Works for me Wednesday- Keeping track of library books

This is a pretty simple WFMW. It has, however, saved me alot of time and effort since implementing it in our home.

I found an odd shaped basket at TJ Maxx. ( You girls know how I love TJM) It was only $5 and it matched my furniture so I bought it. I started thinking of what I could do with it and it hit me. KEEP ALL OUR BORROWED ITEMS FROM THE LIBRARY IN IT.

Every time we would make a library trip I would be rushing around looking in my kids room and my room for those books. My kids rooms were the worst. In my sons attempt to clean his room he would put the library books with all the other books. A local search and rescue team (me and hubby) had to be dispatched. Alot of grumbling was involved.

So..... I decided to put my lovely basket in the main room of our house and all library books live there until returned. My kids get to read their books more because we know where they are. The best part about it is that when library day comes around it takes me a couple of seconds to grab the books. And this works for all of us!

For more great WFMW tips check out the awesome website Rocks in my Dryer.

Tempt my tummy tuesday

I am turning hubby's yummy recipe Tuesday into Tempt my Tummy Tuesdays. I found this great site and am excited to get some great ideas. I don't know about you but it is cold here... brrrrrr. I thought a good hearty soup sounded good. Hope you enjoy!


Sausage Tortellini Soup

1 1/2 lbs hot Italian sausage
3-4 cups beef broth
1 (28 ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes, crushed into puree
1 onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 package frozen spinach, thawed, (8-10 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 package cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen

Remove sausage from casing and brown, breaking it up. Drain sausage and transfer to a stockpot or dutch oven.

Add remaining ingredients, except tortellini, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until vegetables are tender.

Add tortellini and cook for the length of time indicated on package.

For the slow cooker, follow steps 1 and 2, but cook covered on low for 6-9 hours; add cooked tortellini. ( Cook 15 minutes)

Big deals at JoAnne's- check it out girls!

I went to JoAnn Fabric today, armed with my 50% off coupon. I was pleasantly surprised that they had A TON of Christmas things left over and alot of it 90% off !!!!

I am not talking about the cheesy left over- nobody wants decorations. This stuff is very very nice! Wreaths, swags, platters, stockings, stocking holders, kids items, decor. You name it they have it! Most places I have been has had nothing left and what was left was stuff I wouldn't want.....

I have been looking for garland for my mailbox. ( For Christmas time) I didn't, however want to pay alot for it since it would be outside and probably get trashed quickly. I found a swag that is at least 6 feet long and looks real. It was $30.00. I got it for $2.99! I am so geeked :)

The only thing I would warn you about is that the Christmas stuff is all over the store and not in one general area. You have to look over the ENTIRE store to find all the things they are offering. I also don't know how quickly the stuff is going and different stores may vary, but its definitely worth checking out.

Getting started - party planning

Its hard for me to believe that my baby is turning 1!! It seems like I was just pregnant, praying for her safe arrival. Then wishing for the love of all that is good that she would just sleep for more than two hours. Now I am starting to yearn for those "squishy" baby days. Sometimes I just watch my little angel sleeping, her full little lips happily sucking away. I am starting to tear up as she claps her fat little hands in glee when her daddy walks in the door. Oh how fast these days go by!

This leads me to the all important first birthday party... woohoo! The first birthday seems so special to me. A kickoff to life if you will. I used to be an event planner in a previous life so I get all geeked up to start the planning.

I thought I would give some tips that I used when I was a planner. When I quit planning, I thought I would never use my skills again. Boy was I wrong! I am still planning events... I am just not getting paid. Well in money at least... I get lots of hugs and kisses which makes me a very rich woman indeed.

There are 3 basic things that you should do when planning any event.

Determine: budget, guest list, theme

Budget- These days money is tight. You can plan a very nice party and still not break the bank by planning and cutting some corners.

1.) Prioritize- Figure out what is important to you. If you feel like your party has to have great food then you will spend the most money on a caterer or food items. Others feel , especially for a children's party, that entertainment should be the primary concern. Whatever you decide, you should then budget accordingly. You know how much you roughly want to spend on your party.

2.) Start a spreadsheet- Put all the items that you need in a left hand column. Then start to divide your money amongst the category's. Put your priority at the top and then work your way down. Remember that your budget will change along the way as you find out what things cost. That's OK as along as your bottom line doesn't change. ( If the food is going to cost more than you realized and its your priority, then cut back on your decorations budget.. etc. )

3.) Ask around- You would be surprised what deals you can find by asking family and friends of resources that they know about. Often friends and family know of someone else or know of an Internet site that has great deals.

Guest list

Start your guest list with people that must be invited. Then optionals towards the bottom of the list. If cuts need to be made you can start at the bottom of the list.

Depending on the situation you may be planning multiple parties. ( Divorced parents that can't play nice or a kid versus adult parties are some examples) You will needs multiple guest lists and budgets of this is the case.

Theme

This can be a very specific theme (Pirates) or a more general theme. ( Pink and purple) Whatever your theme is, it gives you a great guideline in which to do the rest of the planning. The theme tends to tie everything together so its pretty important that you establish one in the very beginning.

Now I have to go and take my own advise and figure out what in the world I am going to do for my baby's first birthday. Since she is the only girl out of 10 boys I am thinking tiaras, castles and pink pink pink. Wish me luck girls!

Menu Plan Monday

Hope everyone has a yummy week!


Monday: Cheddar macaroni beef casserole , green beans, bread

Tuesday: Leftover night... if its not movin you can eat it.

Wednesday: Pork stir fry, rice, egg rolls

Thursday: Hungarian Stew , salad, cheesy rolls

Friday: Pizza night!

Saturday: Stuffed Green peppers

Sunday: Easy chicken cacciatore ( Recipe follows)


Easy Chicken Cacciatore

1 lb boneless chicken breast, pieces
1 tsp olive oil
1 can crushed tomatoes ( whatever style you prefer)
1/4 cup chopped green onions
3/4 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp dried oregano

Using a skillet, lightly brown chicken in oil over medium heat. Remove the chicken. In the same pan, cook the green onions until tender. Add crushed tomatoes and remaining ingredients, stirring to blend. Return chicken pieces to pan and simmer, covered, for 30 -40 minutes. Serve over whatever noodles you like.

What kind of wife are you?

I saw this quiz on this fabulous blog. I took the quiz and got......

82 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Superior http://www.magatsu.net/maritaltest/">Take the test!

It must be because I don't smoke in bed or wear red nail polish..... Take the quiz and let me know how you do!

Works for me Wednesday- Saving Money Through Organization

My friends and I were talking the other day about how we try to save money in our households. The normal comments began to surface such as cutting and printing coupons, looking for great deals and setting and sticking to a budget. It seems in this economy my friends and I are always looking for some extra and creative ways to stretch a dollar. Not only to save but to be able to do some extras with with our kids. ( We are fearful of a toddler mutiny fueled by boredom and sharp little minds. We try to stay one step ahead of the angry mob.... so far we have been successful.)

It was at this conversation that I realized how organization saves me a ton of money. If I am organized, I can find things. When I find things I don't go out and buy more only to lose those same things later and spend yet more money.

A classic example is my pantry. It can grow wild and I swear some small pantry troll goes in there and messes it up. I can't find the items I need and think we are out. I buy said item at the weekly grocery store outing. I then find the missing item a couple weeks later, after it has gone bad and feel awful as I throw it in the trash. There is nothing I hate worse than wasted food!! It also makes it hard to fully menu plan when you don't fully know what ingredients you have, still need or need to use.

It doesn't have to revolve around food however. The same goes with almost everything in this house. Scissors seems to be a problem for me. I can never find a pair when I really need them. I then pick up a pair at the store only to stash them somewhere and the cycle continues. I bet I have 567 scissors lurking in this house. That is kind of scary now that I think about it. Note to self: Find all scissors before my son finds them and "styles" his sisters hair. For my girlfriends reading this.... you may be getting scissors for your birthday. Act surprised.

Craft items are really hard for me. I get all excited about starting a craft and then along the way I lose my craft material and my excitement and I stash it away vowing I will come back to it. I don't of course... because I can't find it. I bet I have enough foam letters and numbers to start a preschool but don't ask me where they are.

So its with these admissions that I am vowing to save money in a new way this year. I am going to try to put the extra time and effort into staying organized this year. It may seem like extra time each day making and keeping things tidy. I know however that extra time will result in saved money and headaches. Lists and organization containers will help me with my quest. Who knows..... maybe I can take the money I save on scissors and put it towards a nights out with my mama friends. Now that is motivation enough for me :)

Tuesday: Daddy's recipe of the week- Its back!

Daddy's Recipe of the Week

It's been a long while since I have done daddy's recipe of the week. I was blessed enough to have a hubby that actually likes to cook and does..... with delicious results. To top that he does all the dishes in our house! WHAT A MAN!!!

This dish comes directly from his cookbook. ( Yes he has a little album with just his recipes in it.) I have never had this dish but he said he used to make it all the time when he was single and all his single guys liked it. I am posting it because I thought it sounded nice for kids. Happy Eating!

Tater Tot Casserole

1 1/2 pound ground beef

1/2 cup diced onion

salt and pepper to taste

1 can ( 10 3/4 ounces) cream of chicken soup

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup milk

1 package (32 ounce) frozen tater tots

4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup canned french- fried onion rings

Preheat oven to 350.

Brown meat and onion. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Combine both soups and milk

In a casserole, layer meat, tater tots and soup. Cover and bake 45 minutes. Uncover. Top with cheese. Bake 10 - 15 minutes longer. Top with onion rings. Bake until browned, 5-10 minutes longer.

Menu Plan Monday

This week I am really excited about my menu plan. Not because its really exciting but because I am using what I have in my fridge and freezer which equals next to nothing at the grocery this week. WOOHOO!

I also have a great recipe that kids love and that is actually heart healthy. ( It can't get better than that , right? )

Monday: Cheesy oven fried chicken (recipe below), rice, salad

Tuesday: Leftover night

Wednesday: Fish, mac and cheese, green beans

Thursday: Chicken broccoli Alfredo, salad, garlic bread

Friday: Pizza night!

Saturday: Potato, ham cheddar soup, beer bread

Sunday: Pork stir-fry, rice, egg rolls

Cheesy Oven-Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Vegetable oil spray

2 cups bite-size, low-fat cheddar-cheese-flavored crackers

1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon dried basil

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or turkey breast tenderloins, all visible fat removed tablespoons fat-free milk

Cooking Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a shallow baking pan with vegetable oil spray.

Place crackers, basil, and pepper in a large plastic bag with a tight-fitting seal (leave end open so air can escape) and use a rolling pin to crush the crackers. Or place crackers, basil, and pepper in the work bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade and process until finely crushed; transfer to large plastic bag. Set aside.

Cut chicken or turkey into 16 strips, about 1x3 inches each. Dip chicken or turkey in milk. Add chicken or turkey strips, a few pieces at a time, to bag with cracker mixture. Seal bag and shake until chicken or turkey is coated. Place coated chicken or turkey in a single layer on prepared baking pan.

Bake, uncovered, 5 to 7 minutes, or until chicken or turkey is tender and no longer pink in the center.

Nutrition Analysis (per serving)
217Calories
3.0 gTotal Fat
1.0 gSaturated Fat
0.0 gTrans Fat
0.5 gPolyunsaturated Fat
1.0 gMonounsaturated Fat
67 mgCholestrol
317 mgSodium
17 gCarbohydrates
1 gFiber
1 gSugar
29 gProtein
Dietary Exchanges
1 starch, 3 very lean meat

The thing about resolutions

I am conflicted about New Year resolutions. I think its good and healthy to have goals for yourself. On the other hand there is nothing in the world that can make you feel more like a loser than a resolution that has gone bust in the second month.

I hear phrases that start with always or never again and I do a mental eye roll. I too have stood in that spot and vowed to "always" or "never". All it got me was disappointment. Of course this may just be me.... I am sure that there are plenty of people that lose all their weight or quit that bad habit for life.

As I get older my views about resolutions has morphed. Oh, I still make resolutions. They however are big general items instead of specific objectives. I don't say "I will drink 8 glasses of water a day, exercise every other day and only eat when I am hungry". Hello failure ... here I come!!! ( I mean everyone knows that you must finish your toddlers uneaten food like you are some sort of food patrol. Forget that you are not hungry at all... what does that matter?) I try to stick to resolutions that are fashioned more like " I will try to be more healthy this year". To me this means being proactive about my health by going to doctor, trying to eat healthier and squeeze in exercise that does not consist of pretending like I am a lion for my toddler.

So I am going to be totally honest with you ladies about this years resolution. I am hoping that it somehow makes me more accountable somehow. Maybe I am hoping that my good friend will read this and give me the kick in the booty when I need it. ( Oh you know who you are..... )

I am going to try to stop being a martyr. There. I said it. Somehow since embracing this job of motherhood that I love so much, I have picked up the nasty habit of becoming a martyr on occasion. Let me give you an example. " No honey you go hunting again, I don't need a break." sigh, head down, sniff. Or " Sure I can work in the nursery even though I have a dinner in an hour for eight people" ( All the while my left eye is twitching to the point where people are looking at me strange.) My favorite is when I refuse help. My hubby will offer to help clean the house and I will look at him meanly, frown and say " No! I'll do it" Why? Why do I do this to myself? For the sheer pleasure of saying I did it all myself? Hello Martyrdom.

So there it is in cyber space for all to behold.... woe is me... he he he Just kidding.....maybe

Happy New Year!!

Hey girls.. boy have I missed you guys! I have enjoyed my somewhat hectic holidays with the kids. I hope that you all enjoyed your families as well!

Starting the new year has been exciting. I woke up with the endings of a flu that I have been battling. ( Of course I made sure that everyone in my family got a flu shot but me..... how typical of a mama, huh? ) Coughing and tired, I decided to take a hot shower to try to wake up and clear out my throat a little. I left my 10 month old with some toys in the floor and my 2 year old happily watching toons.

I decided to try to start the new year right. I took the only alone time I get to pray. I prayed for God to help me be a good mama and a good wife. I prayed for health and strength and wisdom. I got out of the shower feeling like I was starting the new year on a good foot.

I got dressed, pulled my hair back and even put some makeup on. Feeling confident, I emerged a new woman from the bathroom.........and saw a shiny thread hanging from my ten month olds mouth. I seemed to be moving in slow motion as I ran to her. My 2 year old thought he would be nice by giving her a noise maker to play with. She saw an all you can eat buffet before her and starting to munch happily.

I wanted to throw my head to the heavens and shout " This is not the sign I was looking for!!"

I realized however I didn't pray for a perfect year, I prayed for strength. I sighed, pulled the thread from my shrieking infant and did what any good mama would do. I called my mama. She has assured me that what she swallowed, if she swallowed anything, would come out in the end. (Literally)

I have a call into my doctor because I am seeing shiny threads in twisted intestines. We will see what the doc has to say but more than likely I will be looking for a little sparkle in her poo. A little party in her diaper, if you will. Happy new year to me!!

I wanted to Wonder Contest giveaway

My girl is doing it again over at Stretching a Buck !! Just in time for Christmas she is giving away a custom hairbow holder. These items are so cute that you may just start wearing hairbows again!!

Check it out at http://www.stretchingabuckblog.com/2008/11/i-wanted-to-wonder-giveaway.html.

You will be glad that you did !!

Movie reviews

Sometimes I get overwhelmed with all the media that try to attack us and our children. Movie reviewers get on my last nerve. ( It could be that my 9 month old got me up at 6:15 this morning and I am just grumpy) If the movie reviewer raves about a movie... chances are good that I will not like it. If they hate it I am probably rolling on the floor laughing my tushy off.

I will never ever forget my college film class. I took it thinking it would be an easy A. I however got the shock of my life when it was one of the hardest classes in my life. I found out that there is so much symbolism and hidden meanings in the movie that I will never look at movies the same way. Now every time I watch a movie I think, "I wonder what the use of water means?" :) ha ha ha

Anywho, maybe I am getting older ( I would like to think that I am getting wiser) but I am so sick of movies these days. First of all there hasn't been a movie that I have been on my head to see in so long. Second, I am sick sick sick of movie makers putting in unnecessary language and scenes that do not add to the movie at all. Don't get me wrong... I am not a prude. I can handle bad words and yes -shock- I know that people do the horizontal polka. I am talking about movies that seem to want to shock you. Enough already !!

This leads me to the reason of this post. I have found an amazing site that reviews fairly every new movie that comes out. It's by Plugged In and it reviews music, books, TV shows and yes movies. It is connected to focus on the family which is founded by Dr. Dobson. ( LOVE HIM!!! ) It breaks down movies by synopsis, positive elements, spiritual content, sexual content, violent content, crude or profane language, drug or alcohol content, other negative content, and a conclusion. And get this.... its a fair review. They don't tell you weather the movie is a good one or not they just break it down for you so that you as a parent can decide whether to let your kids view it or not. They don't bash movies which is nice. They do however shed a light on movies before you waste almost $9.00!

Check it out.. its a great website!

http://www.pluggedinonline.com/

Being Thankful

Many people are having a hard time being thankful these days. After all the economy, jobs and in general things are... well stinky. The present situation aside, I feel so thankful that I am bursting at the seams. Not for the material things in my life ( although I feel truly blessed for the great job my husband has and our manageable house payment these days.)

What I am truly thankful for this year cannot be bought. ( Although many people often do try to buy these things much to their chagrin) So here are just a few things that I am thankful for.

A warm cozy house that is filled with children's laughter.

A husband who makes our children a priority in his life.

My babies who are healthy

My daughters dimples, especially the right hand side that is so deep I could fall into it!

My son doing his "strong-man" impression then collapsing in a fit of giggles

The way the babies smell after a bath

Having an hour to myself in the morning before the kids get up

Being in love with a man more than the day I married him.

The excitement that the holidays bring to our home through our children.

Ending each day by snuggling with both babies on the couch.

My personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Reading the same book to my toddler 876 times in the last week. :)

Being able to put healthy food on our table when so many others are struggling.

Asking my husband to get... um.. personal products and he doesn't even flinch.. now that's a man!!

The traditions that my family have... BTW Charlie brown's thanksgiving is coming on Tuesday! Woohoo!

The way little arms feel when they wrap around my legs


What more could I possibly ask for!! What are you thankful for?