Backpack Nook

With all three kids in school, we have LOTS of school things to keep track of-- backpacks, lunchboxes, shoes, jackets, etc. 

We have a little cushioned shoe bench by the front door with some shoes cubbies underneath. We initially stored the backpacks on the shoe bench but they took up the whole bench and eliminated a space to sit while putting on shoes! Also, the amount of shoes we have is ridiculous and they all serve a different purpose (school, outside play, sandals). The school appropriate shoes would get lost in the other shoes and would cause a scramble in the morning.  

So... enter internet scrolling and seeing inspiration about using a 9-opening cubby system as a backpack hub. Basically, this lady took a 9 opening cubby and only created 3 cubes and 3 longer rectangular areas. I thought this was a great idea so I took a screenshot and sent it to Aaron. I immediately ordered my preferred finish of a cubby system from Target along with 3 fabric cubes. I figured it would be super simple to assemble and then voila easy peasy it would be ready to use! 

Not so. 

I wanted to be able to put this together by myself but found out that the alignment of the boards would not allow me to do what I needed the board manipulation to do. I only wanted 3 cube-like openings and then 3 long rectangular openings. The system alignment wasn't separated out to do this though. Aaron, being an engineer, figured out how to make it work and he helped me build it so it would function as I wanted. He's the best. We ended up having to tip the structure on its side to get it to line up the way I wanted. But it totally worked and it's an amazing little storage area! 

Now we can use our shoe bench as a place to put on shoes and can use the backpack nook to store the backpacks and accessories! School shoes fit in the fabric cubbies under the backpack section. This is working out really well and has streamlined our morning routine. 

Each kid has their own section. 

Their specific cubby is below their backpack. 

It's super convenient to store school shoes here for easy access in the morning!

Until Next Time, 

Much Love, Reba

Homemade Chicken Broth

Lately in my house, the Crockpot is the real MVP. Last week, we used the Crockpot four times for meals, and on Saturday I used it to make chicken broth! 

I buy chicken broth on a fairly regular basis and had never ventured to make my own. However, I heard my mom say she uses the bones from a rotisserie chicken to make broth and I thought that was such a great idea! I had a rotisserie chicken that I used as the meat for poppyseed chicken casserole on Friday, and I was careful to keep the bones and carcass for making broth. 

On Saturday afternoon, I put the chicken bones & carcass in the Crockpot and added two beef boullion cubes. I covered the chicken with 6 cups of water and turned the heat to low for 4 hours. After time was up, I let the broth cool a bit. 

I used a mesh strainer, a stainless steel funnel, and a pot to navigate the movement of chicken pieces from the Crockpot. I was able to fill two 16 ounces Mason jars and part of a takeout container. I let those cool on the counter before adding the lids. I am pretty pumped to get 5 cups of broth! I stuck one jar in the fridge and the other two containers in the freezer. This was so super easy that I'll definitely do it again. 

Until Next Time,

Much Love, Reba

Hello, November!

Welcome, November!

We had a sweet little journey to trick or treat last night. We got an early start so that we'd be done by dark, and we were pretty successful! 

We started at my Nana's house and then continued on towards a church member's house who was so sweet to ask us to come by. We made our way to two out of three grandparents' homes (the third was at an event) and wandered around my parents' neighborhood for a bit. We ended our trip by heading to another church member's home before getting some pizza and heading home. 

It was a sweet little adventure & I'm so grateful for these moments when all of my children want to participate in an event. 

This year, we had a ninja, Rapunzel from Tangled (notice the frying pan and Pascal!), and Sonic the Hedgehog. What a fun crew!

They each have a full pumpkin bucket of treats like cheese puffs, pretzels, and candy. The memories together are just the best! 

Today we welcome in November with very chilly weather. I added just a couple extra garlands to increase the Thanksgiving vibe in our home. On a side note: Michael & I cannot wait to start decorating for Christmas but we'll give Thanksgiving its moment as well. 

Until Next Time,

Much Love, Reba