So Not a Supermom

apologies again!

2010-04-16T09:56:00.003-05:00

Life is busy...I know I need to make more time to get on here but I just don't have it lately. I have one kid that stays up late (she's so my daughter) but that leaves me with little "mommy sanity" time at night. My son wakes up BEFORE my alarm clock even goes off to get up and take him to school. Needless to say I am one tired mama!
I need to make myself more a priority (I have made this same pledge 10,000 times) and do the things that I enjoy (aka stress reliever) but I am such a mom and always put myself last.

Vent, Rant, Rave
I have been miss negative lately....my favorite thing (meaning object..no I am not saying I love something more than my family) is my sewing/embroidery machine. This is how I make extra money for the family and I also LOVE sewing, creating in general. But lately it's turning on me...It keeps jamming and has broken 8 needles in the past week!! I have had this machine 2 years and have only been through 15 needles it's entire life and now 8 in one week!?!?!? Also when I monogram it's bailing out TONS of extra top thread and ripping fabrics. ARGHHHH
I have read all the troubleshooting things...it must be male b/c it only works when it "feels" like it.
Yesterday I had to make two bows for a friend with her daughter's first initial ONE STINKIN LETTER! I did the first one no problems....then the second one it snagged, broke a needle, activated the safety device, broke another needle etc... you get the idea. A simple little project that should have taken me 5 minutes took 40 minutes and I only got one bow done!!

Sorry had to vent! My hubby could care less about all things sewing

Getting to know you...

2010-03-22T13:52:00.002-05:00

So I just found this blog on another blog I read frequently and thought it looked like lots of fun so had to give it a try! It's supposed to be on Sundays but since I was on here fixing to do my MPM I thought I would do this too!

The questions..

1. What year did you graduate high school?
1995

2. What part of your body do you neglect the most?
thighs

3. Beach house or Lake house?
lake house...I am a fair skinned redhead...beaches and I don't mix

4. Mac or PC?
we are a house divided! I am a PC girl but my hubby is a Mac guy so we have a corner desk with both of them side by side

5. Did you wear braces?
nope

6. If you could be one person for a day..living or deceased..who would you be?
Reese Witherspoon I would love to just hang out with her being a fellow southern girl and a mom

7. How many times have you moved in your life?
oh goodness probably 13 or 14 but all around Memphis area

8. Would you rather cook or clean?
COOK COOK COOK

If you want to play too copy/paste the questions and then list them on MannLand5's blogroll

MPM

2010-03-15T11:22:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile I know but I am trying to get back on track here! Back in January my hubby switched to working nights and so our bigger meal of the day was lunch before he went into work. Then the kids and I would just do soup/sandwiches for dinner.
Then in February we stopped homeschooling and sent Parker back to public school so the only time we truly have meals together is on the weekends! Hence me not making elaborate meals much at all (ok so I have never really made elaborate meals but anyway)

This week is spring break so we are actually having lunches all together again!

Monday - Meatball subs & Pineapple
This is my son's new fav0rite meal and it's quick and easy which is a bonus for me!

Tuesday - Taco Pie

Wednesday - White Beans with Smoked Sausage
Soak the white beans overnight drain and rinse
Put into crockpot with chicken stock and beef seasoning (I use Lawry's)
Chop up smoked sausage and add
Cook 4 hours on high (but be sure to stir occasionally and check to see about adding more water/chicken stock) or 6-8 hours on low
I also make cornbread or corn muffins right before I serve

Thursday - Chicken Monterrey Potatoes & Green Beans
marinate chicken in Italian dressing (I usually do this overnight)
Put chicken in a 9X9 baking dish I usually add a little more dressing. Cook 20 minutes on 350
Top chicken with Monterrey Jack cheese and cook another few minutes to melt the cheese
I cook usually roast the potatoes (new potatoes cut up spread out and topped with olive oil and salt/pepper) and do the green beans with a little Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese

Friday - Tortilla pizzas

Saturday - going out for a family dinner!

Sunday - at the inlaws

Boy did I get off easy this week! Get more recipes and menu planning ideas here

such a slacker

2010-03-11T11:07:00.003-06:00

Life has been crazy...I mean all the time to get on here and blog...especially MPM but life has been crazy!
I wanted to get back on track with the New Year and here it is March 11th and i am finally sitting down to do this!

Menu Planning Monday

2009-10-27T15:55:00.003-05:00

Monday....oh wait it's Tuesday since I am a slacker lately! Life has been very busy and was at the doctor for over 4 hours yesterday getting all kinds of tests run still trying to figure out what is going on with my daughter! Hence I never posted yesterday! (I am just ignoring the fact I never posted last week)

I actually plan my menus every Thursday to grocery shop on Fridays (hubby's payday) so I am going to start listing my menus Sat - Friday since I don't always know what I am making next weekend!!

Saturday - went out to eat since we were going to Zoo Boo at the Memphis Zoo!

Sunday - Spaghetti
Ground turkey and used whole wheat fettuccine pasta

Monday - Taco Bar

Crockpot Tuesday - White Beans and Smoked Sausage
soaked beans overnight then rinsed and threw in the crockpot with chicken broth and cut up smoked sausage sprinkled with some lawry's seasoning
Also made Sally Lunn bread in the bread machine

Wednesday - Chicken Noodle soup
Once again in the crockpot Chicken broth (I use the fit & active in a box from Aldi) cube up chicken, frozen veggie mix and a few fun spices. Let simmer all day and then the last 30 minutes before dinner throw in a bag of egg noodles

Thursday - Chef Salads
chop up lettuce, boil eggs, chop up whatever lunchmeat is on hand, whatever veggies I have then set up a salad bar

Friday - Chicken Parm Sandwiches
Grill chicken breasts then top with (leftover) spaghetti sauce and some mozzarella cheese on a hamburger bun
Baked french fries

what we are eating this week or Menu Planning Monday

2009-10-12T13:10:00.003-05:00

It's Monday again...where did this week fly? It's also that time of year where allergies kill me so I am all kinds of stopped up and full of sinus pressure! Find more great menu planning ideas here
Since I am feeling all blah I am keeping it easy this week (not that most weeks are hard or anything) i.e lots of crockpot cooking! Slow Cooker Liners are my best friend!!

Monday - Chili and homemade bread
Cooking chili with ground turkey in the crockpot

Tuesday - Pork Chops potatoes and green beans
Cut up potatoes and throw along with the green beans in the crockpot. Add chicken broth to cover. Season pork chops (I am using cajun seasoning this time) and place on top

Wednesday - Italian chicken broccoli and homemade bread
EASY recipe....boneless skinless chicken breast in the crockpot
Cover with Italian dressing and a few shakes of parmesan cheese viola!
I will just steam the broccoli a little before dinnertime

Thursday - Spaghetti with sausage
Whole wheat pasta, homemade tomato sauce (I always make a double batch and freeze half)
Also I am don't like tomatoes but eat it usually once a week in spaghetti sauce b/c I love my family. I read in this month's Kraft Kitchens mag about adding a little cream cheese and basil to make a creamy basil sauce. I tried this last week just in my bowl and it was YUMMY!!

Friday - Taco Night

Saturday - Chef Salads

Sunday - going to the in laws

Hope everyone has a great week! Thanks for reading!

MPM

2009-10-05T16:04:00.002-05:00

So glad that it's starting to turn cooler so I can get to making soups and fun meals in the crockpot!

Here is what we are having this week and also go here for many more ideas!!

Monday - Potato Soup with bacon

Tuesday - going to CiCi's Pizza for my son's 8th birthday (we let him pick and since pizza is his favorite food he picked this...mainly for the dessert pizza)

Wednesday - spaghetti
Whole Wheat Penne with spaghetti sauce and homemade meatballs

Thursday - Breakfast
Pancakes and Turkey Bacon

Friday - Crescent Hot Dogs homemade macaroni and cheese
Used the $1 off Pillsbury Crescent Rolls coupon

Saturday - Taco Bar
Ground Turkey meat, soft and hard shells and all the fixins

Sunday - Vegetable Soup in the crockpot

Hope everyone has a great week....I am feeling rather old having my baby turn 8 this week!

Birthday Celebrations Weekend

2009-10-04T21:19:00.002-05:00

I am Exhausted (with a capital E)
Parker is turning 8 on Tuesday and all he wanted partywise was to have his best friend spend the night and order pizza. I was excited since that meant less money and less planning on my part! We decided to have a small party at our house just for the grandparents and aunts/uncle/cousins in town.
The boys stayed up until midnight...quite humorous as this was the MAJOR goal of the night. I got them to lay down a watch a movie in their sleeping bags about 10:30 and they kept waking each other up whenever one of them would start closing their eyes! My son kept asking "How much longer until midnight?" I got so sick of this question but boys will be boys...so finally it was midnight. They jumped up and down in delight! They could now say they stayed up until midnight
Best part of the night was they were both asleep by 12:08! Cracked me up!

I will soon post pics of the little get together and what turned out to be adorable (if I do say so myself) XBox controller button cupcakes

Monday...

2009-09-28T12:35:00.002-05:00

It's that time of the week again....sorry I missed last week craziness ensued again.

Here is what we are having this week for dinner! Go here for many more menu planning ideas

Monday - Teriakyi Chicken with brown rice
Thrown chicken, teriakyi sauce, and crushed pineapple in the crockpot then make brown rice right before ready to serve also steaming some broccoli to get some green veggies in

Tuesday - Taco Pie casserole
Cook ground beef/turkey add taco seasoning, cut up tortillas (I usually use corn and use my pizza cutter) into strips place in bottom of 9x9 casserole dish, then layer taco meat, refried beans, shredded cheese (taco blend is yummy) then do another layer of tortillas and so on....until you reach the top then cook about 20 min just to warm up beans and melt the cheese

Wednesday - dinner at church

Thursday - Chicken fried rice
Making extra brown rice on Monday to get cold in the fridge to use
There are many recipes for this online I just cook an egg in the wok and remove...then cook cut up chicken breast, add frozen veggies, and when chicken is cooked add the rice and soy sauce just keep stirring then add back in the egg (chopped up)

Friday - homemade pizza
Make pizza dough in the breadmaker roll out and let everyone top their part with whatever goodies they want

Saturday - turkey burgers with roasted new potatoes

Sunday - not sure yet...I know I am a slacker but we will probably have leftovers or sandwiches etc...

Lunch with the Ladies

2009-09-17T09:21:00.002-05:00

I am very excited about today! A friend from my high school youth group is coming in town. We haven't seen each other much over the years b/c she hasn't lived here in Memphis in quite awhile! We keep up with each other through facebook and I went to her wedding shower last year. There were 4 of us girls that used to do everything together! The last time the four of us were together Parker was about 1 1/2 and Julie was pregnant with her first (Parker is now almost 8 and her son is in 1st grade) It's been awhile!
Sherrill is in town and Julie is driving up from Little Rock so we are all having lunch today! Turns out I was the only one bringing kids so I called up my mom to see if she could watch them and of course she will never pass up the chance to spend time with her wonderful grandkids!
I GET TO GO TO A KIDLESS LUNCH WITH OLD (ok not old in age since we are all staying 29) FRIENDS and I am way too excited about it!

Menu Planning Monday

2009-09-14T15:19:00.003-05:00

Here is the menu this week Find many more menus here

Monday - Spaghetti with sausage
whole wheat penne, tomato sauce, sausage, homemade Italian bread

Tuesday - Chicken Pot Pie
quick to put together the kids love to help with this one and YUMMY

Wednesday - dinner at church
Taco Night

Thursday - Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo salads
I know pasta twice in one week but I don't like tomatoes and I do spaghetti 3-4 times a month the family can have pasta the way I like it every once in awhile
Doing it the cheaters way....Alfredo sauce from a jar and cooking up the chicken in a skillet

Friday - Bacon Cheeseburger Roll
Yummy and a fun alternative from pizza

Saturday - Chef Salads
Chopped up lettuce, cut up tomatoes, boiled eggs, turkey lunchmeat, (and I am going to cook some extra bacon to crumble up on Friday night) let everyone make their own salad

Sunday - Fish Stick Tacos
Little bit healthier way to eat fish sticks and my kids love these! We use salsa and lettuce on them

craziness that is my life

2009-09-12T09:54:00.002-05:00

We have been very busy lately and I have been neglecting my blog! So sorry blog...see further proof I am not a Supermom!
I have been busy making bows and monogramming like crazy! It's a total blessing that I am getting so many orders and I still want to set up my etsy shop I set up the account for like 3 months ago! (pictures were too big and I can't figure out how to size them but working on it I promise)

Homeschooling started back a few weeks ago and it's going well BUT Parker has already set in on the "doing the least amount he can as quick as he can" mode. Everyday it's a struggle to get him to do all his work! VERY frustrating! Everyday it's "can we just skip Math?" or "Why do I have to read this AND do worksheets about it?" While I keep my cool trying to explain YET AGAIN that we are required to do 4 hours a day (this has NEVER happened) and to be content with the 2ish we do. If he was back in public school he would be there for 7 hours...granted most of that is waiting in line to go to the bathroom or go to lunch or go home but still....
Just a little Saturday morning vent!

Happy Birthday to my Mom and hope everyone has a great week!

Monday...

2009-08-31T13:13:00.004-05:00

I can't believe I went another week without posting anything between Mondays! Busy week still getting back into the swing of things with school. Also started speech therapy with Lyndee and it's totally the middle of our day and I am so scared I am going to forget it completely one of these days! Last week I remembered 20 minutes before it started...luckily we live 3 minutes away!

On to the good stuff...our menu!
I ROCKED the budget this week...using coupons to get a few things at Walmart (two items I got paid for) and then only spent $26 for the week at Aldi. All in all I came in $10 under my $50 a week budget!

Monday - breakfast turkey bacon, biscuits, eggs
the kids have been begging and I have to admit it's quick easy and yummy so I don't mind!

Tuesday - enchiladas
we were supposed to have this last week but I ended up doing like tostadas with the corn tortillas so I still had plenty tortillas and the enchilada sauce left

Wednesday - New potatoes with soups
Jeff has Chili on his and I have broccoli cheese soup on mine! The kids usually have some "character soup" on nights like this (Campbell's soups)

Thursday - playground with the kids
Jeff is getting more work done on his tattoo so I am taking the kids to a restaurant with a playground so we can burn off some energy!!

Friday - hot dogs baked french fries and fruit
Another quick and easy meal but I had a B1G1 coupon and got these great sounding Angus hotdogs so figured we would grill out

Saturday - Spaghetti homemade Italian bread
what would a week of me posting on here without spaghetti be?
I always "mix it up" this week I am doing homemade meatballs, whole wheat rigatoni, and adding some pesto to the sauce

Sunday - BBQ Chicken corn, green beans
grilling out. Doing corn on the cob in foil packets with butter and cajun seasoning. Green beans in a foil packet cooked with butter and bacon. I will probably do some bread in the bread machine too

Hope everyone has a great week!!

what we are eating this week

2009-08-24T10:02:00.003-05:00

It's Monday again....where did the weekend fly? Lyndee had her 3 year old check up and got a fly shot on Friday so our weekend was not very fun! She was miserable!!
Here's what we are eating this week. Find many more menu planning ideas at orgjunkie.com

Monday - Oven Fried Chicken corn green beans and homebaked french bread
haven't tried this before but going to try it tonight!

Tuesday - Enchiladas refried beans
using ground turkey and corn tortillas

Wednesday - Spaghetti homebaked Italian bread
yes I know it's a weekly thing but it's my hubby's favorite meal and the kids ask for seconds so we have it a lot!
This week sausage as the meat and using whole wheat penne noodles

Thursday - breakfast
Pancakes, turkey bacon and maybe eggs (see what I feel like by Thursday)

Friday - Chicken Lo Mein
I am adding broccoli this time hoping the kids won't notice shhhh

Saturday - homemade pizzas

Sunday - going to the in laws

My baby is 3!!!

2009-08-19T16:59:00.005-05:00

My little Lyndee turned 3 on Monday! I can't believe it...seems like yesterday we were finally able to bring out little 4 lb. 14 oz 8 day old baby home from the hospital!

We had a Dora/Diego party on Sunday with family and a few friends! I got her a pink shirt (which of course I monogrammed) and a cute orange skirt so she could be Dora!

I did a cupcake tree with Dora rings on top, we made yellow bracelets like Dora with pony beads, and all Lyndee cared about was presents presents presents!!

Here is her opening a few of them with the help of her cousin Whitney, friend Ella, and her Nana

She got tons of goodies including some PJs for her "Hello Kitty" (technically mine that the kids got me for Mother's Day but she's taken it over)
Here is a pic with her in her new PJs along with Hello Kitty on her birthday eve!

Here are the favor bags I made for all the girls (Parker was the only boy there and he was too cool for monogramming

Fun was had by all and now I have to work on Parker's 8th birthday party which is in 6 weeks....whew

Birthday weekend

2009-08-14T08:48:00.003-05:00

My little girl turns 3 on Monday! I can't believe it. I honestly feel like she was just in my tummy!
We are having a Dora/Diego party (shocker I know) and she's getting the concept a little! We have been singing Happy Birthday all week and she blows "out the candles" at the end of the song. Also we have been practicing saying thank you after each present. She kept going to get some of her presents out of the closet (my oh so smart hiding place) so I had to go ahead and wrap everything and they have been on top of the entertainment center since. She keeps pointing them them saying "mine". So she kind of knows what's going on!
We are having the family that is in town and then one of our good friends with 3 girls that Lyndee adores over for the party! Small and sweet but has to be that way in our little house! Which reminds me I should be cleaning the house "company worthy" yes there is a difference in cleaning levels....instead of sitting here typing!

Menu Planning Monday

2009-08-10T15:46:00.004-05:00

Well it's Monday again...time to post the menu Get many more MPMs here

Monday - Chicken N Dumplins
I have never made these before but thought I would try! I am using this Cracker Barrel recipe so I will let everyone know how it turns out! This is a family fav so I better not screw it up!

Tuesday - Steaks with Potatoes and Green Beans CROCKPOT NIGHT
I am using some more of those "free mini steaks from Schwann's" but this time in the crockpot.

Wednesday - Dinner at my parent's house (finger foods..yes it's a pun)
It's a surprise dinner for my dad...it's the anniversary of him having two fingers amputated (long story I will get into some other time) and he jokes on the 12th of every month about where is his card or anniversary present so now for the one year anniversary my sister and I are surprising him with an anniversary party!! If you know my family, especially my dad, you will totally understand this whole thing!

Thursday - Sausage Roll Pizza and salads
Get a french bread loaf (I use the one in the can or make dough in my breadmaker)
Cook sausage (you can also use pepperoni, ground beef, whatever other pizza topping you like) Drain.
Mix in a bag of shredded mozzerella cheese, fresh parsley and a handful of bread crumbs...mix until cheese is melted then on the laid out bread dough scoop mixture down the middle then ROLL the dough! Cook according to regular bread instructions

Friday - Chicken Parm Sandwiches baked french fries
Cook Chicken Patties put on a bun topped with cheese and tomato sauce
Couldn't be easier

Saturday - breakfast
Pancakes and turkey bacon

Sunday - My little Lyndee's 3rd birthday party is today! Haven't figured out dinner yet!

Hope everyone has a great week!! I have been busy as heck trying to get everything ready to start homechooling next week!! On top of throwing a birthday party Sunday and getting the house ready!

Getting Back in the swing of School things

2009-08-07T08:36:00.002-05:00

This weekend is tax free here in Tennessee for Back to School stuff!
I have gone through everything seeing what all we need for the school year! The only big thing I need to buy is a dry erase board! I didn't buy one last year since we started the school year in the middle and just went with what we had but I think it's going to be a big help and lots of fun to be able to write spelling words, practice math etc...
Also Office Max is doing some great specials (as is everywhere else) I am going today to get some 1 cent Sharpies 12 cent rulers and 5 cent folders and notebooks!
Gotta love those deals!

Monday......

2009-08-03T12:35:00.002-05:00

This is getting repetitive lately since I haven't been posting much besides MPMs but still I am getting those done! woohoo
Getting everything ready for a new year of homeschooling so we have been busy!

Here's what I am cooking this week! Check out tons more menu planning ideas here

Monday - Frito Chili Pie
My hubby lived in Texas for a few years so this is one of his favorites! I always make a double batch of chili and freeze half so this is a QUICK meal! Just reheat chili, put fritos in the bottom of the bowl, add chili, and top with cheese (I usually put a dallop of sour cream on mine if I have some on hand)

Tuesday - Pineapple Chicken Broccoli
Crockpot Tuesday..everyone should know this by now! I love crockpot cooking
Put chicken in crockpot top with teriakyi sauce and crushed pineapple in a can and viola!

Wednesday - Brats, corn, and green beans (mini corn dogs for the kids)
Grilling out Bratwursts on the grill, then doing some cajun corn/green beans and baking some mini corn dogs for the kids since they aren't thrilled with brats to quote my son "this is a funky tasting hot dog"

Thursday - Taco Night and refried beans
Ground turkey tacos with all the fixins

Friday - Steaks baked potatoes
I got these mini steaks free from Schwann's since they were doing a new customer $10 coupon so steaks were delievered to my front door and I owed .08 cents tax! That's a frugal meal!!

Saturday - breakfast
quick, easy, crowd favorite

Sunday - dinner at the inlaws

Hope everyone has a great week!!

Just another Manic Monday

2009-07-27T10:57:00.003-05:00

Crazy busy summer so far I hope we are staying home chilling quite a bit this week! We are doing a few fun things with friends but I think the kids and I all need a calm relaxing week!

It's time to plan the menu (totally had a time to make the donuts flash as I typed that) Get tons more recipes at one of my favorite websites

Monday - hamburgers baked french fries
nuff said nothing special just burgers on the grill but yummy all the same

Tuesday - Chef Salads
Chop up lettuce, boil some eggs, cook some bacon, and set out all the other fun toppings

Wednesday - Chicken Lo Mein
spaghetti and chicken cooked in teriakyi sauce (I usually sneak in some stir fry veggies)

Thursday - Bread Bowl with soups
I make the dough in the bread machine!
I usually warm up some frozen chili for Jeff and do a can of broccoli cheese soup (adding more cheddar and broccoli of course) then Campbell's character soups I got on sale for the kids

Friday - Hot Dogs mac n cheese
Nuff said on this one too except that I used that free Oscar Meyers pack of hot dogs coupon so yay!!

Saturday - going out with my hubby
See previous post about him winning us concert tickets

Sunday - leftovers or might be going to the in laws I can't keep straight which weeks we go!

my sweet hubby

2009-07-27T10:51:00.002-05:00

My hubby Jeff called me from work this morning to tell me to call my parents about babysitting the kids Saturday night. I asked why (of course) and he said he just won us two tickets to the Donnas/Blondie/Pat Benatar concert here in Memphis this weekend!
I was shocked I honestly hadn't even heard the concert was coming to town I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Donnas and the other two ladies ROCK! A local radio show he listens to every morning at work was giving away tickets and just asked for emails why you wanted the tickets! Jeff wrote a SWEET email to them saying why I deserved them!
Here is the email:

Good morning gentlemen. I'm writing to do my begging for the Pat/
Blondie/ Donnas tickets. My wife is a huge Blondie and The Donnas fan.
I'd love to take her to the concert. She's the hardest working person
I know, with the worst pay. Being a stay at home mom who homeschools
our 2 kids isn't a life I'd want to take on. I'm happy to work to
afford us this life. Spending doesn't allow a lot of extra money so
buying tickets isn't in the budget. She also keeps our money on track
and she won't let me cheat a little to buy tickets. If you'd consider
me, I'd really appreciate it and you'd be making my wife very happy.

Have a great day fellas

I will be sure to update how the concert was but I am even more excited for this FREE (besides paying for parking) night out with my hubby!

Monday Monday Monday

2009-07-21T00:57:00.003-05:00

It's Monday again well technically it's Tuesday since it's 1 am as I type this! Jeff took a vacation day today so we had a jam packed day of family fun including the zoo!
So now I am all off on my days of the week so I am late posting this!
Here is what I am making this week!

Monday - Chicken Parmesan
same recipe I do for spaghetti except I coat the chicken in Italian bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese then bake and serve on top of the spaghetti

Tuesday - White beans and cornbread
soak beans overnight then cook in the crockpot with 1/2 fresh water and 1/2 chicken broth to cover the beans. Then I throw in some chopped up bacon and serve with cornbread

Wednesday - Smoked Sausage with cabbage

Thursday - Pineapple Chicken with brown rice
my easy chicken/teriakyi sauce, crushed pineapple in the crockpot recipe
***I was supposed to do this recipe last week but turned out I was out of teriakyi sauce so I did a BBQ chicken***

Friday - homemade pizza

Saturday - taco bar
ground turkey with taco seasoning and all the fixins

Sunday - dinner at the in laws

Hope everyone has a great week!! We actually have nothing going on this week! After VBS, two weeks of swim lessons, and then Parker having Crossfire camp last week it's nice to just have a chill week! We are still hanging out with friends and doing some fun stuff but nothing we HAVE to go do!

it's Mondayyyyyyyyyyyyyy

2009-07-06T19:05:00.002-05:00

It's that time of the week again

Get TONS more menu planning ideas/tips/recipes here

Monday - Chicken Pot Pie
made it with real pie crust not just biscuits on top!

(crockpot) Tuesday - Pork chops Potatoes carrots
All in the crockpot cooked in chicken broth and salt/pepper
Cut up potatoes put in crockpot with carrots, add chicken broth up to the top of the veggies then place seasoned pork chops on top!

Wednesday - Breakfast (pancakes, turkey bacon, and maybe some scrambled eggs)
quick easy cheap and a family favorite!!

Thursday - Spaghetti
nuff said

Friday - Pizza
Homemade everyone thrown on their own toppings

Saturday - Meatball subs
My son LOVES and begs for these now

Sunday - dinner at the in-laws

I just realized typing all this that we are like having an Italian themed end of the week!!

Funny Websites that make me giggle

2009-07-03T07:18:00.002-05:00

There have recently been a bunch of "people's mistakes" type websites go up and they make me giggle! I know it's not good to laugh at the misery of other's but if you are in need of a chuckle check some of these out

Awkward Family Photos

Cake Wrecks

Craft Fail

Menu for the week

2009-06-28T10:10:00.003-05:00

Last week was crazy with VBS I never posted our menu. The next two weeks Parker has swim lessons then Crossfire camp the week after that! We are some busy bees!

Here is this week's menu

Monday - Spaghetti with sausage
with whole wheat penne, tomato sauce out of the freezer, and sausage!
I am also going to try a new Garlic Parmesan recipe in the breadmaker

Tuesday - Taco Soup
I do this in the crockpot and use ground turkey

Wednesday - Smoked Sausage with white beans Cornbread and Salad
I do this in the crockpot too....soak the beans overnight then rinse the next morning
Add chicken broth, Lawry's seasoning, salt & pepper, with some diced up smoked sausage then simmer all day...YUMMY

Thursday - Fish Tacos and mixed veggies
The quick fish stick kind that my kids love! I use soft tacos and mix up some tartar sauce with salsa to top them

Friday - Cresent Hot Dogs and Mac n' Cheese
Yes this is a quick everyone loves meal perfect for the end of the week when I am too tired to cook anything major

Saturday - Pork Chops Baked Potatoes and Broccoli
Probably going to do the chops on the grill

Sunday - going to the inlaws!

I hope everyone has a great week and click here to get MANY more menu planning ideas

VBS

2009-06-23T19:53:00.004-05:00

It's Vacation Bible School week (it's been crazy so I totally forgot to type out my menu planning Monday even though I did menu plan)

This year I am the Croc Crew leader for Parker's class! He wanted me to be since I worked in Lyndee's room last year and I am going to take advantage of him wanting me around for as long as I can!
He was so funny yesterday when we were in the room waiting on the kids to show up "Do I call you Caryn or Mommy?" I just said whichever you want! I wasn't going to point out to anyone I was his mom or call him son in front of anyone but I overheard him more than once bragging that I was his mom!
Also they were short on volunteers so my 16 year old (very mature) sister Dorothy is my assistant and we also have two teen helpers! We have a great crew even though there are a few wild boys but what else is supposed to happen when you get boys together??
Now I just have to find some yellow (since we are the yellow team) clothing since I only have one tank top that is yellow and I can only wear that one day!

rollercoaster of a day

2009-06-16T21:51:00.003-05:00

This has been a crazy day...the craziest I have had in awhile! Here are the days highs and lows!!

Woke up about 6:30 to my son telling me the xbox wasn't working so I got up in a panic and tried to fix it....figured out it was working just wasn't able to get on xbox live.....then spent 2 hours troubleshooting, reading forums, and even chatting online with AT&T (which I won't do again I would rather be on hold..like I was Monday to get Parker's computer fixed.....then to do the online chat that the rep takes FOREVER to respond) anyway after much frustration I finally saw on one of the forums where it was down today June 16th for maintence I could have cried right then and there! LOW but turned out it wasn't our fault

But I didn't we had breakfast, got dressed and went to meet some friends at the mall for the Malco Kid Fest movies. Lyndee hasn't done well the last two movies we took her to so my friend Susan offered to take Parker with her two boys and Lyndee and I just walk around the mall/play on the playground! It was very fun spending some one on one time with my little girl. Parker felt so grown up paying for his concessions with the Malco gift card! HIGH

Then we got home had lunch, played etc....went to Parker's Crossfire Commandos class and he landed his front flip! He's been trying for almost a month in class and at home progressing all the time but he finally stuck it and landed straight on his feet! HIGH

So we come home and had dinner and we all head outside to play/Jeff cut the yard and the lawnmower is gone! This is just insanity....first we noticed about March that our lawnmower was missing we were ticked but had had it quite a few years so ok....we used some of our tax return to get a nice one that would make Jeff's quicker and easier. Well he uses it ONCE and it gets stolen. We called the police on this one but of course nothing came of it. So after a few weeks (and the yard getting tall) he buys one from a guy at work that had two so at least we got a deal on this one. Well tonight ANOTHER one is gone!
Now let me explain part of our fence was broken but this wasn't the part facing the street (we are on a corner) but this was the part facing our neighbors house who don't have a fence other than this one we share but we had the fence replaced got a lock for the fence and got a chain for the lawnmower and chained it to the trampoline. So how the heck it got stolen is BEYOND me the lock wasn't tampered with so they must have jumped the fence and lifted that heavy thing over! LOW LOW LOW

To put the icing on the cake Jeff comes in to play some xbox, relieve some stress (still not able to get on xbox live but that's ok) he's just playing a shooting game when it freezes up and we get the dreaded red lights!! LOW

It's just one thing after another....I trust in God completely but I hate these lows I guess God gave us some highs today or we would be in a really bad place tonight!
Now I have a son that is terrified someone is going to break into our house but we prayed together and he actually fell asleep. I will see what tomorrow brings!

MPM

2009-06-15T09:13:00.002-05:00

Ahhh Mondays....hate and love them! It's all about catching up on the house cleaning I slacked on over the weekend!

Here is my menu for this week. It's a busy week we are doing stuff with friends almost every day since the next few weeks are VBS, swim lessons, camps etc...so I am all about the quick and easy meals

Monday - Hamburgers baked tater tots and mixed veggies
Quick Easy on the grill though I did make some homemade hamburger buns by making the dough in my bread machine this morning!

Tuesday - A1 Chili and cornbread
in the crockpot you know it's Crockpot Tuesday

Wednesday - Steak dinner for my niece @ my parent's house
It's a "welcome to the world" party my parents have thrown for each grandkid and we all bring a disposable gift

Thursday - meatball subs with Italian green beans
This is at the request of my son since he ate a whole one last time I made them
I have some meatballs frozen from a previous spaghetti and meatballs so I just warm up with some tomato sauce then put on a sub bun with mozzarella cheese and toast until the bun is toasty and the cheese melts

Friday - Tacos
Ground Turkey Taco Bar with all the fixins

Saturday - Domino's House Party
I ended up winning a house party for this night to try all the new American Legends Pizzas so we are having a few friends over to eat pizza for free!!

Sunday - Father's Day
We are having lunch after my niece's baby dedication at my sister's house then dinner at the in-laws

Well there is my crazy busy week of meals....view MANY more recipes here

Experiment Days 4&5

2009-06-06T15:40:00.003-05:00

I am a slacker with my blog so I am just now doing this!

Day Four I finally broke down and spent some frivolous money it was raining and the kids were having big time cabin fever so I took them to lunch and to play at McDonald's. I was good though and only spent $6 to feed us all so all in all not too bad! We stayed there over an hour and let the kids burn off all that energy!!

Day Five This was payday so I had bills to pay which is the norm and doesn't count for this part of our experiment. Also we ended up buying the new Dave Matthews album I am honestly shocked we made it from Tuesday to today NOT breaking down to buy it! (it's awesome btw) I am VERY proud of my hubby for going to Best Buy and coming out with just the CD/DVD which was on sale this week. I know he spent time looking around making his "if we win the lottery list"

I also bought our weekly groceries tonight at Walmart (I usually buy the majority at Aldi but I had quite a few coupons this week) and only spent $33 for the week!

All in all I think we did pretty good....we are sticking to our "Do I want to buy this or a house" motto and hopefully the extra nickel and diming will get better and better

Experiment Day 3

2009-06-04T08:45:00.003-05:00

Ok it's Wednesday now and it's been hard...the kids wanted out of the house and usually McDonald's playground would be perfect for lunch. I thought about packing a lunch and going to the park but it's gotten SOOOO hot around here that we have to do parks early in the morning.
We had a fun picnic in the floor on towels and watched a movie not burning off energy but still fun!
I did wind up spending a little money today seems when we eat all our meals at home (and my son having ANOTHER growth spurt) I might have to start buying 3 loaves of bread a week! I had to run to Aldi for milk and bread but I see that more of a necessity not a luxury.
Also the new Dave Matthews Band CD came out yesterday and Jeff and I both want the CD soo badly but we have resisted but I am sure Saturday Jeff will be going to buy it while it's still on sale this first week out!
So another successful day!

Experiment Day 2

2009-06-02T18:29:00.003-05:00

I know I am posting twice in one day but I never got to it last night!
I did spend money today but it was a necessary thing. I sell my monogrammed stuff along with things the kids have outgrown on ebay and I had 10 packages to mail! The way I am justifying this is: I used my PayPal Debit card so it came straight out of my paypal account AND the people paid me to ship their items so I think I am FULLY justified spending this money!

Since Parker had Crossfire class tonight he was begging me to go to Sonic for half off drinks and I said NO! Shocker I know but I am sticking to this!
We did go over to my parent's house today for lunch and to hang out! My mom, sister and I made cupcake bites!!
Jeff once again spent nothing.....his lovely wife (haha) packed him lunch again last night!

Experiment Day 1

2009-06-02T18:27:00.001-05:00

Ok I am late in posting but here is how day 1 went! We stayed home all day as to not be tempted! Cheating kinda sorta but still I didn't spend a dime! Plus it was great we just stayed in our pajamas all day (except the kids putting on their swimsuits to play in the sprinkler/water table)
I did a lot of cleaning all those seasonal things I put off, we played games, played outside quite a bit, watched a movie, and much more!
Jeff made it through the day too...didn't even stop for coffee I am so proud!!

Menu Planning Monday

2009-06-01T09:16:00.003-05:00

It's menu planning time again....along with our experiment of spending no money this week we are eating every meal at home plus packing Jeff a lunch to take to work everyday! I wind up getting lazy some nights to pack it for the next day and so he drives thru somewhere for lunch but not this week!!
This week could easily be called Quick and Easy Family Favorites

Monday - Fish Tacos Salad
Very easy cook fish sticks in the oven then put in a whole wheat tortilla with lettuce, tomato, tartar sauce, salsa.......so many options

Tuesday - Mexican Chicken in the crockpot
Chicken breasts topped with can of diced tomatoes (I get the kind with jalapenos also), can of corn, can of Mexican beans I top with low fat sour cream and serve with multi grain tortilla chips
This kids will eat this one sometimes but usually I make them "character" soup from Campbell's

Wednesday - BREAKFAST
My hubby and kid's favorite meal
Scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, and homemade biscuits (ok not really I use bisquik but it's better than the canned ones)

Thursday - going out to eat with my grandparents
They have been dying to see their great grandkids so are are all meeting up at Piccadilly
At least there are no dishes to do!

Friday - Hot Dogs and Macaroni & Cheese
This is just a quick and easy meal that I can pop the hot dogs on the grill while the kids play outside

Saturday - Smoked Sausage and White Beans
Another crockpot meal

Sunday - It's My Birthday!!!!
My side of the family is taking me out to eat! I picked a local place called Mr. B's that has the best fried Shrimp in Memphis...funny part is I don't eat Shrimp but both my boys and both my parents LOVE it PLUS they have fried pickles along with a Celestial Chicken that melts in your mouth so it's OFF my healty living for that one day!!!

Get TONS more menu ideas at one of my favorite websites

Experiment

2009-05-29T15:19:00.003-05:00

Jeff and I are starting the process of buying our first house. We are working on the debt and saving up etc...so we are trying this experiment for one week and see how it goes!

SPENDING NO MONEY!

I know it's nuts and while we (mainly me) have always been frugal/budgeting/coupon clipping/hunting for bargains the little things add up
Usually I take the kids out to fast food lunch/playground once a week. We usually go to Sonic for happy hour on Tuesdays before Parker's Crossfire class. Jeff buys lunch at least once a week to have a "hot lunch". He also stops at the gas station for coffee a few times a week (better than Starbucks prices at least) Wind up driving through for ice cream (or stopping to get a diet coke since I don't keep them around the house anymore) and so on....

So I bought Groceries this weekend and both cars are full of gas so we are going to try to go ALL week without spending a penny!

I will try to update daily on our happenings and see how it goes!!

survived my first semester homeschooling

2009-05-27T18:58:00.002-05:00

Well it's official I have a second grader! Hard to believe I know! We decided to end the school year last Friday the 22nd so yesterday I averaged up all my cutie's grades and reported them (and our attendance) to our umbrella school! Parker got all A's I know it's hard for me to do that like I am cutting my kid slack but those are his actual grades. I did not grade on a curve since I am his mother or dumb down tests so my kid will get all A's (like so many people seem to think) He got all A's his first semester of 1st grade while in public school!
Here are his grades by subject:
Bible - 100 A+
Math - 98 A
Science - 97 A
Spelling - 94 A
Language Arts - 96 A
Reading - 98

We have already registered to homeschool for 2nd grade (we registered before March 15th and got a discount yeah I look for a bargain anytime I can) and I was able to buy all of his curriculum (including work books) on ebay and spent about $50.
Right now we are taking it year by year as far as homeschooling and we are looking to purchase our first home so if we are in a good public school district he will probably go back. Homeschooling isn't for everyone but it's working for us right now!

Best Parents/Grandparents EVER

2009-05-25T18:08:00.002-05:00

This weekend was a fun one! My dad called a few weeks ago and said he wanted to get a hotel room in town (I know it sounds crazy but it's for all the kids to swim and for him to get away from the phone since he runs a business out of his home) and we could all play and swim and then Jeff and I & my sister and her husband could have date nights and they would keep all 4 kids over night!
I was like ummmm okay!
So the weekend started out Sunday after church we all met for lunch at Abbey's then on to the Disney store at the mall where my dad had ANOTHER surprise.....money for each kid to spend! They have a Disney Rewards Visa and when they add up so many points they get a gift card so each kid got to go nuts! I got Lyndee the CUTEST Minnie Mouse vacuum and a Disney Princess bubble blowing machine! Parker got some Power Rangers toys (shocker I know) and some WallE toys.
Then we went to the hotel and swam. Both kids ended up going under and Parker didn't use his swimmies yay!! After saying bye to the kids who could care less since they had a hotel room and new toys to explore....we started our date!
Then Jeff and I went to Houston's which is one of my favorite restaurants! It's always nice to have a meal in a nice restaurant and not be interrupted 20 times and having to say "sit down" "eat this" etc...
We walked around the nice new Target on our way home and picked up a pint each of Ben & Jerry's (calories don't count on date night right?) We had a movie from Netflix and so we decided to watch that it was FanBoys and I reccommend it to any Star Wars fan (or the wife of a fan) it was cheesy but cute and full of Star Wars references!

This morning I went back to the hotel to meet everyone for breakfast and another swim! It was a great weekend and I just hope the kids are tired out enough to sleep hard tonight!!

Blockbuster Sale

2009-05-22T17:08:00.003-05:00

My family loves movies (We subscribe to Netflix and usually hit Blockbuster every Monday for the kids to each rent a "movie in the middle" since it's rent one get one free $1.08 for hours of entertainment can't beat it) so we had seen signs for Blockbuster's 50% off Previously viewed movies sale so we went this morning when they opened at 10 am
It was nuts movies galore...most priced at $4.99 then half off I had to limit my son to six and he kept finding more and more he wanted! I found my Dora obsessed daughter 3 Dora DVDs and also ended up getting two Gamecube games also for $2.50 each.
All in all we ended up with 11 items of multimedia for less than $30 with tax!

It's Monday again

2009-05-11T10:57:00.004-05:00

I went shopping in peace this Saturday but ended up going over my budget since Jeff volunteered me to cook dinner for his mom. (He did slice the tomatoes and stir a few things for me) But that was part of her present so it was ok!

Monday - Chicken Kabobs Brown Rice
marinated in teriakyi sauce then I cut up some FRESH pineapple and the kids help me make kabobs and I grill them!

Tuesday - Enchiladas spanish rice refried beans
I was supposed to this meal last week but the kids ended up eating the cheese for snacks so I had to get some more and make the meal this week....luckily the ground turkey was still in the freezer

Wednesday - BBQ Nachos
These are like Corky's BBQ Nachos. The Corky's pulled pork was on sale this week so that was instant meal idea since the whole family loves this! I cook according to directions then lay nachos out on a big platter melt some velveeta to pour over them add some rib seasoning and then top with the pork! YUMMY yet rare dish in our house!

Thursday - Potatoes with Soup
This is a take off of Jason's Deli's/McAllister's spuds. I bake some potatoes and then put Broccoli cheese soup on top of mine and some leftover frozen chili on top of Jeff's and the kids usually have their "character" Campbell's soups

Friday - Taco bar
The name says it all!! I do soft and crunchy taco shells then cut up all the fixins

Saturday - Pizza
Buy the pizza dough roll it out and let everyone decorate their "fourth"

Sunday - Chicken Lo Mein
I use the wok to cook the chicken in soy/teriakyi sauce and add frozen stir fry veggies. All the while cooking spaghetti noodles to add in last minute!

Hope everyone has a great week and find many more meal ideas here at OrgJunkie.com

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T10:40:00.005-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's out there! I know I am a day late but I wasn't at the computer much yesterday! On Saturday I was "banished" from the house for a top secret mission. I took advantage and did the weekly grocery shopping sans kids. I honestly can't remember the last time I did that it was so quick and easy and no begging/whining. (I have actually started going on Saturdays since Jeff only works a half day but I take Lyndee with me to give them "guy time")

Anyway Sunday I was surprised by my little Von Gogh's and their painted canvas'. Jeff got them each a canvas and said paint whatever you want!

The top one is obviously Parker's he nailed the redhair and so sweet of him to write I (heart) Mommy and give me a green dress (my favorite color). Lyndee's turned into a brown blob b/c she wanted every single color! Jeff tried to help her paint a flower but she would just paint over each one but he helped her do a sunflower (my favorite flower) real quick then took the canvas away!

Menu Planning Monday

2009-05-04T16:33:00.004-05:00

Seems to be a trend with my busy life that I am only posting on Mondays and I even missed last Monday! Life is busy but I am going to try once again to get better! Between homeschooling, potty training, and keeping Little Miss Destructive occupied I usually only jump on and off the computer lately! (she is actually napping right now so I have more than two seconds)

Here goes this week's menu and get many more here

Monday - Spaghetti with sausage yes I know we have spaghetti almost every week BUT it's one of the few meals I can get everyone in my house to eat! I also mix it up with different noodles etc....this week we are having whole wheat penne

Tuesday - BBQ Chicken in the Crockpot Broccoli and homemade Macaroni and cheese
This is my son's Crossfire class night so I almost always do crockpot meals on Tuesday

Wednesday - Enchiladas Refried Beans and Spanish Rice I know I am a day late for Cinco de Mayo but yesterday was crockpot night! I make these with corn tortillas, ground turkey, and lowfat cheese and I also do the fat free beans

Thursday - Chicken Pot Pie This is the quick and easy version I got off of Semi Homemade that my whole family loves!!

Friday - Sausage Roll Pizza So easy and yummy! Cook Sausage then mix with mozzerella cheese, bread crumbs, and parsley and put it all inside a rolled out french bread loaf (I use Pillsbury) then roll up and cook according to bread directions

Saturday - Chef Salads I just cut up some lunchmeat, boiled eggs, turkey bacon, and whatever other salad toppings I have around The kids get cupcake tins filled with the toppings b/c they don't like lettuce

Sunday - MOTHER'S DAY We are having lunch with my family and then dinner with Jeff's family so no cooking for me!!

Menu Planning Monday AGAIN

2009-04-20T14:31:00.002-05:00

It's Monday again!! Posting my weekly menu and I did a great job of staying in budget this weekend when I went shopping! Actually only spent $42 of my $50 budget!!

Monday - tortilla pizzas I use multigrain tortillas and let everyone decorate their own with pepperoni, veggies, etc...(we were supposed to have these last Friday night but Parker had a friend spend the night and they wanted hot dogs)

Tuesday - A 1 Chili and cornbread My hubby is a HUGE A1 fan (like I have to buy it in bulk) and he loves this chili so I figured I would make it one more time before it gets too warm!

Wednesday - Beef Stew yes I am crockpotting two days in a row so what!!!? :)

Thursday - Southwest Spaghetti pie with garlic bread a favorite of mine growing up and we still have it quite often now

Friday - Shrimp with pasta in a garlic butter sauce and salads both my boys LOVE shrimp so I make this for them from time to time I just leave out the shrimp and have pasta

Saturday - Eating Out since we are going to Nashville to see Dave Matthews Band! I CAN'T WAIT!!!! It's going to be the longest I have ever been away from the kids and Jeff and myself's first time to see DMB together!!

Sunday - something quick after we pick up the kids!

Want more great menu ideas here once again is the GREAT website where I post these and some 400+ other bloggers do too!

Frugal Mommy

2009-04-18T08:50:00.003-05:00

I am a self proclaimed frugal mama! I clip coupons, head straight for the sale stuff, and for the most part stick to my budget (almost) every week!
I hit some great websites almost daily to find deals/coupons/freebies and tips so I thought it was time to share a few of my favs!!

Mommy Saving Mom

Freebies for Moms

MommySavers (I particularly LOVE the forums)

$5 dollar dinners

Mommies with cents

Bebe Reviews Daily Scoop

There are many many many more sites but these are my favs

Tax Day Freebies

2009-04-14T19:39:00.001-05:00

Here is an article from USA Today with several fun discounts some restaurants are doing tomorrow for tax day! Like a free taco is going to save our economy but it's a start and I am ALL FOR some freebies/discounts

Menu Planning Monday

2009-04-13T15:15:00.003-05:00

It's Monday again! Crazy busy last few days with my hubby being off work and all the Easter fun! We also had some family drama and got our lawnmower stolen (our BRAND NEW one since our last one was stolen over the winter)

Monday - Ground Turkey Enchiladas with fat free refried beans

Tuesday - Pineapple Chicken in the crockpot (chicken teriakyi sauce and canned pineapple) I serve over brown rice

Wednesday - smoked sausage with cabbage if the weather is good I am cooking these out on the grill

Thursday - Beef Stew in the crockpot (Beef, carrots, potatoes, celery, and worchestershire sauce/A-1)

Friday - tortilla pizzas everyone make their own with whatever toppings they want!

Saturday - Hot Dogs on the grill Macaroni & Cheese and Broccoli

Sunday - at the inlaws

Get MANY more meal planning ideas here at orgjunkie

Everyone have a GREAT week!

star wars and action heroes

2009-04-11T09:27:00.002-05:00

I am a girl have been my whole life and I have two sisters so when I heard the words "it's a boy" laying on the operating table I had no clue what I was in for!
I have learned more about Star wars, Justice League, and Power Rangers than I ever wished to know. I have acted out scenes with action figures more times than I can count on top of that I have made capes and tried to convince Parker it's only okay to wear capes at home and the grandparent's house. (and the occasional playgroup at a good friend's house)
Parker has never been into cars/trains/planes or dinosaurs like most kids it's always been about the Superheroes! In fact the first toy he ever got attached to was a Woody from Toy Story action figure and Woody was actually his second word (after daddy) He's always been a Star Wars fan b/c of his Daddy (my hubby the Star Wars Geek) but we have been through Superman, Spiderman, Justice League, Teen Titans, Power Rangers, and sooooo many more I lost count!
I am constantly stepping on an action figure or getting hit with a lightsaber (I cuss George Lucas a little each time this happens) but all in all I wouldn't trade having the knowledge of every bad guy in every Marvel comic for anything!
I finally got a girl and I was so excited to play tea parties, dolls, and dress up! Guess what I got...a copycat of her brother...wearing superman capes and loving her pink power ranger!!

Menu Planning Monday

2009-03-30T09:12:00.005-05:00

It's that time of the week again.....it's a chicken week! Not on purpose just after planning and doing my menu for the grocery store I realized we were having lots of chicken! When you are eating healthy that just happens plus we really aren't a big red meat family anyway! View many more menus on this GREAT website

Monday - tuna fish however you want it! I had some left over boiled eggs so my hubby suggested this! I usually set out tortillas, pitas, crackers, bread, and lettuce so each family member can have it however they want!

Tuesday - Breakfast eggs, turkey bacon, drop biscuits Tuesday is Parker's Crossfire class so I always either do a crockpot meal or quick meal and this is a family fav!!

Wednesday - Grilled Chicken Salads yes it's time to start grilling again! For the kids (since they don't like lettuce) I take cupcake pans and put a little of each thing for them..chicken in one, egg, bacon, cheese, etc....

Thursday - Spaghetti I use sausage and whole wheat penne noodles (so far the family hasn't noticed the difference) and I usually take some multigrain tortillas and make garlic triangles

Friday - Chicken Tacos I set up a "taco bar" with hard and soft taco shells and all the fixins I got a pineapple to have with it

Saturday - English Muffin Pizzas super quick and easy and great for the kids to help!
I use the whole wheat English muffins

Sunday - it's our week to go to the inlaws

I did AWESOME at the grocery store this week I have a $50 a week budget for groceries and I spent $26.34 at Aldi this week I was SOOOOO excited!!

Tattoo

2009-03-29T12:56:00.004-05:00

I got my tattoo finally this week. I have been wanting to get another one for years and my hubby was getting more work done on his full sleeve so we made appointments together.
I knew I wanted a cross but was having trouble deciding where and exactly what I wanted the cross to look like! I wanted a cross b/c I am a Christian and it's a great way to give testimony when people ask me about it! I decided on the back of my neck so that way I could show it when I wanted to (ponytail) and hide it if I needed to (hair down) Here it is

I found several drawings online that I liked but nothing just right. So I took all my drawings to Vanessa at Underground Art (she's wonderful by the way) and she was going to draw up something for me!
Last Tuesday I went in hoping I would like the drawing...I am not a confrontational person but in the case of having something on my body the rest of my life I would have spoken up if I didn't like it! Luckily that wasn't the case it was just what I wanted! I did have her extend the bottom of the cross since she made it more symmetrical and I wanted people to see it and KNOW it was a cross!

Also I wanted to give my personal perspective on Tattoos! I am a Christian and I do believe the whole "my body is a temple" thing but my tattoo is art and a great conversation starter to tell people I am a Christian. I know tattoos are forever and this is why I would never get some "trend of the moment" tattooed on me but I have and will have my faith the rest of my life so a Cross was perfect for me! I also think over the last 10ish years or so tattoos aren't as taboo as they once were they aren't just for criminals and hooligans (not wording just quoting Jeff's grandmother) I think my tattoo is beautiful and love showing it off!

Swap Tree

2009-03-25T08:53:00.003-05:00

I have found an awesome treasure online for us frugal moms (or anyone really) It's called SWAPTREE
Basically you list books/DVDs/CDs/video games you and your family are done with and then also do a wish list of things you want! Then swaptree calculates trades for you! You just pay the shipping to trade them. I reccommend doing the printable postage online since they charge the shipping to your account and bill your credit card once a month BUT you just print out the label, pop it on the envelope and just drop it in a mailbox PLUS it has delivery confirmation so you don't have to deal with "I never received your item" complaints!
I have actually done all my Easter shopping (besides a little candy) this year on here! Trading in my adult fiction books I am done with for Dora and Power Ranger books and DVDs! Since I am a homeschooling mom and the kids are with me when I run errands this is an EASY way to shop and basically for free!!

Menu Planning Monday

2009-03-23T09:37:00.003-05:00

I know I have been slacking on posting my menus...I still do them every week, plan my grocery list etc...but I haven't been posting them on here! Here's to getting back on track!!

Monday - Chicken Tetrazini (I have never made this before and not sure my picky hubby will eat it but I will have the pb&j nearby to make him a quick sandwich)

Tuesday - eat on the run Parker's crossfire night and Jeff and I are taking the kids to my parent's house for him to go get more tattoo work done on his full sleeve and me getting another tattoo my parent's are feeding the kids and we will just grab whatever!

Wednesday - Pineapple Chicken (crockpot) so easy just put chicken in crockpot pour on some teriakyi sauce and crushed pineapple I usually serve with brown rice (making double for Sat night)

Thursday - Chicken Fajitas Mexican corn and refried beans This is the healthy version using multigrain tortillas and fat free beans also lots of salsa instead of cheese/sour cream

Friday - Spaghetti with sausage yes we wind up having his 2-3 times a month but everyone loves spaghetti though I mix it up with different noodles...penne, rigatoni, bowtie etc...we are having the whole wheat penne this week

Saturday - Chicken Fried Rice using some leftover rice from Wed I will whip this yummy meal up in the wok

Sunday - Soup and Sandwich night get each kid some Campbell's character soup (Target had them on sale last week) and Jeff and I get the Healthy Harvest kind and I usually make Grilled cheeses but everyone gets whatever sandwich they want!

Visit here for TONS more menus

slacking

2009-03-21T14:57:00.002-05:00

I have been slacking on this blog! I try but it's just been crazy around this house!! I have been in spring cleaning mode! I took the kids to my parent's house last Wednesday and totally decluttered Parker's room! For a small 10 x 10 room it had WAY too much stuff in it! I ended up getting two boxes full to sell on ebay, two to give to goodwill and then 3 big bags of trash!! Now that he is 7 we wanted to give him a more grown up room....I painted the Justice League gang on his walls back when he was 4 and obsessed with them...he has since moved on to Power Rangers, Bakugan and video games. So we went with a darker red (matched to his Bakugan ball hilarious I know) and spent all morning painting! I decluttered big time he's just left with his bed, dresser, and small shelf to hold his video game systems, games, and DVDs everything else is put away in the closet or GONE!!
I love organizing and LOVE my label maker...I feel so good when I get tons of stuff done! I have also worked hard on the rest of the house this week! Since we just have a two bedroom house and Lyndee's bed/dresser are in our room her toys have taken over the den! I went through cleaning out baby toys and got her an organizer with buckets to get toys off the floor! Right now the house is still in "limbo" a huge mess until we can get to goodwill and the dump! It's a great start and I plan on keeping it up!!

It's Monday again

2009-02-23T11:49:00.003-06:00

It's Monday again so he's this week's menu! Click here to read more menus

Monday - going out for my brother in laws Birthday dinner HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEAN

Tuesday -Pork Tenderloin with potatoes and carrots (crockpot night since Parker has Crossfire class)

Wednesday - breakfast night biscuits, turkey bacon, eggs Quick and Easy and both my boy's favorite meal

Thursday - Taco Pie with tortilla chips and salsa

Friday - BBQ Chicken Pizza on homemade crust

Saturday - Meatloaf Pie and green beans

Sunday - Toasted Ravioli with tomato sauce for dipping and Salads

That's all for this week I didn't realize when I planned but I have lots of quick and easy meals! Guess I get in the habit of that being so busy all the time!!

Valentine's Weekend

2009-02-15T18:09:00.002-06:00

We had a wonderful weekend! Started out Friday night when the kids spent the night with my parents and Jeff and I got a date! It was actually 10 years ago this week we went out on our first date so we were celebrating that and Valentine's day!
We went to Huey's and a movie like we did on our first date! It was very yummy and then he took me to a "chick flick"(he loves me) We saw He's Just Not that Into You! It was very cute and I highly recommend...and the Malco gift card my parents gave us for Christmas went to GREAT use!
We picked up the kids Saturday morning and I had already hid their presents around the house. So pretty much as soon as we walked in the door they were ready! I had Parker read each clue out loud then him and Lyndee RAN to get their treats! Lyndee is still a little young for this but she followed her big brother squealing! I decided to hide a present for each of them in each place since she is his "shadow"! They each got a Valentine's book, candy (of course), coloring books, stickers, and more (most of which I got at Dollar Tree) I am not big on the commercialness of the holiday I tell Jeff and the kids I love them every day! It is fun watching them run for their prizes!
Jeff had taken the kids out one night last week and I honestly had no clue what they did I thought he had taken them to Chuck E Cheese to play or something...turns out he took them to the mall and they picked out a Hello Kitty for me at Build A Bear! I LOVE it! I wanted to get that one for Lyndee next time we got one but now I have one! They also got me another watch since mine broke like 2 weeks ago and I have been all messed up since I never take my watch off. We don't do presents but Jeff wanted to surprise me! We actually did the same for him and Parker picked out a Star Wars figure he didn't have!

Then last night I surprised my boys with Shrimp in garlic butter sauce since they both LOVE shrimp. I don't like shrimp so I don't cook it too often but when I do they are very excited.
Hope everyone had a great Valentine's day

Menu Planning Monday

2009-02-08T21:39:00.005-06:00

Menu Planning Monday! I have been reading this on I'm an Organizing Junkie for awhile now and decided to finally get with it and post my menus! I have been menu planning for years and figured it was time to share!

Monday - beef enchiladas with re fried beans and Spanish rice
Tuesday - Chicken Parmesan with broccoli
Wednesday - A-1 Chili with cornbread in the crock pot (I usually do a crockpot meal at least once a week!) I will probably do soup for the kids since they think chili is too spicy
Thursday - Fish Tacos (so easy just bake fish sticks put in tortillas with lettuce, tartar sauce/salsa) with spring salad
Friday - Date with hubby for Valentine's day! My parents are free to keep the kids (they are going on their own date Sat night) plus Valentine's day is one of the busiest restaurant days
Saturday - Garlic Shrimp over pasta with butter sauce (no we don't normally eat like this but both my hubby and son LOVE shrimp and figured it would be a nice Valentine's day treat)
Sunday - Crescent Hot Dogs Macaroni and cheese

I hope everyone has a great week cooking!

downside of being a mom

2009-01-24T15:58:00.002-06:00

I haven't gotten to blog the last few days like I planned but Wednesday Lyndee got a stomach virus and just as she was getting better Parker got it on Friday. I have had a total of 3 hours sleep the last 2 days and it was very interrupted sleep at that! I hate when kids are sick especially young ones like Lyndee who can't even tell you what's hurting what is wrong. I will just be so glad when this is out of my house and overwith! I feel like I am non stop cleaning up messes! I can't imagine these parents with many many kids and they all get sick I can barely handle two sick kids at once! My sweet hubby has been helping out a lot since they are overlapping. The only good part of all this is that I haven't caught it yet and so I am not sick taking care of sick kids that is soooo much worse!

Also on a happy note....My sister had a baby last night (though I can't go meet her yet since the kids are sick) I am very excited to have another niece!!

homeschooling

2009-01-21T10:20:00.003-06:00

I thought I would post about a typical day in our world these last three weeks! We pulled our son Parker from his public school over the winter break to homeschool and so far it's been wonderful!
Here is our daily schedule though things do get switched up quite a bit and we get done faster than I planned etc....part of a homeschooling (or SAHM for that matter) is being flexible.

wake up breakfast
8:30 - 8:45 Bible
8:45- 9:30 Math
9:30 - 10 chores (I give Parker this 30 min if he gets them all done quickly he gets freetime to play with toys or whatever this has actually been GREAT no more begging to do chores)
10 - 10:30 out and about time (running errands on Tuesday we do the library etc...)
10:30 - 11:30 Spelling/Writing/Language Arts/Phonics
11:30 - 12 Lunch
12 - 12:30 Science
12:30 - 1 Independent Reading/Reading aloud
1 - 1:30 Computer time (this is the EDUCACTIONAL websites/games only time)
1:30 - 2 Social Studies

We usually fly through all that and get done before lunch! I worked in time for me to do my housework when Parker is doing his chores and then like reading/computer time he can do mostly by himself.

First Blog Entry EVER

2009-01-20T17:08:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone just wanted to say hey and welcome to my blog! I am a 31 year old Christian homeschooling stay at home crafty mom on a budget!
I have been married to my wonderful hubby and best friend Jeff for 8 years though we have been together almost 10 years. He works very hard in the medical supply field to support this family and I am clueless as to what I would do without him!
I love being able to stay home with my two wonderful children my son Parker is 7 is a huge action figure fan. I know more about Star Wars, Power Rangers, Ben 10, and Justice League than I ever wished to know. My daughter Lyndee is 2 and way into Dora, books, and copying her big brother!
I plan on blogging about all the things that interest me! I am a brand new homeschooling mom (we pulled Parker at the winter break) and it's the best decision for our family, it's going wonderful so far! Since we are a basically a one income family I will also blog about being frugal/on a budget as well as great deals online/in stores I have found.
I love cooking (but hate doing the dishes) so I plan on posting my weekly menus and recipes on here once a week.
I am also very crafty I making jewelry, love scrapbooking and my newest love is my embroidery machine! I have always loved sewing but now it's on a whole new level! I also sell on ebay to 1) declutter my house and 2) make some extra cash for the family! I plan on also just blogging about day to day happenings of being a mom!
None of us are perfect and while we may try to be SUPERMOM I am SO NOT A SUPERMOM!