Monday, June 14, 2010

July Molly's Money Saving Digest

Hello! I know that most of you have heard me talk about Molly's Money Saving Digest. Again, I can't begin to tell you what a wonderful resource this is for those of us trying to watch where our money is going. Molly makes counting pennies fun!



In July's digest, Molly begins by explaining how she keeps a picnic bag in her car for improptu picnics. I love picnics and we need to have more of them. I am so thankful for her list of items to keep in the car and ideas for fun things to do while picnicing. If you need a reason for a picnic, Molly lists several fun special dates in July - national ice cream day anyone???? LOL The forms that Molly provides this month would also be helpful on a picnic, including scavenger hunt and nature study forms (with ideas on how to use them).



Molly provides a weekly menu plan and recipes including Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken, Banana pudding, Grilled Shrimp and Noodle Salad - and others! Molly also includes a grocery shopping list so that you can follow her weekly menu with as little work as possible.



The kids are home for the summer so Molly gives us a bunch of fun science activities that make something else that they can use......such as Homemade Bubble solution and Oobleck.



Need something to do with all those plastic grocery bags you get? Would you believe there are instructions for a day pack made from grocery bags? You will love it! I can't wait to try it out.



Molly wraps up this digest with an alphabet of fun summer activities. Now you can't complain that there is nothing fun to do!



Molly's Money Saving Digest can be found at The Old Schoolhouse Store for $4.95.

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Blessed

I am reminded again today how blessed I am to be a stay at home mom.

There are many days that are hectic, busy and I get overwhelmed....many days that I wish I had somewhere else for either me or all these kids to go for just an hour.....but the many, many benefits outweigh all those times.

While many working mothers struggled to get their kids up, dressed and to the sitter so that they could go to work I woke up at 7 a.m. and spent an hour snuggling a cuddly baby and sleepyhead toddler. I watched cartoons on NickJr. and played kick ball (yes, in the house). I washed laundry and was reminded of how thankful I am to have a dryer (I don't yet feel up to hanging things out on the line). I made a nutritious lunch (tacos) and cleaned up the kitchen - thankful again for a dishwasher. I was able to do my cleaning tasks while Abby was napping and Bear was hugging on daddy.......working around the needs of my babies rather than someone else's schedule. This afternoon we are going to spend a much needed afternoon with Grandma - the spring planting is finally done!

I know that not everyone is able to stay at home.....I didn't when Lee was a baby. However I am grateful every day that my husband is able to provide fully for us......I am reminded to be content when there are projects that don't have the funds to be completed (my imaginary front porch and garage for example). I know how easily these years will speed by. I am thankful that I am able to be the one to get Lee up for school and be here (or where ever he is) when school and sports are over. I am thankful for yet another year to homeschool Greg. I am thankful for silly games of hide-and-seek with Bear and snuggle times with sweet little Abigail.

Thank you, God, for blessing our family so richly!