Mommy Octopus

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Police Officer Survival Kit – Appreciation Week Goodie Bags

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Survival Kit for Law Enforcement Officers Police Sheriff with FREE Printable



In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week.  This year, the week is Sunday, May 11th through Saturday, May 17th.  That’s next week!  My husband works for the local Sheriff’s Department so I’ve been coming up with a Police Officer Appreciation goodie bag to pass out to his fellow deputies.  My goal is to make 50 bags from our family, but I think it would be super awesome if some of y’all wanted to make some as well! 

Materials needed:

  • Paper bags
  • Ribbon spools in a thicker blue and a thin black
  • Hole Punch
  • Individually Wrapped Candies of the following: Lifesavers, Starburst, Payday, Hershey Kisses, Gum, Tootsie Rolls, York Peppermint Patty, Snickers, and Mounds.

First up, the printables.  I have uploaded them so they are easy to print.  2 print per page and then you cut them to glue to the white bags.

Free Printables:

Next, simply put together the candy needed for each bag. Police Officer Appreciation

Fold over the top of the bag and punch 2 holes.  Using the same length of the black and blue ribbons, cut off enough to thread through the holes and tie in a nice bow.  Ribbon can easily be found at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or even some Walmarts.  Now all you have to do is drop off with your local department and make their day!

Thanks so much for helping to support our officers!  What are you doing during police officer appreciation week?

Tasty Tuesday: Simply Strawberry Shortcake

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Simply Strawberry Shortcake

My husband’s grandmother drove down here all the way from New York and we have been having a blast.  Yesterday we went to Washington Farms to conquer our strawberry fix.  We picked 3 gallons of berries within just a few minutes and had an absolute blast!  Pickings are great!

Strawberry Picking

Now we had to figure out what to do with all those beautiful berries.  I decided I would whip up a simple strawberry shortcake.

For starters, I washed the strawberries, cut the green off, and sliced them.  Lightly sprinkle with sugar and stir. Let them sit in a bowl for the time it takes to make the cake.  I used 1 gallon of strawberries since we had a bunch of people over, but you could easily do less.

Simply Strawberry Shortcake 2

While the strawberries are resting, start working on the shortcake.

Simply Strawberry Shortcake
Recipe Type: Dessert
Author: Mommy Octopus
Simple Strawberry Shortcake that is easy to make and fun to eat!
Ingredients
  • 1 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 stick of butter, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup milk
Instructions
  1. Beat together butter and sugar. Drop in eggs and add vanilla. Beat until smooth.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl.
  3. Add dry mixture and milk into the butter/sugar/egg mixture little at a time, stirring well in between additions.
  4. Bake at 350 for about 20-25 minutes.
  5. Cool completely before serving.

When the cake has cooled, cut into squares.  Each square, cut in half as you would a hamburger bun so you have 2 square pieces.

Strawberry Shortcake

Place one shortcake piece on a plate, layer with a helping of strawberries.  Place the other on top and add more strawberries.  Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Georgia Homeschooler Community – FREE Events, Adventures, Classes, Homeschool Days

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My friend Robin over at the Georgia Homeschooler Community has given me permission to post her newsletter info for you guys!  I love how she gave a little shout out to Mommy Octopus on one of the deals 🙂 To get this info delivered right to your inbox weekly, sign up HERE for their newsletter.  Not a homeschooler?  You are still absolutely welcome on these outings!  

FREE 5th Battalion Ranger Training Open House, Dahlonega, Saturday, 11 a.m. 
Georgia Homeschooler will be there!

FREE Rick Hubbard Concert at Red Clay Theatre on April 27th – Duluth
Eddie Owen Presents Rick Hubbard and his Kazoobie Kazoo Show at The Red Clay Theater for a Sunday Matinee Kids Concert, on April 27 at 2:00 PM. It’s music, comedy, and fun for the whole family. Every kid gets a chance to be on stage with Rick Hubbard and everyone gets FREE Kazoobie Kazoos. How cool is that? Well, it’s even cooler because this special kids concert is FREE ADMISSION, so bring all the kids and have a blast.

FREE Entry and Tours at Bremen Jewish Museum on April 27 – Atlanta
Receive free entry into the Bremen Jewish Museum on Sunday, April 27th in honor of Yom Hosoah, the 49th annual community-wide Holocaust commemoration.

FREE Entomology Class on Thursday in Arnoldsville  Dr. Hinkle is offering a free entomology on Thursday, April 24 from 2-3:30 p.m. at Corinth Baptist Church cabin (behind the church) in Arnoldsville. Dr. Hinkle has asked all who attend to wear shoes for outside. If you plan to attend, please RSVP Lisa Harris at lisakayharris@yahoo.com.

FREE Pizza Day at Stevi B’s on April 27th – 
A big thanks to fellow Georgia Homeschooler and blogger Erin of http://mommyoctopus.com who shared that Stevi B’s is offering a free thin crust Margherita pizza to go on April 27th for their 6th Annual Pizza Day. Download the coupon and enjoy!

Dave Ramsey Financial Literacy Scholarship Contest for High School Students
Financial expert Dave Ramsey is inviting high school students to test their personal finance knowledge by taking the $15,000 financial Literacy Challenge by April 24. Three lucky seniors will each win a $5,000 scholarship to the college of their choice, and three underclassmen will each win a Google Chromebook. Winners will be announced by May 16!

FREE Family Concert at the Carlos Museum, Sun., April 27th, 4 p.m. – Emory
The Emory Chamber Music Society and the Carlos Museum present Lois Reitzes, legendary voice of WABE, who will narrate two favorites: Peter and the Wolf and the Carnival of the Animals performed by Keiko and William Ransom at one piano. Free public parking is available at Fishburne and Oxford Decks. Perfect for all ages. Reception Hall, Level Three.

GHEA Seeks Volunteers for Homeschool Convention
GHEA is seeking volunteers to help with the homeschool conference. This year’s conference will be June 5th-7th at Gwinnett Center in Duluth. Currently our needs are many and varied. Help unload vendors, at registration, hosting speakers, the graduation ceremony and other areas. PLEASE contact Lisa Lewis today! lisalewis31@msn.com

FREE Concert Hosted by Lauren Cohan from The Walking Dead – Atlanta
Lauren Cohan, main cast member of the Golden Globe-nominated television series The Walking Dead, will host the Atlanta Music Project Orchestra’s 2014 Spring Concert. The concert will be held on Saturday May 10, 2014 at 12:00pm in the Altitude Ballroom on the 27th floor of the W Atlanta – Midtown. MailChimp is the Presenting Sponsor for the concert.

May 9th – Homeschool Day at Six Flags

FREE UGA Herp Society’s Day on the Lawn is Tomorrow – Thursday – Athens
UGA Day on the Lawn – Thursday, April 24th – is Warnell’s Herping Society Outreach program. All manner of amphibians and reptiles will be on display. While many parents may shrill at the sight of reptiles, students who love wildlife will touch many slithering skinks and lizards and much more. It’s all day and all hands-on. This event is held on the front lawn at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. The address is 180 E Green Street • Athens, GA 30602-2152 • 706.542.2686. Event is 9-3 p.m.

FREE Fri. Night Family Fun in Downtown Duluth – Intl Dance and Jugglers Day

Events and Adventures Update from Georgia Homeschooler

Below are tempting new Georgia Homeschooler events and adventures to complement your homeschooling journey.

Our May 16 Behind the Scenes Tour of Lockheed Martin is full with a wait list. Email me at robin@rsgfundraising.com if you have trouble downloading any of the registration forms or have additional questions.

Thurs., Apr 24 – Herp Day at UGA – Athens – FREE – No need to register

Thurs., May 1 – May Day at Suwanee Library – FREE

Thursday, May 8th Behind the Scenes – Lunchtime in the Studio – 3 spaces left – Decatur

Mon., May 12 – Tree Top Quest, Buford

Tues., May 20 – Secluded Sapelo Island, Great Barrier Island off coast of GA – limited access island

Fri., June 27 – June on Lake Jocassee, 3 hrs northeast of Atlanta in S.C.

What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly publication from GA Homeschooler. Free or cheap events of interest to the Georgia homeschooling community are included. Please email robin@rsgfundraising.com by Monday (before noon) of each week if you want to post. All information must include contact info. I do not post open houses for programs, classes (unless free), or ads for organizations.Businesses or organizations desiring to advertise in What’s Up Wednesday may contact me at robin@rsgfundraising.com.

Organize Children’s Art with Repurposed Curtain Rod

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Repurpose Curtain Rod into Children's Art Organizer

A year or so ago, my husband let me get new curtain rods and curtains in our old house.  When we moved, I was very sad because my large curtain rod that I loved didn’t have a home.  We put it to the side until we came up with a use for it.   I know eventually it would be put back to use!

In this house we have had a major problem with art projects.  With four kids, that’s four times the art and it’s everywhere!  We decided we’d use our old curtain rod to organize it!  My husband installed it right on the wall in our dining room, which is also where we do school.

We bought these Drapery Clip Rings to hang on the rod and use to clip our art projects.  I love the end result!  We now have plenty of hanging space and I love seeing my children’s treasured art hanging up together.

Repurpose Curtain Rod into Art Organizer

Easy Crispy Chick Peas

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Easy Crispy Chick Peas

I’m always looking for new ways to make healthy items delicious for my kids.  We figured out how to make chick peans (garbanzo beans) delicious!  These beans are filled with fibrous goodness and my kids simply gobble them down!

First, open up a can of chick peas and rinse the beans.  My family usually cooks 2 cans at once since they do not last long!  This is mainly to get all the stuff packed in the cans with the beans off.  Then pat dry with paper towels.

Layer on a cookie sheet and lightly sprinkle with olive oil.  Stir to coat.

Screen Shot 2014-04-22 at 1.18.07 PM

Now is the fun part!  Sprinkle with your favorite seasonings!  We like using Mrs. Dash and sea salt.  Sometimes we just use sea salt.  Sometimes we add nothing!

Then bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until crispy.

If you like this recipe, be sure to see a similar recipe for Simple and Delicious Kale Chips.  This is also a great recipe if you are looking for THM (Trim Healthy Mama) recipes.  This would be an E recipe.

Easy Crispy Chick Peas
Cook time:
Total time:
Ingredients
  • Olive Oil
  • 1 Can Chick Peas
  • Sea Salt
  • Seasonings of choice
Instructions
  1. Drain and Rinse beans
  2. Pat Dry
  3. Layer on foil lined cookie sheet
  4. Sprinkle with olive oil and stir to coat
  5. Add seasonings

 

Quick and Easy Easter Peep Cupcakes!

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Easy Peep Cupcake

This Sunday is Easter and the first time in years that my husband will have this holiday off. We are so stinking excited!  That means tomorrow is his last day of work until after Easter. I decided to quickly whip up some cupcakes for him to take to work tomorrow.  Normally I cook everything from scratch but due to lack of time (and energy) I decided to use a store bought mix.

If you’re looking for something simple and easy to make for the kiddos or for a treat, check these out!

The only ingredients needed – boxed cake mix prepared as cupcakes according to directions.  Canned green icing spray and Peeps.  Then decorate!  I’m totally NOT a decorator, but I think they turned out cute enough!  I know his shift will appreciate them!

Peep Cupcakes

White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars AKA “Crack Cookies”

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Crack Cookies - super addicting White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars

 

A few years back, I came up with this fun recipe for White Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for my husband’s shift at the Sheriff’s Department.  He reported back to me later that day that all the cookie bars were gone within minutes and were being referred to as “Crack Cookies” due to the addictiveness of each bite.  The guys swore I had to have put crack in them since they couldn’t quit eating them!  This made me chuckle, but it wasn’t long before “Crack Cookies” were being requested again.  And again.  And AGAIN.

The secret to these cookies is pulling them out of the oven at just the right moment.  You want them to have just a hint of gooeyness inside without being undercooked.  If you cook too long, you won’t get that goo to it but they will still be yummy.  And again, I’m warning you that these cookies ARE addictive!

I love making treats for my hubby and his work.  It’s a great way to show that I care and a little appreciation for them.  I encourage you to make a batch and send them in with your husband or loved ones or take to the local sheriff’s department or fire department.

Let me know what you think!

White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars AKA Crack Cookies
Recipe Type: Dessert
Cuisine: Dessert
Author: Erin Haag MommyOctopus.com
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 24
Super easy cookie bars that are addictive!
Ingredients
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 package White Chocolate Chips
Instructions
  1. Mix together softened butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
  2. Add dry ingredients, saving oatmeal and chocolate chips for last.
  3. Press into a greased 10×13 cake pan
  4. Bake at 350 for about 20-25 minutes. You will need to watch them closely as you’re wanting them to still be a touch gooey without being undercooked. Depending on your oven, you may need to add a few more minutes. It will be golden brown on the top and will give a little when touched in the middle.

 

How to Save on Disney Souvenirs

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How to Save Money on Disney Souvenirs

As y’all know, we are huge Disney fans.  We try to visit about every year or every other year.  With 4 kids, the souvenirs department adds up fast, but I have found some ways to curb the desire to splurge at the parks.

Save on Disney

Before we take a trip, I visit the local Dollar Tree, where they have vast amounts of Disney goodies at the wonderful price of $1.  You can get everything from toys to play with in the car to swimming goggles and puzzles!  Planning ahead can definitely save you money!  I assume other dollar stores would have similar items.

Save on Disney Souvenirs

 

During our road trip down, we typically get out their new Disney coloring books, activity books, and stickers.  Then during the trip, every few days, we’ll surprise our children with another goodie from the bag.  For example on the day we go swimming, surprise!  Disney Goggles!  Going to be out at the park after dark?  No problem!  We have our $1 Glowsticks!  For the record, after our last trip, we found the glowsticks at Walmart for $.88, so if you’re heading to Walmart before you go, grab them there.  I can only imagine how much they are at Disney!

Children want to dress up like fairies or pirates?  Again, check the dollar store!  We found fairy wings and pirate stuff!

Of course you can also check your local Disney Store for deals.  Many have clearance sections.  There is also a Disney Store outlet a few miles from Walt Disney World.  Definitely worth checking into as well.

Have you found any great stuff to take with you for Disney Souvenirs?  Leave a comment and tell me about it!

What is a Good Age for Ear Piercing?

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What is a Good Age for Ear Piercing

My almost 5 year old daughter has been begging to have her ears pierced.  When her older (now 10 year old sister) was about 2.5, she asked for earrings.  I proudly took her to Claire’s and lots of screaming later, we had earrings!  Then came the “fun” of cleaning them.  Let’s just say that a wiggly, screaming 2.5 year old is rather strong!  I think I am permanently scarred from that one.  Despite all of this, my oldest rarely wears earrings now.

We decided after that we’d wait until our little girls could completely understand everything about what was going to happen and how we’d have to care for them before getting theirs pierced.  Today after even more requesting for “princess ears”, I finally agreed to take my almost 5 year old to Claire’s.  We picked out the perfect earrings, pink flowers, and then asked about having her ears done.  They told us sure, but we were next after another girl.

We waited our turn and our super excited almost 5 year old watched patiently to see what was going to happen.  I think this was the best thing we could have done because after the piercing before us, her face went from excitement to horror to PLEASE MOMMY DONT MAKE ME DO THAT!

And I didn’t.  We promptly left and went to Sonic instead.  Here’s my beautiful non pierced daughter:

Screen Shot 2014-04-12 at 3.57.07 PM

 

I am currently on the hunt for some stick-on “princess ears”, so if you see some let me know.

That brings up a good question.  At what age do you allow your daughters to pierce their ears?  I’d love to hear feedback on how/when you decided and your daughter’s reactions.

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