As I cleaned my kitchen this morning I decided to watch the Food Network. My interest was peaked as a new show started titled, The Pioneer Woman. Immediately I liked everything about the show from its setting to her easy recipes to her smile. She is a country girl with a big family and a farm. What more could you ask for?
Her name is Ree, which I love. and she has four kids (same as me):) Her entire show seemed to embody what my ideal family has been my entire life. I can remember in elementary school reading Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series and subsequently naming all of my pencils in my pencil box after the children in the book. As the school day passed, I would create little scenes with my pencils. The pencils that had been shortened by repeated sharpenings were always the youngest "children". By my junior year in high school, I had the number of children I wanted determined (seven) and their names planned out as well as a two story farmhouse as the house of choice. Unfortunately since then I have been unable to convince Numero Uno that Clovis Jedidiah or Elle Bleu are practical names. I have however succeeded in getting some of the family pets named after my "ideal" children's names. Our first dog together was named Addie Mae.
The Pioneer Woman's manner of preparing food has such an ease about it I felt like I could replicate her meals. And I did. Tonight for dinner I made chicken spaghetti and it was a hit. In fact, both my children ate it up (Uno being at his mom's this weekend and Quattro being too young to enjoy this food). Tres has a friend over and her friend said she liked it. Tres called it, "delicious".
Two things I learned:
1. Use the broth from the cooked chicken to cook the spaghetti noodles.
2. Break the noodles into thirds which makes it easier for the kids to eat. Now, I have always broke my noodles in half but why I have not thought about breaking them into thirds is beyond me.
We will definitely be putting Chicken Spaghetti on our list of repeats.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Gratitude
Sunlight's coming through the windows on the east side of the house. Dos is watching old animated Batman stories on a dvd he picked out from the library. Tres lies asleep in my bed where she came to at 6:00 this morning and Quattro is making a slight fuss over being put down for his first nap of the day. I know his fusses won't last long considering he already has his blanket pulled up around his cheeks - a sign that says, "let me get cozy before I go to sleep". I love the morning time like this. Slow moving, peaceful.
I find it funny that my last post listed my blessings and this morning I opened "The Happiness Project" book to find that gratitude was one of the features this month.
It is true, "a grateful heart is a happy heart". And this heart has MUCH to be grateful for.
My parents as can what only be described as "survived" an awful childhood. My father's by nature was far worse than my mom's but even hers was no rosy event. Both of my grandfathers were alcoholics. My father's father was a mean, abusive alcoholic while my mother's father simply drank away their entire income. Having this information filed in the back of my mind, there are two things that amaze me:
1. That I have the most amazing parents. By their raising and treatment of me, you would have NO CLUE their fathers were not perfect examples of how to raise a family.
2. My husband loves and cares for not only me but our kids as well. He feels a strong urge to provide for his family and does a wonderful job of doing it. I will never know a home like what my parents grew up in and for that, I am grateful.
I find it funny that my last post listed my blessings and this morning I opened "The Happiness Project" book to find that gratitude was one of the features this month.
It is true, "a grateful heart is a happy heart". And this heart has MUCH to be grateful for.
My parents as can what only be described as "survived" an awful childhood. My father's by nature was far worse than my mom's but even hers was no rosy event. Both of my grandfathers were alcoholics. My father's father was a mean, abusive alcoholic while my mother's father simply drank away their entire income. Having this information filed in the back of my mind, there are two things that amaze me:
1. That I have the most amazing parents. By their raising and treatment of me, you would have NO CLUE their fathers were not perfect examples of how to raise a family.
2. My husband loves and cares for not only me but our kids as well. He feels a strong urge to provide for his family and does a wonderful job of doing it. I will never know a home like what my parents grew up in and for that, I am grateful.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Blessings
The kids participated in Kidsfest this week and I guess that has me all thrown off because I didn't even realize til today that I had not posted in a few days.
As I think about the lists that I create on a daily, sometimes hourly basis, I've started to realize a list needs to be made of my blessings. I've been asking God to show me areas in which I can give and not just with money. But on the thought of giving, my thoughts turn to things - possessions. I mean, at first glance, giving means giving possessions to others. When trying to determine what possessions others really need then I think of what possessions do I need?
I have been obsessing over our budget trying to make every dollar count and struggling with ideas that "we do not have enough money" but in reality, we have plenty. Thus inspiring me to create my "Blessings" list.
Blessings that I Possess:
1. A loving, kind, and HARD WORKING husband.
2. My health.
3. Four beautiful, healthy children.
4. A great relationship with my parents and siblings.
5. My children's best friends are thier cousins.
6. A home that I designed with my husband.
7. A fantastic church that I enjoy attending.
8. Friends that I can share anything with.
9. A nice, working vehicle.
10. Plenty of food in my pantry.
11. Two good dogs (even though they get on my nerves daily).
12. Plenty of clothes in my closet.
13. I live in a safe neighborhood.
14. My children attend a good and safe school.
15. I am an American.
Thoughts of my blessings help put things into perspective.
What are your blessings?
As I think about the lists that I create on a daily, sometimes hourly basis, I've started to realize a list needs to be made of my blessings. I've been asking God to show me areas in which I can give and not just with money. But on the thought of giving, my thoughts turn to things - possessions. I mean, at first glance, giving means giving possessions to others. When trying to determine what possessions others really need then I think of what possessions do I need?
I have been obsessing over our budget trying to make every dollar count and struggling with ideas that "we do not have enough money" but in reality, we have plenty. Thus inspiring me to create my "Blessings" list.
Blessings that I Possess:
1. A loving, kind, and HARD WORKING husband.
2. My health.
3. Four beautiful, healthy children.
4. A great relationship with my parents and siblings.
5. My children's best friends are thier cousins.
6. A home that I designed with my husband.
7. A fantastic church that I enjoy attending.
8. Friends that I can share anything with.
9. A nice, working vehicle.
10. Plenty of food in my pantry.
11. Two good dogs (even though they get on my nerves daily).
12. Plenty of clothes in my closet.
13. I live in a safe neighborhood.
14. My children attend a good and safe school.
15. I am an American.
Thoughts of my blessings help put things into perspective.
What are your blessings?
Sunday, July 29, 2012
I Blinked!
I can not believe I missed posting for three days! I feel like I blinked and it was Sunday:) Tres finished up Dance Camp last week and her showcase was Friday night. She did fabulous and it was SO much fun to watch her. Her smile can light up a room.
I feel pretty good about reaching short term goals but it is my long term goals and what that list would look like that is on my mind here lately.
I remember making a "bucket list" of sorts and one of my goals was to have seven children. Unfortunately, that was a goal hubby and I did not agree on so four children will have to do. I also have had the goal of "write a book" for a while now but beyond those, my long term goals have been vague at best. Being part of a small group studying the book, "I Was Broke Now I'm Not" has really caused me and my man to look at our long term goals together. Couple that discussion with my reading "The Millionaire Next Door" and I am doing a lot of self examination of my habits. I'm telling ya, I believe if I would get my weight under control, it would open a whole new world to me simply because of the self-discipline factor.
What are some of your long term goals?
I feel pretty good about reaching short term goals but it is my long term goals and what that list would look like that is on my mind here lately.
I remember making a "bucket list" of sorts and one of my goals was to have seven children. Unfortunately, that was a goal hubby and I did not agree on so four children will have to do. I also have had the goal of "write a book" for a while now but beyond those, my long term goals have been vague at best. Being part of a small group studying the book, "I Was Broke Now I'm Not" has really caused me and my man to look at our long term goals together. Couple that discussion with my reading "The Millionaire Next Door" and I am doing a lot of self examination of my habits. I'm telling ya, I believe if I would get my weight under control, it would open a whole new world to me simply because of the self-discipline factor.
What are some of your long term goals?
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Grocery Day
For the past several months my mother and I have been going every other week to Publix. As I've stated in previous posts, Publix is my favorite grocery store. I feel like it is very user friendly whereas Kroger still intimidates me. I believe I feel that way because I'm not really sure of their coupon policy. My mom is learning how to coupon and I am able to get a 5% discount with her at Publix on Wednesdays.
I have been seriously couponing for a couple of years now. Although I have been couponing I would not classify myself as an "extreme couponer". I would like to know the details of how those couponers can get such major deals! However, we did save more than we spent today:)
My grocery list is created on southern savers and I base what my purchases will be by what is on sale for that week. Only buying items that are on sale is on the 10 Commandments list of couponers. After my list is created through southern savers, I copy and paste my list into a word document then add all of my "needed" items. "Needed" items are items such as milk, bread, eggs. I do get my bread from the local bread thrift store.
Once I have my grocery list created then I make my menu plan. The Project Girl has some cool menu planner graphics. My menu plan is for two weeks at a time. I am always looking for easy and frugal dinner ideas. Two websites that I am using as of late are: 5dollardinners and Food Network's Sandra's Money Saving Meals. What are some tried and true menus in your household? What do you cook when you're in a pinch?
It goes without saying that on Wednesdays, I'm tired!
I have been seriously couponing for a couple of years now. Although I have been couponing I would not classify myself as an "extreme couponer". I would like to know the details of how those couponers can get such major deals! However, we did save more than we spent today:)
My grocery list is created on southern savers and I base what my purchases will be by what is on sale for that week. Only buying items that are on sale is on the 10 Commandments list of couponers. After my list is created through southern savers, I copy and paste my list into a word document then add all of my "needed" items. "Needed" items are items such as milk, bread, eggs. I do get my bread from the local bread thrift store.
Once I have my grocery list created then I make my menu plan. The Project Girl has some cool menu planner graphics. My menu plan is for two weeks at a time. I am always looking for easy and frugal dinner ideas. Two websites that I am using as of late are: 5dollardinners and Food Network's Sandra's Money Saving Meals. What are some tried and true menus in your household? What do you cook when you're in a pinch?
It goes without saying that on Wednesdays, I'm tired!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
When the Cat's Away...
Structure. I'm the girl that needs it. Truth be told, I enjoy it. I like knowing a schedule and for as long as I can remember I always have. In fact, I found a journal from when I was in middle school and I had my list written out with the time frame to complete each task to the right just like I do now.
When I do not have a "To Do" list I am a complete and total bum. NOTHING gets accomplished.
This week Tres has dance camp and I'm loving it. I know exactly where we need to be from 3:00 - 6:30 each day and I know what all needs to be completed before and after those times. Having to be on this type of schedule has me already thinking about our school schedule. What needs to be accomplished daily. This year the kids are going to a new school system and school will start 20 minutes earlier than last year's school. This translates into me needing to get up earlier and out the door earlier.
Here are the tasks that will need to be accomplished daily:
1. Kids chores completed.
2. Lunches and snacks packed.
3. Leave the house by 7:30 a.m.
4. Kids homework completed.
5. Violin practice completed.
6. Homework finished.
7. Supper fixed by 6:00 (no later than 7:00).
8. Clothes ironed and laid out for the following day.
9. In bed, lights out by 8:30 (for the kids).
So, I'm thinking I may need to have a set time for homework, reading, and violin so the kids know what to expect and there doesn't have to be any time wasted on arguing. What do you think?
Right now we have the chore chart on the side of the fridge and I have a family dry erase calendar posted on the laundry room wall so all can see it as they enter the house. I refer to the calendar as my "work of art". It's a thing of beauty really. I also have a personal planner that I can carry with me but since I got an iPhone for Christmas last year I really depend on it a lot to organize my family events. What kind of graphic organizers do you use in your home? What seems to work best for your family when the school year is in full swing?
For me, when the cat's (structure) away, the mice (me) will play. And I'm usually not happy with the results:)
When I do not have a "To Do" list I am a complete and total bum. NOTHING gets accomplished.
This week Tres has dance camp and I'm loving it. I know exactly where we need to be from 3:00 - 6:30 each day and I know what all needs to be completed before and after those times. Having to be on this type of schedule has me already thinking about our school schedule. What needs to be accomplished daily. This year the kids are going to a new school system and school will start 20 minutes earlier than last year's school. This translates into me needing to get up earlier and out the door earlier.
Here are the tasks that will need to be accomplished daily:
1. Kids chores completed.
2. Lunches and snacks packed.
3. Leave the house by 7:30 a.m.
4. Kids homework completed.
5. Violin practice completed.
6. Homework finished.
7. Supper fixed by 6:00 (no later than 7:00).
8. Clothes ironed and laid out for the following day.
9. In bed, lights out by 8:30 (for the kids).
So, I'm thinking I may need to have a set time for homework, reading, and violin so the kids know what to expect and there doesn't have to be any time wasted on arguing. What do you think?
Right now we have the chore chart on the side of the fridge and I have a family dry erase calendar posted on the laundry room wall so all can see it as they enter the house. I refer to the calendar as my "work of art". It's a thing of beauty really. I also have a personal planner that I can carry with me but since I got an iPhone for Christmas last year I really depend on it a lot to organize my family events. What kind of graphic organizers do you use in your home? What seems to work best for your family when the school year is in full swing?
For me, when the cat's (structure) away, the mice (me) will play. And I'm usually not happy with the results:)
Monday, July 23, 2012
Ready for Bed
As stated before, my bedtime routine could really benefit the success of my following morning. My problem is that by the time I get my kids in bed I want to sit and do NOTHING. Now as far as a plan, I have one.
Nightly Routine:
1. Place all dishes in the dishwasher and turn it on.
2. Pick up out of place items.
3. Lay out clothes for tomorrow.
4. Wash face and/or take a bath.
Now as far as accomplishing this routine...I'm thinking maybe I could do it during the commercials of the show I'm watching. I don't know. All in all I think it would take me about 30 minutes. I should time myself but right now I'm not moving. I'm sitting on my rear waiting for 10:00 so I can pump then go to bed.
What are your night time routines? Any suggestions for me?
Nightly Routine:
1. Place all dishes in the dishwasher and turn it on.
2. Pick up out of place items.
3. Lay out clothes for tomorrow.
4. Wash face and/or take a bath.
Now as far as accomplishing this routine...I'm thinking maybe I could do it during the commercials of the show I'm watching. I don't know. All in all I think it would take me about 30 minutes. I should time myself but right now I'm not moving. I'm sitting on my rear waiting for 10:00 so I can pump then go to bed.
What are your night time routines? Any suggestions for me?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
About Me
- The List Maker
- I'm a thirty-three year old stay-at-home mom to four beautiful children. I am daily learning what it means to be a Christian who loves God.