Hello friends. October has been a super busy month, so the theme for this week is, "Operation Recover the Sanity that was Once our Home." In addition to the regular menu, I am also working on stocking up the fridge with some baked goodies. I plan to bake these muffins (hint: I use chocolate chips in them) as well as some sort of pumpkin bread. Yummy!
Monday
fruit, toast, yogurt
pb&j and bananas
chicken and dumplings (celebrating our first Monday night off since July)
Tuesday
muffins
boiled eggs, cheese, chopped veggies
poppy seed chicken, green beans, garlic bread sticks
Wednesday
cereal
grilled cheese, fruit
meatballs and rice, green beans
Thursday
eggs and toast
leftovers
chicken casserole, mixed veggies, biscuits
Friday
Kolaches
leftovers
quesadillas, fruit
Saturday
French toast
BLTs, fruit
Cheeseburger pizza
Sunday
Biscuits, yogurt
Lunch with Small group
Off to San Antonio again
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Uncle Biggon Flip
Every kid needs an uncle like my Uncle Biggon. He's the best at flips. Wanna see?
Keynan and Uncle Biggon revving up to flip.
Keynan and Uncle Biggon revving up to flip.
Action shot
Result: One super excited little boy...
And another cutie waiting for his turn.Two weekends ago, my mom, the boys, and I made a fast trip up to Northeastern Oklahoma to see my dad's side of the family. My dear Uncle Cotton passed away, and most of my cousins came in to say goodbye to him. We had a great weekend overall, reminiscing, watching football together, laughing, and crying. The boys made some great connections with my extended family, and I got to show them a cherished part of my childhood.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Method Behind the Coupon Madness
I'm sorry. Didn't you ask how I store my coupons?
Here are pictures:
At the top of the picture, you should see a clear plastic box. I got it at Wal-Mart for about $2. It will easily fit in the seat part of a grocery cart (unless you have a child in the seat). I keep labeled envelopes to hold coupons for the stores I visit most frequently. I also keep my ads, pens, a pair of scissors, and a small calculator in this box.
I made my coupon organizing system with help from Money Saving Mom. I took standard envelopes and stapled index cards to each envelope to serve as labels. I alphabetized my coupon categories. Then, I put all of the coupon envelopes in an old wipe container.
And here's a look at the container in its stored state. Everything fits neatly and stays ready for organizing on Sundays or shopping during the week.
I take this into Kroger with me, and I get some pretty funny looks, but I laugh as I leave the store, having spent 40-70% less than the average customer. Usually, I only take my Walgreens envelope and ad with me and leave the box in the car.
I have used other organizing systems: the accordion system and the binder method. I like this one the best.
Here are pictures:
At the top of the picture, you should see a clear plastic box. I got it at Wal-Mart for about $2. It will easily fit in the seat part of a grocery cart (unless you have a child in the seat). I keep labeled envelopes to hold coupons for the stores I visit most frequently. I also keep my ads, pens, a pair of scissors, and a small calculator in this box.
I made my coupon organizing system with help from Money Saving Mom. I took standard envelopes and stapled index cards to each envelope to serve as labels. I alphabetized my coupon categories. Then, I put all of the coupon envelopes in an old wipe container.
And here's a look at the container in its stored state. Everything fits neatly and stays ready for organizing on Sundays or shopping during the week.I take this into Kroger with me, and I get some pretty funny looks, but I laugh as I leave the store, having spent 40-70% less than the average customer. Usually, I only take my Walgreens envelope and ad with me and leave the box in the car.
I have used other organizing systems: the accordion system and the binder method. I like this one the best.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Menu Plan
We have a crazy week in store for us. Tyler's band made a Division I at Region UIL contest, so we advance to Area contest in San Antonio on Saturday! Whoo Hoo! As an added bonus, Tyler's parents are coming in for the contest, and they want me to drive the boys up to San Antonio on Friday to spoil them. Um...OK. Double Whoo Hoo!
So, if all goes according to plan, I don't have much to cook. Triple Whoo Hoo!
Monday:
sausage balls, fruit
peanut butter sandwiches, sliced apples
burritos, Mexican rice
Tuesday:
yogurt, fruit, toast
boiled eggs, sliced cheese, chopped fruits and veggies, Ranch dip
chili, grated cheese, sour cream, crackers
Wednesday:
cereal
chili mac, fruit
Southwest Chicken, Mexican rice, green beans
Thursday:
scrambled eggs and toast
burritos and fruit
Chicken and Dumplings
Friday:
French toast
(Poor Tyler will have to eat leftovers for lunch and dinner as we head to SA.)
Saturday:
Area Marching contest!
Sunday:
banana chocolate muffins
Lunch with small group
Homemade pizza
So, if all goes according to plan, I don't have much to cook. Triple Whoo Hoo!
Monday:
sausage balls, fruit
peanut butter sandwiches, sliced apples
burritos, Mexican rice
Tuesday:
yogurt, fruit, toast
boiled eggs, sliced cheese, chopped fruits and veggies, Ranch dip
chili, grated cheese, sour cream, crackers
Wednesday:
cereal
chili mac, fruit
Southwest Chicken, Mexican rice, green beans
Thursday:
scrambled eggs and toast
burritos and fruit
Chicken and Dumplings
Friday:
French toast
(Poor Tyler will have to eat leftovers for lunch and dinner as we head to SA.)
Saturday:
Area Marching contest!
Sunday:
banana chocolate muffins
Lunch with small group
Homemade pizza
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Rainy Days
We've had our fair share of rainy days lately. It has rained at least once a day since Friday. I like rainy days, but I know my boys need outdoor time to get their wiggles out. We went to the playground at the elementary school between showers on Saturday. We played in the rain yesterday, and today, we went on a field trip.
Did you know there are buildings that stock books of all kinds, and you can borrow them - without having to pay? It's so great. Our library is very kid friendly. They not only have a great kid section with all kinds of books, audio books, and dvds. They also have puzzles and other learning toys you can check out, and they have puzzles, a puppet stage, and other manipulative activities for kids to play while parents shop the shelves. The boys love the place, and I love they are surrounded by all kinds of learning. Today, I also helped Keynan play some simple interactive games on the computer. I can spend two hours there with the boys for a perfect morning outing, and I pay nothing but the gas to get me there. Love it.
Did you know there are buildings that stock books of all kinds, and you can borrow them - without having to pay? It's so great. Our library is very kid friendly. They not only have a great kid section with all kinds of books, audio books, and dvds. They also have puzzles and other learning toys you can check out, and they have puzzles, a puppet stage, and other manipulative activities for kids to play while parents shop the shelves. The boys love the place, and I love they are surrounded by all kinds of learning. Today, I also helped Keynan play some simple interactive games on the computer. I can spend two hours there with the boys for a perfect morning outing, and I pay nothing but the gas to get me there. Love it.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Menu Plan
I've decided to go public with my menu plans. Try to garner your excitement. Maybe I will return to blogging regularly.
Monday:
fruit, yogurt, buttered toast
tuna salad sandwiches, grapes
grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken noodle soup (Monday night rehearsal)
Tuesday:
peanut butter bread with jam
taco cups, strawberries
chicken and rice bake, green beans, biscuits
Wednesday:
cereal
leftovers
Oven Roasted Chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans
Thursday:
eggs and toast
chicken salad sandwiches (from leftover chicken), pears
chicken and dumplings
Friday:
cinnamon rolls and yogurt
leftovers
taco ring with Spanish rice and carrots
Saturday:
biscuits and fruit
Chinese Food (more than likely - we'll eat with the band as they celebrate getting a Division I at UIL Region!)
Fall Festival with church friends
Sunday:
peanut butter bread with jam
Lunch with small group from church
Salsa chicken pizza and fruit
Monday:
fruit, yogurt, buttered toast
tuna salad sandwiches, grapes
grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken noodle soup (Monday night rehearsal)
Tuesday:
peanut butter bread with jam
taco cups, strawberries
chicken and rice bake, green beans, biscuits
Wednesday:
cereal
leftovers
Oven Roasted Chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans
Thursday:
eggs and toast
chicken salad sandwiches (from leftover chicken), pears
chicken and dumplings
Friday:
cinnamon rolls and yogurt
leftovers
taco ring with Spanish rice and carrots
Saturday:
biscuits and fruit
Chinese Food (more than likely - we'll eat with the band as they celebrate getting a Division I at UIL Region!)
Fall Festival with church friends
Sunday:
peanut butter bread with jam
Lunch with small group from church
Salsa chicken pizza and fruit
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Mopping with a Purpose
Have you ever timed how long it takes you to actually do something? I tend to put off things because I don't want to take the time to do it. Yes, I'm lazy. We all know this.
However, today, I turned on the dryer just before I began the drudgery of cleaning out the refrigerator. I finished as the timer buzzed. 40 minutes. That's it. I cleaned out leftovers, took out all of the shelves, hand-washed them, cleaned out the crisper drawers and underneath them, put everything back in its place...40 minutes people. It takes longer to watch Law and Order.
Then, I knew I needed to scrub the floors. The boys broke my Swiffer Wet Jet, and I have been avoiding cleaning the floors because I knew it would involve the "backbreaking" work of getting myself onto a tile floor and using hot water and an old dish towel. I waited until nap time. I knew this would take forever, so I grabbed my iPod and found some tunes. I picked up all the stuff on the kitchen and laundry room floor (shoe tubs, laundry baskets, balls, drum sticks, etc.), swept the floor, made some homemade floor cleaner (hot water, vinegar, and baking soda), grabbed an old dish towel, and began. I spent some time in solitude, methodically moving the towel across the floor, clearing away smudges. I even thought about how God isn't a "Swiffer Wetjet God" but more of a "Scrub on His Hands and Knees Sort of God," sending His Son to get down and deep clean us. Before I realized it, I reached the end of the kitchen...in 25 MINUTES. Are you kidding me? I finished this horrible, disgusting, back-breaking work in 25 minutes?
In less than an hour, I cleaned the kitchen/laundry room floor and showered. Why do I put off things for so long?
However, today, I turned on the dryer just before I began the drudgery of cleaning out the refrigerator. I finished as the timer buzzed. 40 minutes. That's it. I cleaned out leftovers, took out all of the shelves, hand-washed them, cleaned out the crisper drawers and underneath them, put everything back in its place...40 minutes people. It takes longer to watch Law and Order.
Then, I knew I needed to scrub the floors. The boys broke my Swiffer Wet Jet, and I have been avoiding cleaning the floors because I knew it would involve the "backbreaking" work of getting myself onto a tile floor and using hot water and an old dish towel. I waited until nap time. I knew this would take forever, so I grabbed my iPod and found some tunes. I picked up all the stuff on the kitchen and laundry room floor (shoe tubs, laundry baskets, balls, drum sticks, etc.), swept the floor, made some homemade floor cleaner (hot water, vinegar, and baking soda), grabbed an old dish towel, and began. I spent some time in solitude, methodically moving the towel across the floor, clearing away smudges. I even thought about how God isn't a "Swiffer Wetjet God" but more of a "Scrub on His Hands and Knees Sort of God," sending His Son to get down and deep clean us. Before I realized it, I reached the end of the kitchen...in 25 MINUTES. Are you kidding me? I finished this horrible, disgusting, back-breaking work in 25 minutes?
In less than an hour, I cleaned the kitchen/laundry room floor and showered. Why do I put off things for so long?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Obligatory Monthly Post
So, here it is. My once-a-month post to prove I still have a blog! Aren't you excited? Seriously guys. I think I need a blog makeover. I feel my blog has lost its direction. I started the blog to talk about my crazy life, and I needed an outlet to write. I also needed a way to talk about teaching crazy seventh graders and pregnancy. I occasionally wanted to vent, and sometimes (let's just be honest) I wanted to write something because I think I am hilarious (like make myself cry at how funny I can be).
However, over the course of having a blog, my life has taken some rather dramatic turns. I have moved twice, had another baby, started two new jobs, and so forth. I have also been struggling with finding my voice again. I have been shedding an old identity for over a year. In fact, I still catch myself saying, "I taught English for five years, but now I stay home with my boys." I want people to understand I am "not just a mom," but I also used to have my own identity as an English teacher. I almost want to let people know how to categorize me without explaining my life story. I compare this transition to shedding my maiden name. I embraced the change, yet I still said "Kelly Duncan...er...Wiggains" on occasion. I like the new me. I really do. I am much better with my mom, wife, domestic engineer hat than I am with my teacher hat. And, let's face it...my English teacher skills are slowly deteriorating. I no longer pay as much attention to grammar mistakes, especially the subtle ones. I am out of practice, and I have a severe case of "Mommy Brain." (For instance, I frequently enter the kitchen without a clue why I needed to be there.) I also have a case of "Mommy Aphasia" where I say things like, "Do you need directions? I have a lamp...I mean map." or "Tyler, have you seen my pillow...I mean 'the scissors?'"
So, I guess I need some help heading in a new direction. I want my blog to be reflective of my new life and its joys and challenges. I am trying to be more purposeful in what I do and what I say instead of saying things only to be funny. I want to encourage and bless those around me, and I want to invite conversation - good meaningful conversation - to the table. I've been asking God for a ministry - a place where I can serve him. I know my primary direction is within the walls of my home. However, I know I can also communicate from within these walls and speak to those around me. Stick with me as I find my new place.
However, over the course of having a blog, my life has taken some rather dramatic turns. I have moved twice, had another baby, started two new jobs, and so forth. I have also been struggling with finding my voice again. I have been shedding an old identity for over a year. In fact, I still catch myself saying, "I taught English for five years, but now I stay home with my boys." I want people to understand I am "not just a mom," but I also used to have my own identity as an English teacher. I almost want to let people know how to categorize me without explaining my life story. I compare this transition to shedding my maiden name. I embraced the change, yet I still said "Kelly Duncan...er...Wiggains" on occasion. I like the new me. I really do. I am much better with my mom, wife, domestic engineer hat than I am with my teacher hat. And, let's face it...my English teacher skills are slowly deteriorating. I no longer pay as much attention to grammar mistakes, especially the subtle ones. I am out of practice, and I have a severe case of "Mommy Brain." (For instance, I frequently enter the kitchen without a clue why I needed to be there.) I also have a case of "Mommy Aphasia" where I say things like, "Do you need directions? I have a lamp...I mean map." or "Tyler, have you seen my pillow...I mean 'the scissors?'"
So, I guess I need some help heading in a new direction. I want my blog to be reflective of my new life and its joys and challenges. I am trying to be more purposeful in what I do and what I say instead of saying things only to be funny. I want to encourage and bless those around me, and I want to invite conversation - good meaningful conversation - to the table. I've been asking God for a ministry - a place where I can serve him. I know my primary direction is within the walls of my home. However, I know I can also communicate from within these walls and speak to those around me. Stick with me as I find my new place.
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