A GREAT deal at Target this week!

I am slowly moving my daughter in with my son....that means combining toys, books and clothes. No easy feat, I tell ya!

I have had my eye on a toy organizer for her side of the room at Target but absolutely refuse to pay the full price of $69.99!!

This week I found it on sale at my Target for $38 !!!! I found that this is even cheaper than other stores that have similar cheaply made toy bins.

Just wanted to share with my girlfriends in case clutter is creeping up on you too :)

Menu Plan Monday - Around the World in a week!

So I was talking to my girlfriend the other day and she commented about how dinners were totally wearing her out. She was tired of the monotony. She said she was ready to try something new. When I asked her what it was, she said "themed" dinners. Each day of the week, she would have a different themed dinner.

I took her cue and I am trying it this week! Italian, Greek, Mexican, Chinese and of course Polish! I am hoping that it gives my little eaters some new things to try and helps them see there is more to the world than sloppy joes and tater tots. Happy Eating y'all!!

Monday: Johnny Marzetti Casserole, garlic bread, salad

Tuesday: Turkey pitas with fresh veggies, Greek oven roasted potatoes, Greek salad

Wednesday: Leftover buffet- if its not movin, you can eat it...but mama is not cookin!

Thursday: Quick and Easy Mexican chicken, chips and salsa, re fried beans with cheese

Friday: Pizza Night!

Saturday: Shrimp fried rice, egg rolls, fortune cookies!

Sunday: Polish meat and potatoes skillet, pierogies with cheese

Enough !!!!

What is enough?

When do you say when?

When are you "filled up"?

When do you get to be content?

These questions have really been on my mind these last couple of months. I think somewhat in part because I am fed up with people and materialism and being pregnant, I am not afraid to say so. (Ooops....did I write that out loud?.....I am blaming the hormones.)

I feel like my eyes have been opened throughout the last six months about how little things, objects and material things really mean.

I have several people I know that continually seek out the next thing.

Bigger. Better. More. They call it ambition.

I call it seeking some things that will never, ever fill you up.

Because the horrible, awful, wonderful truth of the matter is that all of those things will perish and fade and can be lost tomorrow.

Too many times you feel like if you just get to this station in life, if you just have this next thing, you will feel ok. Then you achieve that next thing and you long for the next thing...and then the next. It never ends.

I am here to tell you that God is working on my heart about this very matter. I am reminded by a touch of a little hand or the chipped tooth smile of an angel on earth that what I need to strive after is investing time into my faith, family and friends.

If I were to fall ill tomorrow, I would not have my lovely house, my nice car or my cute clothes to sit by my bed and hold my hand. All the time I spend in trying to get ahead in this world, while missing out on precious moments with my littles is time wasted. I shall never get the moments back of a child simply wanting to spend time with their mama.

I believe in the very depths of my soul that contentment is both a gift and choice. Sometimes, you just need to take a huge step back and choose contentment. The truth is, what we have in this country is unimaginable to most of the rest of the world. What someone wouldn't give for kids that are healthy or not to worry where food is coming from to fill their baby's belly's tonight.

WE ARE BLESSED.

My payer for 2011 is simple. My prayer is that I will choose contentment everyday I am blessed enough to open my eyes and have the great opportunity to see, hear and hug my precious ones.

Please Lord, let me see my blessings in the everyday. Let YOU be enough for this stressed, tired and dare I say.... hormonal mama.

Kids Winter Craft

My mom came up with this one, but my kidlets had so much fun doing them that I just had to share!

It's easy and they love them....

You just need big marshmallows, toothpicks, icing and any other "eyeball" makers you can think of to make Snowmen!!!

(Yes we are a little concerned with our daughters lack of arms and instead putting it through the head. We are keeping an eye on her :) )

A new Feature....

I am excited for a new feature that I have been brainstorming for a couple months now.

I have had several girlfriends ask me how they can cook for less without sacrificing the good things they want to feed their family.

Sooooo......

I will be starting to feature $10 dinner recipes/ ideas. .....woohoo!!!

I am still working out the kinks but I would like for it to be a weekly or bi-weekly feature.

(You can send me any ideas to everythingmom@live.com. )

Stay Tuned........

Menu Plan Monday - Its a new Year!!

Happy New year Y'all!!! Do you know how we are spending the new year? With the stomach flu going through our house very slowly. The glamorous life of a mama!!! Anywho, My hubs has been dying to make a whole chicken. (The Lord gave me a man that not only can cook but likes to...can you say blessed??!! ) With a whole chicken we get 3 meals...which is awesome! Combine that with a large beef roast and I only have to cook 2 meats this week!! WOOHOO!!! I hope your new year is a yummy one!

Monday: Lemon and garlic whole chicken, roasted carrots, spinach salad with hot bacon

dressing.

Tuesday: Beef roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, crescent rolls

Wednesday: Leftover night- If its in the fridge, you can have it...but mama is not cookin!

Thursday: Chicken noodle soup in bread bowels

Friday: Pizza Night!

Saturday: Shredded chicken enchiladas, re fried beans, Spanish rice

Sunday: French dip sandwiches, baked fries, salad

Menu plan Monday- Don't you know its Christmas?!

Do y'all see this flour smudge on my face?!?! No??? Well its there because I am on my five hundredth batch of Christmas biscotti. The fan club has grown and now I am actually getting requests for it!! It leaves me with little time to cook from scratch for my family.

So, that being said....we are freezering it this week. I have leftover roast in a thick gravy that will become open face roast beef sandwiches. (Along with Bobs mashed potatoes that can be heated over the stove....yep. I am going there!!) You get the idea. So instead of tasty recipes (because you are a mom that is probably busy this week as well!) I have left you some links for yummy biscotti :) Merry Christmas y'all!!!

Monday: Open faced roast beef sandwiches with mashed potatoes and green beans

Tuesday: Italian wedding soup with sourdough bread

Wednesday: Spaghetti casserole with tossed salad and garlic bread

Thursday: Coney's and baked fries with mixed veggies

Friday: Christmas eve- Family dinner

Saturday: Christmas day- Rejoice!!! A King is born!!!!

Sunday: Pizza Night....hey, who wants to cook after all that present opening!

These Biscotti recipes looked good enough to pass on!!

Chocolate Orange Biscotti

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Espresso Biscotti

Nutty Pina Colado Biscotti

Motherhood Musings

I lay my hand on my swollen belly and I feel my little one within respond with a jab. I laugh out loud, overwhelmed with what pure joy feels like.

My son places his hand in the same place only to be met with total motionless silence.

The beginning of sibling rivalry. :)

My husband and I assure him that one day, very soon, you will be able to see the kicks and definitely feel them.

He doesn't look so sure and goes off to play with cars.

As if on cue, I get another kick and I have to stifle a giggle. Its like having a secret joke among a loved one.

I am overwhelmed with this gift of carrying a child and of the joy and complete agony of motherhood.

I could not feel more blessed.

Thank you Lord.

Central Ohio readers

For those who live in or close to central Ohio, I wanted to let you know about a free family fun event.

At the main public library downtown, they have an awesome Train for the holidays. The display even includes Thomas and Percy!!!

(They also have free one hour parking in the garage.)

Something fun for the whole family and free?!?! Count me in !

Menu Plan Monday: Cleaning out the freezer

This week we are trying something new. Instead of leftover night, we are trying clean out the freezer night. I noticed that my freezing extras is a blessing....until my freezer starts to spill over. I will have to let y'all know how it goes! I also am having one of my favorites this week! Hoisin pork chops whose leftover become the yummiest lettuce wraps you have ever tasted. I just throw a couple extra chops on the grill and a couple of nights later, supper is super easy! Happy eating y'all!!

Monday: Freezer clean out- If its been frozen and can be heated in some way- you can eat it!

Tuesday: Roast turkey breast, rosemary redskin potatoes, stuffing, green beans

Wednesday: Hoisin pork chops, scalloped potatoes, broccoli, roasted green peppers

Thursday: Turkey noodle casserole, spinach salad

Friday: Pizza Night!

Saturday: Lettuce wraps, fried rice, egg rolls

Sunday: Roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, crescent rolls

Having a servents heart this holiday season!

I wrote this last year at the Christmas but I still feel the same way, this year! I thought it was worth a re-post!

I head a lady complaining the other day, while I was waiting in a long line. (Of course!) She was moaning about everything that she had left to do for Christmas. As I listened to her run down her list, I could truly sympathise.

"I have to address 150 Christmas cards, wrap all my gifts, bake about a thousand cookies and finish getting stocking stuffers" The woman she was talking to could relate. She started naming off all the things that she had to do along with a comment about how she doesn't enjoy the holidays all that much.

I think we all can relate in a way. There is no doubt about it. The holidays are a busy time.
As I recalled the conversation (as I was wrapping a gift) I began to wonder. Is this what the holidays are all about? How much pressure do we put on ourselves?

Then I actually felt guilty for enjoying all those things that woman was complaining about! I love baking cookies. The kids enjoy having goodies to snack on and it makes this time of year special. The hard work I put into each baked treat is appreciated by my friends and family. Its not just flour, sugar and butter. Its my love given to my loved ones.

I also will admit to really enjoy wrapping gifts. I wait until my kids are asleep and then I put on a chick flick (White Christmas anyone?) Cocoa, a snack and turn the fireplace on. I savor this time. I get to wrap each gift in fun, beautiful or funky paper and then make it pretty with ribbon, bows or ornaments. I like to think that when the person receives the gift, they will feel a little more special! (Or at least be able to tell how special I think they are!)

It didn't always used to be like this.. I am afraid that I used to be just like that woman in line. Everything about the holidays was just another thing on my list to be checked off. But is that all there is? The holidays are just a series of things to get done, accomplished and then we can sleep tight at night?

What if we actually slowed down and -gasp- enjoyed the tedious "jobs" that go along with the holidays. You see I believe that its all about having a servants heart. I am leaning this more each day.

I am far from where I need to be.

If we look at these tasks as something that gives joy and pleasure to others the job is suddenly not a "job" but a gift. That time I put into sending a special note in their card or baking that extra batch of cookies is my gift of love.

I could say the same about not doing anything. I have cut out the things that really don't matter at all in order to .. well do nothing with my hubbie and kids. Then those other things that have to be done can be enjoyed rather than endured.

This season is all about the Creators wonderful gift to us.... his Son. If he gave me this gift begrudgingly, would I appreciate it as much? Would I cherish it knowing that it really didn't want to be given?

The truth is that it although it was at the biggest cost, it was joyfully given in love. That is how much I was loved. WOW. Shouldn't I have the same attitude of giving in this Holiday season?

Hopefully I can maintain this attitude throughout Christmas.. but check in on Christmas eve at 2:00am. :)

Works for me Wednesday- the great clean out

So its Thursday....I was busy doing the WFMW on Wednesday so its a little late :)

Every year I look at my pile of presents to wrap and then my eyes just automatically wonder to the overflowing toy boxes and bins.

A couple years ago, I decided that enough was enough. The kids and I spend a couple days every December going through their toys. They actually love it because they thing they are playing all day, but they have some tough decisions to make.

I tell them that they have to choose quite a few toys to give to a little girl or boy that doesn't have many toys to play with. I try to explain the importance of giving or donating and how it helps people who have needs greater than ours.

Its hard for them but I am hoping that it starts them on the path of giving and service and putting other before themselves.

It also makes room for the new stuff- which totally works for this mama!

We watch for the donation truck and we talk about how when they sell these things, the money will help people who need things.

They are way to young to serve in a shelter or ministry along those lines so this is their holiday sacrifice. ......Because that is what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown :)

For more great WFMW ideas visit We are That Family!

Sure! I'll make cookies- a great deal!

It seems like the calls are coming more abundantly.

The preschool teacher wants to know if we can all bring in cookies. ( Along with the church, ladies meetings, neighbors gifts...you get the idea!)

I love baking and often do it from scratch because I enjoy it. If you do not enjoy it however, its not much of a blessing. :) ((Or if like me, you are overwhelmed with cookie request.))

The thought of making homemade sugar, butter or cream cheese cutouts makes me tired.

That is why I am sharing this great deal with my girlfriends.

This week at Kroger Krusteaz Cookie Mix is on sale for $1.29. There are several coupons in the paper for $1 off per box. When I went to purchase the cookie mix I noticed that on the sugar cookie mix there are peelies for $.55 off which doubles at Kroger. Making the Sugar Cookie mix $.19 a box!!!!

I tried it out at home and the cookies are delicious. :)

My holidays just got more jolly ......

Menu Plan Monday- 1 meat, 3 meals!

I am baking a whole chicken this week. Not only did I get it on sale and its delicious, it also provides enough chicken for 3 meals!! I can also freeze some of the soup for later on in the winter when I don't feel like cooking. I hope y'all have a yummy week!!!

Monday: Roasted chicken, roasted baby carrots, broccoli

Tuesday: Ravioli Lasagna, spinach salad, garlic bread

Wednesday: Leftovers- if its not movin, you can eat it....but mama is NOT cookin!

Thursday: Chicken Noodle soup in bread bowls

Friday: Pizza Night!

Saturday: Stuffed cheeseburgers, baked fries, peas

Sunday: Chicken Alfredo with sun dried tomato and spinach, mixed veggies, rolls