You don’t have to spend too much time with me (or reading this blog) to realize that I love making lists and planning. Naturally, this extends to meal planning. In recent weeks, I’ve been questioning if my menu planning approach is still the best for my family. Is there a more efficient way? Is there a way I can focus more on keeping … [Read more...] about 7 Different Ways to Plan Meals
10 Money Wasters at the Grocery Store
A couple of weeks ago we considered a number of cheap and nutritious foods that are great purchases for those of us who are pinching pennies. In contrast to these foods, there are a number of grocery items—including many with relatively low prices—that are wastes of money. Let’s consider these and their budget-friendly … [Read more...] about 10 Money Wasters at the Grocery Store
Finding Time for Friendship
A couple of weeks ago I was visiting with some friends about how busy life seems. We all agreed that when we were single and first married, we thought we were busy (and, to be fair, we did have many important things that occupied our time). However, now that we’re in the trenches of parenthood, we can’t believe that we felt so busy back then! … [Read more...] about Finding Time for Friendship
It’s Easy to Win When You’re the Only One Running the Race
My two-year-old sort of understands the idea of a race. She’ll zoom down the hall and around the living room before extending her hands and happily declaring, “I won!” She understands that one is supposed to run as quickly as he or she can, but she clearly doesn’t understand the concept of competition. She doesn’t understand that it is … [Read more...] about It’s Easy to Win When You’re the Only One Running the Race
Dear Mom, I Didn’t Really Understand
Dear Mom, On occasion I hear you make self-deprecating comments about your abilities as a mom (e.g., “I know I wasn’t that great of a mom,” “She’s the mom I wish I could have been,” “I could have done so much better”). Before I became a mom, I brushed off these comments because I didn’t really understand their inaccuracy. Before I … [Read more...] about Dear Mom, I Didn’t Really Understand
7 Reasons to Choose Raised Beds for Your Garden
There are numerous approaches you can use when growing fruits and vegetables. We use raised garden beds in our yard, and we’ve found this to be a wonderful approach. There is not necessarily one best way to garden; what’s best will depend on your specific situation. However, if you are thinking about starting a garden in your yard, then … [Read more...] about 7 Reasons to Choose Raised Beds for Your Garden
Easy Handprint Bouquet Craft for Young Kids
I recently came across the idea of using a child’s handprint to make “flowers” for a bouquet. This seemed both cute and simple, so I decided to help my daughters make a variation of it to send to their grandmothers for Mother’s Day. Here’s how we made each bouquet. Supplies Construction paper in various colors Crayons and … [Read more...] about Easy Handprint Bouquet Craft for Young Kids
Manners and Common Courtesies Toddlers Should Learn
A few days ago my toddler coughed and I realized that she made no effort to cover her mouth. This may not be unusual for a toddler, but it really stood out to this mama who was a nurse and public health professional before stepping out of the workplace to be a stay-at-home mom. I can’t believe I failed to teach her this simple … [Read more...] about Manners and Common Courtesies Toddlers Should Learn
