Today's Household Silly Tivia

1. Reheat PizzaBlock quote startBlock quote startHeat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove,set the heat to medium-low and heat till warm.This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza.I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.2. Easy Deviled EggsPut cooked egg yolks in a zip-lock bag.Seal, mash till they are all broken up.Add remainder of the ingredients,reseal the bag, keep mashing it up, mixing thoroughly,cut the tip of the baggie, and then squeeze the mixture into the eggs.Just throw the bag away when done -- easy clean up.3. Expanding FrostingWhen you buy a container of cake frosting from the store,whip it with your mixer for a few minutes.You can double it in size.You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount.You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.4. Reheating refrigerated breadTo warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated,place them in a microwave with a cup of water.The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.5. Newspaper keeps weeds awayIn your garden, when you start planting in your plants,work the nutrients into the soil. Then put layers ofwet newspapers around the plants, overlapping as you go.Cover with mulch and forget about weeds.Weeds will grow through some gardening plastic,but they will not grow through wet newspapers.6. Broken GlassUse a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick upthe small shards of glass you can't see easily.7. No More MosquitoesPlace a dryer sheet (e.g. Bounce) in your pocket.It will keep the mosquitoes away.8. Squirrel Away!To keep squirrels from eating your plants,sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper.The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plants,but the squirrels won't come near it.9. Flexible vacuumTo get something out of a heat registeror under the fridge add an empty paper towel rollor empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum.It can be bent or flattened to slip into narrow openings.10. Reducing Static ClingPin a small safety pin to the seam of your slipand you will not have a clingy skirt or dress.The same thing works with slacks thatcling when wearing panty hose.Place the pin in the seam of the slacks and -- ta da! -- static is gone.11. Measuring CupsBefore you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill it with hot water.Then dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup.Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter,and watch how easily it comes right out.12. Foggy Windshield?Hate foggy windshields?Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep itin the glove compartment of your car.When the windows fog, rub them with the eraser!!It works better than a cloth, a Kleenex or your smudgy hand!13. Reopening an envelopeIf you seal an envelope and then realizeyou forgot to include something inside,just place your sealed envelope in the freezerfor an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.14. ConditionerUse your hair conditioner to shave your legs.It's a lot cheaper than shaving cream andleaves your legs really smooth. It's alsoa great way to use up the conditioner youbought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair...15. Goodbye Fruit FliesTo get rid of pesky fruit flies,take a small glass fill it 1/2" with apple cider vinegar and 2 drops ofdish washing liquid, and mix well.You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!16. Get Rid of AntsPut small piles of cornmeal where you see ants.They eat it, take it "home", but can't digest it,so it kills them. It may take a week or so,especially if it rains, but it works and youdon't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!17. Info about Clothes DryersThe heating unit went out on my dryer!The gentleman who fixes things around the housefor us went over to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter.It was clean. (I always clean the lint from the filter after every load of clothes.) But he told us thathe wanted to show us something, whereupon he took the filter over to the sink, and ran hot water over it. The lint filter is made of a mesh material, and the hot water just sat on top of the mesh!It didn't run through it at all!He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh,and that film is what burns out the heating unit.You can't SEE the film, but it's there.It's the ingredient in the dryer sheets that makes your clothes soft,static free and fragrant too -- that waxiness on the dryer sheets --which builds up on your clothes and particularly on your lint screen.This is also ! what ca uses dryer units to catch fire and potentiallyburn your house down! Our handyman said the best way to keep your dryer working for a long time (and simultaneously reduce your electric bill) is to take that filter out andwash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months.He said that can double the life of the dryer!Block quote endBlock quote end

"Our Most Cherished Responsibility"

I found this quote this morning and it slapped me in the face! I have to keep reminding myself again and again that being a mother to my cute boys is really so important and worth the struggle. More important than everything else I want to do or get done. When they drive me crazy, which is most of the time, they are still my priority.
I wanted to share these fantastic truths.
"We should cherish and care for our children with unwavering dedication. The older we grow, the more precious our family becomes to us.
We come to see more clearly that all of the wealth, honor, and positions of the world pale in significance when compared to the precious souls of our loved ones. You young parents who are beginning your families must guard against seeking financial gain, worldly comforts, or achievement at the expense of your children. You must guard against being so anxious to get to work or to a meeting that you do not have time for your family, especially time to listen to anxious little voices. . . .
"We cannot and we
must not allow the school, community, television, or even Church organizations to establish our children's values. The Lord has placed this duty with mothers and fathers. It is one from which we cannot escape and one that cannot be delegated. Others may help, but parents remain accountable."

(M. Russell Ballard, "Teach the Children," Ensign, May 1991, 79-80)

Hallelujah!

I am absolutely grateful to Heavenly Father for his tender caring for my family. For 9 years my husband and I have been taking our sons to Primary Children’s Hospital for exams under anesthesia (EUA). Every few months we have taken them to be evaluated for retinoblastoma. Child #1 was tested for 4 years without cancer being manifested. When #2 came along, we had genetic testing done on both boys. It was determined that #1 did not carry the gene but that #2 did. Thus, #1 no longer needed to be tested but #2 still needed to be examined every 2 months. (Follow?) It has been an ordeal to wonder and worry, each time, if the doctor would walk out with news we didn’t want to hear and which would change everything. However, we felt that they would be alright.

This last week was #2’s last EUA!!! He was completely clear of the disease. He will be checked in the office every 6 months but doesn’t have to be put under any longer.

At age 5, the likelihood of having the cancer is almost nonexistent. It has been necessary to have them under anesthesia to keep them from moving and/or bumping the instruments used in the exam which could cause serious eye problems. Now that the five year mark has been reached without cancer, #2 can be checked at a regular check up. My heart is so thankful. The doctor was amazed that we have “dodged the bullet”. I think that he really expected cancer after the genetic test results. But, Father has protected my sweet boys. I certainly did not want them to have to go through what I have in my life.

As a young teen-ager, I was counseled by a good doctor that I should never have children. He explained that if I found that I was pregnant, I should abort the baby. This crushed me. I thought of my own life and that I deserved to live even with my cancer and eye problems. Wouldn’t my child deserve life as well? Of course. Other medical professionals advised me in a similar manner to not have children who would likely have cancer. I have trusted Father and he led me in the decision to have both children. In his infinite kindness and perfect plan, he has heard my prayers and the prayers of many others. Neither of my boys have had this horrid disease! I am so grateful. I can physically feel the thanks in my heart. It’s hard to explain with words, but I can literally feel gratitude inside.

I also appreciate all my family and friends who have helped through these years in so many ways. Thank you! I know that the Lord’s hand is in my life more than I may notice. It is fabulous that the 9 years has come to an end without cancer!

New Phot Contest!

Alright. We played along with Bartimius and his darling side kick. Now it’s time for some more fun. Only this time, I get to set the rules. (Mrs. Dub, use your real identity. We like you just the way you are.) Here is the deal. Below, I’m imagining a photo that I snapped while on vacation. The trouble is that I live with the lense cap on. So, let me tell you what I notice and you can create the perfect journal entry for my cute scrap book. (You should see it. Heck, I should see it.)

OK. I hear the sounds of people screaming, babies crying and loud rumbling noises surround me. A seagull screeched too close to my head. My feet stick slightly to the ground and I feel like I’m spinning as I walk. I smell elephant poop and popcorn. The sun is very hot and I need a drink. I hear trickling water off to my right and move toward it. Something or someone tugs on my shirt. I feel something hairy brush against my arm and I scream.

Imagine and compose for future posterity.

In the News!

Here's a blurb from the local paper covering an event that some how I got roped into. I enjoyed speaking at 3 assemblies to over 625 students. We had a good time together. Hopefully, when they need it, the students will remember what we spoke together about.

102207 NC Freesign
Matt Snarr courtesy photo Red Ribbon Week included making a sign of themselves spelling ÒFREEÓ on the school playground for students at Renaissance Academyin north Lehi on Friday.ÊThe theme for the week-long program was ÒBorn to be Free.Ó ÒThis means free from drugs, gossip, bad feelings, bullies, bad wordsand free to make healthy choices for our bodies and minds,Ó said Michelle Porcelli, school family engagement committee member.
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Thursday, October 25, 2007
Academy students are 'Born to be Free'
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Cathy Allred - NORTH COUNTY STAFF
Renaissance Academy students had a busy week of activities for Red Ribbon Week including making a sign of themselves spelling "FREE" on the school playground.
Red Ribbon Week at the charter school focused on more things than just drugs, Michelle Porcelli, school family engagement committee member, said in an e-mailinterview. The theme for the program was "Born to be Free."
"This means free from drugs, gossip, bad feelings, bullies, bad words and free to make healthy choices for our bodies and minds," Porcelli wrote.
The week's activities included an assembly with Dr. Rebecca Johnson discussing over the counter and illegal drugs and Kris Belcher, who lost her eye andsight to cancer, and discussed bullies, acceptance and disabilities.
"It went really well," wrote Belcher in an e-mail interview. "The students were very responsive to my comments at the assemblies. I taught them they had"Super Powers."
She explained how, when she was little, she would run down the steep hill on which I lived and pretend to be Superman as I ran and tried to fly.
"The students may not be able to fly, but they have a super power within them," she said. "That power is the power to choose their actions, words, attitudes.If they are being bullied, they can leave and report the problem. They don't have to stick around for the mistreatment."
Children have the power to choose how they will treat other people, especially those who may look or act different from themselves was taught during theweek.
"They can use their words to hurt or help others," Belcher said. "I think they caught the vision and hopefully it made a difference for someone."
Students also signed a pledge banner and tied ribbons around the fence. Parents gathered the teacher's baby pictures and had the students guess whom theybelonged too to go with the theme "Born to Be Free."
There were assemblies, prizes and fun activities for the students, Porcelli said.
Students wore a friendship bracelet all week for a chance at a prize. Each bracelet was red, yellow, orange, pink or black representing different traitsand students were asked to do something representing the traits of the bracelet they wore.
Tuesday, Oct. 16, was Red Day and students wore red polos for their school assembly. The next day was "Born to be Free" pajama day, Oct. 18 was "Turn YouBack to Drugs" day and students wore their Renaissance cloths backwards. "Team up Against Drugs" day was Oct. 19 and kids got to wear their favorite teamapparel whether it was soccer, gymnastics, football or other team activity.Article views: 115

Purification by Fire!

I was scared to death! What had my child done? I was shampooing my hair in the shower, (don’t picture it.) when the piercing rings of the fire alarm began. I wrapped up in a towel and ran to the kitchen with soapy hair and water dripping everywhere. The screaming alarm had ceased, but I was worried nevertheless.

“I heard the noise, Mommy.” Child #2 said innocently as he met me in the kitchen.

Of course I asked in a panic if he had gotten down the matches. Just two days before, he and a few friends had been playing “camping” under the deck. At least half the large match box had been used in an attempt to light their” camp fire”. They had told me at the time that they had been burned but they were fine. I spoke to all the boys and explained the danger of playing with matches and had them collect all the discarded sticks. I hid the remainder of the unused matches; so, I thought

So, I had reason for concern to say the least. My innocent child reported he had just been playing with toys and had heard the alarm. I instructed him to stay out of the kitchen. He went back into the playroom to resume his play and I returned to desoap. Well, a few minutes later, the alarm screams sounded once more. I again panicked. I wondered if my sweet Smokey the Bear was playing camping again or if the alarm needed the batteries changed. (It’s always good to have another line of thought so I’m not always blaming the children. But, I’m not naive.)

It took longer for the alarm to stop this time. Smokey explained that a box of matches had fallen out of the cupboard and one match fell out. That had made the alarm go off. I calmly had him bring me the box and the match that had so unexpectedly fallen out. I hadn’t known there was another box within reach.

Later, the boys and I were in the playroom and I found about 10 used matches behind the TV. There was also a marshmallow stuck onto several matches. (I’m not kidding!)

“Were you roasting marshmallows?” I asked. A quiet “yes” was the answer. The carpet was a bit melted in spots and there was ash on the floor. It is a miracle that was the only damage.

Wow! I feel baffled at my child and extremely grateful to Father in Heaven for protecting him, myself and our home.

Child #1 commented,”I don’t understand why he would do something like that when he knows better.”
“Hmmm.”, was my reply. (Something about kettles and black came to mind.)
It is a bit scary to not be able to see or smell the smoke or see what the child is doing. I’m praying for direction on how to firmly teach the “not playing with matches” lecture. James says we could always handle it like his father did. “He just pulled down my pants and burned my butt.” (Do we say butt?)”I never played with matches again.”
Any ideas?

Thank You!

It was such a great feeling! At the end of the day, yesterday, every hamper in the house was empty. Now, they weren’t emptied onto the floor, as is usually the case in the boy’s room. But I had done load after load of laundry and got it folded and put away. (OK, there was one still drying when I retired to bed.) For just a few minutes I was caught up on the washing, drying, and putting away of all the dirty clothing in the house.
I stood in amazement of my hard work and thought, “It’s too bad no one else in this home even notices that I’ve done all this. No one thanks me or stands in awe of my housewifeliness.”
So, I thought I would thank myself and all those out there who work so hard to keep the laundry done. It doesn’t stay done for more than a few minutes, but for the briefest of seconds you have concluded a monumental task! Don’t think nobody notices because I do. I know there were many things you would have rather done than touch gross clothing from your children’s floor. You don’t necessarily enjoy folding other people’s underwear (I hope.). You do it out of love for your family. Or is it to stop the stench from filtering out of the children’s room? Maybe it is due to getting tired of everyone saying, “Have you seen my blue socks? Where are my pants?” You think or perhaps mutter, “They’re in the dryer. They’ve been wandering around the house on their own for weeks. Someone had to take action.” Whatever the cause, I thank you, you noble launderers/laundresses! Without you, this world would be one smelly mess!