Batteries

So many things need batteries these days, and they can be expensive.  I think about being prepared for emergencies, I want all my flashlights working and since my toddler loves to play with them, extra batteries is one thing we have.

Harbor Freight is the cheapest place I have found them.  We waited for a good sale and stocked up on the sizes we use most.  However, we just saw a coupon they printed for free batteries.  24 FREE AA or AAA batteries no purchase required.  Can't get better than that.

It is probably in store only. I know the coupon can be found online as well. One I saw expired in the middle of September and one at the end of 2014.

Yeah for savings!


They also have coupons for free:
tarps
flashlights
head lamps
tape measures
and other tools

Water Balloon Volleyball

Summer may be ending but there is still time to have fun. Besides I missed most of summer and need to cram all the fun I can in before the cold weather comes.

For water balloon volleyball you need at least four people, a towel per every two people and lots and lots and lots of water balloons.  You also need a place to play.  I have seen this played in a volleyball sand area or just a large grass area.

To play:

Divide players into two equal teams.  Two people stretch out a towel  between them, each holding one of the corners.  This is the net you will be catching the balloon in.

One pair starts with a water balloon on their towel and using the towel and team work, they fling it to the other team.

The other team tries to catch the balloon. (Note even catching a balloon does not grantee it won't pop.) 

If the balloon does not pop, fling it back to the other team.

Score can be kept like Volleyball or by how many successful, un-popped, catches a team makes.

MORE ADVANCE PLAY:
Have each team start with a balloon, or more, and get balloons flying all over.
Also you can hang a sheet between the two team so they can not see when the other team flings their balloon.

Ideas to Help the Tuna Fish Sandwich

Growing up a tuna sandwich was tuna mixed with mayo slapped on some bread.  I have since discovered it does not have to be so boring or tasteless.

I have learned adding things to the tuna really helps it out. Besides Miracle Whip some of my favorite spices to add are:
garlic
onion
salt
pepper
ranch dressing

Other things to add:
pickles
lettuce
celery

I like the crunch these add.

However, one of my favorite ways to prepare a tuna sandwich is to mix the Miracle Whip and tuna with peeled and diced apples. Serve it on toasted bread.  This makes it a sweeter sandwich and you still get the crunch.

An easy lunch for the kids on a hot summer day. 

Emergency - First Aid Kit

I guess by default we build up our first aid kit during the month of June.  We are now stocked with bandages, medical scissors, tweezers, gauze, anti-bacterial solution, etc.

I suggest starting with a basic first aid kit- these can be purchased or put together yourself. We have one for both the car and one for the home. Slowly we add things to it. List for good first aid kits can be found on several sites online. Avoid getting overwhelmed by the extensiveness of some list.  You don't have to have it all at once.

Things That Matter Most

Never ending to do list intermingled with constant distractions.  So many activities calling for our time.  A rush to accomplish even a fraction of all we feel must be done.  Running around in a sort of daze focused on tasks to be completed. A sort of tunnel vision to what else may be happening around us or other people who pass us by.

Being pregnant and recovering from two major surgeries I have had to let a lot of things go.  Dusting is not as important as changing a diaper. And reading to my daughter is worth more of my time than TV, social media, or shopping.  Mid afternoon naps are a pretty high priority as well.

In the hospital I read the book Tuesday's With Morrie by Mitch Albom.  It was odd reading about a man who was dying while I was in a hospital recovering. It gives you an interesting perspective on life. The book has a lot of wonderful truths about living and I would highly recommend reading it.

One of the things that stood out most was when Morrie found out he was dying, so many things did not matter any more.  Stuff was just stuff.  He, through out his life, had focused on family and helping others. He had friends and family through his final days on earth and was an influence for good for thousands of people both through his illness and through out his entire life.  He never tried to keep up with the Jones for he knew happiness could not be found in fancy cars, bigger homes, or worldly possessions. Joy comes from a life well lived. A life full of service to others.

This has been a great time to reflect on the things that really matter, the things that last longer than what money buys.

Recently this has been my toddlers favorite Youtube video. Moments That Matter Most: 

And Life Continues

Earlier I wrote about being sick. That was due to morning sickness.  I left the hospital about a week ago due to a perforated appendix. After two weeks in the hospital and two surgeries there is a long recovery to go. Posting is going to slow down.

Here is one thing I have learned: Family is the most important thing you have.
I would have never survived June without my extended family from babysitting, visiting, nights slept in the hospital, and all the emotional support. Plus helping pack and move and clean and all the cooked meals from the morning sickness days. Thank you!

Family is the greatest treasure you have. Family is more important than all the fine things in the world.  I believe that family relationships are to be cherished and in them we experience are greatest joys. Family relationships can last forever, even into the eternities.

Families Can Be Together Forever Video

Homemade Peanut Butter

Okay this post was a long time coming. I made this back in February.

This was another one of those things I was super excited to try until I found out how it actually cost more, not to mention all the time and dirty dishes, than just buying it at the store.  In fact, the week after I bought a pound of peanuts to try this recipe, the 32 oz (2 lb) jars of peanut butter went on sale for the exact same price of the peanuts.  How bitter!

Out of annoyance I did not buy the peanut butter nor did I make my own.  Of course we go through a lot of peanut butter at my house and it wasn't too long before we ran out of peanut butter and my toddler really wanted some. (Side note- I just found out peanut butter on a spoon can be a choking hazard for toddlers, oops. We've been doing peanut butter with raisins for a long time now.  Oh well, not like I can do anything about it now.)

Back to making peanut butter.  I figured it was the best time to make the peanut butter.  How hard could it be put some peanuts, oil, a little salt in a blender and blend and blend and blend.  My poor food processor (yes I tried it with that to) could barely take it.  Once it started smelling funny I tried a real blender, thus you get my opinion of making peanut butter in a food processor versus a blender too.   Luck you!

First the recipe

Homemade Peanut Butter

• 2 cups peanuts
• 1 tablespoon oil (peanut is recommended, I used whatever I had- no way I was going to spend more than I had too for my already too expensive peanut butter.)
• Some salt
• Honey if you want it sweeter.

If you want crunchy peanut butter I would recommend and food processor.  If you want creamy a real blender works better.

Put it in the kitchen appliance of your choice (toaster not recommended) and blend, blend, blend.  At first is is lumpy, and then it becomes more liquidy.  It takes about five minutes so prepared to stand and watch the amazing process of grinding a solid into a liquid.  Awesome, science.

After it is runny, place it in a jar of your choice, cover and store in the refrigerator.  It will firm up a little. Then eat!  It doesn't store as long as the stuff with preservatives in it of course, but it taste very similar.

My Conclusion- that was a pain to make.  If I lived somewhere where peanuts (and peanut oil) were three or four times cheaper than peanut butter itself it would be worth it. Or if I loved peanut butter and was in a country where they don't sell peanut butter (I'm thinking of you, Jacob) then I would be all for making my own peanut butter.  It's also a cool thing to know how to do, although not as cool as making your own brown sugar.  In the end, why dirty dishes and stand for five minutes holding the blenders lid on if going to the store is faster and cheaper.  Now I'm sad I missed that sale.