Hello 2012!

Quite frankly I was ready for 2011 to be over.  It was a rough year for me, but I learned a lot along the way.  We had too many funerals and not enough income, but we survived and maybe, just maybe came out stronger.  At least that's what I'm counting on as 2012 rolls gently into motion.

My life hasn't been all hard, it's actually been pretty good in a lot of areas.  Kenny and I continue to grown stronger in our marriage and in being a team every day.  Our boys have blossomed even more than I could have imagined!  Character and perseverance have shown up in these young men and it's been awesome to witness.

My hope for the new year is to keep on keeping on.  I am more focused in the last week on taking time to exercise and eat well.  I cannot just go through the motions anymore I need to live life on purpose.  I am trying to be more aware of all that I am doing and how that is making my life flow.

My goals this year are still milling around in my mind, but soon they will find themselves listed for all to see.  The accountability in posting my goals makes all of them seem more concrete and obtainable.  Maybe you all can be my accountability partners?!?

So today I am left with ideas and peace and hope for a fresh new year.  Another chapter in my life and many more happy days to come.

Until next time,

Menu Plan for the Week 11-13-11

This is a crazy busy week for us!  I have parent conferences for my students and my boys, so keeping the menu plan flexible is going to help me make it through! 

We will also be getting ready for my bestie and her family to be her for Thanksgiving week too!  I can't wait to have them here with us!  It is always fun to have guests!

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!


Here is what we have planned to eat for this week:

Breakfasts: Cereal, Oatmeal, Biscuits, Muffins, Pancakes, French Toast, Waffles, Fruit

Lunches: Ham or PB & J Sandwiches, Meat and Crackers, Leftovers, Fruit or Veggies, String Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Granola Bars, Fruit Leather, Homemade Chewy Bars

Dinners:

Sunday- Soup

Monday- Spaghetti, Buttered Bread, Italian Sausage

Tuesday- Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Veggie Tray

Wednesday- Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, French Cut Green Beans

Thursday- Leftovers

Friday- Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, Chips

Saturday- Pizza

Find more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie.

Until next time,

Shop Update!

I have been a crazy sewing machine (I know I'm funny...hehehe) this weekend.

I added some new goodies to the shop today, with more to come!  

Here's a sneak peek!

 Thanksgiving Turkey

 Thanksgiving Harvest

 Thanksgiving Turkey Too

 Lavender Floral Baby Burp Cloths

 All Girl Baby Burp Cloths

 Orchid Floral Baby Hooded Towel

Pink Bears Baby Hooded Towel

I also have some more market bags on their way!  

I hope you all have a great week!

 

Joining up with Sumo's Sweet Stuff

The Teenager

I know a lot of people that said, "Just wait until you have a teenager."  With the look of pain and regret firmly planted in their eyes.  Kenny and I scoffed at them because we knew.  We knew our boy and we knew our family.

Having a teenager for almost a year now has been a blessing.  This kid still talks to us, still wants to eat with us, still wants to go places with us.

You see I don't think it's the teenagers that change so much, I think it's the parents projecting their fears and insecurities about the job they've done so far.

 The mama and the teenager

We are not perfect parents, but we are parents.  We set boundaries and encourage exploration and creative growth.  So what did we wind up with, well I'd say we wound up with a kid who loves us as much as we love him.  To me that is the greatest success a parent can hope for when rearing these little humans!

Until next time,