Comments for Keeping Life Creative

Comment on Never Ending Chores (and a chore chart I’m loving) by Russ (The Stay At Homer)

Russ (The Stay At Homer) — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:29:45 +0000

This is exactly what I needed to see! We have been doing chore charts, and sticker charts, but they are a pain in the butt to make and only last for a month or two. This seems like such a wonderfully organized system!

I am the stay at home parent, and I’m DYING to find a way to get the kids to consistently help out around the house. And I’m SO tired of barking at them randomly to get them to help out.

Thanks for the great idea!

And, on behalf of my kids, “WHAT?! CHORES?! GAH!!”

-Russ

Comment on Running on Air by Modd

Modd — Sun, 20 May 2012 17:42:19 +0000

I wish I had succinct words of wisdom for you. I have felt exactly the same way. It’s like an out-of-body experience where I watch myself bubble over and blow, knowing I’m going to feel guilty later, but not caring at the time. You did the right thing going to the gym. It will be better in the morning.

Comment on Interview with Jared by Modd

Modd — Sun, 20 May 2012 17:01:39 +0000

This is great. We are so proud of both of you. Can’t wait to read that article. Where can I find it online?

Comment on Routine Chart by Interview with Jared | Keeping Life Creative

Interview with Jared | Keeping Life Creative — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:55:25 +0000

[...] But for us, the key to balance has been to remain active in our faith, keep a structured family routine, and have a great sense of [...]

Comment on Interview with Jared by Jared

Jared — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:51:51 +0000

I hope you mean “our marriage has not been [ALL] sunshine and roses”! I love you!

Comment on If You Give a Mom a Muffin by If You Give Mom a Muffin « Teaching Heart Blog

If You Give Mom a Muffin « Teaching Heart Blog — Mon, 07 May 2012 00:10:22 +0000

[...] this above on Pinterest from Keeping Life Creative. I love the idea of attaching the poem to a bag of muffin mix to give to mom. Very cute!!! If [...]

Comment on Game Day Snacks by Aubrey

Aubrey — Fri, 04 May 2012 22:26:14 +0000

We love orange slices and hummus and pita bread.
family74014 at gmail dot com

Comment on Game Day Snacks by cara

cara — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:54:44 +0000

orange slices and grapes with little bottles waters are always a hit with my kids!

Comment on Game Day Snacks by elizabeth a

elizabeth a — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:32:28 +0000

I think if the kids are old enough homemade trail mix with raisins, almonds, some snack crackers and a few chocolate chips and/or m & ms is still healthy enough. And fun to eat!

Comment on Game Day Snacks by Cristy

Cristy — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:55:27 +0000

Easy is always a good thought. But individually bagged seems to work best. Sometimes a basket of fruit to just have the kids choose from goes over well!
Apple slices
Orange slices
Bananas
Grapes
Carrot sticks
Celery sticks
Dried fruit
Homemade chex mix

Comment on Game Day Snacks by pameladonnis

pameladonnis — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:26:05 +0000

I love that . I used to say that to my first graders all the time, but I need to do better about saying it to my kids! lol

Comment on Game Day Snacks by pameladonnis

pameladonnis — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:25:10 +0000

Oh, that makes me want to cry! (And with all those allergies, mealtime must be a challenge at your house!)

Comment on Game Day Snacks by Joyce

Joyce — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:49:19 +0000

We love healthy snacks and take them for scouts when it’s our turn. We do Gogurt and fruit, either apples or grapes. The kids always like it and never complain that they aren’t getting cookies, chips, etc. Plus my kids know “you get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit!”

Comment on Game Day Snacks by Peggy

Peggy — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:44:17 +0000

Last week my son was at a sports event with the usual snack table. It was filled with a variety of cookies, brownies, and other sweets. Since my son is allergic to dairy, tree nuts, peanuts, chocolate, citrus and several other foods, he just grabbed a water bottle and walked away. When some of the cookies were gone, a plate of carrots, pepper slices and cucumber chunks was placed on the table. My son was in heaven, I think he was the only kid eating it. Thanks to parents like YOU for donating healthy foods!!

Comment on Game Day Snacks by Judi Sutton Miller

Judi Sutton Miller — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:41:37 +0000

Hi Pam!

After raising one daughter, whois now 24, and nor raising 4 under 4 life sure has changed in the area os snacks for children. Much healthier I must say:) Wish I would have known back then what I know today. Although, I thought I was healthy, I could have been better. Here are some after game snacks to help regenerate their systems.
P.S. Love your blog!!!

Healthy After-game Snacks
Low in saturate fats, rehydrating, high in carbs, such as:
•Low-fat yogurt with granola or fruit
• Healthy Granola Bars. (Should be more carbs than protein)
– Be careful of allergies
•String cheese
•Applesauce
•Nuts, Trail Mix (be careful of allergies)
•Bagel with low-fat cream cheese or jelly
• 1/2 peanut butter sandwich

Try to Avoid
High-saturated fat foods, high calories, and high sugars, such as:
•Potato Chips
•Donuts
•Candy bars
•Cookies
•Cupcakes (keep the birthday snacks for another time)
•Hamburgers
•Fries

Comment on Game Day Snacks by Ashley

Ashley — Fri, 04 May 2012 10:40:28 +0000

I have a 2-year-old so we don’t face this situation yet, but I am often the “mom who doesn’t give her kid sugar”. Which isn’t completely true, but people act like I’m depriving him of something. I’m not sure why love is sometimes measured in junk food, but good job on sticking to what you feel is best for your child even when it goes against the norm.

Comment on Frozen Yogurt “Popsicles” by Game Day Snacks | Keeping Life Creative

Game Day Snacks | Keeping Life Creative — Fri, 04 May 2012 10:01:31 +0000

[...] Frozen yogurt tubes (my kids think these are as good as a popsicle!) [...]

Comment on {DIY} First Day of School Survival Kits by Nina Buss

Nina Buss — Thu, 03 May 2012 05:13:55 +0000

What kind of ideas do you have for end of the year gifts for teachers. I love the first day of school survival kit. I can not wait to use this idea for my sons first day of kindergarten.

Thanks so much

Nina Buss

Comment on Bacon Cheddar Biscuits by Once A Month Mom Update – Grocery Shopping and 3 More Meals! « elliek

Once A Month Mom Update – Grocery Shopping and 3 More Meals! « elliek — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:57:01 +0000

[...] productive afternoon I’ve ever had! I’m actually going to make another batch of the Buttermilk Bacon Cheddar Biscuits tonight so I can take them to my moms’ group tomorrow [...]

Comment on Motherhood, and Being There for Each Other by Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:46:28 +0000

Just wanted to say that I totally get you and I so appreciate your raw honesty.

Comment on Miss This by Motherhood, and Being There for Each Other | Keeping Life Creative

Motherhood, and Being There for Each Other | Keeping Life Creative — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:29:48 +0000

[...] keeping perspective and knowing I’ll someday miss this time doesn’t mean it’s not hard. The fatigue, frustration, and filth wear on me, and I [...]

Comment on Cheesy Meatloaf Muffins by TRADITIONAL May 2012 Menu | OAMC from Once A Month Mom

TRADITIONAL May 2012 Menu | OAMC from Once A Month Mom — Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:47 +0000

[...] Cheesy Meatloaf Muffins [...]

Comment on Cheesy Meatloaf Muffins by CraftCrave | Blog | Digital Scrapbooking Freebies Large Previews: 2 of 4 - Tuesday, 01 May 2012

Tue, 01 May 2012 05:34:34 +0000

[...] Cheesy Meatloaf Muffins – 1 freebie(s)? [...]

Comment on Bacon Cheddar Biscuits by Becoming a Once A Month Mom & Buttermilk Bacon Cheddar Biscuits « elliek

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:12:42 +0000

[...] glanced through the recipes one more time and realized I had all the ingredients on hand for these Buttermilk Bacon Cheddar Biscuits so I decided to whip those up today. I don’t know if you can tell from the picture but I cut [...]

Comment on Mexican Shepherd’s Pie by Hopkins Happenings » Cooking For the Month!

Hopkins Happenings » Cooking For the Month! — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:31:49 +0000

[...] Day Stew Neely Baked Ziti Spicy Sausage Pasta Sausage & Peppers Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps Mexican Shepherds Pie Lots o Meat Lasagna Beef Enchiladas Red beans and Rice chicken and artichoke [...]

Comment on Cheesy Meatloaf Muffins by libbywilko

libbywilko — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 23:50:16 +0000

These look soooo yummy, I’m going to give them a try tonight… Wonder if grated mozzarella will work though? Love the freezer

Comment on Why I Love Freezer Cooking by March Freezer Cooking Roundup | Keeping Life Creative

March Freezer Cooking Roundup | Keeping Life Creative — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 22:16:03 +0000

[...] to freezer cooking? See why I love it! Hi! My name is Pam and I believe no matter who we are or where we come from, we all have a [...]

Comment on Falling Out by Debbie

Debbie — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:44:05 +0000

I just want to say two words, “Thank you.”
As a fellow work from home mom, I struggle sometimes to balance work priorities and family priorities. While it provides a wealth of information, sometimes I think the Internet causes me to set unrealistic goals for what and how I should be doing things. Thank you for reminding me that sometimes simplicity is best.

Comment on The BEST Meatloaf (Bargain Meal of the Week) by TRADITIONAL May 2011 OAMM Menu from Once a Month Mom | OAMC from Once A Month Mom

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:21:06 +0000

[...] Easy Pleasing Meatloaf** [...]

Comment on Running on Air by Kelleigh @ Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs

Kelleigh @ Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:26:53 +0000

Aw, Pam. I wish I lived close to you! I can totally relate. Big hugs!!!

Comment on Making the “Write” Choice for You by Jodi

Jodi — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:33:38 +0000

I have searched my emails high and low and can’t seem to find the one from you. I must have deleted it in my mad spring-cleaning binge! Just wanted to say a big Thanks for the giveaway that I received. I love every piece of it, so cheery and bright! I think they must have thought it was a suspect package at the border because it took almost 6 weeks to arrive here in Canada.
Thanks again,
Jodi Thiessen

Comment on Running on Air by Making the "Write" Choice for You | Keeping Life Creative

Making the "Write" Choice for You | Keeping Life Creative — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:00:32 +0000

[...] criticism. Lately I’ve spent way too much time as a woman and as a mother, feeling powerless because I’ve let let the stress of my responsibilities take over. But I hope in some small way I was able to give a piece of hope to the group of women who are [...]

Comment on Running on Air by Christy

Christy — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:40:17 +0000

You are brave, smart, and strong. Your kids just want their mom to hug them and read them stories. Whatever you want to call how you are feeling, the sooner you get help (whatever works for you) the sooner you can start feeling like yourself again. ((Hugs))

Comment on Running on Air by Mandy

Mandy — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:09:50 +0000

I say let the housework go, teach the 6 year old to fold clothes (they get rumpled in the drawers anyway, right?!) and hit the gym.

You are not alone in these feelings, my friend.

Comment on Falling Out by Fay

Fay — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:34:00 +0000

—I know this may sound silly, but really, from where I’m sitting, you are a supermom. I struggled my buns off just trying to put together a “normal” Easter this year, let alone a pin-worthy one… lol. I ran across your blog looking for beans and rice recipes, because we’re also going the Dave Ramsey route and working as hard as we can on our family preparedness and trying to be real, honest-to-goodness adults after years of just “hoping and praying” that everything is going to work out with a seemingly endless pile of student debt to wade through. And I don’t care what anyone says, any child is extra work and extra difficulty in a home. Yes, there are always wonderful blessings involved, but if you’re anything like me, sometimes it feels like the difficulties and trials make you pay every last ounce to get that little blessing, and most of the time, I really have to work to try and count my blessings –they aren’t always overwhelmingly obvious. I’m struggling to learn menu-planning, have just barely started really “making dinner” again after struggling with morning sickness from expected baby #5, failed at couponing, and feel like I have to work my buns off to come up with something edible for lunch and dinner every night for three kids and hubby and me on $400 a month. So if you can manage four kiddos at home, plan all your meals every day and every night, stick to it, and stick to $200 a month in your grocery budget, you get an awesome pat on the back from me!!!! Being a mom is super tough.. I think regardless of whether you work or not, but I’ve always felt like me being at home meant that the expectations were 100x higher… especially with our church culture…. I’ve never been a “Molly Mormon,” though sometimes I’ve prayed to be. I think what matters most is if you’re loving your kids the way HF intended, not what Pinterest, Martha Stewart, and your local book club think…. And, lol, I know you know all of this already. I hope that you can just take comfort from knowing that another silly, struggling momma out there thinks that it sounds like you’re doing an awesome job, and your care and concern for your family are obvious in everything that I’ve read. —All the best, Fay

Comment on Running on Air by Janeil Jones

Janeil Jones — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:37:40 +0000

Pam, my heart goes out to you. I feel your pain and your frustrations. I think many times I’m inadequate. I think it’s natural to want to be supermom, but honesty is that she doesn’t exist. I’m still trying to come to terms with that myself. Keep your head up and know you’ve got lots of people in your corner!

Comment on Running on Air by Kellie

Kellie — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:09:34 +0000

I so feel ya. A couple of months ago I was up {again} with my four year old at 2 am, and I got really angry. We treat Joel’s job like it’s the only one that requires a good night’s sleep…but I suddenly realized that my job as “mom” is valid, too, and requires sleep even more! If I’m going to point my kids to Jesus, I need to be patient and kind, and it’s darn hard to be patient and kind with kids on 5 hours of interrupted sleep!
I do that same guilt thing when getting my needs met is inconvenient for my husband, but darn it, Pam, why should we? We have to do those things that keep us from exploding, and since we run around acting like we got it together all the time, we have to show our husbands a little grace when they expect more from us than we’re able to give. I hate feeling disconnected from the very people I love most. I hope you’re able to get help, whether it’s from a doctor or at the gym or wherever you need to go to get back to the place where you are full. Thanks for being willing to be real!

Comment on Running on Air by Jude

Jude — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:51:42 +0000

Oh, Pam – hope you can find a happy place with all this. You have an AMAZING amount of stuff on your plate at the moment.

I know exactly the feeling you describe, I’m not really sure I was depressed, but I definitely didn’t feel particularly ‘present’ during the first year of my youngest’s life, just keeping afloat. And I only have two kids! Don’t be hard on yourself and don’t expect miracles of yourself either, you’ll do ok ((hugs))

Comment on {DIY} Creating a Coupon Binder by Cathy

Cathy — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 02:28:16 +0000

I have a coupon binder similar to yours. You said that you keep an empty sheet protector in the front for coupons that you are using at one particular store. I found that a zippered pencil pocket works really well for this. That way when you reach the checkout all of your coupons are together. I guess I am somewhat fanatical because I also keep my coupons in date order so they don’t expire before I can use them.

Comment on Bacon Cheddar Biscuits by So Far Behind + A Monthly Menu | Ginger In The Kitchen

So Far Behind + A Monthly Menu | Ginger In The Kitchen — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 22:21:58 +0000

[...] Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits - Breakfast [...]

Comment on My Etsy Shop by Deb Wudtke

Deb Wudtke — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:25:31 +0000

Thanks so much for the “If you give a mom a muffin” printable. My ladies group will be assembling these for the food bank at our local seminary for the young families that attend there! I am so excited to dress up the muffin mix and bring a smile to those moms faces.

Comment on Freebies by Cathey

Cathey — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:42:24 +0000

How do you register for your site?
Thanks,
Cathey

Comment on My Etsy Shop by Heather

Heather — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:30:22 +0000

I am having a lot of trouble with trying to print the coupon binder inserts. Can anyone help me with this?

Thank you!

Comment on Bacon Cheddar Biscuits by Nicole Foster

Nicole Foster — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:57:42 +0000

Oh my! Made them today…..they’ll be gone by tomorrow! Thanks for the recipe!

Comment on Never Ending Chores (and a chore chart I’m loving) by pameladonnis

pameladonnis — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:00:59 +0000

@pameladonnis

Comment on eCoupons by les

les — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 05:50:38 +0000

I work at Kroger. We don’t stack coupons on your Kroger card for the same item unless the manufacturer allows us to. We also aren’t usually allowed to take coupons on your Kroger card and paper coupons unless the manufacturer allows us to. We also double coupons up to 50 cents.

Comment on Never Ending Chores (and a chore chart I’m loving) by navisa

navisa — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:55:44 +0000

Very Nice ! thanks

Comment on 31 Days: Teach Them Who They Are by anette s.

anette s. — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:39:39 +0000

This is just my experience and reflections, observations, wishes…
We moved to the other side of the U.S. right before our daughter, our 1st child, was to begin kindergarten, literally. She is now in the 7th grade, as I reflect with regret at listening to the ladies at kindergarten testing who said, “Oh, it would be a crime to hold her back!” We live in a lovely, small town where generations of families live within blocks – they just don’t leave this place!! For us, having no family here, it is a blessing because everyone knows everyone…and they talk…and the kids know it so it helps keep them on the straight and narrow. As I look back, it’s pretty plain to see which families know a thing or two about parenting… and everything about the schools, ‘the system’ and how it works. I did not. While the rest of the world is out to prove how smart their little genius’ are, here they hold their kids back a year. My August baby went to an AMAZING preschool and was naturally a very precocious little wonder. She was by far the youngest, as well as the tiniest in class, but probably the smartest. The parochial school here teaches everyone the same curriculum – and if you already know it, it becomes one boring year which can really leave its mark on this precious time -the ‘wonder years’. Teased unmercifully for the next few years…I knew she’d be tall. one day. And now she blends right in…sort of. You have until 2nd or 3rd grade to hold a child back within the school system before it destroys their self esteem. I kick myself almost daily for not doing so. Most girls are 1 to almost 2 years older in her grade and they just “think” differently, as well as develop sooner. She will be 16 starting her senior year…sixteen!!! Do you want your sixteen year old to be hanging out or in a car with 18-19 year olds?? I don’t. For boys, there are other issues: many 5 year olds lack dexterity in their fingers so they’ll have sloppier handwriting at first, i.e. bad grades, self-esteem suffers;the male frontal lobe matures later, i.e. ‘behavior issues’ because the are naturally immature; less developed for sports – think who will get scholarships for college – a 16/17 year old or the 18 and 1/2 year old, more mature physically and mentally student. It is so hard to think that far ahead, especially with your first. But they (and the other kids) won’t remember 1st or 2nd grade and who gets held back. They do remember the years of teasing, regardless of knowing how big they are on the inside.

Comment on 31 Days: Establish Traditions by anette sullivan

anette sullivan — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 06:28:27 +0000

1 -2 weeks before Christmas we pick a night, preferably during or after snow, jump into our pj’s, I make my secret recipe yummy thick hot chocolate (plus enough for the thermos/refills), grab some blankies and slowly drive around ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the pretty Christmas lights. We turn on the holiday tunes, of course – which we only listen to from the day after Thanksgiving until New Years Day. This night always leaves us feeling warm and fuzzy as we are filled with the magical sights & sounds (bonus: we completely forget about the hustle and bustle).

On the last day of school, as the kids walk home from school, a bunch of moms get out a few cans of shaving cream each and blast the kids – but kids are able to grab cans set out for them first…it’s all so fun! Then on to the slip n’slide! Everybody is laughing and squeeling with delight that school is OUT and summer is IN.
Thank you for your lovely site!

Comment on Never Ending Chores (and a chore chart I’m loving) by Tracy

Tracy — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:51:11 +0000

LOVE this article! I want to follow you on twitter but your twitter button is not working for me. What is your Twitter Name?