Today I saw....

today I had some papers to drop off at Jackson's school. After I handed them over, my gaze shifted to a display of artwork on the wall next to the principal's office. I realized that this was Jackson's classes art and had to take a quick photo (or 2..LOL). So here is his art and the presentation on the wall. I was so tickled to see how his art is still growing and changing. He does most of his drawing at home in his room and usually not "scene" type pictures.. so it is always a treat to see his interpretation of buildings and landscapes. I wanted to share this with you all.

Today was a busy day in a good way. I spent a couple hours scrapbooking with my friend and my mom this morning. Came home for lunch, to power thru some more items on my to-do list for an hour and to meet the boys after school. Once the boys got home I was swayed from cleaning to talking with them about their days.. there is so much information and talking when it is 4 kids instead of 2. J&J were picked up around 4:30 and Steven left with them. They all had baseball practice and then basketball practice right after and their mom said she would take Steven too. He has a tournament this weekend for basketball and in 2 weeks for baseball.. so practice is important. I headed back to the scrapbook store for a class and had a great time visiting with some other friends. Jonathan and Jackson had dinner together (Jack even made them both a salad to go with) and then went to karate where Jack got to use punching pads and Jackson got some 1-1 time with a sensei during the first class as he was the only green belt there. Then they came home and played some video games, enjoying the time together with no one else home. I was home in time to kiss then all good night and hear about their nights... all 3 are asleep now and the house is quiet. Not even the dogs are stirring.

I am going to try to get 2 more things crossed off my list while I watch General Hospital and have a cup of tea to unwind... then off to bed I go...... I am very excited that the house is looking better by the minute and that makes me glad I decided to spa tomorrow!

What a day...

Yesterday came and went in a blur. I worked in Jackson's class, then talked with both the principal and librarian (seperately) about the upcoming book fair. I finally left the school at 10:30 - with just enough time to run home, let the dogs out and grab my notebook. Then I was off to a meeting with my director in BeautiControl. We had a great meeting that left me feeling energized about this business. I have known for several years that they have great products that work for me that are priced within reason. I have not always been enthusiastic about building a business.. mainly I just wanted my products at wholesale. Now is different. With the current economy and cutbacks everywhere we are about to see a decrease in our income.. slight, but a decrease nonetheless. As was pointed out to me -at least we still have income! We'll figure it out. Since we budget based on actual and projected increase, this was difficult. We operate on a pretty tight budget as it is and to continue with less than before was not in our plans. My income decreased pretty substantially last year and we decided to ride it out and make do --which we have done, and cutting back more is daunting to say the least. So anyway, during my meeting yesterday I realized the actual potential of this business to make up the difference plus some in our budget. That was what I needed to kick me into gear. I came home, picked up the kids (all 4 as Josh & Justin are here this week before and after school), went to the dentist for Steven to get his teeth cleaned, came home to make dinner, then took Jackson to karate. While at karate I spent time thinking about how to go about "working" my business. I decided to have a spa at my house and invite most everyone I know! I really believe that once people experience the products and the home spa, they will want to have their own spa to share with their friends.. and so my business will grow!

So I came home, talked it over with my hubby, decided to go ahead with a spa this Friday -as in 3 days from now!! It sounded like a great idea to him and me, so I sent out the evites before I went to bed. Now the other day Cynthia commented I should never promise anything right before bed... she is right!! I woke this morning and after being excited about the 5 yes RSVP's I had received.. realized now I have to clean/organize my house -by Friday! Now I knew this going in.. in fact it was one of the selling points I used with my husband.. but the cold, hard realization hit this morning and I was stopped in my tracks for a moment at least. Then I realized it is for the best, made a cup of coffee and sat down to map out a plan.

I had actual work to do today -so I emailed, did payroll, scheduled and edited. In between I worked on those things I had listed on my plan. I started the day with 23 things to do. I am happy to report I did 14 of them! There are still 9 left, but I have 2 days to go. I am hoping to finish up tomorrow and then just prep and relax on Friday (in my clean house).

The kids were all home by 3, they had a snack and then we headed off to Soggy Doggy. It is a self serve dog wash. Now, I have always taken River to the groomer every 6 weeks on the other side of town. We have gone to Soggy Doggy occasionally -when he got muddy at the park or needed a quick in between cleaning. After the budget crunch, I realized they were both scheduled to go to the groomer this week. I called there and asked what the prices are now --they just went up (again) to $42 each! When River started going there 4 years ago it was $25 -now it is $17 more and we have Sammy so that is x2. So $90 (with tip)!! I cancelled the appointments and talked to the kids about going to Soggy Doggy. I was more excited when I called there to find out it was $12 to wash and $2.50 for their nail trim -so $30 or so for both! A savings of $60!! We went for it! I took all 4 boys and the 2 dogs and it worked out well. The dogs do not like to get their nails trimmed -so taking them to the groomer spared me the heartache of hearing them unhappy and holding them while the nails are cut -still not paying $90! The boys worked hard to wash, condition, brush and dry the dogs -we were there about an hour. But they had fun too, so that helped. Then we came home, they played some basketball and then the other kids went home. I got dinner finsihed (ribs in the crockpot were yummy!) and jumped in the shower and got ready for my book club meeting. I got home at 9 and put the food away, washed the dishes, made lunches and had a cup of tea while folding another load of laundry. I am finishing up the next load now (which is why I am awake to type this) and then I am heading to bed.

I am super proud of myself for all I have accomplished today. I am excited about the possibilities of building my spa business. I am proud of the kids (and their friends) for not shying away from a little hard work (and it was hard work!) or water. I am grateful my husband took down the Christmas tree for me the first time I asked.

I have accepted a friends challenge to not spend in February. Groceries, gas, necessary expenses... but not idle shopping. No unnecessary purchases. It is a short month and I do enjoy a challenge.. so I am in. I have to state that gift cards are not included (like mine to the scrapbook store!) and those can be spent without being part of the challenge. Guess that means I need to get my ikea trip in before the 1st!

I close with the pictures of the day... the kids hard at work washing the dogs....

This guy...

went to the new dentist today. He was confidant and unconcerned. He was excited to join the "No Cavities Club" where they gave him a sticker, took his picture to put on the club wall and explained he is entered in a drawing to win a monthly prize. He took their suggestions and brushing help to heart and we stopped for a Reach Flosser and tooth rinse on the way home. He also used his own money at target to buy 2 lego sets.. Indiana Jones motorcycle chase and a Star Wars one ... which he stayed busy playing with the rest of the afternoon.

I am floored by how much he has matured and grown in the last few months. He is all logic and reason, hardly any more of the little kid thinking exists for him. I enjoy his energy and watching how he is changing.

Other than that -not alot went on here.. it was our one day with no practices or karate or activities. I've gotta get to bed now since I promised the kids pancakes in the morning....

It's Menu Monday!

So our weekend is over.. yesterday we all stayed home. It was rainy in the morning, but clear and crisp in the afternoon. Jackson and I cleaned *he was a BIG help* and so I am starting my week happy and not overwhelmed. Steven did a few things.. very specific things, but he did them and that helped too.

Saturday morning we spent with the cousins again. We were up and out of our house at 9 a.m. and down to visit (Starbucks in hand for us and Grandma) by 9:40 a.m. The boys loved playing with Ella. They think she is really cool! Once Logan showed up -they did tend to switch to play with him instead -but watching her lots of the time too. We are so hopeful that things work out so we can see them a lot more frequently.. keeping our fingers crossed. I wanted to share a few more pictures of the kids I took -I got so many that I liked, but Blogger doesn't let me upload more than 3 at a time .. I don't know why? So we will have to settle for threesies....

Steven's favorite plaything is his Raiders Nerf Football. He carries it around with him, tossing it to himself on a mostly daily basis. He has one at home and one at Grandma & Papa's. He got it out and Miss Ella wanted it. So of course he handed it over, thinking she would play catch with him.... but nope. She wanted to hold on to it. Her little fingers are strong and she dug her nails into the ball -so he just talked to her about it for quite a while.


Jackson got to hold her when saying good-bye. She gave him hugs and a head bump that appeared to maybe be inteneded as a kiss. He fell hard for her... talks about her all the time. He was so good with her, patient and played many, many things he thought would make her laugh.
Roger gave up his phone to play music. Ella loved the phone and the music and danced to it. Steven was trying to restart the music, but was taking a longggggggg time... so Ella tried to help him out.


So today we have a busy day! The kids are already at school.. I have a WW meeting, then need to do some grocery shopping, then Jackson has a dentist appointment at 2 (so he gets to leave school an hour early -he's psyched!) and after that we are home free.....

Monday - Ham, mashed potatoes, peas
Tuesday - Spaghetti with garlic bread, salad
Wednesday - Ribs in the crockpot, potato salad, green salad and corn
Thursday - ham sandwiches, mac and cheese and broccoli
Friday - Chicken Pot Pie
Saturday- BBq Pork Sandwiches, potato salad
Sunday - Tacos

Haircut and cousins....

We just got home from an enjoyable evening at my parents house! We had the whole family there, lasagna dinner and fun. Plus we had the privilege of meeting Ella! Roger (my cousin) and Pam and Ella came to visit for the night and we will get to see them in the morning too. Jackson had so much fun playing with Ellla and keeping her occupied for several hours. He was so sweet, gentle and caring with her -so touching to watch. He wants a little brother or sister so badly --he just loves being the older one. The other boys tired of playing after a little while and went on to other things.. but Jack stayed by her side right until she went for her bath and bed. We have wanted to go visit them in Colorado for a long time and still haven't made it --but it is still on our list of places to go. It was so great to see them and hang out. I love times like that. It amazes me sometimes how we can be apart for years and still we come together like no time has passed... the connection of family rocks!

So today was like many other days lately -long. It is rainy and cold here. I did spend an hour at the dog park with the dogs letting them run while it was simply misting -they so needed to get out and I needed the walk to clear my head. Then Steven, Jack and I took Sammy to training, but his dad had to meet us there as Steven and I had dentist appointments and had to leave early. Jackson was nice and let Steven help with the training while we were there. I must say he is doing such a great job teaching Sammy! I am so proud of his dedication and efforts and how he hasn't just given up. The dentist was good.. Steven has no cavities... I have 1:( But several of my old silver fillings are leaking or something and I need to have them replaced. I hate going to the dentist, but he made me feel comfortable and seemed to empathize with my fear of the process. I think it will be ok... one appointment at a time anyway. Next one is cleaning, then cavity filled, then replacements... we'll take it one step at a time. Steven enjoyed going to a "real" dentist instead of a kids dental center... he liked it, that's good.

After 2 glasses of wine I am sleepy! So I am off to bed... just had to share these cute pictures of Ella and Jackson. Plus his new haircut is visible -he didn't mind me taking his picture when he was with Ella.

Tired

This week has flown by for some reason..maybe because of the weather or the fact that everyone in our house has been sick in the last 6 days? I have been tired and achy most of the week. I am trying to still work out and get everything done, and I have managed the work-outs, but not much of anything else. I mean, we have food to eat and clothes that are clean, but I seem to be getting nowhere with everything else. Between appointments, illness and just plain being tired I am just not being productive. I was looking forward to today all week... I had plans to go to the grocery store, run a few errands and scrapbook with my friends for a couple of hours. But Steven was sick and while I did go out for a bit.. I didn't want to be gone long while he was home. 2 hours was the limit -he was asleep and he called when he woke up and I went home immediately. I was hoping that a creative day would help me snap out of this funk.. but it wasn't meant to be.

I would like to snap out of it and I am going to make tomorrow the start of a new, motivated me! (I hope~!) There are like 15 things on my to do list that I would like to actually have finished. I think I would feel better if they were done.

When we go to the orthodontist (blogged about that a few days ago) Jackson is fascinated by the model teeth. He always picks them up and plays with them.. this picture was right after he asked if they were real teeth and I said yes... priceless!

Today I took Jackson to get a haircut. It was pretty dramatic... still long, but definitly more boy. He has gone back and forth between really liking it and not liking it.. only time will tell. He wouldn't let me get a picture yet -maybe tomorrow. We have dog training and then Steven and I have dentist appointments... another long day I think. I am off to bed to get my sleep so I can make it thru tomorrow.

Feeling Hopeful

So this weekend just kind of happened. We spent lots of time at home, together doing something, but I am not too sure what. Friday night the kids had a sleepover at their friends house and Jonathan and I saw Revolutionary Road. I really liked it! A great movie with lot's of subtext. Then Saturday I had a Red Hat game day with my mom. Sunday was mostly baseball practice for Steven. Monday the boys had off from school and I took them (plus 3 others) to see Paul Blart, Mall Cop. It was a predictable movie, but there were some laughs in there. The boys all loved it and I enjoyed spending time with them and their friends.

Today was a busy day. I had places to be, things to do and little time in between. This bothered me. Mainly because I REALLY wanted to stay home and watch the Inauguration coverage on tv. So when I realized I had committed to these other appointments for today, I broke down and tivo'd the coverage.

My day started out ok. I was awake early as I went to bed early with a migraine.. so by 6 a.m. I had had enough sleep. I got up, showered and ready for my day. I took my vitamin after I brushed my teeth, before my shower. Got downstairs, made lunches, talked to Steven, made coffee and checked my email. Before I knew it, Steven was gone to school, Jackson was up and ready and it was time to go! My plan for today included dropping Jackson off right at 8:15 a.m. so I could get the dogs to the park for a run before I had to be at his school to work in his class. So we dropped him off (8:20, but pretty close for us) and the dogs and I headed to the park. They get so excited as we get closer, they know the way! We pulled into the parking lot and the gosh durn dog park is closed! Apparently it is closed every Tuesday until 10 a.m., which I don't realize because on Tuesdays I work in Jack's class from when school starts (8:30) until about 10 -so I never get to the dog park that early. Arrrrghh. So the dogs go crazy when I turn around and drive home -they can hardly believe what I am doing. They are obviously mad at me - I can see it in their eyes.

I walk them around the block (small consolation) and take them back inside. At that point I realize that my stomach is queasy. I think maybe I should eat, but the smell of food makes me more queasy. I finally decide to choke down some oatmeal and banana and I make it through about half before I just can't eat anything else. So I head to the school. I worked in class for about 45 minutes, then met my friends to head to the Book Fair Workshop.

After explaining how I feel -my friend tells me that I should already know NEVER to take a huge multi-vitamin on an empty stomach. How am I supposed to know this I ask? She isn't sure, but says she bets I'll never do it again! She is right. I was finally un-queasy about noon.

So we make it through the workshop then go to eat lunch. We stop at Logan's Roadhouse -where the food is excellent, but the service is less than great. I have no idea what the food translates to in WW points, so I opt for a hamburger (no cheese or sauce) and eat it minus the bun. Come to find out later -still like 16 points (I get 28 in a day and the oatmeal was 4).

I get home just in time for Steven to get home from school. He gets a snack, we chat about his day and his contacts. See, yesterday he tried to put in new contacts (he has 30 day disposables) but couldn't get them in in the time he had. So when I was headed to be, I stopped to turn the bathroom light off and I saw his contact case was closed, the new contact containers were both open -with contacts in them. After cursing him, I emptied the case, dumped the contacts in the trash, cleaned the case, moved the contacts from the new container into the case and went to bed making a mental note about talking with him again about the cost of contacts, taking care of them, etc. So today we talk about them and it turns out I threw away his NEW contacts. He was being responsible, he put the new ones in the case, but was unsure of what to do with the old ones so he put them in the containers he had just taken the old ones out of... So now whose feels stupid? If you guess me, then you'd be right.

After 30 minutes, we jumped in the car to head to the orthodontist. Jack wasn't home so we drove along his walking route and picked him up. I was worried about the ortho appointment as our insurance changed 1-1-09 and I was afraid we might have to switch since they weren't on the list for our new company. Turns out everything is hunkey dory there. They take that coverage and it's out of network -so they pay 50% up to $1,000 paid instead of 80% up to $1,000 paid. Since that $1,000 is over a lifetime (not per year) and the braces are like $4,000 -I am guessing it won't make too big of a difference..they'll still pay $1000 total. This was excellent news as I already had to find us all new dentists -ours do not accept our new insurance at all. Steven and I get to see the new dentist on Friday actually, so we are hoping that goes well. So as for the ortho -both kids are fine for now and he'll see them again in July. Steven is just about ready to start with braces, maybe in July, we'll have to see. Jackson is still missing 6 permanent teeth (4 on the bottom and 2 on top) -they are still not on the x-rays, but he said the others are growing in pretty well spaced and he may not end up needing implants -but we won't know for sure until he's about 13.

So I was finally home about 4 and we had pizza and watched Inauguration coverage from earlier. Jackson had karate at 6:30 -so he and I were off again, home at 7:45. I have been watching the coverage since then and turned it off after the Obama's left the final ball of the night.

I enjoyed watching them interact and dance at the balls. I like that they really seem like a couple in love, as opposed to 2 robots. I love the way Obama speaks and listening to the language and his words. I will say that after watching the coverage, I feel hopeful. I believe this is the beginning and there are good things to come. I haven't felt that way for a long time. I like the feeling of hope. All light and air and positive energy.

I feel that I discounted Obama early on because his lack of experience frightened me. Now I am a bit regretful that I didn't open my eyes to the possibilities he offered because of that. There isn't often that I wish I knew more about politics or politicians, but he is one that intrigues me. I am going to read his books and see what they say. I am looking forward to reading them -I finally got the call that it's my turn -the library is holding them for me to pick up this week.

Another week comes to an end...

We haven't done a whole lot this week that is exciting... which makes it hard to blog sometimes. I keep waiting for something exciting to say, and I got nothing. So I have been busy with work this week and haven't gotten alot of other things done. I lack the motivation to really finish any of the projects I start. I am chalking it up to the fact that it has been 65-67 degrees here and all I want to do is sit outside and read a book. It is warmer outside than it is in my house (still haven't solved the puzzle that is our heating system) and the beautiful weather beckons me. I have spent a couple hours at the dog park, walking and watching the dogs.

I have made it to Curves to work out 3 days this week. I walked at the dog park for at least 1/2 hour 4 days this week. I haven't watched much tv --so it seems I should have something done or to show for my time -but I just don't.

Yesterday I took Jackson to the dr. after school. He has been having headaches and seems to always have a stuffy nose. She said that he has very little room in there and suggested we try Flonase daily to see if that will help clear him out. She also said it will help with spring allergies too. So I snapped a photo while we were waiting.. horrible lighting in those offices.

We have kept pretty much to our menu this week.. we did have pizza last night instead of meatloaf -it was a long day and when I got home from the dog park it was later than I thought and I was beat, didn't feel like cooking. So pizza did the trick and we had dinner.

Let's see, what else? Really, nothing is going on here. I wish there was more to say -but that's all I've got.

We have a quiet weekend planned --without many plans --and I am looking forward to it. Hope you all have a great weekend too!

Tuesday is shopping day!

Well, I completely missed Menu Monday... things were busy around here yesterday and I just didn't get to it. Sorry about that! Once the boys got home, Steven and I had to go get his glasses repaired (at the mall!, remind me to never buy something that might have to be repaired frequently at the mall ever again!) On the way out of JC Penney we saw some great clearance stuff! We picked up a Fedora for Jackson (who loves hats!) regularly $50.00 for $3.97 and a 2 pack Raiders sweatshirt and t-shirt for Steven regularly $68, $15!!! Both are items I looked at before Christmas and decided to wait on.. but we picked them up yesterday at those great prices!

Then Steven accompanied me to do the "needs" grocery shopping. Those are the items that I have to buy this week to make my menu, but that aren't on sale. So I pick them up at either Winco or Walmart (I alternate between the 2 stores -one every other week or so). I have started doing the needs part of my shopping on a 10 day rotation, instead of weekly -saves me 1 whole trip per month! Then I just hit the other stores for their great sales/loss leaders on a weekly (Tuesday) basis. To go to all 4 stores (if I had to, most weeks just 2) it takes me about an hour. I find it to be a challenge and I enjoy it, so it makes it worth it. Plus the money I save is well worth it. Of course Steven went with me so we ended up with a couple of extra items... bbq chips for lunches $2.50, cookie crisp cereal $2.86.. not too bad!

I had to let him get the Cookie Crisp. I can remember being a kid and living in Germany. We would see commercials for all kinds of cool foods and things, but we didn't get those things there. After a telephone call, my Gram sent Brian & I a big box. We were not sure why, it wasn't our birthdays or Christmas???? In in was Cookie Crisp, Captain Crunch and some kind of peanut butter cereal. Things we had wanted, but couldn't get there. It was better than Christmas! It is one of my clearest childhood memories...

So far this month we have spent $102.68 for groceries.. out of our $300 budget. That leaves $197.32 to spend and we are almost 1/2 way thru the month. Of course, today I will be stocking up on some meats that are a great price... so the money may go quicker than I think...

Our menu for this week:

Monday: Spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread
Tuesday: tacos, refried beans and salad
Wednesday: mac & cheese with hot dogs, peas (Jackson's meal choice! I'll be having soup)
Thursday: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn
Friday: BBQ pork in the crockpot, rice, green beans
Saturday: Homemade Pizza
Sunday: Baked Chicken, stuffing and peas

I will also be making a batch of Green Pepper Soup (Jack & my favorite!) and split pea soup for me to eat as lunches and him to have for snacks. The others don't eat much soup, but Jack and I love it!

Cotton Candy? Really?

Today was the annual Knights of Colombus Free Throw Contest. Steven has participated for the last couple of years (you have to be 10 to play). As we were driving toward the church we passed what appeared to be a man carrying a stick full of cotton candy. We giggled and wondered aloud where he could possibly be going on a residential street? A carnival at the nearby school perhaps? We parked and went inside, but they were finishing up their pancake breakfast and didn't have the basketball stuff ready, so we headed out to the front of the church and there he was.. standing on the street corner selling cotton candy. I am a softie -I bought 2. 1 for Jackson and 1 for me... which I haven't eaten yet (and probably won't)... but it was pink and fluffy and cold outside -I wanted the poor man to have sold something. I think maybe he was waiting for the end of the Spanish mass, he was gone when we left.

So Thursday was a busy day for me. I went scrapbooking with my friends in the morning, then stopped to pick up a few groceries on the way home. Boys got home, did homework and then Jackson had karate. They still haven't started their new kata's and he is anxious, so he came home and found the kata online to be printed so he could start working on it on his own.

Friday I went back to Curves. I was meeting my mother and she was headed to Curves first, so I figured, I should do that too. So I did she inspired me to just go. Then my mom and I went to breakfast at IHOP and talked. It's been a long time since we've had that quiet, relaxed time to have a conversation without interuption. Then we went to Michaels and walked around, talked about scrapbooking and crafting and happened into some great gifts we put away for next year. I got home, did a couple hours of work, took the dogs to the park and then the Steven was home. We talked for a few minutes, then I had to load Sammy up and go get Jack so we could head to dog training. We are going to training at PetSmart and were pleased to find out when we arrived that we are the ONLY people in the class. So for our class fee we are getting personal training. Jackson did a great job working with Sammy. Mary (the trainer) said Sammy is very smart, but wants to be dominant, which is a trait you see alot in shepards. So we have been working with him and we'll see where it gets us.

Saturday we spent most of the day at basketball games. Steven' has joined a team with a coach he has had for several years in rec ball. The travel team played 3 games.. they lost 2 and won 1, which isn't bad for their first tournament together with only 1 practice (that was joint practice, 5 teams on 1 court!). They were playing against other 7th grade teams ...several came from the Bay Area (1 hour+ away) and were very well put together. The final game where they won) found them much better matched -size wise and skill level. The frst 2 games were both against teams where the kids were big... Steven looked tiny compared to lots of the other players. So between the drives to the venues and the games it took most of the day -but he had fun.

Jackson headed to a friends house Friday night for a sleep-over. He called in the morning to see if it was ok for him to stay while we went to Steven's games ==so he managed to miss the first 2. The last games wasn't until 5:40 and he had to go with us to that one. They watched Wall-E which we haven't yet seen so Jackson's friend offered to loan it to us to watch as a family. We will have to do that this week.

What else? Not much I guess. I feel like I am still behind in cleaning and organizing, not sure I will ever be ahead though. I am working my way thru it a little at a time. I am looking forward to a slow week -without much planned. I need to get schedules done for work and keep on going with the organizing. Tomorrow I am heading to Curves right after I drop Jackson off, then to my WW meeting right after that. So I am hoping for a positive, encouraging morning!

A great giveaway!

I know I need to post an update as I haven't posted since Wednesday.... but as I am formulating that post, here is a post about a great give-away on another blog.

I love Erin's blog $5 Dinners. She is currently having a contest to give away one of these
Great designer lunch totes. I know many of you will enjoy her blog, and some may want to enter to win (I know I hope I win!!).



http://www.5dollardinners.com/2009/01/designer-lunch-tote-giveaway.html

I was thinking...

and trying to remember a time when I didn't have the computer and internet. It is hard to do -we started online right around the time we got married (1992) on the computer my parents bought us for our wedding present. Now hardly a day goes by that I don't "check" something or look at email.

Yesterday was one of those days.. Jackson was home again and didn't want me away from him. So we were downstairs together watching old Lost episodes most of the day. I did some laundry -but no computer time for me. I am constantly amazed when a day goes by and I am not online for awhile -- how much time is that? What else could I get done? Just something I have been pondering today, on the computer trying to catch up with work/email/etc.

Last night I attended a rally for Beauticontrol. I was happy to see them re-doing their system to really encourage women to take advantage of the earning opportunity available. Plus it was great to see my friends and catch up with them.

While I was at the rally, Steven went to his grandma & papa's for a visit. He enjoyed himself, just hanging out, watching tv, talking and playing Monopoly express. It is harder for him to have these relaxed times, with his school and sports schedule plus the drive time to get there. I know he wishes it could be more often and I will have to work on that for him. He mentioned on the way home how nice it was. I have been trying to talk my parents into moving closer (like across the street or down the block) but they are staying put. I understand their reasons and I feel selfish for wanting them closer. It is nice to have a few minutes to visit and chat, without it taking 1/2 hour to get there and back.

I have been thinking alot about family lately. How staying connected and in touch isn't a given. It takes effort on both parts. I spend time worrying about relationships, but know that I can't be the only one putting in the effort. A long time ago I realized that and I stopped trying. But I still miss those people and wish they were in our lives more.. but no matter how much I want that -they have to want that too.

Enough bummer talk. Today I got to run my errands finally because Jackson went back to school. I went to the bank, grocery store, post office and weight watchers. I was pleased to lose a pound, which means that from my birthday to today -I still managed to lose 2.4 pounds!! That is all thru Christmas and New Years. I am not sure how that happened, but I'll take it!

Now my fingers are freezing and I am tired, so I am headed to a hot bath and to read my book. I just got back from taking Steven to a 2 hour basketball practice where I found out they are playing 3 games this Saturday... yikes.. it all starts again.

Also -Jack and I will be taking Sammy for training starting on Friday -wish us luck.

Menu Plan Monday

We are ready to be back on track with our menu! I feel frazzled and disoriented without a meal plan in place. We ate out several times over the last few weeks and each time I was disappointed. The cost, time and effort involved in going out to eat is no longer worth it for me. I prefer to cook and eat at home. This is a huge change over this time last year and for that I am grateful. My family just wants to eat -they are happy to eat at home, as long as there's food for them.

Our menu for this week (keep in mind this is made for groceries I already have on hand):

Monday: Spaghetti with peppers and meat sauce, garlic bread (it was yummy!)
Tuesday: Tater Tot casserole, green beans
Wednesday: baked chicken, peas, stuffing
Thursday: Shepards Pie, salad, biscuits
Friday: Roast Beef, rice, corn
Saturday: Chicken stirfry
Sunday: Hot Roast Beef in gravy, mashed potatoes, broccoli

Jackson is not really feeling any better. His throat is scratchy, his head hurts and he is not able to focus. I think he will probably be home with me again tomorrow. This is a time when having a stockpile of food and a full freezer will come in handy -we can eat this whole week even if I don't make it to the store to shop. Not many fresh fruits left, but we do have canned and frozen fruits and veggies on hand to make it thru.

My goal for this year is to stick to my groceries budget, which I have lowered from last year. Last year my budget was $4800/year and that includes all paper products, soaps, detergents, cleaners and personal hygeine products. I spent $4186 total and that includes splurges (like eating out last month) that we did just because there was still money in that budget. This year I am hoping to come in at $3600 by being diligent all year long, and not losing focus. Wish me luck!

The end of our holiday...

Today is the day. Jonathan headed back to work and the kids to school. Except Jackson is sick. He has a bug that has been going around.. so he is back in bed, sound asleep. I was planning for my first day in 13 without everyone home, but plans change and now that will have to be tomorrow or Wednesday. I hope he is feeling better tomorrow as his new karate session starts and he will be so sad if he has to miss the first class.

So for me there will be no grocery shopping, no curves, no weight watcher meeting (a blessing in disguise perhaps?) and no Target 75% of clearance shopping today. Nothing earth shattering that can't be postponed. Instead I have cleared off my desk, made oatmeal, done a load of laundry and caught up on email, work and blogs I read. When Jackson wakes up we will probably cuddle up downstairs and watch some of the 1st season of Lost -we have started watching from the beginning in preparation of the new season starting later this month.

What has been going on around here.. not much really. We have all been home, hanging out basically. I did go to scrapbook on New Years Day --12 hours and 16 pages later I was home (9a.m. to 9 p.m.) and it was a blast. I felt creative on the first day of the new year and I hope that continues for the rest of the year too.

We did not follow our menu at all really. This was a really weird week for me with eating and I probably gained a pound or 2 since I didn't follow any plan and just ate when and what sounded good. Maybe putting that weigh-in off til later this week is a blessing I wasn't expecting? I was prepared to go & weigh in, knowing that I was lazy in my planning and willing to take responsibility for the result -that is a big step for me. That is how I know this is a lifestyle change, not a diet. I wanted to relax and just take things as they came this week -a vacation per se - all the time knowing that the chips will fall where they may.

I am working on this weeks menu and will post it later today. It will have to be stuff we have in our stockpile already -as I won't get to the store until Jackson heads back to school. This is mainly because I HATE shopping in the evening when everyone else is there.. I like the grocery store at 8:30 a.m. when it is quiet and not busy -I think better then.

I learned how to play a new game Blokus at my niece's birthday dinner. It was super fun and easy. A strategy game that requires some skill, some luck. I will have to get it for us to have -I really enjoyed playing that game. If you haven't tried it -you should! Saturday we had a great dinner of ham, potatoes and peas with Ciera to celebrate her birthday. We played Blokus and Skipbo and had fun hanging out. The boys stayed outside in the garage playing pool for the most part, and there was a football game on - but Ciera was in a game mood so much more fun for us.

Sunday I spent the first part of the day (til 1p.m. ) in my warm, cozy bed with polarfleece sheets watching Friends with Jackson. He wasn't feeling great already -so we just piled into the bed and watched tv for the whole morning! Then I had to go to Steven's baseball practice.. I wanted to watch the last hour, and it was supposed to end at 2 but didn't end til 3:15 p.m., so I saw over 2 hours. Then home we went.. I worked on getting the rest of the Christmas boxes and trash out of the house and getting the kids ready to head back to school. They needed to go thru their backpacks, take out unnecessary papers, restock pens, pencils, paper, etc.

I have read several fun books in the last week and am now reading Fields of Darkness for book club. So far I like it, still have a ways to go.

That's about all that is happening here... hope everyone also had a great New Years and weekend.

ETA: I forgot to mentiont that the big thing that happened was I dropped my cell phone (which has my calendar and life in it!) into my coffee... it's gone. I am waiting anxiously for the UPS man to drop off the replacement phone today.. it is listed as out for delivery! The good thing is I learned to sync the phone weekly -so hopefully I won't have lost much info!