It's December 27. I feel that sense of accomplishment that only comes from completing lots of projects. My husband is great at getting all the Christmas decorations out the weekend before Thanksgiving. He pretty much single-handedly decorates for Christmas. It may not be exactly what I would do, but then again, I didn't have to do it. We were very deliberate about what we bought for the kids this year. During October and November, I cleaned out and freecycled about half of their toys and other things. I didn't want new toys going into an already over-filled playroom. Michael got a batcave, Scooby Doo figurine set, reversible Lego table, and a Home Depot tool bench. Hannah got a bike, karaoke machine, MP3 player, and clothes. She really wanted a puppy....
We (Frank) made a magnetic chalkboard in the playroom. It took about 3 coats of magnetic paint and 5 coats of chalkboard paint. They can't write on it for a few days so we'll see if all the effort was worth it. Having snow the day after Christmas was great! The kids played outside, had a snowball fight with Dad and made a snowman. The best part of the day for me was getting all the decorations back in the attic.
So I'm wondering what exactly I am teaching my kids about Christmas. We know the reason we celebrate is Jesus' birth. But truly what have we done in our Western culture?
We have an Elf on the Shelf who arrives on Thanksgiving Day, watches the kids all day, flies to the North Pole every night to report to Santa. It is fun watching the kids look for Sugar's new hiding place every morning. (It is one more thing to remember before I go to bed). The last few days before Christmas, Hannah started crying every night because she was so sad that Sugar was going back to the North Pole with Santa.
We don't put any presents under the tree until the kids are asleep on Christmas Eve. Then we wrap the small things, assemble things, and put it all under the tree. This sounds simple, but trust me, it takes a few hours and a couple glasses of wine.
Hannah woke up at 4:00 am Christmas morning. We tried letting her sleep with us for a few hours, but she had already been downstairs and seen the loot. So we let her go downstairs and watch Netflix on the ipad until 7:00. She kept coming into our room so excited that Santa had come and she had a new bike. By 7:30, she woke up Michael. The real torture was that we made them wait until Grandma was up and ready so we could video-skype with her to let her enjoy watching the kids open presents. Mission accomplished! The kids loved all their presents and have pretty much played with everything since Christmas.
Now back to my issue with the whole thing. I love the magic of the Elf and Santa and how creative I have to be in answering their questions about said mythical characters. I just hope that once they realize elves and men in red suits aren't real that they'll still believe in Jesus. Honestly, they are all unseen things. They have evidence that the elf is real because he is a new hiding place each morning. Santa must be real because of all the presents.
What am I worried about? Kids are way more resilient and much smarter than we give them credit for being. They'll be fine. They will be able to discern fact from fiction. So for now, the magic of Christmas with Santa and the gift of eternal life from Jesus will all be celebrated in December.
Happy New Year!!!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Election '10
Did you vote? I haven't voted in every election. In fact, the women who fought for our right to vote probably would be very disappointed at how most of us take that right for granted. But yesterday, I exercised my right.
I voted straight Republican. Watching the election coverage was more exciting than in a Presidential election year. I was very impressed with Rand Paul from my home state of Kentucky. It was a landmark victory for Republicans in NC. For the first time in over a century, Republicans will control the NC legislature.
Now I say to the newly elected: To whom much is given, much is expected.
This is by far not the worst time our country has endured, but Americans are ready for change and if Republicans don't produce that change, well brace yourselves for the '12 election results.
I voted straight Republican. Watching the election coverage was more exciting than in a Presidential election year. I was very impressed with Rand Paul from my home state of Kentucky. It was a landmark victory for Republicans in NC. For the first time in over a century, Republicans will control the NC legislature.
Now I say to the newly elected: To whom much is given, much is expected.
This is by far not the worst time our country has endured, but Americans are ready for change and if Republicans don't produce that change, well brace yourselves for the '12 election results.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Home Schooling--the first month
We decided to home school Hannah this year. We've almost completed our 4th week and things are going well. We're really getting into our groove even though we are also flexible. On the days Michael goes to pre-school, we usually work from 9:30-12:30. Sometimes we start at 7:30 and are finished by 10:00. Some days we stretch our lessons out throughout the day and take some breaks to ride bikes or walk around the block. It is amazing how quickly our family has settled into our new schedule.
We had school on Labor Day, but we took a 4-day beach trip the following weekend.
Frank pointed out that we get our entire school day finished in the time most parents spend battling homework and in carpool. I was talking to my friend, Marie, today about how much calmer our entire home is this school year. We decided that is partly because there isn't the scramble to get out the door in the morning and the kids aren't tired in the afternoon from a long day at school.
I'm enjoying learning history with Hannah. Admittedly, my own history and geography is very much lacking. The thing I've always worried about is teaching a child how to read, but Hannah seems to be doing fine. My teaching background is math and science so I just have to be careful not to overdo the teaching in those areas.
My proudest moment came last week when we had to take Michael to the pediatrician because he had had a fever for 3 days. Hannah told the nurse that Michael's white blood cells didn't get all the germs so that is why he was still sick.
Of course, sometimes too much knowledge can be embarrassing. The previous week, we studied the food pyramid and the role each food group plays. At Wal-Mart, Hannah pointed to a customer and said, "Look, Mommy, he ate too many carbohydrates and didn't exercise enough to use up the energy. Now he is fat!" She also told her Daddy something similar over the weekend. It may have worked because Frank has been walking every day since!
One day we talked about how adults begin to show signs of aging in their 40's and 50's. Hannah asked how old I was and I told her 41. She said, "But Mommy, you don't show any signs of aging!" I'm telling you, this girl is smart!!!
In all seriousness, I am so glad we made the decision to home school. We have a great public elementary school or I could go back to teaching private school and send my kids for free, but for now home learning suits us well.
We had school on Labor Day, but we took a 4-day beach trip the following weekend.
Frank pointed out that we get our entire school day finished in the time most parents spend battling homework and in carpool. I was talking to my friend, Marie, today about how much calmer our entire home is this school year. We decided that is partly because there isn't the scramble to get out the door in the morning and the kids aren't tired in the afternoon from a long day at school.
I'm enjoying learning history with Hannah. Admittedly, my own history and geography is very much lacking. The thing I've always worried about is teaching a child how to read, but Hannah seems to be doing fine. My teaching background is math and science so I just have to be careful not to overdo the teaching in those areas.
My proudest moment came last week when we had to take Michael to the pediatrician because he had had a fever for 3 days. Hannah told the nurse that Michael's white blood cells didn't get all the germs so that is why he was still sick.
Of course, sometimes too much knowledge can be embarrassing. The previous week, we studied the food pyramid and the role each food group plays. At Wal-Mart, Hannah pointed to a customer and said, "Look, Mommy, he ate too many carbohydrates and didn't exercise enough to use up the energy. Now he is fat!" She also told her Daddy something similar over the weekend. It may have worked because Frank has been walking every day since!
One day we talked about how adults begin to show signs of aging in their 40's and 50's. Hannah asked how old I was and I told her 41. She said, "But Mommy, you don't show any signs of aging!" I'm telling you, this girl is smart!!!
In all seriousness, I am so glad we made the decision to home school. We have a great public elementary school or I could go back to teaching private school and send my kids for free, but for now home learning suits us well.
Monday, August 23, 2010
One degree below sweat
That's how my husband describes the temperature of our house during the summer.
This post will probably offend the 2 or 3 readers I actually have, but here goes.
Last week there was much debate over whether unemployment benefits should be extended an additional 20 weeks. Many folks have exhausted the 99 weeks already in effect. 99 weeks is a long time. In fact, it is 5 weeks shy of 2 years. That is a long time to not work. I don't want to beat anyone up. It is a tough economy and jobs are scarce. Even teaching and government jobs are being cut.
I've worked a lot of jobs. I grew up on a farm in central Kentucky. That is hard work, but it can feed a family. I worked full time at McDonald's for 5 years during college and graduate school. McDonald's is hard work, but somehow I fed myself and my younger brother for whom I had custody since my dad died when I was eighteen. I taught school for 13 years. That is hard work and it doesn't pay enough (though better than farming and McD's). I've tutored, taught summer school, cleaned friends' houses, and babysat to supplement my income.
The past four years I have had the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom. That's hard work, too, but we'll save that for a later post. Hardly a month goes by that someone doesn't offer me a job. I haven't applied for a job in these four years, but I have positioned myself well by advancing my education and having a strong work ethic. I still do some tutoring only when someone calls me usually because they were referred by someone who knows me.
Here's my point and I do have a point: Position yourself well in the good times. When money is coming in, save some for a rainy day. Even if you're working a "bridge" job, do so with integrity and enthusiasm. You never know who might be on the other side of the phone or counter. The Bible tells us to do all work as if we're working for the Lord.
Back to the post title: My husband has a good job right now, but it doesn't mean we spend everything we make. We drive paid for cars, set a modest budget for food, clothing and household items, conserve energy, and save for retirement and our kids' education.
Oh and if you're wondering, cable TV is not a utility! Neither is a Blackberry or I-phone. It's ok to have them, but just know that they are luxury items, not necessities and if you don't have a job, turn them all off!
So where do I stand on further extending unemployment benefits? I think you know.
This post will probably offend the 2 or 3 readers I actually have, but here goes.
Last week there was much debate over whether unemployment benefits should be extended an additional 20 weeks. Many folks have exhausted the 99 weeks already in effect. 99 weeks is a long time. In fact, it is 5 weeks shy of 2 years. That is a long time to not work. I don't want to beat anyone up. It is a tough economy and jobs are scarce. Even teaching and government jobs are being cut.
I've worked a lot of jobs. I grew up on a farm in central Kentucky. That is hard work, but it can feed a family. I worked full time at McDonald's for 5 years during college and graduate school. McDonald's is hard work, but somehow I fed myself and my younger brother for whom I had custody since my dad died when I was eighteen. I taught school for 13 years. That is hard work and it doesn't pay enough (though better than farming and McD's). I've tutored, taught summer school, cleaned friends' houses, and babysat to supplement my income.
The past four years I have had the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom. That's hard work, too, but we'll save that for a later post. Hardly a month goes by that someone doesn't offer me a job. I haven't applied for a job in these four years, but I have positioned myself well by advancing my education and having a strong work ethic. I still do some tutoring only when someone calls me usually because they were referred by someone who knows me.
Here's my point and I do have a point: Position yourself well in the good times. When money is coming in, save some for a rainy day. Even if you're working a "bridge" job, do so with integrity and enthusiasm. You never know who might be on the other side of the phone or counter. The Bible tells us to do all work as if we're working for the Lord.
Back to the post title: My husband has a good job right now, but it doesn't mean we spend everything we make. We drive paid for cars, set a modest budget for food, clothing and household items, conserve energy, and save for retirement and our kids' education.
Oh and if you're wondering, cable TV is not a utility! Neither is a Blackberry or I-phone. It's ok to have them, but just know that they are luxury items, not necessities and if you don't have a job, turn them all off!
So where do I stand on further extending unemployment benefits? I think you know.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Back To School
We are coming up on my absolute favorite time of year: back to school. As a child, I loved school. I grew up on a farm so back to school meant my life got easier. I only had morning and evening chores, but the rest of the day was spent in school and on the bus. I was at the top of my class all through school. It was fun being the smartest kid in class.In 7th grade, my friend Tracey and I taught ourselves to solve the Rubik's cube . In 9th grade, I was the star of the academic team. I was asked to be on the varsity team because of my superior agility in mathematics! Yep, I was a nerd even though I would never have admitted it back then.
College back-to-school time was awesome! The college bookstore with all those new and used textbooks, 5-Star binders, pens, pencils, collegiate apparel, the beginning of new classes, the hustle and bustle of campus life, cooler temperatures: ah, heaven!
Not surprisingly, I became a teacher. While all my colleagues anticipated June with growing enthusiasm, I always had a sense of sadness as the school year came to a close. Don't misunderstand; I love summer break (but that is another post)! The last days of school would always be filled with students coming to my classroom, playing games, helping me clean out my room to get ready for the summer crew. The best days were those teacher workdays in the fall getting ready for a new crop of students. I loved getting my room ready and planning out the year's goals and objectives. Often, my team mate and I would spend hours over the summer writing our own texts because we couldn't find anything published that met all our standards for teaching algebra. I love the first days of school: teaching the students how to set up their binders, going over expectations, having them write about themselves, learning their names, the first test (admittedly, calling parents after the first test wouldn't make my Top 10).
Honestly, for the 13 years I taught school, I barely slept the night before the first day of school.
My oldest child started kindergarten last year. A whole new level of back-to-school excitement! Hannah learned so much in kindergarten, more than I would have thought a kindergartner could learn in one year. It was a good experience.
But my little Hannah has different plans for her education. She wants to be home schooled. I've spent the summer researching, reading, talking, thinking about home schooling. And I have decided it is a great idea for our family at least for now. Frank and I are in agreement that if Hannah wants to be home schooled this badly and I am qualified and available to do it then we should go for it. Yesterday, I sent in my paper work to the NC Dept of Non-Public Instruction to "be a home school". It is really exciting and daunting at the same time.
When people ask Hannah where she goes to school, she immediately and enthusiastically looks them in the eye and says, "At home!" All summer, I have tried to "talk her out of it". Not because I don't want to do it, but because I want to be sure she understands what it entails and what she'll miss out on by not being in a traditional school setting. Hannah totally gets it,probably better than I do at this point. Every day throughout the summer she has asked, "Can we do my home schooling now?"
We are officially starting with the rest of North Carolina on August 25. I'll let you know how our first day goes and how much sleep I get the previous night.
College back-to-school time was awesome! The college bookstore with all those new and used textbooks, 5-Star binders, pens, pencils, collegiate apparel, the beginning of new classes, the hustle and bustle of campus life, cooler temperatures: ah, heaven!
Not surprisingly, I became a teacher. While all my colleagues anticipated June with growing enthusiasm, I always had a sense of sadness as the school year came to a close. Don't misunderstand; I love summer break (but that is another post)! The last days of school would always be filled with students coming to my classroom, playing games, helping me clean out my room to get ready for the summer crew. The best days were those teacher workdays in the fall getting ready for a new crop of students. I loved getting my room ready and planning out the year's goals and objectives. Often, my team mate and I would spend hours over the summer writing our own texts because we couldn't find anything published that met all our standards for teaching algebra. I love the first days of school: teaching the students how to set up their binders, going over expectations, having them write about themselves, learning their names, the first test (admittedly, calling parents after the first test wouldn't make my Top 10).
Honestly, for the 13 years I taught school, I barely slept the night before the first day of school.
My oldest child started kindergarten last year. A whole new level of back-to-school excitement! Hannah learned so much in kindergarten, more than I would have thought a kindergartner could learn in one year. It was a good experience.
But my little Hannah has different plans for her education. She wants to be home schooled. I've spent the summer researching, reading, talking, thinking about home schooling. And I have decided it is a great idea for our family at least for now. Frank and I are in agreement that if Hannah wants to be home schooled this badly and I am qualified and available to do it then we should go for it. Yesterday, I sent in my paper work to the NC Dept of Non-Public Instruction to "be a home school". It is really exciting and daunting at the same time.
When people ask Hannah where she goes to school, she immediately and enthusiastically looks them in the eye and says, "At home!" All summer, I have tried to "talk her out of it". Not because I don't want to do it, but because I want to be sure she understands what it entails and what she'll miss out on by not being in a traditional school setting. Hannah totally gets it,probably better than I do at this point. Every day throughout the summer she has asked, "Can we do my home schooling now?"
We are officially starting with the rest of North Carolina on August 25. I'll let you know how our first day goes and how much sleep I get the previous night.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Summer Salads
Have you ever had Taco Bell, Chic Fil A and McDonald's all within a week? One thing eating fast food does for me is that all I want for a month is salad. Not boring, iceberg lettuce with heavy ranch dressing salad, but yummy, let your imagination go wild with fresh flavor salad!
So here are some of the salads I've made in the past week.
1. Tomato, mozzarella salad (caprese?) tomatoes, mozzarella, romaine lettuce, red onion, homemade balsamic dressing (olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, sugar) Serve with sourdough bread dipped in olive oil/vinegar.
2. Cucumber salad: peeled cucumbers, onion, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt.
3. Pasta salad: veggie pasta, olive oil, italian seasoning, roasted red peppers, sundried tomatoes, fresh grape tomatoes, onion
4. Cobb Salad: This was mostly my friend Megan's creation. Grilled sliced chicken breast, romaine lettuce, corn, black beans, avocado, boiled eggs, bacon, cucumbers, grape tomatoes
5. Random salad #1: lettuce, feta cheese, chopped walnuts, tomatoes, dried cranberries, croutons with vidalia onion dressing.
6. Random salad #2: romaine lettuce, avocado, fresh pineapple, red, yellow and green peppers, bacon, black beans, homemade salsa, light ranch dressing.
7. Not really a salad, but a delicious dinner: brie baked with homemade blackberry jam, angel food cake, strawberries, pepper jelly, homemade tortilla chips, ham roll ups, apple slices. You just have to trust me on this one, it was yummy!
Tomorrow, I'm thinking grilled island salmon over romaine. Simple and delicious, not to mention healthy!
So here are some of the salads I've made in the past week.
1. Tomato, mozzarella salad (caprese?) tomatoes, mozzarella, romaine lettuce, red onion, homemade balsamic dressing (olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, sugar) Serve with sourdough bread dipped in olive oil/vinegar.
2. Cucumber salad: peeled cucumbers, onion, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt.
3. Pasta salad: veggie pasta, olive oil, italian seasoning, roasted red peppers, sundried tomatoes, fresh grape tomatoes, onion
4. Cobb Salad: This was mostly my friend Megan's creation. Grilled sliced chicken breast, romaine lettuce, corn, black beans, avocado, boiled eggs, bacon, cucumbers, grape tomatoes
5. Random salad #1: lettuce, feta cheese, chopped walnuts, tomatoes, dried cranberries, croutons with vidalia onion dressing.
6. Random salad #2: romaine lettuce, avocado, fresh pineapple, red, yellow and green peppers, bacon, black beans, homemade salsa, light ranch dressing.
7. Not really a salad, but a delicious dinner: brie baked with homemade blackberry jam, angel food cake, strawberries, pepper jelly, homemade tortilla chips, ham roll ups, apple slices. You just have to trust me on this one, it was yummy!
Tomorrow, I'm thinking grilled island salmon over romaine. Simple and delicious, not to mention healthy!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Lessons from kids
Hannah: Mommy, when we buy things at the store, do they use the money to help poor people or do they use it to make themselves rich?
Michael (today at CVS): Mommy, this has to be on sale or we can't buy it.
Michael (after I told him to turn the light back on while I was helping Hannah get ready for school): No, when the lights are on it costs a lot of money and hurts the Earth. We have to save the Earth and save money.
Hannah (after she lied about how she cut her finger--which was on a soda can she wasn't supposed to have): She wrote this note: "I am so sorry I lied to you."
Hannah (on a previous occasion of disobeying): "I am so sorry I thisobad"...(that says disobeyed). She always illustrates her letters and this one has her with a sad face and me yelling at her. After a month, it is still on my refrigerator.
I find it funny that a 6-year old can apologize with such simplicity yet adults have to find someone to blame (often the very person they should be apologizing to) for all their inappropriate actions, words and wrongdoings.
The other day Hannah cleaned her room unexpectedly without any prompting from me. When I went to her room and saw how "shiny" it was, I told her I'd have to find her a special treat. She said, "Mommy, a treat would be nice, but even if you can't find a treat, having a great family is enough of a treat." Either she is a great little manipulator or I am a sucker, but I wanted to give her the biggest present ever.
When we were shopping for her water bottle for kindergarten, she asked if we could get 2 water bottles to which I immediately replied, "No! These water bottles are $15. She said, "Mommy, I don't want 2 for myself. I want to give one to my teacher in case there is a little girl in my class whose mommy can't buy her a water bottle. Then my teacher would have one for her." I'm telling you...how can I argue with this child?
When Hannah turned 4, she donated her hair to Locks of Love. About a month later (fortunately after we had some professional pictures taken), she cut her hair all the way to her scalp with safety scissors. I took her to DooLittles the next morning. The stylist looked at me and said, "What are you going to do?" I was like...What are YOU going to do? to which she replied that there was nothing she could do. She cut all the remaining hair as short as possible and suggested I buy very wide headbands (at a cost of $10 each which I gladly paid) and come back in 3 months. By then her hair was just long enough to make a little water spout in the front--kind of like you would for a 4 month old not a 4 year old! All this because my little Hannah wanted to give some more hair to another sick little girl. We had many a conversation about where we get our hair cut. It took a full year for her hair to grow out enough to make a cute very short bob. Now that she is 6 1/2, I am anxiously awaiting the day we can get this hair cut. Hannah wants me to find the little girl we saw at Wendy's last summer who had just lost all her hair.
No one ever leaves our house empty handed. If I don't give them something, Hannah will chase them out the door to give them something even if it is a picture she has drawn.
Hannah's kindergarten teacher said she was the most spiritual child she has ever taught. I hope her spirit doesn't get broken as she grows up. There is so much that is wrong in our world.
A few weeks ago, I had a dispute with a friend's husband which resulted in him yelling at me, my 3 year old crying uncontrollably and him yelling louder so I could hear him over Michael's crying. I was able to end the argument pretty quickly, but my kids certainly aren't accustomed to this type of yelling. Later in the day, Hannah asked if Mr. ________ loves Jesus and that if he really loved Jesus why was he yelling at me that morning.
Kids are smart! They are perceptive! We can wear crosses around our necks, put fish on our cars, and go to church every week, but what they see is how we treat others. The way we as adults behave is the programming we give our children. It is why my husband exercises even though he hates it, it is why he reads a non-fiction book every week even though he is dyslexic, it is why we serve the poor even though our schedules are already busy, and so on....how are you programming your kids? What lessons are they teaching you?
Michael (today at CVS): Mommy, this has to be on sale or we can't buy it.
Michael (after I told him to turn the light back on while I was helping Hannah get ready for school): No, when the lights are on it costs a lot of money and hurts the Earth. We have to save the Earth and save money.
Hannah (after she lied about how she cut her finger--which was on a soda can she wasn't supposed to have): She wrote this note: "I am so sorry I lied to you."
Hannah (on a previous occasion of disobeying): "I am so sorry I thisobad"...(that says disobeyed). She always illustrates her letters and this one has her with a sad face and me yelling at her. After a month, it is still on my refrigerator.
I find it funny that a 6-year old can apologize with such simplicity yet adults have to find someone to blame (often the very person they should be apologizing to) for all their inappropriate actions, words and wrongdoings.
The other day Hannah cleaned her room unexpectedly without any prompting from me. When I went to her room and saw how "shiny" it was, I told her I'd have to find her a special treat. She said, "Mommy, a treat would be nice, but even if you can't find a treat, having a great family is enough of a treat." Either she is a great little manipulator or I am a sucker, but I wanted to give her the biggest present ever.
When we were shopping for her water bottle for kindergarten, she asked if we could get 2 water bottles to which I immediately replied, "No! These water bottles are $15. She said, "Mommy, I don't want 2 for myself. I want to give one to my teacher in case there is a little girl in my class whose mommy can't buy her a water bottle. Then my teacher would have one for her." I'm telling you...how can I argue with this child?
When Hannah turned 4, she donated her hair to Locks of Love. About a month later (fortunately after we had some professional pictures taken), she cut her hair all the way to her scalp with safety scissors. I took her to DooLittles the next morning. The stylist looked at me and said, "What are you going to do?" I was like...What are YOU going to do? to which she replied that there was nothing she could do. She cut all the remaining hair as short as possible and suggested I buy very wide headbands (at a cost of $10 each which I gladly paid) and come back in 3 months. By then her hair was just long enough to make a little water spout in the front--kind of like you would for a 4 month old not a 4 year old! All this because my little Hannah wanted to give some more hair to another sick little girl. We had many a conversation about where we get our hair cut. It took a full year for her hair to grow out enough to make a cute very short bob. Now that she is 6 1/2, I am anxiously awaiting the day we can get this hair cut. Hannah wants me to find the little girl we saw at Wendy's last summer who had just lost all her hair.
No one ever leaves our house empty handed. If I don't give them something, Hannah will chase them out the door to give them something even if it is a picture she has drawn.
Hannah's kindergarten teacher said she was the most spiritual child she has ever taught. I hope her spirit doesn't get broken as she grows up. There is so much that is wrong in our world.
A few weeks ago, I had a dispute with a friend's husband which resulted in him yelling at me, my 3 year old crying uncontrollably and him yelling louder so I could hear him over Michael's crying. I was able to end the argument pretty quickly, but my kids certainly aren't accustomed to this type of yelling. Later in the day, Hannah asked if Mr. ________ loves Jesus and that if he really loved Jesus why was he yelling at me that morning.
Kids are smart! They are perceptive! We can wear crosses around our necks, put fish on our cars, and go to church every week, but what they see is how we treat others. The way we as adults behave is the programming we give our children. It is why my husband exercises even though he hates it, it is why he reads a non-fiction book every week even though he is dyslexic, it is why we serve the poor even though our schedules are already busy, and so on....how are you programming your kids? What lessons are they teaching you?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Last Day of Kindergarten
Yesterday, I dropped Hannah off for her first day of kindergarten and today I picked her up from her last day of kindergarten. Seriously, where did the year go? I am amazed at how much she has learned. This has been a year of milestones: tying her shoes, riding her bike without training wheels, reading and writing, sleepovers...
Tomorrow we embark on a new journey. I am going to practice homeschooling this summer. If all goes well, we may continue for first grade. Hannah really wants to do it. She had a great kindergarten experience. I honestly do not think there is a "wrong" answer.
Happy Summer, Everyone!!!
Tomorrow we embark on a new journey. I am going to practice homeschooling this summer. If all goes well, we may continue for first grade. Hannah really wants to do it. She had a great kindergarten experience. I honestly do not think there is a "wrong" answer.
Happy Summer, Everyone!!!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
One Nation, Overweight
Frank and I watched this on one of the PM news shows Sunday night. It really motivated me to get moving. I've always been pretty active. Before kids, I was a trainer at the YMCA and faculty fitness coordinator for Charlotte Country Day School. I ran 3 marathons, lots of half marathons, and tons of 5K, 10Ks, etc. 4 months after Michael was born, I ran the Kiawah Island half marathon and then the Nashville Country Music half marathon when he was 7 months old. Since then, I have had a consistent running partner. We have been meeting at 5:45 or 6:00 am for 3 years.
Admittedly, the past 6 months I have been pretty slack. Carol has been traveling a lot and has been chronically injured. I'm not very good at getting up at 5:30 without someone to meet me.
All this to say, I have the idea in my head that if I don't work out for an hour and really sweat then there is no point. For me, there is no greater feeling than the high after a great run.
After watching all the obese people struggling with their weight and subsequent health problems, I decided that I am going to walk 2 miles every morning. Then if I get a chance to "really work out" later, great! But if not, I have at least done something.
I challenge all of you to start in small increments. 10 minutes of weight training with simple hand weights, jump rope, hula hoop, walk a mile or two, etc. Just get moving!!!
If you have children, it is incredibly important for them to see exercise as an integral part of your life. We have such a childhood obesity problem in our country. As parents, we have a duty to set the example of fitness as a lifestyle choice.
Admittedly, the past 6 months I have been pretty slack. Carol has been traveling a lot and has been chronically injured. I'm not very good at getting up at 5:30 without someone to meet me.
All this to say, I have the idea in my head that if I don't work out for an hour and really sweat then there is no point. For me, there is no greater feeling than the high after a great run.
After watching all the obese people struggling with their weight and subsequent health problems, I decided that I am going to walk 2 miles every morning. Then if I get a chance to "really work out" later, great! But if not, I have at least done something.
I challenge all of you to start in small increments. 10 minutes of weight training with simple hand weights, jump rope, hula hoop, walk a mile or two, etc. Just get moving!!!
If you have children, it is incredibly important for them to see exercise as an integral part of your life. We have such a childhood obesity problem in our country. As parents, we have a duty to set the example of fitness as a lifestyle choice.
Monday, June 7, 2010
The person I've known the longest since arriving in Charlotte 17 years ago was killed in a motorcycle accident yesterday. I first met Don Fumo at Carmel Middle School in 1993. It was my first teaching job and Don was an experienced math teacher. I was always a little jealous because he taught geometry which was something I wanted to teach, but there was only one class in middle school and I was new. 2 years later, Don transferred to East Meck HS when our principal, Ron Thompson, became principal of E. Meck. I got the geometry class and 2 years after that I transferred to East Meck. My room was right next to Don's and he was assigned to be my mentor. The two years I spent teaching at East Meck resulted in some of my dearest teacher friends. There was a group of us on the 9th grade hall who "congregated" every morning before 7:00 am. At the time, I was a young, very single teacher. I learned so much from Angie Dickison and Don Fumo about parenting and marriage. Angie gave each of her kids $100 each month and from that they had to buy everything they needed: lunch, clothes, gas, meals and movies out with friends, etc. Angie taught me that I should never ever go anywhere without my make-up and hair done. Don wasn't so outright in his life lessons to me. He just modeled great marriage and family values. One day I was teasing him about his wrinkled shirt and said, "Don't you have an iron?" He said he didn't feel like ironing his shirt that morning. I replied, "Well, don't you have a wife?" to which he responded that it was not her job to iron his clothes. I took that lesson very well and haven't ironed anything for my husband either. For most of the time I knew him, Don drove an old beat up car with plastic in the back window so that his wife could drive the nicer car. He made sacrifices that most men would be embarrassed to make. He taught part time at Central Piedmont during the school year so he could be home with his kids during the summer. Donna, his wife, worked 9-2 at the bank so she could be home when the kids went to school and when they got off the bus. They saved up for a pop up camper to use on family vacations. I would always tell Don how much I admired the way they lived and how they were one family that had their priorities straight. Don would always laugh his quiet, humble laugh, but what I said is so true. I have always respected how they put family at the top of their priority list and lived within their means. They didn't even have cell phones until their oldest son started driving.
This morning after hearing of his accident, I began to call my friends from East Meck who aren't at the school anymore. We are all in shock and bewilderment. Mary Lou was in utter disbelief. Niva burst into tears as I gave her the news. We all want to do something, but are at a loss as to what we can do. I talked to my friend Chris for a long time. He said he always told Don that he was the richest person he knew and Don always laughed it off. Chris said, "Don had a wife who loved him, 3 children who were well-behaved and grounded, a career he loved and great friends." How can you get any richer than that? Chris said he was lucky to meet him and grateful to have known him. I echo those thoughts.
Last Memorial Day, the old East Meck gang got together at the Fumos for a barbecue. It was a ton of fun and laughs and really the last time all of us were together. I am hoping to reunite our group at the little Mexican restaurant Don introduced us to 13 years ago on a teacher workday. It became the norm that we would go there on teacher workdays. Don was our quiet leader and I'd like us to celebrate his life.
This morning after hearing of his accident, I began to call my friends from East Meck who aren't at the school anymore. We are all in shock and bewilderment. Mary Lou was in utter disbelief. Niva burst into tears as I gave her the news. We all want to do something, but are at a loss as to what we can do. I talked to my friend Chris for a long time. He said he always told Don that he was the richest person he knew and Don always laughed it off. Chris said, "Don had a wife who loved him, 3 children who were well-behaved and grounded, a career he loved and great friends." How can you get any richer than that? Chris said he was lucky to meet him and grateful to have known him. I echo those thoughts.
Last Memorial Day, the old East Meck gang got together at the Fumos for a barbecue. It was a ton of fun and laughs and really the last time all of us were together. I am hoping to reunite our group at the little Mexican restaurant Don introduced us to 13 years ago on a teacher workday. It became the norm that we would go there on teacher workdays. Don was our quiet leader and I'd like us to celebrate his life.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Zumba
I saw my friend Ashley at our pool opening party on Saturday and she invited me to Zumba today at the Y.
Me: I've never taken zumba.
A: Girl, all you have to do is shake it.
Me: Ok (thinking I need to do what she does since she looks amazing).
10:20--arrive at Y. Can barely get in the door (to the building, not the class) because there is a sea of women packed like sardines waiting to "shake it". I quickly decide to escape, but realize it is impossible to get out the door or even to another area of the gym.
10:30-stay in the very back and do my best to keep up with all the moves. try to follow the girls who know what they're doing since I can't see the instructor. Seriously, I've taken lots of aerobics classes in the past, but I've never seen a room so packed. There must be something to this Zumba stuff!
11:05--announcement that a windshield has been smashed in the parking lot and we all need to go make sure it's not our car. glad for the break, slightly concerned it could be my windshield.
11:10--all of our cars are fine--back to zumba.
11:40--class ends. I survived and have worked up a good sweat. I tell Ashley I'll come back on Monday.
Me: I've never taken zumba.
A: Girl, all you have to do is shake it.
Me: Ok (thinking I need to do what she does since she looks amazing).
10:20--arrive at Y. Can barely get in the door (to the building, not the class) because there is a sea of women packed like sardines waiting to "shake it". I quickly decide to escape, but realize it is impossible to get out the door or even to another area of the gym.
10:30-stay in the very back and do my best to keep up with all the moves. try to follow the girls who know what they're doing since I can't see the instructor. Seriously, I've taken lots of aerobics classes in the past, but I've never seen a room so packed. There must be something to this Zumba stuff!
11:05--announcement that a windshield has been smashed in the parking lot and we all need to go make sure it's not our car. glad for the break, slightly concerned it could be my windshield.
11:10--all of our cars are fine--back to zumba.
11:40--class ends. I survived and have worked up a good sweat. I tell Ashley I'll come back on Monday.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Memorial Day Weekend--big boy bed and canning adventure
1. We moved Michael to his big boy bed. This may sound simple. It involved moving furniture in 4 rooms. Michael's race car bed went to Austin's house. The downstairs guest room bed that matches Michael's dresser moved to Michael's room. Hannah's mattress to Michael's room. Queen bed from beach room to downstairs guest room. Buy adorable white furniture from Wendy for beach room. Now the worst: find a mattress for Hannah's bed. I still contend that a mattress should cost no more than $100. I bought the furniture for the beach room for $150--twin bed and dresser. I bought Hannah's furniture--solid wood, made in America: full bed with 2 huge storage drawers underneath, desk with hutch, mirror, nightstand, 6-drawer dresser all for $400. But after much search--internet and in-store--by myself and Wendy (who also needs a mattress for her little girl's new furniture, hence me buying hers), I concluded that a mattress is about $350-$450 for something not even terribly comfortable. I don't like it, but it is a necessary evil.
What I do appreciate is my husband's "get er done" attitude. When there is a task(s) to be done, he has gazelle-like focus and does not stop until everything is complete. It drives me crazy sometimes, but when I want things rearranged around the house or the garage cleaned out, he is amazing!
1 (a). so now I just need to buy sheets for Michael's bed since I don't think he appreciated the pink gingham sheet I put on temporarily. I have plenty of full size girl sheets. Michael wants a Simba bed. If you've spent any time with my son, you know that when Michael wants something, he asks for it non-stop--I want milk, I want milk, .... until his request is granted. So while I am grateful for Frank's manual labor in getting all the furniture moved, I have the daunting task of finding "Lion King" room decor for a full size bed. I am convinced that Disney is out to make my life miserable by "vaulting" the Lion King. I can't buy the movie on DVD so we watch the VHS on a 13 inch tv in the playroom. I bought one figurine set several years ago (before said vaulting) and it is almost a full time job keeping up with the 6 characters.
2. I was picked by House Party to host a Ball Fresh Taste of Summer canning party. They sent me the water bath canner, recipe books, pectin, step-by-step instructions, coupons for 4 cases of free jars, etc. We'll be making home made salsa and pepper jelly. I had to do a trial run before the party. Frank picked up all the vegetables needed at the Farmer's Market--$26. My friend Niva came over and away we chopped. It took about 4 hours (partly learning curve, partly chopping tons of veggies). First we made pepper jelly. Yummy!!! Then after 1 1/2 hours of chopping, we made the salsa. Delicious with home made tortilla chips sprinkled with sea salt!
I am so glad I did the trial run. I am very glad I had Niva to help. It was pretty cool to hear all the lids seal (that means that we can store the food in our pantry for a year--or longer). The folks over at Ball will be glad to know we plan to do lots more canning. I don't know how cost-effective it will be since we will have to buy jars this year, but our food will be healthy and preservative free, not to mention delicious!
What I do appreciate is my husband's "get er done" attitude. When there is a task(s) to be done, he has gazelle-like focus and does not stop until everything is complete. It drives me crazy sometimes, but when I want things rearranged around the house or the garage cleaned out, he is amazing!
1 (a). so now I just need to buy sheets for Michael's bed since I don't think he appreciated the pink gingham sheet I put on temporarily. I have plenty of full size girl sheets. Michael wants a Simba bed. If you've spent any time with my son, you know that when Michael wants something, he asks for it non-stop--I want milk, I want milk, .... until his request is granted. So while I am grateful for Frank's manual labor in getting all the furniture moved, I have the daunting task of finding "Lion King" room decor for a full size bed. I am convinced that Disney is out to make my life miserable by "vaulting" the Lion King. I can't buy the movie on DVD so we watch the VHS on a 13 inch tv in the playroom. I bought one figurine set several years ago (before said vaulting) and it is almost a full time job keeping up with the 6 characters.
2. I was picked by House Party to host a Ball Fresh Taste of Summer canning party. They sent me the water bath canner, recipe books, pectin, step-by-step instructions, coupons for 4 cases of free jars, etc. We'll be making home made salsa and pepper jelly. I had to do a trial run before the party. Frank picked up all the vegetables needed at the Farmer's Market--$26. My friend Niva came over and away we chopped. It took about 4 hours (partly learning curve, partly chopping tons of veggies). First we made pepper jelly. Yummy!!! Then after 1 1/2 hours of chopping, we made the salsa. Delicious with home made tortilla chips sprinkled with sea salt!
I am so glad I did the trial run. I am very glad I had Niva to help. It was pretty cool to hear all the lids seal (that means that we can store the food in our pantry for a year--or longer). The folks over at Ball will be glad to know we plan to do lots more canning. I don't know how cost-effective it will be since we will have to buy jars this year, but our food will be healthy and preservative free, not to mention delicious!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Grocery Challenge--update May 27
I think I can...I think I can...I have 10 cents left so I can't spend ANY $$ until next Tuesday (June 1) and I will have met my $150 monthly grocery challenge for May. This includes trips to the mountains and beach where we prepared all but 3 meals with the families with whom we traveled. I do think having to count out my cash made a difference. So I think I'll go for it again in June. I am just as stocked up as at the beginning of May. We are still eating healthy, delicious meals. It just takes a little more preparation and diligence. I still refuse to go all over town chasing a deal (wasting gas in the process) so with the exception of a trip to BiLo while we were at the Y one afternoon, all my shopping was at Harris Teeter and CVS. Did I mention that my grocery budget includes all toiletries, paper products, pull-ups, wipes, cleaning products, etc?
I am stocked up on everything except coffee and dishwasher detergent so I am hoping for a sale.
I am stocked up on everything except coffee and dishwasher detergent so I am hoping for a sale.
3 Big Things Going on....
1. I just finished taking a class at Central Piedmont Community College on how to start a non profit. I have been actively involved in my friend Marie's ministry LIFT and suggested to her that she apply for non profit status for the ministry since it is already growing beyond her wildest dreams. Boy, did we learn a lot in the class! We have written and revised our mission and vision statement, composed a business plan for the next full year, learned how to apply for grants, business ID #, 501(c)3 status, etc...it is a bit overwhelming!
2. I committed to Joy McGuire at With Love From Jesus to coordinate the entire Thanksgiving giveaway. This means organizing financial and human resources to make 3500-4000 meals and getting them delivered. We have to research the location and population of the poorest, most destitute in our community. We need a refrigerated truck to store the meals as they are assembled to keep them from spoiling. I need to brainstorm just what it will take to accomplish this undertaking. The past 2 years I have organized volunteers to assemble 100-200 meals. I have to wrap my brain around what it will take to do 40 times that amount...ok now I am almost too tired to go onto #3.
3. I'm in the 75-90% confidence range that I will home school Hannah for first grade. She really wants to do it, I am certified K-12 with a master's in math, I am blessed to be a stay at home mom, and I am really excited about it. When Hannah was in day care for 2 1/2 years, I would say that I paid someone else to teach my child so I could teach other people's children. Why not put that energy and focus into teaching my own children? My friend Teresa said to me, "No one has more interest in her education than you." I just said to Frank last night we are always saying the schools should teach such and thus. If I am the school, I will teach it, right? Due to my Type A personality, I will write out goals and objectives along with action plans to achieve them. I am attending an informational meeting next Tuesday at Growing Scholars.
2. I committed to Joy McGuire at With Love From Jesus to coordinate the entire Thanksgiving giveaway. This means organizing financial and human resources to make 3500-4000 meals and getting them delivered. We have to research the location and population of the poorest, most destitute in our community. We need a refrigerated truck to store the meals as they are assembled to keep them from spoiling. I need to brainstorm just what it will take to accomplish this undertaking. The past 2 years I have organized volunteers to assemble 100-200 meals. I have to wrap my brain around what it will take to do 40 times that amount...ok now I am almost too tired to go onto #3.
3. I'm in the 75-90% confidence range that I will home school Hannah for first grade. She really wants to do it, I am certified K-12 with a master's in math, I am blessed to be a stay at home mom, and I am really excited about it. When Hannah was in day care for 2 1/2 years, I would say that I paid someone else to teach my child so I could teach other people's children. Why not put that energy and focus into teaching my own children? My friend Teresa said to me, "No one has more interest in her education than you." I just said to Frank last night we are always saying the schools should teach such and thus. If I am the school, I will teach it, right? Due to my Type A personality, I will write out goals and objectives along with action plans to achieve them. I am attending an informational meeting next Tuesday at Growing Scholars.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Super Double Coupons at HT May 19-25
Harris Teeter Super Doubles Confirmed 5/19-5/25
Super Double Coupon Days: Harris Teeter will double all coupons up to $1.98. This is a great time to use those $1.00 and $1.50 off coupons. MANY items will be free. You can go to www.coupons.com to print coupons even if you don't cut them from the Sunday paper.
If any of you don't use your Sunday coupons, I'd love to have them. I cut almost all of the coupons except pet food. I donate a lot of items to With Love From Jesus. I buy things that my family doesn't use if they are less than a dollar or a really good deal.
Happy Shopping to you! I still have over $100 of my $150 for the month in my grocery challenge money.
Think About It Thursday
So here's what I'm thinking about...homeschooling!
I was a middle/high school math and science teacher for 13 years, 6 in public school and 7 at an elite private school. I have always been against homeschooling. On several occasions, both in public and private school, home-schooled children would come to my classes and they were always behind and very un-socialized and never made it more than a few weeks in a regular classroom setting. One boy told his parents in reference to the (wonderful) kids in my 8th grade honors geometry class, "They are a bunch of savages."
On the other end of the spectrum, I had one girl I'll never forget who had been home-schooled by her missionary parents until 11th grade. As part of her studies, she attended public high school her senior year. This girl was awesome! She was placed in all regular classes because the school didn't know how to place her. My friend Chris and I realized quickly that she needed to be in honors classes for several reasons. She asked me to be her mentor for her senior project. I don't think I'll ever forget her.
I've criticized people who home-schooled their kids. I've said I don't think I am qualified to teach my kids everything even though I am certified to teach K-6 all subjects and math/science in upper grades. I have a bachelor's degree in education with emphases in math and science and a master's degree in math education.
I've met home school moms who don't immunize their kids, sleep until noon, work at minimum wage jobs, are uneducated themselves and I have always turned my nose up at them. I have had heated discussions with my neighbor who home-schooled her kids. I've always envisioned these moms as the ones who only eat organic foods, wear organic clothes, use cloth diapers, don't buy toilet paper or Kleenex and instead use rags for those needs.
Lately, however, some people I consider "normal" have chosen to home-school and are having a great experience. The one question about public education that has really gotten me thinking is, "Why do we expect our children to buy into a system that we don't fully buy into ourselves?"
I asked Hannah, my kindergartner, if she would like to be home-schooled and she said yes. She asked me before kindergarten if I would home school her. She has had a great experience in our little country public school so I am not entertaining the idea based on bad experiences.
I am going to purchase a home school curriculum for first grade and do it with Hannah this summer. It will give us an idea of how it would work.
I have to do some research. I have to decide what works for my family. In so many areas of our lives, my family goes against the norm. So for now, homeschooling is something to think about.
I was a middle/high school math and science teacher for 13 years, 6 in public school and 7 at an elite private school. I have always been against homeschooling. On several occasions, both in public and private school, home-schooled children would come to my classes and they were always behind and very un-socialized and never made it more than a few weeks in a regular classroom setting. One boy told his parents in reference to the (wonderful) kids in my 8th grade honors geometry class, "They are a bunch of savages."
On the other end of the spectrum, I had one girl I'll never forget who had been home-schooled by her missionary parents until 11th grade. As part of her studies, she attended public high school her senior year. This girl was awesome! She was placed in all regular classes because the school didn't know how to place her. My friend Chris and I realized quickly that she needed to be in honors classes for several reasons. She asked me to be her mentor for her senior project. I don't think I'll ever forget her.
I've criticized people who home-schooled their kids. I've said I don't think I am qualified to teach my kids everything even though I am certified to teach K-6 all subjects and math/science in upper grades. I have a bachelor's degree in education with emphases in math and science and a master's degree in math education.
I've met home school moms who don't immunize their kids, sleep until noon, work at minimum wage jobs, are uneducated themselves and I have always turned my nose up at them. I have had heated discussions with my neighbor who home-schooled her kids. I've always envisioned these moms as the ones who only eat organic foods, wear organic clothes, use cloth diapers, don't buy toilet paper or Kleenex and instead use rags for those needs.
Lately, however, some people I consider "normal" have chosen to home-school and are having a great experience. The one question about public education that has really gotten me thinking is, "Why do we expect our children to buy into a system that we don't fully buy into ourselves?"
I asked Hannah, my kindergartner, if she would like to be home-schooled and she said yes. She asked me before kindergarten if I would home school her. She has had a great experience in our little country public school so I am not entertaining the idea based on bad experiences.
I am going to purchase a home school curriculum for first grade and do it with Hannah this summer. It will give us an idea of how it would work.
I have to do some research. I have to decide what works for my family. In so many areas of our lives, my family goes against the norm. So for now, homeschooling is something to think about.
Monday, May 10, 2010
$150 monthly grocery challenge update
I am going to pretend that someone actually reads my blog so I will have virtual accountability for sticking to my $150 grocery challenge. Because I am very health conscious, I have to do this without sacrificing quality or nutrition. I make sure that everyone gets fresh fruits and veggies, dairy, lean protein, low fat, high fiber carbohydrates everyday. My husband is (always) on Weight Watchers so we all eat around his meal plan which is very healthy.
I counted out my $150 cash on May 1. So far I have spent $35.24 (an average of $3.91 per day). That is about $1 per person per day. My husband and I used to think an average of $4 per person per meal was pretty good.
Yesterday, I stocked up on split chicken breasts which were $0.88/lb at HT. I bought almost 12 pounds because I had a rebate for $10 back if you purchase $10 in beef, poultry or seafood. It will take 2 months to get the $10 and even if it gets lost in the mail, the chicken was a great deal. I made a splurge for Hannah on Luigi's Italian Ice. It was $3.29 and even with a coupon it was still $2.29. Even though we have tons of adult toothpaste, I shamefully ran out of kids' toothpaste last week and had to pay full price minus a $0.50 coupon=$2.67. Milk is our biggest thing that I can't get a deal on. I only bought 2 gallons last night because I am planning a trip to Costco later in the week. We're getting close to only drinking a gallon every 2 days
I have to say that counting out cash is definitely more painful than swiping my debit card. I know I'm goofy, but I have the time to try this and if I can save our family $400-$500 a month on groceries then it frees up money to do more fun things like our spur-of-the-moment Mother's Day weekend trip to Myrtle Beach.
I am aware that I could work even part time and make much more than I save, but for now my family is happy with me staying home so I am making being a wife, mom, and home economizer my full time job.
I counted out my $150 cash on May 1. So far I have spent $35.24 (an average of $3.91 per day). That is about $1 per person per day. My husband and I used to think an average of $4 per person per meal was pretty good.
Yesterday, I stocked up on split chicken breasts which were $0.88/lb at HT. I bought almost 12 pounds because I had a rebate for $10 back if you purchase $10 in beef, poultry or seafood. It will take 2 months to get the $10 and even if it gets lost in the mail, the chicken was a great deal. I made a splurge for Hannah on Luigi's Italian Ice. It was $3.29 and even with a coupon it was still $2.29. Even though we have tons of adult toothpaste, I shamefully ran out of kids' toothpaste last week and had to pay full price minus a $0.50 coupon=$2.67. Milk is our biggest thing that I can't get a deal on. I only bought 2 gallons last night because I am planning a trip to Costco later in the week. We're getting close to only drinking a gallon every 2 days
I have to say that counting out cash is definitely more painful than swiping my debit card. I know I'm goofy, but I have the time to try this and if I can save our family $400-$500 a month on groceries then it frees up money to do more fun things like our spur-of-the-moment Mother's Day weekend trip to Myrtle Beach.
I am aware that I could work even part time and make much more than I save, but for now my family is happy with me staying home so I am making being a wife, mom, and home economizer my full time job.
Monday Mumblings
Just getting out some mumbles stuck in my head--kind of like Monday morning quarterback except mine are from reading the Sunday paper.
1. Did you see the story of Brittany Lockhart in the paper? She and her brother "graduated" for their mom a couple of weeks ago at the hospital where the mom died a week later. I've followed the story and my heart breaks for them because I've been where they are. My dad died 2 weeks before I graduated from high school and I was left to care for my younger siblings. On the night my dad died, I promised my sister and brother I would take care of them and I did the best I could with the limited resources we had. My head swirls with the desire to help this girl who now has to pay for her mother's funeral and figure out how to educate herself while taking care of her 3 brothers. It is not an easy road, but the life lessons I learned doing it myself are the essence of who I am today.
2. School lunch. I agree it is bad. I ate lunch with my kindergartner at the beginning of the school year. I pack her lunch every day, but on this day we were "lunch tray". The lunch was $6.50 for the 2 of us and it was yuck! I was so disappointed that I spent 6 1/2 % of our monthly dining budget for that awful stuff. School lunch was bad when I was in school. My best friend from childhood told me back then that the hierarchy of food from the government goes like this: military first, prisons second, and schools third. I haven't researched to see if she is right, but I know from when I worked at our county jail the food I served the inmates was definitely better than our school lunches. There is a law in NC that you can't bring in any outside restaurant food to the cafeteria. Of course not! If the cafeteria had to compete even with McDonald's, they would "go out of business". No restaurant could continually serve such horrible fare and stay in business. But as middle class Americans, I don't think the answer is to have the government spend millions of dollars figuring out the problem. I believe that we should just take control of lunch ourselves. Pack our kids' lunches. It's not like lunch is free at school for us and with a little effort, we can easily pack a nutritious lunch for our kids that costs less than the school cafeteria. I have packed Hannah's lunch every day except for the one mentioned above. We have to stop asking the government to do everything for us. There are many things we can do for ourselves. Because for everything they "do" for us, they also "take away" another right. We are slowly giving up all our rights for more "protection". For middle class Americans to take back our country, we have to start depending on ourselves more and on government less.
3. Being frugal. There was an article that said Americans are saving more of their income. During great economic times, the savings rate was negative meaning that as a nation, we were spending more than we made. The rate went up to about 6.5% and is now holding steady at about 3%. It is sad to think of a family only saving 3% of their earnings. To be able to retire and maintain your current lifestyle, you should save at least 10% or have 25 times your annual income saved by the time you retire. Sounds daunting, doesn't it? Worse would be eating canned cat-food! Most Americans are being more frugal, spending less and looking for ways to reduce their outgo. Even as their income is returning from a layoff or job change, most people won't go back to their old ways. I hope that is true. For the middle class, we have to change how we spend or we'll always be the "struggling middle class".
1. Did you see the story of Brittany Lockhart in the paper? She and her brother "graduated" for their mom a couple of weeks ago at the hospital where the mom died a week later. I've followed the story and my heart breaks for them because I've been where they are. My dad died 2 weeks before I graduated from high school and I was left to care for my younger siblings. On the night my dad died, I promised my sister and brother I would take care of them and I did the best I could with the limited resources we had. My head swirls with the desire to help this girl who now has to pay for her mother's funeral and figure out how to educate herself while taking care of her 3 brothers. It is not an easy road, but the life lessons I learned doing it myself are the essence of who I am today.
2. School lunch. I agree it is bad. I ate lunch with my kindergartner at the beginning of the school year. I pack her lunch every day, but on this day we were "lunch tray". The lunch was $6.50 for the 2 of us and it was yuck! I was so disappointed that I spent 6 1/2 % of our monthly dining budget for that awful stuff. School lunch was bad when I was in school. My best friend from childhood told me back then that the hierarchy of food from the government goes like this: military first, prisons second, and schools third. I haven't researched to see if she is right, but I know from when I worked at our county jail the food I served the inmates was definitely better than our school lunches. There is a law in NC that you can't bring in any outside restaurant food to the cafeteria. Of course not! If the cafeteria had to compete even with McDonald's, they would "go out of business". No restaurant could continually serve such horrible fare and stay in business. But as middle class Americans, I don't think the answer is to have the government spend millions of dollars figuring out the problem. I believe that we should just take control of lunch ourselves. Pack our kids' lunches. It's not like lunch is free at school for us and with a little effort, we can easily pack a nutritious lunch for our kids that costs less than the school cafeteria. I have packed Hannah's lunch every day except for the one mentioned above. We have to stop asking the government to do everything for us. There are many things we can do for ourselves. Because for everything they "do" for us, they also "take away" another right. We are slowly giving up all our rights for more "protection". For middle class Americans to take back our country, we have to start depending on ourselves more and on government less.
3. Being frugal. There was an article that said Americans are saving more of their income. During great economic times, the savings rate was negative meaning that as a nation, we were spending more than we made. The rate went up to about 6.5% and is now holding steady at about 3%. It is sad to think of a family only saving 3% of their earnings. To be able to retire and maintain your current lifestyle, you should save at least 10% or have 25 times your annual income saved by the time you retire. Sounds daunting, doesn't it? Worse would be eating canned cat-food! Most Americans are being more frugal, spending less and looking for ways to reduce their outgo. Even as their income is returning from a layoff or job change, most people won't go back to their old ways. I hope that is true. For the middle class, we have to change how we spend or we'll always be the "struggling middle class".
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo the whole month of May
Ok, for the 2 people who actually read my blog. You know that for the past 2 months I have tried to follow Kathy at $30 Weekly Grocery Challenge. She somehow feeds her family of 3 on $30 a week and has been doing so over a year now. My goal has been to spend less than $150 per month. I'd honestly just like to make it one month to prove I can do it. In March, I spent $300 and April was $284. This month I am going to follow the Dave Ramsey advice of using cash. I have counted out $150 in cash and I am determined I can do it.
The past week's deals at HT were mostly for Mexican foods. We'll be celebrating Cinco de Mayo for the whole month of May due to the great deals on tortillas, salsa, cheese, and seasonings. That is fine because I have already found some great ways to get creative.
1. Whole wheat wrap with Tastefully Simple's Vidalia Onion dressing, chicken, onion, sweet peppers, and spring mix. I had some version of this wrap 4 meals in a row. In one version, I used honey mustard dressing and added walnuts and cranberries.
2. Burritos: use a burrito mix, ground beef, 1 cup of water, and a can of fat free re-fried beans to fill a flour tortilla. Top with sour cream, salsa, and Mexican cheese.
3. Cheese quesadillas. Simply put some cheese on a flour tortilla, fold and put in your Foreman grill for a couple of minutes until the cheese is melted. Cut into wedges. Kids love these.
4. Add chicken to #3 and serve with sour cream and salsa.
5. Homemade tortilla chips. Cut corn tortillas into wedges and deep fry in a mix of olive and corn oil. Turn once when they start to float. Drain on paper towels and grind some sea salt on top. Yummy by themselves or with salsa.
6. Salmon and crab wrap: Spread salmon flavored cream cheese on whole wheat tortilla, add spring mix and crab meat.
7. Spinach and salmon wrap: Wilt fresh spinach in olive oil for a few minutes (medium high heat). Prepare one frozen salmon fillet with salmon seasoning and teriyaki sauce. Wrap in whole wheat wrap.
8. Chile Relleno casserole: 2 cans green chiles, 1.5 cups of cheese, 3 eggs, 1/4 cup flour, 5 oz evaporated milk, 1 can tomato sauce. Layer cheese and chiles. Mix eggs, flour & milk and pour over cheese/chile layers. Bake for 30 minutes. Pour tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of cheese on top and bake for 15 minutes longer. Serve with homemade tortilla chips.
9. I am going to try breakfast burritos with chicken to make them healthier.
10. Good old fashioned tacos!
I'll need to make a run to Costco to pick up more spring mix and milk. It is worth the trip to save about a dollar per gallon since we go through so much milk. I just have to stay focused and not get distracted by all the yummy stuff in Costco!
The past week's deals at HT were mostly for Mexican foods. We'll be celebrating Cinco de Mayo for the whole month of May due to the great deals on tortillas, salsa, cheese, and seasonings. That is fine because I have already found some great ways to get creative.
1. Whole wheat wrap with Tastefully Simple's Vidalia Onion dressing, chicken, onion, sweet peppers, and spring mix. I had some version of this wrap 4 meals in a row. In one version, I used honey mustard dressing and added walnuts and cranberries.
2. Burritos: use a burrito mix, ground beef, 1 cup of water, and a can of fat free re-fried beans to fill a flour tortilla. Top with sour cream, salsa, and Mexican cheese.
3. Cheese quesadillas. Simply put some cheese on a flour tortilla, fold and put in your Foreman grill for a couple of minutes until the cheese is melted. Cut into wedges. Kids love these.
4. Add chicken to #3 and serve with sour cream and salsa.
5. Homemade tortilla chips. Cut corn tortillas into wedges and deep fry in a mix of olive and corn oil. Turn once when they start to float. Drain on paper towels and grind some sea salt on top. Yummy by themselves or with salsa.
6. Salmon and crab wrap: Spread salmon flavored cream cheese on whole wheat tortilla, add spring mix and crab meat.
7. Spinach and salmon wrap: Wilt fresh spinach in olive oil for a few minutes (medium high heat). Prepare one frozen salmon fillet with salmon seasoning and teriyaki sauce. Wrap in whole wheat wrap.
8. Chile Relleno casserole: 2 cans green chiles, 1.5 cups of cheese, 3 eggs, 1/4 cup flour, 5 oz evaporated milk, 1 can tomato sauce. Layer cheese and chiles. Mix eggs, flour & milk and pour over cheese/chile layers. Bake for 30 minutes. Pour tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of cheese on top and bake for 15 minutes longer. Serve with homemade tortilla chips.
9. I am going to try breakfast burritos with chicken to make them healthier.
10. Good old fashioned tacos!
I'll need to make a run to Costco to pick up more spring mix and milk. It is worth the trip to save about a dollar per gallon since we go through so much milk. I just have to stay focused and not get distracted by all the yummy stuff in Costco!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Grocery Challenge--blown by a trip to Costco
Why I ever decided to walk into the $200 a trip store in a month I am trying to spend $150 on groceries is beyond me. Yes, milk is $1.84 and I bought 7 gallons--maybe enough to last until the end of the month. But why did I need the other $150 worth of stuff? And I still had to go to Harris Teeter and spend $60 on items I can't really get at Costco.
Maybe next month??
Maybe next month??
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Grocery Challenge
First of all, I probably have too much time on my hands. Even with having 3 little ones at home all week and not allowing myself to use the computer from 10-12 and again from 4:30-7:30 no phone or computer, I still somehow have the time to read blogs of all these women who are spending way less than me on groceries (and I am the coupon queen or so I thought). There is a mom who spends $30 a week all year. I might be able to do that one week, maybe! I have been reading tons of blogs of women all over NC and the Southeast who are really saving money on their grocery bill. One lady has only spent $237 total since January 1. Honestly, how does she do it?
So in March, I decided I would eat down the pantry and freezer and try to spend only $150. Of course, I failed in that by spending $322 and that was half what I normally spend and what I now normally spend is half what I spent 2 years ago. I know it is just the competition factor that has me motivated, but this month I am going to try again. I am not buying anything except milk that is not FREE. (OK, I'll be honest: I will buy soda and coffee if we run out because I am addicted). I am going to try to make a gallon of milk last 2 days instead of going through a gallon a day like we usually do.
I am completely stocked up on all toiletries, paper products, diapers, wipes, meat, fish, frozen vegetables, breakfast items, lunch items, pasta, rice, spices, juice, soda, butter, condiments, etc. Truly, I should be able to get by with just buying milk and fresh fruit. I should be able to do that for $150.
So in March, I decided I would eat down the pantry and freezer and try to spend only $150. Of course, I failed in that by spending $322 and that was half what I normally spend and what I now normally spend is half what I spent 2 years ago. I know it is just the competition factor that has me motivated, but this month I am going to try again. I am not buying anything except milk that is not FREE. (OK, I'll be honest: I will buy soda and coffee if we run out because I am addicted). I am going to try to make a gallon of milk last 2 days instead of going through a gallon a day like we usually do.
I am completely stocked up on all toiletries, paper products, diapers, wipes, meat, fish, frozen vegetables, breakfast items, lunch items, pasta, rice, spices, juice, soda, butter, condiments, etc. Truly, I should be able to get by with just buying milk and fresh fruit. I should be able to do that for $150.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Spring Break
I didn't realize how much I would look forward to spring break since I'm not teaching. It makes sense that I would pray for a snow day and dream about spring break when it really means I get a break. I like the little things like not having to get the kids dressed in the morning or think about what I'm going to put in their lunch boxes. I would say I like the part about sleeping in, but inevitably one of them will get up at 6:30 anyway. I am looking forward to having Michael and Hannah home all week. We've had a big start to our vacation. We went to Chuckie Cheese on Friday, had our friends over Friday night for martinis and appetizers, Hannah & Caden had a sleepover Friday night, had 2 Easter Egg Hunts on Saturday, went to see Princess and the Frog at the dollar ($2) theater, took the train to Time Warner Arena for the Elevation Easter service (ok--that was not really for the kids, but it was an incredible event for Mommy), and had Easter dinner with family and friends. The weather here in Charlotte has been absolutely incredible! 80's and sunshine all weekend. All winter I kept saying I would be happy to deal with pollen and all its evilness just to be warm. So here I am unable to put my contacts in, drugging up on allergy meds, and blowing my nose every 5 minutes. It is all worth it to be warm. Spring didn't just spring--it catapulted!
Off to plan some fun, cheap activities for 3 little ones the rest of the week!
Off to plan some fun, cheap activities for 3 little ones the rest of the week!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Triple Coupons-spent $50, got $400
Sadly enough, Triple Coupons is over after today.
I shopped 5 times, spent a total of $50 and got almost $400 worth of groceries, etc.
Here is what I got for my $50.
Grand Total = $49.39
I shopped 5 times, spent a total of $50 and got almost $400 worth of groceries, etc.
Here is what I got for my $50.
- 3 Lysol cleaners, 3 Lysol toilet cleaners=all free
- 9 bags Mahatma rice = $0.76 total
- 2 boxes Lifesavers Gummies = FREE
- 3 boxes Cheez Its = $0.25 each
- Chinet coffee cups = $0.25
- 10 boxes Frosted Mini Wheats = $10.74 (bought these to get...
- 4 gallons of milk = FREE
- French's yellow mustard (3) = FREE
- Brown spicy mustard = FREE
- French's honey mustard = $0.50
- Nature's Own Sandwich rounds (4)= $0.22 each
- White Wheat buns & bread (3) = FREE
- Lunchables (3)= $0.33 each
- Beechnut biter biscuits (2) = $.10 each
- Totino's cheese pizzas (4) = FREE
- Bisquick = $0.05
- Frank's hot sauce (4)= FREE
- Diet coke (6 pack) = $2.29
- Domino sugar = $1.99
- Campbell's chunky soup (3) = $.25 each
- Texas Toast croutons = $0.20
- Crisco veg oil = FREE
- Snyder's honey mustard pretzels (2)= $0.25 each
- Dole frozen fruit (2) = $1.04 each
- Tropicana orange juice = $0.79
- Stonyfield Farms organic yogurt (5)= FREE
- Gold Medal flour = $0.64
- V8 splash (3) = $0.25 each
- Country crock spread (2) = FREE
- Kraft sliced cheese = $0.67
- Danactive drinkable yogurt = $0.25
- Silk Soy milk (2) = $1.10 each
- Claussen pickles = $1.00
- Coffeemate cream = FREE
- Ball park hotdogs (2) = FREE
- Ortega taco seasoning (2) = FREE
- Ortega green chiles (2) = $0.29 each
- Welch's grape jam (2) = $0.17 each
- Old El Paso green chiles (2) = FREE
- McCormick vanilla extract (2) = FREE + $1.50 off next shopping trip
- Organic canned tomatoes (2), 15 bean dry soup mix = $3.74 total (to make hambone soup)
- Barilla pasta (2) = FREE
- Strawberries (3) = $0.95 each
- Thomas bagel thins = $1.34
- Huggies wipes (3) = $.94 each
- Huggies wipes (1) = $0.14
- Tide 50 ounce = $1.77
- Lipton Tea bags = FREE
- HT brand sweet n low (2) = $1.27 each
- HT boneless chicken breast (6+ pounds) = $9.41
Grand Total = $49.39
Couponing for Beginners--some info taken from Southern Savers
Supermarket Savings
Have you tried couponing, but felt that it was not helping?
First, couponing isn’t just clipping some coupons from Sunday's paper and handing over a few coupons every now and then. If that is what you think, then you will save $5 or $10 dollars and become discouraged that it is not worth your time.
True couponing is cutting those coupons from your paper and then saving them until the product you want to buy is on sale. Doing this you can get items for 50-100% off regular price (yes, that’s right – FREE).
How?
1. Product prices fluctuate on cycles normally 6-8 weeks long. When an item is at its lowest price in that cycle you want to buy enough of that item to get you through until it comes back on sale. An example: your family eats 1 box of cereal a week, so you buy 6 boxes when it is on sale to get you through the sale cycle.
2. When it is a rock bottom price, you use your coupons to reduce the price even lower. Grab some extra copies of coupons that you will use a lot of by purchasing more papers, getting friends' papers, or printing the individual coupons online.
If I don’t have you convinced, let me spell it out with money.
You can buy 1 box every week for 6 weeks, or buy all 6 boxes on sale.
1 box @ $4.50 x 6 weeks = $27
1 box @ $1 x 6 boxes = $6
That’s one product and you have saved $21. Now think of the other 200 products that the average family buys a month. Even if you didn’t have coupons for all of your items, if you wait until the product is on sale to purchase it, you are still saving. How many times have you heard someone say, "If only I had an extra $200 a month!" If they could save just one dollar per item on 200 items, there is the $200!!
Remember: You maximize your savings by combining the store's sale with coupons.
Want some more tips to save even more?
1. Cut ALL coupons or Save all inserts from the Sunday paper. If you save the entire insert to cut as needed, make sure you mark the date on insert so that you can find it when you see a coupon can be used.
2. Start to shop buying only the things that are on sale and using your coupons then. Also when an item is on sale you STOCKPILE. Some sites recommend 12 weeks worth because that is the common time it takes for an item to come back on sale. That's great if you have the space; if not get enough that if you shop at two different stores you can hold off until it goes on sale at the other store. Once you have a good stockpile, you will only be shopping for sale items and never having to pay non sale prices. Also, once you pay an amazing price for something like 50 cents for cereal you will not want to have to pay the regular price ever again.
3. Make a menu for the week based on what is on sale that week at the store. For example, don’t plan fish when no one has it on sale and you are paying top dollar.
4. If you know that you are going on a trip or having a special event in the future, start a separate stockpile early for those items so that you are not paying top dollar for your groceries just because you are on vacation . Paying $3 for 5 12pks of Coke at CVS a month before a trip is much better than paying $4.50 a 12pk once you get to the beach!!
5. The less brand loyal you can be, the more you can save . My husband prefers Kellogg's Raisin Bran, but if Total or Post are on sale and I have a coupon and can get a box for 25 cents whereas the Kellogg's is $4.59, well, you can just guess which I am going to buy. If you want to pay full price, go for it, but I’ll use my coupon. If Herbal Essences shampoo is 20 cents a bottle, it can’t hurt to give it a try.
6. Store brands are not the best deal. National brand items bought on sale with coupons become incredibly cheaper than store brand items. If you can buy store brand butter for $2.49 or get Land o Lakes butter for 80 cents… that's not hard math. Remember: A store wants you to buy their brand because they keep all the money. They will try to make it seem like a deal, but you can ALWAYS do better by combining a sale with a coupon. The only store brand items I buy are milk, flour, and sugar. Of course, if the store is offering their brand for FREE, I'll gladly take it. Harris Teeter does that from time to time. So far this year, I've gotten trail mix, soup, crackers, milk, and a few other items that are the HT brand for free.
7. Shopping at Costco and Sam's will become a thing of the past mostly. Milk is definitely cheaper at Costco. We eat a lot of fish and spinach so I buy those at Costco. There are a few other things that the grocery stores don't carry that I like to buy from Costco, but even then I know it isn't a deal; it's just something I want! Buying 4 boxes of cereal for $10 at Costco never compares to getting 4 boxes for 2.00 (the average price of cereal when bought correctly is $0.25-$1.00). Personal Care items that could be a good deal can’t even touch being FREE at CVS.
I hope you'll consider learning to save money using coupons. It is truly worth the effort!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Things you can get FREE during Triple Coupons at HT
Yes, I am obsessed with coupons and saving $$. Even if you don't have any coupons, you can still get some FREE things this week at Harris Teeter during triple coupons.
Check out Southern Savers for a list of things that are FREE or a few pennies with coupons that you can print right from her site to your computer. How easy is that?
My husband posted this on Twitter yesterday. The middle class is worried because they don't have any money. They don't have any money because they spend it.
http://www.southernsavers.com
Check out Southern Savers for a list of things that are FREE or a few pennies with coupons that you can print right from her site to your computer. How easy is that?
My husband posted this on Twitter yesterday. The middle class is worried because they don't have any money. They don't have any money because they spend it.
http://www.southernsavers.com
Monday, March 22, 2010
Triple Coupons Coming to HT Wed, 3/24-Tues 3/30
I have been wanting to eat down my pantry and freezer since January and try to spend $150 or less on groceries. A $200 trip each month to Costco along with HT having Super Double coupons twice this year has kept that from happening. But March I was on track. As of today I have spent $120 including diapers, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene, etc. We are so stocked up on everything. I could really just go for bread and milk the rest of the month.
But now HT is having Triple Coupons starting this week. I am excited and bummed out at the same time. I absolutely cannot pass up triple coupons. In a typical triple coupon week, I will go 6 or 7 days. I would do it all in one day except they only triple 20 coupons per day.
By combining the store sales with the coupons, I usually save $60-$100 per trip and only spend $5-$20. I end up well-stocked on cereal, frozen food, yogurt, pasta, juice, spices, toothpaste, deodorant, cleaning products--pretty much everything except fresh fruits/veggies, milk, and bread.
Even if you don't have any coupons, check out www.coupons.com and this link to Southern Savers http://www.southernsavers.com/2010/03/harris-teeter-triples-list-324-330/where there are more printable coupons. There are many items you can get for free or less than $0.25 by combining the sale with the coupons.
Happy Shopping!!!
But now HT is having Triple Coupons starting this week. I am excited and bummed out at the same time. I absolutely cannot pass up triple coupons. In a typical triple coupon week, I will go 6 or 7 days. I would do it all in one day except they only triple 20 coupons per day.
By combining the store sales with the coupons, I usually save $60-$100 per trip and only spend $5-$20. I end up well-stocked on cereal, frozen food, yogurt, pasta, juice, spices, toothpaste, deodorant, cleaning products--pretty much everything except fresh fruits/veggies, milk, and bread.
Even if you don't have any coupons, check out www.coupons.com and this link to Southern Savers http://www.southernsavers.com/2010/03/harris-teeter-triples-list-324-330/where there are more printable coupons. There are many items you can get for free or less than $0.25 by combining the sale with the coupons.
Happy Shopping!!!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Save on Office Supplies--get them FREE
The cost of office and school supplies can really add up. Office Max offers Max Perks Rewards. Just get one of their MaxPerks cards and they will offer 100% rewards on random purchases throughout the year. Check out this week's offers. You get your gift card for purchases the following month and then about a month later they will have another special. I just ordered $120 of office supplies and used last month's gift card of $109. Here is the link for this week's deals. Get your Office Max card today! Once you make your initial purchase and pay for it, if you only buy the things that are 100% Max Perks rewards items, you will never pay for office supplies again!!
Example: order 10 ream case of paper $35, 12 pack of sharpies $8.29, and manilla folders $8.99. Next month, you will get an email gift card for $52 which you can use on the next deal. Just remember to spend $50 or more to get FREE shipping, too!
http://www.officemax.com/promotional-pages/maxperks-member-specials
Example: order 10 ream case of paper $35, 12 pack of sharpies $8.29, and manilla folders $8.99. Next month, you will get an email gift card for $52 which you can use on the next deal. Just remember to spend $50 or more to get FREE shipping, too!
http://www.officemax.com/promotional-pages/maxperks-member-specials
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Time Savers Part II
Besides being a time-saver, this will save you $$.
Make your own 100 calorie packs.
What you need:
Today in about 45 minutes, I made about 60 snack packs of cereal, goldfish, and peanut butter crackers. I also made fridge packs of celery and carrots--enough to pack for a week's worth of lunches. You can cut up apples and just add a few drops of lemon juice.
I pack lunch for my husband, kindergartener and pre-schooler every day.
For the kids: fresh veggies, fruit, 100 cal pack, yogurt and a juice box. Done!
For DH: can of soup & box of frozen veggies (or leftovers from dinner), fiber one bar, yogurt, fresh fruit, soda, 100 cal packs.
Make your own 100 calorie packs.
What you need:
- 100 calorie Ziploc bags or regular sandwich bags.
- Open boxes of cereal, chips, goldfish, trail mix, Chex mix, etc.
Today in about 45 minutes, I made about 60 snack packs of cereal, goldfish, and peanut butter crackers. I also made fridge packs of celery and carrots--enough to pack for a week's worth of lunches. You can cut up apples and just add a few drops of lemon juice.
I pack lunch for my husband, kindergartener and pre-schooler every day.
For the kids: fresh veggies, fruit, 100 cal pack, yogurt and a juice box. Done!
For DH: can of soup & box of frozen veggies (or leftovers from dinner), fiber one bar, yogurt, fresh fruit, soda, 100 cal packs.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Time Savers
Here are a few time savers I have recently started:
1. When you make pancakes, make the entire box. Wrap the rest individually and freeze. They go right in the toaster just like a waffle.
2. When you buy meat like chicken and ground beef, cook it all when you bring it home and place in freezer bags in the amounts you will use. I bought 12 pounds of ground beef for $1.28 per pound at a Harris Teeter grand opening. I cooked it all and put it in quart size freezer bags. I have made chili, sloppy joes, hamburger helper, lasagna and baked ziti in a zip by having the meat already cooked. It thaws so quickly under cold running water and in many dishes it can go in frozen.
The same is true for boneless chicken breasts. Cut them the way you will use them. I just made grilled chicken salads in no time by using my pre-cooked frozen chicken breast strips.
**I'll do a separate post on how to get 5 great meals from one whole chicken, some egg noodles, vegetables, and rice.
3. Buy one of those Pampered Chef stone mini-loaf pans. When you make bread or even a cake mix, using the mini-loaf will make 4. Eat one, give one away while hot, and freeze the remaining 2 for later. I do this for banana bread, Tastefully Simple beer bread, cakes, etc.
If you're not sure what can be frozen, take a look at your grocer's freezer section. If you can buy it frozen, you can freeze it yourself, save money, and avoid preservatives and other unnecessary ingredients.
1. When you make pancakes, make the entire box. Wrap the rest individually and freeze. They go right in the toaster just like a waffle.
2. When you buy meat like chicken and ground beef, cook it all when you bring it home and place in freezer bags in the amounts you will use. I bought 12 pounds of ground beef for $1.28 per pound at a Harris Teeter grand opening. I cooked it all and put it in quart size freezer bags. I have made chili, sloppy joes, hamburger helper, lasagna and baked ziti in a zip by having the meat already cooked. It thaws so quickly under cold running water and in many dishes it can go in frozen.
The same is true for boneless chicken breasts. Cut them the way you will use them. I just made grilled chicken salads in no time by using my pre-cooked frozen chicken breast strips.
**I'll do a separate post on how to get 5 great meals from one whole chicken, some egg noodles, vegetables, and rice.
3. Buy one of those Pampered Chef stone mini-loaf pans. When you make bread or even a cake mix, using the mini-loaf will make 4. Eat one, give one away while hot, and freeze the remaining 2 for later. I do this for banana bread, Tastefully Simple beer bread, cakes, etc.
If you're not sure what can be frozen, take a look at your grocer's freezer section. If you can buy it frozen, you can freeze it yourself, save money, and avoid preservatives and other unnecessary ingredients.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Snow Sledding
Charlotte got some snow. Not enough to make a snowman. Not enough for a snowball fight. But thanks to the ingenuity of our friend Kevin, enough to go snow sledding down our driveway. So what could have been a boring and challenging day keeping the kids entertained inside turned into a great day with kids having a blast sledding. And the best part for me was I got to spend lots of time with my friends, Wendy and Lisa, while the kids had a great time sledding, watching movies and playing inside. What will we do today? Perhaps more snow/ice sledding!!!
Friday, January 29, 2010
How Much Does It Cost To Drive Your Car?
Most Americans have a car with payments, fill up their tank when it gets close to empty, probably once a week or more, have routine maintenance performed, and just accept this as part of their monthly expenses. But how much does it cost to drive your car one mile? A few years ago, when gas was over $4 per gallon, I started looking at how much gas it would take to drive a mile and I figured it was $1 for 4 miles. That made me think about how badly I needed to run over to Costco or take the kids on an outing. Many of our outings ended up being to the local coffee shop a mile from our house because I rationalized that even a $5 cup of coffee was cheaper than driving anywhere else and the kids were content to play there.
Lately, I have given even more thought to the cost of driving a car. Let's do some math--you need to know that I am a former math teacher with a master's degree so doing math is tons of fun for me.
Scenario # 1--Purchase car for $40,000 with plan to drive it 100,000 miles. Without any maintenance or gas, it costs $0.40 per mile to drive your car. Over this time, you will probably put another $5000 into the car in the way of oil changes, new tires, and other maintenance. That adds $0.05 per mile so now we're at $0.45 and we haven't even been to the gas station. With average gas mileage and gas prices, it costs about $0.20 per mile for gas. Now we're at $0.65 per mile. Let's hope we don't end up in an accident and have to pay even just our deductible for repairs and we're also assuming that you never pay for a car wash or detailed cleaning. Those things could easily add another $0.10 bringing our total to $0.75 per mile. I didn't even factor the cost of auto insurance.
Scenario # 2--Purchase car for $10,000 with plan to drive 100,000 miles. All other costs being equal (which we know they aren't--the more expensive vehicle will have higher maintenance costs), the initial cost per mile is $0.10 so with gas and upkeep, the cost per mile of this car will be $0.45 per mile.
Scenario # 3--Live in an area with public transportation. Take the train or walk. Your break even point is between 4-7 miles round trip. If your commute is more than 7 miles, it is far more expensive to drive.
I know many of you are thinking: I don't pay that much for my car. I lease it or have payments. Great! Let's do some more math. Let's say you buy or lease a car with $2000 down and make monthly payments of $400 and drive 20,000 miles per year. That's $0.34 per mile plus gas, oil and tune-ups which gets you back to the $0.75 per mile and is assuming you could then sell the car for what you owe on it at the end of the year--which you won't be able to do--bringing your cost per mile closer to more than $1.00.
Now do I want everyone to stop driving? Move to the city and always take the bus or train? Not at all! I'd be a hypocrite to advocate that. I myself drive a $40,000 car and plan to drive it 150,000 miles. I just want to make you aware of where your money is going and to consider combining trips, carpooling. Remember driving 10 miles to get eggs for $0.99 costs $7.50 plus the cost of the eggs. Just make sure your "saving" makes $en$e.
Most Americans have a car with payments, fill up their tank when it gets close to empty, probably once a week or more, have routine maintenance performed, and just accept this as part of their monthly expenses. But how much does it cost to drive your car one mile? A few years ago, when gas was over $4 per gallon, I started looking at how much gas it would take to drive a mile and I figured it was $1 for 4 miles. That made me think about how badly I needed to run over to Costco or take the kids on an outing. Many of our outings ended up being to the local coffee shop a mile from our house because I rationalized that even a $5 cup of coffee was cheaper than driving anywhere else and the kids were content to play there.
Lately, I have given even more thought to the cost of driving a car. Let's do some math--you need to know that I am a former math teacher with a master's degree so doing math is tons of fun for me.
Scenario # 1--Purchase car for $40,000 with plan to drive it 100,000 miles. Without any maintenance or gas, it costs $0.40 per mile to drive your car. Over this time, you will probably put another $5000 into the car in the way of oil changes, new tires, and other maintenance. That adds $0.05 per mile so now we're at $0.45 and we haven't even been to the gas station. With average gas mileage and gas prices, it costs about $0.20 per mile for gas. Now we're at $0.65 per mile. Let's hope we don't end up in an accident and have to pay even just our deductible for repairs and we're also assuming that you never pay for a car wash or detailed cleaning. Those things could easily add another $0.10 bringing our total to $0.75 per mile. I didn't even factor the cost of auto insurance.
Scenario # 2--Purchase car for $10,000 with plan to drive 100,000 miles. All other costs being equal (which we know they aren't--the more expensive vehicle will have higher maintenance costs), the initial cost per mile is $0.10 so with gas and upkeep, the cost per mile of this car will be $0.45 per mile.
Scenario # 3--Live in an area with public transportation. Take the train or walk. Your break even point is between 4-7 miles round trip. If your commute is more than 7 miles, it is far more expensive to drive.
I know many of you are thinking: I don't pay that much for my car. I lease it or have payments. Great! Let's do some more math. Let's say you buy or lease a car with $2000 down and make monthly payments of $400 and drive 20,000 miles per year. That's $0.34 per mile plus gas, oil and tune-ups which gets you back to the $0.75 per mile and is assuming you could then sell the car for what you owe on it at the end of the year--which you won't be able to do--bringing your cost per mile closer to more than $1.00.
Now do I want everyone to stop driving? Move to the city and always take the bus or train? Not at all! I'd be a hypocrite to advocate that. I myself drive a $40,000 car and plan to drive it 150,000 miles. I just want to make you aware of where your money is going and to consider combining trips, carpooling. Remember driving 10 miles to get eggs for $0.99 costs $7.50 plus the cost of the eggs. Just make sure your "saving" makes $en$e.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
My kids
Hannah:
Michael
Both:
- 6 years old
- Going on 16
- Independent
- Smart
- Athletic
- Energetic
- People Loving
- Great eater--will eat everything from broccoli to sushi and anything in between
- Stylish--if you consider red pants, pink shirt, striped scarf, yellow headband, pink polka dot socks, and purple shoes stylish.
- Generous--this kid can't let anyone leave the house without giving them some of her artwork, some of her favorite snacks and a hug.
- Loves to be on the go
- Could go to Harvard
Michael
- 3 years old
- Going on 3 months
- Definitely not independent--still at 3 1/2 needs help getting dressed, going potty and pretty much everything else
- Looks at me like I am trying to poison him if I dare ask him to try a vegetable
- Favorite thing to do is "sit on the couch and watch a movie"
- Doesn't want to go anywhere. If we do go somewhere, within 15 minutes of getting there, he says, "I want to go home and sit on the couch and watch a movie."
- Would be happy to stay in his jammies all day and many days I just let him.
- Hopefully, he'll get into a good community college!
Both:
- Fun
- Happy
- Healthy
- Loving
- Kind
- I thank God for the blessing of my kids every single day!
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