Forget Quaker Oatmeal or Cheerios Tomorrow Morning…
Usually we start our summer day with a smoothie in the morning… but, the weather up here has had trouble remembering that it is summer (well, until today). It seems to me that last year was the same way – we had a little bit of ‘normal’ summer weather here and there… and then before we knew it, summer was over and school was starting! I have waited for summer to come every since — and it finally looks like it came.
But, this isn’t a post about the weather… well, sort of.
When it is hot… even in the morning when you get up – smoothie’s are awesome!
But, if you have been having weird weather… and there is a bit of a chill in the morning – this is an amazing way to wake up 
Forget the Quaker Oatmeal!
Enjoy!
Fruit and Rice Warm Me Up
What You Need:
1 1/2 C brown rice, cooked
1 C almond milk
1 banana, sliced
1 (15 oz) can fruit cocktail
1/4 C water
2 T honey
1 t vanilla extract
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t nutmeg
How to Make It:
Place the water, honey and vanilla in a large saucepan over low heat.
Add the bananas and fruit cocktail stirring well to cover with liquid.
Stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and allow to cook 8 minutes or until very tender but not mushy.
Stir in the rice.
Pour in the almond milk and stir well.
Return to a boil and cook 10 minutes.
Best if served warm.
Extreme Frozen Treats To Get You Through Summer
Frozen Watermelon
Aren’t these amazing!
I happen to stumble on this frozen treat and had to share right away! I can’t wait to try these with my kids – they LOVE watermelon and what a fun way to present it! Plus – these frozen watermelon pops have the health benefit of 100% fruit…
Excuse me while I go buy some watermelon to freeze 
Get Organized Now… Before The School Rush
- Image by Scott & Elaine van der Chijs via Flickr
I’m always looking for new resources about home management and organization. I think I must get bored of the systems I put into place because I’m always looking to try something new. One of the things I’m struggling with a bit (and please tell me you can relate with is managing my time well this summer. I have so much I want to accomplish – and that doesn’t even include the fun stuff I want to do with my family! If I am not managing my time well… my projects and tasks will consume every second of my time – and as the Simple Mom has said it – before I know it, I’m afraid my children will be computer orphans! I refuse to be known as the mom who was always on the computer working…
So, on my quest to look for the absolute perfect solution, I have come across some cool resources. Now, I think the thing I have realized the most is that there isn’t a system for everyone. There couldn’t be — we are all WAY too different! I have also realized that for ME… I can get a system all put together… I can make it look pretty… but, implementing it is a whole different ballgame. Is anyone else like this? More than needing a new system — I finally have come to terms with the fact that what I really need to be successful is accountability!
Elisa Lou Designs Summer Give-Away At The Inspired Room
I was so excited to see Melissa over at the Inspired Room having a special give-away for one of these adorable bags!
It is super easy to enter – just leave a comment on this post at the Inspired Room and you will automatically be put in the drawing. You can read all the details here.
Good Luck!
PS. Be sure you read the entire post – if you subscribe to the Inspired Room’s RSS feed you can find out additional ways to be entered in the contest… But, don’t go too crazy – I’m hoping to win!!
Surprise Your Hubby With This!
Well – this doesn’t have much to do about SNACKS… or KIDS… but, it does have to do with FAMILY… well, maybe that is a bit of a stretch… oh, who am I kidding. This one is for my hubby! And, he is family – and since this is my blog… I say it counts
You have to check out this opportunity to win a Porsche… yep – not a big ‘ol family car… but a super fun, zipping fast, great for date-night 1999 911 Carrera Cabriolet Porsche – Black w/ Black top and leather interior… the list goes on (see at the end of this post).
Of course, I’m hoping to win this myself… but, what kind of friend would I be if I kept this all to myself?
So… how cool would it be to set up a fun date for you and your hubby and walk out to the car to surprise him with this Porsche that you won!! I’m hoping!
details about the car:
Year: 1999
Make: Porsche
Model: 911 Carrera Cabriolet
Color: Black w/Black Top & Black Leather Interior
Engine: 6-Cyl. 3.4 Liter
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Drivetrain: RWD
Standard Equipment: Air Conditioning, Power Steering, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Cruise Control, Stereo w/CD, Dual Front Air Bags, ABS (4-Wheel), Dual Power Seats, Power Top
Estimated Value: $27,115 (as of 1/28/09)
Enjoy Your Children
As a mom of three, I completely understand that sometimes families have one of ‘THOSE’ days… if you are a parent, you know what I mean.
You know… the kind of day where all you want to do is get out of the house. You get all the kids in the car – secure in their carseats… shut the door and SAVOR the silence as you take the LONG way around the car to the driver seat. [Please tell me I am not the only mom who does this!]…
Somedays – it is just difficult to enjoy your children. I mean – of course, we LOVE our kids…
but, the mess that seems to follow them wherever they go…
the loud musical instruments that echo through the house as they play…
the lunch you took time to prepare – spilled all over the table and/or floor…
the 5th accident with your potty-training toddler…
Need I go on?
I think my point is made…
But, the other day, I was sitting with a blogging friend who is just getting into building a blog about all the amazing things she has learned from her autistic son. As we were chatting, I realized that it is so easy to parents (of all types of children) to get caught in the every day RUT of taking care of one thing after another… and that sometimes, we just need to sit still and enjoy our children.