Monthly Random Acts of Kindness - December

Well, I made it through the year with my monthly Random Acts of Kindness.

I found out that I do quite a bit of Random Kindness Acts every day.  It was hard to keep track of them and write about them every month.

Here is my update for December.  My monthly Random Acts of Kindness.

As I said in my January post, it's pretty easy to reach a goal of one random act of kindness a month.  Especially if you look at all of the little things that you do.  This is a summary of some of the kind things that I have done this month.

Gave the customer in front of me 5 or 6 coupons for her order
let people ahead of me in line
Greeting people on the paths during my walks
Helping customers pick out gifts for their grandchildren
help carry packages to customer's car
Help customers save money on their purchase (at work)


How did your list for Random Acts of Kindness look this year?

Looking for ideas for Random Acts of Kindness?  Check out this post here.

The Best Hiding Place

We all hide things.  (don't we?)

Everyone has that special spot in their home where they hide things.  Maybe it's gifts for the kids for Christmas or a birthday.  Maybe it's chocolates from your husband and kids.  Not that I would ever do that.....  

We have a couple of spots where we hide gifts for our kids.  I can't give out the exact location in case one of them decides to read this blog.  I think two of them already know one of our hiding spots.  (it's locked, so they can't go inside).  I have several other places around the house where I hide things.  The problem is when I forget where I put the gifts.  That's when I can be seen tearing the house apart.

RT made an interesting point the other day.  He said that we should start using the dishwasher as a hiding spot.  You see, we think the kids are afraid of the dishwasher.  They never put their dirty dishes in it.  Instead, they leave their dishes on top of the counter.  They don't bother opening the dishwasher to check and see if it is full or if there are dirty or clean dishes inside.  Which makes the dishwasher the perfect hiding place.  The kids would never think to look in there!

Do you have a good hiding place for your secret gifts / chocolate stash?*

*don't worry, I won't tell anyone about the secret chocolate hiding place.

**By the way, I know where RT's secret chocolate stash is hidden.

Santa Visit

Every year we visit Santa Claus at one of his remote locations.  It's a family tradition.  One that, believe it or not, everyone attends.

I think it's really cool how both Nick and Alex go along and get their picture taken with Santa Claus.  I don't know too may teenagers that would be seen taking a picture with Santa.

When I told the boys that we would be visiting Santa they both said OK.  You would expect an eye roll or, "Do I have to go?"  I didn't get any of that.  I told them that it's for their sister.  That's all they needed to hear.

I'm really proud how they approach the Santa visit (asking in front of Bella "When are we going to visit Santa?) and making a list and saying that they are going to ask Santa for certain items.

I'm afraid this might be our last year with Santa.  I'm trying to enjoy every last minute.

Merry Christmas!

The Bad Receiver

This is an appropriate time of year for me to write this post.  Lots of gift giving going on this month.  Lots of gifts being delivered from the North Pole on Christmas, too.

This holiday, RT has told me that the kids put a lot of thought into their gifts for me.  He went on to say that I need to be a "better receiver."

I'm not sure where to start, so I guess I'll just start at the beginning.

Hi.  I'm Fontaine and I'm a bad receiver when it comes to getting gifts.  I don't know when this started. I'm very happy when I get a gift.  I show appreciation.  I teach my children to appreciate all the gifts that they receive.  Also that the person took time to pick out a special gift just for them.  And, that they should respond by being kind, grateful and thankful.  I think my downfall is feeling that the person shouldn't have gone to all that trouble.

RT will tell you that I return everything he buys me.  He jokes that he is going to buy me something really expensive, return it and give me the return receipt just to save me the trouble.

Maybe I think too much as a receiver.

Maybe I just need to live in the moment that the giver is creating and accept the gift.

Maybe I should just stop being a bad gift receiver.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Felt Banner

Found the idea here to make Ugly Christmas Sweaters out of felt.

Bella and I decided that we were going to make some ugly Christmas Sweaters and create a banner and hang them every year.  We figure we can decorate a couple felt sweaters each year and add to our collection.

Materials Needed:
Paper
pencil
scissors
felt
glue
hot glue gun
buttons, sequins, stickers, fabric paint, glitter glue, rick rack, pom poms, bells, string, etc.
imagination

It was easy to do.

Draw a template for your sweater.  It's really easy if you fold your piece of paper in half and draw one side of the sweater.  Cut it out and you are ready to go!

Trace the sweater template onto your felt, cut it out and Decorate!

These can be hung on twine with small clothes pins and used as a Christmas banner.

Looking forward to making more next year to add to our collection!

My Phone

If you read this post, then you have a little background on my phone.

Currently, my phone has a cracked face and the case is being held together by two rubber bands.

The other night it was an open class for Bella's dance class.  That's where the parents get to watch the class and we get a special performance of their Christmas dance.  There are only five or six kids in the class.  During this class, the teacher announced the costume that they will wear for their recital in May.  The students did not remember the costume she chose, so the teacher told them to visit the website when they get home.

So, I decide to whip out my trusty phone and look up the website.

You know where this is heading.

The teacher comes over and starts flipping through the website on my phone and pulls up the costume (it's cute).  The teacher then takes my phone and shows the class the costume and then walks around showing the parents.

All the while, holding my phone, for all to see.

I relayed the story to RT and mentioned that I was a little embarrassed.  He said, "So, now you'll get a new phone?"  I said, "Probably not."

Pippen

Our next door neighbor had some work done on they outside of their house.  The workers put up some scaffolding so they can get to and work on the chimney.  Of course this is on the side of our house that has a door where we let Pippen out in the morning.

The first day I let Pippen out, he freaked out and escaped out the front gate and was in the middle of the street.  I brought him in and let him out the back door.  Unfortunately, he has to go down the deck stairs which are on the side of the scaffolding.

I could not have the blinds on the door open while Pippen was in the laundry room.  In fact, one morning I had to sit and pet him while he ate his food.  Yea.  The things you do for your dog.

The same neighbors had their roof done (no scaffolding) right after the chimney work.

Poor Pippen.  Unable to do his business in his own yard because he saw the men walking on the neighbor's roof.

I ended up walking Pippen before work for several days.  I think he enjoyed it and would like it to continue.  Unfortunately, there isn't enough time (plus he does go a little crazy on the leash when other dogs are near).

RT said that in the future all of our neighbors will have to get approval from us (and Pippen) if they decided to get work done on their house.

Sweatpants

I'm not much of a sweat pants person.  I do own a couple of pairs, but they are for workout purposes only.

One of the pairs was big when I bought them.  I think I was ashamed that I was buying them and just picked up any size.  Over time they seem to have gotten bigger.  In fact, they don't stay up.  I would like to say that I lost a bunch of weight, but, the pants have also increased in length, which means I have gotten shorter over the years.

I have dealt with this problem pair of sweatpants for quite some time.  It's easier when I can put the excess length into my sock (when I go walking) and remember to pull my pants up every so often.  I have even started to tuck my sweat shirt in so they stay up (sort of).

The other day I put them on and decided I had enough of the falling down and walking on the excess material at the bottom of my legs.  I told RT that I might have to invest in a new pair.

His response?

"Grab a pair of scissors and make them into shorts!"

I told him the kids already have one parent embarrassing them with cut off sweat shorts.  They don't need both parents in bad cut off sweat shorts.

*need more info on RT's sweat shorts?  Click here.

Ugly Christmas Sweater

I had to make another Ugly Christmas Sweater.  This one was for Alex.  He needed it for school.  I wasn't given much time to make it (I got a text in the morning, but, I had to work all day).

Making an Ugly Christmas Sweater is pretty easy.  Find a sweater and sew on some ornaments or garland.  Maybe some pom poms or bows.  You can cut out trees or snowmen from felt.

We picked out a sweater and some Christmas items to sew on and this is what happened.

Need more inspiration?  Check out last year's Ugly Christmas Sweater!

The Tooth Fairy

So, the third and final tooth fell out on Friday.  Bella went to sleep late Friday night.  And, you guessed it.  The Tooth Fairy was unable to visit that night.

RT and I went to a Christmas party on Saturday night.  I found out that the Tooth Fairy didn't show up on Saturday.

What's going on in the tooth world that makes the Tooth Fairy miss her visits on the first night of losing a tooth?  Is she that busy?  Does she miss visiting other kids?

I guess we will never know the truth.

I am happy to report that the Tooth Fairy did finally visit Sunday night.

Success!

Hiking Gloves

Not just any hiking gloves.  RT's hiking gloves.  And they went missing.  Or, according to RT, "Somebody stole them."

Because we all know that this fictitious "somebody" is out to get RT.  "Somebody" hangs around, figures out what RT is attached to then finds the perfect opportunity to steal it from him.

Hmm.... A truckload of diamonds or RT's hiking gloves?  Or what about RT's swim goggles?  Or maybe his phone?

It's obvious we don't have anything of value.

Wait.  Scratch that.  Lets start again.

It's obvious I don't have anything of value (Hey! What about my cracked phone held together by rubber bands?).  This "somebody" is only after RT's cool, valuable stuff.

 RT found his hiking gloves.  They were in the pocket of the vest he wore when we went hiking.  I'm surprised that "somebody" didn't take the vest instead?

Of course, the extra key to RT's car is missing. "Somebody" is really out to get him. 

You would think that  "somebody" would steal RT's cutoff sweat shorts.  I know they are of value to RT.  I also know that the rest of RT's family would feel a sense of relief and joy devastation knowing the shorts were gone and hope they never return.

*To find out more about "The Shorts," click here.

The Dog. Also known as, Pippen.

As you know, I work retail.  Last Friday (also known as Black Friday), I had to work.  I had to be at work early (we opened at 8am) and worked until 4pm.  Before I left (well, the night before) I told everyone that I would not be able to take care of Pippen before I went to work.

Normally I take care of the dog.  I let him out in the morning and feed him...and let him out again, because he refuses to do his business the first time because he's afraid he might miss me calling him in to eat.

When we rescued Pippen, Alex and Bella told me that I wouldn't have to do anything dog related.  Just let him out during the day while they were at school.

We can all see how that turned out.

I believe I am the primary caretaker of the dog.  I feed him, let him out, brush him, clean up after him, walk him, let him outside and bring him in and bathe him.  

When I came home form work, Pippen was acting a little odd (stranger than usual).  I asked if anyone fed the dog.  All I got was blank looks.  When pressed further the answer I was given, "We thought you fed him.  You never told us to feed him."

I'm just letting you know that if anything happens to me to let my family know that they have to feed the dog.

Thanks for your help.

My scary Christmas tree

This is what happens when you let your children put up your artificial Christmas tree.

Give them a creative inch and they take an artistic mile. 

Yes.  It's upside down.

Simple Meals - Girl Scout Junior Badge

Steps:

1.  Step up your skills with a pro
2.  Whip up a great breakfast
3.  Fix a healthy lunch or dinner
4.  Create a delicious dessert
5.  Make your own meal

We decided to enroll in a park district class for this badge.  The neighboring town's park district has a class that is designed to complete this badge.  It was a little costly (about $15 per girl).  We decided that our troop would pay half and asked the parents for the other half.  We don't normally do this, but with 15 girls in our troop we thought it was a little too many to have in one of our kitchens.  Besides, we do try to do our best saving our money on the other badges.  Spending a little money on this badge shouldn't hurt us in the long run.

The girls started out making the dessert. Baked apples with Crumb Topping.

Once the apples were prepared, the girls moved on to make their Sandwich Bag Omelets.  The girls were able to cook these and eat these before moving onto the main course, Turkey Tacos.

The girls all got a chance to mix, stir, prepare each menu item.  They even got a copy of the recipes so they can try making them at home.

In case you do not have a program with your park district, here are the recipes that our troop made for our Simple Meals Badge.


Baked Apples with Crumb Topping

2 apples (Fuji, McIntosh or Granny Smith)
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
2 Tbsp all purpose flour
3 Tbsp butter, cold and diced
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 cup oats, uncooked
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch salt

Directions:
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.

Cut each apple in half and scoop out the core on both sides.  (Using an apple corer would be easier).  Rub exposed apple flesh with lemon juice.  Put 1Tbsp jam/preserves into each hole.

Topping:  In small bowl combine flour, butter, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon and salt.  Press this mixture on top of each apple and cover with jam.  Place in baking dish filled with 1/4" of water.  Bake until top is golden brown and apple is tender, about 35-40 minutes.



Sandwich Bag Omelets

2-3 re-sealable plastic freezer  bags (Ziploc brand is best for this project)*
Salt and pepper
egg(s)  (depends on how many you plan on making)

Optional add ins:
shredded cheese
cooked and crumbled bacon
cooked and crumbled sausage
diced ham
chopped bell peppers
chopped spinach
diced onion
diced tomato
sauteed sliced mushrooms
sliced black olives

Directions:

Crack your egg inside the zip lock bag and scramble using a fork (we used plastic forks).  Add desired add ins and seal bag.

Drop bag into pot of boiling water for 5-8 minutes.  Use tongs to remove bags and dry off.

Allow a few minutes for bags to cool before handling.  Open bags and eat (or put onto a plate).

These are great for breakfasts on the go.

*I asked about the BPA's in the plastic bags and apparently Ziploc brand is best to use and nothing bad will leak out onto your food.   We were also told not to use store brands or off brands.  Not guaranteed that they will stay closed or leak.

Turkey Tacos

2 Tbsp oil
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)
1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
Kosher salt and pepper
3/4 cup diced canned tomatoes
1 lb ground turkey
1/3 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
Oil, for frying
12  5" flour tortillas

Toppings:
lettuce, thinly sliced
3 ripe medium tomatoes, diced
avocado, diced
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
sour cream

Directions:

Put oil, onions, garlic, jalapeño and spices in medium skillet.  Season with salt an cook until tender.

Increase heat and add tomatoes and boil to thicken (about 2 minutes).  Stir in the turkey and chicken broth, adjust the heat so the mixture simmers and cook until turkey is cooked through and the mixture thickens but is not too dry (about 12 minutes).  Stir in cilantro and season with salt and pepper.   Serve with the toppings.

Advent Calendar. Count down to Christmas.

We have a cloth Advent Calendar that I put up at the beginning of the season.  I bought it years ago (I think when Nick was little).  It's very simple.  Each day is stitched onto a mitten.  The mitten is attached to a larger piece of cloth and there is a crescent moon on a string that you move each day.

Everything went smoothly until Alex was old enough to move the moon.  I would let Nick move it, then move it back and let Alex move it.  Or we would have the boys take turns moving the moon (even/odd days).

Things got crazy when Bella came along.  Nothing like all three kids fighting over who gets to move the moon on the Advent Calendar.

This year I thought we were past all the fighting over the Advent Calendar.  I figured since Bella is the youngest and believes in Santa, she would be the only one interested in moving the moon.

On Monday night, Alex told me that he gets to move the moon since he's the first one up in the morning (he catches the bus at 6:30 am).

No one noticed the first day.

Nick was upset the second day.  He said it was his birthday and he should be the one moving the moon that day.

Bella complained that she never gets to move the moon.  She decided to take action.

Things heated up on Day 3.

That's duct tape covering the mitten

So, yea, I guess you could say that our Advent Calendar / Christmas Countdown is off to a normal good start.

The Cupcake Tradition

I believe I have mentioned it before about our birthday tradition.  When I make a cake for the kids birthday, I make an extra cupcake and bring that to them in the morning.  I sing happy birthday to them and let them make a wish and blow out the candle.  It's a special time that I get with them first thing on their birthday.  The birthday child then gets to eat the cupcake for breakfast.

I mention this because today is Nick's birthday.  I made him a cake along with a cupcake.  I put a little post it note on the cupcake plate that read:  Do not touch!  This is Nick's birthday cupcake!

I'm pretty famous around here for my notes.  They are usually very loving notes that say sweet things like,

"Don't touch this!"
"This is not for you!"
"Stay away!"
"Hands off!"

And, of course, my most loving note that I put on things:

"NO!"

You see, last year, I made an extra cupcake and RT decided to eat it.  When I asked about it, he said he saw the cupcake there and ate it.  I told him that it was Nick's cupcake for his birthday.  He felt bad about eating it.  Nick was OK with what happened and the rest of the birthday went without problems.

RT saw the note this year and said, "Oh, yeah, didn't I eat his cupcake last year?"