tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26530565716490630862024-03-05T02:57:31.514-08:00All Things Familykristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653056571649063086.post-52991237958392128822011-10-30T17:45:00.003-07:002011-10-30T17:45:49.284-07:00The 3 Card Parenting Solution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2NNE888BBbDnC51wgVgrsx_yJqhcIH0D7LcT9pfkm-i4aORUz7di0aCdDx3SNR_eC29FGZqV7Vzwe91aZeWf5Dc0_nUZYdA_uXXsYdJci-zIS-qrYVIVoN9Nv7JgWLgJafAeYQ8qwwAj/s1600/1%252C2%252C3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2NNE888BBbDnC51wgVgrsx_yJqhcIH0D7LcT9pfkm-i4aORUz7di0aCdDx3SNR_eC29FGZqV7Vzwe91aZeWf5Dc0_nUZYdA_uXXsYdJci-zIS-qrYVIVoN9Nv7JgWLgJafAeYQ8qwwAj/s320/1%252C2%252C3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>There was a time a couple of years ago when emotions were running high in our home with our daughter. I needed a way to communicate consequences to her, without getting drawn in to the heat of the moment. I developed this little 1, 2, 3 card system that worked like a dream. When I started to get some "attitude" about something, I would hand her the card, "Turn that frown upside down." Because we had gone over the cards ahead of time, she knew this was step one. If it continued, she was handed card #2 , and so on. The beauty of this little system is that it takes the emotion completely out of dynamic. It is almost as if the cards are doing the disciplining. Plus, there isn't an opportunity for the all-popular "power struggle" to occur. The frustration is against the cards. :)<br />This can be created for any child, and the cards can relate directly to an issue, or can be general consequences. The ideas are endless. Have fun with this and try it! I did find that both my daughter and I would smile when I handed her a card. We hardly ever had to get to #2.kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653056571649063086.post-27082818236473788042011-10-30T17:45:00.001-07:002011-10-30T17:45:13.547-07:00Words of Life for Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheB9_X0i8yuzZelk96tUU5C4KS2LftqdVkdAz0COpqVGRPCIi45W9DF4yc-rDp8F7SPSEHCA6Q2sWFE1ztXd4wr7AXeBtIimPPVDrIrlItlTBaBSwt4DihS40FgZRfJl1WHvlVtiuZIsvF/s1600/sunflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheB9_X0i8yuzZelk96tUU5C4KS2LftqdVkdAz0COpqVGRPCIi45W9DF4yc-rDp8F7SPSEHCA6Q2sWFE1ztXd4wr7AXeBtIimPPVDrIrlItlTBaBSwt4DihS40FgZRfJl1WHvlVtiuZIsvF/s320/sunflower.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> <br /> Have you ever had the sinking feeling that you just said or did something, as a parent, that has hurt the heart or spirit of one of your children? I had that happen the other day. It wasn't that I meant to hurt her, or that it was intentional... it just happened. The product of carelessness. I didn't say anything directly, but I asked an off-hand question jokingly that communicated a message to her. We can brush these off, but I really don't believe that brings any kind of true peace -- for the parent or child. I have found the only way to navigate those not-so-shining parenting moments is through humility. I told my daughter before bed that I had been careless with my words -- it was a bad joke, and I asked her if she would forgive me. She said she would. I'm always amazed at how quickly my kids forgive. They respond to a humble spirit, and it allows me to point to Christ as the One who gives grace, who authors forgiveness, and who reconciles. My children see that I am not perfect, that I need forgiveness, and that I am continually on a journey. I want them to know the "real," not the "fake,"the authentic, even if it means we have to sit in the mud for a while.<br /> It hurts my heart when I make a mistake with one of my children. I work hard to build them up, to encourage who they are, to make sure they know that God directs their path and has a plan for their life. Then I somehow tear that down in a moment through a spoken word. OUCH. It is no wonder the Bible says in Proverbs 18:21 that the tongue can bring "life or death," or that is says in Proverbs 21:23, "Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble."<br />We have a choice as parents, we can bring life to our children through our words, or death. Do we take the time to even think about what we are saying? Do we weigh our words carefully, often choosing to remain silent instead of saying how we feel in the moment? Do we fully comprehend the impact our words have on these little hearts in our care? I know for a fact that I could be doing so much more to breathe life. Sometimes it takes a concrete reminder. I know people who put 5 rocks in their pocket. By the end of the day, the goal is to give 5 encouragements and have all of the rocks in the other pocket. Whatever it takes, let us do what we need to be moms and dads who are speak life-giving words. Here are some specific ideas below taken from an <a href="http://www.oh-pin.org/articles/pex-09-encouraging-words-build-c.pdf">article by Karen Stephens.</a><br /><br /><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• Your skills are really improving; you’ve outdone your- self today!</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• How kind of you to share toys with your friend. That’s very generous.</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• You are taking such good care of your pet. He’s so lucky to have you!</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• Now THAT’S what I call a thorough job! Thanks for picking up your toys.</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• That’s a great effort; don’t worry about that small mistake.</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• Keep at it; I know you’ll figure it out. How can I help?</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> • I love the sound of your voice. </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• You are such a good learner! I’m impressed by your</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">concentration. </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• I remember when you were first learning that. You’ve</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">come a long way. </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• You’re so fun around the house; life would be boring</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">without you!</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> • What would I have done without you today? Thanks</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">for cleaning the house with me. </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• Our car looks spic and span, you’re a real professional! </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• Great job!</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> • I’m so proud to tell people I’m your mom (dad). </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• You’ve really improved! That’s great! </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• It’s wonderful to see you so happy with your</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">performance. </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• I appreciate your attention to detail. You are one</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">sharp cookie. </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• Your patience is commendable. Keep at it; I know</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">you’ll get it yet. </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• I’ve never thought of it that way. How creative!</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> • You’re doing a great job of controlling your anger.</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> • You’re on the right track! That’s using your brain. </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• You’ve put a lot of careful thought into that. </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• Way to go! Excellent! Superb! Amazing! Fantastic!</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• Hey, you’re getting the hang of it! Your practice is really paying off.</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• Now THAT’S an interesting point.Thanks for sharing it.</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• Your attitude is a very respectful attitude. I appreciate that.</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• You solved your problem; how clever! </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• That is wonderful! Your confidence is really showing! </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• How sensitive you are to your brother’s feelings. </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• Your dependability makes life so much easier for me.</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> • I love your sense of humor. How do you think up</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">those jokes? </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• You hang in there when the going gets tough. You’re a</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">strong person.</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> • Look how much progress you’ve made.You should be</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">proud. </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• Hey, relax for a while; you deserve a break.</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> • What a good memory you have. That effort deserves a</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">high five! </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• I really enjoyed your performance. No one could have</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">done it better.</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> • Keep trying; I know you can work this frustrating</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">problem out. </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• How calm you were when you got that bad news.</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">You are really maturing. </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• It’s a real gift to me when you do your chores without</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">being reminded. </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• I have to hand it to you; you did exactly what you set</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">out to do. </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• Congratulations, you can be proud of your achieve-</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ment! </span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">• I LOVE watching you grow up. You never cease to</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">amaze me.</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> • You are such an interesting person. I can’t imagine life</span></div><div color="#1a1a18" style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Times; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">without you.</span></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653056571649063086.post-13923028303063778112011-10-30T17:44:00.001-07:002011-10-30T17:44:39.255-07:00Apple Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSrlwxKH4XYpyv2McSUYl2u_Kn6dHr9gskSdiqovvB2DNAG_JqLMj5MJ2RwLT8uV2Gk27ASpcHTxOnSH0D6QN9hQMQ0NjrJY84QOH-phsgT-C_R1WQcGJXv45B-TGuY1n4uTMooeRV0b2/s1600/Apple.Day.Fun.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSrlwxKH4XYpyv2McSUYl2u_Kn6dHr9gskSdiqovvB2DNAG_JqLMj5MJ2RwLT8uV2Gk27ASpcHTxOnSH0D6QN9hQMQ0NjrJY84QOH-phsgT-C_R1WQcGJXv45B-TGuY1n4uTMooeRV0b2/s320/Apple.Day.Fun.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b><i> Apple Day </i></b></span>has been a long standing tradition in our house. This picture makes me want to cry because it is from a couple of years ago, and I just <i>cannot stand</i> how fast they are growing up! It makes me realize how special this day is in creating all of the warm feelings of fall -- the smell of apples cooking, a pumpkin spice candle burning, Vivaldi playing in the background (my favorite canning music for some reason), happy noises coming from the kids working together, and the familiar "pop" of canning lids sealing. It truly is a day that makes me HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY. It's all that good in life!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;font-size:x-large;">Apple Day begins here:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtqtWBRC45Rqs_1gB47n7OauZSgOuXaKdmrbfDbFsbiDUPdWEwOFIcTsdopcpWX9YV9Jps8m_XqwlYTXXJRVIJNOAr3VS1OmLqXczAWESVSg_0Eui6a3an604e-tW6aKPeYocgyjeFUZa/s1600/IMG_3174.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtqtWBRC45Rqs_1gB47n7OauZSgOuXaKdmrbfDbFsbiDUPdWEwOFIcTsdopcpWX9YV9Jps8m_XqwlYTXXJRVIJNOAr3VS1OmLqXczAWESVSg_0Eui6a3an604e-tW6aKPeYocgyjeFUZa/s320/IMG_3174.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We are fortunate enough to live close to one of the most beautiful orchard areas in the Northwest: Greenbluff. Hansen's Orchard is owned by family friends, and we think they have the absolute BEST apples & cider on the Bluff!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXDrJHVuCR7h1LSy6UapAz2UlZsEvzOX0nZwbHwL0le4hG6wkWjBAdcNs0PQR8Jn4b5KMHnajOOHqwCsPXnKcpoNLBgd1XLRVVmcCi7_jKRZZHMq14UlQfdkTZ8rKoRNSt_pDHnFrFCy4/s1600/IMG_3157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXDrJHVuCR7h1LSy6UapAz2UlZsEvzOX0nZwbHwL0le4hG6wkWjBAdcNs0PQR8Jn4b5KMHnajOOHqwCsPXnKcpoNLBgd1XLRVVmcCi7_jKRZZHMq14UlQfdkTZ8rKoRNSt_pDHnFrFCy4/s320/IMG_3157.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcpnWmBio-TtujT2mGnb4g7mqhqtmUKMh0m9vmXEVPl8hyphenhyphen5g5fFUsu1hN9KpYY3tYZPblRiBg_hsxnA-Yi5XeF7-fetpvnJBmQ6lLc28bvnC47grJzKOVhdUzzqkfNP44DK183Bl7dKJT/s1600/IMG_3159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcpnWmBio-TtujT2mGnb4g7mqhqtmUKMh0m9vmXEVPl8hyphenhyphen5g5fFUsu1hN9KpYY3tYZPblRiBg_hsxnA-Yi5XeF7-fetpvnJBmQ6lLc28bvnC47grJzKOVhdUzzqkfNP44DK183Bl7dKJT/s320/IMG_3159.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zMxNsCFhewqa2bpZiKKaMSQccrLke_j_239sQQJ1kZH0zKWDrnx5xMd1gABKA6cC5tSuw4Cx7i26R_orfwPfoBOk9BuCiNJQF60qmqDzD0dE7r1-sHMHZgwLdVqQmeVE2hjI8w4XamK1/s1600/IMG_3160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zMxNsCFhewqa2bpZiKKaMSQccrLke_j_239sQQJ1kZH0zKWDrnx5xMd1gABKA6cC5tSuw4Cx7i26R_orfwPfoBOk9BuCiNJQF60qmqDzD0dE7r1-sHMHZgwLdVqQmeVE2hjI8w4XamK1/s320/IMG_3160.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwmCkAbXq8znedqElFTedg_c0cVptg51feYQb6zI3g1C2Hoo7gcrxzV_eEZd6BuEBe_SPydu8ZLz11PxdqYTh5OpNW99K3_6rfbZNIPhgwjoy-uR3JvpV7R-AyQLS_3xyqOKk3vHzveWi/s1600/IMG_3162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwmCkAbXq8znedqElFTedg_c0cVptg51feYQb6zI3g1C2Hoo7gcrxzV_eEZd6BuEBe_SPydu8ZLz11PxdqYTh5OpNW99K3_6rfbZNIPhgwjoy-uR3JvpV7R-AyQLS_3xyqOKk3vHzveWi/s320/IMG_3162.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAutMZL1MoGlDs22pXczDMcrXINLAgAHzKGSqMhstoQZDiS6hgz_kgdZY36SALKcAy6cPGABXU6KmtpglUbnv8WLsQM7gNRMr6CFoWgt-BlGPGzJOlUtKpYxfKs2upIUduNnpszdk2KuG/s1600/IMG_3167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAutMZL1MoGlDs22pXczDMcrXINLAgAHzKGSqMhstoQZDiS6hgz_kgdZY36SALKcAy6cPGABXU6KmtpglUbnv8WLsQM7gNRMr6CFoWgt-BlGPGzJOlUtKpYxfKs2upIUduNnpszdk2KuG/s320/IMG_3167.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQgB-xLCgGBM6tjWoyj_ByS12Pg4c5n20VesSeXh5WWLzDEVGaHoZiNqxF0F7vhUjz6L7eI6aOQ5fwEnQQDidtkEidB8sVDt6Sg8h3Jlsoi8Lts2XhSFTpqDVZ_COzcdqQcvgbWbGC33U/s1600/IMG_3171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQgB-xLCgGBM6tjWoyj_ByS12Pg4c5n20VesSeXh5WWLzDEVGaHoZiNqxF0F7vhUjz6L7eI6aOQ5fwEnQQDidtkEidB8sVDt6Sg8h3Jlsoi8Lts2XhSFTpqDVZ_COzcdqQcvgbWbGC33U/s320/IMG_3171.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CRGdD0C9kJ4Br7mLYd8i2wPmKYYlq08a9kgu3SU81IoSeCCv7T1e8IzvOJC2emy22Oxg3Xe97_UEufOEsryZYzluV3YWGefr29o9DkIF9aAztBbnCM7T06RUTZ58_Zmf6IyVn6bYgTlK/s1600/IMG_3173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CRGdD0C9kJ4Br7mLYd8i2wPmKYYlq08a9kgu3SU81IoSeCCv7T1e8IzvOJC2emy22Oxg3Xe97_UEufOEsryZYzluV3YWGefr29o9DkIF9aAztBbnCM7T06RUTZ58_Zmf6IyVn6bYgTlK/s320/IMG_3173.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We try to time it so that we process the apples in the same week they are picked. I learned this the hard way some years back. The apples are much harder to work with after they have softened up even a little bit. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-ktxobNHvAFi9Oy2kZSewCM_tcxIpxBvxMHfVce0g0-6F9ZVTpWjIZy1DdswTmpR-DGf9n1FEB0qR43uwttHma7DANOluEEIZ2ZRbb7QM3c2beWv-xjgZuCisH3V07xaO9-Z7x3oJIBk/s1600/IMG_3146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-ktxobNHvAFi9Oy2kZSewCM_tcxIpxBvxMHfVce0g0-6F9ZVTpWjIZy1DdswTmpR-DGf9n1FEB0qR43uwttHma7DANOluEEIZ2ZRbb7QM3c2beWv-xjgZuCisH3V07xaO9-Z7x3oJIBk/s320/IMG_3146.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Here's why. This fantastic gadget peels, cores, and slices the apples. If they are hard, it is a snap. If they are soft.... it turns to a mushy, mashy mess.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0L3S6uEL003YfmAu1Nf2DHqpNEhyphenhyphenwsa8zsYvWZkCAi9zIXTKlu4wzjJVIi3oDFalCFHZfsV8Dhs7pLbC3tEJyCJwcQu-ZpK2t-1TOtmO72QY7jyn4S84d-vuxX9RRQw_YFta-9iMq2Mrq/s1600/IMG_4143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0L3S6uEL003YfmAu1Nf2DHqpNEhyphenhyphenwsa8zsYvWZkCAi9zIXTKlu4wzjJVIi3oDFalCFHZfsV8Dhs7pLbC3tEJyCJwcQu-ZpK2t-1TOtmO72QY7jyn4S84d-vuxX9RRQw_YFta-9iMq2Mrq/s320/IMG_4143.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lPEfHu-5cYCQGdFaATUTygemUoXPwYupnsv8OYfwUOJQG-ST8t9d9VSaYXSTUA_ao8E9DteXsxyOSYLrJJgZ1WsVylbOvXW27R8Vm5Ju4xcwxiz_6RvV2aKOO0qncaRoK5jQnShkJ5o9/s1600/IMG_3177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lPEfHu-5cYCQGdFaATUTygemUoXPwYupnsv8OYfwUOJQG-ST8t9d9VSaYXSTUA_ao8E9DteXsxyOSYLrJJgZ1WsVylbOvXW27R8Vm5Ju4xcwxiz_6RvV2aKOO0qncaRoK5jQnShkJ5o9/s320/IMG_3177.jpg" width="213" /></a></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSry9MzMa0nwF7ZVKQW5mXdpRxyStPUrrwVYpbUzsxggDNmG6BTiuzZH_CC4YOuOLVzwZc2-58QO6zWJghJEVY7DTMU11A9NQH6a5QJQ09ndU0V9lJQZXNyOvT6mhD2Ur6d2iliQy85DFp/s1600/IMG_3175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSry9MzMa0nwF7ZVKQW5mXdpRxyStPUrrwVYpbUzsxggDNmG6BTiuzZH_CC4YOuOLVzwZc2-58QO6zWJghJEVY7DTMU11A9NQH6a5QJQ09ndU0V9lJQZXNyOvT6mhD2Ur6d2iliQy85DFp/s320/IMG_3175.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> We make chunky applesauce.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU474Egw5HDq0rDX5pwbPUmtYzwcEDgJjUYCVCBmaAQswkpbl33aPCM4Y7FjIFXu3tJjwXsiFqE4H231ttquPgpTo0dO1W7o3s2pQb8U9xGVJxw6Voa9mB0d0e1Mlq2PpMBzwQVDl_dxJ0/s1600/IMG_3176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU474Egw5HDq0rDX5pwbPUmtYzwcEDgJjUYCVCBmaAQswkpbl33aPCM4Y7FjIFXu3tJjwXsiFqE4H231ttquPgpTo0dO1W7o3s2pQb8U9xGVJxw6Voa9mB0d0e1Mlq2PpMBzwQVDl_dxJ0/s320/IMG_3176.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Dried Apples.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0yifQiYiI4Vb5LTlR4HIXslBbdJTtqnwFyvD8TxGyfgQ6R-EWxjqoXpyfOqkzoirwLB41llIrdI7FEIhKYXn1w904AHtWQ0D3bpa2wnmChkhgftSJEKCV1L8ldfpjsWO7rsi_WvnDJRh/s1600/IMG_4140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0yifQiYiI4Vb5LTlR4HIXslBbdJTtqnwFyvD8TxGyfgQ6R-EWxjqoXpyfOqkzoirwLB41llIrdI7FEIhKYXn1w904AHtWQ0D3bpa2wnmChkhgftSJEKCV1L8ldfpjsWO7rsi_WvnDJRh/s320/IMG_4140.jpg" width="320" style="cursor: move; " /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkb8HTnDHNUQ6E78Dc4AeNEVvpd-yo4u5v1vDQIgavBvzxK2r1cFYQeDsS-JWUNEsDNsOsPrLKL4nnm0W1qsxCMJ8hTl4pTueSts2RT_yLiqE0grsT47z5lUiW0OaPCSeOBEh7bOA4Bq2/s1600/IMG_3178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkb8HTnDHNUQ6E78Dc4AeNEVvpd-yo4u5v1vDQIgavBvzxK2r1cFYQeDsS-JWUNEsDNsOsPrLKL4nnm0W1qsxCMJ8hTl4pTueSts2RT_yLiqE0grsT47z5lUiW0OaPCSeOBEh7bOA4Bq2/s320/IMG_3178.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF5gjMfSioYTPWqpyAkhSwolRFonfQHNyvugRlyAHy-dLhvjTSCX_Rj6VWE0f0muPXEY8LuZEUiAyYDFtgaosFjRwL79LTTxPxl3EikLTDiB7PR2kSyrT89rOJmOZvnsh-iLPoIh4sowq/s1600/IMG_3180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF5gjMfSioYTPWqpyAkhSwolRFonfQHNyvugRlyAHy-dLhvjTSCX_Rj6VWE0f0muPXEY8LuZEUiAyYDFtgaosFjRwL79LTTxPxl3EikLTDiB7PR2kSyrT89rOJmOZvnsh-iLPoIh4sowq/s320/IMG_3180.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> And the very favorite: APPLESAUCE</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiszliRt5B5q5z-Iq2BnRphOxCUX8yuR2W8aXmfcFiWrVcVw6yT3nzxdHvXICOBlDZu1ha-8CYAKpwE67Llc5VkP0jglnRwG5rEoO2WamhRcl59xlwi8ZUytwzNJPcTDNVwYr0yID6opfr/s1600/IMG_3183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiszliRt5B5q5z-Iq2BnRphOxCUX8yuR2W8aXmfcFiWrVcVw6yT3nzxdHvXICOBlDZu1ha-8CYAKpwE67Llc5VkP0jglnRwG5rEoO2WamhRcl59xlwi8ZUytwzNJPcTDNVwYr0yID6opfr/s320/IMG_3183.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOcF-QVyMsFgJ_Eanb1xnh1aDYTXW7xqmOU2EBalpm0ojof-zSAdzwOut2kkiOXyJaXu2_DVj1Wj6nlT6DzWQQ04vQMkivqK9U0oPUZ3qK3qYUkNIg4Lqh7EVsi4LTh6mUmEgwszQ2owS/s1600/IMG_8746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOcF-QVyMsFgJ_Eanb1xnh1aDYTXW7xqmOU2EBalpm0ojof-zSAdzwOut2kkiOXyJaXu2_DVj1Wj6nlT6DzWQQ04vQMkivqK9U0oPUZ3qK3qYUkNIg4Lqh7EVsi4LTh6mUmEgwszQ2owS/s320/IMG_8746.jpg" width="320" style="cursor: move; " /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFCKpwhdnennEx0bLQ3eHm1AZO_ztOdy5aLamsyHkUb48QQIAkaB6zviXkzdA2rPRRYDfgRDDeqFDTHuGORnUrPFiCjbqZqz6782eFrmLLF1faHCQPinYCbLijpd3PywbSTo5f7GtS_tx/s1600/IMG_8781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFCKpwhdnennEx0bLQ3eHm1AZO_ztOdy5aLamsyHkUb48QQIAkaB6zviXkzdA2rPRRYDfgRDDeqFDTHuGORnUrPFiCjbqZqz6782eFrmLLF1faHCQPinYCbLijpd3PywbSTo5f7GtS_tx/s320/IMG_8781.jpg" width="320" style="cursor: move; " /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidioKFnP22P7A90WccU1wUbTm0fYwpZqOj-EVayuoo6cq_g7DEZbsnv5J0lzAZj_4cH7nJyr93DTO_kAlnZEoFeQQkveIGLALdTvrQg0ld3LXuW8ddE-JplQdd3HzuwZJf1XPuN2ISdhvN/s1600/IMG_3184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidioKFnP22P7A90WccU1wUbTm0fYwpZqOj-EVayuoo6cq_g7DEZbsnv5J0lzAZj_4cH7nJyr93DTO_kAlnZEoFeQQkveIGLALdTvrQg0ld3LXuW8ddE-JplQdd3HzuwZJf1XPuN2ISdhvN/s320/IMG_3184.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiCiJWCytbkBMcXtLwwCjkgjbE1usjmSY4k9k9LwnO8AD60OG3K8gw6VrC2qhZm448aYAhzN41AmkeKDK1KS6LZwS4m7a9sWwGOd7rCPGxfuPp5-IaAOIABAxeXJzmqOskvAL6AYfSbbY/s1600/IMG_3186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiCiJWCytbkBMcXtLwwCjkgjbE1usjmSY4k9k9LwnO8AD60OG3K8gw6VrC2qhZm448aYAhzN41AmkeKDK1KS6LZwS4m7a9sWwGOd7rCPGxfuPp5-IaAOIABAxeXJzmqOskvAL6AYfSbbY/s320/IMG_3186.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> OK -- this is a close favorite runner-up: APPLE CRISP.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhU2j-imsJihV-aayzDavOk__qIcdYEumn1LWQuwfENPUmgZI4oYz0xF62gyNORlzXD5L3HdrRoN_xY5Pco8bT6lruU82svrIsjRmERhn0wNrw0A5RzxR7eZdVL0vMP2bizux4XtlNFHJ/s1600/IMG_3187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhU2j-imsJihV-aayzDavOk__qIcdYEumn1LWQuwfENPUmgZI4oYz0xF62gyNORlzXD5L3HdrRoN_xY5Pco8bT6lruU82svrIsjRmERhn0wNrw0A5RzxR7eZdVL0vMP2bizux4XtlNFHJ/s320/IMG_3187.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCd6Wj-YLmNnpKK4LAE9Y6xnGSc7edybYAWsJqvBwuYzaERkOsLLqVgtveZg4oj_rp4hHMp5WBQM83fVh9N8nRsvwRTpNU3vnRWsmlGCoxMEExsmdGdGAxTLlBCLEzj4UX8fyv7fhPxEr/s1600/IMG_8768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCd6Wj-YLmNnpKK4LAE9Y6xnGSc7edybYAWsJqvBwuYzaERkOsLLqVgtveZg4oj_rp4hHMp5WBQM83fVh9N8nRsvwRTpNU3vnRWsmlGCoxMEExsmdGdGAxTLlBCLEzj4UX8fyv7fhPxEr/s320/IMG_8768.jpg" width="207" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I couldn't resist putting in this picture from Apple Day last year. So much love going around -- warms a mama's heart it does!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRhwsgr2TgQSB-gKYd5LAXXYP5Na2TBNoWzZ5VdTlDk_c9B00JKVeE6CIvBDoHyJ84AIlFeofBpaFqK9O9nhy8e0AONZxRoq4O9dpU41LHBaRQN0URbNPkHL1XwaPY5-NdRzLNDuDggHE/s1600/IMG_8772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRhwsgr2TgQSB-gKYd5LAXXYP5Na2TBNoWzZ5VdTlDk_c9B00JKVeE6CIvBDoHyJ84AIlFeofBpaFqK9O9nhy8e0AONZxRoq4O9dpU41LHBaRQN0URbNPkHL1XwaPY5-NdRzLNDuDggHE/s320/IMG_8772.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Ohhhh ya -- this one too: APPLE PIES</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeZdECp9XZJLGdqx-BSVZfUY5xzce5Da3HEwigfMyncCIfw1RAN8VOTWX6D-dwrEIA3AkfH2sUOM8_OlbYFSlLfdIzGa9_15vhhkuiKIhY6AxFxOm6utSWI5gDhebz-l02z1Lfdd42y4h/s1600/IMG_8773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeZdECp9XZJLGdqx-BSVZfUY5xzce5Da3HEwigfMyncCIfw1RAN8VOTWX6D-dwrEIA3AkfH2sUOM8_OlbYFSlLfdIzGa9_15vhhkuiKIhY6AxFxOm6utSWI5gDhebz-l02z1Lfdd42y4h/s320/IMG_8773.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's a lot, I know, and make no mistake -- we are <b><i>exhausted </i></b>by the end of the day, but it's that good kind of exhausted. The kind that lets the heart and body know that it has been a day well spent. Those are the best kind!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653056571649063086.post-87123202119060194132011-09-11T22:11:00.002-07:002011-09-11T22:12:07.637-07:00Families who camp together, stay together (I've done the work for you)!<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvSAxd_OGIt1OPjjscnw9Z_ugPZVn15c7TxtlKhi9OD0_9pKq9zrQVySBHyDJvTGGGnlvZIXxJyxfR2wxySFE1F0XMk2KHlEiEkISF-xpg_GurF5kUDcMeim_UPt3fyEnRcKxufxWTADc/s1600/IMG_7730.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbviDjSrO5Ggvh5Q7FUd03uVtwor9FRYrd_0I5PPhIRIyztJztT7xncUqzvjy58-TuScR2jBtBlnczKjg0hgLZoL1D4IQapLqfGIl7dWAHR620jon6S3snC8TO75CJhqpm6X0AcAecR6qA/s1600/families.who.camp.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbviDjSrO5Ggvh5Q7FUd03uVtwor9FRYrd_0I5PPhIRIyztJztT7xncUqzvjy58-TuScR2jBtBlnczKjg0hgLZoL1D4IQapLqfGIl7dWAHR620jon6S3snC8TO75CJhqpm6X0AcAecR6qA/s320/families.who.camp.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641720094576394530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left; "><span style="font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Gary smalley, a guru from the Smalley Relationship Center, found that close-knit families have an interesting thing in common: CAMPING. Families who camp value shared experiences and spending time together. They are willing to make the necessary sacrifices for the greater good. TRUST ME. I fully understand this concept. It is a lot of work to camp. I spend days planning, shopping, cooking, organizing, loading, and packing. Then there is the laundry, laundry, and more laundry on return! However, smart families know that almost anything worth doing has some form of a challenge to it, and camping is no different.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Below is our camping menu, recipes, and a shopping list for this year's outdoor expedition. ENJOY!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtBwgas2CxT1uf17GxLlVyrtS7kIuNxZEMu_3c05BQsEbTbzw431rd6n-DmKmxrSSCvt7MzLoXNi61-ZLZG3SjNTjnK6qcKOjdPjJBZfefwrdkdcglqoYpZYGUJRQufZRd58dJNTQXuWp/s320/IMG_7651.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641727572711136498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 280px; " /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Monday:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Lunch: </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">sandwiches (made at home)</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Dinner</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">:<span> </span>Pesto chicken pasta</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; "><span style="font-family:";"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dirt Dessert</span></b></span><span style="font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Tuesday:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Breakfast:<span> </span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><span></span>Breakfast Scramble</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Lunch:<span> </span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Cold Cuts, Crackers, Cheese, Apple Slices</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Dinner: </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><span></span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Pork Barbacoa Tortilla wraps</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:21px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:16px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvSAxd_OGIt1OPjjscnw9Z_ugPZVn15c7TxtlKhi9OD0_9pKq9zrQVySBHyDJvTGGGnlvZIXxJyxfR2wxySFE1F0XMk2KHlEiEkISF-xpg_GurF5kUDcMeim_UPt3fyEnRcKxufxWTADc/s320/IMG_7730.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641727569445759106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Wednesday:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Breakfast: </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Peach & Apple Pancakes</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Lunch: </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Pitas with hummus, cucumbers, kalmatas</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Dinner: </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Campfire Mac N Cheese</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Calligraphy';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">S'Mores</span></b></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ddWW69jJOI5KhXBx6CIkpXf1y06yuar60SIc0BkX4SYkqidhmFRJSCHbwHtwhIujm03YeVUkFwv2RBQRg8XuAT4GHwjAge6fSQBuvwp_6dEhCgliPuIUpLeXKKSQPF7Nk3qMtOW8Qu9g/s320/IMG_7720.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641727582602029858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:21px;">Thursday:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Breakfast: </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">French Toast Kabobs</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Lunch: </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Tuna Salad Sandwiches</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Dinner: </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Hawaiian Camp Chicken, Campfire Corn on the Cob</span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidx0qO0mZjBMRnkAuRaoIqPvsJgjl5zzg6_vlwT6fQNy8WQ3JSfN3Yrls-SJncys5ZI2sirGO6oRnXzQjG-8miLPlJ4kXmuU3XFiR_x55rquu2ljz-qhHh5YU1lelnS8JbSz0YQx3sWwGv/s320/IMG_7705.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641729715784669490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:21px;">Friday:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Breakfast: </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Apricot Granola</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Lunch: </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Pizza Crackers</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Dinner: </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Cowboy Supper</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:21px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><b>Campfire banana splits</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;"><o:p><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">CAMP RECIPES</span></i></b></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Breakfast scramble<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Mix together scrambled eggs, chopped bacon, cheddar cheese, chopped onion, a splash of milk, & diced potatoes or a bag of hash browns.<span> </span>Cook thoroughly.<span> </span><span></span>Eat alone or in a tortilla wrap.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:21px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Pork Barbacoa wraps<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Place pre-made pulled pork, black beans, cheese, avocado, tomato, & lettuce in a wrap.<span> </span>Heat wrapped up in tin foil.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Pesto Chicken:<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Re-heat the chicken/pesto mixture (which was made ahead by roasting the chicken, shredding it, and mixing with pesto).<span> </span>Add to cooked penne pasta.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:21px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Cowboy Supper<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Mix together 2 cans bush’s original beans, 1 can northern beans, 1 bottle sweet baby ray’s bbq sauce, ½ c. ketchup, ½ c. brown sugar, 1 lb. cooked and crumbled hamburger.<span> </span>Let simmer together.<span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Campire banana splits<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Cut a banana stem to stem.<span> </span>Leaving the peel on, carefully place chocolate chips, mini marshmallow, or a candy bar inside.<span> </span>Wrap with aluminum foil and let melt in the campfire.<span> </span>You can also do this with butter, cinnamon, & Sugar (and a splash of rum for adults for Bananas foster)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:21px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Campire Mac N Cheese<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Combine in individual tin pans ½ elbow mac. (cooked), ¼ cheddar cheese, 1 tbsp. parmesan, 1 tbsp. milk, ½ tbsp. butter, salt and pepper.<span> </span>Seal the top in foil.<span> </span>Place it over the campfire to melt the cheese, let cool a bit, then open the foil top and enjoy</span><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none; "></span></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Melted Chocolate Trail Mix<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Mix together 3 cups nuts (any variety), ½ c. sunflower seeds, ½ c. coconut flakes (optional), 1 cups raisins, ½ c. dried cranberry, & whatever else you want to add!<span> </span>Place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.<span> </span>Roast at 375 for up to 25 min. (if desired).<span> </span>Let cool.<span> </span>Melt chocolate in the microwave.<span> </span>Pour over the nut mixture in ribbons.<span> </span>Stir to coat everything.<span> </span>Let the chocolate cool and break into pieces.<span> </span>Store in an airtight container.<span> </span>Makes 12 servings.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:21px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Campfire Corn on the Cob<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Place husked ears of corn in a foil packet and season with butter, salt & Pepper, and whatever other seasoning desired (Cajun, etc.).<span> </span>Place over the fire and roast for 10 min.<span> </span>Unwrap and enjoy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:21px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Go Eat Worms Dirt Dessert<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Mix together cool whip, smashed oreos, gummy worms, and gummy critter. You can add pudding if you want & have milk.<span> </span>Serve in bowls.<span> </span>You can make this ahead of time and keep in a container until ready to serve.<span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Another way to serve this is to layer.<span> </span>Place the oreos on the bottom as “dirt.”<span> </span>Top with whipped topping mixed with pudding.<span> </span>Add some gummy worms to this layer.<span> </span>Top with more oreos and a few worms sticking out of the top.<span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Peach or Apple Pancakes</span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Mix pre-packaged pancake mix according to directions.<span></span>Place a peach or apple slice on the griddle.<span> </span>Sprinkle with pre-mixed cinnamon & sugar.<span> </span>Pour pancake batter over the fruit.<span> </span>Flip as usual.<span> </span>Serve with syrup.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:21px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Sausage on a Stick<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Unroll 1 package of refrigerated breadsticks.<span> </span>Coil one breadstick dough around a fully cooked sausage link.<span></span>Repeat with several.<span> </span>Rotate slowly in a pan or over the campfire until the bread is cooked through and the sausages are heated.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Hawaiian Camp Chicken<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Mix together 1/3 c. ketchup, 1/3 c. soy sauce, ½ c. brown sugar, 3 tbsp. sherry, 1 piece chopped fresh ginger, & 2 minced garlic cloves.<span> </span>Place all ingredients in a ziplock bag.<span> </span>Add 4-5 lb. chicken breasts.<span> </span>Marinate until ready to grill over the fire.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">French Toast Kabobs<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Wisk together 8 large eggs, 2/3 c. buttermilk, a pinch of salt & ½ tsp. vanilla extract (this can be done ahead and placed in a container).<span> </span>Cut a loaf of bread into 1 inch cubes (also can be done ahead and placed in a ziplock bag).<span> </span>When ready to cook, mix cubes of bread into the egg mixture to coat evenly.<span> </span>Melt butter in a sauté pan over heat.<span> </span>Add bread pieces in a single layer and cook.<span> </span>Turn over until all sides are cooked through.<span> </span>Thread cubes onto skewers alternating with banana slices, blueberries, and raspberries.<span> </span>Or forget the skewers, and mix it all together on a plate.<span> </span>Drizzle with syrup.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Tuna Salad Sandwiches<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -1in; line-height: 16pt; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Mix together 2 cans tuna, 2 chopped celery sticks, 1-2 chopped dill pickes,, 2 tbsp. light mayo, 2 tbsp. fresh basil (optional), the juice of one lemon, salt and pepper.<span> </span>Add to hearty wheat bread.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-family:Helvetica;"><span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Apricot Granola<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -1in; line-height: 16pt; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Mix together 4 cups rolled oats, 1 c. sliced almonds, 1 c. chopped pecans,<span> </span>2 c. chopped dried apricots, & 1 cup sunflower seeds.<span> </span>In another bowl, mix ½ c. oil, ½ c. molasses, 4 tbsp. brown sugar, ¼ tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. nutmeg.<span> </span>Mix well.<span> </span>Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.<span></span>Flatten onto greased baking sheets (or I use silpat liners underneath). <span></span>Bake at 275 for 1 hour, stirring every 15 min.<span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center; "><b><i><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Pizza Crackers<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; line-height: 16pt; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Start with a grain cracker, such as triskets.<span> </span>Place a dollop of pizza sauce as the base, add pepperoni, and a slice of mozzarella.<span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; line-height: 16pt; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlP97BET5Qw8QmGs-fhrNSpeI1PNvHoGnGhhzscxRoMlpo3EkWOp3Fd9Fhg0qvQyoOGDnZ_XPVwNYjU4bkfIjhxLC1wjfTnnnpxeWJVkx5joWX22oLgIVvV4F27HqNhfYmJ_fyphToB8-/s1600/IMG_7648.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlP97BET5Qw8QmGs-fhrNSpeI1PNvHoGnGhhzscxRoMlpo3EkWOp3Fd9Fhg0qvQyoOGDnZ_XPVwNYjU4bkfIjhxLC1wjfTnnnpxeWJVkx5joWX22oLgIVvV4F27HqNhfYmJ_fyphToB8-/s320/IMG_7648.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641729412857547026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; line-height: 16pt; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"></span></p><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><b><i><span style="font-size: 22pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Grocery shopping List:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Eggs<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Shredded cheddar cheese ( a very large bag, or a large block shredded)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Hash browns or red potatoes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Pre-cooked bacon<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Milk<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Tortillas<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Pulled pork<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">2 cans black beans<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">2 avocado<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">2 tomatoes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">1 head lettuce<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">shredded chicken<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">4-6 chicken breasts<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">pesto<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">penne pasta<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">2 cans bush’s original beans<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">1 can northern beans<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">1 bottle sweet baby rays bbq sauce<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">ketchup<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">1 c. brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">1 lb. cooked hamburger<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">2 bushels bananas<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Mini marshmallows (one baggie)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Aluminum foil<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Individual tin pans<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Elbow macaroni<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Parmesan (a small bag)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">2 sticks butter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">salt and pepper<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">almonds<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">coconut flakes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">raisins<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">dried cranberries or cherries<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">2 bags chocolate chips<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">Corn on the cob<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">2 cartons cool whip<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">2 pkgs chocolate pudding<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">gummy worms<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">1 pkg. oreos<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">pancake mix<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">peaches<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">apples<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">maple syrup<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">2 pkgs. Refrigerated bread sticks<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">pre-cooked Breakfast sausages<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">1/3 c. soy sauce<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><span></span>sherry (3 tbsp.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;"><span></span>ginger (1 Piece)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">2 garlic cloves<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">buttermilk<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">1 or 2 loaves of French bread<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">blueberries<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">raspberries<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">2-4 cans tuna<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">celery<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">dill pickles<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">mayo<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">basil<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">1 lemon<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">wheat bread<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">triskets<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">pepperoni<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">pizza sauce<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">mozzarella cheese<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">pitas<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">hummus<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">kalmata olives<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">feta<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">cold cuts<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">rolled oats<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">pecans (1 c.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">dried apricots<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">molasses (1/2 c.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">nutmeg<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">graham crackers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">chocolate bars<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">marshmallows<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">capri suns<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; "><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family:AdamGorry-Inline;font-size:12.0pt;">perrier water</span></p></span></div></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653056571649063086.post-59820966475472748432011-09-11T22:11:00.001-07:002011-09-11T22:11:23.318-07:00Packing (& re-packing & re-packing) - How to make a grab & go bag<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgw-P5LMJkKN9wIQubFniXQEEifJgadg4Bugh91iCQ1GhluHDzq2hUD-rtrKSStYXcVCgo8IDh6hPP7AYSrMEZgbuXfJXU3ienPzhfvsp6M_ZCIh3rbkHd0-HUBGGLmvv4lz2J6bgoH5XK/s1600/IMG_2406.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgw-P5LMJkKN9wIQubFniXQEEifJgadg4Bugh91iCQ1GhluHDzq2hUD-rtrKSStYXcVCgo8IDh6hPP7AYSrMEZgbuXfJXU3ienPzhfvsp6M_ZCIh3rbkHd0-HUBGGLmvv4lz2J6bgoH5XK/s320/IMG_2406.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645605559876513794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 260px; " /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>This summer we were ON THE MOVE! Whether we were camping in the woods, going to the lake for the weekend, visiting grandparents, or headed to summer camp, bags needed to be packed with essential supplies for each outing. In years past, I've been exhausted just trying to get everything packed and re-packed for each child for each separate event. Not this year! I finally came up with a system that has saved me tons of time, stress, and energy (yay)!<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>At the beginning of the summer I designated a different colored bag for each child. In it, I packed summer essentials: t-shirts, shorts, a long pair of pants, a sweatshirt, swimsuit, sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, beach towel, socks, PJs, etc. Stores like Target, where cute clothes can be found at great prices are helpful with this system! When it was time to go, we picked up the bags and off we went. Here's the key -- they kids can't touch what is in the bag at home (there is no guarantee it will make it back in). At the end of each trip, I'd take the bags into the laundry room, and wash the contents of the bags one at a time. I then repack right from the laundry basket back into the bag. Now it's ready for the next outing!!</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Maybe you have already thought of doing this, or something like it. Summer doesn't last very long around here, so anything I can do to spend less time packing and more time enjoying it is a good plan for me!</div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653056571649063086.post-37855621773948191822011-09-11T22:09:00.000-07:002011-09-11T22:10:00.916-07:00Reading Out-loud to Kids - A Don't Miss!<div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, arial, sans;font-size:13px;color:#4c4c4c;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2V3WAWmkPN-Y4RNArXCMYl7OUVq4CbX2bUB9R1vDHkvmynV-uNdRIhc8u8_TJ2BNuLuzYNcwmF0cERhcJsBAZjiAnfm-6JbHt_NZKnHOAoUOjCNLW2Cdk3H3V4pQiMVFHP2J63mP93GJE/s1600/IMG_2874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2V3WAWmkPN-Y4RNArXCMYl7OUVq4CbX2bUB9R1vDHkvmynV-uNdRIhc8u8_TJ2BNuLuzYNcwmF0cERhcJsBAZjiAnfm-6JbHt_NZKnHOAoUOjCNLW2Cdk3H3V4pQiMVFHP2J63mP93GJE/s320/IMG_2874.jpg" width="320" style="cursor: move; " /></a></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Moment upon moment upon moment. These make up what we call "time." Every day, I try to do something to connect with each of my children, either individually or as a group. These sometimes small, and sometimes big, moments make a difference. Reading together aloud has proven to be one the most consistent and best ways to do this in my parenting. From pre-schoolers to teenagers, everyone loves a good story. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last summer, I wanted a fun way to connect with my older nephews and my daughter at our family lake cabin. I went to the bookstore and found </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chosen-Lost-Book-Circle/dp/B001JI4E2M/ref=sr_1_13?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315591452&sr=1-13"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ted Dekker's The Lost Series</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. I got the first book and we began reading. The rule was that we all had to read together, and out-loud. They would beg me to sit down and read more. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> My boys and I have been in C.S. Lewis'</span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Narnia-C-S-Lewis/dp/0061969052/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1315591787&sr=8-4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chronicles of Narnia</span></span></a></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> all summer. We've worked our way from </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Magician's Nephew</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> to </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Voyage of the Dawn Treader</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, where we are currently. Now that school has started, I read a chapter or two as they go to bed. We all love winding the day down with this ritual. Honestly, it is as fun for me to read them as it is for them to hear them. I am completely captivated by these stories! We watch the movies together after reading the story also, and the boys love filling in the gaps.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Reading aloud to our children accomplishes several things</span><a href="http://www.sonlight.com/read-alouds.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Here is a list taken from<a href="http://www.sonlight.com/read-alouds.html">Sonlight Curriculum's webite:</a> </span><br /><br /><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Introduce your children to great literature that is beyond their personal reading capacity. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Develop within your children a life-long love of reading. </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Expand your children's vocabulary</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Build listening skills - including the ability to visualize the meaning of spoken words.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Develop an "ear" for good oral reading</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Develop oral reading skills.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Give</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i> you and your children a context for sharing mutually significant times together.</i></b></span></li></ul><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">I like to use <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/read-alouds.html">Sonlight's website</a> to order books for read-alouds. Having a stack of quality material ready makes the legwork easy. The books they carry are often award winners, and they promote something worthwhile -- historical education, character building lessons, or just a fun story that is well crafted. There is so much out there, and it is hard to know what is quality and what isn't. I don't always have time to find out, so this resource is invaluable to me. You could also write the titles down and order them through the library. </span></span></i></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "> I'll never forget the time when my boys and I sat on the couch and cried together as Little Ann and Old Dan faced their deaths in <u>Where the Red Fern Grows</u>. It was so moving that our hearts welled together with sadness and emotion. It bonded us and created a "moment." A moment I wouldn't trade for the world.....</span></span></i></b></span>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653056571649063086.post-52693841365278578932011-07-15T00:00:00.001-07:002011-07-15T00:00:24.537-07:00Cousin Campin'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHO5aGICuQMEWH_JTvtwUhSBvOQX-Onssz0LWZxSURXosrCNakG9Nkkx6yJWdjA0GRf7UPXG2occJWQWZ9IU8tpt6-yQ09By_lAO7cXb8YduJOzHnMY1RT908vTM3pLqtakSerISE2VWE-/s1600/Cousin.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHO5aGICuQMEWH_JTvtwUhSBvOQX-Onssz0LWZxSURXosrCNakG9Nkkx6yJWdjA0GRf7UPXG2occJWQWZ9IU8tpt6-yQ09By_lAO7cXb8YduJOzHnMY1RT908vTM3pLqtakSerISE2VWE-/s320/Cousin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628708780428951442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>I once read that the only people who know you your whole life long are your siblings and your cousins. They are there from the beginning, knowing all of the childhood history that even a spouse likely doesn't know. Cousins are special -- no doubt about it. Nurturing those relationships strengthens family identity and gives kids a sense of where they belong and where they come from in this world.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">My nephew, Gabe, is going to be a freshman in High School this year. Keeping Cousin Camp going is more important than ever as I realize how few years we really have left with him (Waaaahhhhhhhhhh)!!!! It's going to be as hard on me as his mother when he goes to college!!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We began Cousin Camp when the kids were young. It was a fun way for them to bond, and a good way for us to have a chunk of time to get projects done without a toddler at our feet -- a total WIN/WIN. As the kids have gotten older, we don't need the time as much anymore, but the mission of bonding the family together remains the same. Here is the basic format we've created:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xCsbOF5SAcedN9shmKOrA_RmiC2H73Uh-P7piJ0oCrW5lpF2hNtkWbdFq0IdAv3Yxy0ojolPWjzwtOjEThUVyrefFMhqF4AwnMGNo78eQQ1DV6AJSIYzJqYEyJcr1gliESamizghhuBa/s1600/IMG_1599.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xCsbOF5SAcedN9shmKOrA_RmiC2H73Uh-P7piJ0oCrW5lpF2hNtkWbdFq0IdAv3Yxy0ojolPWjzwtOjEThUVyrefFMhqF4AwnMGNo78eQQ1DV6AJSIYzJqYEyJcr1gliESamizghhuBa/s320/IMG_1599.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628681502651871922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><div><ul><li style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">The camp usually lasts 4 days -- 2 days at my house, and 2 at my sister's</span></li><li style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">We pick a theme verse and reinforce it throughout the time together.</span></li><li style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">Whenever we go places, each child is assigned a "buddy" (a younger and an older cousin are paired). They are to stick together no matter what.</span></li><li style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">We focus on activities and skills -- fun things they normally don't get to do, or skills they don't know or could improve upon. Here's a list of life-skills we planned to do at my house this year (we got to <i>almost</i> all of them):</span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How to change a bike tire<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How to unclog a toilet<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How to build a fire<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How to make a dinner for someone special<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How to tie various knots<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How to calculate your heart rate<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Simple technique for studying the bible<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What to do in an emergency medical situation<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How to compare prices<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How to sew on a button<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Execute a spin dribble<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How to catch a football<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How to answer a phone<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How to engage adults in conversation<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 0.25in; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">How to tie dye a shirt</span></span></span></p></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Here is a visual snapshot:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Sometimes we do T-shirts</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4NTO0bLxh4ZpGlg9s83Zdy0iNZJfjW0u8f1sW1fH7LDcpPXqdfl0V1YYu3RkE1KNaKHLNJ5vtFvPjBs4nP1Ni4Duovf5uPWoKOUrJVl_yuU31v-9qvURFOl_lDguNn1dSSho776o2Po5/s1600/HPIM0729.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4NTO0bLxh4ZpGlg9s83Zdy0iNZJfjW0u8f1sW1fH7LDcpPXqdfl0V1YYu3RkE1KNaKHLNJ5vtFvPjBs4nP1Ni4Duovf5uPWoKOUrJVl_yuU31v-9qvURFOl_lDguNn1dSSho776o2Po5/s320/HPIM0729.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628488075248236146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQslGGai7oQdvzIWLr9lFn9O_kTpHXG7-wbsf-eANnYboU837o66X-8Zw46ezh1WZImocK1Pll6XWNcShJIMBx8Of6tHqsu7aLicR92pHvFD-pK2jORTC4VkD17zWPh6puMI910KXGODen/s1600/HPIM0728.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span></span><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQslGGai7oQdvzIWLr9lFn9O_kTpHXG7-wbsf-eANnYboU837o66X-8Zw46ezh1WZImocK1Pll6XWNcShJIMBx8Of6tHqsu7aLicR92pHvFD-pK2jORTC4VkD17zWPh6puMI910KXGODen/s1600/HPIM0728.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQslGGai7oQdvzIWLr9lFn9O_kTpHXG7-wbsf-eANnYboU837o66X-8Zw46ezh1WZImocK1Pll6XWNcShJIMBx8Of6tHqsu7aLicR92pHvFD-pK2jORTC4VkD17zWPh6puMI910KXGODen/s320/HPIM0728.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628488070807318018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Backyard Movie Theatre</span></b></span></div></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKiDUNbzJtVTo4IrQiYW68FIxKd6CnI7iGNu8rfOp1G1nc8UaUq7AM1FTbinlry_UnWeqw4rIKTatgfsJdnnAug6S_ySceLSaLH4j_WleJlu6PiintdvTe15DQgW92c1_r17dhrCu-ieC/s1600/IMG_5993_2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKiDUNbzJtVTo4IrQiYW68FIxKd6CnI7iGNu8rfOp1G1nc8UaUq7AM1FTbinlry_UnWeqw4rIKTatgfsJdnnAug6S_ySceLSaLH4j_WleJlu6PiintdvTe15DQgW92c1_r17dhrCu-ieC/s320/IMG_5993_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628686466957160530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Lots of "Buddy Time" Bondin</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">g</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQAf3T3rxTn6S6lbOv9z-od9LvijFVZeCppbWY1xZfYmk6uzL1uMQJjcmabGmSiktt9jlrLh1TmrrDYW-6JusU2KA9Z2ZbR1j-ZWoTe41cyJiT5av4F-kWwgCo3aDpGVT4Dj7rSCsV9cf/s1600/IMG_6031.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQAf3T3rxTn6S6lbOv9z-od9LvijFVZeCppbWY1xZfYmk6uzL1uMQJjcmabGmSiktt9jlrLh1TmrrDYW-6JusU2KA9Z2ZbR1j-ZWoTe41cyJiT5av4F-kWwgCo3aDpGVT4Dj7rSCsV9cf/s320/IMG_6031.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628683604406507170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We go on fun outings:</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The Cherry Picker's Trot Kids' Race at Greenbluf</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">f</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYF_N5vdTWtjTRRY8xdw7Gmo4rdOOHoXVOi-8H0uWfMkIZSAOyNUePpBXpGCe9OfWwZmrQE3YdCwx9pYpdvJrs0wimxFRXk0iU6fLcxhwiZhbiDt0ZZQi9NuSzTP0YCFqn2LBbL02AxpE/s1600/IMG_6047.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYF_N5vdTWtjTRRY8xdw7Gmo4rdOOHoXVOi-8H0uWfMkIZSAOyNUePpBXpGCe9OfWwZmrQE3YdCwx9pYpdvJrs0wimxFRXk0iU6fLcxhwiZhbiDt0ZZQi9NuSzTP0YCFqn2LBbL02AxpE/s320/IMG_6047.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628683283507436770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><b><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Silverwood Theme Park</span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzYy5_8LjrONTf_0yqysN6Tie_HD7SLaVGjKK6PAyaI-_waKEFk6Mj8OP7fht8VI6uPy6UMF0TDgkUu6XpKdhdRgVyqrKAp65EAtkVK3zkpYg8tbfqctMp4QK4jry-WgAzkmxiEXO2_4t/s1600/IMG_1629.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzYy5_8LjrONTf_0yqysN6Tie_HD7SLaVGjKK6PAyaI-_waKEFk6Mj8OP7fht8VI6uPy6UMF0TDgkUu6XpKdhdRgVyqrKAp65EAtkVK3zkpYg8tbfqctMp4QK4jry-WgAzkmxiEXO2_4t/s320/IMG_1629.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628681504920144258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"></span></span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzYy5_8LjrONTf_0yqysN6Tie_HD7SLaVGjKK6PAyaI-_waKEFk6Mj8OP7fht8VI6uPy6UMF0TDgkUu6XpKdhdRgVyqrKAp65EAtkVK3zkpYg8tbfqctMp4QK4jry-WgAzkmxiEXO2_4t/s1600/IMG_1629.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzYy5_8LjrONTf_0yqysN6Tie_HD7SLaVGjKK6PAyaI-_waKEFk6Mj8OP7fht8VI6uPy6UMF0TDgkUu6XpKdhdRgVyqrKAp65EAtkVK3zkpYg8tbfqctMp4QK4jry-WgAzkmxiEXO2_4t/s1600/IMG_1629.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzYy5_8LjrONTf_0yqysN6Tie_HD7SLaVGjKK6PAyaI-_waKEFk6Mj8OP7fht8VI6uPy6UMF0TDgkUu6XpKdhdRgVyqrKAp65EAtkVK3zkpYg8tbfqctMp4QK4jry-WgAzkmxiEXO2_4t/s1600/IMG_1629.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">New Skills are Learned:</span></span></b></span></div></b><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I even got my nephews sewing camp laundry bags one year!</span></span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHI-PMNQr4oDNHz_H_B8OO5ah2xGOksydczyxSzbR6c9apEzFNOeCUEbJAlloy814PZbPsqmz7wwUCqt2oTFRVeFXsYAE0xJM0kFHI5uSZ9eZmHmk54tY3jYwFUfmoTXFR3vEk162u9ri9/s1600/IMG_5194.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHI-PMNQr4oDNHz_H_B8OO5ah2xGOksydczyxSzbR6c9apEzFNOeCUEbJAlloy814PZbPsqmz7wwUCqt2oTFRVeFXsYAE0xJM0kFHI5uSZ9eZmHmk54tY3jYwFUfmoTXFR3vEk162u9ri9/s320/IMG_5194.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628683135157243122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOFoj2Lt64R_0J2Zr2UHe3OTgRAlY-FFoDLPqQeB3-suaXxSOCvnoGb9Mf_W8m3I-8qsqD22xHbODaFfv-wvWWcn1_IXl7XK1W9PKKJXhXED08XsaglQvXrQOlzBjrysRIE73O5HXjtqR/s320/IMG_6011_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629462250897415442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">They spend time enjoying each other's houses.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Here we just finished the Cousin Camp Olympics</span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EjtJz9vj7oHheD_qZesokUsj6BGxuwRJhiqgNOLAfBbqDlKHfTchtFvzkGyd3v9iPzmvaQ64PLhDYkPYL4tgOvz_Xy6a4VmNe9ywq_tsKpCBpNQMRA7s78DUmO-vrhoFBim6_lfrnUbn/s320/HPIM0734.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628488079759302178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Cousin Camp Visits Great-Grandma!</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WR6ntwzjul5FakQCoZXasBRyFScUZA8FbObjNrak0ePxz0SOJh7FNyPgJnJcTa5ohTENwXoV8pYsOpBs_tQ88PdcKddzj_odxGHXywzcxrdKqcF1rcKZ4uZuB1sp9j9IhIft3ymWo8To/s320/HPIM0743.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628488092287218082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzYy5_8LjrONTf_0yqysN6Tie_HD7SLaVGjKK6PAyaI-_waKEFk6Mj8OP7fht8VI6uPy6UMF0TDgkUu6XpKdhdRgVyqrKAp65EAtkVK3zkpYg8tbfqctMp4QK4jry-WgAzkmxiEXO2_4t/s1600/IMG_1629.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xCsbOF5SAcedN9shmKOrA_RmiC2H73Uh-P7piJ0oCrW5lpF2hNtkWbdFq0IdAv3Yxy0ojolPWjzwtOjEThUVyrefFMhqF4AwnMGNo78eQQ1DV6AJSIYzJqYEyJcr1gliESamizghhuBa/s1600/IMG_1599.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Lots of Crafting</span></span></b></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Daisy Chain</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">s</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZHpSnjoSod5E1ixefEdM62bPgTb8oHUN59Ci6KZYmGuIUrQDhNZSnB8Y26G-bZUYVaDmpx7ERlJ9lnKvTMapr4ugPUVUSMrOOeYKfdMMRnv2EK65nvlLhfDeA1GhVBfP1Gm4tK6SB1H5/s1600/IMG_0265.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZHpSnjoSod5E1ixefEdM62bPgTb8oHUN59Ci6KZYmGuIUrQDhNZSnB8Y26G-bZUYVaDmpx7ERlJ9lnKvTMapr4ugPUVUSMrOOeYKfdMMRnv2EK65nvlLhfDeA1GhVBfP1Gm4tK6SB1H5/s320/IMG_0265.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628681490651997442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">& Tie Dye</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">!</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8cfIRb0-hgvs1PntUIBpeuIgo58y8igtDv31JNd4gBhAjxofD-WfgzYE2spcyKOtW5IdHuvEVM03mKuyESTJ4rh0hYyXMf86e0xOIwkrNCtadKWiPApByhHN2G6hfVRHPVWbnMiLFp_X/s1600/IMG_0263.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8cfIRb0-hgvs1PntUIBpeuIgo58y8igtDv31JNd4gBhAjxofD-WfgzYE2spcyKOtW5IdHuvEVM03mKuyESTJ4rh0hYyXMf86e0xOIwkrNCtadKWiPApByhHN2G6hfVRHPVWbnMiLFp_X/s320/IMG_0263.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628681487390185122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1AwUs0FABaOYnRNO-HihiXJzS1j1ET6crWUzA22NoPItEsUBXHS0sbAB5gBSEiwbdUEswZHsmFo8_BKB9uKuv1jIgGz7EASGayfdtcBtqSBfSAFrYBkXLHN7SwUhfZsZQNFaS-lAe7jm/s1600/IMG_0259.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1AwUs0FABaOYnRNO-HihiXJzS1j1ET6crWUzA22NoPItEsUBXHS0sbAB5gBSEiwbdUEswZHsmFo8_BKB9uKuv1jIgGz7EASGayfdtcBtqSBfSAFrYBkXLHN7SwUhfZsZQNFaS-lAe7jm/s320/IMG_0259.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628681482876044546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">We have even had them create a theme song some years</span></b></div></span><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIq1hAPUWcMOp0dhyphenhyphenIPVppQno-kmE0gkwy9cu_ZOuoBPQT-Gt-7UnEv_JqR7gnteVtKLWWmF-DcZ3WiPkAbEhqSe6-_Ly_bNsQU46YbwPqXuSNifB_ZJzyH99eDCKoAFU-L9gEWB0U30U_/s320/IMG_6032.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629462808547636722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The memories we have made are priceless, and the relationships forged will hopefully last their whole lives long! Cousining is just THE BEST!</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EjtJz9vj7oHheD_qZesokUsj6BGxuwRJhiqgNOLAfBbqDlKHfTchtFvzkGyd3v9iPzmvaQ64PLhDYkPYL4tgOvz_Xy6a4VmNe9ywq_tsKpCBpNQMRA7s78DUmO-vrhoFBim6_lfrnUbn/s1600/HPIM0734.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4NTO0bLxh4ZpGlg9s83Zdy0iNZJfjW0u8f1sW1fH7LDcpPXqdfl0V1YYu3RkE1KNaKHLNJ5vtFvPjBs4nP1Ni4Duovf5uPWoKOUrJVl_yuU31v-9qvURFOl_lDguNn1dSSho776o2Po5/s1600/HPIM0729.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span></span></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653056571649063086.post-91864763846059237082011-07-12T13:06:00.001-07:002011-07-12T13:06:34.829-07:00Don't be Lazy, Mama....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQsGqwQL4mGs47DZot36E_jmjo-XB3udA5k08-nmlFN7Vhv47puJHx2vJekuTAhRkMWxOJOkaTHfkc4auhbRqOItZFBkHZ73O-cFLzvUC_ctoIA9WV20wjblhCOCSvmcKi9LYUErA7CPE/s1600/lemonade.stand.2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQsGqwQL4mGs47DZot36E_jmjo-XB3udA5k08-nmlFN7Vhv47puJHx2vJekuTAhRkMWxOJOkaTHfkc4auhbRqOItZFBkHZ73O-cFLzvUC_ctoIA9WV20wjblhCOCSvmcKi9LYUErA7CPE/s320/lemonade.stand.2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628556060555095186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I've realized that sometimes I say "NO" to my kids just because I'm being lazy. Whatever they are asking me, I sometimes have the time to do, but maybe not the energy. For instance, my younger three kids are avid lemonade standers. They LOVE it -- and want to do it often. This is a big production and there are times when we really don't have the time to set up shop. However, there are times when we do, but the endeavor requires some effort on my part. I have to help them get out the table and take it out to the end of the driveway, help them get the money ready, make sure the lemonade isn't spilling all over the floor (STICKY), and then find a way to get the giant container of delicious refreshment out to the curb without it splashing over the side. Then, of course, is the supervision. I don't have to be right there, but I do feel I need to keep an eye on them through the course of the sales hours, which limits what else I can do during that time. The temptation for me to say "NO" to this is great. HOWEVER, when I hear the negative in my head, I tell myself,<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; "> "Don't be lazy, Mama," </span></i></b>and instead a happy "YES" comes out of my mouth and we get to work. It pays off as I see my kids becoming industrious, and as I see them building some great neighborhood camaraderie as they interact with the neighbors driving by who smile, take a cup, and say, "keep the change!"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">My kids are growing up, and I realize now how fast it goes. How sad if I limit their growth and experiences just because I'm not "up for it" that day. This morning I read Proverbs 12:24:</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><sup class="versenum" id="en-MSG-6968" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">24</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> The diligent find freedom in their work;</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; ">the lazy are oppressed by work. (MSG)</span></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Diligence is important, both for me and my children. I must say, lemonade stands are a pretty fun way to build that character trait! Whenever I say "Yes," I'm so glad I did.....</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEEO-4Mr2njuEjQseee9UXus-TEgYFpI5-XPoT4OHIFKFtK2dq2v6Wrakm__9ED-dgj2gS6yC0akC6ZM4P9ISLWRyGj4LaoyBO0gDGRvoCMIZfrMi5P3HKuTmGbO5MGjInheLdbTEydnI/s320/IMG_1644.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628558134530528162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653056571649063086.post-11526720751311302922011-02-21T01:20:00.001-08:002011-02-21T01:20:16.295-08:00Shoe Jail!<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KfM80dCbify1oASin4auGQqHPb6-ZSjZMsLXT8ckPyASa-Vm5GnfkZ05mwAdhVJltz1du4KtvGPbuz2BRvS72FAEhj4LQd8xp82rcyCZAJj686FUsyKGseOZwOE4H_s5IGQZQwC1ucRW/s1600/IMG_9423.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KfM80dCbify1oASin4auGQqHPb6-ZSjZMsLXT8ckPyASa-Vm5GnfkZ05mwAdhVJltz1du4KtvGPbuz2BRvS72FAEhj4LQd8xp82rcyCZAJj686FUsyKGseOZwOE4H_s5IGQZQwC1ucRW/s320/IMG_9423.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575632618123543730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a>With 4 kids there are several pairs of snow boots, cleats, tennis shoes, school shoes, and crocs floating around. Each one of my kids has designated areas to put their shoes, but somehow they often end up in a pile on the floor. SOLUTION: SHOE JAIL.<div>Shoe jail is where all of the lonely, lost shoes go that have been left out. My kids can redeem their prisoners by doing extra chores, a special good deed that I see, or by paying me from their<a href="http://thehomemaderenegade.blogspot.com/2011/02/kids-chores.html">commissions</a> (our version of allowance). They may not leave their shoes in there indefinitely. All shoes must be "bailed out" before commissions are paid on our family night.</div><div>A simple solution to a common problem!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUcGAEyz5X_g83wc33VhDw17xZMQ9BxLW4XgfQvnRf7-Orry6EiONC4jBWyLQtaHefDPNhCQfjaaH7uOn6hslztP8ZkYhwocbYUG3dCCftv-dWBq9OlRdoQXsUJEyxdhr6QqrcVRHMX3C/s320/IMG_9424.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576069954659063970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653056571649063086.post-81609785881197274312011-02-19T20:24:00.001-08:002011-02-19T20:24:17.309-08:00Kids + Chores + $$<div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHwFoZIKZBz_80twJIqZobJYe7S4Q94IKrDIUYEImwn6v0F7J8niyqzNcMADawl4LnAd7u6AwPDO5zdJrQL7UqIc5PNezu5kIDI8v_yjVqIeFIr0HefE4TYpe1TJ6kvSxa5STpqHaGXam/s320/IMG_9192.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571792292440667138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I am forever in pursuit of teaching my kids skills that will make them successful adults. This is a CHALLENGING task, and one that I'm continuously re-evaluating. Our newest attempt at this involves a "commission" system that teaches the kids the connection between work and money. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/home/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Dave Ramsey</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> is a leading guru on how to handle finances, and has a personal testimony that underscores his teaching. This is Ramsey's teaching tool for kids. The main premises of the program are as follows:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40); line-height: 19px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">1. Teaching your kids how to handle money is not the school's responsibility, it is </span></b></span></span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">your</span></b></span></span></i><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">responsibility.</span></b></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40); line-height: 19px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">2. </span></b></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40); line-height: 19px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Pay </span></b></span></span><i style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">commissions</span></b></span></span></i><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> not allowance; i</span></b></span></span><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">f you work you get paid; if you do not work, you do not get paid</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">.</span></b></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40); line-height: 19px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">3. Kids learn from their successes as well as failures, so give them opportunities to succeed and fail with their money while you are there to teach them.</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nLs8_3gOCub_40MbyErLFijTyovDf4vyC5AYDM3AWqWow6UmvQIFUn5hfgcdtk6dA764VreLQeEy5aeCxcMeALJcDCh38nJBxMAeNTHpM7VbpFzw-2j1hgNUzcs-cerXBk4bQHCc0yJ3/s1600/IMG_9194.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b>Here are the nuts & bolts of this system:</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b>*Decide ahead of time how much each child will make on commission. We decided by age and abilities.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b>*Decide what night of the week you will dole out commissions.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b>*Designate 3 envelopes for each child, 1.Spending 2. Giving or Tithing 3. Saving. Help each child divide up their money into the various envelopes and be sure to discuss each one. ie. what are you saving for? Create goals. Is there something at church you'd like to give your money to this week? My daughter sponsors her own </b></span><a href="http://www.compassion.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b>Compassion International Child</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b>, so her tithe money goes to supporting her sponser child in Central America.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8z6PfIv34QDVRX_wir-aM1haTa3pwzYKZ7anpMWmizDA1y2zML6I3MlPYTHML2fCiioJ8iuoQV2lI7bKLL5uzZ1GjxivfIUiIdGA1SRN2IOK6F4lylq5sWq_5J3r8qonWdxXLDyfE0MT/s320/IMG_9422.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575616249595918850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px; " /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b>*There is a place for the kids to mark off when they have done their chores, and there is also a place for parents to list "fines," make sure these are done daily. The kids are usually pretty motivated to keep up with this because work = $.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nLs8_3gOCub_40MbyErLFijTyovDf4vyC5AYDM3AWqWow6UmvQIFUn5hfgcdtk6dA764VreLQeEy5aeCxcMeALJcDCh38nJBxMAeNTHpM7VbpFzw-2j1hgNUzcs-cerXBk4bQHCc0yJ3/s1600/IMG_9194.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nLs8_3gOCub_40MbyErLFijTyovDf4vyC5AYDM3AWqWow6UmvQIFUn5hfgcdtk6dA764VreLQeEy5aeCxcMeALJcDCh38nJBxMAeNTHpM7VbpFzw-2j1hgNUzcs-cerXBk4bQHCc0yJ3/s320/IMG_9194.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571792294394634898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Our kids are really enjoying having the responsibility of handling money, and it is so fulfilling to see them make good, and sometimes even sacrificial, choices. One night my middle son came up to me in tears holding out all of his commission money. I had been in a "fender bender" in the grocery store parking lot that week and Hudson wanted to help pay for it. How precious that he thought his small earnings would help fix my car. I took the offering and hugged him tight, telling him how proud I was that he was choosing to help the family. He took pride in giving what he had earned, and he also learned an important lesson in selfless living -- both such valuable lessons.</span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">There are many "systems" out there for teaching kids about money, but for $19.95, I think this one is a great bang for your buck!</span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; "><b><i>OUR OTHER SYSTEM....</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">When my kids were younger, I didn't want to give them actual money, but still wanted them to be rewarded for their hard work throughout the week. We chose to do "Mom Moneys" and "Dad Dollars." </span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFg9-MYeSRg3xot19WRPnj0cbhhXma2BoM2ubHIHBSwiqia9Kxh_w0uMyuF9Kq80T8R-_OtAJLCzB7333DhXKcrZ51O9IKlilPQgM__50qeYfGxgaqsbvQKZBllPuI4hsYMWqYz55M3_p/s320/IMG_9425.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575616240735307666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We would hand one of these out each day after chores to each child. On our family night, we would hold a "Chore Store" where they could redeem their dollars for various rewards. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCLQHUMPjIZPkTxal5dEsZxU8Xc9DKBo9MME6JLd7Fw_fj5jWr-wkwMiVH7Gslhc6if47nP3Zy6Nef01ABKDFmRo6kwhw98KKcCLssuIVRyqEJjVTrOBKPdT2tS5j41v_6K4_4P42E22X/s320/IMG_9426.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575616246402796754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">They could spend their money that night (ie. $5 Dad Dollars for staying up late with Dad), or save up for bigger rewards (ie. $20 Mom Moneys may "buy" a movie at a theatre with mom). </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We had fun with this system for a lot of years and the kids loved it. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; "><b><i>**On a side note.</i></b></span> We do not reward our kids for everything they do. There is work, pretty much daily, they have to do just because they are a part of the family. The reward systems, however, have value, add organization to the day's work, and makes work fun!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653056571649063086.post-35652612045283096752011-01-25T22:25:00.001-08:002011-01-25T22:25:51.546-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: -webkit-xxx-large; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7uBRMo969nalGkkHYmomYu8x1gIC5gt3266GwZHvFdrWcbd4PPcmXhg2QNDqTd4gJSjdPtdYpxfdm-HFO18r1tLg6dX7CNtMBkWgC2KiFL1XMOOdQPwOtrdTk39evHkzqKCb7hWbW0CA/s1600/pick.up.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7uBRMo969nalGkkHYmomYu8x1gIC5gt3266GwZHvFdrWcbd4PPcmXhg2QNDqTd4gJSjdPtdYpxfdm-HFO18r1tLg6dX7CNtMBkWgC2KiFL1XMOOdQPwOtrdTk39evHkzqKCb7hWbW0CA/s320/pick.up.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564892542958921186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px; " /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;font-size:13px;"><p style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; font-family:Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When it comes to chores, I try to keep it simple. We stick to a regular routine that seems to cover all of the basis in a week's time. I like to have the kids do different jobs each week within each category, so I usually assign who is doing what right after breakfast and devotional time. Some days these seems to take longer than other days, depending on how messy or unorganized we are after the weekend! We adjust as we go, but overall this keeps us on a consistent track. The important thing is that each day we are all working together to take care of what God has given us! This teaches my kids (hopefully!) to take care of what they have, to be thankful, and to develop a work ethic -- all things I hope they will develop under my roof! To download our chart, click </span></span><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/46994778"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">here.</span></span></a></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;font-size:13px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;font-size:13px;"></span>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653056571649063086.post-64612194511655671972011-01-25T22:24:00.001-08:002011-01-25T22:24:35.222-08:00Triple Stacked<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMduUEY8bCIcOaLq6z7WAoguuGah48ihCwIMBp1U_xi3bjNjTQiB7PT5iuzBIgG4dyd0oE6ZzFG4MPSJ_khWOOPpafwZRGJPINQ7VwQgKuzjA6clynzs-7M56V2QUlGziPVX-JRWNjmdf/s1600/IMG_7243.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMduUEY8bCIcOaLq6z7WAoguuGah48ihCwIMBp1U_xi3bjNjTQiB7PT5iuzBIgG4dyd0oE6ZzFG4MPSJ_khWOOPpafwZRGJPINQ7VwQgKuzjA6clynzs-7M56V2QUlGziPVX-JRWNjmdf/s320/IMG_7243.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563042626963362290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 309px; " /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 24px; font-family:Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We have 3 boys and 1 girl (who is the oldest). This proved to be somewhat problematic with the room situation in our house. While having plenty of square footage, the house is short on rooms (at least for our family). We explored many ideas for how to fit all of the boys in one area, and this one turned out to be the best! We already had the twin over full log bunk bed. All we needed to do was to add a bunk to make it a triple decker. We took it in to the local log furniture store, and they build the bunk to specifically fit on top of the twin. The boys LOVE, and I mean, LOVE their bunk bed. It is more like a fort than a bed and they tie ropes to the rails and shimmy to the top and "hide out." If you've got the tall ceilings, this is a fun solution.... even our daughter likes to join in!</span></span>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653056571649063086.post-62890186075800319072011-01-25T22:21:00.000-08:002011-01-25T22:22:42.485-08:00It's MY NIGHT!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTab48Z-N7n1-l9cs1X1aEocE3csZdJYdq3bfR1vXfyR5YRjJ9-5sj3_YxRCBr1aKjmxNvXl1vu_KFTpo-ew867z81C2eg0i5mwGGu1Dl3IJF4Fi7hrx1E56sNEUfIU0mrfXkNTcC3AjUL/s1600/IMG_0439.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTab48Z-N7n1-l9cs1X1aEocE3csZdJYdq3bfR1vXfyR5YRjJ9-5sj3_YxRCBr1aKjmxNvXl1vu_KFTpo-ew867z81C2eg0i5mwGGu1Dl3IJF4Fi7hrx1E56sNEUfIU0mrfXkNTcC3AjUL/s320/IMG_0439.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562985645400850850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 249px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;font-size:13px;"><p style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; font-family:Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif;font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Early on, my husband and I designated each child a night of the week. The first question out of my kids' mouths at breakfast is, "who's night is it?" No matter that the child of the day has a few extra chores like unloading the dishwasher in the morning, or helping me with dinner, the real kicker is that he or she gets to stay up past everyone else to spend time with DAD (the superhero in our house). Usually the time is spent shooting hoops, running football plays, or playing a game. Other times it involves sitting by the campfire, or snuggling on the couch. It really doesn't matter what the activity, what matters is that it happens consistently week after week. On that particular day of the week, their dad pulls them aside and says with his time, "YOU matter, and YOU are important to me."</span></span></p><p _mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: left; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I've often said it is hands down one of the best things we do. Such a small thing, but something I believe will have a deep impact on our children.</span></span></p></span>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2653056571649063086.post-64287669697685982472011-01-25T22:14:00.001-08:002011-01-25T22:14:37.017-08:00The List.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3C40aOU5YDvL2vdKBgGR7TmZH_oIfAJhlMv5tFm1fCEeIomJ0xAKqv4VCnQrCFafILyJBUKHUEaVw7-NcAsuX95lh2d-k7mWm4Zx7f0BhwwjQbS1rqC49Aewcx_taifIBybibYwNRJT1/s1600/IMG_8849.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3C40aOU5YDvL2vdKBgGR7TmZH_oIfAJhlMv5tFm1fCEeIomJ0xAKqv4VCnQrCFafILyJBUKHUEaVw7-NcAsuX95lh2d-k7mWm4Zx7f0BhwwjQbS1rqC49Aewcx_taifIBybibYwNRJT1/s400/IMG_8849.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562704063799697202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Do you ever find yourself repeating yourself over.....and over.....and over again? " Pick up your coat, put away your shoes, practice piano, bring down your laundry"... our verbal list goes on and on and yet our kids don't seem to hear any of it! Enter center stage.... the list! Kids work the best when there is something concrete. The list takes out all guess work -- no more repeating, explaining, or asking if it is done. I simply take a piece of scrap paper, write what I want that child to accomplish in the next hour or two, then wait as that child checks off the boxes one by one! We often forget to set our kids up for success. As parents we need to give them the right tools to succeed -- the list is one tool to put in your toolbox!</span>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com1