gray.

Everything is just gray. Not so fun after our almost 60 degree day yesterday. The girls are finally still and calm. Finally. Veggies Tales is playing, popcorn has been popped and Lauren is napping. sigh. It's been kind of a rough one here but I wanted to share a few things...

First - the best resource for cheap, healthy recipes - HillbillyHousewife. Obviously chew the meat and spit out the bones, but for the most part this is a great resource for those of us who live on a budget.

Second - the recipe for chewy granola bars. They are great for hiding healthy stuff your kids won't eat, cheap to make and completely delicious. Here it is:

• 4 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (I use less than this, probably closer to 1/4 cup.)
• 2 cups of raisins, dried fruit, nuts, flax seeds, chocolate chips, etc.

Mix flour, baking soda, vanilla, butter , honey and brown sugar until smooth. Slowly add in oats, mixing until all are incorporated, then add your raisins, etc. Pat into lightly greased 9x13 pan and bake at 325* for about 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, cut into bars. Then allow to fully cool before removing from pan. I keep mine in the fridge so they stay moist.

Third - This recipe needs some work I think but still made good teething biscuits. Lauren liked them but I was thinking they'd be a little harder. Maybe more flour? Hm. We'll have to see. Here's the recipe - 1 c. baby cereal, 1 c. flour, 1 c. fruit juice. Mix all and refrigerate for 1 hr. Roll out of floured board to 1/2 inch thickness and cut into rounds. Then bake on greased cookie sheet for 40 minutes at 350*.

And last .... Would anyone be willing to share their cleaning schedules? I haven't kept mine up for longer than I'd like to admit and need some inspiration. Also what chores do your kids (or did you do) as young children? I need more ideas for the girls, as they need things to occupy their little hands in the afternoons. Lael is pretty capable to do most jobs - bathrooms, dishes, laundry, sweeping, etc. But Alyssa isn't there yet and I have to come up with something besides dusting. Even though she is one great duster! Any thoughts?