Productivity Redefined

I like to consider myself a productive person.  I have gone in and out of times in my life in which TV would reel me in (when I discovered "Lost" my life was consumed!).  However, most of the time I can accomplish a long list of to-do's when time allows.  My wife and I were fortunate enough to be able to purchase a home a couple years ago.  Going from an apartment to a home is a HUGE difference! --> mow the lawn, weed, mulch the garden beds, clean the extra space, fix the leaks (AKA call the plumber), shovel the driveway, and much more!!

Through the years it has been so easy to measure the amount of productivity one has accomplished.  Think about it: in school you would recieve a grade and turn in completed assignments; with work and at home you have a "to-do" list you can easily cross off; working out you can measure by weight, time, and muscle tone.  However, our little Abram came along and there were no lists to check off (well, there were, but they weren't getting checked off!) or assignments to turn in.  It was simply adapting to the needs and wants of a growing, living little human being.  We thrive on accomplishments and goals met, but we have to adjust now as new parents to seeing smiles, healthy sleeping, healthy babies, and strong family dynamic as true signs of productivity.  The house may be messy, the clothes may be dirty, the lawn may not be cut, but if the family is healthy, happy, and comfortable someone is being productive!

I write this as not only encouragement to my wife and to myself when I forget, but to the countless other mothers and fathers out there who struggle with this new productive lifestyle.  Remind yourself that the end goal is to have a happy healthy young baby and a happy and healthy family
.  If these couple items are crossed off each day, you can rest easy...that day was productive!

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Best Caramel Apple Play Dough- Ever!

I've made several homemade play doughs with my kids and hands down, this recipe is the best. It was easy to make and the consistency came out perfect! It's actually hard to believe, but I managed to make this with out any I Guess Im Due moments! This is for the books...

Caramel Apple Pie Play Dough

(courtesy of www.mamapapabubba.com)

Ingredients:
1 cup of ‘just apples’ apple sauce (I used natural applesauce)
1/2 cup of water
2 tablespoons of coconut oil {or other favorite oil}- I used canola
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla
1/2 packet of Duncan Hines apple pie Frosting Creations (I couldn't find this so I replaced it with 1 Tbs of Apple Pie Seasoning)
1/2 packet of Duncan Hines caramel Frosting Creations
red gel food coloring (skipped this- I liked the natural caramel color it created)
2 cups of plain flour
1/2 cup of salt
2 tablespoons of cream of tartar

Directions:
Add first set of ingredients to a large pot and heat on the stove {stirring regularly} until just bubbling. Remove from heat and add in dry ingredients. Stir until combined and dump mixture out on the counter. Allow to cool for 5 or 10 minutes. Knead dough until soft and fully cooled (it may feel sticky in the beginning, but resist the urge to add flour – that stickiness vanished completely for us once the dough was no longer warm). Store in an airtight bag or container when not in use.

We used fun tools like: pie tins, cookie cutters, baking sheets, rolling pins, bowls, and pizza cutters. The options are endless!

The kids LOVED this activity. I think they've asked to make their apple pies just about everyday. And since the house smells like sweet fall every time we take out the play dough, I don't mind picking up the mess after they're done!

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four eyes

Well, leave it to a five year old to remind you that your face is breaking out like a teenager! Looks like we'll have to start reading books in the dark now..

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