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Another Budget-tight Meal Planning Monday

2011
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Jared and I don’t have it all together when it comes to our finances. We made some stupid student-loan and house-purchasing decisions early on in our marriage that we are still frustratedly paying for. We have months (like this one!) when unexpected expenses hit and we have to scale back and make sacrifices so that we have enough to keep our gas tank above empty until payday.

But we’re okay. We’re on the right path to financial freedom, and as long as we continue to communicate about our expenses and “live like no one else,” I know later on we’ll be able to “live like no one else.” (Love Dave Ramsey) There’s a peace that comes knowing that EVEN though we are tight right now, we don’t have to stress about whether we’ll eat this week. We have food in the freezer. We have food in the pantry.

On that note, it’s another budget-tight week for us and I’m anxiously waiting to refill the cash envelopes next week. BUT we have food!

Here’s what’s on the plan this week:

Dinners:

For more meal plan ideas, visit OrgJunkie.


Filed Under: Meal Plans

Why I Love Freezer Cooking

2011
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In my childhood family, homecooked meals and sit-down family dinners were important to my mom and I grew up with the same hope and expectation for my future family. Jared and I married young (ahem, sophomores in college) and our newlywed days were crazy busy as we left for school and our part-time jobs in the morning and finished up with homework in the evenings. We did, however, try to make “family dinners”–no matter how small our family was– a priority and ate together when we got home (though the “homecooked” part was usually sacrificed for a can of chili and a grilled cheese sandwich).

My sweet husband was always gracious and appreciative of ANY meal, but it bothered me because I wanted to do better. I had grown up helping my mom prepare meals for our large family, and I knew how to cook. I just didn’t have time.

One day I was talking to an older, much wiser friend who mentioned freezer cooking. She talked about how she was able to prepare “homecooked meals” for her family, and how much time it saved her. It was a new-to-me idea, but an exciting solution and so I began to experiment.

{Ground turkey, cooked and ready for the freezer}

It started out very small scale. On the weekend I’d come home from the grocery store and take a few minutes to cook and portion the ground beef or chicken. Then when Jared and I came home from school and work, we could easily mix already-cooked hamburger with a jar of spaghetti sauce or top a bag of salad with cooked chicken and other chopped veggies. It took us as much time to prepare a meal as cooking a frozen pizza.

{Jared’s favorite Southwest Chicken Salad}

Eventually I became more confident with utilizing the freezer for meal prep. Instead of making one pan of enchiladas or Shepherd’s Pie, I’d make two, freezing one for later. The convenience of the freezer meals saved us on days I was tempted to go to the drive-thru. And that helped save our college-tight budget.

Ten years later, my freezer cooking experiments have paid off–though now for different reasons. Our food budget isn’t as tight as it used to be, and my days aren’t filled with college classes and homework. But my time with three little kids, PTA responsibilities, blogging commitments, and much more, is still–very limited.

Homecooked meals and family dinners are more important to me today than ever because sitting down at the table as a family is more than just filling our bellies. It’s the place we teach our kids lessons on manners, trying new foods, and being appreciative of what’s been provided for them. They learn social skills as they listen to conversation, respect the person speaking, and participate (and stay on topic) in that conversation. It’s a safe time of day to share our day, what made us happy (or sad), and talk about family plans and goals. Family dinners are our children’s first experience in being part of a community.

Do our family dinners always go smoothly? Absolutely not. Our kids are 5, 3, and 1. They are {often} picky eaters, talk with their mouths full, and drop copious food bombs under their chairs–to be swept up after dinner. They whine about being STARVING 20 minutes before dinner, only to refuse and even complain about what is set in front of them at mealtime.

{Chicken Enchiladas ready for the freezer or oven} 

But since we’re working for an ideal here, I know giving up isn’t what is best for my family (no matter how much I want to some days!). And so to eliminate much of the stress that can accompany our family dinners, I freezer cook. If I can pull something out of the freezer in the morning and not have to think about what we’re eating later, my day always goes smoother. If I can be doing a project the kids, helping Ryan with homework, or reading a story the hour before dinner instead of preparing it, my evening always goes smoother.

And all those reasons, my friends, is why I love freezer cooking.

For tips, tricks, menus, and freezer-friendly recipes, be sure to visit Once A Month Mom where I have the privilege to contribute as the “traditional food” writer.


Filed Under: Freezer Cooking, Saving Money

Always

2011
2 Comments

A friend came over with her laptop and we scrapped. Just us, our hard drives, and a bowl of M&Ms. It’s all you need, really. It’s been so long since I made a page though, that I almost forgot how to get started and spent the majority of my time just looking through photos.

Then I had this inner-gasp moment when I looked at pictures of my baby girl, and realized she’s not such a baby anymore. Does this happen to you? I swear she was just born, that I was just sitting in the NICU stroking her hand and praying for her to come home soon. And now, soon, we’re going to have another little one! It’s so crazy how fast time goes.

You’ll always be my baby.


Filed Under: Mommy Moments, Scrapbooking

Lesson Learned from The Sneetches

2011
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It’s no secret: I love children’s literature and frequently call upon storybooks when I want to teach my kids a lesson. There’s something about viewing the characters as they learn a lesson through good prose or art that can illustrate a teaching much better than I can. (Plus, is it just me, or do kids tend to tune out the lesson when it’s coming from mom?)

Last week we read Dr. Seuss’ classic “The Sneetches.”

In case you aren’t familiar, some of the “Sneetches” have stars on their bellies, while others do not. The stars become a mark of discrimination as the star-bellied Sneetches look down on the plain-bellied Sneetches.  Then one day Sylvester McMonkey McBean comes to town with a machine which is able to add or remove stars. The plain-bellied Sneetches jump at the chance to mark themselves with a star, while the star-bellied Sneetches consider having their stars removed. Eventually everyone is running in to have their stars removed or replaced, and they become so mixed up on who is who that they are forced take a good look at themselves and their differences.

As the book was shared, Jared and I talked with the kids about how they would feel if others were making fun of them for looking different, etc. It was a good beginning lesson on discrimination and treating others fairly, and they came away with the simple message we hoped to share.

But now, here we are, a week later, and I still have “The Sneetches” on my mind. This time though, it’s a lesson is for me. . . .

I really like blogs. Every morning I look forward to checking my Google Reader and catching up with my favorite creative, witty, beautiful, talented, supermom heros. But besides reading blogs, I really like writing for my own blog. It’s exhilarating to share a project, recipe, thought, or story. Blogging gives me the creative outlet I crave and helps me think more inventively and intentionally about my everyday with my kids.

But there is a danger in blogs–reading and writing. Embarrassingly, there are times throughout the day I find myself absorbed in thoughts like, “I wonder how so-and-so would have handled that tantrum just now?” Or “how would so-and-so repurpose this piece of junk?” Or “I wonder what so-and-so is having for dinner?”  It can be so easy to step back from the computer and into the reality of my own imperfect life and compare myself, and think–I’m not as creative, beautiful, witty, organized, talented, etc. as that star-bellied Sneetch favorite blogger.

It’s easy to become insecure when I see the “star” someone else has–which I lack. And I often think I will never measure up.

There have been way too many times when I’ve thought, well, if I just had this new camera, computer program, craft supply, happier childhood, clothing budget, slimmer body, etc., THEN things will be better. And just about everywhere I look, there is a Sylvester McMonkey McBean ready to take my money and offer me a quick-fix.

But in the end, the quick-fix doesn’t change anything. It doesn’t make me happier or more successful. It even leaves me confused about who I am because I have not remained true to myself.

The most important thing–just as the Sneetches discovered–is that I need to be ME. I am a daughter of God. The gifts and talents He gave me ARE good enough and it’s how HE views me–not how I compare to others–that really matters.


Filed Under: My Story, Reading Fun

Note to Self: Change is Hard

2011
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There’s a hard truth I’ve been learning lately, and that is, Change is Hard. Necessary, yes. Constant, yes. But hard. And when you’re in a leadership position and want to introduce a change, that is hard! I’m pretty sure wouldn’t make a good politician. (Hats off to them–whether I agree with their views–for taking a stand.)

A friend shared some much needed advice the other day: “Anytime that you want to make changes there will always be those who discourage you.  Come armed with a specific plan of how you want to implement those changes, and I think you might be surprised how many of your doubters will become your biggest supporters.”

And thank you, Eleanor, for this reassurance:

Do what you feel in your heart to be right–for you’ll be criticized anyway.
Eleanor Roosevelt


Filed Under: PTA

Meal Planning {Clean out the Freezer} Monday

2011
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This month we’ve been graced with some unexpected expenses which has put a bit of strain on the budget. However, thanks to couponing, a good stockpile, and a full freezer, I’m not too stressed about what we’ll eat. Except for possibly a quick produce run at the end of the week, I’m hoping to skip grocery shopping. Our meals may be a little hodge-podge and definitely won’t be glamorous, but I’m confident no one will starve.

After consulting the pantry and freezer, here’s the tentative plan:

Dinners:
  • Sweet and Sour Skewers (using cubed pork instead of meatballs), rice
  • Beef Fajitas, rice and black beans
  • Chicken Enchilada Lasagna, chips and salsa, corn
  • Grilled ham, baked potatoes, steamed broccoli
  • Happy Birthday to Jared (dinner out)
  • Buffalo Chicken French Bread Pizza, carrots and celery
  • Slow Cooked BBQ Pork, freezer mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli and carrots, homemade applesauce

For more meal plan ideas, visit OrgJunkie.

Filed Under: Meal Plans

Creativity Captured: A New Kid on the Block

2011
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Creativity Captured is a regular feature in which I spend some time introducing artists, crafters, and bloggers I look up to, am inspired by, and feel have “captured” creativity.”

The “new kid?” It’s me. Is it weird that I decided to focus today’s “creativity captured” on myself? I know, shameless. But it is my blog, so I guess I make up the rules.

Here’s what’s really up though. . . .

I’ve been toying with the idea for a while now of opening an Etsy store, during which I’ve talked about it, thought about it, added a few products to it–basically everything except “announce” it. Because sometimes I feel like I’ve graduated only to enter 13th grade. I’ve set foot into independence, but I still have still those fears. I still wonder if anyone will sit with me at lunch or ask me to prom. It’s those silly–but real fears that have stopped me many times from just going forward with this Etsy thing.

But I won’t know until I try, right? So finally, finally, I decided to just take a breath and try–to follow the motto I’ve repeated to myself many, many times:

And so my new (though still small) Etsy shop is opening!

{Find Joy in Your Journey: Art Print}

{Home is Where Your Story Begins: Art Print}

{Celebration Notecards}

{Thinking of You Notecards}

{Just a Note Notecards}

{Printable Visual Routine Chart}

{Bookplates}

{Recipe Cards}

Will you come visit me? Will you pin me? Will you tell your friends about me?

Will you sit at lunch with me?

Filed Under: Creativity Captured

Toffee Apple Dip

2011
2 Comments

I LOVED reading all of your snack ideas! Thank you so much for the tips! What a challenge it is to keep these little bellies full. So in the spirit of snacks, I thought today I’d share one of our favorites. Although now that I think about it, it’s probably more of a treat than a healthy snack. . . . But hey, there’s fruit involved!

Toffee Apple Dip

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 – 1/2 cup brown sugar (depends on how tart your apples are)
  • 1/2 package Heath Toffee Bits

With a handmixer, beat cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Add toffee bits. Serve right away with sliced apples, or chill until ready to serve.

**My favorite way to serve is to let the dip sit for a few hours, even overnight because the toffee then starts to dissolve and the dip is creamier. Then I soak the apples in a bit of lemon juice immediately after cutting to keep them from turning brown, but also to add a little tartness, and eat! Yum, yum.

Linked to: Life as Mom

Filed Under: Yummy

{DIY} First Day of School Survival Kits

2011
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Last week I kicked off my PTA duties by assembling 70+ “First Day Survival Kits” for the teachers at the elementary school. This was a super easy, inexpensive project that the teachers loved! But even if you don’t have kids in school, I think this “survival” themed project would be fun for anyone who could use a little pick-me-up.

Since the theme for the school year at the elementary is “Learning Safari, Destination Success” I thought the “survival” theme would work perfectly and created a safari-themed label which loosely mimics the “Survivor” logo.

Inside each bag was a variety of goodies. . .

. . . and a note which explained each item’s “meaning.”

Using a paper bag was my last choice, but I struggled to find a container/bag/box that was affordable, could be bought in bulk, AND looked cute. If I would have thought of it sooner I think I would have used plain Chinese takeout boxes. But in the end with my time crunch and lack of local resources–the paper lunch bags worked.

The day before school started I knew most of the teachers would be working in their classrooms so I loaded up our little red wagon with goodie bags and kids, and set out to make door-to-door classroom deliveries. The teachers were grateful for the gift and while it was a fairly small effort (and cost) on our end, it was a nice way for the PTA to show we care and are thinking about them as they kick off a new school year.

(BONUS: It was also a good way to teach my kids a social lesson on how to introduce themselves to new people, and they were pros by the time our deliveries were made!)

After I made the kits a few people asked about the cost of assembling them. . . . Since I was making so many I did some shopping around to find the best prices and take advantage of all the school supply sales. I also bought a few things in bulk at Sam’s Club and Staples. It ended up costing just under $2 per bag. The pack of gum was the most expensive part–about $0.70 of that $2.

If I was to do this project again and create just one bag instead of 70, I think I would have gotten a bit more generous–maybe by including the entire pack of highlighters, pens, Post-its, etc.  instead of just one, or even a gift card for a pedicure or a favorite restaurant. Because some days a little break is the best way to “survive.” Maybe next year. For just one teacher :) .

Do you know a special teacher who deserves a “survival kit” of her own?

Or maybe a mommy friend who could use a pick-me-up? I’m pretty sure a “survival kit” filled with Diet Dr. Pepper and chocolate would help me on a day when my house feels like a zoo! (Though, admittedly, this is most days.)

Feel free to download the “label.” I’m including two versions in case you don’t want to use it as a first day of school gift. Click on the image to download and save it to your computer. From there you can print from home or for more vibrant colors, upload to a photo lab and print as a 4×6. Enjoy :) .

Version One:

{CLICK image to download}

Version Two:

{CLICK image to download}

Fine print: This project is for personal use only, please. If you love it, please send your friends on over this way!

Linked to: 733, My Girlish Whims, Fabric, Bows, and More, Someday Crafts, Lil’ Luna, Tidy Mom, Fingerprints on the Fridge, 30 Handmade Days, Blissful and Domestic, Delicate Construction, Happy Hour Projects, Small Fine Print, Family Ever After, Bear Rabbit Bear, Skip to my Lou, C.R.A.F.T, Making the World Cuter, Tip Junkie

Filed Under: Freebie, Gift Ideas

{DIY} Recycled Crayons

2011
5 Comments

It’s either the teacher in me, or the artist in me, but I find myself getting giddy this time of year when stores stock school supplies for cheap. It’s the time of year I like to grab a few extra boxes/bottles/packages to keep on hand throughout the year. Besides, you never know when a new box of crayons will make your day!

This recycled crayon project is one my mom and I used to do to “use up” my old crayons. It’s a pretty popular project though–I’ve seen a few versions popping up around blogworld recently.

Since we just bought some new crayons, making “new ones” seemed like the perfect boredom buster and so I had my kids start by sorting through our old ones. . . . And then they loved having permission to peel the paper off!

Then we broke the crayons into small pieces, another thing they loved having permission to do. After they broke up the crayons I used a knife to chop them up a bit smaller, but I don’t know that this was necessary. . . . next time I’ll probably just let them go nuts and break and call it good.

(If you have a preschooler, this step would be a good activity to practice colors and sorting.)

Then we filled a mini muffin tin to the top with the broken bits. (Forgot to take a picture of this step, but you’ll want to fill the tins full as they melt down.) We kept some of the new crayons monochromatic (there’s an art word to teach your kids!), and others were a variety of colors.

Tip: Since I actually use this muffin tin, I lined the tins with mini muffin papers for easier clean-up. It would be fun to use different shaped tins or silicone molds for this project too!

Bake at 250F for about 15 minutes or until the bits of crayons have melted.

Allow to cool, then pop out of the tins, and have fun with your new crayons!!

Linked to: Tip Junkie, Craft-O-Maniac, Quirky Mom, Line Across My Face, Family Ever After, Homemaker on a Dime, Delicate Construction, Today’s Creative Blog, Someday Crafts, Lil’ Luna,

 

Filed Under: Crafting with Kids, Saving Money

Monday “Snack Attack” Meal Plan

2011
14 Comments

So I’m not sure if these kids are just growing and I’m in denial, or if they’re bored, because it seems like all they want to do lately is eat! Serity’s favorite word lately is “nack!” and Ryan has been coming home from school “STARVING” so I thought I would try to add some extra snacks into the meal plan. Because the worst part about meal time for me is trying to think of what to make!

Thankfully for the grocery budget, it’s a good shopping week at Kroger–I love their Mega Sale weeks. To help stretch the budget a bit further, the good people at Kroger, General Mills, and My Blog Spark sent me a $25 Kroger gift card to giveaway!! This is going to be a super quick giveaway, it will end tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 16th. To enter, just leave me a comment in this post. I’d especially love comments about healthy/filling snack ideas for the kiddos. My brain is running out of ideas!!

And now onto this week’s meal plan. . .

Monday:
  • Kiddie Lunch: Pizza Bubbles, blueberries, jello
  • Snack: Popcorn, apple slices
  • Dinner: Roast beef and gravy, potatoes and carrots (in the slow cooker)

Tuesday:

  • Kiddie Lunch: Quesadillas, baby carrots, apple slices
  • Snack: Breakfast Cookies, milk
  • Dinner: Hot Pastrami and Swiss sandwiches, chips, sliced cucumbers and tomatoes

Wednesday:

  • Kiddie Lunch: Spaghettios, bread and butter, peaches
  • Snack: Granola Bars, blueberry smoothies
  • Dinner: Beef Pot Pie (leftovers from Monday), salad

Thursday:

Friday:

  • Kiddie Lunch: Hot dogs, mac and cheese, baby carrots
  • Snack: toasted English muffin, fruit
  • Dinner {Pizza Night!}: Order a pizza

Saturday:

  • Lunch: leftovers
  • Dinner: Date Night

Sunday:

For more meal plan ideas, visit OrgJunkie.

Filed Under: Meal Plans

Creativity Captured: Kelleigh Ratzlaff {cash queen}

2011
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Creativity Captured is a regular feature in which I spend some time introducing artists, crafters, and bloggers I look up to, am inspired by, and feel have “captured” creativity.”

Two years ago I drastically changed the way we shop and became one of “those” people–a couponer–you know, the ones you dread being stuck behind in the grocery line. At first it was out of necessity but now it’s become a habit, and I’m not sure I would ever go back to my previous shopping habits, even if our income was significantly higher. For me, couponing and savvy shopping just makes sense, is a way I feel I can help support my family and be a good steward over what we have been given, and gives us more money to do other things! And who wouldn’t want that?

Last week I scored this for 49 cents (plus tax):

That’s four tubes of toothpaste, four bottles of body wash, two sippy cups, two floss, pantyliners, and razor refills!

For this week’s “creativity captured” I wanted to feature my online friend and fellow couponer, Kelleigh Ratzlaff. Kelleigh and I “met” when we were selling our digital scrapbooking designs at the same store, but have continued to connect through our frugal adventures. She is much more dedicated than me, and is someone I look to for inspiration when I’m feeling couponed out. She’s also extremely creative, makes amazing papercrafting templates, and has been very successful selling budget-friendly “cash envelopes” in her Etsy store. In fact, she’s celebrating her 150th Etsy sale on her adorable cash envelopes!

Here’s a little bit more about Kelleigh:

Tell a bit about yourself.

I’ve been married to the love of my life for 13 years, and we have two amazing little boys, ages 7 and 4.  I love reading, strategic couponing, creating 3-dimensional papercraft templates, digital scrapbooking, garage sales, and crafty pursuits.  I love trying out new things, so this past year I have become a runner, read through the entire Bible (in 88 days), started making my own yogurt, perfect artisan breadmaking (which is actually super easy!), and opened up an Etsy shop!

{Check out Kelleigh’s Extreme Couponing series}

What inspires you?

Oh, the answer to this question varies quite a bit!!  First, my Heavenly Father inspires me to love the way he first loved me.  I’m working on it, but it’s not as easy as it sounds!  My husband inspires me to keep pursuing new and unexplored areas of growth in my life.  My children inspire me to sit down and give it a rest and appreciate the snuggle.  Plus, they are so stinkin’ handsome that I just HAVE to take pictures and record memories, so they certainly inspire me to do that!!

{Easy, Inexpensive, and Classy Photo Gift Tutorial}

As for creative stuff, I love looking at a 3-dimensional shape and trying to break it down in my head and transfer the design to a piece of paper.  It’s weird, I know.  It’s a challenge that helps me hold on to my brain cells, I suppose!  I wonder if I will be keeping this up when I’m in my 80s?!


Also, I’m inspired by fabric (ooh-la-la!), pretty crafts, home decor and so much more!  I love pretty things, but I’m terribly cheap, so I’m usually a window shopper.  Hello TJ Maxx!

What’s in your purse?

I suppose I should go clean it out first, huh?  {sigh}  Okay, a couple of grocery store and drug store ads and a pile of random coupons (did I mention that I’m a couponer?), empty gum wrappers, 3 handmade clutch/purses (because I just HAD to show them off to friends), hand sanitizer, a ceramic airplane shaped piggy bank, 3 cars, lipstick (never leave home without it!), 2 pairs of sunglasses (because the preschooler always wants to wear mine when I put them on), socks (don’t ask), my wallet containing my cash envelopes, a notebook, my B90 Bible, a baggie filled with pens and pencils (my attempt at organization), a baggie filled with a little first aid kit we put together at MOPS and lotion.  I’m totally just sparing you, because there is actually more than that in there, but we could go on for days.

{Kelleigh’s super cute cash envelope system keeps her on budget.}

If you could be invisible for a day, where would you go, or what would you do?

Oooh!  I never thought about that!  I suppose I would love to see what my older son is up to at school.  Who is he spending the most time with, are they good friends, does he pay attention in class, is he kind to others, etc.  I know what other people tell me, but I’d like to see for myself!  He’s such a great kid, but he is 7 years old!  Yikes!

What was the last thing you purchased?

A zipper.  I discovered a new sewing pattern (which is why I have 3 clutches in my purse), and I want to make another one.  Oh, and Little Noses Saline Solution . . . because it was free at Rite Aid.  (Couponer!  Shameless.)

Find more of Kelleigh on her blog, Facebook, or in her Etsy store!

Filed Under: Couponing, Creativity Captured

Embracing Me (and the camera!)

2011
6 Comments

Recently a super sweet family asked me to take their pictures. I woke up the morning of needing to puke. But I’m not sure if it was leftover morning sickness or that I was so.darn.nervous. Way too many negative thoughts went through my head. . .it’s a lot of pressure, my camera isn’t great, I’ve never done this for anyone but my own kids,  what props should I take, will they like them?

Jared recognized I was on the verge of breakdown and as I was leaving he gave me the advice  to just keep it simple, and have fun. And so that’s what we did.

After giving them a sneak peek some of my favorite shots, I nervously asked Laura (the mom) how she liked the photos. She loved them. And then she said, “I wish my hair would have cooperated better, but I guess it’s okay, because that’s what I look like! I’m just glad to have pictures of us all together.”

I LOVED her answer and it brought me to reality. I am a mom. I DO attempt to shower, get dressed (in something besides yoga pants) and put on a little mascara almost every day because it makes me feel better and more productive. But I rarely feel “camera ready.” I usually the one behind the camera, and it feels most comfortable there.

But Laura’s comment reminded me that it really doesn’t matter because the point is capturing the memory of us together, not that we look model perfect. Since this is real life I’d like to put my faith on the idea that years from now my kids will look at pictures of us and won’t care that I still had a few pregnancy pounds to lose or that my hair wasn’t flat-ironed, rather they will love that we were together.

I’m linking with Emily and Capturing Motherhood and lots of other moms who are also “embracing the camera,” imperfection and all.

Filed Under: Mommy Moments

Lessons Learned from Weeding

2011
9 Comments

For the first time in I-can’t-remember-how-long I woke up and didn’t feel the urge to puke so after a quick cereal-and-fruit breakfast the kids and I headed out to weed our somewhat neglected garden. I take that back. . . it’s not really been neglected, it’s just that my enthusiasm (and therefore the kids’s) for this little garden has waned as it’s become so hot and humid.

In any case, we headed out to the garden for another much needed weeding session. The kids stayed beside me for a bit–digging with their little shovels and pulling out the unwanted sprouts, but they lost interest quickly and found the trampoline much more entertaining.

I never thought this would be true, but as I listened to them play, I actually found weeding alone to be kind of relaxing. The mindless monotony of the chore created space for me to think, and as I did, my thoughts started forming analogies about weeds and raising plants, and raising kids. Just a few of my thoughts. . . .

1. It takes time, patience, and care.

From what I’m learning about this first little gardening experience of ours, growing crops takes a lot of time, a lot of patience, and a lot of care. It’s probably true that I could have planted my seeds and then just left the sprouts alone to see if they would grow, thrive, and produce. But if I want to have a beautiful, full harvest, or eventually be the kind of gardener like my admirable neighbor down the street, I have to put more effort into my crop.

Isn’t parenting the same? Just as the act of planting a few seeds doesn’t make me a gardener, the act of having a baby (or four!) doesn’t really make me a mom. Or at least not a good one. If I expect these sprouts of mine to thrive and mature, they need that same time, patience, and care.

2. I must weed.

Even though I weeded the garden recently, I must do so again. And again. And again. Similarly, as a parent, there is a need for me to constantly pull those uninvited worldly weeds that keep creeping into our lives.

  • That TV show/video game/computer program/etc. is not appropriate for our family. {Pull.}
  • Those are not kind words. {Pull.}
  • I know some kids do, but in our family, we . . .  {Pull.}

Some days are backbreakingly exhausting but I know if we want our sprouts to keep growing  toward The Sun we–their earthly gardeners–have to stay vigilant and consistent in providing the kind of positive atmosphere they will thrive in.

3. There is a season for everything.

This summer we have continually weeded and watered and fertilized, but despite our efforts, the broccoli is dying. I wasn’t sure why. . . everything else seemed to be growing fine. But then a friend and fellow gardener informed me that it’s dying because I planted it in the wrong season.

This concept of everything having a season has been a lesson I’ve struggled to learn over and over. When Jared and I were dating we knew we wanted kids, so once we were married and started “trying” we assumed it would be easy. But for us it wasn’t the right “season” and it ended up taking a few years longer and a bit more “fertilizer” than we expected. It was emotionally draining and I wasn’t always patient, but looking back, I’m grateful we had that “waiting” time to grow as a couple. We were able to graduate from college, begin careers, buy our first home, and in a sense–prepare the soil for the planting season of our future family.

When that first little sprout finally did come, my season of school teaching ended and the season of motherhood began. We had always planned for me to be a stay-at-home mom if the time came. I was and am thrilled that I am able to experience this season of life, but will also be the first to admit that this mommy-stuff isn’t always an easy season! Some days I would gladly trade the tantrums, messes, and bed-wetted sheets for that career. But because I believe there is a time and season for everything, I feel that for my family, being the full-time gardener is the best choice right now.

Parenting and gardening are hard, hard jobs. I’m learning how to do both. I have so far to go, but pray every day that our efforts will be enough to produce.

For more gardening adventures, visit The Inadvertent Farmer.

Filed Under: Gardening, Mommy Moments

{DIY} Making Flubber

2011
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Making “flubber” is, in my opinion, one of the funnest (and simplest!) projects to do with kids. And this time of year when school supplies go on sale for CHEAP, it’s a good excuse to stock-up on glue to make this gooey stuff year-round.

Supplies: 1 cup white glue, 2 tsp. Borax, food coloring, warm water

Pour glue in a bowl.
Add 3/4 cup warm water and food coloring (to your liking!), and stir.
In another bowl, mix 2 tsp. Borax (find this in the laundry section) and 1/2 cup warm water. Add this mixture to the glue mixture. Then, watch the mixtures glob together. Reach in, pull out globs, and work it with your hands until all is combined.
Play, play, play!
For more sensory fun, also try Kool-Aid Playdough or Shaving Cream Painting!

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Filed Under: Crafting with Kids

Answering the Call

2011
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Several months ago I had a dream in which I was involved in PTA (Parent Teacher Association). I woke up confused, because at that point we’d made the decision to homeschool and things were going well and I was content. But if I’ve learned anything about life it’s that the only thing that’s constant is change. After that dream I couldn’t stop thinking about the need to become more involved in our community–PTA specifically–and so began our prayerful journey to enroll Ryan in kindergarten mid-year.

After he started school I excitedly joined the PTA, having no idea what I was jumping into or what was even involved. I just KNEW I needed to be part. I anticipated joining a large parent group and planned to volunteer my time photocopying flyers or coloring file folder games, so imagine my surprise when I was excitedly welcomed as one of only three parents at that first meeting. I quickly realized in a gigantic school (about 1,200 kids) there was a desperate need for parent support.

I started helping in any way I could–serving nachos at Family Literacy Night, assembling goodie bags and pricing donuts for teacher appreciation week, and stapling handouts while Jared and I watched TV in the evening.

While I only spent minutes of my own time serving, I knew (from being a pre-mommy teacher myself) that the small acts were a great relief to an overworked teacher, yet the reward was mine as being involved made me happy.

And then much quicker than I imagined, the call for more responsibility came. I had terrible morning sickness at the time and was using my last bit of energy just to get my kids a snack or take a shower, but something inside me said–DO IT. And so overwhelmed and humbled, but so incredibly excited, I’m looking into this new school year with great possibility as the new PTA president.

Filed Under: PTA

July Freezer Cooking Roundup

2011
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Wrapping up this sweaty month of July! Haven’t wanted to be in the kitchen much, but cooking for Once a Month Mom and having summer guests has kept me going. Here’s this month’s roundup of all the freezer-friendly recipes I’ve been sharing. Maybe you’ll find one you like too!

{Unstuffed Pepper Bake}

{Southwest Chicken Salad}

{Sausage and Pepper Penne}

{Spicy Stuffed BBQ Chicken}

{Maple Oat Scones}

Filed Under: Freezer Cooking

Monday Meal Plan

2011
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I feel like this should be called the “crazy week edition” as this week is already looking very busy. It’s the last full week of “summer” for  my kids as school starts next week. Mixed feelings there. . . .I’ve really loved spending the extra time with them working on our summer bucket list. So besides doctor appointments and PTA responsibilities I think we’ll be cramming in as many activities as we can which means I want to be thinking about cooking as little as possible. We’re eating from our freezer a lot this week, gearing up to re-fill the freezer with the soon-to-come OAMM August menu. What about you?
Monday:
  • Kiddie Lunch: Turkey and cheese pinwheels, baby carrots
  • Dinner: Shepherd’s Pie, fruit salad

Tuesday:

  • Kiddie Lunch: Spaghettios, fruit kabobs
  • Dinner {Mexican Night}: Salsa Chicken over rice, corn on the cob

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Unstuffed Pepper Bake

Friday:

  • Kiddie Lunch: Homemade “Lunchables” (crackers, cheese, lunchmeat), applesauce
  • Dinner {Pizza Night!}: Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Saturday:

  • Lunch: leftovers
  • Dinner: Date Night

Sunday:

For more meal plan ideas, visit OrgJunkie.

Filed Under: Yummy

Preserving Memories (and making peach jam)

2011
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This week we took a trip to a local farm to fulfill one of our summer bucket list activities: pick peaches. Although with the midwest heat and humidity we’ve been graced with, I opted to alter the summer goal and buy pre-picked peaches. Call me a wimp, but sweating my guts out while chasing three kids through an orchard, carrying (what’s starting to feel like) a watermelon AND picking peaches didn’t sound too fun to me. Maybe next year?

They were sure tasty though.

Though we skipped the picking, the summer heat must have gotten to me still. Or maybe it was that mommy brain kicking back in, because I got a bit ambitious and brought home three pecks. Which I soon realized was a lot considering they were tree-ripe (versus being picked green and shipped across the country) and needed to be used or eaten quickly. Canning intimidates me, but freezing–now that’s something I can do, and so I made freezer jam with the majority of the peaches.

If you’ve never made freezer jam before, let me encourage you! It’s really easy, and {I think} tastes much better and fresher than store-bought. And since you store it in the freezer, there’s no need to worry about boiling jars, or getting botulism, or having the perfect timing, etc. that you deal with when canning. Sigh. Maybe I’ll get brave one day.

Packaged cute, and the jam becomes an impressive neighbor gift!

Want to make some? You’ll need peaches. Yep.

First, you peel the peaches. Of course you could get out your paring knife and start to whiddle away, but I suggest an easier way if you are going to peel more than one or two. My mother-in-law taught me this trick a couple of years ago, and I swore she was a genius.

1. Boil a pot of water and fill a large bowl (or the kitchen sink) with cold water and lots of ice.

2. Place your peaches in the boiling water about 30 seconds, then strain.

3. Immediately place boiled peaches in the ice water.

4. When the peaches have cooled in the ice water, gently rub the skin. It should peel right off.

Save the manicure for after this job :)

Perfectly peeled peach

5. I didn’t take a picture of this step, but use a knife–or better yet, if your peaches are ripe, your hands–to half the peach and pull out the pit. Then place the peeled peaches in a bowl and mash them. I like my jam chunky, so I just squished  with my hands until I got the consistency I liked. It’s kind of therapeutic, actually. Feel free to mash with a potato masher or food processor if you prefer.

6. This next step may vary a bit depending on what brand of kind of pectin you use. Just make sure it’s the freezer jam type, and then follow the directions and measurements for mashed fruit versus sugar as directed.

7. Place in freezer containers or jars. In my opinion, the flat containers fit better in the freezer, but if you’re giving away the jam, jars are cuter. Especially when decorated :) .

To decorate the jars I placed a rough cut square of burlap on top of the lid and tied it on tight with a piece of twine. Then I made the labels using two different sized circle punches.

Store jam in the freezer for up to a year, or in the fridge for three weeks.

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Filed Under: Yummy

Free Fun in a Fort

2011
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A couple of weeks ago some friends were moving into a new house and thoughtfully saved the large appliance boxes for our kids. Although I’ll admit to grumbling a few times about how the boxes pretty much fill up all the walking space in our living room, my kids LOVE the boxes and watching them use their creativity to make forts/caves/tents/jails/hide-and-seek spaces/boats/etc. is worth the cramped living room space for now.

A bit of quiet-time privacy:

No more rained out tea parties.

In a box, microwave popcorn and a Netflix movie are as good as the drive-in theater.

But this–this is my favorite and almost makes me want to find a permanent space in our home for the boxes.

Such a cozy, comfy reading space.

If you’re interested in making your own cardboard box forts, try visiting an appliance or home-improvement store and ask if they’ll save a box or two for you. Most places just recycle the boxes, and don’t have a problem giving them away.

Filed Under: Keeping Life Creative, Reading Fun

Errands with kids

2011
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So yesterday as naptime ended, and I looked at the clock.

“Hurry! We have 30 minutes to get to the post office before it closes!”

I triple checked the kids. . .

Faces washed.

Shoes on.

Clean {enough} clothes.

Hair acceptable.

Shoes BACK on.

Carseats buckled.

10 minutes into town (but not yet to the post office) I realized, I HAVE A CAKE IN THE OVEN!

Sigh. Honesty, some days I wonder where my brain is, and if I can REALLY handle four kids. Especially on days I need to go to the post office.

But the cake– that was good.

Filed Under: Mommy Moments

The long overdue Monday Meal plan

2011
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I think finally, FINALLY, I am over the worst of the morning all-day sickness. . . At 19 weeks. The sickness with my other babies wasn’t this bad and didn’t last this long so I’ve been a bit worried! But the doctor does say everything looks good so far.

As I’ve been so sick, food has become my enemy and as much as I’d like to have been vigilant about couponing, budgeting, and planning our weekly meal plans, those goals have pretty much flopped. Every “meal plan” I have attempted has been thrown out come dinnertime ’cause it just doesn’t sound good to me. And I think all food rights (but not necessarily responsibilities!) should go to the one who is attempting not to puke. It’s fair, right?

I should insert here that my family has been pretty patient with my lack of meal enthusiasm, and have adapted fairly well to dinners of cold cereal, frozen meals, and yes, the drive-thru. But last week Jared (who has become a master pancake-and-scrambled-egg maker and resident dishwasher) sweetly requested we start eating a bit healthier again. And so, this week’s meal plan is dedicated to my patient husband. And to keep my sanity, I thought it best to plan out the kids’ lunches as well.

Monday:

Tuesday:

  • Kiddie Lunch: Pancakes (freeze extra for breakfasts!), blueberries
  • Dinner {“Mexican Night”}: Hard-shell tacos, homemade refried beans

{homemade black refried beans}

Wednesday:

  • Kiddie Lunch: Cheese Quesadillas, cherry tomatoes
  • Dinner: “Frito Bandito” (chili over Fritos, topped with cheese, onions, sour cream, etc.)

Thursday:

Friday:

  • Kiddie Lunch: Corn dog muffins, canned pineapple
  • Dinner: {Pizza Night!} BBQ Chicken Calzones (using leftover chicken from Thur), green salad

Saturday:

  • Lunch: leftovers
  • Dinner: Grilled Chicken, pasta tossed with homemade pesto (my basil is growing so well!!)

Sunday:

  • Late Lunch/Dinner: Beef Stew (to cook in Crockpot while we’re at church), biscuits and jam

For more meal plan ideas, visit OrgJunkie.

Filed Under: Meal Plans

Summer Bucket List

2011
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Towards the beginning of the summer we had a family meeting to discuss some things we wanted to make sure to do this summer. Last summer we took a 5-week road trip to visit our far away families, but this year we decided to spend our summer staying close, so it’s been fun to work on our list (though we need to hurry as our “summer” ends soon with school starting in just a few weeks!).

{Get snowcones}

Working on our “bucket list” has been a good motivation for me to fight the homesickness (which seems to have gotten much worse with this pregnancy) by finding little gems nearby and celebrating where we live.

{Go to the beach}

It’s also a good push for me to practice being a fun/silly mommy and spend more purposeful time with my kids. I recently read an article that talked about love being a four-letter word: T-I-M-E. It’s always good to have a reminder to spend more time WITH my kids (not just in the same room while I do my own thing, but actually playing with them) as daily life can get so busy.

What about you? Did you make a summer to-do list? It’s not too late!!

Filed Under: Goals, Keeping Life Creative

Why I Blog

2011
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Blogging has obviously taken a high backshelf for me lately, and as with many things I procrastinate, the longer I stay away, the easier it is to stay away. As I’ve been “away,” still all-day pregnancy sick (whoever named it morning sickness never had it, I think!), I’ve had plenty of time to think about the direction I want to go with this blog.

Blogging has been an interesting “journey” for me. It started as a purely personal blog, then I moved to business (designing) blogging, then to a combination. I’ve loved it. I’ve dreaded it. I’ve met new friends. I’ve compared myself to others and been discouraged. I’ve found a creative outlet. I’ve discovered new sides of myself.

I strive to be authentic in my writing. I love creating projects and sharing tips that work for our family. But there are definitely pieces that get edited. I certainly don’t have it all figured out, and there are days–like when I’m working on my OAMM cooking assignments, where my freezer may be full and my plate may look pretty, but my sink is likely full of dishes and my kids may or may not have watched too many movies on our milk-stained couch.

As I’ve taken this break from blogging, I’ve tried to figure out exactly why I’m so drawn to blogging and I’ve realized that recording the process of our everyday lives, documenting them, and pushing myself to make the mundane more creative motivates me and makes me happy. And when I do I feel more purposeful as a wife and mom.

And so–for now–that’s why I blog.

Filed Under: My Story

June Freezer Cooking Roundup

2011
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We’re finishing out another month, which means time for a round-up of all the yummy freezer-friendly meals I’ve been sharing at Once a Month Mom. Come visit if you need a recipe or two!!

{Blueberry Banana Muffins}

{Fried Rice}

{Chocolate Chip Cookies}

{Sweet and Sour Meatball Skewers}

{Garlic Balsamic Pork}

{Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad}

Filed Under: Freezer Cooking, Yummy

Vintage School Chairs

2011
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I’ve looked forward to the weekend since I heard about it last summer–the weekend of Kentucky’s famous 400-mile yard sale. While there are definitely lots of garage sales all through the spring and summer, this sale is the one people seem to save up for.

It was supposed to be a hot day so we took off in the morning and just stayed out a couple of hours. It was fun browsing, but I have to admit, I started to get a bit disappointed at how much JUNK there was. Not even good junk either, truly, just trash. But then, PULL OVER! Even from a distance the they jumped out at me and my heart started racing as we approached. Yes, that is slighty embarrassing to admit considering I once saw an episode of Hoarders where a man described the same feeling he gets as he dumpster dives. {ahem}

I really love the industrial look to the old school chairs, and they’re super sturdy–just right for my kids. We’re always needing more seating for gatherings, so besides being cool decor, I knew they would come in handy.

No price tag made me nervous, so I casually asked what they were going for.

$1 each

Woohooo. And at that price I quickly became the proud mama to four more babies.

Filed Under: Decor, Thrifting, Vintage

Gardening and Dirt Pudding

2011
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Now that everything is planted, it seems the initial waiting will be the hardest part. Every day Ryan and Emmy have been going out to check on the garden, but are a bit disappointed that it looks the same as the day before.

{watering is their favorite part}

So to help them stay excited we took them on a “field trip” to the produce stand of a local farmer. He brings a truckload of fresh produce into town a couple days a week and I was so excited to randomly discover him this year because his fruits and veggies super fresh, great quality, AND cheaper than the grocery store. The kids were just as excited to pick out a variety of goodies.

After our “field trip” we munched on some of our fresh veg and chatted about all the hard work and time it took to grow these fruits and veggies. And then checked on our little plants for the 46th time to see that they still needed much more time to grow.

{the zucchini is definitely growing!}

We’ve also been learning more by reading lots of books about plants.

{The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle}

And in the spirit of all our gardening adventures, Dirt Pudding seemed like a perfect afternoon snack for my dirt-loving, worm-loving littles.

Ingredients:

  • instant chocolate pudding mix
  • milk
  • chocolate cookies (Oreos, chocolate graham crackers, etc.)
  • gummy worms
  • “flower pot” serving containers

1. Prepare the pudding (“mud”) according to package directions.

2. Crush the cookies (“dirt”).

3. Layer “dirt” and “mud” in “pots.” (We used cleaned-out yogurt cups.)

4. Add worms and enjoy!

Visit The Inadvertent Farmer for more KinderGarden adventures.

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Filed Under: Crafting with Kids, Gardening, Yummy

Growing Healthy

2011
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On most grocery shopping trips I have at least one (or three) kids with me and some of our recent outings have triggered discussions on where food comes from. At least they think bananas come from “bushes” rather than just from Kroger. It’s a start, right? And when I told them white milk comes from white cows and chocolate milk comes from brown cows the eyes of a certain 5- and 3-year-old rolled in disbelief. MOMMY!

Talking about food’s origination has inspired me to consider planting a garden to really illustrate food production. Thankfully I have good examples to glean from as my in-laws have an amazing garden. I’ve admired my father-in-law’s nurturing dedication throughout the summer as his plants grow from bitty seeds to fresh produce. And how my mother-in-law then takes over during the harvest months, generously sharing their bounty with friends and neighbors, as well as freezing and canning their crop.

But gardening really intimidates me. I mean, my Mother’s Day plant died a few days after it was gifted (what? those things need water?), and I’m worried trying to grow vegetables is a bit overzealous.

What if nothing grows?

I hope it’s not too late in the year.

Are you SURE this dirt is good enough?

(I’m really good at worrying.) But I’m also in love with the values I think can be taught through this project, and want my kids to see the process of growing (and then eating!) “real food.”  I’m hoping as they participate in the hard work they will become more grateful for and excited about healthy foods. Because lately it feels like every meal I serve is a fight. I mean, how can celery and apple wedges possibly compete with fast food french fries, or the junk food snacks all the OTHER moms (apparently) buy? And (don’t get me started on this soapbox) school lunch?!

And so despite my fears about our garden attempts failing, we’re going for it (albeit small).

No fears here!

“Mommy, I want to keep it as a pet! It likes me.”

I’m finding lots of great gardening inspiration (and hand-holding!) over at The Inadvertent Farmer.



Filed Under: Gardening

May Freezer Cooking Round-up

2011
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Since I haven’t done much of anything around here lately, cooking has definitely been low on my priority list. Jared makes amazing scrambled eggs and the kids never seem to get tired of hot dogs so thankfully no one has starved. But the one thing that has really saved us over the past several weeks is having a full freezer. Behind the scenes at Once a Month Mom we work a couple of months ahead, so while my family has definitely had take-out more than I’d like, freezer meals have continued to keep dinnertime semi-sane. At least most nights.

Here’s a round-up of a few simple and freezer-friendly dishes we’ve been making this past month:

{Strawberry Banana Breakfast Popsicles}

{Homemade Pizza Sauce}

{Bacon Hashbrown Breakfast Wraps}

{Chicken Burritos}

{Easiest Ever BBQ Beef Sandwiches}

{Pita Pizzas}

Do you have a kitchen tip that helps you when life gets crazy?



Filed Under: Freezer Cooking

Evening out the Odds

2011
13 Comments

Hello, blog. Remember me? Yes. I’m back. At least for a visit.

It definitely feels like I have dropped into another world over here, and I frankly can’t think much of what has happened in the past, hmmm. . .SIX WEEKS? Where did May go? It’s all been a blur.

Well, other than the puking.

Or lying on my bed praying I will puke.

Or turning the thousandth movie on for the kids while I go back to my make-shift  bed on the couch and wait for the puking. (Saddest part about this picture? I honestly thought I was smiling for it! No idea I looked as bad as I felt.)

And this lovely scenario–which has pretty much been my lifestory for the past. . .SIX WEEKS is called, “I can’t pretend I have the flu anymore, and yes, we’re having another baby!”

Four. Four kids, in six years.

There are lots of mixed feelings around here, mostly described in words like: surprised, worried, anxious, and “are we crazy?” But trusting this sickness will pass and that there truly is a higher plan for us, there are also feelings of excitement as we prepare to grow our family again.

The kids are particularly excited, especially hoping for another boy which will even out our Odds and give our family three girls and three boys. (Because of course mommy and daddy are considered in their equation.) (And for those of you who know my last name, yes, that was a joke.)

There have been many days I have wanted to step back to the blog and explain my absence, but since I also have a bad habit of wanting to do all or nothing, and knowing I barely had the energy to nuke (which sounds and smells amazingly like the word “puke”) my kids a corndog before dropping back to my couch-bed, blogging has been tucked to the back of my mind. Along with the house cleaning. And just about everything else if we’re being honest.

{What happens when kids are hungry and mommies forget it’s lunchtime.}

I do miss being here to write though, and so thanks to a sympathetic doctor and the miracle of Zofran, I may be able to be around a bit more often. Just sayin’.

{P.S. To all of you who have e-mailed asking where to buy my designs, I deeply apologize for the unprofessional ignorance, and I do hope there will be a day for that again (soon?). Hang with me while I get to feeling a bit normal again.}


Filed Under: Mommy Moments

Six Cents

2011
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When it comes to money, I’m the “free spirit,” while Jared is the “nerd.” He’s really excited about crunching numbers and getting into “beans and rice,” but it’s tough for me to keep momentum in my enthusiasm. But then there are moments when pinching pennies totally makes sense to me and I remember that we are doing this for a reason and that we have a common goal in mind.

Yesterday I went to the grocery store. I bought milk and produce over the weekend, and the freezer is stuffed with meat and freezer meals, so we didn’t need much, but I wanted to take advantage of a few coupon deals and scope out the dairy markdowns.

My total after coupons was $0.06. (For those wondering exactly HOW I paid only a nickel and a penny for all those groceries, the yogurt and creamer were free and the detergent was $.99 after coupons. The eggs, ham, and soda were all on sale prices, but I “paid” for them with gift cards I earned last week from the General Mills mega sale–buy 4 products, earn a $5 gift card. I stocked up on lots of cereal and granola bars for less than $1 a box after the sale and coupons, and then earned multiple gift cards to pay for this week’s groceries.)

And I left on HUGE high that made me want to stay focused on our financial goals.


Filed Under: Couponing

Priceless Mail

2011
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My grandma seems to be on every possible charity mailing list and so she’s always getting “free gifts” thanking her–or encouraging her to donate. Being resourceful, she’s always saved the goodies (stickers, address labels, etc.), and as far as I can think back I’ve loved opening the mailbox to find a letter or package from her with a little surprise lovingly tucked inside.

Even though she is much older and has trouble getting to the post office on her own these days, my grandma continues the tradition of stuffing envelopes with junk-mail treasures now for my kids and they look forward to getting letters from her as much as I did. The “free gifts” become a great source of “free entertainment” for them and they have the best time covering scratch papers with stickies, making pictures, and sometimes even cards to mail back to great-grandma!

Not only is it fun for them to get mail, it’s been fun for me to share the tradition and a bit of my childhood memories with them. Sharing the memorable experience, these junk-filled packages have become more than free gifts to us–they are priceless.

This time, as I was helping the kids open their latest mailbox goodie, there was a surprise for me too–a small slip of yellow paper tucked within. Assuming it was a letter from my grandma, there were indescribable feelings as I realized it was a handwritten note from my now-passed grandpa–a note grandma found as she’s been sorting through his earthly belongings. On the slip of yellow-lined paper, neatly written almost 30 years ago, was a blessing grandpa gave me as a newborn baby. The notepaper is worn on the creases, the pencil marks are fading, but the writing–his handwriting–is there, legible, and from him to me.

Reading the note, I can imagine my grandpa sitting at his desk, a small space cleared of the cuckoo clock parts he’s been assembling, as he ponders a new life–my new life–and what blessings he will bestow. Grandpa was a man of few words, but when he spoke, you listened, and so although the note is short and to the point, I listen and can feel his love for me.

Yes, this time, more than ever, my grandma’s junk-filled mail was truly priceless.

Filed Under: My Story

Sneak Peek

2011
5 Comments

One of the first of the projects I’m working on for my hoping-to-open-soon Etsy store. . .

Inspired by this post.

Let me know what you think. xoxo

Filed Under: My Designs

Yes Day

2011
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One of our favorite books lately is Yes Day, a story about one day of the year in which all of the main character’s requests are granted. Pizza for breakfast? Yes. Staying up late? Yes. Picking the cereal at the grocery store? Yes.

I believe saying “no” is definitely part of healthy parenting, and while my kids may not like it, I have the greater perspective to know established boundaries and reasonable nos are best for them, and best for our family.

Donuts for breakfast? No, that’s not a healthy choice.

Stay up late? No, your body is growing and you need more rest.

Dump every toy we own? I don’t think so! You need clean up as you go.

At the same time, I think there are way too many times I say “no” just because I’m not in the mood, it’s too messy, I’m tired, or busy.

My kids have been asking to have a “yes day” of their own lately, and so I thought spring break would be a good time to grant some wishes. The night before we made a list of everything they hoped to do and they certainly had a lot of requests! I set some boundaries though, and explained that while I was going to do the best I could to say “yes” to the things on their list, it was mommy’s “yes day” too, and so they needed to say “yes” to the things I asked of them as well. The day surprisingly went really well, and we had a very fun, very full day with few tantrums–a huge accomplishment for me with three children under age five.

Just a few highlights from our Yes Day:

Pizza and Popsicles for breakfast? Yes

Help mommy unload the dishwasher? Yes

Blow bubbles? Yes

Watch a movie? Yes

Go to Target and choose a new toy? Yes (with a $ limit)

Go to the fabric store with mommy (and not whine about it)? Yes (well, almost . . .)

Go to the park? Yes

Cooperate while mommy takes pictures? Yes

Play on the computer? Yes

Have a sword fight? Yes

Get Happy Meals? Yes (a BIG deal since we NEVER do this!!)

Go out for ice cream? Yes.

Sometimes I feel like the bad guy because I’m with them all day, enforcing rules, and then daddy comes home and saves the day with tickles and wrestles and romps. So it was good for me to have a day where I could be silly, and spoil a bit, and show them mommies can be fun too.

In fact I loved our day so much we may just make Yes Day an annual spring break tradition!

What about you? Are you a “yes” mom or a “no” mom? Is having a Yes Day something you’d like to try?

Filed Under: Mommy Moments

My To-Do List

2011
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Between the three little ones, all day I hear some version of,

“Mommy, will you. . .”

While I say my family is my “top priority,” all too often it’s easy for me to get caught up with my “to-do” list:  finish my e-mail/blog post, fold the laundry, wash the dishes, clip coupons, make dinner, work on my designs, return phone calls, plan my church lesson, etc. And then my kids get answers like. . .

I’ve been really bad about letting my list busy my day, and then missing the joy of my kids’ creativity and innocence. And I don’t want to be that kind of mom. Not that I’m necessarily the BEST mom, but since I am their mom, I want to be the best I can be and give them my presence rather than just presents. It’s part of my goal to “prosper” this year. Because I don’t want them to remember me as always being too busy.

A wise friend recently reminded me that there will be a day when they won’t want to play with me anymore and that they’ll be too old to think snuggling on the couch and watching cartoons is fun. And that I will miss this.

And really, who are we kidding? My “to-do” list is always LONG and rarely gets checked off. And there is always more work to do. It’s a hard lesson I’m learning, but I’m trying to be better at picking my battles, saying Y-E-S more than N-O, and showing  my family that they really are my priorities. I want to be better about adding THEM to my to-do list. More one-on-one time, more snuggles, more silly mommy.

Have you seen the book “Yes Day?” It’s one of my kiddos’ favorites. We had our own “yes day” last week during spring break. More details tomorrow! Have a happy Monday.

Friendly Faces by Jacque Larsen; He Said, She Said quote bubbles by me

Filed Under: Mommy Moments

Creativity is on Spring Break

2011
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This week I’ve been busy. . .

hanging out

hunting for dandelions

eating too many scoops of ice cream

chasing munchkins at the park

escaping the wrath of the evil pirate king

and working on some special secret projects!!!

Sneak peeks coming next week!!

Have a fantastic weekend!! xoxo

Filed Under: Mommy Moments

Group Freezer Cooking and OAMM Round-up

2011
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One day last week I got together with a couple friends for a group freezer cooking day. I do a lot of freezer cooking on my own, so it was fun to get together and share the task with friends. I mean, we all have to eat, and we all have to feed our families, so why not do it together?

Being our first time, we’ll likely make a few organizational changes for next time, but overall, it went really well. We each chose three recipes we wanted to make, and brought the ingredients to prepare those meals as well as our own freezer dishes. After a few hours of working we each came away with 11 meals (two of the recipes ended up making enough servings to divide into two meals). We were all tired, but felt so good about our success and it’s soooo nice to be able to grab an already prepared meal out of the freezer on a busy night. Getting together to cook was also a good way to share new recipes and try new foods to introduce to my family.

{chicken cordon blue bake}

It’s been a month since I started contributing posts at Once a Month Mom, and April is my first “solo” menu. Writing recipes and menus has been an interesting, challenging, growing experience for me, but as I have done so, I’ve become even more converted to freezer cooking. It definitely “works” for me and my family as it relieves most of the “dinnertime stress” I used to feel.

I thought I’d post a little round-up of what I’ve been posting in the past month in case you missed them. And definitely stay tuned because the upcoming menus are even better!

{homemade refried beans}

{teriyaki honey chicken}

{baked chicken and artichoke pasta with sundried tomatoes}

{artichoke bread}

{tacos in a sleeping bag}

This post will be linked to: Frugal Food Thursday @ Frugal Follies; Ultimate Recipe Swap @ Life as Mom; Things I Love @ Diaper Diaries

Filed Under: Freezer Cooking

Be a Light

2011
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We’re loving LOVING our chalkboard wall. It keeps the kids busy while I’m working in the kitchen and is perfect for making my to-do lists–or for doodling when I’m procrastinating my to-do list!

Right after I painted, the expanse of black wall seemed a bit much, so I created a piece of “art” to add a pop of color to the upper half of the wall and break to it up a bit. This way the little fries color on the lower portion and then I wipe down the wall after they go to bed to start the next day fresh.

The frame came from an old painting I thrifted. I was drawn to the details in the large frame and planned to replace the picture, but the glass broke before I got to it. Rather than throwing it away (who said a frame has to have glass?), I spray painted it and hung it on the kitchen wall to encase my doodles.

It’s a phrase that speaks to me and has been on my mind a lot lately.

We’ve lived in Kentucky for close to two years now, and have no plans to leave, yet I continue to struggle with living here. It’s a constant battle I have with myself–wondering where I fit in, wondering why the Lord sent us here. Because we feel we were sent here. But every time I ponder the reason we are here and not close to our families or in a bigger city, at a higher paying job, or whatever I feel a need to complain about that day, I have the same feeling, the same thought:

“Be a Light.”

I’m in love with trendy, cute, artwork and decor–and used to look at a lot of home magazines. But lately it feels more like home to me when we are surrounded by things we love, that have meaning to us, and that help tell our family story. And so while I still love browsing those magazines I’m not so worried anymore about my decor being magazine-worthy, trendy, or perfect–as long as it reflects us.

In this case, my decor gives me a daily reminder to flip on my switch.

What I'm Making Monday

Filed Under: Decor, Thrifting

I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go

2011
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When Jared approached graduation we applied to every job opening we could find. The economy continued to struggle and many of his previously graduated friends were still unemployed. We were expecting our third baby and I was scared. But we prayed–hard, and had faith in a higher plan.

We wanted to stay close to our family. College had taken us far from them and we wanted our kids to grow up close to their grandparents. But we also knew we needed a job and so as each opening became available–farther and farther from our hometowns on the west coast, we just took a deep breath and prayed we would be sent to the best place for our family.

We never expected it would be Kentucky, especially not a tiny rural town. We even had to refresh our 5th grade geography skills to find out where our new home would be. But when the job offer came, we immediately knew it was right. We had no idea WHY it was right, just that our prayers had been answered, and so we packed up our children and a U-haul, and moved 2,000 miles away.

We met a new neighbor this weekend. She grew up here, raised her family here, and her kids are raising their families here. She was amazed that we would move so far away from “home.” It was hard to explain, just that we are where we are supposed to be.

I’ll go where you want me to go . . . .

{A peek at something I’m working on}

Filed Under: My Story

How I Recovered the Data on my Hard Drive

2011
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I wasn’t really planning on sharing this, but have had quite a few people ask for details so I decided to do a little “tutorial” of sorts on how I recovered the data on my “dead” hard drive.

I never planned to share details because I don’t really know what I’m doing and am definitely not a techy! So, if you are, this data recovery method will probably make you cringe and I suggest you go ahead and look away. :)  BUT, if you have a “dead” drive and are willing to risk $2o to hopefully retrieve your documents, this may be a solution for you.

First off, all credit goes to Rebecca who read of my hard drive drama and sent me an e-mail. She had a similar situation and had been able to retrieve her data with the use of an ADAPTER. Her husband (the techy) said I wouldn’t know if the adapter would work on my hard drive unless I tried. But since I stupidly had no backup, and the CHEAPEST data recovery quote I could find was in the hundreds, I decided $19.99 was worth the risk.

This is the adapter I purchased:

The first thing I did was open up the hard case of the drive. It was a bit tricky and I didn’t want to break the case so I ended up finding a youtube video that gave me some tips on opening the case without breaking it. How to open the case will probably vary by brand.

Next I carefully pulled off the green piece (see how technical this tutorial is?!).

Then I plugged the adapter cords into the hard drive. The adapter didn’t come with instructions, so it did take me a minute to figure out where to plug everything, but wasn’t too bad.

Then I took a deep (terrified) breath and plugged the USB cable into my laptop.

And CRIED when my hard drive popped up on the computer screen, recognized the same as it had before the “malfunction.” Now that I’m able to get to my files, I can transfer them to another drive.

If you are wondering if this method will work for you, Rebecca’s husband said you won’t know unless you try, however, (maybe this will help you decide to try?) if the boot sector (where hard drive “starts” and tells the computer what files to get to work) died, then this adapter should work. If it was the the bearings in the hard drive that went though, and the disk inside doesn’t spin, you won’t be able to get to your files.

I hope this helps someone! Let me know if you give it a try! :)

(Just to let you know, this post does contain an affiliate link, and so I do make a little bit if you purchase directly from here. I’m very grateful if you do as it helps me keep this site running, but understand if you aren’t comfortable.)

Filed Under: Tutorial

Creativity Captured: Artist Tara Put

2011

Creativity Captured is a regular feature in which I spend some time introducing artists, crafters, and bloggers I look up to, am inspired by, and feel have “captured” creativity.

Remember me sharing this darling octopus print?

“This octopus has a busy schedule today: first, some floating, then some laziness. Finally, a bit more floating and a nap! Hope he doesn’t get too tired from having so many things planned!”

I discovered The Lazy Octopus when I was having one of those mojo-lost, winter-blah days. The print description spoke to my tired soul and I love the thought of having so much to do, and even having the ability to do it (some days, I wouldn’t argue about having eight arms!), but just taking the time to ”float” and do nothing. And so, like the octopus, that day, I did!

After discovering the the artist of The Lazy Octopus had an Etsy store full of other ADORABLE artwork, I asked Tara Put to come and share some things about herself and so here she is! Whooop!!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am from Calgary, but currently live in Edmonton, AB, where I am doing my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. I have been married for almost three years. My husband placed 2nd at the National Barista Competition, so I drink the best coffee around.

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from a lot of places. I have worked with kids for years, and they are always inspiring. I also am inspired by nature, and by other artists’ work, as well as by the materials I am using.

What famous person would you love to meet?

Hmmm… I am not sure!

If you won $100, what would you buy?
Probably clothes. I have a great love for a good pair of jeans.

What is your best selling print?

Probably “The Staring Contest” or “Fields.”

What do you do in your “spare” time?

In my spare time, I spend time with my husband and our families, make things, eat my husband’s delicious cooking, study, study, study!! and read.

I almost don’t want to tell you this next part and just keep it for myself, haha, BUT Tara is generously giving away one print of the winner’s CHOICE from her Etsy shop!! To enter, go visit her shop and then come back and tell us which print you would choose if selected!! Giveaway ends Monday, April 4th.

And to find more of Tara, be sure to visit her on Facebook, Etsy, or Spoonflower Fabrics.

Filed Under: Creativity Captured

How to Make Homemade Refried Beans

2011
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A few months ago I was invited to Mexican-native, Marta’s home, early one morning where she spent all day teaching a few friends and me how to make traditional Mexican dishes such as chicken and pork tamales, and refried beans. She spoke only a few words of English, and I speak even less Spanish, however–food has a way of bridging cultural gaps and our communication never lacked.

Later that night we had a Mexican Fiesta at our church. The food was impressive and tasted AMAZING, the entertainment kept us laughing all night, and the hand-made piñatas were a smashing success ;) .

Before Marta taught me how to make refried beans, canned beans were always a cheap staple in my pantry. But now that I know how EASY (and inexpensive) making refried beans can be, I’ve been making my own.

If you come visit me at Once a Month Mom today, I’m sharing my healthified recipe, and freezer tips! YES, these beans freeze well! And a bag of dried beans (which costs about the same as a can of refried beans!) makes a huge batch, so you can freeze them in portions. It’s super handy to be able to grab the beans out of the freezer and just reheat a portion for a quick side dish, burrito filling, nacho dip, etc. In fact, yesterday I got together with a couple of friends for a big freezer cooking day and one of the meals our menu was freezer burritos stuffed with homemade refried beans, taco meat, and cheese. They are individually wrapped so I can easily grab one (or more) out of the freezer for a quick lunch or dinner. Love having “convenience” foods on hand!

See you at Once a Month Mom!

Filed Under: Freezer Cooking

How to Build a Children’s Book Collection {tip one}

2011
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How to Build a Children’s Book Collection: Tip One

(Alternatively titled: Avoiding the Grocery Store Variety)

When I was studying to become an elementary teacher my favorite college professor taught how to spot quality children’s lit and encouraged us to avoid the “grocery store garbage.” “Grocery store garbage,” she defined, are those books (usually containing popular cartoon characters) you can buy at the grocery store checkout.

Now I can’t say I 100% keep to this advice, especially since I have kids who love cartoons as much as anyone, however–I do strictly limit them.

Why avoid these books? I mean, a book is a book, right?

Unfortunately, not all children’s books are created equally, and I can honestly say from observing my own kids and their reading habits, after one reading–those cartoon characters typically end with the dust under the bed, while the books with strong literary elements (characters, plot), fun illustrations, or humor are the tattered, re-read books I find tucked in their beds at night.

While I don’t think there’s any harm in humoring the love of Dora or Thomas the Tank Engine a bit, overall, my tip {number one} in building a children’s book collection, is to stick to good stories rather than grocery store checkout selections.

Filed Under: Reading Fun

Building the Book collection

2011
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My favorite class in college was Children’s Literature. I grew up loving to read, but taking that class sealed the deal for me and even before our kids were born I’d collected a huge stash of children’s books. When we had a few extra dollars, Jared (my studdly English major) and I used to take breaks from our homework to go to the local thrift store and browse the books. He often came away with 2-3 classic novels, and I came away with a stack of picture books.

My enthusiasm must have rubbed off as the book section is the first place my kids want to search when we go thrifting. We’ve built quite a collection!

Tomorrow I’ll share some tips and suggestions on what to add when building a children’s book collection, but for now, an Etsy print I’m LOVING.

Have a great Tuesday!

Filed Under: Reading Fun

Permission to Draw on the Wall

2011
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Since my little artists seem to think the wall is the best canvas anyway, and since I’m about to lose my mind with these flat painted walls that drawings do not come off of . . .

I went a bit bold and repainted this weekend.

I sometimes struggle with the balance between fostering my kids’ creativity and setting limits, and so I hesitated for a minute, wondering if chalkboard paint would encourage more drawing on other walls, or if it would contain it. In the end I decided to just set some boundaries, go for it, and see how it goes. I mean, it’s JUST paint, nothing permanent. (Quite a surprise to Jared when he came home from work though! Turns out he LOVES it and went right to work adding his own bit of wisdom to the wall.)

Naptime is golden around here and I was able to get the wall painted in just under two hours thanks to an edger. How I’ve never known about this blessed tool I’ll never know. Best $5 I spent though and I see more painting in my near future. (Some of you may be wondering what’s up with me painting the walls of my rental house. . .yes, we did get permission and our landlords curse the flat paint just as much as we do.)

(Ok, I kind of like doodling on the wall too!)

My kids love, love, love the new kitchen wall and I think it’s going to be a good thing, especially  at the evil dinner hour, because (are your kids like this?) they want to be wherever I am, so they follow me around the kitchen, but then they tend to get bored and whiny while I’m doing dinner, dishes, etc. This way they can still be where I am, but will be busy doing their own thing.

(Best part about this for me is that he’s wearing a raccoon hat!)

Filed Under: Decor

Creativity Captured: Jenni Price Illustration

2011
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Play with your food? Pretty sure you’ll want to after meeting Jenni of Jenni Price Illustration. I recently discovered Jenni’s blog and after picking my jaw up off the rug and wiping the drool off the keyboard, sent her an e-mail asking if I could feature her and her adorable food art in my new “series,” Creativity Captured. And was thrilled when she said yes!

See why?!!!!? (Hang on, there’s WAY more!)

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a wife and a stay-at-home mom and when my kids are in school, I love making them art pancakes for an after school snack. My college degree is in animation so with that as my art background, I especially enjoy creating colorful, whimsical characters for them. I usually try to have a Biblical theme each week and I really love being able to use my art pancakes as a way to teach my children about the Lord. What started out as something fun for them has become a super fun and creative outlet for me too.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I’m most inspired by artwork for animation, children’s books, anything colorful, and whimsical characters. I keep a sketchbook in/or nearby the kitchen so that I can draw ideas when they come to me. My creativity works best though when I’m actively doing something (such as cooking, folding laundry, talking to my kids…etc).
Describe a typical lunch or snack time at your house.
If my kids know that I made them art pancakes for snack, we generally race each other inside the house. They run because they’re excited to see them and I run because I don’t want to miss their reaction. Sometimes they play a little with them if they look like animals or something and my daughter (who loves art) occasionally draws a picture of her pancake.
Do you have picky eaters and if so, how do you introduce new foods to them?
My son is a very picky eater and pancakes are one of his favorite foods. When he was younger (before I started making art pancakes), I would hide fruit in his pancakes. I made them for him every day and one time I got carried away and put pineapple in them. Well, he realized it and was not happy about it! It took awhile for him to forget about that. So now I just started putting fruit in my art pancakes and we’ll see if he figures it out. I just won’t put pineapple in them!
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Speed for sure! If I was faster at everything, then I could get my chores done quickly, pick up the house immediately after the kids mess it up and have more time for fun things!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
When my grandma (who was a great watercolor artist) passed away, I was given her art books. Tucked inside one of them was a note in her handwriting which is very special to me. It says, “Don’t think in terms of being better than someone else, but think in terms of being the best that you can be.”

THANK YOU so much Jenni! I absolutely adore you and your art, love, love, love that you keep a sketchpad nearby, and the advice your grandma left is priceless. I think you truly have “creativity captured” and I want to be a mom like you!

Find more of Jenni on her blog or Etsy store.

Filed Under: Creativity Captured

Box of 64

2011
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Total impulse buy, but in the midst of picking up milk and eggs (and FREE after coupon pasta and canned tomatoes!), and while the kids were munching on their cookie (praise that blessed cookie lady!!), I added a box of 64 to my cart. Sometimes mommies need a treat at the grocery store too. Or at least that’s how I justified it. lol

When was the last time I owned my own box of crayons???? Third grade? Maybe? Not to say I don’t color, oh, I do–daily, but it’s usually with the kids and their broken stubs.

Putting the new crayons to use coloring file folder games for “quiet bags” at church. . . . A little helper snuck her way in, so I have a feeling I’ll be sharing these new crayons. lol

Do you “treat” yourself when at the grocery store? What’s your indulgence?

Filed Under: Keeping Life Creative

Sidewalk Doodles

2011
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As I was cleaning the kitchen after breakfast this morning I noticed Miss E was missing and after a brief investigation discovered she’d snuck outside with some sidewalk chalk.

One thing I’m trying to learn is that dishes can wait, but her childhood won’t.

It’s not always easy for this mama to set aside her mile-long to-do list, but believing there will be a time when I miss this, my bare feet also became covered in chalk dust, the sidewalk was filled with doodles, and it felt good to spend some one-on-one time with my middle child.

I want to teach my kids–especially my girls, to find healthy ways to express their feelings. I want them to feel safe using their imaginations, to not worry about what color the “real world” says things are, and to be confident enough to do the things they LOVE and that make them HAPPY.

And I hope that as I teach them, I will discover the same applies to me as well.

Filed Under: Keeping Life Creative, Mommy Moments

The more I know

2011
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When Jared finished graduate school he declared, “The more I know, the more I know I don’t know.”

Isn’t it so true that when we are young we think we know it all and that there couldn’t be anything more but as we get older we start to realize there is always so much more to life, so much more to learn, to know, to do.

Wanna see what I learned today?

How to take apart my “dead” hard drive and hook up this mess of wires to retrieve my files. And this “data” recovery only cost me $20, yo. (Please excuse the weird shine from the vinyl table cover.) See, always so much to learn!

Happy, happy day.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Love Life and Learning

2011
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When I was a kid we didn’t have TV, video games weren’t allowed, the computer was used for typing, and we read. A lot. My parents weren’t big on formal education, but they did try to cultivate our interests through books and hands-on experiences. My siblings and I learned pieces of history through biographies and historical fiction, science through trips to the tide pool and museum. I remember having questions about volcanoes and being accompanied to the non-fiction section of the library and then to have the curiosity fostered as we built a gigantic volcano structure and “blew it up” with a mixture of red food coloring, vinegar, and baking soda.

In third grade when I expressed interest in entering a library-sponsored writing contest, my parents read and re-read my drafts, patiently coached me, and then hastily drove me across town to turn in my entry–literally minutes before the deadline. In fact, no joke–the librarian had just locked the door and was walking out to her car when we pulled up to deliver my story. She was compassionate though, and said she would be happy to add it to the submissions. I won first place and learned more through that childhood experience than I think I would have through a traditional English class.

This weekend I had the opportunity to speak to the women at church on “loving life and learning.” Preparing for that as well as making the recent decision to put our son in school has given me the chance to do a lot of pondering on the subject of education and learning. These days as I’m writing the sequel to the story of my life, I can see a lot of value in my parents’ beliefs of learning through books and experiences. I vary a bit in their philosophies as I’m a firm believer and supporter of receiving a formal education, but I also believe learning doesn’t start and shouldn’t stop there.

Right now while I’m in the season of my life where I’ve stepped away from the workplace to raise my children, I think it’s wise for me to continually be learning. I think it sets an example for my kids, but it also helps me as a mom. I learn SO much from reading blogs, online articles, and even taking an occasional online class. It’s good for me to be familiar with child development so I can better recognize the growing needs of my children. I know it benefits our family as I take the time to learn how to live more frugally whether it be by couponing, freezer cooking, thrifting, or eliminating debt so that we are more easily able to live on our one [not so big] income.  And having found hobbies that fulfill me helps me look for more moments of joy in this life.

On Facebook I curiously asked what books you’re reading right now. I’m always looking for a good read, and would love more suggestions. And you can see what I’m reading right now too!

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Filed Under: My Story
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