Unexpected Doctor's Trip

I find it very difficult to decide when to take the kids to the doctor.  There are the obvious times, like when #1 fell off a slide and broke his collar bone.  But there are so many in between times.  On one hand, you can get them in the doctor, figure out what really is wrong, and maybe start them on medicine to get them better.  On the other hand, you take them to the doctor, you disrupt all the other kids' schedule, you expose everyone to new germs just by being in the office, and there is no remedy.  I have friends who always take them to the doctor and friends who rarely take them in.  I fall in the middle and am constantly stressing about whether I should take them or not.  It is such a hard call.

Yesterday, my MIL told me flat out that #1 had strep.  I trusted her - messed up everyone's schedule - took him in - and yes it is strep.  But I didn't take the others in - maybe they have it it?

Crafty Tuesday - Playdough

Most of the time I am too busy running around, cooking, cleaning, coordinating schedules - to stop and have an activity for the boys.  My goal is to have one crafty activity a week.  Maybe more - if they are a hit!

Today we started simple - playdough!  Now that #3 is 18 months the likelihood of him eating the playdough has gone done, so I decided to take it out.  We had made two batches - one green and one red a while ago.  There are a ton of reasons to make your own playdough...1) fun activity for the kids; 2) cheap; 3) non-toxic; 4) you always have some...

Playdough Recipe

2 cup flour
1 cup salt
2 cup water
1 tbsp. cream of tartar
2 tbsp. oil

Food coloring by drops

Mix over stop top until it has a mashed potato consistency.  Add food coloring and mix until combined.  Knead and enjoy.  Keep in a ziplock bag when not using.  

Monday Recipe and Weekly Meal Planning

Well, so much for posting everyday.  It is the first Monday of June - so I am going to give it another go and see if I can really commit to posting and maybe someone will read it!

I have gathered some really tasty, kid-friendly, and healthy recipes.  Every Monday I will post a new one along with my weekly meal planning.  Yes, I really plan all of our dinners for the week.  A year ago I found this great idea on pinterest.  So now I can plan my meals in style.  I have it hanging on the wall of my kitchen.  #1 is getting so good at reading that he can tell what we are having for dinner.

3 boys menu....  6/4/12

Monday - Crockpot Corn Chowder (recipe below) with fresh bread and butter

Tuesday - Spinach and onion fritata with french toast sticks

Wednesday -  Crockpot Corn Chowder (recipe below) with fresh bread and butter  [we love leftovers!]

Thursday - Pesto Tilapia, roasted brocolli, maple acorn squash

Friday - Steak, carrot kugel, grilled zucchini

Saturday - Out somewhere :-)

Crockpot Corn Chowder - from Stephanie O'Dea of crockpot 365

Here is my version - just slightly different from the link...

1 quart veggie broth

2-4 cups water (depending how much room you have left)

1 small onion chopped

1 red pepper chopped

4-5 peeled and chopped carrots

2 16-oz bags frozen corn (1 roasted and 1 plain)

2 medium potatoes peeled and chopped

Combine all ingredients in crockpot.  Cook on low 8-9 hours or high 5-6 hours.  Before serving I serve my 3 boys the soup with all the chunks of veggies.  They do not like the blended soup.  Once I have their portions for tonight and any future servings of this meal - I use an imersion blender until smooth.  It is great for leftovers!