love a good drama. Grey's Anatomy is my favorite!

What are your favorite tv shows? Head on over to Jenna's and link up!

All About Me

 

This week I'm participating in the the Fourth annual Commenting Challenge hosted by Jenna's Journey! It's a great way to meet some new peeps and who doesn't love to do that?! Click the link in join in! 

Today's topic is "All About Me"

If you are a first timer to Moments of Mommyhood, welcome! My name is Sandy. I live in a small town in Pennsylvania with my hubby of 21 years, Mike. We have six kids: Michael(20), Brandon(18), Aaron(16), Felicia(9), Madelyn(7), and Stella(3). Of course I can't forget my fur baby our Chihuahua, Lucy!

In 2007, I left my job (that I loved) in a daycare/preschool to become a stay at home mom. It was strange to not be caring for so many other kids but I was happy to be able to give my full attention to my own family. 

In August of 2011, life as I knew it changed abruptly when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I knew I was in for the fight of my life, but I was prepared to do it for my family. After many months of chemo, radiation, and surgery I BEAT IT! I'm not going to lie, it was grueling and not something I would wish anyone to ever go through, but I am now well and going on with my life with a much better attitude. Enjoying the small things is more important than ever!

I recently started providing childcare again, in my home. It's the best of both worlds for me. I love the job and I can still stay home with my own kids. Win win! 

Here at Moments of Mommyhood, you will find some crafts that I do with the kiddos, some recipes, and just general happenings from our lives! Take a look around. I look forward to getting to know you!  

You can also find me here:

Twitter

Facebook

Pinterest

{Beat the Heat} Painting with Water

There is a heat wave here and finding ways to beat the heat and combat boredom can be tricky. But when all else fails...just add water! This activity is so simple yet the kids love it! Just grab a few paint brushes, fill a bucket with water and let them paint anything and everything they desire. No worries if they paint each other...it's only water!

 

Sand Pudding

 

Picnic season is here and I couldn't be happier! Desserts top my list as favorite picnic/party foods and this one has quickly become a favorite of the kiddos too. Served in a sand bucket it is the perfect beach themed treat!

{You will need}

1 box of vanilla wafers

2-3 chocolate sandwich cookies

2 small boxes of vanilla pudding (banana would be yummy too!)

2 3/4 cup milk

8 oz. cream cheese

1/4 cup of butter

2/3 cup powdered sugar

1 small tub of whipped topping

 a sand bucket and shovel

Start by crushing the cookies (the sand) in the food processor and set them aside. Next, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. In a separate bowl combine the pudding and milk. Whisk it until it thickens and then add it to the cream cheese/butter/powdered sugar mixture. Fold in the whipped topping. 

 

To assemble your sand pudding, layer the crushed cookies and pudding mixture in a sand bucket starting with the "sand" first. This is a great way to let the little ones help out! 

Serve with a sand shovel and enjoy!

A Trip to the Zoo

 

Summer is in full swing and we've been checking a bunch of things off our summer bucket list. Yesterday, we were able to put a check mark next to "Visit the Zoo".  Although the big girls have been to a zoo before, this was actually Stella's first trip to the zoo!

We knew that the day was going to be a hot one so we headed to Philadelphia bright and early and arrived just as the gates were opened. It was already very warm and the girls first stop was to a misting fan to cool off! Thankfully there are a lot of shady places and many indoor exhibits to see that kept us out of the direct sun. Stella decided almost immediately that she did not want to ride in the stroller so I wasn't able to get as many pictures as I would have liked. But that's okay, because we bought a membership so that we can go back again anytime we want (hopefully when it's a bit cooler)! 

The flamingos are one of my favorites...what girl doesn't love PINK!

All of my kids love the primates. They are just so much fun to watch! Stella got a kick out of the monkeys swinging around their habitats. She loved the ones with long hair too.

We saved our last stop for my favorite animal of all...the giraffes! Madelyn said they sounded like big brother Brandon when they chewed! Ha!

Even though at times, the heat got the best of us and we felt like we were going to melt, we had a great day. I can't wait to go back again soon!

 

The Big Girls First Camping Trip

Some of my fondest memories as a child generate from camping trips we had. As a family, we haven't gone camping since the boys were little and the girls have never gone. That makes me sad and soon we will have to plan a trip that includes us all. So, it was no surprise to me that when a friend invited Felicia and Madelyn to go camping overnight at a local campground, the girls were excited beyond words! The woke up early and had their bags packed before lunch even though they were not leaving until the evening! lol!

Looking at those smiling faces, you might never guess that it had been raining! But, thankfully just before they left it stopped and the sun came out. 

 

They couldn't wait to go so they sat on the front porch waiting and asking every 30 seconds what time it was!  Stella was a little less excited that the girls were going without her. Although, she had a great night! She always becomes so much more talkative when she's alone. We stayed up late and caught fireflies. Good times!

When the phone rang after 9, I got a little nervous that someone was homesick. NOT! There was a small mishap with a flaming marshmallow and Madelyn got a little burn from the hot marshmallow. She was fine and actually when I talked to them later to tell them good night, they had no time for mom, they were having too much fun!

I can't wait for them to get home and share all the fun stories of their first camping trip!

 

The End is Near

I'm sure you have already heard that Monday, July 1, Google Reader will be just a memory. But have no fear, Bloglovin has got you covered. I've been using it for a while now and I love it! And, guess what...you can easily import all of the blogs that you are already following on Google Reader as soon as you set up your Bloglovin account.  Easy peasey!

Now, I know that I haven't been blogging much lately, but I am planning to get back into it and would hate for you to miss anything...so please don't forget to follow Moments of Mommyhood on Bloglovin!

Two Months...

...that's how long it has been since I wrote a blog post.

I've been busy.

The kids are on summer break from school.

I'm providing childcare at home again...full time.

I love it.

My house is in complete chaos every.single.day.

I am happy and healthy...

and loving life.

Be back soon!

Coffee Filter Butterflies

We've been spending a lot of time outdoors lately and Stella is quite intrigued by bugs. So, I thought it was the perfect time to make a few of our own. Today we started with butterflies! Coffee filter butterflies are one of those classic crafts that I think everyone has made a one time or another. They are a favorite here!

You will need:

• coffee filters
• washable markers
• a spray bottle filled with water
• chenille stems 

First, color the coffee filter (the more color the better it will turn out). Next, spray the coffee filter generously with water. Finally (when it's dry), fold the filter accordion style and wrap the chenille stem around the middle, bending it to form antennae. Finished!

 

An "Eggs"tra Special Lunch

I recently found this lunch on Pinterest and I knew right away my girls would love it! I've been packing "fun" lunches for them lately and couldn't wait to surprise them with an Easter egg lunch.

I cut their sandwiches with my Funbites "Luv It" cutter and stacked the bites on a bunny skewer. I also cut some cheese flowers and added a few more bite sized surprises. 

I closed all the eggs tight and added a special note for each girl! I can't wait to hear their reaction to this "eggs"tra special lunch! 

 

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Celebrating Dr. Seuss {Muffin Tin Monday}

Today we are celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss by having a special lunch in his honor!

 Stella's lunch includes:
~green eggs
~ham in the shape of S for Seuss
~"Star-belly Sneetches" (star shaped cheese and crackers)
~pretzels (just because Stella wanted them) 
~Oobleck (yogurt w/green food coloring)
~The Cat's "Hat" (apples on a skewer)  

Check out more Muffin Tin Meals here:

Muffin Tin "Sundae"

Sweet treats is the theme for Muffin Tin Monday and there is nothing sweeter than ice cream, so I treated the littles to a muffin tin sundae bar! Here is their sweet treat:

Each girl had their own dish of ice cream and shared the tin filled with:

-sprinkles

-chocolate syrup

-bananas

-cherries

-caramel

-chocolate chip cookie crumbs

I'm pretty sure this is their favorite Muffin Tin Meal!

Check out some more MTM here:

Monster Valentine Box

 For quite some time now, Pinterest has been my "go-to" place for inspiration. There are so many talented crafters, bakers, decorators, and teachers out there and to have them all in one place is genius! Lately, Felicia has taken an interest in Pinterest as well. She'll search for crafts or birthday party ideas or whatever else she's looking to get her crafty hands into. It was no surprise when she asked if she could search for an idea for her Valentine box. I wanted to make an owl, but it was her project so I let her choose and she wanted to make this monster box from Giggles Galore.

So, I present to you, Felicia's Monster Box:

 

She finished it last night and  I think it turned out great! She's very proud of her work!

 

Love is in the Air {Muffin Tin Monday}

Love really is in the air! The girls LOVED this Muffin Tin Meal!

Our muffin tin meal contains:

• a grape tomato heart with ranch dip (I found this idea here.)
• yogurt with sprinkles
• heart shaped apples
• a mini Babybel cheese 
• PB and J sandwich (I found the toast stamp at Wal-Mart)
• Elmo cereal for the X's and O's

 To check out some more Muffin Tin Meals go here:
 

Snowing Again

Even though I have been dreaming of warmer weather, I can't help but notice how pretty everything looks when covered with snow. I'm trying very hard to embrace our winter wonderland. The excitement from the girls helps. After all, whatever makes them happy, makes me happy! They are looking forward to getting outside tomorrow and playing in the white stuff and of course having big mugs of hot chocolate to warm them up. I guess it's not so bad being "snowed in".

 

365 Photo Blog FAIL

At the beginning of the year, I decided I would start another blog to post a photo a day. Well, I give up! I know, it's only February, but even though I have been taking pictures every day, I don't always have time to post them. I'm okay with that. My family obligations ALWAYS come first. I moved all the posts from there to here. :) Also, even though I have not been on top of things here at Moments of Mommyhood, I will be getting back to regular posting soon. (We've been dealing with lots of colds and such making for a very cranky little miss Stella.)

 

Baking and Tasting