BACKPACKS..............

hey everyone! I've gotten a few comments about the backpacks. If you could email me direct, that would be fabulous. My email is bjcarps@yahoo.com

I can't access some of the profiles to respond! I am putting the order in on November 21st! There is still time!

The verdict is...

And the verdict is...

Josie liked the chocolate milk.
Kaden like the chocolate milk, but "it does taste a little bit different" with a weird face. (He did drink his entire cup)
Colton is not home but I will report later!

As for me, I am going to wait until tonight when it has had time to thicken.


TODAY I AM THANKFUL:

• for a husband who takes the time to say goodbye in the early morning and whisper I love you.
• for happy, healthy children.
• in knowing that when material items are gone, I am still happy, blessed, and finding joy in what I know matters most!
• for the sound of crispy, crunch leaves and the brisk Utah air on my face.
• for crazy laughter, giggles and the constant running of feet in my home!
  

It's begun...

I have not been able to stop thinking about my new FAVORITE blog!

"Everyday Food Storage"

I picked up some Nesquik today to try out some of Crystal's recipes. Let me say, I normally don't buy Nesquik because my kids would drink a gallon a day of chocolate milk. But, with using my "food storage" dry milk, I had to do it! I started out by doubling the batch of Chocolate Milk and disguised it by putting it in a "normal" gallon milk container. That way, the kids will just see the chocolate milk and want it! I need to wait until tonight because it say to give it 4-6 hours, and I am going to do just that!

I just finished making the "Chocolate Milk Shake w/out Ice cream". I am eating it right now, and being as picky as I am- I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! Well, I now have our new Friday night treat!!! It is chocolatey, creamy, and really good. I made the exact recipe, and I love it! Next time, I will be trying it with banana and a Tablespoon of PB!

Chocolate Milk Shake with NO ice cream:-makes two 8-ounce cups
This one I know is hard to believe but it SO delicious! I don't think I'll ever make the kind with ice cream again!

1/2 C. Water
3/4 C. Dry Powdered Milk
1/3 C. Chocolate Powder
2 C. Ice

Layer ingredients in your blender as listed and blend until smooth. Serve immediately! Spruce it up with half of a banana for fun!

If you want a great variation, that tastes like it is a Jamba Juice "Peanut Butter Moo'd" then add one banana cut into 1 inch slices and 2 spoonfuls of peanut butter. The peanut butter and banana make it even smoother and add such a great complimentary taste.

For more tips and tricks for using food storage everyday, visit www.everydayfoodstorage.blogspot.com

Check out her site, and make the recipes-
we'll be having blender wheat pancakes tomorrow- stay tuned!

I'm so EXCITED, THAT I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT...

Like I said, I'm so EXCITED, THAT I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT!!! I'm about to lose CONTROL AND I THINK I LIKE IT, LIKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, so anyone who REALLY knows me, knows I HEART FOOD STORAGE! I feel SO secure when I have my food storage, something about knowing I can feed my family for months if I had to, on what was in the storage room, feels really, really GREAT! Well, this evening was MAGICAL! Shout out to, my little sis, Becky, I owe you- big time! She said she found a blog and thought I'd like it... well LIKE is the understatement! I have been on this gal's blog for the past 2 hours, and I am intrigued. (hope I spelled it right!) This gal knows her stuff! I will be going on Friday to buy my "dehydrated eggs", just because I know I can use them in crepes every Sunday morning and use my powdered milk- I am in heaven!!! She has the greatest recipes FOR EVERYTHING! I will be testing out a recipe a week, and blogging about it. As many of you know, I am finicky when it comes to my food and my cooking. I love good home cooked meals. So wish me luck on this fun adventure into REALLY using my dehydrated onions, carrots, apple rings, and everything I have from the cannery! I've already started cooking my beans in the crockpot in large batches to freeze- THANKS AIMEE OVER AT MOMZOO.BLOGSPOT.COM for that recommendation. Not just black or pinto, but navy, white, kidney, all of them! So cheap, and they taste like heaven!
OKAY THAT IS IF YOU LOVE BEANS LIKE MY FAM DOES!

I hope all you FOOD STORAGE FOLKS check out this gals site. She has recipes in pdf form you can download. That is what I am going to do, and start testing them out. She is bright and spunky, and makes cooking and baking with food storage seem "ROCKSTAR FABULOUS"!!!

Oh baby, it's COLD outside...

(What winter brings each year!)

The holiday season is upon us, at least here in Utah... As I turn on the radio, Christmas songs are playing all around and now that the snow is here, it is very appropriate! I am not too fond of the cold, but the beauty that surrounds us with white, fluffy flakes that swirl in the air- BREATH TAKING! I realized today that I need to get going on my food storage for the cold season. Growing up, we always had Hot Cocoa, whenever we wanted it. Coming in from making snow forts, having snow ball fights, shoveling the neighbors walks, and riding on sleds being pulled from a truck! These are fond memories, that I hope my children have! My mom made the best Hot Cocoa, it wasn't Swiss Miss but her own "HOMEMADE". I am excited to try this recipe and see how my own children like it! I'll post it as soon as she calls me later today! I am also going to start making my bread each week as well as try to make soup twice a week. Nothing more wonderful than homemade soup! If you have amazing recipes, please post! I am a huge crockpot fan!

Today I am thankful for:

• my husband for taking care of his whiney princess last night!
• a 9 year old who gives his Mom a hug like he means it, and yells out "I love you Mom" as he is almost to the bus stop.
  
• A 5 year old rough and tumble boy who wants nothing more than to have a shaved head like his Dad, because Dad looks cool!
• A spirited little princess who says her Mom gave her beautiful blue eyes!
• being able to stay home to take care of my crazy kids!
  

BACKPACK TIME AGAIN... LAST ORDER THIS YEAR!

hEY evERYone!!!

I am placing a FINAL ORDER for this year on NOVEMBER 21st!!! I am able to get the backpacks one last time for their original prices!!! (Great gift for CHRISTMAS!)

Adult backpacks are $25
Kids backpacks are $15

This is a great deal on 72 hour backpacks, I don't know if you or anyone you know is interested, but thought I'd throw it out there to you! Email this out to anyone you know!! I am placing a final order on NOVEMBER 21st. Please email me at bjcarps@yahoo.com and let me know if you would like to order them.

I will have 2 locations for pick up. One in Saratoga Springs, and one in Springville. I will have the BACKPACKS on/or before Dec. 6th.

* Also, I've started working with different wards and stakes, if you think your Relief Society Pres./Emergency Preparedness Specialist is interested, please send them this email to them or email me their number.

Here is the info on the packs: ( I don't have pix or specs of the kids packs but they are pretty standard like the school ones! We use ours in our car as an emergency kit.) They come in an assortment of colors like blue, green, navy, and camo, but I get what I get, so please do not specify! THANKS!!!


BRAND NEW, Internal Frame, HUGE Backpacks!!

GREAT, GREAT price only $25.00!!

, THIS IS THE BEST VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY. THIS PACK HAS MORE FEATURES AND MORE STRAPS AND HOOKS FOR YOUR GEAR!!

They normally retail in stores for $107.99.

Wonderful to use for 72 Hour Kits, Camping, Scouts, Hiking and Hunting.

Strong, Heavy duty Backpacks!!

They also make great gifts!!

These backpacks are the best thing to use for your Emergency 72 HR. KITS!!

We personally use these backpacks for our own 72 Hr.Kits!!

** Size: 28" x 15" x 8"

** Capacity: 3500 Cu.in.

** Material: 600d x 600d Heavy Duty Polyester

** They have an internal frame with a padded flexible back panel for more comfort and support.

** Padded adjustable shoulder straps.

** Adjustable, padded, wide waist straps.

** Adjustable chest strap with quick release buckle.

** X-Large zippered top pocket.

** Large Zippered pocket on each side.

** Plenty of extra straps, hooks, and loops for more gear.

** Safety Buckles.

** Bungee cord system on front.

** Waterproof.

**

They are individually wrapped in plastic!

Let me know as soon as possible!!! THANKS!


Jen Carpenter

Cutting back... where?

So my girlfriend over at Momzoo (amazing gal!) wrote a post about "Cutting Back" and instead of writing a novel, I will share a few tips on things I've done and am doing to cut back...

I knew when we moved out of the parents house, it was going to be tight, but I also knew that cutting back was going to be a necessity. It has been a daily struggle for me, but there are days I find joy in knowing I am not spending money that I shouldn't or money that I don't have.

Here is a few tips, leave me a few of your own!

• Stop going to the gas station for drinks, either buy it on sale, or stop drinking it- I am slowly weining myself off of soda...
• I've made a regimented menu and it is simple, I'll post another time, but we no longer eat MEAT every night, talk about savings...
• Baby-sitting swaps
• Dollar movies
• Thrift stores for kids clothes- this one has really changed me... (I am now a thrift shopper, I will admit it!) I got all 3 of my kids winter coats this year for $24- TOTAL! They are great coats, no flaws, and they were purchased at a local thrift shop (THANKS MICHELLE FOR LOOKING FOR US!)
• Use your food storage. This one is not tough for me, as I do buy what we eat. But do stop buying all the crap processed junk food. I rarely buy any fruit snacks, granola bars, chips, and such, my 9 year old takes school lunch, and my 2 little ones rotate what they eat each day, and they usually have a sandwich with fruit or vegis. Much healthier...
• Bake your goodies. Only by your "must haves" when on sale. They actually taste better when you wait it out...
• Turn your thermostat down. I never could understand why Papa Carp kept his at 69 or below but now I do... mine is at 71 and we will be going to 70 next week...
• Make sure kids take quick showers/baths. Turn off lights, turn water off while brushing..
• Do ALL errands on one day...that means grocery store, post office, shopping, etc... save on time, money and gas.
• make a menu
• get DVD'S, BOOKS, AND OTHER MATERIALS at library...
• Buy in bulk when possible
• Pay bills on time to avoid late fees
• use extra money to pay off debt
• check all services like your cell phone to see where you can cut expenses...
• bottle your own water... don't buy bottled water, buy a brita system.
• cut the cable tv, we haven't had it now for 2 years, and really am I missing much? Not really! We don't have any tv at the moment, may get some bunny ears, but we'll see....
• check craigslist.org, and ksl.com, for things you might need. People sale their "goods" for very reasonable, and sometimes killer prices! (LIKE MY TABLE AND CHAIRS!)
• have a garage sale: declutter, get ride of what you don't need, and go find what you do!
• if you have tons of clothes in your closet that don't fit (like me!), drop the weight and you'll have a whole new wardrobe! ( I am slowly taking my own advice!)
• work out outside, you don't have to have a gym!
• Do your own mani's and pedis. Loads cheaper!

I will continue to post on this matter, it has been a life style change for me, we have implemented a lot of these into our life style, and you know, I am not missing much. Sure there are things that I would like to have, but I really don't care if they are new or not, because the novelty does wear off. We still go out but, we always order water for everyone, and I usually share a meal with my 2 youngest. This save a ton of money, and you can still have fun, I try to enjoy the moments we are sharing-

If I figure out the link thing, I'll link Aimee's post here, but until then just click on Aimee on my side bar, she is an amazing gal! She is no fluff, puts it out there, totally into canning, homemaking, doing her best, and just has a heart of GOLD!

BOO! Did I scare you?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I am way behind in the bloggin' scheme of things, but I promise to catch up, may take a while with all the craziness, but I am doing okay with it! First off, shout out to Chris and Allison for a fabulous Halloween Party! The Shippen fam got together at Chris and Alli's for our annual Halloween party and it was a riot! I will be posting more pix later, but here is the run down of our fabo evening!

• Fun to watch all the families walk through the door, all dressed up!
• White Chicken Chili/ Cornbread- AMAZING!
• Loads of pictures being taken of everyone!
• Pumpkin bean bag toss (Thanks Megs!) Kids loved it!
• Pin the nose on the Pumpkin, crazy fun! (loved it Ash!)
• Pumpkin Pinata (stellar job Jay and Melissa) Kaden broke that thing to pieces...
• Donut eating- 1st place (adults): BRIAN (GREAT JOB BABE, SORRY ADAM~)
• 1st place (kids) : COLTON, he was so, so excited~
• Donut eating/Coke chaser: JAY ALL THE WAY! I will never do this again, I was so sick for days.... grand idea CHRIS!
• Pumpkin Fun with the magazine eyes, nose, and mouth! Fabo idea, Alli!

We had a really great evening, I will post the rest of the pictures soon- we wish Erika and Allan would have been there, it bites that you are the only ones not here!
WE LOVE YOU BOTH A TON! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU BOTH!

GARDNER VILLAGE, OUR ANNUAL JAUNT...

This is so Kaden, he is insane! We had so much fun this year at Gardner Village! We walked the grounds and looked at all the Witch's, Josie and I went into several shops (she wanted to!), we went to Sweet Afton's for a treat and sample of fudge (delicious!), and just sat on a bench and let the kids be crazy! It was a wonderful, relaxing afternoon!
He wouldn't stop climbing and posing on everything, he sure loves these pictures!

I love this pix! I think I need to frame it and put it up in our home. Josie was a treat today. She was a little shy with the witches, but soon realized they were fake. She has such a sweet and sassy personality. She is already starting to say/recognize things I wish she wouldn't. But she is a girl, and we do notice everything! She and I had fun going into different shops and she would say, "oh, that is so pitty", or "I don't like that".

She loves to have her Daddy around. Nothing makes her happier than to spend time with her Dad. She won't hold my hand usually or let me walk by them. But today, she was so wonderful to spend her time equally!

Here I am. Well, I have to say, after 4 or 5 weeks of having dark hair, I am not a fan. We'll see how long I leave it, but I am so ready to be a BLONDE again!

HERE THEY ARE! THEY HAVE THEIR MOMENTS, BUT IT IS THESE THAT I TREASURE!

GREAT GRANDPARENTS ARE REALLY GREAT!

I don't even know where to start... when I think of my Grandma and Granpa Shippen, my heart is very full. I just love these two amazing people so much. They have always been around to give me advice no matter what my problem was, no judgement placed! I am very close with both of them, and consider myself "their favorite",(I am sure we all do!) because that is how they make me feel! I don't get down near enough to see them, but they are always in my thoughts! My children are so lucky to have not only both sets of Grandparents, but they have 3 great-grandma's who are living, and 1 great-grandpa! We went to visit one morning while Colton was in school, and the kids did not want to leave. Grandma had Diet Coke waiting for us when we arrived- oh how the kids loved that! They had fun playing in the basement, asking loads of questions, and just talking non-stop to both Grandparents. I love to see the kids interact with them, they are gentle and caring, but still tease and can be playful! We had a great day, and we plan on getting down weekly now, Kaden just loves how crazy Grandma Lola can be!

More about Grape Juicin'...

This guy, yes, he is my husband, and I do get to see him every so often! Brian is always lending a helping hand. After working all day, he came down to pick grapes with us... it was fun to have him there just to chat and working side by side together! I love him to pieces!

Colton and Lady Bird, they really miss her a lot! Some day soon (hopefully) we will get them another dog- they just really enjoy Lady!

Here is Grandma Georgia, she taught me all I know about Grape Juice!

This kid ate a ton of the grapes! He is always doing something that makes him stand out!

LIQUID GOLD!

These are the beautiful concord grapes that we picked this year, best year yet for making grape juice!!! We had a great time at Mom and Dad Carps'- we love doing this each year!

True to Kaden's personality, bringing a little fun to all the work that is going to be done!

Colton was an awesome helper this year!

She did what she could!

They were waiting for Grandma to come out- they don't like starting with out her!