Potty Training!

 Potty training, to be honest is miserable!  A lot of us would rather change diapers than to face up to it. Well here is a little something that really helped motivate my little ones to keep trying.

I start out by giving them a treat every time they sit on the potty.  A gummy bear or a Skittle, something small.   But after a while they loose interest and they don't want to try anymore.    So do you put a diaper back on them or start forcing them to use the toilet.  Believe me forcing them onto the toilet is not a good idea.

So in my desperation I turned to bribery.  Yes, bribery!  I'm not ashamed to admit it.  If ever there is a time for it, this is it!   I took my child to the store and picked out two toys that they were absolutely in love with!  I place the toys (in the boxes) right in front of the toilet where they can see them while they sit.  Then I explain that when they pee in the toilet they can open one toy, and if they poop they can open the other.   Then I let them sit on the toilet and hold the box with the toy.  

If they have an accident, one of the toys goes back in the bathroom until they poop or pee in the toilet again.  Pretty soon they start to catch on.    So far this has been the best motivation I've found.  So, for all you Moms facing potty training in the near future,  I hope this works for you like it did for me!  

Good Luck!

I love Strawberry Shortcake and her friends!  They're so cute!  The only thing wrong with these sweet little dolls are there clothes.  I couldn't find the dolls with the traditional clothes anywhere.  

Oh well... my little girl loves them! 

St. Patrick's Day!

I've always loved St. Patrick's Day!  

Maybe it's because it's my Dad's Birthday... or maybe I just like a reason to celebrate!

We had a delicious dinner of Corn beef and Cabbage along with this tasty, Lime Sherbet Slush!

Click the picture to find the recipe.

After dinner we had Lime Jell-o cupcakes!  They were so good!   I created a Cheesecake frosting that made me feel like a little kid that just wants to licks the frosting off the top!  Yum!   

Click the picture to find the cake recipe.

Cheesecake Frosting

-8 oz. pkg. Cream Cheese

-8 oz. tub Whipped Topping

-3 cups Powdered Sugar

-1 tsp.  Lemon Juice

Combine all ingredients and whip it until well mixed.  Let sit for 5-10 min to thicken.

Note: This frosting may seem runny, but the longer it sits the more it will set up.  Just like cheesecake or pudding.  I put the frosting into the piping bag and let it sit in that.  It worked great.  So give it some time to stiffing up.

Hope you all had a great St. Patty's Day!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

I have to say these are wonderfully, delicious!!!
I would have eaten the whole pan if I wasn't such a nice Mother and Wife!  :)
Easy and quick!

Ingredients:
-2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1 teaspoon of salt
-1 cup butter, softened
-3/4 cup granulated sugar 
-3/4 cup packed brown sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
-2 eggs 
-1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips 
-1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:

1- Preheat oven to 375* Grease a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan or a 9x13 cake pan.

2- Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. 

3- Beat butter, both sugars and vanilla in large mixer bow.

4- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.

5- Gradually beat flour mixture into butter mixture. 

6- Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. 

7- Spread into prepared pan. 

8- Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

This is also really good hot,  with vanilla ice cream on top!