In a home full of so many people, having so many things it can get pretty messy if I am not careful.  When we moved to our new state of North Carolina, I had to size down even more on my children’s toys.  Each child got a plastic dish pan full of toys to take and that was it.  We kept a few larger items like a box full of blocks—which has been refilled thanks to Daddies wood working business:)Also, some waffle blocks that the boys enjoy building with.  Everything else got given away.  We needed to bring only the things we thought we would really use and then we could always buy  more things later after we got here.  Well it has been a year and we have pretty much stayed the same with the boys room.  One of the boys enjoys his lego collection and has a small ice cream bucket full of them…..

and the other boy loves small metal cars. ……

His box is full of those and small action figures.  Makes clean up easy, I had given away to church any toys that they grow out of and no longer use.  It is so much easier to clean a room each day when it is just a few items compared to tons.  We keep these all tucked nice and neat under the bed.  When I had all of the items sitting out in the room—the lego box, Stephens box, the block box, the waffle block—-it seems that they get into them more and make a mess.  Once I slid them under the bed, they had to “think” about them more to play with them verses just dumping everything out because they are there.

The boys room is simple, they have a set of bunk beds and a small table with the tv/vcr on it.  Not a lot to mess up and this in turn gives them a larger space to play in.

For clothing, we use those plastic drawers labeled for things to go inside of.  I don’t fold their clothing very much as they can get out their own and make a mess.  I try to keep underwear,socks, and pajamas in the same drawer so they aren’t digging through the shorts and pants making a mess.  It works.  I will eventually get them their own drawers but this works for now.  We hang all shirts and they put their shoes in here as well.We keep it simple and practical.  You can watch my VLOG of this room as well if you would like.

If you are a planner then you have been thinking about what you are going to create with all that leftover turkey.  In our family, there isn’t much leftover turkey unless I make another one—which I might………

Well the internet is full of great leftover ideas—I like to keep mine simple. We do the same things if we can and these have been family staples for years.

Sandwich spread.  Take your turkey and grind it in a food processor.  You can do the same for ham.  If you want to make equal parts of turkey and ham that makes a nice combination.  Mix in some whipped salad dressing and it is done.  If you are creative you can add some chopped onion, relish, or celery or keep it simple with meat and mayo.  Spread on bread.

By the way if you use the food processor for your turkey and ham, you can freeze it into plastic bags. Thaw and use later on.  We do this all of the time.  No taste difference.

Turkey haystacks.  My friend Danielle has given me her, chicken haystack, but it would work just as well with turkey. Easy meal for busy days.

Taste like thanksgiving casserole. Always a favorite in our home.  Layer in a 9×13 baking pan—stuffing(smoosh it down real good), chopped turkey, leftover veges–corn or green bean casserole, and mashed potatoes.  Create a gravy with sour cream, can of cream of chicken soup , and half a can of milk.  Spread that on top and you can put shredded orange cheese on if you have it.

Turkey and gravy over biscuits.  A yummy comfort meal.  Bake some biscuits—use frozen, refrigerator, or make some drop ones.  Then make a gravy with water, chicken bouillon and cornstarch.  Add pieces of leftover turkey.  Serve with can of peas if your family likes that.

Turkey and swiss sandwich.  Make grilled cheese style sandwiches with turkey, sliced swiss cheese, and if you want to get not so plain add some stuffing, cranberry sauce, mustard, and gravy.

Turkey pot pie.  Use refrigerated pie crusts and fill with shredded turkey, frozen mixed vegetables, and 2 cans of cream of chicken soup .  Top with crust and bake 350 until done.

Turkey noodle soup.  Make a variation of chicken noodle soup but with turkey.  Water, chicken bouillon, turkey, mixed vegetables, and noodles.  Easy.

Pumpkin smoothies.  Use leftover pumpkin about 2 Tablespoons, 1/2 cup of vanilla yogurt, 1 cup milk, cinnamon or nutmeg.  Blend and enjoy.  If you want it more frozen, add a few ice cubes.

Not a lot of excitement, just easy and plain leftover ideas.  Create less stress in your food prep.  Be blessed.