Banana Bread

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 cups flour
• 2 mashed bananas
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (optional)

Mix sugar, butter and eggs.  Add bananas.  Stir in flour and baking soda.  Add chocolate chips.  Bake 350 degrees.

Loaf: Approx. 50 minutes
Mini Loaves: Approx. 35 minutes
Muffins: Approx. 25 minutes
Mini Muffines: Approx. 15 minutes

I am married, and we have three children.  I work outside the home, and a part of my title is a coordinator.  At home, I have also been told that I am the coordinator.  Or as Bryan usually puts it, I am the management and he is the labor.  He thinks that’s hilarious.  I’m undecided.  There is an awful lot to coordinate.

There is a woman I know named Katy, and I believe that we are becoming good friends.  Katy sent me a link to IowaMoms.com and in about 11 seconds, I had written to my husband to tell him I wanted to try something new.  My husband is a very patient man.

“What do you know something about?”  Katy had asked.  And I thought, well, I know how to coordinate things?  But there is more to it than that.  I’m a woman with a career, a husband, and children ages 6, 3, and 1.  Anyone with a similar schedule knows that simply means busy, and anyone who doesn’t live with small children won’t quite get it no matter how I describe the mundane duties that go along with it, all day, every day.  My best friend says “it is what it is” and I think I’ve got the routine down.

What I’m most proud of is that I make time for fitness every single day.  This is what I’d like to write about.  Recently, for reasons I may decide to discuss at another time, I have heard a lot of comments like “I don’t know how you do it.”  And I try to smile and say “oh, it just takes some organization.”  But in my head, I automatically think, “How I do it?  Sometimes, I’d just like to know why I do it.”  So here I am, and I hope to answer both of those questions and more.

As a child, I remember rolling my eyes when hearing such statements … but now, I’m thinking, “WHAT THE HECK!!  The kids today don’t know how easy they have it.”  And quite frankly, I believe we’ve only got ourselves to blame, as parents. 

When did the standard change?  When did it become acceptable for it to be more important to be a ‘friend’ to our children, rather than a ‘parent’?  How did it become the norm that children aren’t held responsible for doing anything?  Or being responsible for anything they do?  And how in the world do children not get their mouths washed out with soap for saying some of the things they say … TO THEIR PARENTS??   

All of this has become the norm.  And what do the kids get in return?  New video games!  Fast food!  Cell Phones!

A few years back, and I’m not saying how many, I was responsible for doing chores.  It was my part in the family.  The few things I was able to do to help out, allowing things run smoothly in our home.  When I was 10 or 11 years old (pretty close to how old my two boys are), emptying the dishwasher … mowing the lawn … cleaning my room … folding laundry … those were things I just did. 

Without question. 

And if I did question … well, I don’t know what would happen … because I NEVER DID!!! 

Today, I feel, children believe they are “entitled” to everything.  Without earning a darned thing they are given.  And the parents not earning the respect they should have from their kids.

It was just the other day, I realized my rugrats are no better.  They don’t do crap around here.  And while they don’t have cell phones … they do have their share of video games and fast food.  I’m just sayin’.  Guilty.

It’s amazing when these ‘light bulb’ moments go off in a mother’s head.  A certain rage takes place when you realize you’ve been cheated. 

Or cheating.  Cheating your kids that is … because these same children that are not made to hold any sort of  responsibility … will be lost when they grow up and have to move on and out on their own.  They will not know how to function.  They will have no clue how to care for themselves.   Another light bulb moment … maybe that is why it is not uncommon for grown children these days … to live at home into their twenties, sometimes thirties.  When you look at it like that … it all makes sense, doesn’t it?  Good grief.

So, I frantically do what I know … and that is to pull up GOOGLE.  What else would I do?  Hello?

And I find something perfect.  Exactly what our family needs.

CHECK THIS OUT …

Does anyone else feel their family and children are slipping away from what they had envision for them … just because ‘that’s just the way it is’ in today’s world?  Are you caught up in the hype or have you been able to stay strong and raise your kiddos ‘old school’?

Since my kids log online each day, I plan to use this new way of keeping track of their chores … and rewards.  I’ve shared it with my kids and they have expressed interest and excitement by using online chore manager.  I’ll let you know how it goes …

Your thoughts?  Where are you and your family when it comes to chores and responsibility?

Each year, almost 9 million children in the developing world die of largely preventable and treatable illnesses before they reach the age of five – that equates to approximately 24,000 child deaths a day.  However, every 4 seconds a child survives thanks to the basic health care provided by local health workers.  The campaign communicates that local health workers are critical when it comes to newborn and child survival in the developing world.  “See Where the Good Goes” supports these local health workers and you can meet them and the children they help to survive by visiting www.GoodGoes.org.

The website also features a customized Google map application of the local health worker’s village, blog posts, video bios, and a menu of ways people can get involved in this campaign.  You are one step away from helping children around the world survive.

Thanks for checking out www.GoodGoes.org … because Good Makes The World Go Round.

The Ad Council and Arthritis Foundation have teamed up to put together a great website where one can take a quiz to find out if they are at risk of having osteoarthritis.  Knowing the facts are important.  Take a minute and learn about the causes, risks, symptoms, and diagnosis for osteoarthritis.   If you are at risk, or do suffer … it does not need to dictate your life. Come find out what exercises will benefit you the most, how to manage your pain, and how to talk to your doctor.  It can change your life.

Visit the website – Fighting Arthritis Pain - In addition to everything mentioned above, there is also an online community, local events and programs and also some awesome resources.  It’s worth a few minutes of your time time check it out.

And that is not all, we have been given a  “Moving is the Best Medicine” Premium Package to give away to one of you!

The package includes: 

   • a copy of Walk With Ease
   • a DVD of Tai Chi For Arthritis
   • a set of light dumbbells
   • Pilot Dr. Grip Pen
   • Hefty 1 zip storage bag coupons
   • Cardinal Easy Open Binders
   • ThermaCare heating pack

The contest is open to US residents only.   Just leave a comment on this post and you are entered to win.  If you’d like to tweet or share this giveaway on facebook or your blog , please feel free to do so.  The will give you extra entries, but please remember to leave a separate comment telling us you’ve done so.  Winner will be drawn randomly from all entries and contacted on Friday, May 28, 2010. 

Good Luck!

Disclosure:  IowaMoms.com has been given two premium packages (contents listed above).  One to keep and one to give away to a random winner.

Like squeezing a sausage back into it’s casing, I slipped on my spandex and set out for Hothouse Yoga in Iowa City. The staff and fellow yogis were very kind and I felt right at home. By “home ” I mean like a frog stuck in a coffee can on a hot summer day.

Yes, it was hot. It is supposed to be. Initially I struggled to find my breath so I took the time to stretch. I laid on my towel covered yoga mat and remind myself that I could do this. Breathe. What am I doing here? Breathe. No crying. Breathe. Seriously, no crying.

Truthfully, from the moment we began moving, I loved the workout. I was curious where all the water pouring down my body was coming from before I realized it was seeping from my own pores. Never in my life have I sweat so much. And it felt so empowering. I was sweating away worry, toxins and stress. I was breathing in positive white light and strength.

As a parent, I was amazed to look back at my hour of pretzel twisting and realize that while I was in there, I didn’t think once about my To Do List. Or who I had to pick up and when. Or if I remembered to shave my left armpit after I was interrupted for the 4th time during my six minute shower.

I was totally invigorated.

And thirsty.

I am about as flexible as an old barn board. In the heat, my body loosened up and allowed me to stretch and feel the results almost immediately. The careful direction of the teacher allowed me to push myself without any risk of injury and allowed me to feel comfortable in my own skin.

I walked out of there feeling like one hot mama. In more ways than one.

Hothouse Yoga
www.hothouseyoga.com
Iowa City & Coralville
$15 per class (Discounts available on punch cards)
$20 First week unlimited classes

Katy Brown is a wife, mom and part-time super-hero. She lives in a humble, cozy home with her SuperHub and three adorable kids. Read more Mommy Mishmash at www.mommymishmash.com.

So, I had to go right out and get the fixin’s for my version of Italian Beef.

• 4 lb. rump roast
• 1 (0.7 oz.) package of Italian Salad Dressing Mix
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. onion salt
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 3 cups beef broth

1. Place roast in crock-pot. 
2. In a saucepan, combine all other ingredients, stirring well and bringing to a boil.
3. Pour over roast into the crock-pot.
4. Cover and cook on low 10-12 hours or high for about 6 to 8 hours.
5. Shred the meat with a fork.
6. Serve with provolone or swiss cheese on Italian rolls.  Don’t forget to top your sandwich with pepperoncini. 
7. Enjoy with french fries/chips and cottage cheese!

Note:  I wanted this in a hurry and substituted the roast for 2 pounds of thinly sliced deli roast beef.  Prepared it the same way as above, only had it in the crockpot for approx. 4 hours on low.  Also, 2 lbs. fed a family of 6 with NO LEFTOVERS so plan accordingly.

Triaminic, a leader in children’s over-the-counter cold and flu symptom medication, has launched an awesome site  full of helpful information.  Their national Cold & Flu Tracker provides a weekly data feed of cold & flu symptom trends by state.  (So far, Iowa doesn’t look too bad!!  Whoo Hoo!)  For parents, being aware of the activity in their area could help them prepare for when cold and flu symptoms appear. This online tool also provides information and tips to help prevent their family from becoming sick. 

If your kiddo does become ill, there’s also the Sick Day Guidelines available to you on the site.   Triaminic® partnered with the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) to create these guidelines, making the decision of whether or not to keep your child home or not … a little easier. 

VISIT THIS INFORMATIONAL TRIAMINIC® SITE TODAY! 

You’ll be glad you did!

In additon to all of this,  I would like to offer you a downloadable coupon for $1.50 off any Triaminic® product.  I hope you won’t need it, but if you do … this would sure be helpful.

When dispensing medication to children, remember to always read and follow medicine labels exactly, to ensure that the child receives the right dosage. Single-use products like Triaminic Thin Strips® provides a pre-measured dose of medicine that dissolves quickly on the tongue, so parents know their children are receiving the recommended amount for their age.

DISCLOSURE:  IowaMoms.com received a sample pack of Triaminic Thin Strips to try and review.  All opinions are that of IowaMoms.com.

Until now.

Here is the absolute easiest potato soup recipe ever.

An Iowa Mom’s Homemade Potato Soup

• One 2lb. bag (or there abouts) bag of frozen hashbrowns.
• About 4 – 14 oz. cans of chicken broth
• One large family size can of Cream of Chicken Soup
• One 4 cup bag of shredded cheddar cheese, setting aside a small amount
• One 8 oz. container of sour cream
• Bacon bits

Boil the hashbrowns in the chicken broth for approximately 10 minutes.  Do not drain.  Then add Cream of Chicken Soup, cheese, sour cream, a tad of salt, some black pepper.  Mix together.  Transfer entire mixture into your crock pot.  Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours.  Garnish with remaining shredded cheddar and bacon bits.  Serve with hot bread.

However, should it be celebrated “by” everyone?