Kreative Kenner

Both Kenner and Patton have been extremely creative this past week. Creative can be GREAT in their eyes and FRIGHTENING in mine. Casey was gone to St. Louis last week for the Guard, so it was VBS in the morning, then major need for a nap time (for mommy) in the afternoon. The boys did need naps, but that didn't mean they actually took them.

I had the entire dining room full of art gear for his party and for VBS. It was off limits, but some how the boys didn't think that it applied to them.

Here is Kenner being creative with the outer space foam shapes. This was considered funny in my eyes:) Just snap shot of a day in the life of scheming what the day would bring them. I really really wish for a flip camera, so that I can actually document their conversations on video...maybe for my birthday:)

I haven't gotten the guts to take a pictures of the negative creativity...as it brings great anger (seriously) out when I think about it...so I will just document the results. This is Kenner "getting a mark" for doing a chore. With his creative juices, he decided to slash (yes I said slash, like with a very sharp Pampered Chef knife) all three of my slip covers. It looks like Freddy Kruger made an appearance in my front room. So this resulted in Kenner having to do 300 chores before he gets to watch cartoons again. Was it coincidence that we read the book, Berstein Bears and Too Much TV the night before this happened? I think not. It has been fun without the TV on. I think it is too funny that we went to the movie Toy Story 3 which is about toys getting loved on again as this all happened. Our toys in our own Toy Story are having a blast getting loved on again.

Later last week, I took a nap alongside Kenner and Patton or so I thought. They got up from their nap and went down to the forbidden art supply. Kenner got the tempera paints and four bowls. Proceeded to pour each color into a different bowl (which I am not sure who he knew to do this), got the big paint brush and watched his brother do his art. Patton painted one of my paychecks, our wooden floor, my fridge and the wall. The wall has yet to be covered by 4 coats of paint. To make the story even better the first coat of paint I used wasn't the right color...so now we have a really creative kitchen wall. Then they got out the stamp pads and the one stamp. Patton must have walked in it, because his feet were black long with my carpet and everywhere he walked. Needless to say, I called my mom that day and said, "You are lucky to have two grandchildren who are still live." They were immediately sent to their room...and believe it or not they took a long nap...nice!

I got over it (or somewhat got over it) and had an all out water fight with the boys another day. I am thankful for glass doors...or I would have been drenched! It was fun!

Vacation Bible School - Puppet Parable Style

Last week was Vaction Bible School at Zion Church in Lincoln. It was Patton first time at VBS (and he was a BIG boy - wore underwear - all week!)!!!! I was able to organize and do the craft section all week. I only had 20 minutes with each group. It was a lot of fun!

Here are the puppets showing - The Pearl of Great Price. The boys loved going to the "puppet show" everyday. The first day was The Good Samaritan. The Good Samaritan craft varied for the big kids and the younger kids. Everyone except the oldest group colored a picture (of their choice) and then put bandaids on it. The oldest group painted ice cream buckets with tempera paint for our senior saints (or the older population) in our church. I will be putting tissue paper, a flower and some candy in and delivering them.

The Sower and the Seed (or soil, like I called it) craft was inspired by my Kindergarten friends from school. I used a "sight word" book idea for each day.

Title page:

Packed soil - I cut brown construction paper so all they had to do was glue it down and stamp an eagle and place a "seed" or bling found in the craft section at Walmart.

For the stony ground, each child colored over a door mat to make the stony ground, colored the sun and put on the seed. I choose the seed and other designs so that it too close to no time to dry.

For the thorny ground - I put a strip of tape on the table (sticky side up) and had them place the toothpicks on it. Then they stuck it to the paper and put the seed on.

For the good soil - I had them draw their own creation of good soil and a pretty plant. It was a fun activity for all the ages. The time FLEW this day!

For the Lost Sheep Parable, I found a printable sheep that folded and the younger two groups glued (with glue sticks) cotton balls down and colored the sheep's face and legs.

For the Lost Sheep Parable for the big kids, I found the yarn sheep pattern from Family Fun. They had a lot of fun making it.

We also did the parable of the Pearl of Great Worth, which was a paper plate folded in half with shredded paper glued down with a white pom pom for the pearl. The last parable was probably the most fun after it dried...House on a Rock. I used shaving cream, black tempera paint and glue to have the kids make the rock and they used foam sheets to create a foam house. The rocks dried in 3D

Here is Patton and the dreaded tag that flew up in his eye and scratched it. He did so well.

Toy Story 3

Not exactly what the doctor prescribed for Patton's torn cornea...but Aunt Becca was in town for Kenner's bday. We promised to take them to the 3D Toy Story 3. Fun times! Hey Grandpa Patton

Some one was entralled the entire movie!

Aunt Becca said to not put this one in...but I think it is funny!

There is a good one (see he couldn't even take his eyes off the screen to take this pic!)

Thanks Aunt Becca for a fun 3D time!

Meal Planning Monday

Monday - is gone and so am I. VBS zapped me for the day...thankful to have a built in playmate to play together while I don't feel well

Tuesday -
L: Chimichangas (freezer cooking)
D: Old Chicago with Aunt Becca and Toy Story 3

Wednesday -
L: Grilled Cheese
D: Simply Elegant Steak and Rice (I didn't make it last week)

Thursday -
L: Healthy Choice Meals
D: Chicken and Grilled Veggies (woohoo zuchini from our garden!)

Friday -
L: Lunch at VBS
D: Boys' Choice

Saturday -
L: Leftovers unless Dad gets back early
D: At my friend Jenn's Wedding!!!

Sunday -
L/D: Kenner's Art Birthday party!

Questions about meal planning:
How do I do it: I plan my meals around what I have in my cupboards and buy what I need to fill the recipe. I (sometimes) plan two weeks out...so that I plan my meals for the next week for what is on sale this week. Make sense?

I have, as many of you know, been on a saving money kick. Little did I know that time spent and gas money spent getting EVERY deal is maybe not saving time in my life. I have not thrown out my coupon book...but I have put it on the back burner. I have a friend who does and organizes freezer cooking each month. Then she spends minimal amount of groceries on veggies, milk, and other things to supplement the freezer cooking. I think that when I begin to work again the fall I am going to do the freezer cooking each month. If anyone is interested in knowing more about freezer cooking, let me know and I can let you know of the in's and out's.

Meal planning has saved me money, because I don't have the urge to just go to fast food because I know I have something waiting for me to cook in the fridge or better yet waiting for me in the crock pot:)

Having fun in June

Not sure why I am not busier with the job world (PRN SLP work), but I'll take it. With the morning sickness lasting all day long and two little boys wanting fun times with their mom, it has worked for me.
Patton (and Kenner, but he had his garb off before I could click) decided that they needed to get on all the winter gear to play football. I am sure that their "uniform" didn't protect them from the tackle football they were playing. Kenner and Patton got to spend almost a week in Hebron at my parent's house. They got to really get to know my brother's (pictured) girlfriend, Abby.

While the boys were in Hebron, I got to spend the weekend with my Craziee Aunt Jane in Salina. It was a great weekend. She made the top to this person's recycled car out of recycled plastic bags

Casey (along with our good friends the Huttes) have really gotten into biking. I would too, if I only had a bike....

Casey tried this little experiment for a block and decided that the second option below was a better deal.

Bubb is in his "carriage." They sure do love their dad (I do too:)).

Porch - Before and somewhat after

Before (and we thought we were safe walking on it) Little did we know that they rotted boards that were on the top were the only supports holding us up. Crazy that no one fell through!

NEW PORCH!

I have only finished painting the right side of the porch...now to finish the roof and the last side of the house.

Meal Planning Monday

Monday
L: out to eat (boys are gone and Casey is working on the porch...gotta "pay" him somehow:))
D: unsure...

Tuesday
L: eating at Cristina's with my friends for one last mexican dinner with my friend Jennifer in Crete
D: I have a Pampered Chef Bridal Shower in Plattsmouth...so maybe on our own

Wednesday
L: Sandwiches (will probably be picking up the boys)
D: Grilled Kabobs

Thursday
L: Hotdogs and beans (yum I know...)
D: Simple Elegant Steak and Rice

Friday
L: Grilled Cheese
D: Probably headed to Aurora

Saturday
L/D: In Aurora - I have a Pampered Chef Bridal Shower on Sat morning

Sunday
L: Picnic lunch after church...we have to get ready for VBS
D: Hobo Meal on Grill

There are some great sales today at Hyvee (including Cottage cheese...so I will be making a ton of lasagnas this week to freeze). yum!

Lemonade anyone?

If anyone sees these three boys sitting (or any kids for that matter) along side the road, please stop. The parents will then see this...

as a response:) Kenner was SO excited to get customers!

Annual Memorial Day Project

Thanks to everyone honoring Military on Memorial day...our weekend usually ends up in a big project. Retaining wall added this year. Landscaping done this year.
I know did a project last year at this time...but I can't remember. This year's project was putting a new porch on. We kept everything the same except the flooring...so I guess I should have said - putting a new floor on our porch.
BEFORE: Yikes...after tearing this off we were lucky that Grandpa Jimmy was the only one to fall off our porch. We can't believe that no one fell tHROUGH it!

After pictures to come.

Torch Run

We were able to go to our first Saltdog's Game of the year and also see our Dad help run the Cornhusker State Game torch in. It was pretty cool to see our dad out there! Can you spot him?

coupons, frugality, life

Today I had a very successful grocery shopping trip. Did I get a ton of things free? Did I wow the cashier? Neither.

I was able to get groceries for my family with two boys in tow for the next two weeks and spent $54. Yes I did use coupons and yes I did price match a few things. My trip today was one for beginners, but in some sense I feel accomplished.

In my journey through the coupon world of frugality and finding the best deals and ONLY getting those deals while traveling through life, I have decided to take a break. If you know any ounce of me you know that I am very competitive. My life game has been with the groceries and managing my family. Life has quickly reminded me lately that God is in complete control of my life as well as ours. No matter how hard I try to control every bit of it...it isn't in my hands. For a year and 1/2, I have tried to control so much that I feel that I am a bit overwhelmed with trying to predict the grocery sales, scoping out all the latest sales on all the blogs, cutting coupons, planning my grocery store visits, etc. Somehow if a person would keep that up...many other things go by the wayside or never get started (i.e. go fish game with Kenner, sewing projects, playing catch with Patton).

Although it has "killed" me in the past to purchase something that wasn't the cheapest that I could possibly get it, somehow today I had a realization that spending a certain amount of money on groceries a week and getting what we need for that week is a much better plan. I am going to start budgeting $50 a week for our groceries (which includes diapers and toiletries). I was able to spend $54 today and still purchased some "stock up" items.

I had a great conversation with a friend about grocery shopping. She pointed out that even if she buys more than she needs on sale...it is just like money sitting on her shelves. There is a huge debate out there about stocking up versus buying what you need for a week at a time. I have lived the "stocking up" life for a year and 1/2. I am going to try to live the buy what we need life for a while to see which one works better. Gayle over at the Grocery Cart Challenge does this for her family and does extremely well with budgeting her family's groceries. I will still buy "stock up" items if they fit within the budget in the week. This may limit my Wags and CVS shopping...but I might be saving time and money in the end just shopping Super Saver and price matching.

I am sorry to bore you all with this conversation, but I wanted to document my thoughts today for my other frugal grocery shoppers. I also want to know your thoughts - What kind of shopper are you?

Have a great week!

Meal Planning Monday

No you aren't reading someone else's meal planning...it is mine. I have actually gotten up the energy and able to somewhat think about food in order to plan our meals this week.

Monday:
L: Healthy Choice Frozen meals (yes this seems crazy...but I got them on SUPER sale and the boys think it is fun to do this once in a while:))
D: Beef Brisket w/ BBQ sauce - From Betty Crocker's Crock Pot section

Tuesday
L: Sack lunch in park - going to Toddler time at the Library
D: Turkey Burgers with broccoli and rice casserole

Wednesday
L: PB and J Sandwiches
D: Homemade Sausage and Pepper Pizza

Thursday
L: leftovers (the boys and I are leaving for Hebron, then me to Salina to help my Aunt with a show)

Dinners/Lunches for Casey while we are gone: Sandwich, frozen pizza, hotdogs (special ones for him).

Time fore life

Kenner and Patton have created many stories during the past month that I have not been able to document (due to all day sickness) and can't recall (due to pregnancy brain). They have been very creative when playing. I am reminded everyday how blessed I am to have the boys so close together, because they are each other's best friend. This is another reminder that this new addition to our family will also be a blessing. It is just extremely hard to get over all the plans I have/had in my OCD mind to accomplish this summer, starting a new job, etc. Morning sickness (which has been all day) hasn't been nice to me either. Well enough getting over myself:) I will hopefully get pictures of our weekend. The boys and I had a great time at Aunt Annie's house for a garage sale and a Pampered Chef bridal shower. I was paid $80 to clean my basement:)

Hope you all have a great week!

God questions

Kenner has been full of God questions lately. They often come in car after we have been traveling somewhere for about 10 minutes and it has been quiet. Tonight's is one for the memory books...

K: "Mom, does God remote control us?"

Me: Well (gathering my thoughts) God is not completely control of our lives. (then thinking...He really is). God is with us everywhere. He gives us the decision to right or wrong, but God does know what choice we will be making. (Wow too deep for a 4 year old). In other words, Kenner, God is always with us. When we come to a hard decision we need to always ask God for help. He will help us if we ask.

He was satisfied or silent for now. It is amazing what God is doing in his life. I am sure he has heard Mommy say several times in the past week that I am not in control of my life, but God is (due to the new baby news). I guess he is listening more than I think...yikes!

News in the Svitak household...

We have quickly learned or been graciously reminded in the past couple weeks that we are not in control of our lives...God has a plan for us no matter how much we plan around him:)

We will be adding to our family in Jan.

Fun!

Here are my P90X work out buddies. I will really miss our workouts! Kenner's preschool class

Random May Pics

Kenner's fabulous Preschool teacher - Miss Anne Kenner shooting some hoops at Grandma and Grandpa's house

Patton got to attend his first birthday party at the Lincoln Children's Museum.

One Saturday morning, we got to go watch a circus move into town and set up. It was pretty awesome. We got a "keeper chat" with the Lion Tamer. It was fun to get so close to the animals.

Before the tents were up.

Going to the Lincoln Zoo for Train Day. They have a new climbing structure! We got to go with our cousin Olivia and Rylan. It was a lot of fun especially feeding the goats.

Looking at the trains.

Cousin LOVE

We got to go over to our friend Josh's house and play play play!

Contentment

This is exactly what a friend and I are thinking recently...she puts it into such GREAT words!

http://littlejungfarm.blogspot.com/2010/05/deal-of-week-contentment.html

Still here

It has been a long time since my last actual post. I have so many pictures on my camera and many memories to share. Since it has been so nice, we have been outside rather than sharing with the world what we are doing cooped up:)

I have also done a few t-shirt quilts (4) and one grad video, along with finishing up with school. School ends next WEDNESDAY! WOOT WOOT! (these are truly the only words that can explain how completely excited I am!)

We have found a swallows next in my hanging flowers. Which works well for everyone, except maybe the swallows. They don't make a muddy mess in one of the corners of our porch. The boys and I can check on our 6 eggs by taking the hanging flower down and checking on them. I am waiting to get swarmed by the mom...but not yet.

Hope you all have a great weekend. We are headed to a bday party that the Children's museum, then to Hebron for graduations.