No-Bake Granola Bars

These bars are so versatile, easy-peasy, and so darn yummy!  We used cocoa crispies for the cereal (what I had on hand) and sunbutter in place of peanut butter (peanut allergy for us here).  You could replace some or all of the corn syrup with honey.  I've also thought you could add in/ replace some of the dry ingredients with flax seed, wheat germ, almonds, pecans, crushed corn flakes, craisins, coconut, sunflower seeds... the variations are endless, but they are amazing just as is.

2 1/2 C crispy rice cereal
2 C oats
1/2 C raisins
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 C corn syrup
1/2 C peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla

In large bowl, combine cereal, oats, raisins and set aside.
In small saucepan, combine brown sugar and corn syrup.  Bring to boil while stirring constantly.
Stir in peanut butter and vanilla.
Pour over cereal mixture and mix well.
Press into 13x9
Allow to cool and cut into bars.

Mason's version of licking the bowl












Mason trying on Trae's glasses... Trae claims he never sat on them and they are in perfect condition.  hmm...












Little Muscle Men












Not sure if this boy remembers how to smile.












I think Home Depot must be keeping tabs on us because we spent so much there last year and we have kept ourselves from going there for the last 2 months.  Our self imposed ban came to a quick end the other night when our garage door opener mysteriously crashed and burned.  Off to Home Depot we went and handed over our Vegas vacation money.  Dang that Home Depot store.

Valentine's Day Boxes

Trae's Valentine's Day Card Box
I recommend to never do this project unless you have a child
who is willing to sit and help you and not keep wandering away.
Eek!  It was a big time consumer.

















I bought Mason a little mailbox for his cards, but
he was feeling left out in the box making and so
made his own out of the empty kleenex box. 
Notice the catepillar at the bottom of the box.  He
is so into drawing bugs right now.  

















Daddy helped Jamison out on making his Valentine's box.
So glad he was here to help and he did a great job.

 

Mason decided to cut his own hair this week.  He
thought it was funny for a few moments until he
realized that now all of his hair was going to come
off.  I think he was a little traumitized.  Hopefully,
it was enough to encourage him to never do it again.

The newly shaved head...

Our goal for 2010 is to pay off our credit cards and start paying down our truck and trailer loans.  So far, so good.  It's amazing how far we can stretch a few dollars, when you know that's all that was budgeted out for you.  I got sucked into the show Til Debt Do Us Part and she gives you some really great manageable ways to budget.  She completely inspired us to get our behinds in gear and pay, pay, pay... in cash.  We set up jars with cash and that is our money for each of our expenses.  We have cut our grocery bill in half and we honestly are not lacking for anything.
Trae and Jamison had very successful parent teacher conferences this week.  We are so proud of their hard work.  Trae's teacher stated how proud she was of Trae and the effort he is putting into getting everything turned in.  His behavior is also on the very good side.  Jamison's teacher sang his praises.  They always do.  They get to see my sweet, quiet, funny Jamison at school... boy, do I miss that child at home.  I guess I should be proud that they know how to behave in public and save up all that attitude for when they get home.  They really do love me.  Haha!
I need to finish my laundry and exercise today because I slacked off yesterday, but it was a well deserved slack off.  Kara drove up, took me to coffee and scones, and painted my nails.  She said she is going to remind me to take girlsy time for myself, even if she gets me to do one item at a time.  Love that girl!