Ash of All Trades

The Homework Debate

2016-04-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of talk recently about an article shown here. In short there was another study done in which they "prove" that homework isn't needed. Grades apparently don't increase with homework and there is no correlation to success from homework.

One school in my area has decided to do away with science homework all together beginning next year. They feel it is the teacher's job to teach the students during the day and that the kids will be fine and understand the materials.

I beg to disagree.

Kids benefit from homework for many reasons. My oldest daughter is a natural student and brings home great grades without putting forth too much effort. She completes her homework daily and she and I both see a benefit to it.

She would probably still get good grades but not great ones. In many subjects especially math there are often a couple of problems that she just doesn't understand. She attempts her best at them and then we talk about how to solve them. I usually make up a new problem and show her step by step how to do it then she redoes her homework. She is a perfectionist and if she didn't have homework to show her the types of problems she had trouble with she would be devastated come test time.

Now take my middle daughter who is not the most natural student. She works hard for her grades. She puts countless hours of work into her schooling every single day. So this year when she no longer had math homework her grades TANKED. Big time. She is not a perfectionist she is okay with a decent grade. No homework meant indecent grades. She was devastated.

Cue a long talk with the teacher about why there is no math homework and arguing my daughter's case. Lo and behold there was math homework we could do on our own. She now spends 10-15 minutes a night doing math homework (that the rest of the class doesn't do) and is actually achieving the highest grades on her tests. She has so much more confidence and went from crying every day that she hated school to enthusiastically running to school each morning.

Now when her "spelling" work is getting harder than she can handle and there is once again no homework to support her learning I know what to do. Ask the teacher what we can do at home to improve the learning. Guess who's idea that was - my daughter's. Kids don't want to fail or do poorly. Elementary aged children in particular still strive for assurance and praise. If we can help them to succeed early on by providing them tools for success then they won't give up on themselves later.

If my daughter hadn't gotten the homework she needed we still would have worked to improve her grades but it would have been much tougher. Instead she is learning to ask for help and seeing that "homework" is really just more learning, she knows that she is capable of achieving more than she was. That knowledge could have been squashed very easily if she had continued her low level of achievement.

Now I get it not all parents are home after school to do homework with their child. I get it kids have so many other commitments that homework may be the last task of the day. I get it that most parents don't necessarily know their kids grades until progress reports or later. I also get it that there are kids out there who have ridiculously too much homework. But I wholeheartedly believe that homework has many benefits.

1. Homework is a connecting force between child and parent. We get to see what they do each day and can have meaningful conversations about how they will use this later or even how they won't (yes we can laugh when our kids tell us something we learned and don't remember).

2. Homework teaches kids good habits, it is like a chore it teaches them responsibility.

3. It can give a child that extra confidence that they are capable. To know that they are able to finish with a slightly higher grade.

4. Doing homework alleviates time when a student just didn't understand something in class. Maybe they had an emotional night and can't focus, maybe they are sick and just not concentrating, maybe the teacher really didn't do a great job with this lesson, homework allows them to recoup what they missed.

Hearing that schools might be doing away with homework is extremely concerning and saddening. I agree to limit homework - no child should spend every minute from after school until bedtime doing homework. And yes please get rid of busy work. We should maybe even tailor homework to specific groups within the classroom (my daughter's teacher has three levels of reading comprehension homework).

Please do your child a favor and encourage them with their homework and ask for homework in subjects that are difficult for your child. Our kids are our future and I for one want to encourage our future to be even better than our present.

-Ash of All Trades

School Projects

2016-04-04T21:00:00.003-07:00

It is that time of year when Open House looms on the calendar for all teachers and parents. It is the perfect time for teachers to show off all that the students have learned and for parents to come to terms with the fact that their child is about to finish their current grade and move on into the future.

With Open House comes projects. Every teacher wants their classroom to showcase the best work and likely some pinterest inspired ideas. While most projects occur in the classroom at this time (to surprise mom and dad.) Naturally one or more make it home to be completed in off school hours.

My oldest two are in the 3rd and 1st grades. They both have projects looking right now. My first grader came home with an assignment to learn about an animal and build a pyramid style diorama with writing, a habitat, and a poem. Cue the complaints from parents.

It seems in today's world parents don't want to contribute to their child's projects. Everyone is incredibly busy with this and that and well they think the project is to complicated for a child to do. Some parents went so far as to question the principal (thankfully she agreed with the teacher).

As is our teacher and she clearly on multiple occasions pointed out that this is the child's project. Our job as parents is to guide them. Don't get me wrong - mom (and some dads) have to take the kids to the library, help kiddos research on the internet, buy supplies, help construct said pyramid, and inevitably help their child with correct spelling, facts, and placement of the pieces, but it is their project. Their work, their ideas, their creation.

I was ECSTATIC!

I have been waiting years for the day my kids would have a project to do at home. I couldn't wait to help my little one create this thing and make it a masterpiece. Yet as I pondered the teacher's words: "this is the student's project" my pinterest inspired ideas vanished. I thought of the work my daughter could do on her own and of what she would think looked amazing. And that folks is what we did.

My favorite sentence from her writing portion was in response to a fur seal's predator: "Orcas eat fur seals, it might be sad but it is the food chain." I would never have written that but it put to paper her exact feelings. She was sad that the seals would be eaten but she knew it had to happen.

Oh we had our arguments about not wanting to do the project and not liking that her answer was wrong. And the arguments when I didn't like her answer and thought she could do better even though she was correct. But in the end her project was so uniquely her. It was beautiful and a little silly, somewhat brutally honest but it was her.

I am humbled that I was able to work on the project with her. To see just how far she has come in this first grade year. To see her thought process in action. To see her cry when she heard about the orcas and the fur seal coats people make. For her excitement to know that fur seals like seafood just like her.

Our at home project experience was awesome and I am so glad I had this experience. I don't want projects every week or even every month but once in awhile I think they can be great bonding tools.

So next time your child comes home with a project - that they are likely over the moon about-- share their enthusiasm and let them know you are excited to spend time working with them and sharing in their learning.

Now I must say adieu as I prepare materials for my other daughter's soda pop bottle model of Sacajawea and the report that goes with it.

Ash of All Trades

Summer Fun List

2015-06-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

My kids are on year round school which means we have 3 separate breaks (we call them Fall, Spring, Summer) rather than one long summer vacation. Each time we are off track we make a "fun list" of the activities we want to do!

Some breaks we have a huge list with activities for every day. Other times just a handful of really cool things we want to do so that we can leave some spare time open for some spontaneous things. (I am not spontaneous so we are working on increasing my ability to cope with spontaneity).

Here is our Summer Fun List:

Swim Lessons
Knott's Berry Farm
Backyard Camping
Individual Movie Nights (each of our girls will stay up late 1 night with mom and dad)
Go to the Beach
Play date with Good Friends
Summer Reading Program at both libraries
Go to an Angel's Baseball Game
Go Kayaking
Make Hygiene Kits for the Homeless
Sister's Sleepover (the girls sleep in sleeping bags or on the trundles together)
Aquarelle Paintings
Make Stepping Stones
Have a Tea Party
Go for a Hike (this turned into go camping in the mountains)

Now we will definitely still do other activities and while we might not finish this whole list (we have 5ish weeks off) we will try our best to get to these activities and have actually crossed quite a few off or scheduled them!

What are your plans for the summer or any other break you have coming up?

-Ash of All Trades

P.S. The links above are not affiliate links - I don't make any money if you click them they are just products we like so I thought you might like them too!

Playing Out Front

2015-06-03T18:11:00.001-07:00

While talking with some friends about playing outside with our kids it dawned on me that kids today don't really play our front. Some do - a lot. The vast majority however don't play out front and in the area I grew up in there aren't really backyards to play in.

These friends were a bit shocked that I let my girls play out front. And then I said the magic words: "Yea they play in the street all the time!" That blew their socks off.

Our culture right now is one of caution, anxiety, and fear. Should we eat organic or ingest chemicals, should we watch T.V. or not, which baby lotions are safe, should kids play on monkey bars they might break their arms. I am grateful for this information era and all that we know because of course I want my kids to live long healthy lives. Yet I feel burdened by the weight of all the "what ifs".

So yes I let my kids play outside and feel safe doing so. I am always out there with them and they wear helmets anytime they are on a ride on toy (bike, scooter, skates), they ride their power wheels up and down the street.

They know the rules though. Look for cars both ways all the time. Don't go farther than Kristin's House on one side and Kyle's House on the other. Put each toy away before you get a new one. Sidewalk chalk is for our property only, etc etc.

Now this happy pleasurable outdoor play didn't happen all at once. The first time I freaked out every time a car drove onto the street. Some neighbors gave us dirty looks for making them slow down. Other neighbors called me out as a bad mom for letting my kids think the street was "safe".

Eventually though, my fears calmed down, the kids learned to get out of the street way before cars came close and sometimes told me when a car was coming. They also learned which cars go to which house and whether they would turn before getting to close. The neighbors started driving down the street more cautiously and smiling or waving to us. We ran into people at stores who ended up living on our street - they introduced themselves to us and felt like they knew us because they saw us outside all of the time. Other moms let their kids play outside too and that is really fun.

Sometimes we don't go out as much and during that time people do forget but it only takes a day or two of playing outside to feel like we are in a good old fashioned street out of a book.

So have a good time, make informed decisions about your life and your kids life but don't live in fear that you can't do something! Just go do it!

- Ash of All Trades

The True Meaning of Memorial Day

2015-05-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Memorial Day weekend. To many people this means parties, barbecue, family, maybe a beach trip or a vacation. All of these things are good, joyous even. However, this weekend is not about the start of summer, good weather, or even time with family. This weekend is time to reflect on life, liberty, freedom, happiness, and so much more. Sure parties, vacations, and family time are all related to those things but why do we have these things? How are we free? We are free in large part due to the sacrifice of our military past and present. Technically to those who died for our liberty, peace, and freedom.

Our Girl Scout troops gathered this weekend to place flags on every grave in our local National Cemetery. Joining them (or rather we joined) over 1,000 people honored the sacrifice and strife these people went through for themselves and for us. The sight of a National Cemetery covered in American flags is profoundly moving. Kids, adults, veterans, everyone was moved to some emotional degree - the number of tears shed Saturday morning could certainly move mountains. This was far from our first year attending this event yet it left me as emotionally raw as the first visit.

My grandfather is buried here, so are the grandfathers of many of my scouts and their families. So is the brother of a friend I am getting to know. Some of those buried here died of old age but with war stories, some died in the middle of life far from home, some passed here at home but still at war in their souls. Each grave contains a host of memories and stories, love and loss. As we audibly thanked each soldier or his wife (they serve just as much) for their service it brought the memories and love to life. Grown men (bikers too) cried and it showed how precious life is.

The world has good in it. Lots of it. Over 1,000 people spread good in a matter of a few hours. People will see and enjoy that good all weekend as they visit their loved ones gone before us.

A soldier, double amputee himself, placed flags on the graves alongside the Girl Scouts, parents, grandparents, daughters, sons, and random strangers. People stopped and thanked him, encouraged him, cried for him. Yet he was there honoring those who served our country the same as me, thankful, grateful, and full of love for this country and what is stands on.

Then on the way home from the cemetery, already emotionally charged, there was more good. Inherent biblical good. Just as in the story from Luke 21:1-4 when the poor woman gives her all to the donation box while the wealthy gave but a pittance.

A homeless man dirty, hungry, unshaven, alone; asking for money on the left side of the road. People well fed and clothed, clean asking for donations for a 13 year old girl fighting cancer on the right hand side of the road. Traffic was at a stand still and the man - the homeless man - crossed through the cars and walked up the sidewalk. At first I thought he looked defeated, tired, done for the day. Then I watched the miracle: he walked up to the donation bucket and emptied his pockets - donating his money, his entirety into the bucket and smiling, fulfilled he walked away.

I am so thankful that I was witness to some amazing miraculous moments this weekend. That I was able to see God working his hand and to know that these moments still exist. The moments those soldiers fought, were injured or even died for happen every day on every street corner and in every home. Moments for us to do good, to spread joy and happiness all around us. Let us lift one another up and be happy. Spread joy.

I certainly feel blessed by God this weekend and I hope he blesses you too!

- Ash of All Trades.

Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

2015-05-08T22:23:00.000-07:00

Recently our 5 year old under went a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy and I thought I would share some tips and tricks of the process - you know in case you find yourselves in our situation. Now first and foremost none of this is medical advice. This is maternal advice - advice from one mom to another.

Prepping -

We didn't tell our daughter she was having surgery. She loathes doctors and hospitals and can stress herself out pretty well. Literally she didn't even ask at the surgery center so we just let it be. She did great this way and has not questioned us. Her older sister however was sad that we didn't tell her. Hindsight - I would do it exactly the same way!

Post Surgery:

We were told she would need a cold liquid(ish) diet for 24 hours. What we weren't told is that she shouldn't eat anything with red dye for 3-10 days after the procedure. This is in case of bleeding - we need to be able to spot it as blood not food right away.

Shaved ice
Jello (no red)
Popsicles (no red)
Pudding
Applesauce
Apple Juice
Otter Pops
Ice Cream
Sherbert

Honestly by 48 hours she was sick of these foods and wanting regular food again. I was paranoid mom and kept her with pretty soft foods for 10 days (the time frame for the scab to come off). Hindsight - I would still do it this way!

This surgery cleared her "sleep apnea". She sleeps so well at night now I had to confirm she was breathing the first 2 weeks because I was in shock. She is so much happier and well rested. Extra bonus some of her speech and hearing issues (undiagnosed) have improved. Her teacher even commented that she is better able to pronounce things and to sound things out. It is amazing what this procedure did for her and I am so glad we had everything done!

Good luck and feel free to ask questions if you have any! Again this is just mommy advice!

- Ash of All Trades

Sunday Dinner!

2015-05-03T22:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome back friends and readers! Above is our first Sunday Dinner of this new challenge albeit late. Man oh man was it delicious!

Thankfully my husband likes to cook so after 4 hours at cookie booths with my daughters I came home to this delicious dinner. Yes I am blessed and maybe a wee bit spoiled!

The recipe for the pork is here. (It is similar but not quite the same ours has cooked bacon in the salsa).

The potatoes are just mashed with roasted garlic, green onions and fresh cilantro. They were awesome!

Asparagus and bacon go so well together - I never liked asparagus until we started experimenting with different cooking methods. This is just salt and pepper dressed asparagus wrapped in bacon and grilled for 20-30 minutes. My husband is a happy man now that we eat asparagus - he loves it!

What did you have for your family dinner this week?

- Ash of All Trades

Exercise For Your Sanity

2015-05-01T22:06:00.001-07:00

A year ago this weekend I ran my first (and probably last) Marathon! Yes, 26.2 miles! It was horribly awful and yet exhilarating and fulfilling at the same time.

I LOVE running. I did not even like running 26.2 but it has been my life goal for a long time. In preparation for running a whole marathon I started slow. Couch to 5k style then up to a 10k finally I ran a half marathon.

Let me be clear - I am a runner at heart - I started at age 8 inspired by my dad and his running and ran through high school. During college I ran off and on however once I had my first daughter exercise in general took the back seat. Faster forward 6.5 years and I was ready to lose the baby weight. But something happened this time around and losing the baby weight became second fiddle to so much else.

Each of these races proved difficult but thrilling. Each one was a stepping stone to my ultimate goal. Every race had its own preparation and took step after step of grueling training. Missing family time, getting up early, watching what I ate, being far slower than ever before, the soreness of long runs! There was a myriad list of reasons why anyone would give up on this lofty goal.

Yet I was thriving and hadn't felt better in years! Running is MY thing. It is my exercise that radiates through my body, mind and soul - it is the only form of exercise which allows me to slim down and feel great. Each pounding step releases stress, frustration, and fear. I have a shirt that says "Mommy of 3 Running For Her Sanity" and it is so true. When I run regularly I am more balanced and patient.

While running is definitely my thing - and I truly believe in the runner's "high"; I think there is something out there for everyone. You might be the queen of exercise DVDs, Crossfit, speed walking, roller blading, you name it you can do it. And you SHOULD do it. Find your THING and start it really does make a world of difference!

I have also found that half marathons are my distance of choice but due to life constraints will be sticking to 5k and 10k races as I actually have time to train for those!

So I encourage you - look into your past or find something new but do something for you!

- Ash of All Trades

Sunday Dinner Challenge

2015-02-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome back and boy has this week been crazy! Our life is pretty jam packed full with three little ones and the activities we feel are important in our lives. In fact today was the second weekend of Girl Scout Cookie Booth Sales which means we still have 4 weeks where we will eat drink and breathe cookies because I am the troop coordinator for both troops.

My pledge to my family during this cookie sale is that I would not let it affect our dinner plans. Each year something always comes up and I end up dealing with cookies during dinner time. No bueno. We eat dinner as a family 95% of the time. The other 5% is because we have a sports/extracurricular activity and during that time whoever is home eats together. During cookie time the ratios were reversed!

We eat at the table as a family and we all eat the same thing. Shocker right. That doesn't happen very often anywhere anymore. Especially with a somewhat picky husband and a very picky 7 year old. Middle C eats quite well and Little C well she is a human vacuum cleaner. Although I know some of you eat dinner together this is a challenge for all!

Anyways back to the topic. Sunday dinners. I think the whole world would benefit from more family dinners. I however do not live in a bubble and know that this isn't reality. After a recent meal that was absolutely fabulous (here.) it got me thinking. What if we started with Sunday dinner?

A dinner that was somewhat fancier than the rest of the weeks meals and everybody ate it and they ate it together at the table. What a concept.

So here we go a family dinner challenge. Can you try to have family dinner together every Sunday? 2 Sundays a month? Every Sunday for two months? You name the challenge but join me and comment with your Sunday dinner plans.

Now let's be fair some of us have different schedules (heck half my neighbors are cops and work different schedules) - pick the day that works for you - Saturday, Monday, Wednesday? Make it your Family Dinner Night with a little bit of a fancy meal.

That is the first step. Pick your day of the week. Pick your start date and get ready. I will be posting some recipe ideas as well as blogging my Sunday night dinners.

Will you join me?

- Ash of All Trades

Kids Goals

2015-01-20T20:33:00.006-08:00

Well I am back again and this time with a post on kids goals! Yep we included our kids in our 2015 goal planning session. We began talking about goals at Christmas time and kept the talk up until the 1st of January - then we sat down and wrote down our goals.

Here are their goals:

Big C age 7-8 in 2015
1. Run a 5k
2. Learn to read at 11th grade level
3. Reach 100 miles for the 100 mile club
4. Earn the Presidents Service Award
5. Make 50 Rainbow Loom Bracelets and Sell 20 of them.

Middle C age 5-6 in 2015
1. Learn to rollerblade
2. Learn to swim
3. Run a 1 mile kids fun run
4. Learn to read at 2nd grade level
5. Earn the President's Service Award

Little C age 2-3 in 2015
1. Learn letters and numbers
2. Learn colors and shapes
3. Learn to ride a tricycle/scooter
4. Start a class like gymnastics, ballet, etc.
5. Have 500 books read to her.

They are so excited about their goals and have been working almost everyday on at least one of them. Little C got herself up and dressed on the 2nd and came running into our room telling us need learn ride tricycle!

It is cute to see them so excited and also to see that some of their goals they might not accomplish this year - swimming is going to be iffy because we don't have a pool and we haven't had luck with swim lessons. Maybe since it is on the list we will figure it out this year!

What goals do your kids have? Do you remember any goals from when you were a kid?

- Ash of All Trades

New Year New Goals!

2015-01-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

Normally taking down my Christmas decorations bums me out. I look forward to the holidays and family time then bam it is over! This year I am really enjoying taking down the decorations, deep cleaning some rooms in the house and planning for a really awesome 2015.

Throughout the year of 2014 I felt like I wasn't accomplishing a whole lot. Each time I did a project or finished something it felt great but I didn't feel like I was getting anywhere. In hindsight it is because I didn't sit down and set any written goals. I didn't feel like I was getting anywhere because I didn't have a checklist to cross off. The only goal I felt I had accomplished was running a full marathon and even then I wasn't thrilled with my time.

But last year was a great year and I thoroughly enjoyed our more "free spirit" functioning - in fact it is probably how we thrived during such a busy time full of ups and downs and lots of personal growth I just want to track my progress and see my goals being checked off. For 2015 though I am setting written goals not only because this year is already jam packed but because there are certain things I want to accomplish in life and if I keep letting each year fly by I probably won't gain much traction.

So many thanks to my hubby for pushing me to get that marathon done and off of my life goals list and many thanks to him for taking time to have a family goal planning meeting. We started thinking about goals early this year and talked many times about them as a family. We talked about how they would affect everyone - marathon training last year had a huge impact on everyone since mama was often running or recovering)!

Without further ado here are my goals for this year:

1. Read 25 books
2. Earn the President's Service Award (100 hours of service)
3. Finish Carlee's Quilt
4. Run a Half Marathon in under 2 hours
5. Catch up on my photo books.
6. Amend soil so that my berry plants actually grow (must figure out how first)
7. Can jam/jelly (I almost always do this and last year it didn't happen)
8. Run a 10k in 48 minutes or less.
9. Meal Plan Every Single Month
10. Make Christmas Placemats for Dining Room
11. Bake 2 snack items per month
12. Teach Chloee to sew
13. Write on my blog twice per week.
14. Organize my closet permanently.

I originally wanted to start with 15 goals as in 2015. I later decided these 14 were great goals and to leave myself leeway to add things later in the year when life may have added or changed some perspectives. There you have it folks 15 things I want to intentionally set out to do. Other things will definitely come up and change and I might not hit every one of these goals but they give me a purpose in deciding how to spend my time during this next year.

I will be back with more on setting goals with kids - ours had a fabulous time doing this last week and have since been working daily to hit certain goals. Definitely a life lesson worth learning!

- Ash of All Trades

2014 Recap and Where Did Time Go?

2015-01-02T20:45:00.000-08:00

Wow it has been a long time since I have last blogged and a lot has happened since December 2011! I honestly thought I hadn't blogged in only maybe a year not 3!!!!!!!!! I now have 3 beautiful daughters (actually I stopped blogging when morning sickness hit with my third)! Big C is in 2nd Grade, Middle C is in Kindergarten, and my baby is already 2! Time sure does fly! I am sadly going to skip over 2012 and 2013 and just do a recap of 2014.

2014 was an amazing year for our family with a lot of growing and doing. While I feel that we were ridiculously busy; in hindsight everything had meaning and shaped us in some way. When we do have down time (like the last week and a half) we almost don't know what to do with ourselves. I am going to try and remind myself during this next year that keeping busy is a good thing (as long as it doesn't take over) - it makes us appreciate our down time so much more and it helps keep us away from things like laziness, too much TV, and or boredom.

So here is 2014 in a recap. Yes it was an amazing year!

January:
Started out the New Year and really enjoyed a break from sports and holidays. Enjoyed dinners with Auntie and Baby Jack.

I also started using my new sewing machine I received for Christmas and sewed two Girl Scout cookie costumes. We had a Carmel d'lite and a Thanks A Lot running around for 8 weeks!

February:
I ran my first ever half marathon! This was a huge accomplishment and was a step towards my ultimate life goal of running a full marathon plus I ran it 20 minutes faster than I had anticipated. My dad was able to come with me and watch me cross the finish line!

Mid-month Justin helped his brother move to Texas, while it was sad to see them go it is an amazing opportunity for them and we are so glad that they were able to embark on their new adventure.

March:
I had a great birthday with family. Caylee turned 5 and celebrated with a Snail party with our family and friends. Our little ball of energy constantly amazes us and it seems like just yesterday she was born.

My grandma Ludie was experiencing health issues this whole year and we finally had to accept that she needed full time care. She was placed in a convalescent hospital and we started taking her lunch a couple times a month.

April:
Chloee turned 7 this month and it was a shocking revelation. We couldn't believe that 7 years had passed since we became parents. She is so much like her daddy but yet has several habits that are spitting images of mommy! She had a ninja turtle party at her grandparents and celebrated her birthday and PopPops at Farrells!

May:
This month I hit my life goal and ran a full marathon. While my time was no where near my hopes I am thrilled to have hit this goal and can say I am amazed that my body could do something so crazy.

The day before my marathon my dad left for New Orleans to await a liver transplant. On May 16th we received the call that an exact donor had been found. May 17th is a day we will always be thankful for and we keep our donor and his family in our constant prayers. The miracle of life was given and our dad was able to start his journey towards healing.

At the end of the month we welcome our nephew/Godson and couldn't have been more thrilled to see the family expanding! He is such an awesome little guy!

June:
This was an awesome month for us. My dad was released from the hospital's care and sent home to California. The day after they arrived home our family of 5 plus my sister embarked on a 9 day trip starting with a straight through over night drive to Oregon for Andrew's college graduation.

While my parents weren't able to attend due to dad's health condition we were thrilled to be there to support him and takes lots of pictures. I got to play the crazy emotional "mom" role and played it well crying like a baby when he walked across the stage.

We spent nine amazing days in Oregon, San Francisco and then Hearst Castle. We saw some amazing sights, enjoyed sibling bonding time, and took the girls and Justin to 2 new states. Our adventures during those nine days would normally take weeks but we woke early and stayed up late seeing something new every minute. We were exhausted when we returned home and my sister has vowed to never vacation with us again but it was worth it for the memories made!

Before we left Chloee's Girl Scout troop earned the top Service Award for our area and I couldn't have been more proud to be their leader and to see how much they have grown. We also bridged the girls to Brownies and held an investiture for our new Daisy troop. Yes 2 troops!

July:
Chloee lost her first baby tooth this month! She was soo excited and the new one grew in in about a week! She wasn't toothless for long!

Caylee started Kindergarten this month!!!! Chloee is now in 2nd grade and life with 2 kids in school was an adjustment. Carlee absolutely cried for a couple of weeks trying desperately to get her sisters to stay home. Both girls LOVE school and are excelling in all they do.

August:
Carlee turned 2 and I just cannot believe it. Where did 2 years go - it is even harder because she thinks she is a big girl like her sisters. Nothing Carlee won't try and boy does she keep us on our toes! I am making Carlee a twin sized quilt for her birthday and while it isn't done it is the most sewing I have ever done in my life and it is turning out great - only thing left is the binding.

September:
Soccer was in full swing and between that and starting a second Girl Scout troop. Yes I now have a 1st year Brownie troop and a 1st year Daisy troop (don't ask or remind me that I have a 3rd daughter). Life got a little crazy and I felt like we never stopped this month.

October:
The girls are off track and boy are we enjoying it. We enjoyed our traditional weekend in Crestline and hanging out. Enjoyed our first trip to Pretend City and can't believe I haven't gone before.

In the middle of the month I ran my 3rd race of the year - the Long Beach Half and earned the Beach Cities Medal. It was a momentous day as my father in law joined me for the race and ran his first half ever. We were all so proud of him and glad we could celebrate with him. It was a joyous occasion as my parents were able to watch me finish and my dad placed the Beach Cities medal around my neck. I started running because of him and was glad he could be there with me. I also almost broke the 2 hour mark for the race and have now set that as my goal for 2015.

November:
We started the month off baptizing our godson and it was a joyous occasion! He was the cutest baby there! We are so thankful to be his godparents!

While I started sewing a lot this year (making doll sleeping bags and tents) November saw the most sewing. I replaced our store bought stockings with homemade stockings this year and the girls were thrilled to pick their own fabric. I also sewed table tents for Tess and Carlee and they LOVE them.

We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving and then a second Thanksgiving with my family. We celebrated a lot and really enjoyed our family time. As usual we went to the Zoo on black Friday and had a blast! Sad to see our zoo passes expire!

December:
This month flew by what with Thanksgiving being so late. It only went faster as we celebrated Tamale Day then Christmas with the Guerras in the same weekend. My in laws flew to Texas for Christmas and while it was great for them we did miss them. Chloee asked Santa to bring her Uncle Tio home for Christmas and she was disappointed when it didn't happen.

The sad thing this month was learning that Caylee has sleep apnea and will need a tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy in the New Year. The poor thing has trouble sleeping and is exhausted by 2pm every day. Hopefully the procedure will provide relief and she can start to enjoy her afternoons more!

Christmas was beautiful this year and we felt that the year had been full of great accomplishments. We can't wait to see what 2015 brings us and have set some awesome goals for this next year!

My next post will include some goals for the next year and some things I learned this past year!

(one of my goals is to blog again - I really miss writing)

Man it feels good to be writing again. Even if only for my own eyes!

Some Christmas Decorations!

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

A bowl full of ornaments makes the perfect center piece!

Yesterday we talked a lot about Advent traditions and now here are some of our Christmas but not so much religious traditions!

Stocking with a lighted garland.

Some simple ribbon and cricut cutouts transform a closet door into a Christmas Card Wonderland.

I absolutely love receiving Christmas cards every year - and yes I send my own out on November 30th so that people can enjoy them (hopefully) all month long!

Every year we get the girl's an ornament based upon what they like that year.

Unfortunately this year they aren't very telling of their personalities but this picture is.

Look at Chloee's goofy look and Caylee's messy hair. That about tells it all!

Garlic Bread - Simple Weeknight Side

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Ever have those extra hot dog/hamburger buns or bread that is almost too old to eat.

Turn it into a simple weeknight side dish - garlic bread!

This simple idea saves food from the trash and costs no extra money!

For buns - slice in half and spread with butter.

Sprinkle some garlic powder (or garlic salt) and parsley flakes.

You could add chile flakes if you so desire.

Add some Parmesan cheese (or any cheese you have).

Broil until crispy (5-10 minutes depending on your bread).

Serve with almost any meal!

What are your quick time and food saving recipes?

Advent Traditions

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Our Nativity Scene

Which we often stop and talk about all of the pieces and the story.

The girls also have a little people set that they can play with.

Every year we look forward to the holiday season. It begins with Halloween and moves rather quickly to Thanksgiving. We try hard to enjoy these days in and of themselves but part of us is secretly excited that soon it will be the Christmas season. Now in the true religious sense the Christmas season doesn't begin until midnight mass on Christmas eve. The season that truly lies between Thanksgiving and Christmas days is Advent. As a family we have been trying to instill some advent traditions which enlighten us to the true meaning of Christmas: the birthday of Jesus. Please don't kid yourself when you think we don't also fall into the hustle and bustle of modern Christmas season: shopping, decorating, baking, eating to much - yep we do that too - we just try to also have some fun memories of the season's real meaning.

Advent Calendar.

Every day we open a box, read a scripture, and place a person,

star, or animal on the magnet board.

Advent Wreath

Just like at church we light these candles and discuss their meaning.

Since we only light these on Sunday's it is a reminder of the four weeks before Christmas.

Jesse Tree

This year we were attempting to do a Jesse tree however due to some hectic scheduling we have fallen behind and may have to try again next year.

During this time of Advent we also make sure to discuss giving to others and make a point to donate food to the needy, toys for our church's toy drive, and visit a convalescent home with some goodies for those who are homebound. The Lord gave us the greatest gift on Christmas day and it is with that in mind that we should celebrate this season. Sure have some eggnog, decorate the tree, and make a wishlist - but also take a moment to think about why.

And to everyone even if you aren't the religious type please have a very Merry Christmas!

Meal Plan and Busyness!

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Whew - it feels good to be blogging again! These last few (well almost 6 weeks) I have been stepping in as an administrative assistant at my old job and thus things have been quite busy around here. While I am not done helping out we should have a little reprieve and the posts should be more regular (although they probably won't be daily still). Thank you for all the stop ins while I was away - you all are the best!

Here is our menu for the week:

Monday:

Egg McMuffins (homemade), Mangos
Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Cheez Its, Carrots, Blueberries
Cheese Enchiladas, Refried Beans, Spanish Rice, Corn

Tuesday:

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Persimmons, Yogurt
Egg Salad Sandwiches, Cheez Its, Apples
Pasta Carbonera with Lemon & Leeks, Garlic Bread, Salad

Wednesday:

Egg McMuffins, Persimmons
Potato Soup, Garlic Bread, Salad
Tacos, Nachos, Peas

Thursday:

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Apples w/peanut butter
Soup & Grilled Cheese, Pears
Breakfast Burritos, Pineapple

Friday:

Granola Bars, Applesauce, Yogurt
Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Blueberries, Crackers
Family Movie Night: Pizza, Salad, Popcorn

Saturday:

Cinnamon Rolls, Yogurt
TBD
Tamales: it is our annual tamale making day!

Sunday:

Cereal, Juice, Pears
TBD - delivering gifts after church
German Pork Roast, Rice, Brocoli

Back to the Basics: A Few Book Reviews

2011-11-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Having visited Pennsylvania Dutch Country recently I have been on a big Amish novel kick. While this infatuation of mine definitely stemmed from visiting the area I really do believe my continued love for these novels is the simplicity of life. Now don't get me wrong, no one's life is simple, however there are so many endearing qualities of Amish life. Lot's of family, nature, and quiet time. Tons of home cooked food and fresh grown produce. No wondering what to wear or how much gas will cost this week. Yes they deal with having to hand wash everything, hand make everything, and the physical labor of growing their own crops - it's not candy land but it is just really gratifying to sink into that world of theirs and know that my heart yearns for many of their tightly held principles (obviously technology is not one of them). Without further ado here are my reviews for the second and third books in the Rose Trilogy by Beverly Lewis.

The Judgment:

In this thrilling sequel we follow Rose Kauffman and her family's stories as they deal with a simple lifestyle. Rose a true hearted Amish girl is tested in love and in faith as she struggles to see how other's potentially allow their faith to fall behind. As her sister Hen also struggles through a major life crisis it is great to see family rally around one another. With many trials and tribulations in this part of the series you are sure to be begging for the final installment.

The Mercy:

The final installment of the Rose Trilogy this story solves all of the loose ends and provides many twists and turns all the way through the final pages. While some of the plot lines are easy to guess ahead some of the details are so surprising and left my heart feeling warm. This series painted the picture of a girl with a big heart who honestly wants to follow her faith and her dreams all at once. The conclusion is very final which is a huge relief in a series like this and it all makes me want to go live in or near an Amish town.

Overall I delighted in all of the characters, tests, and transformations that occurred during this series and look forward to reading more Beverly Lewis novels in the future.

(Please note that none of the above links are affiliate links. I.E. I do not receive any compensation but rather want to point out some novels I really enjoyed.)

The Pumpkin is Orange!

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

This past week a very exciting thing happened in our garden: the pumpkin turned completely orange! And for that we are giving thansk - well for that and a whole plethora of other things!

.094 lbs

.42 lbs

9.937 lbs!

.03 lbs

.93 lbs

.72 lbs

1.06 lbs

3.84 lbs

A very blessed week at: 17.031 lbs!

Annual Total: 163.598 lbs

Thanksgiving Crafts

2011-11-22T07:00:00.001-08:00

In honor of Thanksgiving we watched the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving!

Read plenty of Thanksgiving books.

And did the following crafts.

We made handprint mayflowers and talked about the long voyage the pilgrims had.

We used pinecones from our Big Bear trip to make turkey's and talked about how it is a more recent tradition but a good one at that.

We use old toilet paper rolls to make corn cobs and talked about

how hard it was to grow vegetables.

We also made this pilgrim hat out of a clay pot to adorn our table.

Lastly we made turkey handprints and talked about the things we were thankful for!

(For more detailed instructions google each craft and you will find several sources).

Thanksgiving Week Meal Plan

2011-11-20T14:33:00.001-08:00

We are so blessed to be spending two separate days celebrating Thanksgiving this year and I am also continuing the training process at my old job (I am training someone else) so this week is a bit different than normal. At any rate we have some great food planned and are looking forward to lots of family time and the start of Christmas preparations! Happy eating all!

Breakfasts:

Granola Bars, Applesauce, Eggs
English Muffin Sandwiches, Blueberries
English Muffin Sandwiches, Grapefruit
Muffins (flavor tbd), Oranges, Peanut Butter
Oatmeal with craisins, Juice
Omelets, Toast, Juice
Cinnamon Rolls, Juice

Lunches:

Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Carrots, Applesauce
Chicken Nuggets, Peas, Apples
Turkey Sandwiches! Cranberry Sauce, Green Bean Casserole
Quesadillas, Black Beans, Oranges
Hot Dogs, Mac N Cheese, Peas
Leftovers or Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Snacky foods before Thanksgiving

Dinners:

Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Corn
Mexican Food with Family
Szechaun Chicken, Fried Rice, Veggies
Thanksgiving: Green Bean Casserole, Cranberry Sauce, Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie (our contributions)
Pizza, Salad for Family Movie Night
Thanksgiving 2: Ham and Green Bean Casserole (our contributions)
German Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli

45 Mile Commute by Choice

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Two years ago today we moved our family 45 miles away from my husband's work and my parents and where no one we knew lived. Yep we used to live about 3 miles from hubby's work and about 12 miles from my parents home then moved out to the cow farms (literally - we see one from our master bedroom and smell them every time we go outside). What in the world would make us up and move so far away...LIFE and the dream to live it. Here are some of our reasons for moving 45 miles away:

Desire for an actual house with a yard. We knew in our hearts that the lifestyle we wanted for our family included outdoor playing and Christmas decorating. We wanted a garden and streets to ride bikes on, we wanted a true single family home with neighbors more likely to grow old on our street than to rent out next year. Sure it exists where we moved from but they are few and far between.
Price. We didn't want to be so strapped to make payments on our "home" that we couldn't actually enjoy other things in life. Permanent things like $500 HOA payments and fines for washing your cars weren't in the plans for our lifestyle. For HALF the price of homes we were looking at in our old community we bought DOUBLE the home and 8 TIMES the land (it's only a quarter acre but still).
Own vs. Rent. We wanted to own our home versus continue renting and owning was much more difficult where we lived than was renting. Also we aren't big on moving and had hoped to find a long term home rather than a starter home (our hopes are to stay for a loooong time - more than 20 years - having the girls visit from college or show their own kids their childhood home sounds great to us). Sure we may move again but why buy a home with the thought that it would work for now but we would eventually have to leave.
New vs Old: Having a newer home that wouldn't require many repairs was a big factor for us. We are not qualified to do major home renovations and would not have wanted to spend the resources needed to such work. Old homes in our old area met most of our criteria but the risks of an indoor pipe bursting, termites, or needing to replace a roof and all of the insulation really didn't appeal to us.
Short Sales & REOs: We looked for a home for over 2 years (really off and on for 5) and everything was a short sale or REO and even then the homes were being bid up more than $100,000 making them astronomically ridiculous. We walked in to the model homes picked one, filled out paperwork, and before we had reached home we were approved and in escrow on our home. Plus we got to choose everything!!!!!!!! From insulation and wiring to carpet and paint colors!
Hours. My husband's hours at work changed for the better meaning he would get off of work at least a half hour earlier than before and given that it took him at least 15 minutes to get home before we only ended up out 15 minutes a day of waking hours (he leaves before we are awake) and yes sometimes it is longer - like when a tanker explodes on the freeway causing a 3.5 hour commute. But the trade off wasn't too bad.
Following our Hearts. In the end we followed our hearts; our new home - though far - was the first time we felt at home in any place we had visited. It just felt right and that was what we had prayer for - that God would let us know when we had found the right home. The one in which to raise our family in.

My advice to anyone looking to purchasing a home and shying away from areas that might not seem right (trust me I naysayed my husband's ideas of moving away for 2 years before finally giving it a chance) is to move past any qualms and look - let your heart tell you yes or no (as long as your bank account and paychecks are also in agreement).

Two years later I still love where I live. We were blessed with amazing neighbors, a growing community, land, indoor space, and amazing amenities around us. 3 years ago I would have laughed if anyone said I would be living where I do now but I love it and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Home Warming Foods Meal Plan

2011-11-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

As a family we spent this past weekend up in Big Bear Lake! We had originally planned to hike, fish, and play outside in the sunshine - except they uncharacteristically had a huge storm last week and another inch and a half of snow this weekend! We spent the weekend by the fire, building snowmen, going on toboggan rides, and occupying a very sick two year old! Anywho the point of this is that the cold weather made us crave warmth and our meal plan this week proves it: almost everything involves the oven which inevitably warms the home...hoping it stays "cool" this week!

Breakfast:

granola bars, oatmeal, blueberries
pancakes, pears, eggs
carrot muffins, kiwi, peanut butter
french toast, apples
cereal, fruit
oatmeal w/craisins, milk
eggs, toast, apples

Lunch:

egg salad sandwiches, carrots, blueberries
peanut butter sandwiches, graham crackers, pears
tuna, crackers, cheese, grapes, carrots
chicken nuggets, carrots, applesauce
leftovers
salami, crackers, cheese, pears
chicken quesadillas, black beans, corn

Dinner:

Chicken Pot Pie
Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Bread
Tomato Basil Soup, Grilled Cheese
Chile & Corn Bread, Salad
Mongolian Beef Stir Fry, White Rice
To Be Determined: Dinner with Family
Indian Chicken Dish: Surprise by Hubby

Baking/Experiments:

Apple Pie Filling

Pureed Pumpkin for Pie Filling

Juicing: We are adding juicing to our morning routine - we will let you know how this works for us after we have done it for awhile!

What are your favorite home warming meals?

Grocery Deals - Yes there are some GREAT deals right now!

2011-11-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

With the holiday's fast approaching sales are finally becoming available. By sales I mean stock up sales!!!!!!! Okay yes retail sales have been awesome too and I have scored some Christmas gifts for prices well under budget and that definitely makes me happy, but so does a full pantry!

Ralphs and Stater Brothers have the best sales this week so those are the ones listed below but I did want to point out that Albertsons's has Butterball turkey's Buy One Get One Free with a $25 purchase.

Ralphs Deals:

Foster Farms Bone in Chicken Meat - @ .97/lb = Stock Up Price
Broccoli or Cauliflower @ .88/lb = Stock Up Price
Roma Tomatoes @ .88/lb = Great Price
Hansen's Apple Juice @ 1.99 = Great Price
Ritz Crackers @ 1.99 = Great Price (coupons available)
Hass Avocados @ 1.00 = Good Price

BUY 10 SAVE $5

Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce @ .99 = Great Price (last year's low was .49)
Annie's Mac N Cheese @ .69 = Excellent Price (Coupons available)
Bumble Bee Light Tuna @ .69 = Great Price
Del Monte Canned Vegetables @ .49 = Stock Up Price
Swanson Broth @ .49 = Stock Up Price (coupons available)
Campbell's Cream of Mushroom or Chicken @.49 = Stock Up Price (coupons available)
Hormel Chili w/beans @ .99 = Great Price (coupons available)
Stove Top @ .99 = Great Price (last years price was .49)
Craisins @ 2.49 = Good Price (unless you can find them in bulk)
Hormel Pepperoni @ 2.49 = Great Price
Last week the Challenge Butter was included but not in ad - if it is included there are $1 off coupons making it a great deal!

Stater Brothers Deals:

Bartlett Pears @ .79/lb = Excellent Price
Stater Bros. Canned Veggies @ .69 = Good Price
Black Grapes @ .99/lb = Great Price
Broccoli @ .99/lb = Excellent Price
Italian Zucchini @ .99/lb = Great Price
Hass Avocados @ 1.00 = Good Price
White Onions @ 1.00/lb = Great Price
Ground Beef 81% @ 2.59/lb = Good Price (it goes as low as 1.99 at Albertsons a few times a year)
Sun Vista Beans @ .99/big can = Excellent Price for canned beans
Thomas' English Muffins @ 1.99 = Good Price
Tomato Sauce @ .39 = Great Price
Cool Whip @ .99 = Great Price

BUY 10 EACH ITEM 75 CENTS

Kraft Dressing @ .75 = Great Price
Kraft Mac N Cheese @ .75 = Great Price recently
Nabisco Snack Bags @ .75 = Excellent Price
Corn Nuts @ .75 = Great Price

TIP: My grocery tip for this week is that I don't always buy the same things. For instance english muffins are on sale so I might buy them - but I definitely wouldn't buy them at regular price! Variety is one way to keep your grocery budget lower!

When Your Dreams Change

2011-11-09T09:17:00.000-08:00

Having worked with my dad these last two day's and experienced once again the concept of working outside the home I thought I would write a post on when dreams change. Growing up I always wanted to be a mom, I also wanted to work in corporate America. While attending college I struggled to figure out exactly what industry I wanted to work in. Low and behold I ended up working in insurance and loved it! However while in college I also met my soul mate and got married (best decision ever)! We decided together that when we had kids I would stay home with them.

Along comes my first pregnancy and well we aren't quite ready for me to stop working, so for the first two year's of Big C's life I worked outside of the home. I was very lucky to take her to work for the first year (but please believe me when I tell you it is extremely difficult!) and then my mom watched her while I worked not quite full time during the second year. Shortly before little C was born I started staying home full time (except that I worked for my family's business and well if you have ever worked for family you know that work doesn't ever quite end with as much finality as any other type of job)!

In my head I had tons of notions of what staying at home would be like - pretty crazy ones. Ones in which we played all day, did crafts, baked, and basically had a ton of fun. Cleaning, discipline, loneliness - none of this came to mind. Boy were my dreams out of whack with reality! Staying at home was a lot different than I had expected - it wasn't bad, not by any means - it was just different. Plus how do I answer the never ending questions of what do I do and what will I do once the girls are older...hmm well my dream now is to raise my kids - while at home. Once they are gone I would love to volunteer...but those are dreams and they might change. I don't have a crystal ball and I can't tell you what I will be doing tomorrow let alone when my kids are 18. So my current dream is to enjoy every day doing whatever it is I am called to do that day!

In order to clarify more about two very different dreams I have compiled a list of my favorite things about working and my favorite things about staying home. Let me be clear that this is not an argument or an attack on either opinion but rather the things I love(d) most about two very different points in my life! In order of how these events impacted my life:

The Things I Loved About Working Outside the Home:

Interaction: Social interaction with different people (although almost always on the phone) - I had daily conversations with 10-20 unique personalities every single day. Usually about topics that were important to their livelihood and in which I could see how my actions were affecting them and their businesses at that moment in time.
Accomplishment: I knew what my job was and what had to be done, I could measure how much I had accomplished in a day by crossing visible tasks off of my to do list. Along with this I also loved how if something had to get done immediately I could shut out the rest of the world and get it done.
Time with my dad: Now this one isn't for everyone but since I worked with my dad I got to see him and talk to him for hours every single day. Now that I don't work and he still does it is a lot harder to talk to him as often and in as much detail.
Monetary pay: Of course I received remuneration for my work and while money is definitely not the most important thing I did of course enjoy receiving a pay check.
Alone time: The drive to and from work and my lunch break were times that I got alone to do what I wanted (within reason) and in which I was not solely responsible for anyone else!
Praise: While I try to be humble and not be foolishly prideful I have always been an overachiever and while working I loved the fact that clients and co-workers would praise my work helping me feel like my time was worthwhile. (Kid's just don't seem to say gee thanks for disciplining me mom)!

The Things I Love About Staying Home:

Spending every waking moment with my kids - watching them stumble, fall and grow.
Nurturing their spirit, souls, and personalities. Watching quirks and traits appear out of thin air.
Being a relaxed mommy who gets most of the important things done every day which leaves time for family nights and weekends. Relaxed mommy can play tickle war and Lego's for hours on end.
Having time to cook fancy full course meals during the week and provide home made treats and snacks that I otherwise wouldn't have time to do.
Getting up and ready whenever we want in the morning then having a fully home cooked meal! This is amazing!
Wearing sweats and tennis shoes whenever I want!
Being able to coupon and bargain shop so that we have extra money to save and play.
The ability to have a sick day without even thinking twice which means that much more time to snuggle, read books, watch movies, and eat soup.
Never truly knowing what the next day will look like...it is always a surprise and just when things start resembling a pattern it gets all changed up again! Keeps my mind sharp!
Being the one to tell daddy all the new and exciting things the girls are learning or doing straight from my own eyes and not just relaying someone else's story of what happened that day!
Hearing my kids say "I love you mommy" 20+ times a day! (okay not every day but there sure are a lot of days like this)!
Knowing that every day only happens once and that I am following the calling God has put in my heart to be with my children 24 hours a day.
This list could go on and on there is so much I love about my life right now!

Whatever your thoughts on staying home I hope you can see the joy I have had in two different situations thus far in my life!

New Meal Plan + A Tip

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

This week will be a little different for us as I have an obligation early in the week that will keep busy for a couple of days and later in the week we have a little special plan for some extra family time (I will share more next week after our plan is complete)! Anyways we are super excited for all of this great food!

Each week I am now going to try and give you an tip on how to increase the benefits of your meal plan and hopefully to help your grocery budget shrink (unless you are already at the lowest possible point)!

TIP #1: My first tip meal planning tip is that you should really meal plan the whole week - any meals you eat including snacks. Count out what you actually need (i.e. 5 plums, 2 heads of lettuce etc etc.). Obviously you will have times when you cannot follow your exact plan but you should have things in your pantry to get you through some hiccups. Without a full meal plan you are either going to run out of food or throw spoiled food away and both would be a bummer. So try to meal plan for this week (or next) with a whole food plan!

Breakfasts:

Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Applesauce, Yogurt
Cereal, Yogurt, Frozen Blueberries
Chocolate Chip Muffins, Yogurt, Plums
Donuts, Plums, Yogurt
Sausage & Veggie Omelets, Peaches
Eggs, Bacon, Toast, Pears
French Toast, Ham Steak, Blueberries (frozen)

Lunches:

Tuna Salad Sandwiches, Snap Peas, Plums
Egg Salad Sandwiches, Goldfish Crackers, Applesauce
Loaded Baked Potatoes, Pineapple, Snap Peas
Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Snap Peas, Pineapple
Cheese, Crackers, Salami, Fruit
Hot Dogs, Chips, Carrots, Oranges

Dinners:

Fire Island Ziti, Garlic Bread
Moroccan Chicken, Rice, Cauliflower
Grilled New York Steaks, Baked Beans, Broccoli
Hamburgers, Baked Potatoes, Corn
Southwest Chicken, Long Grain Wild Rice, Brussels Sprouts
Spaghetti, Meatballs, Salad, Garlic Bread

Baking/Extra Cooking:

Homemade Applesauce
Brownies
Chocolate Chips Muffins
Peanut Butter Softies