Super Simple Cereal Bars

I needed to whip up a snack for kidlets simple and easy. Of course I always loved when my mom would make fruity pebble bars (twist on rice krispe treats) 

So I decided to go with that. Here is the recipe - simple and easy. 

3 tablespoons butter

4 Cups mini marshmallows

6 cups cereal of choice

First melt the 3 tablespoons of butter in a big pot over low/med heat. 

 Stir in the 4 cups mini marshmallows.

Stir over low heat until melted smooth.

Remove from heat and add in the 6 cups of cereal of your choice. Today I used fruity pebbles and then did a batch of chocolate lucky charms. Because I had big boxes of them and wanted to use some - that's why.

Stir to coat.
Then dump onto a spray buttered cookie sheet or in to a 9x13 pan. I just did a cookie sheet cause it was closer. :0)
I like to spray my hands and press down to flatten, push together. But you can use waxed paper if you don't wanna touch the food.

Let cool. Cut into squares and enjoy! Simple, easy, kids love.

Birdseed Feeders for little ones.

I will be making little birdseed feeders with my preschool kids tomorrow at our local Homeschool Co-op. 

I like to use ricecakes because then the birds will eat the entire thing - leaving only the string behind. 

To string up the ricecake you will need to poke a hole in it. This part is the trickiest because if you are not gentle you will crack it right in half. 

I chose to use a straw and wiggled it gently back and forth with a little pressure to make my holes. I broke 2 outta the 12 pack. Not too bad. 

 Next use yarn or ribbon to string the feeders. You want to do this now because once the seed is on - they are messy!

 

To adhere the seed to the ricecake the traditional way is to use peanut butter. But since we have a highly allergic little one in our class, I am choosing to use vegetable shortening. (Crisco) 

 

 

Spread on both sides. 

Then gently press the ricecake into a bowl of bird seed. 

 

 

Cover both sides - pressing on it with your fingers a little to make sure the seed is sticking. Then find a nice place outside to hang it up! 

Beautiful and fun. The kids love watching how much the birds (or squirrels -  yes they like them too) have devoured them. :0)

Just what I needed

What a completely beautiful day full of amazing friends and everything I love :-)

Today I expected to be completely different than it was. But sometimes things get in the way of my schedule or plans and it is there God is molding me.

Today was the last day for our spring co-op. I will love and miss all the families not joining us next year. Excited to meet the new friends.
I am also taking over for Brianna as field trip coordinator. Anyone with awesome places to go - email me!

After the end of co-op party , Dropped the kidlets off  at their dads.

My night was planned one way- but I had things changed on me. I probably should say thanks cause I had a great evening despite.

I have a paper above my light switch in my bedroom that says - the tempo of a God breathed life. (Rom 8:28) Reminding me that when things don't go as planned - He has my best interest at hand. This is a hard concept for a planner, scheduler type person I am. Unexpected changes do not work well with me. Thus why I need the reminder everyday.

So I started my night with a little pampering. Tanning :-) then hit the trails. Oh my was it good to be back out there! To run in the fresh air just makes me feel so happy to be out of the gym! No offense YMCA but you can't beat the feeling of enjoying God's Creation!

People try to fill their time with things, activities, stuff. Searching for something to fulfill their need to like who they are. Figure out something to make them feel happy.

I have truly found for me - that  being  here alone with my iPod, (and Pepper Spray for Mrs. Rowe and mom) and God's beautiful nature brings such peace. What a great time getting healthy and knocking at His door for some daddy daughter talks.

I ended my night surrounded with amazing friends. I don't need more stuff, money, activities to fill my life. I am completely blessed to be able to call my true friends up- tell them- "I need you guys tonight" and to be accepted as I am.  For all my flaws, through all the crazy times. Even when I set the two preggo girls 9 clubs hand - ha ha sorry! Sharon and I were on a Roll tonight! Karlee and Jenny didn't stand a chance. This is truly strange... But I will take it!

I might not always have it all together but that's ok. I have so much to be thankful for.

Saxonburg Firehouse Field Trip

It's FIELD TRIP SEASON!!! I love the Spring. It is like we are ready to wind down our school year so let the field trips begin! Last Tuesday we took a trip to Playthings Etc with Harvest Homeschoolers and learned the science behind some of the toys we play with. Very fun. This week we joined the Butler Homeschoolers for a Fire Safety field trip to the Saxonburg Fire Department. It was very very fun!

 

Unlike two years ago when we went to Butler's Station, the Saxonburg guys let us really get involved. We got to spray water and go up 95 feet in their bucket truck! How awesome is that!!! Alyssa went up first of my crew. Tristan was unsure. The second trip Wyatt and I got to go. Tristan still unsure. Last trip Alyssa went again and Tristan decided he wanted to but not that high. Too bad buddy the last time they were going 95 feet up all the way! He missed his chance. Poor little guy was just too afraid of heights. 

I am really glad we went! Now Alyssa (Tristan still unsure) wants to be a firefighter when she is old enough. If we are still homeschooling I so want to be like the Duggars and have my kids join the jr force at 14. I would be soooo proud!

A lot of updates. Divorce Filed, Name Changed, and What We Did This Week.

Well it has been quite a BUSY week since I updated last. Thank you all for the comments and calls, texts and cards for caring about my family and the loss of our puppy. It really does mean the world. Mom said tonight Alyssa found dog hair in her house and sat in the corner holding it crying. Awww Made me ache for her. Patches was around before she was born.

Anyways... This week I have accomplished a few things.  First I have applied and am getting signed back up to take a few college courses. Please pray the financial aid comes through. I had to file with Justin and my tax return from 2010 and I hope they call me in to discuss things or I will never get any help. I checked separated in the box so hopefully they will take note. But if God wants me to go - He will make a way. Isn't God awesome?

Second my car - totally on the fritz. Thanks to some AWESOME friends at Marxville - who helped me out with changing the plugs and wires. Rich got me a list of things I have to fix now. One step at a time. That is how things are going this week. Got my oil changed. Check. Need to figure out why the check engine light still was coming on Sunday. Need new rotors, a new flex pipe on my muffler (I think that is what it is called) and my stabalizer bar or something or other is broke. Get this all fixed and I should be good to go for a while. :) I like my van. It doesnt have a ton of miles so I will fix what is wrong and keep going with it.

Today I went to the lawyer and Justin and I filed for divorce. We signed papers and back in the mail they go tomorrow. So as soon as the lawyer gets them back - 90 day count down till that is done.

I also changed my name back today. You can do it BEFORE you get the divorce final but it has to be in the process. So that is filed and in a week I should have my official papers. So Linda Palma Noullet it is again. Very strange feeling over this. I prayed. I pondered. It was a tough decision for me to make. But finally I decided to do it. No turning back now. My years of easy times of saying Irwin with an I, are over. I think I shall marry a Smith or Miller next time. Something super simple! ha ha. Ok so all available men who have complicated names - sorry no luck for you.

My Aunt Marianne is visiting us this week from Philly. It has been really nice seeing her. She came and walked with me Friday, saw my house, we hung out all evening. She is really cool. We are a lot alike. I really have a great family. I am blessed. Tonight was when we all got together and wished her a happy birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! wooo hoo. Here I am with her.

My kids had a field trip for homeschoolers to Playthings Etc this week. Yes going to a toy store IS school!!! It was so fun and interesting.

Swimming Lessons for everyone are going well.

Dad and Mom snagged me some patio blocks so now I can sit out back without sinking into the dirt/mud this spring. Thank you awesome parents!

Alyssa had a teddy bear Karate workshop with her best friend Nicole. Tamara made matching uniforms for their teddy bears. So cute!

Here is Mr Wyatt and Me at Co-op Last week working on Puzzles.

 

The week was full! The kids and I worked on decorating some cakes and cupcakes... 

 We did a lot of puddle jumping...

 Alyssa and I have been practicing our guitars... She is so cool people. Trust me they say this is cool... I don't know but I just go with it.

 And we had some patrolling the parking lot with guns and Wobbly Carts. It's safe.

I am sure I packed a lot more into this week but I am also sure I am loosing your attention if you read this far into my ramble. You get a cookie! Hey I did bake those too this week but sorry - took them to my Grandmas and there are NONE left!

Keep me in your prayers as I have a LOT of changes going on this month... and prayers are always good. I love you all! Thanks! Night!

Lots of updates with a BUSY week.

What a AMAZING day weather wise we had! It was so nice we headed out to Marxville for lots of outside play time and to make Jenn grill for us. Oh so what she is 8 months pregnant with her fourth kid... (I know you  heard that story right? Etopic Pregnancy 9 years ago, her one tube cut and burned after her last kid... and WAH-LAH she is preggo again. Ha ha... opps sorry I am not laughing)

So anyways - awesome night with friends and food. Here is Alyssa and Baby Artie.

I have been having a busy week. Still practicing away on my guitar. I had a super proud moment tonight. Alyssa had her dad restring her guitar and when I was tuning it on Sunday I broke a string. So I texted him when he was in Butler to please stop over and put a new one on. He is always in Butler now because he got his apartment and is working on moving in. But he musta got busy... So Finally I broke down and Youtubed it to figure out how. I did it! I successfully changed her string, got it all tuned up and we are ready to go! I am so proud of me! Seriously people I was afraid of the strings. Not anymore! I can change them! woo hoo!

So I did learn this from my little brother. Note: NEVER take all the strings off at one time. Change one at a time because if you do the tension is released on the neck and it can warp or crack the neck. Good point! Never woulda though of that. So one at a time.

I have  been working on finger exercises. Plucking away at my Ode to Joy and such. I added a new guy into my routine. Found a guitar app for my phone. So now I have three teachers and a brother. I am actually pretty proud of my progress.

Wyatt is doing AMAZING in swimming lessons this time around. I think having two younger kids in his class has helped him completely! He is loving it!

No more "Mom" "Moooom, I want MOOOOOM" It is heavely. Thank you LORD!
Tristan started a Rock Wall Climbing Class and is LOVING it too!

A few more things this past week, we had homeschool co-op on Friday. I worked on March going in like a lion and out like a lamb with my preK class.

We are winding down in our homeschool year. Lots of Field Trips coming up. Monday is "The TEST" for Alyssa. Her 3rd grade standardized boring pointless annoying... opps, um super important test. Pray for her cause she is nervous.

The boys ate Cheese from a can and made mustaches on themselves, 

And oh yeah... I dyed my daughters hair. opps. lol It is 28 day wash out people! I LOVE it! She does too. My dad... not so much I am sure. Ah well... it is all good. 

BIG FELLOWSHIP FUN and Homeschool Co-Op

I just want to tell you all... I LOVE MY CHURCH.

I am BLESSED with the most AWESOME Homeschool Co-op ever! I enjoyed it last year and this year is so much more awesome! I thank GOD for the great group he has brought into our lives. I am so enjoying the Preschool Class and I am forever thankful for the other moms and dads who instruct my older two in their classes.

And I am also loving the WOMEN'S MINISTRY at my church. You know there are those times when I think - I just would rather stay home... I know it is going to be fun but.... I drive 30 mins to church. I am cozy at home doing laundry, cleaning homeschool cupboards, etc etc... You know the million excuses one gives herself to miss events. Well I sometimes do this and tonight - I completely didn't! :) And I am so glad I went out and got to join the other CRAZIES!

Hula Hooping? Seriously??? I can't do that! Well using a heavy adult hula hoop - who knew! I loved it! I kept it going and going and going! I watched before I participated and thought - either these women are amazing or those are special hoops. ... could I do it? ... what if I am the only one here who can't get it to work? ... Snag some friends who are not afraid to "Spin a hoop on their neck and let it go flying into all the ticket containers (for prizes) knocking over them all!" .. opps... ha ha ha. But the best part? I DID IT! and I LOVED IT! I so want one of those hoops! But where would I do it at? They are big! I could so see myself doing it in the parking lot of my house place making everyone think I am even more messed up than they already think of me! ha ha. (Couldn't get mom to Hula Hoop but I DID get her to snag me a Make Up Sample... just go put lipgloss on for me mom - no harm... opps a full make over? Sorry!)

 Karaoke, Cha Cha Slide, Make Overs, Friendship Bracelets, Gormet Coffees, Snacks, Stories, Duck Pond? Kiss the Frog? Wii, Valentines, Goofy Pictures, Hand Pampering... oh yes we did it up GIRLY Style.

 Heard a great to the point message and just laughed and had a BIG FUN FELLOWSHIP!

 And what was the best part? When it was over we kept talking. The Homeschool Moms and I didn't want to leave until they made us... I guess they do have to reset the church for Sunday Services. Ha ha. Hey - Us homeschool moms need our socialization time! Right? Everyone worries about the kids - what about us?? I mean - did you SEE Stephanie's Glasses? That Girl Needs some help! hee hee JK!

Ah.. what a fun weekend. And it isn't over! Harvest is having a WINTER FEST tomorrow! You DON'T want to miss Sunday School tomorrow! I peeked into Wyatt's Room and was loving the little winter activity stations set up! He is going to have a BLAST! I did not peek into the older kids rooms.

Thank you GOD for fun, friends and just a little pick me up weekend.

Weekly Wrap-Up and Homeschool Co-op

 Wrapping Up this week in the middle. :) hey - it works.
We had Eye Doctor Appointments on Monday with Dr. Nebel. I have been to Dr. Nebel myself since I was a kid. Now I take my children there. Since I am a picture freak - you know I snapped some pictures. We came home with Alyssa needing glasses for close work. She is Far Sighted. Tristan was good again this year.

Wyatt was laughing and saying they looked like ROBOTS!

 Monday Night was Girls Scouts. On our way the ENTIRE way there we had a rainbow. IT WAS HUGE! A Complete DOUBLE bow across the sky! Oh how cute the minds of kids. Tristan was begging me to stop on the way home in this one parking lot we saw it hit the ground to look for the pot of gold or to touch it!

 It was not too cold out and lots of nice snow so the kids went out to play and make snow... dogs? Here is Alyssa and her SnowDog. He has a hat and a pipe in his mouth.

 And here is Nicole and her cool SnowMan.

 Tristan decided one night he wanted to sleep in his cap from Clinic. We got this when he was 3.

 We started back Homeschool Co-op on Friday! It was a GREAT DAY! Some of our friends were missed that couldn't come. I had a winter theme in my PreK Class. Here is Ellen my helper and the kids making their igloo pictures. I showed them pictures of real ones and we cut strips of paper and glued blocks. Then we made falling snow with our finger tips. We also did a cutting snowflake worksheet. Played Puzzles, Made Coffee Filter Snowflakes and more. I was happy to be over prepared and didn't get to everything I had brought. That is a good day. The kids enjoyed being back with their friends. Even Mr. Wyatt participated in Kindermusic the period I am in the Mom Zone away from him.

 The kids went to their dad's house this weekend. I guess the wax statue of Troy Polamalu was going around touring the area before it goes to the museum. Justin sent me this picture via text of him and the kids. Thought it was a nice picture, all the kids are smiling. lol I told him he should print it out to hang on his wall. He said Wyatt was kinda freaked out at the situation. And Alyssa was most excited about getting samples of Head and Shoulders Shampoo and Conditioner!  lol

So that was a few high lights from this week. Kids are rushing me to activate some Pokemon Game site for them so I will leave it at this and see ya later!

oh and having SUPER fun playing Words with Friends, Scramble with Friends and Hanging with Friends with everyone. If you play on facebook, all you have to do is search for me - it works. mom2atw

I have like 13 games going on Words. ha ha. Love it! I feel smarter already. But playing with Jack Goodman is not making me smarter! I swear he cheats! His entire board is full of words that I can't read! I feel like we are playing in another language! And he gets like 96 points a turn to my 8... ha ha... oh well...