Sibling Adjustment To New Baby

I have been asked to answer questions on this topic so much this year, that I thought I should just write out my thoughts all at once and before my memory leaves me.

I remember being so concerned also, each time I was pregnant, (yes even with my sixth), about how the "baby" of the family would adjust to not being the baby anymore, and having a new sibling.

Ritz Chicken Strips

An easy family favorite.  

1 to 1 1/2 rolls of crushed Ritz crackers

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips (about 1 and 1/2 pounds of chicken)

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tsp dried mustard

1 tsp garlic salt

2 TBS of olive oil

Some Of My Favorite Things On Sale

I've mentioned many of my favorite things over the years that keep my life and home running smoothly and that we enjoy.

Amazon Prime Days are here which means special savings.  It took me a long time to have a Prime membership-I'm cheap like that.  I hate memberships!  But in the end it was so worth it-my kids and I share the membership and it's so nice to not pay for shipping.  Here's the link to join, if you want to read about the benefits and a free trial offer here.  (And free movies!)

Household:

My favorite vacuum:

Shark Navigator Upright

$149.99 (save $30)

I love this vacuum!  Every part is able to be cleaned.  I've used the more fancy Lift Away style and I don't like it as much because if you suck something up that can get stuck it's very hard if not impossible to reach.  This one has full access everywhere.

My favorite mop!

Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop

$48.03 ($21.97)

The Best Pumpkin Bread

A friend gave me this recipe, and I love it.  It is a simple classic pumpkin bread with a crunchy crumb topping. Feel free to use a little less sugar, it will still be great.

I make six mini-loaves out of this recipes.  Yes, the first time I made it, I had to run out and get mini-loaf pans, wondered if I'd use them again, but I have regularly and love them.  Perfect for sharing.

I think you could split this recipe between two normal loaf pans but bake longer, making sure the middle is baked through.

1 15oz. can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger

For topping:
Mix together with fork:
4 TBS softened butter
3/4 cup white flour
3/4 cup white sugar.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all ingredients together.
Spray six mini-loaf pans with cooking spray.
Evenly divide mix (pans will be about 2/3 full).
Sprinkle topping on each loaf.
Bake for 50 minutes.

Encouragement For The Week

Autumn knows a mother's heart
It gives and then lets go.

Angie Weiland-Crosby

Ordinary Days

I am attempting to get into a rather regular schedule with every facet of my life and sometimes I feel like I am failing miserably. Cleaning, exercising, planning, cooking, painting, walking, friends, kids stuff, appointments-you would think it would be easier with no little guys at home, but it seems like sometimes I am a kite in the wind with no weight at the end of the it.  Maybe it's the constant changes this year, but I am getting there-I WILL get there where I can accomplish what I want to and need to with a calm consistency.  I used to fall right into some sort of schedule when school began-not so this year.  But 2020-in more ways than Covid-has been "a year".

My sweet little twin who is always right next to me and has been for 8 years now.  As much as we can be.  

I painted this table for a friend and it was a fun project. I am all caught up in my projects right now and that feels good.

When I'm alone in the evening, Sammy and I sometimes take a ride to watch the sunset.  He loves it - the breeze on his face and all the attention he gets at the park.  Sammy is 13 now and slowing down-he sleeps a lot and can't hear a thing but he still chases the kids like he did when he was a puppy.

Apple Pie Dump Cake

I had never heard of a "dump cake" until a bunch of them showed up in my feed on Pinterest and thought I'd give one a try.  Such an easy dessert to whip together at the last minute for your family (I halved the recipe below) or to bring to a family gathering or potluck.  It seems there are SO many versions of these dump cakes.  The one that I chose and adapted is very simple.

A Few Of My Favorite Things

I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things, summer edition!

HOME:

I did a "how I clean" series on my Instagram stories and shared some of the things I used and many of you had questions about the vacuum I was using.

Shark Navigator Deluxe Upright-$149.99

My vacuum.  I used to have a Dyson and loved it but it broke.  I bought a cheaper vacuum and it is an actual improvement on the Dyson.  I love that all the pieces and parts can come and part and be cleaned.  There are a couple of filters for dust that can be washed in soap and water, all the hose attachments can be removed and this vacuum sucks the living daylights out of my carpets.

I have tried the more expensive version of this Navigator (it's called a Lift Away-I garbage picked it) and I didn't like it as much as this older model.

Siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloths-$10.99

These clothes will last a lifetime and are worth it.  I also LOVE these microfibers.  I have the ultra cheap ones but always reach for these because they are thicker and just work better.