Idea #3 - to a limited audience...

Winter be gone (and the sickness that goes with it!)! But while we (not so patiently) wait, here's a wise investment idea...

If you're in the market for a new washer and dryer like we were recently, I would strongly suggest a front-loader duo. Not only does it get your clothes really clean, the view could potentially entertain your kids for hours. Money well spent, folks.

Keeping your sanity, Part 2...

Weary of winter?

Idea #2: Bake with your kids!

It's rare that I make something in the kitchen without at least 2 -if not 6- extra hands! Much of the time I love this. Sometimes, though, I struggle with the desire to be more efficient (so much to be done, and the girl only naps for so long!). But for now, I'll try to not wish these days away, because soon they'll want to do something else way cooler than food prep with their mom. The bread machine started off on the counter, I promise, but I soon found a two year old trying to climb up the cabinets to watch while it was kneading. Now I just start the cycle on the floor every time. Gotta get practical with a monkey in the house.

Our favorite is Honey Wheat Bread with almonds! Mmm... there's nothing like warm bread on a cold day...

Preventing the Winter Blues

If you haven't noticed lately, it's cold outside. At least it is where we live! Jack came home from school this week saying that the official town Ground Hog saw his shadow, so we're expecting at least six more weeks of Winter around here (good thing that kid goes to school or I would have never known!). With four little ones, we don't venture out much in weather like this. I think my record lately for not stepping foot out of the house is something like eight days straight. Yeah. So to keep our sanity until the boys can run and play outside, we've had to get a little creative.

In case you're on the verge of loosing your sanity too, we thought we'd share some of our ideas with you!

Idea #1: Build a fort. Then let your kids eat lunch in it. But don't leave the lunch dishes in there until the next day. The food is much harder to clean off when this happens. And is it just me, or does your two year old always find the hidden spoiled sippy cup of milk and attempt to drink it?

More ideas to come....

What have you been doing indoors this Winter?