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Home is where the heart is. It's where we hang our hats, raise our children, and spend the better part of our lives. We want to keep it running smoothly, looking nice, and organized. With kids, particularly lots of kids, that can be a challenge. This board is here for you to share your tips, tricks, advice, ask questions, and generally chat with others about keeping our homes, and all its many extensions, in order. All visitors of Lotsofkids are welcome to post on this forum, regardless of family size!

*~* Moderators: Denise1066, kmomof12, joyofsix, Ranae *~*

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1. */*/*/*/* Welcome to the LOK Household for August, 2010 *\*\*\*\* (nt) - Admin 4 weeks ago (1)

2. */*/*/*/* ROLL CALL -- Name, Kids and How Hot Is It Where You Are? *\*\*\*\* (nt) - joyofsix 4 weeks ago (6)

Lisa w/7 and it's 94 at 6:30pm. Not sure what the heat index is but the humidity was 100% this morning and it was 77 at 6am. (nt) - joyofsix 4 weeks ago

Kate with 4. It's 79 degrees right now, 82% humidity ( 8 am). Yesterday was unbearably hot and humid and I broke down and put the A/C on! I checked the temp at 9:00 last night and it was 85 so I kept it on all night. (nt) - mama-san 4 weeks ago

Sarah with 4. It's been in the high 80's and low 90's for almost a week now.....very high humidity too. Ick! (nt) - sis517blue 4 weeks ago

Adri with 6. It's cool now! I miss the sun (nt) - motherhen 9 days ago

another Sarah with 4 kids, and it's been in the 90's for a while. :( I can't wait for fall! :) (nt) - leelismom2 2 days ago

3. *+*+*+*+* Meal Planners - What's planned for this week? *+*+*+*+* (nt) - joyofsix 4 weeks ago (5)

Well back tracking a bit (m) - joyofsix 4 weeks ago

I haven't cooked much at all this week... - mama-san 4 weeks ago

Well, dh is out of town, so meals are a little weird.... - sis517blue 4 weeks ago

The week's over, but here's our menu. - wantabunch 3 weeks ago

4. */*/*/*/* Room of the Month -- What Room Bothers You The Most and What Could Fix It? *\*\*\*\* (nt) - joyofsix 4 weeks ago (5)

My living room. It's where the Wii, TV and kids toys are. I'm so sick of picking up wrappers and popsicle sticks. (m) - joyofsix 4 weeks ago

The boys' bedroom. All three share a room and I need to get them toy bins and new bedding. - leelismom2 4 weeks ago

There are 2 bedrooms sitting out in a new addition... - six4me 4 weeks ago

The study/office/craft/sewing room. I need real organization/shelves and a way to make the kids use it. (nt) - gelsum 4 weeks ago

5. WFD....(Whats for dinner) tonight? - six4me 4 weeks ago (7)

What's mexican spaghetti? Sounds yummy! I love Mexican food... (nt) - mama-san 4 weeks ago

its soooo easy to make and almost always turns out soooo good!!! - six4me 4 weeks ago

this is called fideo - chanelireli 4 weeks ago

There are special fideo noodles for it... - six4me 4 weeks ago

Tonight is lasagna. It's ready for me to bake. I need to whip up the bread for garlic bread but I'll use my 1 hr recipe so it won't be hard. (nt) - joyofsix 4 weeks ago

I'm going out with a friend to a Mexican restaurant! That's the best type of cooking. I think DH will pick up pizza for the kiddos. (nt) - katie3 4 days ago

6. How many do "Sunday Dinner"? - mama-san 4 weeks ago (5)

i dont mind big meals on Sundays... - six4me 4 weeks ago

I don't do Sunday because of work schedules but we picked Monday and do it then.. Maybe you could do something like that... Just pick a day and do it... (nt) - SevenMs 4 weeks ago

We have a big Sunday Dinner - my8angels 4 weeks ago

I grew up with Sunday Dinners (m) - wantabunch 3 weeks ago

7. wfd Thursday??? (nt) - six4me 4 weeks ago (9)

a favorite here...spaghetti with salad and bread!!! - six4me 4 weeks ago

tonight is run around to guitar lessons, grocery shopping, bank....etc....so I think tonight will be fast food. Oh well! (nt) - sis517blue 4 weeks ago

sometimes drive thru is a necessity!!! (nt) - six4me 4 weeks ago

Having 19 people (my fam and 6 guests) for dinner so it is Lazags and salad and garlic bread. Getting ready to brown all the meat right now! (nt) - mom2twelve 4 weeks ago

yummy!!! sounds excellent!!! (nt) - six4me 4 weeks ago

Calypso beans and pear/lime jello for kids. Requested by the kid moving out this month. DH and I went out to Wendy's for date night. - gelsum 4 weeks ago

ill have to look up calypso beans. never heard of that. - six4me 4 weeks ago

Thursday night was a salami sandwich and an apple *blush*. Tonight, I invented a stuffed mushroom thing - it was delicious! (nt) - mini-mug 3 weeks ago

8. *@*@*@*@* Friday Fun Poll~How Do You Like Your Orange Juice? *~*~*~*~* (nt) Poll - joyofsix 4 weeks ago (11)

This has been hotly debated at my house this week among the kids. I, myself, don't like any juice. (nt) - joyofsix 4 weeks ago

Same here Lisa.... this topic could start a world war. I even have one kid that seriously loves Sunny D, but refuses to drink OJ, we tell her it's her medicine when we serve it and she has to drink it. (nt) - gelsum 3 weeks ago

I don't like any drink you need to chew! (nt) - mini-mug 4 weeks ago

Sorry - to actually answer the question... no bits, and diluted 50/50 with water. (nt) - mini-mug 4 weeks ago

Me either! Yuck! (nt) - leelismom2 2 days ago

I love orange juice but can't drink it....even the low acidity kind gives me the worst stomach ache. And my favorite way itsn't on there......with champagne! (nt) - sis517blue 4 weeks ago

Hmm, since I don't like juice I could just have the champagne, LOL (nt) - joyofsix 3 weeks ago

No pulp & lots of ice (nt) - ckmom 3 weeks ago

I totally agree.... (nt) - SevenMs 3 weeks ago

nice and cold with no pulp unless fresh squeezed. (nt) - my8angels 3 weeks ago

9. wfd friday??? (nt) - six4me 3 weeks ago (4)

tonight we are having homemade tortillas, hamburger meat with gravy with rice and beans...this is another favorite. (nt) - six4me 3 weeks ago

I had flat mushrooms, stuffed with couscous, harissa, toasted pine nuts & raisins. And a beer. It was awesome. (Surprisingly so, as I pretty much made it up!) (nt) - mini-mug 3 weeks ago

The mushrooms sound yummy! (nt) - ckmom 3 weeks ago

10. wfd sunday??? (nt) - six4me 3 weeks ago (3)

grilled chicken, grilled baked potatoes and grilled veggies...cant wait!!!! (nt) - six4me 3 weeks ago

I really wanted to say, Chicken beef and pork, but I used that one already. LOL We had applesauce harvest waffles with strawberry smooch(maple syrup sweetened strawberry syrup) that I had bottled. We have an animal shaped waffle iron. (nt) - gelsum 3 weeks ago

11. *+*+*+*+* Meal Planners - What's planned for this week? *+*+*+*+* (nt) - joyofsix 3 weeks ago (10)

This week (m) - joyofsix 3 weeks ago

My menu plan - mama-san 3 weeks ago

I'd love the recipe for Dutch Apple Bread - sounds delicious! (nt) - wantabunch 3 weeks ago

Might have to tweak this a bit... - mama-san 3 weeks ago

Easy Week (m) - wantabunch 3 weeks ago

alrighty... - gelsum 3 weeks ago

ours - my8angels 3 weeks ago

Our plan for this week.... - six4me 3 weeks ago

My mum was here until this morning, so here's mine from tonight onwards... - mini-mug 3 weeks ago

12. What are you guys canning? - gelsum 3 weeks ago (13)

I can - my8angels 3 weeks ago

Nothing at the moment, but I do have a canning question... - serialmommy 3 weeks ago

Not much help but (m) - wantabunch 3 weeks ago

Hot water bath for both. (nt) - joyofsix 3 weeks ago

hhhmmm, I just read all the pectin boxes,(I got a little excited and bought 4 varieties) (m) - gelsum 3 weeks ago

For me (m) - wantabunch 3 weeks ago

I mostly freeze except for preserves and jams. I've got (m) - joyofsix 3 weeks ago

Have you noticed a significant difference between your frozen and fresh spaghetti sauces? - gelsum 3 weeks ago

I make homemade sauce here as well - six4me 3 weeks ago

If I had to can it I'd never do it. I just put it in the large freezer bags and lay it flat on cookie sheets to freeze. I haven't had any problems with it. If it's a little thin I just stir in a Tb of flour. (nt) - joyofsix 3 weeks ago

Thanks to both of you. I would never have thought of adding the flour or the tomato paste. I'll double my sauce for the ziti this week and freeze the other part to see how it goes. I've used the large freeer bags before for this type of thing. (nt) - gelsum 3 weeks ago

I can and freeze. There is nothing like the taste. - motherhen 2 weeks ago

13. How do you plan your meals? - serialmommy 3 weeks ago (6)

I don't plan breakfast & lunch either (m) - wantabunch 3 weeks ago

I buy things when there is a great sale and freeze, then I plan our meals from what we've got (m) - joyofsix 3 weeks ago

Dh and I do menus differently.... - six4me 3 weeks ago

here is how i do it - my8angels 3 weeks ago

Thank you for the ideas... - serialmommy 3 weeks ago

14. *+*+*+*+* Tackle-It Tuesday - Go Swipe Down Your Bathroom~You'll Feel Better *+*+*+*+* (nt) - joyofsix 3 weeks ago (6)

I've been trying to get on top of things so this one is done! (nt) - joyofsix 3 weeks ago

Go Lisa! Tuesday is supposed to be bathroom cleaning day here.... lol (nt) - gelsum 3 weeks ago

did it yesterday so I must be a day ahead lol. (nt) - my8angels 3 weeks ago

I've done that, and more! I am on a ROLL the last few days! (nt) - wantabunch 3 weeks ago

I do it every other day! We switched from liquid to bar soap. BAD IDEA! - leelismom2 2 days ago

15. Dutch Apple Bread (for Alison) - mama-san 3 weeks ago (3)

Mmmm, thank you, Kate! I'll try this next week! (nt) - wantabunch 3 weeks ago

oh that sounds SO yummy!!! (nt) - serialmommy 3 weeks ago

16. */*/*Thrifty Thursday~What Good Deal Did You Get This Week? *\*\* (nt) - joyofsix 3 weeks ago (2)

Sale at our local grocery (affiliated with Kroger)~ grapes $.88/lb and half price Cap'n Crunch, Life, Total cereals. I stocked up. And actually let the kids eat more than a few pre-portioned grapes, LOL. (nt) - joyofsix 3 weeks ago

17. Looking for your time saving ideas. I'm staring down the school year and intense schedule and trying to figure out how to add in more things by taking out others. - gelsum 3 weeks ago (6)

Got the crazy schedule thing going too. I don't have any ideas on how to make all the driving easier. I still have my 16yo home when he's not working to help. About the house (m) - joyofsix 3 weeks ago

I wish I knew how to get everyone else on board (m) - wantabunch 2 weeks ago

I used to have the Lion House Crescent roll recipe memorized... (sigh) - gelsum 2 weeks ago

I have that cookbook but have never made those rolls.(m) - wantabunch 2 weeks ago

I have to do it gradually as DH has GI sensitivities. (m) - gelsum 2 weeks ago

18. *&*&*&*&* Frugal Friday~Do You Make and Freeze Meals Ahead? *&*&*&*&* (nt) - joyofsix 3 weeks ago (4)

I do but not full on OAMC (m) - joyofsix 3 weeks ago

This is what I try to do when I'm organized enough. I need to get there again, but it's not happening right now. (nt) - ckmom 2 weeks ago

Right now (m) - wantabunch 2 weeks ago

19. *+*+*+*+* Meal Planners - What's planned for this week? *+*+*+*+* (nt) - joyofsix 2 weeks ago (7)

Too darn busy this week. I hate school. It makes meal time very difficult. The plan (m) - joyofsix 2 weeks ago

Dang, edited and it double posted and I didn't look. Woops. (nt) - joyofsix 2 weeks ago

Too darn busy this week. I hate school. It makes meal time very difficult. The plan (m) - joyofsix 2 weeks ago

heres ours - my8angels 2 weeks ago

Hectic week here too... - mama-san 2 weeks ago

My "plan" (m) - wantabunch 2 weeks ago

20. Do any of you use a solar oven? I've borrowed one, but it's too small for us (m) - motherhen 2 weeks ago (4)

We don’t have one but I’ve wanted one for a while now (m) - wantabunch 2 weeks ago

I think I'm going to look at the plans see if I can make a half decent one. - motherhen 2 weeks ago

I guess I'll have to make one too. $200 is crazy! (nt) - wantabunch 2 weeks ago

21. *+*+*+*+* Tackle-It Tuesday -Go Wipe Down Your Front Door *+*+*+*+* (nt) - joyofsix 2 weeks ago (3)

I'm hoping if I do enough little things in bits it'll look better around here. Just finished this one. (nt) - joyofsix 2 weeks ago

Sounds like a plan I will go do this after I am done on here. (nt) - my8angels 2 weeks ago

22. I have to get this out of my system.... #7 has pushed my buttons again. - gelsum 2 weeks ago (4)

Get it in writing. I can totally relate! (nt) - motherhen 2 weeks ago

I've just been threatening shock collars but writing would be good too. (nt) - joyofsix 2 weeks ago

Sounds like you've had a rough time. - leelismom2 2 weeks ago

23. *~*~*~*~* Free for All Friday -- Talk about anything that comes to mind. OTs welcomed! *~*~*~*~* (nt) - joyofsix 2 weeks ago (6)

Pretty busy week here (m) - joyofsix 2 weeks ago

Wow! Glad he is feeling better and back at school. So thankful we have not had any poison ivy run-ins with any of the kids (or me!). Hope you find your groove soon and things settle down. (nt) - ckmom last week

I'll send you some chocolate and vitual tickets to a tropical island that you can get to at the end of each day. ( Glad he's feeling better) (nt) - gelsum last week

It's no longer Friday, but can I say I'm exhausted? - leelismom2 2 days ago

That does sound exhausting (m) - wantabunch 2 days ago

24. *+*+*+*+* Meal Planners - What's Planned for this week? *+*+*+*+* (nt) - joyofsix 11 days ago (4)

Working around soccer schedules so (m) - joyofsix 11 days ago

No clue and no time... final prep for school starting tomorrow. I need to do it though, but my fridge upstairs is dead. Tonight is ck-n-rice if I get time, pizza if I don't (nt) - gelsum 11 days ago

Our menu (m) - wantabunch 9 days ago

25. I just found out our Jr H bussing was cut. School starts tomorrow. I feel panic setting in. I have got to get the 16 yo to get her license even sooner now. (nt) - gelsum 11 days ago (5)

Eeek! I think our state ruled that was one thing they couldn't cut. How can the country kids get to school? (nt) - joyofsix 10 days ago

And now I have to take it all back... sorta. UGH Let me 'splain. No.... let me sum up. (lol) - gelsum 10 days ago

Ok glad I live in a rinky dink county with only one school system and an even rinky dinkier town with only one k-8 school. (nt) - joyofsix 10 days ago

I'm going nuts spending almost 5 hours a day carpooling our four! - leelismom2 3 days ago

26. I don't get to this page often but I am hoping that you all could post a lot of crock pot recipes. I am going back to school and need to keep it all simple. TIA (nt) - HollysTribe 10 days ago (6)

Most of my crockpt recipes, aren't recipes, KWIM? (m) - joyofsix 9 days ago

I've used this one and we like it! - canadianmom 9 days ago

I KWYM Lisa. I don't have any real recipes to share. Use your imagination the possibilities are endless! - motherhen 9 days ago

LOL You said leftover wine! Not in my house! ;) (nt) - HollysTribe 9 days ago

I'm kind of like the others (m) - wantabunch 9 days ago

27. *+*+*+*+* Tackle-It Tuesday -Go Shake Out Those Throw Rugs *+*+*+*+* (nt) - joyofsix 10 days ago (4)

C'mon, it'll only take 5 minutes. (nt) - joyofsix 10 days ago

No throw rugs here. Lol! (nt) - ckmom 10 days ago

OK, you talked me into it. I just threw the bathroom mats into the washer. They were pretty gross. (nt) - wantabunch 9 days ago

28. Oh my goodness - kcole2 8 days ago (5)

(((Hugs))) I assure you that you are not alone! (m) - joyofsix 8 days ago

Thanks..Sometime I just need someone to understand and know that I'm not the only one.. (nt) - kcole2 7 days ago

Really, really struggling here too. ((HUGS)) (nt) - mama-san 4 days ago

Hugs! We are in the same boat too, and I feel like we've been in it forever! There is a light at the end of our tunnel, but my DH is losing faith that we'll get to it, he's worked so hard just to keep us surviving. (nt) - duedrop 6 days ago

29. *~*~*~*~* Free for All Friday -- Talk about anything that comes to mind. OTs welcomed! *~*~*~*~* (nt) - joyofsix 7 days ago (18)

Just tons of little stuff on my mind. Oldest dd starts college Monday, the same day the 'baby' turns three. Wah!!!(m) - joyofsix 7 days ago

(((hugs))) (nt) - gelsum 7 days ago

(((Hugs))) (nt) - Denise1066 7 days ago

((Hugs)) these "firsts" are hard! I've got one starting K tomorrow. When did she get so big? (nt) - wantabunch 5 days ago

Lots of little things to do around the house - kcole2 7 days ago

Hang in there! (nt) - joyofsix 7 days ago

Sounds like you have a few projects on your hands! Good luck! (nt) - wantabunch 5 days ago

I got the kids to help me clean the front porch and they loved it!! All got wet and had a good time! One thing checked off my list!! (nt) - kcole2 4 days ago

I have 2 kids with active chicken pox... we seem to defy all the odds when it comes to this disease.(m) - gelsum 7 days ago

whew! Hugs to you! (nt) - joyofsix 7 days ago

Chicken pox is such a pain! (((Hugs))) on all the rest of that, fingers crossed that your daughter gets the part she is after. (nt) - Denise1066 7 days ago

Had to LOL at your pun at the end! Hope the pox doesn't strike anyone else. When my parents left me & my little sis at college, she sobbed for hours. I think some just have a harder adjustment. (nt) - wantabunch 5 days ago

Things here have been totally crazy. I started a job, I found another job, I quit the first job & now the 2nd one has fizzled, the kids started school last week (m) - Denise1066 7 days ago

Huge hugs (((Denise))) THings have got to get better. (nt) - gelsum 7 days ago

Prayers and Blessings Denise. I understand all of that. I wish I could find a job that would work with my schedule but with as many appointments that we have, it just wouldn't work :-( (nt) - serialmommy 7 days ago

Hugs and prayers Denise (nt) - joyofsix 6 days ago

((Hugs)) and prayers for a good, stable PT job for you, and easier times ahead! (nt) - wantabunch 5 days ago

30. Freezer Meals - laurata 6 days ago (3)

Luck,luck, luck. We couldn't survive here if I didn't put stuff away, especially when I was having a baby. Best of luck. (nt) - joyofsix 6 days ago

Laura, can I have a couple recipes? - mama-san 4 days ago

31. *+*+*+*+* Meal Planners - What's planned for this week? *+*+*+*+* (nt) - joyofsix 4 days ago (4)

This week (m) - joyofsix 4 days ago

Here's ours: (m) - wantabunch 3 days ago

our meals this week - kcole2 2 days ago

32. Traditions… - kcole2 2 days ago (6)

We have family night every Monday. - gelsum 2 days ago

Our traditions mostly focus on holidays. We have certain things we do every year over and over and the kids count on it. I do read aloud to the kids after lunch and before bed. Is that a tradition? (nt) - joyofsix 2 days ago

I think so.. We always have family get together on holidays but I'm trying to maybe have a family night aleast one Friday a month. (nt) - kcole2 2 days ago

We also do Monday Family Nights (m) - wantabunch 2 days ago

Our traditions focus on holidays and camping trips. Like when we go camping we always play board games one night, and on another night we do a big campfire with smores. I always get glo-sticks. Oh and we always get the little boxes of cereal......now when my 3 year old sees those little boxes he gets so excited knowing we are going to be in the camper! (nt) - sis517blue yesterday, 02:15AM

33. OK, I am really tired... not getting enough sleep. I need to get a daily schedule up and am having trouble thinking it through... - gelsum 2 days ago (4)

I have a dry erase board and give the older kids their own 'color' ink. I use it to tell me who needs to be where at what time but it might work for his chores. Mine is magnetized and sticks to the fridge. (nt) - joyofsix 2 days ago

I don't do it but (m) - wantabunch 2 days ago

THanks guys.... still not sure what to do, but thinking of printing a calendar that is color coded.... but I can't change colors in microsoft calendar so I'm not sure how to finish this. Also thinking of individual days posted for the kids to see. (nt) - gelsum 22 hours ago

34. My fridge is fixed! I'm so excited I just have to tell everyone! - gelsum 22 hours ago (2)

How exciting!!!!!! Nothing like the "little things" to make us happy! Of course, we never realize how big those things really are until they are gone! (nt) - sis517blue 17 hours ago