Saturday, December 31, 2011

20 minutes left of 2011

Wow - I can't believe that 2011 is almost over.
This has been a rough year for my family. Just over a year ago I went back to work full-time outside of the house. With that brought adjustments for my time as well as my children not having Mommy all to themselves which is still taking some getting used to.
The same week, my Dad - "The Old Fart" - had a stroke and then a heart attack. It threw my whole family into turmoil in the weeks and months that followed. It was touch and go for a long while, but he is still with us and is working toward his independence everyday.
In August, I lost my Papa - my Grandfather. He was a career military man who was an awesome testament to his generation and his family. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and I miss him every day.
My parents moved and now live just four doors down from me! It is an excited change and I am so glad that they are nearby. Now if I can just get my brother and sister to move closer!
My husband changed locations at work and with that brought an even crazier schedule which I am still trying to get used to. He didn't think he would like it at first, but now he is able to let some of his strengths shine, and I am so proud of him!
So, 2011 might not have been the best year, but I know I have grown as a person in countless ways and I am still here to tell about it!
I hope that you and yours have a wonderful New Year!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

"Mom! There is nothing to eat, only ingredients."

My son, the Mad Scientist, is known for scavenging in the pantry and saying those exact words. If I had a nickel for every time I heard that phrase, I could buy a lot more groceries!
Our budget is having a rough week. We had some unexpected car repairs that ate into our budget. Both cars have needed work over the past two weeks and wiped out our "emergency fund". Thank goodness we had some money set aside, but we are going to have to tighten our belts for the next few weeks to get by with no wiggle room.
That means it is time for Mom - that's me - to get creative and use what we have in our pantry and freezers.

I will post our menu plan as well as some recipes over the next few days.

Would you like to join me and plan a menu for your family?

For Nicole, Jennifer and Mandie

At the urging of some girlfriends, I am resurrecting my blog...again.
In the past 7 months, my life has been crazier than normal - whatever that is!
I went back to work full time in December. The same week, my father suffered a stroke and heart attack. My husband and I almost lost our home due to financial constraints. Add in the holidays, three kids, 2 dogs, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, homework, housework, a quadruple bypass (for Dad, not me), a weight loss challenge and all the other randomness of life, I have let things slide, a lot!
So starting this week, I will try and blog at least once a day, whether it be a picture, a recipe or just a brain dump.
Can you stand the excitement?