Menu Plan Monday~ December 8th, 2008

Monday: Spaghetti & Meatballs
Salad & French Bread

Tuesday: Bean & Cheese Burrito's


Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Green Beans
French Bread

Thursday: Taco Salad & Corn Bread

Friday: Homemade Whole Wheat Pizza
Salad

Saturday: Matzah Ball Soup

Sunday: C.O.R.N

Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies and Sickle Cell Anemia

You are probably wondering how the two of these relate to one another~ well unfortunately our experience yesterday brings the two of these 'diseases' together.

Our day started out pretty normal for a family our size. Allen had an orthodontist appointment (can I here a cha ching cha ching cha ching? LOL) after that, I brought him into get his allergy shots. The day was slowly getting away from us.

After these appointments we drove home to quickly make some lunch and continue on with our day. Well I wish it would have been this easy. Unfortunately I was already exhausted and had a lot on my mind with upcoming injections and reuniting with my brother this weekend~ so when Maddie requested a Heath Bar (bite size) I nodded and agreed she could have it.

We sat and watched the Y&R ...but not 5 minutes after she ate the candy bar, she jumped up and started to cry with chest pains. I immediately begged AMR to read the packaging, and what do you know.....ALMONDS. Ugh. I said she could have a candy bar with NUTS???? How in the world did I agree to this, why was I so lazy to not pick up the bag and just read??? Why was I so consumed with my life rather than trying to protect my child?? These are the questions that remain with me and are teaching me a lesson I shouldn't have to be taught, because I do have common sense.

After hearing the Almonds in the candy, I brought Maddie over to the cupboard and gave her some benadryl and kept the epi pen close to me. I re-read the directions to make sure if I did have to use it, I would do it properly. I sat Maddie down and watched her like an hawk. She grew increasingly uncomfortable, and started to see red spots. At that point I loaded her into the truck and told Allen he must ride in the back with the epi pen. We had to pick up Michael from work and then we went straight to the ER.

We arrived safely and without using the epi pen to the ER and she was seen immediately. Oxygen level was in the 80's and she was getting very zoney and started to have trouble with her hand. We washed her hand thinking it was from the candy she touched...but that didn't help at all.

We were brought immediately back from the triage into a room by the nurses desk so she could be watched. As we sat, we saw Maddie's eyes start to swell and get very heavy, the hives started, then SEVERE-Massive Leg pain came out of nowhere. She said on a scale of 1-10 the pain level was at a 10. This was NOT related to the allergy reaction...this was something completely different.

The doctor asked to run a Sickle Cell Anemia Lab Test.....unfortunately this has to be sent out of the hospital to an independent lab. Sickle Cell does run in Terry's side of the family, and Terry has a step cousin that has Sickle Cell and has similar pain in her legs, as Maddie did. But from the information I've read, both parents have to be carriers of this hemaglobin S. I'm not sure that I carry it, since I'm caucasian ~ but we are testing her non the less to find out if in fact the leg pain is associated to Sickle Cell.

I pray that she was just having growing pains and that she is healthy.

Living with Peanut Allergies is hard enough for Maddie and for the family. If you haven't noticed, there are peanuts in almost everything.....peanut flour, peanut oil, made around nuts, or on machines that are in contact with nuts....the list goes on.

So that was our day...and our scare!!! Maddie is currently on prednisone, which makes her an eating monster~ but if you've seen Maddie, you know she can afford to eat as much as she wants. We are having her rest as much as possible and watching her closely.

I'm anxiously awaiting test results.

Love to all,

~T

New Study About Educational TV....

A study was released Wednesday found that high-quality educational programming for children is at its lowest level in nearly two decades.

Only one in eight shows billed as educational was rated "highly educational," according to research co-authored by a professor at the University of Arizona.

While I do agree we are well past the Electric Company and Seseme Street Era...I do believe having satelite or cable does open the doors for better or more educational programing that one might not get on network television. Also I believe that if we based this study on The Simpsons & Family Guy~ well no wonder we are lacking....are these even really "child" friendly shows, or are these programs not meant for educational purposes, but purely out of entertainment for the young at heart but on the adult side of life??

Some of the shows that are labeled Higher-quality TV are:

Eight shows for youngsters earned an exemplary rating for their educational content, according to a study on children's television:

Sesame Street (PBS)
Beakman's World (commercial)
Between the Lions (PBS)
3-2-1 Penguins (commercial)
Cyberchase (PBS)
Suite Life of Zack and Cody (commercial)
Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman (PBS)
Teen Kids News (commercial)

Now I don't know about you...I've seen The Suite Life with Zack and Cody~ can this really be considered educational??? LOL

Some of the programs I have found HIGHLY educational for my 2 year old (especially) and my 5 year old are:

1)Dora The Explorer- My two year old can speak about 10 words in Spanish, thanks to Dora, including counting to ten in Spanish. To me this is opening the door to diversity and teaching about other cultures. On top of learning Spanish, she has learned 3 sets of steps. For example 'Tree, Mountain, Grandma's House'

2)Go, Diego, Go-Children are learning more about animals in trouble that need to be rescued. This also is teaching humane treatment of all animals and being aware of our mother earth.

3)Little Einsteins (one of Martie's favorites)-Little Einsteins was designed to teach the target demographic art and music appreciation by integrating famous or culturally significant art works (usually, but not exclusively, paintings) and classical music (most typically from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods) into the scenery, plot, and soundtrack of each episode. The show is also designed to encourage viewer interaction (such as patting their legs, gesturing, or singing along to help the characters succeed on their "mission"). ***Thanks Wikipedia***

4)The Backyardigans-In each episode, the show's five preschool friends—Pablo, Tyrone, Uniqua, Tasha, and Austin—rely on their vivid imaginations to transform their backyard into completely different worlds, in which they go through many sorts of stories and adventures. The time-frame of the show can range from a few hours to more than one full day, but in reality, the story always ends just in time for one of them to invite the others for a snack. The episodes focus on the stories as much as they do on music and dancing, with each one featuring a different music genre.

5)The WonderPets-A good deal of the dialog is sung, so the show has been likened to operetta or singspiel. A 10-member live orchestra performs each episode, sometimes including other instrumentalists skilled in music from the region to which the pets are traveling during the episode. Completing each episode takes 33 weeks from script to final delivery.

6)Little Bear (Tonja's Personal Favorite)-Most of the characters are moderately anthropomorphic animals, exhibiting both animal and human behaviors, but generally dealing with human problems and concerns......listen to the calming, soothing music as you watch the show....this is perfect for before nap time.

My list really could go on covering the educational programming in today's world, but I think you get the idea. The study does have some basis, but I if we are only studying Hannah Montana, iCarley, Suite Life, Sponge Bob, and then Seseme Street....of course we come to the conclusion there is little educational programming.....but let's dig deeper and find what really is available today.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter~ please share.

Warmly,
~T

Grilled Steak Salad Recipe/For Dinner Tonight!!!MMM

Grilled Steak Salad~

1 flank steak (1 to 1 1/2 pounds)
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 Kirby cucumbers, sliced into thin half-moons
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
One 10-ounce box frozen corn kernels, thawed
Chopped mint leaves
8 ounces mixed salad greens



1. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the steak with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare; set aside. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, the garlic, the mustard and the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the steak and marinate for 15 minutes. 3. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, bell pepper and corn. 4. When the steak is done marinating, place it on a cutting board and pour the marinade into a small saucepan set over high heat to simmer, about 1 minute. Slice the steak into 1/4-inch-thick strips and add to the vegetables. Add the marinade, mint and salt and pepper to taste, and toss. 5. Divide the greens among 4 dinner plates. Drizzle with olive oil and salt, then top with the steak strips and vegetables.

Source:
http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/salad-vegetable-recipes/grilled-steak-salad/article.html

Menu Plan Monday for Week of October 27th

Menu Plan Monday for October 27th-November 2nd

Monday: Grilled Steak Salad

Tuesday: Spaghetti with Mozzerella Stuffed Meatballs & Salad (My Birthday)

Wednesday: Chicken, Biscuits 'n' Gravy Casserole & Salad

Thursday: Double Decker Grilled Cheese & Fruit

Friday: Mushroom & Garlic Pizza or Take out

Saturday: Turkey Mini Burgers with Warm Potato Salad

Sunday: Rice Cracker-Crusted Tuna with Apple Slaw

Recipes will follow tomorrow~

What do you have planned for meals this week?? Please Share!

A Master Schedule For Our Family

Most of you know that we have switched over and are mostly a homeschooling family. To be honest, I was praying that the kids would want to come back home and be schooled in an environment that was safe, exciting, and is encouraging rather than full of peer pressure and bullies.

I was a little overwhelmed to think that I would be teaching 3 different grades, including my autistic son in grade 1. But to my complete amazement the children (including Martie) have all adjusted well and been thriving beyond my dreams.

The only thing that was really wearing me down was the lack of our normal Master Schedule. We had a schedule while they were attending Public School, but I was a little late and over lax on making a schedule to fit our homeschooling life.

Today I decided enough was enough...no more procrastinating, and made my schedule. I have it printed and ready to go in my control journal, on the wall in my school room and in bedrooms for reference so their is very little 'forgetting'.

My stress level has diminished significantly and I'm once again thrilled beyond words to get started again tomorrow on our bright new future.

If you'd like to see a copy of my schedule, leave a comment or email me and I'd be happy to share my work with you.

Warmly,
~Tonja

The Political Weather

I wasn't going to write about politics on the blog, but after long thought I came to the conclusion, "why wouldn't I share my beliefs and thoughts on our running mates?"



Why I am no longer voting Republican~ if we take a look at the past 8 years under Republican control...and assume the 8 year reign has been idealitic. Can we take a look at what has come about??



Banks and large financial institutions are failing and/or falling apart.



A record number of homes are in foreclosure.



Gas prices are at record levels, and oil company profits are soaring.



Food banks are begging for more and more donations, in fear they won't have enough food to get them through the winter, for every person that is in need.



We're in a war that has absolutely ZERO plans of an exit strategy, and this just might continue on for years and years.



Infrastructure is crumbling beneath us....look at the condition of our highways, roads, Interstates.



The current administration has muffled out all scientist that have been warning us about Global Warming...now look at Canada, where they've just lost a chunk of ice the size of Manhattan....the ice pack is melting at an alarming rate.



Health services/insurance/treatment has NOT improved with the current administration.



Families are struggling~ and the answers they are getting from the Republicans just aren't working any more. We need......desperately need an administration who will pull in the best and the brightest and listen to them...and come up with the best solutions for the majority not the minority.



We need jobs, health care we can afford, and educational resources, peace, clean air and water, safe food and safe streets, respect for one another.



The very things we've been asking the current administration to do, and has failed....McCain/Palin are just the same hiding out in different bodies.



I believe that the Obama-Biden ticken can achieve these goals and inspire the country to do their part also.


Reason #1 to vote for Obama-Biden:
Because Joe Biden knows what the Bush Doctrine is.
In fact, I trust that Joe Biden knows many other things, no doubt, that I don’t even need to know he knows - including a whole lotta stuff that I don’t know.

Now, why do I trust that Biden knows these things and why do I care? I trust because he has worked at the national level of government since he was 29 - he is now 65. I care because we’re talking about the vice president of the United States of 300 Million Americans. Just in case no one else was noticing.

Any thoughts?? Comments?? Have you seen the Charlie Gibson and Sarah Palin Interview?? If not, google it.....you will see my reasoning for #1 reason.

Meal Plan Monday August 18th-24th.

I'm quite unprepared for meal planning this week. We are extremely low on funds~ due to the gas prices, and the extreme amount of doctor AND ER visits this past week. I think I spent $150 in the past week on gas alone. So that ate into my grocery budget. I'll do my very best to make due with what we have on hand and then only spend $30.

Monday Dinner:
Homemade Pancakes-vegan
Homemade Hashbrowns
Fruit cocktail

Tuesday:
Homemade chik'n nuggets-vegan
Mashed potatoes
Green Salad

Wednesday Dinner:
Mexican Lasagna-Vegan
Green Beans
Fruit

Thursday Dinner:
Burgers on a bun-vegan
Sauteed squash

Friday:
Tostadas
Oreo cookies

Saturday:
Spinach and Artichoke pie-Vegan
Fruit

Sunday:
Make your own -CORN (clean out refrigerator night)

I'll definitely share recipes later on tonight...when I get the kiddo's to bed.

Hugs!
Tonja

Our Vegan Journey

I'm entering, along with my 3 daughters and 1 son, week number 3 of a Vegetarian (Vegan) life. We took this on for a number of reasons, and I'd like to share those reasons, I hope you will read further.

1. To reduce the suffering of animals. You probably don’t want to hear about the horrific treatment of animals that are raised for food, even before they are slaughtered for our benefit. There are great amounts of suffering involved, and by cutting out meat, you are reducing your involvment of suffering upon animals. Wish to learn more? Read more here.

2. To help the environment. There are actually numerous ways that the meat industry harms the environment, from a waste of our resources (animals raised for food eat enough grain to feed the world), to a waste of fuel, to the pollution caused by their waste matter, and much more. Read more here.

3. To lose weight and become a healthier person. While as a vegetarian, we can eat extremely unhealthy foods and actually gain more weight. But if we incorporate healthy eating habits the weight can shed off of us and our health will greatly improve. A great book to read to get a better grasp on how and why a vegetarian lifestyle will increase your wellbeing and shed weight is "Eating to Live" to see more about this book click here.

4. Reduce chances of food poisoning. Food poisoning gets millions of people each year — and many of them from meat, which is a good breeding ground for harmful bacteria, especially if not stored, prepared or cooked exactly right. Cut out meat and you lower your risk of food poisoning (especially if you also cut out eggs and dairy, but that’s optional).


Do you want to learn more on how to become a Vegetarian? I have some tips that will make your transition easier.

1. Have a good reason(s). If you become a vegetarian just because someone else is doing it, or just for fun you most likely will not stick with the plan. Not because it's hard to stick to, rather a new lifestyle or habit takes motivation. It's something you really need to believe in, in order to stick it out...so have good reasons or convictions.

2. Study. Before you make the switcheroo, read up and study as much information that you can. Just like other new habits, you must read to understand and believe. There are tons of websites out there that you can access information on, you can borrow books from a friend, or from the library. A great place to start is at http://www.goveg.com/

3. Find good recipes. Collecting recipes that sound good or are a variance of the real thing will help you stay committed to your new life. No need to go out and buy a bunch of cookbooks...well if you want to that's ok too, but you can find recipes on the web or in books at the library. A few places I go to get some good recipes are goveg.com or http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/ and http://www.vegsource.com/

4. No red meat. If you can't give all, then start with removing red meat from your daily diet. Try eating no red meat, or just replacing one of your weekly meals with a vegetarian meal. And gradually work up to cutting all animal proteins.

5. Go all the way if it's at all possible. When I decided to become Vegan, I went all in. I'm not one that likes to just sit and slowly work on something...if you do that's ok too. While this takes a little more determination than the gradual solution, it’s not that hard, really. It should only take a few days to get used to it, and then you’ll have very little trouble after that. The only issues you’ll have to work out, once you’re used to going without meat, are things like eating out, eating at others’ houses, and other similar issues.

6. Avoid Junk food. you can be a vegetarian and be very unhealthy, by eating way too much junk. Being a vegetarian is not a license to eat junk food. Try to stick with fruits and veggies, whole grains, beans, nuts, soy protein, low-fat dairy and other nutritious foods for the most part.

7. Cook ahead. Another problem is when we don’t have any vegetarian food ready to eat, and so we resort to whatever is easiest (if we don’t feel like eating or are too hungry to wait). Instead, you could cook a big pot of vegetarian chili or soup or something, and have it in the fridge for when you’re hungry and don’t have time to cook. I just cooked a huge pot of bean soup...it turned out WONDERFUL. I have left overs of soup and rice....and can heat them up if I'm feeling munchie or whatever.

8. Have fun. Most of all, don’t make becoming a vegetarian be a restrictive, grueling ordeal. If you feel like you’re depriving yourself, you won’t last long. But if you feel like you’re doing something good, and trying out some great-tasting food, you’ll stick with it for much longer...hopefully for a lifetime. Now get out there and have fun and be healthy!!!!!

Some great sites to visit and learn more:

http://www.goveg.com/

http://www.vegsource.com/

http://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/2007/03/12/how-to-become-a-vegetarian/

If you liked this article, please leave a comment and let me know.

Homemade Household Cleaners

About 2 months ago, I decided I was growing tired of my children having an asthma attack after I did a deep cleaning in the house. Along with the asthma attacks, money was another deciding factor to start making my own household cleaning products.
I'm not sure why I've been spending money on toxic cleaners, only to hurt my budget and my children.

I've been using these easy to make cleaners for 2 months, with great results~ so I thought I would share with you some of the recipes to make your own. Once you start making them, you'll never want to go out and spend waste money on toxins again.

I have marble counter tops, and I don't want to save money but ruin them in the long run, so I found this recipe for Marble Cleaner:

Homemade Marble Cleaner

What You Need:
Baking soda
Water
A rag

What You Do:
Rub baking soda into the marble with a damp cloth. Then, rinse with water; towel dry; and you're done!

Why This Works:
Baking soda is a light abrasive and a natural disinfectant, so it's tough on stains and germs.

Benefits of Cleaning with Baking Soda:
inexpensive
no harsh chemicals
effective sanitizer
effective stain remover
effective deodorizer
won't etch marble

Warnings:
1) Clean up spills immediately to avoid staining or etching
2) Do not use vinegar, lemon or other acidic substances to clean marble – this can lead to etching


Homemade All Purpose Cleaner
(cost of 409 about $3/cost to make your own approx 31 cents)


Mix in a sprayer bottle:
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
2 drops of tea tree oil

In the kitchen, use the mixture spray to clean countertops, lightly soiled range surfaces and backsplash areas.

In the bathroom, use vinegar spray cleaner to clean countertops (except marble), floors, and exterior surfaces of the toilet.

For really tough bathroom surfaces such as shower walls, pump up the cleaning power by removing the sprayer element and heating the solution in the microwave until barely hot. Spray shower walls with the warmed generously, allow to stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse. The heat helps soften stubborn soap scum and loosens hard water deposits.


Homemade Glass Cleaner
(Cost of windex about $3.49 cost to make your own about 89 cents for 65 oz)

Ingredients
1 cup rubbing alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vinegar

Using isopropyl alcohol and white vinegar together makes a quickly evaporating spray glass and mirror cleaner that competes with national brands. This can also be used to give a nice shine to hard tiles, chrome, and other surfaces.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
(Cost of Lysol cling $2.99/cost to make your own approx 5-10 cents)

Mix
1/4 cup baking soda
1 cup vinegar
Pour into bowl and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.
A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.


See how easy this is???

Not only is it easy, it's rewarding!!!! Ok, so please share your recipes or ideas with me!!!! Lets save money together!

Meal Plan Monday....a tad bit late! Sorry

I'm getting to my menu a day late here~ Yesterday the cubbies went back to school!!! Woohoo!!! with a little boohoo~ I miss them, but it was getting to be a little boring for them. Each year, I like Year Round Schooling more and more. Students grades seem to be higher, and since they have more frequent breaks, the likelyhood of burn-out is far less.

So moving onto my menu. Since I have Mykiah here for the summer (she starts kindergarten the end of August in Texas) and Martie home, I still need to plan lunches.

You will find the meals look a wee bit different, since we are now living a vegetarian lifestyle. We aren't vegan (yet) so you will see cheeses, eggs, and other dairy, but mostly soy milk and soy cheese, or the like.

So here we go!

Monday:

Breakfast-Scrambled eggs, and smoothies

Lunch-Peanut butter crackers and pretzels

Dinner-Homemade baked potato soup (Mykiah had 'chicken' nuggets-since she's allergic to dairy)

Tuesday:

Breakfast-Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal -Kiah had Grits (I added ground flaxseed and wheat germ, to boost nutrition).

Lunch-I'm not sure about this one. LOL possibly eggs and potatoes.

Dinner-Homemade lentil soup and baked squash

Wednesday:

Breakfast-Steel Cut Oatmeal with flax seed, wheat germ, and pure maple syrup

Lunch-Baked Potatoes and left over soup

Dinner-Breakfast for dinner waffles/pancakes and homemade hashbrowns

Thursday:

Breakfast-Cereal with soy milk and fruit

Lunch-"chicken" nuggets, green beans or salad

Dinner-Fried eggs, asparagus, on top of fritatta

Friday:

Breakfast-Pancakes, fruit, syrup

Lunch-Peanut butter toast with grapes

Dinner-Black Bean Quesadilla,fresh salsa and salad

Saturday:

Breakfast-Egg Muffin Sandwiches without meat and orange juice

Lunch-Baked Latkes sour cream and applesauce (homemade)

Dinner-Pasta salad with grilled summer veggies and fresh mozerella crockpot peach cobbler

Sunday:

Breakfast-Fruit Smoothies with flax seed, soymilk, protein powder

Lunch-Egg Salad Sandwiches, pretzels and veggie sticks and dip

Dinner-Rustic Pizza green salad fruit dessert

95% of my recipes will be dairy and nut free. We just found out that Madaline is allergic to nuts (all kinds) and Mykiah is allergic to dairy products. This is all very new, and we are still learning how to cook meals that avoid those items.

A book that we find very helpful when cooking for kids with food allergies is called Kid Friendly Food Allergy Cookbook

Be sure to check out Meals for 4 under $15~ from Whole Foods. You don't necessarily have to shop their to use the recipes. You should be able to find all the ingredients in your grocery store or farmers market.

Don't forget to share your meal plans...share how planning your meals each week is saving you money and time.

Great Deals At Albertsons!!

General Mills Stock Up Sale~ don't miss out on this!!!

Ok I got wind of this sale from Money Saving Mom...so I had to pull up my Albertsons Ad's online, and sure enough~ great sales going on.

Granola Bars, Cereal, Hamburger Helper, Breakfast bars 4/$8, but if you buy 4 you save $2.
So it's 4/$6.

Chex mix, fruit snacks, bugles, pop secret Sale price 4/$6 but if you buy 4 you save $2.
So it's 4/$4

Coke products (12 pks) Buy two, get two free

Doritos $1.88
Tony's Pizza $1.99
Seedless Green Grapes $.88

Big Cheese Event~ 33% off
Albertsons:
shredded or chunk cheese
singles
natural sliced cheese
string cheese
ricotta cheese
mozzarella balls
cream cheese
parmesan cheese

Make sure you hit Albertsons and take advantage of the deals.

Let me know what you buy and how much you've saved this week.

Control Journal~

One of the questions I'm asked the most is; T, how do you stay organized and on top of things with all of the children you have.

Can you guess what my answer is? (insert jeopardy theme song here). Yep you are correct, you have won the $10,000 cash prize -ahem, in monopoly money.

Ok really folks~ I stay on top of things, and keep organized by keeping a Control Journal. This journal is chalked full of things. Today we will be covering one topic and be sure to check back to see all that I put in my journal to keep the juggling a little less chaotic.

What things you ask? Well, on of the biggest things that got me on track an in order is doing a 'Bedtime Routine' that Flylady prescribes. This is what Flylady says about a 'Bedtime Routine'

The Before Bed Routine is the most important routine of the whole day. Set a regular time to do your Before Bed Routine. Then do it - starting tonight. I start mine as soon as dinner is complete. Others start theirs in the afternoon while they are getting supper ready. It is up to you. - FlyLady

Once you get going on your Bedtime Routine, you will wake in the morning, wishing to continue on with the orderliness, and cleanliness routines. You'll wake to see that sink shining an your day improves right along with the shining sink.

Here is what is on my Bedtime Routine (that I keep in my control journal, along with all the other routines I complete on a daily basis)

Excuse the weird mark on the page above...shall I suspect some greasy kid fingers got a hold of this paper? LOL

Ok let me lay out my B/R

1. Clean up the house before I go to bed (20 minutes-tops) This includes Living room-putting all things away, Kitchen-clean it up, shine sin, lay out clean dishcloths, and run dishwasher, Dining room/entrance- clear the hotspots (i.e where there is a build up of belongings...piles)Review check list to make sure I haven't forgotten anything.

2. Think about tomorrow before I go to bed: Checking calendar/planner for appointments, start a to do list for tomorrow, think about what I can do tonight to make tomorrow easier (make lunches, set breakfast table, etc), gather up items that I don't want to forget -place by door, make sure kids have their things gathered up and put away, Plan what I'm making for breakfast...or just look at planned menu from Menu Plan Mondays. Lay out clothes for tomorrow~ this is simple and saves a lot of time and work.

3. Focus on myself before I go to bed~ now before we put our undies in a bundle...let me explain. This means Cool down time, get ready for bed: brush teeth, jammies, work on journal, read, reflect on the day.

Tell me about your Bedtime Routine, or how you bring organization to your home. I can't wait to hear about them.

Check back tomorrow for our next step of my control journal.

Homeschooling.............No More!

Up until last night around 5:30pm I was making lesson plans, and downloading a gradebook, along with organizing all the books I would need to homeschool, Princess Henney. I say up until last night, because Princess decided that she wants to go to school. The two other grade school aged kids went to meet their teachers last night, and got to see their classrooms, and where they will be sitting. Princess Henney, I could tell was starting to second guess her decision to stay home with Mommy all day. After she found out, if she were to attend school, and who her teacher would be, and who or who wouldn't be in her class......was the straw that broke the camels back. Knowing she wouldn't be sharing a class with a particular person, freed her mind, and opened it up to doing as her siblings would be doing; going to school!

Am I upset, hurt, sad, frustrated, confused? Nope not at all. I had left this decision completely up to her, and I'm here to make my children's life as easy and smooth as possible. If she wants to go to school, then I'm all for it. Only my child knows how they feel, what they want, and what they need....I'm here to be a sounding board, and something they can feel safe bouncing ideas off of.

So, now when Monday comes, I will have Miss Martie and Ki-Ki here for me to entertain and keep busy. Monday school starts up again, and we will be back on a regular schedule.

I plan to write up my schedule of our daily routines for the first semester~ and once I'm done, I will post what our days will look like from sun up to sun down.

As I'm writing this, I keep singing Conjunction Junction, what's your function......we will be finding out as Princess Henney is entering 3rd Grade...whew!

B1 G1 Free Jamba Juice

B1G1 smoothie coupon<---Click here (thanks Crystal)

Hot Buys on School Supplies~ July 13-19!

School is approaching us very quickly, and that means it's time to stock up on school supplies.
Here are some of the deals I've found for you~


Deals @ Staples

*Staples Filler Paper 150 sheets 15 cents each Limit 5
*2 pocket plastic portfolios assorted 20 cents each Limit 10
*Swingline 5 " scissors 2 pk 33 cents each Limit 2
*Staples glue sticks 4 pk 50 cents each Limit 4
*Staples composition notebooks 50 cents each Limit 3
100 sheets 2 pk
*BIC white out 99 cents each
***Find Staples near you*** <----click link


Deals @ Wal-Mart

*70 sheet spiral notebook 5 cents each
*24-pk of Crayola Crayons 22 cents each
*Bic Cristal blue pens 10pk 88 cents each
*Elmer's 4 oz Glue or 2 pk glue sticks 22 cents each
*Bic 10pk Mechanical pencils $1.82 each
*Twin Pocket Portfolio w/prongs 15 cents each
*Georgia Pacific Copy & Print paper $3 each
*Pilot 4 pk G2 pens $3.50 each
***Find Wal-mart closest to you*** <-----click link

Deals @ Target

*2 pocket portfolio's 10/$1
*24 ct. wood pencils 2/$1
*10 ct bic pens red, black, or blue 2/$1
*Assorted Book covers 2/$1
*Fiscars blunt or pointed scissors 2/$3
*3 ct sharpie highlighters 2/$3
*8 ct crayola washable markers 2/$3
*1 inch nylon binder $3
***find a Target near you*** <---- click link

Have you found other deals or savings? Please share with me by emailing me~ I'd love to hear how you are saving money.

Make it a great day,
Tonja

CVS Deals July 13-19th and Monthly Deals

Upcoming CVS ECB DEALS July 13-19

Thank you to coupon guru for the heads up!

*Tips Scan extra care card at price checkers before shopping.
*Use previously earned EXTRA BUCKS to pay for items!
*Use manufacturers coupons when available!


Money Maker!!

6” x 8” 10pg Hardcover Photo Book at $7.99 w/ CVS Card FREE after $7.99 ECB’s
Limit 2Use 1 $3/1 coupon
Spend $4.99 plus tax if applicable or use ECB'S if you have some!
Get $7.99 ECB's back!
$3 overage after coupon and ECB's


FREE!!

4” x 6” 10pg Hardcover Photo Book at $3.99 w/ CVS Card FREE after $3.99 ECB’s
Limit 1Buy 1 4” x 6” 10pg
Hardcover Photo Book
Spend $3.99 plus tax if applicable or use ECB'S if you have some!
Get $3.99 ECB's back!
FREE after ECB's


ALMOST FREE!!

Bayer with heart guard 30 ct at $4.99 each Limit 1Buy 1 Bayer with heart guard 30 ct
Use 1 $2.50/1 coupon or Use 1 $2./1 coupon
Spend $2.49 or $2.99 plus tax if applicable or use ECB'S if you have some!
Get $2 ECB's back!
$.49 or $.99 after coupon and ECB's depending on your coupon


ALMOST FREE!!

Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara at $5.99 each Limit 2Use 1 $1/1 printable coupon or coupon from tear pad found at some CVS stores or similar stores.
Spend $4.99 plus tax if applicable or use ECB'S if you have some!
Get $4 ECB's back!
$.99 after coupon and ECB's

NON ECB DEALS~GREAT DEALS WITH COUPONS!
FREE!!

Sally Hansen Nail color at $.99
Buy 3 Sally Hansen Nail color
Use 1 $3/2 coupon from CVS Reinventing Beauty magazine
Spend about $.26 in tax!
FREE after coupon


Almost FREE!!

AirWick Mini Automatic Sprayer $4.99 each Buy 1 AirWick Mini Automatic Sprayer Use 1 $4/1 printable coupon, printable coupon, printable coupon (Some of these coupons are 1 per household.)
Spend $.99 plus tax if applicable or use ECB'S if you have some!
$.99 after coupon

Almost FREE!!
Clairol herbal essence shampoo or conditioner 10.17-12 oz, or styler 5-8 oz, 2/$5Buy 2 Clairol herbal essence shampoo or conditioner 10.17-12 oz, or styler 5-8 oz
Use 1 $3/2 coupon
Spend $2 plus tax if applicable or use ECB'S if you have some
$1 each after coupon

Almost FREE!!
Werther's Original Candy 5.5-6oz, 5/$5Buy 5 Werther's Original Candy (coupon is for Chocolate Carmel flavor)
Use 5 $.75/1 coupon
Spend $1.25 plus tax if applicable or use ECB'S if you have some
$.25 each bag after coupon or $1.25 for all 5 bags after coupon

JULY ECB MONTHLY DEALS
CVS Pantiliners 22ct. $.99, Get $.99 ECB's Limit 2 Makes for a great filler item!

CVS Tampons 5ct. $1.49, Get $1.49 ECB's Limit 2 Makes for a great filler item!

Buy 3 Essence of Beauty Liquid Handsoap 12 oz $3.99 each, Get $5 ECB's Limit 5 (Price according to CVS.com)

Buy 2 Sure Antiperspirants $2.79 each, Get $3 ECB's (coupons Z235 B1G1F or $1 off) Limit 3

Money Maker!!
Buy 2 Sure Antiperspirants $2.79 each Limit 3 This means you can get a total of 6 free deodorants if you have 3 B1G1F couponsBuy 2 Sure Antiperspirants $5.58Use 1 B1G1F coupon Spend $2.79 plus tax if applicable or use ECB'S if you have some!
Get $3 ECB's back!
$.21 overage after coupon and ECB's

Great Deal!
Bic Soleil Single Razor + 4 Count Cartridge Limit 4 So you can buy 4 razors and 4 refills if you have 8 coupons (I did 3+3 with my 6 coupons)
Buy one Bic Soleil single Razor + one 4 ct Cartridges
Use two $4 off coupons (one for the Razor and one for the refill)
Get $5 ECB back
98 Cents after coupons and ECB's

****
ECB's =Extra Care Bucks

If you need a refresher or a course on CVS 101 you need to read an awesome blog by Money Saving Mom ~ She lays it all out ~ the in's and out's of how to effectively shop CVS (save money, get items free, and sometimes earn money) Click Here ------> CVS 101 by Money Saving Mom


Share your deals, your finds, and what you are saving by shopping at CVS or at any store. I want to hear from you all!!!

Hugs to you all,
~T

Free Slurpee's at 7 Eleven.......sluuuurrrp!

7 Eleven is giving out free slurpee's in honor of 7/11. Woohoo!!!! Freee Slurpee's!

Click here for participating store locations. Don't miss out!!!

Fry's Savings 7/9-7/15

For the Week of July 9th I will list the best deals at Fry's and Fry's Marketplace. This is for the Chandler/Phoenix valley, so verify that these prices are valid in your area.

Four Meals UNDER $10:

1)Rotisserie Chicken Meal $9.99

Includes~ 4 ct pkg of hawaiian rolls, and 2 sides (coleslaw, mashed potatoes & gravy, corn on cob, or potato wedges) Bonus **One free 2 liter of Pepsi free with each dinner

2)Lasagna Dinner $9.48

Stouffer's Lasagna (38 oz) $5.99

Dole caesar salad kit $2.50

Fresh Garlic Bread $.99

3)Taco Fiesta $9.82

Super lean ground beef $1.97/lb (sold in 2 lb chub)

Kroger shredded mexican cheese $2.99
Kroger taco seasoning $.50

Kroger taco shells $1

Dole shredded lettuce (10 oz bag) $1.29

On the vine tomatoes $.88/lb

Rosarita refried beans (16 oz) $1.19

4)Beef stroganoff Dinner $8.93

Hamburger helper $1.50

Super Lean ground beef (sold in 2 lb chub) $1.97/lb

Kroger Vegetables (frozen) $.97

Pillsbury Grands! $1.99

Fry's butter (16 oz) $2.50

Produce:
Organic cantelope $.59/lb

Walla Walla Sweet Onions 10 lbs/$10

Green Peppers 10/$10

Broccoli or cauliflower 10/$10

Hot House Gown On the Vine Tomatoes $.88/lb

California Hass Avocados $.88 ea.

Grocery:

Starkist Chunk light tuna 10 cans for $6

Del Monte Tomatoes or canned vegetables 4/$3

Jolly Time Popcorn 3/$5

General Mills Cereal (8.7-14 oz) $1.88

Dairy:
Sunny D 10/$10

Challenge Butter (16 oz) $2.88 savings of $1.41

Kroger brand Sour cream, cottage cheese, or dip 2/$5 regular price $3.49-$3.99

Kroger brand cheese (shredded or bar) $2.99 regular price $5.49-$5.99

Meats and Deli:

Hebrew National Hotdogs $2.99 regular price $5.49

Fresh Wild Alaska Sockeye Salmon fillet $7.99 regular price $14.99

Extra large shrimp $6.99 regular price $9.99

Kroger Cod Fillets $4.99 regular price $7.99

Southern Potato Salad 3/$5 regular price $1.99 each (these are usually never on sale)

USDA Choice Aged Boneless New York Strip Steak $6.99/lb regular price $11.99/lb

USDA Choice Angus NY Strip Steak $6.99/lb regular price $12.99

Frozen:

Hot Pockets (lean,hot, and subs) 3/$5

Household:

Tide Laundry Detergent 20-32 load $4.88

Fry's V.I.P Price $5.88

Buy 3, save....$3

Hope this helps you save some money on your shopping trip this week. If you have other sales or meal ideas to share, please share away! :)

Hugs~ Tonja

Our New Baby

Since I've lost my best friend, and I've been crying non stop...Michael was so sweet and found me a baby..a baby that won't grow, and leave me!!! LOL

Princess Tinkerbell has joined our family today~ she's a Teacup Chihuahua weight about 1 pound and she's 7 1/2 weeks old. She is the sweetest, loving baby ~

Just take a look at my baby!

What do you think?

The Next Step In Wedding Planning

Last weekend I was so blessed to have my two very best friends accept my request in them standing by my side, on the most important day of my life.
Michelle my very best friend who is like a sister, my protector my back bone, my support, my heart~ who has stood by me in all the good and bad, who has experienced important milestones in the past 4 years that most haven't been around to help em through.....will be my Maid of Honor. She is so beautiful inside and out~ She will be such an asset to my upcoming day in February. I just hope I am and can be what she is to me.
Lori ~ my newest closest friend who has been such a support in my ups and downs, who doesn't run when I'm haivng a bad day~ She is having a wedding only one month after me, and she is so wonderful, loving, and awesome that she is accepting my request to be my brides maid. She is such a wonderful, peaceful, loving, beautiful woman, who has made me a better person knowing her.
There is one more I really want to ask, but I have to say the fear is prevnting me from taking that next step...I don't want to jump the gun or assume things are better than she thinks they are......so ~ I'll be feeling things out for a bit to see if I should just stick with the two I have, or if I should listen to my heart and go for it...she would really complete the packag of me having my "fave's" up with me!!!! Ohhhh man, I don't know what to do! <----Scratch that bad writing.

*****I've seemed to have miscommunicated what my true feelings were here~ In the last paragraph, I was trying to share that there is one other friend that I think very highly of, and would be honored if she would stand with me on my wedding day. But I had one fear, that was preventing me from asking her. I was afraid she would say no, that she couldn't be a bridesmaid, because quite possibly she may not consider our friendship as strong as I do. I consider her a special friend, but I'm not sure she feels the same about me. I hope now that makes some sense....I really do need to learn to proof read so I don't hurt anyone with my miscommunication. ******

Woo Hoo!!!

Snack Time....Again

Look at how pretty that is...:D Now that Martie and I aren't eating meat any longer, I've been looking for creative, child friendly ways to introduce veggies to Martie.

Children like to graze throughout the day, including Martie.

After re-reading one of my favorite nutrtional books "The Family Nutrition Book" by Dr. Sears, I got the idea to try what he recommended (see above).

I ended up steaming the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots for about 7 minutes so they would be soft enough for her to enjoy. Then I gave her two choices to dip her healthy snacks in. You will see there are sugar snap peas, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, raisins, pretzels, organic banana cookies, salsa, and ranch dressing.

Earlier in the day (I didn't get a picture of this) I did a fruit tray. We did strawberries, kiwi, banana's, organic apples, cheese, and yogurt to dip them in. She gobbled this up with in an hour or so.

I'm super pumped to see how this goes ~ and to watch her enjoy eating healthy and having fun doing it.

What are some things you do to get your children to eat heathy? What healthy foods are your children eating on a daily basis?

~T

Rich Bride Poor Bride

If you are the last to know...I'm terribly sorry! The news....I've finally set a date to marry Michael. Almost 2 years ago Michael proposed to me at one of our favorite restaurants in Chandler. Yes, I said 2 years ago, LOL!! So finally I am taking time to plan this wedding....I have had a lot of the summer to do this~ but really have just begun.

First and foremost~ our date: Saturday February 28th, 2009

So now you ask, what does "Rich Bride Poor Bride" have to do with it? It's the book I'm reading through as I do my planning. I ran across it in the library, and it caught my attention especially since I've seen a few episodes on WEtv. ****(Make sure if check out my favorite books on the left, too.)****

So let me share what I'm currently working on (I've already set a budget in place...). I'm working on the Va-Va-Voom Your Venue...lol...where will hold my ceremony and my reception. Since the party is THE biggest part of my budget, and don't we all agree it should be? LOL! If we think back to all the weddings we have attended.....we go for what reason? TO PARTYYYYY!!!!!

If you are fortunate to attend my wedding (heheehe, of course your invited) you will enjoy a beautiful ceremony, a delicious dinner, and a night full of free drinks...and lots of dancing and partying!!! This is going to be the party of the year!

Some of the places I'm considering for my 'Venue' ~

Radisson in Chandler

Holiday Inn at Ocotillo

Sanctuary Golf Course

The above list is by far from complete...today I hope to find a few more within the budget, and then tomorrow we plan to go visit and narrow this list down.

I'm so excited to share the next level in our planning for the Cooper/Goldberg Wedding, the next blog I'll be sharing Michael & Tonja's Wedding Website...be sure to check back often for our details~ and don't forget to share your ideas and thoughts.

OHhhhhhh and if you couldn't tell ..our exciting wedding colors are Chocolate Brown and Pink!

Lawyer? That was before...Now, a "Cop, Mom"

For perhaps, 10 years I was told by my almost 16 year old (who by the way was just returned from the alien abduction, thank goodness!......ohh and he seems to be in the same shape as when they took him and left me with a strange child I've never met, nor raised) anyways...I was told "Mom, I want to be a Lawyer when I grow up." My response is, AWESOME.....that will cost a fortune, lets make sure your grades are high enough so you can earn scholorships and get grants. LOL but honestly I was thinking to myself ~ hey....that might mean my older child will perhaps want to pay some of my bills with his fat salary. hahahahahah....well my thoughts in my mind were deflated when I was informed this year~ "Mom, I want to be a Cop when I grow up."

Gasp?

You want to be a Cop? You want to put your self in harms way on a daily ....minute by minute basis......carry a weapon, and make your mother worry for the rest of her life? Oh dear God!?!

How does this happen? Well sure sure, it's the same field ...in a round about way, but a COP? Did I share my wishes of what I wanted to be way too many times (side note- I've always wanted to be a cop from the time I was 12....ahem, and then I had children-----lots of children)

Well this boy of mine, has his Mothers blessings and thumbs up~ ONLY IF HE GOES TO COLLEGE FIRST. That is the stipulation ~ must get Bacherlors in something.....substantial.

So no American University, George Washington University, or UCLA....it's ASU for this boy of mine. Well I guess one good thing out of all of this is, he will be within driving distance and he can bring his laundry home for Mother to wash each weekend. hahahaha!

I have some time to adjust to this thought: My first born...My AMR: COP!