Megan's Grocery List and Meal Plan

Does grocery shopping stress you out?  It has been a great source of stress through the years for me too but I have to admit I've figured out a few things over the years.  I have come up with a simple way of planning my meals and grocery list that makes it more of a simple habitual routine...no stress!

These have become my best friend!  I'll tell you why...

I hang one of those Post-it notes on my kitchen cupboard door; there's one there everyday!  I always have somewhere to write a list of things we need to buy:  Spence runs out of toothpaste, Justin needs deodorant, Alli has to take snacks to school, I just used the last bottle of ketchup.  Whatever it is, I'm able to have one of the kids go jot it down quick or I can simple walk over there and write it down.  One less thing to try and remember in my brain is super helpful!

I try to make it to the store once a week.  Right before I go, I grab that Post-it note and flip it over.  I write a few things down:

1-  3 dinners
(Why only 3? Because our family usually has enough leftovers for another dinner.  If there isn't leftovers than I fall back on my famous "go to" meals:  burritos or canned soup with toast.  Then we always have a Friday night pizza night too.  That little plan gets me 7 dinners!)

2-  6 vegetables
(I usually steam fresh vegetables or make a salad but my favorite "go to" veggies are frozen peas or frozen mixed veggies.)

3- Any breakfast, lunch or snack items I need
(School days are oatmeal, eggs or cereal days.  Weekends get pancakes, muffins, waffles, etc.  Lunches are meat or peanut butter sandwiches or something to fill their thermos in their school lunches.  I always make sure I have a drawer full of fresh fruit in the fridge--we eat lots of fruit with lunches and snacks.)

4-  A dessert
(We make one dessert on Sunday nights so I just make sure we have ingredients for something fun.)

While I'm writing this plan down I can flip it over and add things I don't have on hand to my list I've already started for the week.

I can stick that post-it note to my phone and it's there when I make it in the store.  When I return from the store I stick it to my recipe book holder so I can follow my plan for the week.  Then a new post-it note is started on my cupboard for next week.

When Your Kids Argue About Everything

Justin and I have been on a mission for the last two weeks.  Sarah has had the worst behavior at school that we have ever seen and it doesn't stop there.  Home hasn't been peachy either.  She has always been a good arguer but recently has become The Queen!  When I came across this article today on facebook it set my mind on thinking about what other solutions I have "When Your Kids Argue About Everything".

I knew it was a prayer answered today when I came across a wonderful lesson with Sarah while working on her Personal Progress for her Young Women Group that she is apart of at our church.

One of the goals that she chose to work on today talks about Obedience being an attribute of the Savior. She is supposed to work on being more obedient to her parents and read Luke 2:40-51 and John 6:38.
 
Click on those links to refresh your memory of the actual scriptures but if you remember the story in Luke, it's talking about when the Savior goes to Jerusalem with his parents at 12 years old (hmmm, how convenient that Sarah's 12 yrs. old).  Remember when Joseph and Mary realized he was still back in Jerusalem teaching in the temple and it took them some time to find him again.

 Remember Mary's words:

"Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing."

Remember Jesus' words back:

"How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my father's business?"

It actually states that Joseph and Mary "understood not the saying which he spake unto them."  My favorite part, Jesus "went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them."  Adding the foot notes on the word "subject" that this covers the topic of duty of children and self-mastery means even more to me.

Then you can flip and read John 6:38...

"For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."

As I read these scriptures today, my mind propelled back to when I would hold my newborn babies in the hospital.  In quiet moments with all three of my babies (nobody was around...not even Justin), I would hold those little faces right up in front of me and tell them "I just want you to Love God!"  That's it.  I would tell them that one wish I had for each one of them.  One Megan wish to her children..."I will do everything in my power to teach you to Love God!"

Oh ya....our Savior came to do "His Father's will" not his own.  He loved God!  He loved his parents and therefore didn't stay to teach in the temple any longer whether they understood each other or not he followed his parents back to Nazareth because he respected and honored them.

I was touched.  I sit here feeling touched again as I think how Sarah responded to reading all of this with me.  We talked about how Jesus followed his parents even though it wasn't his idea but just because they asked him to.  We talked about Jesus coming to earth and doing very very hard things not because it was his idea or what he wanted to do but because His Father in Heaven had asked him to do it.  All the sudden I saw connection and light bulbs turn on in her little blue eyes.  She said "Oh ya, and I need to follow Jesus' example!"

So, to that wonderful face book article I read this morning and loved...one more thing I would add...the most important thing...remind them and you that it's because you Love God!!!  What I should do when she doesn't stop arguing is find a moment to teach both of us with the spirit about our Savior and he obeyed his parents (earthly and heavenly parents).

When it's calm and we are able to feel our love for God, I as a daughter can do and say and command my children the way he wants me to and in turn those little children can follow because they are following their Savior.

My 3 Daily "Mom Jobs"

It's been a new kind of school year for me.  My youngest started full day Kindergarten so I find myself in a whole new era of my life.  I've chosen to "go back to work" and pick up more piano students.  I have a part-time job (maybe more--28 piano students is a lot) and it's been interesting trying to balance all of my responsibilities.

I had a friend ask me the other day how I stay on top of all my "Mom Jobs" when I'm working so much.  It's simple.  I do 3 things every single day--that has made all the difference!

1. Do the Dishes
It's my goal to have the sink cleared and kitchen clean before my kids come home from school.  It
works the best if I do this first thing in the morning but that doesn't always happen.  This might sound funny to some but because Justin is rarely home at night, I'm not always able to square the kitchen away at night and there is always the morning mess.  I also consider the kitchen squared away when I put homework assignments at the kids table spots with their after school snack...waiting for their arrival.

2. Do Laundry
I used to have one day in the week when I would do all the laundry but it's impossible now so I've been doing at least one or sometimes 2 loads of laundry every morning.  I fold right out of the dryer and there is always a clean pile of clothes for the kids to put away each night when they're getting ready for bed.  I've never ever stayed so caught up with laundry before!!!

 

3. Prepare Dinner 
I'm very diligent about putting dinner in the crock pot each morning or putting together a casserole that can be tossed in the oven between piano lessons. Sometimes I just prepare as much as I can like cooking the chicken, dicing the veggies, or making the salad to put in the fridge.  It's so nice to have dinner already prepared at the end of the day!

These things might seem so simple but because I take the time to do them first thing and it's habit then I can skip through the house and have them usually done in under an hour.  This leaves me hours to fill with not only piano lessons but exercise, scripture reading, school volunteering, family history, helping friends with kids, temple attending, dates with my honey and even attending institute!

When my weekend approaches I'm ready to have an unhealthy pizza night (been eating healthy all week) and just hang out on our Friday nights because the house is all squared away and the family helps me deep clean with our Saturday Job Jars.  It's been a perfect way to upkeep!

Life Goals Define My Daily Choices!

It's been a super rough, explosive morning.  Taking a look at my priorities is seeming mighty important to me right now.

Maybe a list of what/who I want to be right now???

Here it goes...

A Mother (happy and patient one)
A Wife (forgiving, happy, uplifting and supportive one)
Thoughtful Sister
Grateful Daughter
Obedient Daughter of God
Builder of God's Kingdom
True & Loyal Friend
Knowledgeable and Inspiring Piano Teacher
God's Tool as a Relief Society Teacher
Real Visiting Teacher
Descendent that's aware (learns from the past and helps the present)
Finds Joy in my posterity ever day!!!
Completely Sustains all my church leaders
Always a Missionary

Boy...that really works.  I feel much better now.  I know who I am again and what I want to be.  Each of these things are what God would want me to be or has already asked me to be.  Sooo....every place I go or thing I do today I'll fit into each one of these with my choices and it'll be a successful day.  Onward and Upward!!!

Empowerplus Supplement Update from Megan

It's been three months now that I've been taking Empowerplus Supplements.  I haven't posted for a little while because I've been off on another project in all my free time (posts to come soon on my Family History projects).  Now that I'm gaining a little more history with these wonderful vitamins, I'm wanting to let those interested in on some details.  I'm going to try to post more consistently.

Things I've learned:

My ups and downs haven't all been controlled by the supplements but don't let this deceive you...I want to still have ups and downs!  It's human to have these ups and downs.  I want to have "normal for me" good and bad days.  What is important is that I feel like these supplements have taken my "Extreme" ups and downs away. 

When I get feeling extra moody or more headaches come on then I take a look at things like my water intake, my hours of sleep, stresses around me, have I done something for me lately and then decide if those are all doing well than I'll take more amino acids.  I usually see a difference if not by the end of the day than the next day...proving to me that my body is just simply lacking in this needed nutrition.

I have a goal to get in with my doctor soon and have a blood draw across the board to just see where my levels are.  I would suggest this to any of you that are trying these supplements.  It'd just be so wise.  I'll make it there one of these days!

For me, 2 Empowerplus supplements and 2 amino acids at breakfast and then the same at lunch is doing it!  I feel balanced energy and moods.  I'm not feeling like I need naps in the afternoon on the days that I get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. 

I love that I'm seeing side affects of taking medication go away.  I love that my skin seems to be a little healthier and my hair seems to be even a little healthier.

Through the phone support I have learned it's very important to not add other vitamin supplements and such to what I'm taking.  They have a unique balance that works together so just adding capsules and taking away capsules has been the answer for me.  I do however still use Doterra oils, Epsom Salt Baths and my Calm drink.  Click and follow links to read more!

Last but certainly not the least...I've learned that many of you that have started taking these too are having wonderful results.  It's precious to me to learn new things and I love that not only my nutrition is improving greatly but that somehow I'm able to help others find answers they are seeking!!!

If you're wanting to try a sample...  http://www.mymojoback.com/

Wanting "More?!?!"

I'm delighted to report that I'm now completely off of all my medications!  I haven't skipped a beat until the monstrous flu bug took over our house this week.  I thought for sure it was going to pass over me as I kept swallowing vitamins and scurried about taking care of Justin and the kids.  Not true.  It got me last.

Spending the last few days in bed may be boring me to death but at least I have had my computer with me and have been making a slide show of our last year, setting goals, checkin' the budget...you know all that stuff!

Through this self evaluation, I rediscovered a moment I had a couple weeks ago. Some may call it an "ah ha moment."  I like to call it complete inspiration from my Heavenly Father.  He taught me that I have an inherent quality from Him to want more, to grow, to take the next step.

I was standing over my kitchen sink, hands in the soapy water and eyes out the window.  My mind was reflecting on 7 years ago when Justin and I moved to this home.  We had 3 things we were working for and wanting: a house, a third baby and a second car!  No small tasks--that's for sure!  Well, we were blessed to buy our home. After a miscarriage, years of waiting and 3 months of bed rest our Allison was born.  Six months later, we finally purchased our mini van!

I guess as I stood over those bubbly dishes, I was feeling a sort of guilty feeling because I was standing there wishing for the next house, Justin's next job...wanting more.  I was just wanting the next step up.  I was telling myself I should be so grateful that those wishes and desires had been granted me and shouldn't want more.  It was that very moment that my Heavenly Father taught me.

I had a deep feeling of "wait a minute, you're God's daughter!"  My very Divine Nature is to progress, perfect, to grow. This scripture came to mind:

"I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept,...and blessed are those you hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him who receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them that shall be taken away even that which they have." (2 Nephi 28:30)

I should want more.  I'm made to progress and create.  Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's words came into my mind:

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.  No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before." (Happiness, Your Heritage, Conf 2008)

As long as I'm following God's commandments and in Elder Robbins words "facing the Lord"and moving my mind and feet forward than God will keep giving me more in order for me to be able to progress in my talents, my education, my family, my missionary work.  My progression means I can help His Kingdom grow!  He wants us, His children, to continually improve upon those lines and precepts!

It's not bad that I want more.  It's what is that "more?"

As I'm trying to pass through this flu bug and into this new year, I realize and see much progression behind me and I'm grateful.  I have a great year of "more" to come.  I am looking forward to seeing where my Divine inherent ability to create and progress takes me.

I'm so blessed to have had a year of building more knowledge and how to take care of my mind and body.  I'm blessed to have had a year of learning what it's like to be a working mother of 3 children all at school.  I'm that much better at being a pilot's wife.  I know a little more about standing in front of a room full of women I look up to and trying to teach them.  There's a never ending list of all I've learned and I feel a pivotal moment into this next year of "more."  I admit.  Yes.  I want more.

Great way to end the year--family bike ride! No more training wheels!

What I Want You to Know About Empowerplus Supplements

J. Scott Wilson has introduced me to the fact that Q96 has the Empowerplus capsules that I am taking.  I was searching for a less expensive way to  use this all-natural supplement and I've found it!

His contact Info:

J. Scott Wilson

435-531-9540

www.MyMojoBack.com

Or call The Q Sciences Success Team (385-374-6400)

Some Things I Want You to Know About Q96:

1.  Over a 4 day period I worked my way up to taking 2 capsules at breakfast and 2 at dinner.  Everybody is different.  This is a pretty normal dose though.  I avoided getting a sick stomach by eating a little, taking the capsules and then finished eating.  I was planning on going off of my psychotropic medications so I was advised to take the transitional support as well (basically amino acids to help build up again):  one at breakfast, one at lunch and one at dinner.

2. This product was formulated 18 years ago by Tony Stephan of Canada to help alleviate the symptoms of severe mental illness in his family.  The documentary done by Discovery Channel on Q96 on YouTube is very informative.  Today these capsules are used by thousands of people to help with five things:  coping, calm, clarity, confidence and connection.

3.  This may not work for everyone.  What I told myself when I started this was "natural supplements can't hurt me.  It can only help so it's worth the try."  I started to see my anxiety and panic attacks go away after a week and I'm hoping to see more help over the next year. Others have seen it start to work after a month or 6 months-up to a year.

4.  This is safe for children.  If they can't swallow pills there is a strawberry banana powder to put into smoothies.

5.  Micronutrient Support is a help line that has been in existence in Canada for 18 years and they helped over 100,000 people, safely wean off of their medications.  If you are taking psychotropic medications, do not do this alone or you may experience adverse drug reactions or withdrawal.  You must get help from you doctor or from this support to wean off your meds (866-397-3116 or www.micronutrientsupport.com).  There is a $50/month fee, but most only need the help for one month.

6.  If you'd like to give someone a trial, please share the information I've included here.  If three of them end up buying product, you can get yours for free.  Please take a look around www.MyMojoBack.com for  more information, products, testimonials and there is also business opportunity if you're interested.

7.  If you have any questions about Q96 call Scott.  If you have questions about my own experience than you can contact me or just keep coming back here--there will be updates.  Hoping that someone else out there will find answers!!!

Meds to Supplements?!?!

I've been nonexistent on this blog for a while.  I've decided that once Halloween draws near, a mother's schedule seems to speed up into a bit of a blur.  Thanksgiving is hiding right behind the pumpkins and Christmas carols, lights and lists of giving take over from there.  This is all certainly true for me but this year has been a little different as my anxiety has crept back in as well. I'm not really surprised  because I've been on the same medication/same dose for about a year and a half.

I find it interesting that psychotropic medications help once you get a great balance, but there is always the knowledge that at some point it will probably stop working for some reason or another and it will be time to tweak it a bit or try something new.

So, my husband and I began to pray.  That is always where we turn!  Our Father in Heaven has always lead us in the past and we knew he would again.

I was sort of expecting for guidance at the psychiatrist office; maybe I would receive inspiration on how to describe what I'm now experiencing so my meds could be corrected. But, I kept having the feeling we needed to visit with a friend about some supplements she started having her son take a while back.  The son was diagnosed with Bipolar and after a year of taking these new supplements is a whole new person.  He no longer has that diagnosis. It's been a miracle for them and I've stood on the sideline and watched.  I've seen him transform!

This families experience just kept coming to our mind.  It was no coincidence when my husband happened into their home for something else and found the mother and father there.  He set up a dinner date for the following week and we went.

We picked there brains about this Canadian company called True Hope.  It's been around since 1996 and is also known as Q Sciences.  They sell micronutrient Empower Plus.  These are nutritional supplements packed with a balance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that our bodies need.  They've been shown to be a mood stabilizer for many people that have psychotropic issues but also just plain out stressed.  What Mother or Father isn't stressed?!?! We knew I needed to try it.  Our only hang up was cost.  It's pretty handy to have insurance pay for Psychiatrist visits and only have copays for medications each month.

In our research and trying to solve our money issue, we came across the fact that True Hope Empower Plus is the exact same as Empower Plus-Q96 supplements.  We figured out a way to get the supplements and support for less money! (still learning more about this...details/links to come)

Can I just tell you right now that after just 7 days of taking these and still on my same medications I began to see a difference.  Remember I said my anxiety and panic attacks were creeping in on me again.  My moods were starting to control my days again.  I was probably feeling the chest tightening, hard to breathe thing a few times a day...having to turn to my Lorazepam (take as needed medication) at least a couple times a week.  In these 7 days,  I could see my panic, tight chest feeling hadn't been there.  I'm floored it began to work so quickly and after questioning the support staff have been told it's not uncommon for people to see results like that in the first 7 days.

The support phone calls that are available when you buy the supplements are helping me go off my medication now.  It's been 2 1/2 weeks and I'm now taking half of the medication that I was when I started.  It's only been 2 1/2 weeks!!!  I haven't really skipped a beat.  I'm feeling much better than I was.  Honestly I kept debating over and over whether I should wait to do this switch until after the holidays and then finally decided that really "it's never a good time" so I jumped in.  I did not expect to keep on with my daily routines as normal for a while.

So, here I am again just sharing a secret that I've literally been lead to.  Let me make clear that taking medications and receiving therapy have been a huge blessing in my life!  They have paid a huge role in leading me down a path of healing and help.  I just want to share the progress and experience I have with learning about a more natural way of receiving help now that I'm at a place that I can actually see through the clouds.  I share all this because it is therapeutic to me to hope that maybe someone else out there may benefit.  As I learn, I'll share many more details here.  Feel free to follow...

Swim in the Rain

A few Saturdays ago, I promised my kiddos that I'd take them swimming after all our jobs were done.  There was the regular "drag your feet attitudes" and "multiple reminders to stay on task" and so it wasn't a surprise when it took us all morning. What did surprise us was to walk out the front door and find rain!  The good old afternoon summer thunderstorm around here shouldn't surprise me anymore but I was not prepared on this specific day.  

Well, I dropped the swimming pool bag and decided we can "swim" in the rain!  I kept saying over and over..."come on, it'll be fun!"  The only one that was game was Allison--she has that personality!  That dear folks, is why I married her Dad!  She's her father's child!!!  Spontaneity is not foreign to those two people in my life for sure!

As I walked around in the rain with mascara dripping down my cheeks and yes, I was in my swimming suit in the front yard too, I thought about how I was a little sad that Spencer and Sarah got my more serious, rigid rule following self in them.  

I guess, what I'm trying to say is that I've learned over the years and still need to be reminded from time to time, that it's okay to "drop the planned swimming pool bag" so to speak and run around in the rain.  It's fun! It creates present living!

I find myself so wrapped up in my day to day schedules and planned out routines or even worse saying over and over again in my mind "some day in my next house, etc" that I forget that I can make things happen right now.  

Let me give you an example.  Ever since I was a little girl, I've dreamed of the mother I'd be and the house I would raise my family in.  One of the things I've always wanted in my house was a swing.  I've always wanted a unique, fun environment that my kids loved.  Can't even tell you how many times in the last 7 years (since we purchased our first home) that I've told myself "in our next home I'll hang a swing in our big extra family room we're going to have."  

I woke myself up about a year ago and realized, I can have a swing now.  It may not be in a big extra family room that I'd like to come in my future, but I have a perfectly good hallway where a swing fits just great.  We hung the swing!  Guess where all the kids and their friends hang out...that swing!  It's a little unique.  It's pretty fun.  It's that little dream I've had that I made happen.  I dropped my "planned out swim bag" and used "the rain" I have right now!

Thomas S. Monson said:

"Sometimes we let our thoughts of tomorrow take up too much of today. Daydreaming of the past and longing for the future may provide comfort but will not take the place of living in the present."

Dreaming and planning do bring me comfort, but as I've brought my dreaming to my life now and let go of my rigid planning a little, I've found even more comfort in my present home and in present moments as a mother and wife.

It makes me think of a quote from The Music Man:

"You pile up enough tomorrows and you'll find you've collected a lot of empty yesterdays."

10 Years Ago...

the doctors place the sweetest little baby boy in my arms.  He was screaming and I just smiled.  I loved that sound!!!  I know what it was like to have a baby not cry...not have the strength.  I prayed for this!!!

Spencer's spirit entering our family has taught me so much!  He lives close to the Lord and is very sensitive to the Holy Ghost and it's promptings/comfort.  I often sit back and wonder how much I teach him but absolutely know he continually teaches me.

Happy 10th Birthday, Spencer Justin Kroff!  I know you're Dad is super proud that you not only carry his name but carry it well on top of looking just like him!

Thank you for being an example to your sisters.  Thank you for bringing a thirst for knowledge into our home.  Thank you for desiring to make good choices.  Thank you for being creative with a new idea or twenty every single day!

I love your piano skills, how you soak up any science book you can get your hands, you enjoy figuring out math problems that are way beyond your years, rules and keeping them bring you great joy, friends are super important to you, you're grandparents and cousins are part of you and you want to know where you came from--taking pride in your ancestry!

My very favorite times with you are kneeling by your bed at night and finding out all the wonderful and unique things on your mind.  I soak it up and love having you as my son!

Summer Happenings

Spencer started his summer out with Cub Scout Day Camp.  He was lucky enough to take his Dad with him for a day out of the week :)

Allison started gymnastics for the first time and absolutely loves it!!!

We had no idea the strength and flexibility this little girl has in her!  Of course I don't have any good pictures of her actual performance but she's so fun to watch!

Our local library put on a carnival type grand opening to the Summer Reading Program.  Of course Alli adored all the animals!

We spent about 10 days in Utah with our family that we miss tremendously!  It's evident we enjoy this time because every time we get home we realize we lack photos of all the fun we actually had.  So, here's a few...Grandma Jennings spent time with us in the downtown splash stream/pad...

at the carousel and also the library.

When we drove up to deliver the kids to the Annual Kroff Grandkid Campout, Sarah jumped out the car to find these walking boots to greet her...she missed her Prader-Willi Syndrome Walkathon but Grandma and Grandpa were sure to preserve a slice of it for her!  She felt pretty special as she read notes on these boots that were left by those that donated to Prader-Willi Association in her honor.

A little skim boarding on the good ol' Virgin River!  Loved Westin and Bridger were willing to share their boards with us.  Good times!

Sand and Allison create hours of fascination!

Sarah caught a fish!

Justin turned 35 and we celebrated with breakfast and cake in Pine Valley with the Jennings...

...a hike with his brother, Steve, and his family. 

The kids made this tie for Justin on Father's Day!

Uncle Danny took us fishing!  Allison was lovin' it...didn't catch a fish but wants to go again :)

We visited Great Grandma Gurr and Great Grandma Jennings.

Justin got to go shooting with his brother, Danny, and nephew, McCoy.

These are just a few things that we did among family home evening with the Jennings when we got to swim at Aunt Heathers.  Visits with Amy, Ben and Chelsi.  Sleepovers with Bridger and Westin. We swam at Aunt Jocelyn's.  We got to watch Uncle Aaron and Matt play baseball...well Aaron coached anyway--catching up with Aunt Tami, Annie, Lacie and Jason on the bleachers.  We made breakfast with Becca and Emily.  We ran errands with Aunt Heather.  We hopped over to Aunt Camille's and Uncle Steve's.

We filled up our family tanks for a little bit anyway.  If we can't live by 'em we can visit 'em often :)

Clap Out to Summer

I'm enjoying Summer so much that I'm just now looking at photos we took when school got out.  Man, I love my kids!  I just feel so proud of them!  This little package of Nutella and bananas is what we handed out to their teachers...it was super hard to say good by to these specific teachers this year.  Their teachers were a perfect match this time around!

Not a great photo but I love having Allison visit the big kids with me at their school.  This was Spencer's 4th grade Clap Out from Elementary School.  I cannot believe he's onto the big Intermediate School was Sarah next year!!!

I got to attend Spencer's End of the Year Class Party and his class buddies voted him as "Super Scientist" and "Best Manners!"  I don't know what would make me more proud!!!  That's my kid through and through!

Sarah was voted the Leader of the Pack for the last quarter!  That's a huge compliment!  I just love this girl to pieces!  She ended her year on a great note where she just loves spending her whole day now with her Special Ed Class.  Her teachers are so great with her!!!  We've had multiple little miracles lead us to this Class and she'll be in the same class with the same teachers next year.  We are so so so grateful!

Oh, can't forget that Justin's brother, Paul, came to visit during the last week of school.  He was here on business but we were thrilled to catch up with him.  Maybe thrilled is an understatement :)

The whole last week of school I just could not get off my mind that this was the last time that my little shadow of Allison would be hangin' out with me as I bounced between schools to be there for Spence and Sarah.  I'm really going to miss my little partner!

I've loved this new Elementary School!  We've gone through 4 different Elementary School and we just are so impressed with this one in particular.  We were touched at all they put into Spencer's Graduation!

This was Spencer's Class and Mrs. Perry...that we so love!!!

Spencer was honored with the Highest Science Award for his class, the Highest Arts award for his grade and also A-B Honor Roll.  So proud of this kid!!!  Glad he's creative and smart :)

Alli the Preschool Grad

She did it!  She's all ready for Kindergarten to come!

Miss Lori's Preschool finished off a great year at Pump It Up! I love that Allison earned the "Most Independent" Award!  Suits her just right!

We have treasured Miss Lori!  This special daughter of ours has learned so much from her and we'll never forget these years of shapes, number, colors, beginning to read, the cutting, the singing, the dancing, field trips, robots and so much!

Now, Yeah for Summer!

Amazing Dishwasher Detergent!

Years ago I lived with my wonderful Parents-in-law.  I learned so many wonderful things from them but one thing I learned was how they struggled with their icky dishwasher.  So, now that I have a so called "icky" dishwasher I knew exactly who to go to.

My wonderful Father-in-law, Joel figured this Detergent out that takes all the water stains and buildup off of clear glasses. It comes in handy when you have hard water for sure. It also literally cleans the inside of the dishwasher too.  Lets just say this is a much better solution than getting a new dishwasher.

Just wanted to share:

Amazing Dishwasher Detergent

1 T. Borax
1 T. LemiShine (by all the dish washing options in grocery store)
1 T. Baking Soda
1/2 cup White Vinegar
Your Choice of Dishwasher Detergent (powder form)

You put the top 3 ingredients in the container with the lid (where you normally put dishwasher soap) and fill the rest with your choice of detergent and close the lid.  Then you pour the 1/2 c. vinegar just down in the bottom of the dishwasher before you start the load like usual.