[make: Meal Planning to the Rescue]

I have so much to blog about.  I have no time to blog ... 

So, why am I here?  Because life spins around and a crazy speed and if I don't meal-plan, my kids are liable to resort to crackers and tins of tuna ( ... mmm ... there's an idea) for dinner.  SO.  I have a friend who asked if I would start doing these again, and you know what - I was thankful for the reminder.

My hubby and I are both watching our weight right now - so that's a bit tricky.  The meals are more like "duo-meals" starches/carbs for the kiddies and protein and greens for us *cough* adults ... 

Monday:   dinner @ my parents

Tuesday:  cauliflower soup, salad, buns with melted cheese

Wednesday:  avocado, goat cheese, candied almond salad for potluck @friends for Halloween

Thursday: maple pork tenderloin, cous-cous, steamed broccoli with slivered almonds

Friday:  butter chicken (low-cal version), jasmine rice, salad

Saturday: dinner @friend's

Sunday: pizza @church

A pretty easy week, definitely not the norm for us being out for dinner ... and you know what?  All I did was go to my MAKE recipe site and chose things from there ... 

I love it when my hard work pays off and makes life easier.

Ok ... I'm off ... 

But before I do, a shameless plug for you to head over to my RedHanded Photography blog HERE ... *grin*.

Have a great one!

[organize: Spring Cleanup - The Process.]

SO.  A couple of days ago I ranted about how clutter makes my life a mess of chaotic yuckiness.  But toooooday *grin* ...  Oh yes, my friends ... I have been BUSY.

I have kept on task - doing a few small things every day.  And now that it's Wednesday I can SEE that so much has been done.  There's a lot more to do - but hey - I'm gettin' 'er done ... 

On Monday, the bathrooms were a mix between ridiculousness and easiness.  Some drawers were empty.  Some drawers had about 200 packages of buttons (you know, the kind merchants attach to a new shirt in case you lose one?).  Yup.  Ridiculousness.

But now, they are all cleaned and tidy ... la lala la lalalala la la laaaa....

Then, yesterday, I cleaned out Katia's clothes drawers.  That only took about 15 minutes ... and it was a bit tricky taking stuff out, while she kept trying to put it back in *wink*.  But I was able to move on from her 12month old shirts - which are way too short for her now.  So - small job, but worth it.

THEN.

Last night.

The mother of all mothers.

THE BASEMENT.

I started it right after dinner, while my hubby watched the hockey game with the kiddies.  And by the time we put the kids to bed and got down there together, I was OVERWHELMED.  My hubby, thank you Jesus, was brilliant.  Not many hubbys would help out - but he's the only one who know which junk went with what.  I was afraid to toss something, only to find out later that it belonged to something else.  SO.  We sorted, and chucked, and recycled ... it was INSANE.

The boys went downstairs this morning before school and they were SO excited!!!  Crazy - but there was so much space down there, that even if they dumped out the bins, all the broken bits and pieces and things that don't work - they're all gone.  It's a cinch to clean up!

WHOO HOO!!

Now.  Today I venture into the boys closets while Katia sleeps.  That shouldn't take too long.  Then, I'm hoping to clean Tias' aquarium (there's a floating fish - good indicator that I should clean it: TODAY).    Then - Josiah and I are going through ALL of his toy cars.  Last night, we chucked everything that was broken ... today, we start making piles of what to DONATE with what's left over.  None of this give-away-the-broken-stuff.  What we donate will be stuff that is extra, stuff the boys just don't need.  And there is also going to be a pile that is "going to grandma's house".  She could use some toys there, so instead of the boys worrying they'll never see something again - it'll just be having a vacation at their grandparent's place.  Less stuff here ... that's what I'm talkin' 'bout.

And as my hubby and I de-clutter our home, there is a sense of accomplishment around here.  My hubby was in such a good mood this morning, with a big "good morning, baby," and a kiss.  Nice!  He's been taking care of himself recently and we are both continuing to declutter our bodies, as well as our home.

SO.

Today I'm doing really, really well.

Tias was really sick yesterday - but slept most of the day, and by the afternoon was much, much better.  And he's off to school today.

I have an appointment tonight with a potential wedding client for my RedHanded Photography business.  Love first appointments.

I have a family photoshoot on Saturday morning ... and the weatherman is calling for sunshine *grin*!  Heading out to a place in the country for that one ... gonna be great!

We're having long-time friends over for supper on Saturday night, and I've been racking my brain to come up with the perfect menu to make it a special night ... I love menu planning.  

AND - I am so excited to be leading worship this Sunday night at the Recovery Service ... and usually the weeks that I lead are full of really hard stuff.  Not this week ... so far ... so good ;-).

Have a GREAT one!!

[organize: Spring Cleanup.]

Ok ... before I start ... I'm desperate for spring, thus the new header and spring-y feel for this blog.  At least I can create some "rain free" space on here - even though it's pouring rain outside.    AND - while I'm at it - let me wish you the merriest of Valentine's Day ... a day where we get to tell the people we love, that we love them can't be a bad thing *smile*.  Although, I think that holidays that segregate people and make some feel lonely are lame.  I'm not a huge fan of Valentine's day ... but I'll wish you a good one anyways *wink*.

Alright ... now.  On to what I wanted to write about ...

I hate chaos.

I mean .... HAAAAATE it.

For me, living in choas brings my brain to chaos.  I can always tell how my mind and insides are doing when I look at what my space around me.  Craziness inside = craziness outside.

Like, my van.  Oh I hate my van.  I do.  I want a jeep.  I've always wanted a jeep.  And now I'm too old to drive one without people going, "hey - that lady thinks she can drive a jeep.  Someone should tell her that she's not 18. Or 25.  Or 30."  *grin*

But that's another post all together.

Here's the thing ... my van gets messy.  MEH-SEE.  Kid's papers and toys and wrappers and coats and snacks and coins and and and ... makes me CRAZY.  So - every week, I clean it out.  Seriously.  And when it's clean, I am happy.  For those two minutes.

Same with my house ... I just finished cleaning out my mudroom/laundryroom and it's like I lost 10lbs.  I then cleaned out the coat closet and I felt like I lost another 10lbs.  So ... chaos and things not in their right place ... they have to go.

And - as  bonus - I find that when my house gets cluttered with junk, by body gets cluttered with junk.  When I deal with the crap and toss away/give away/ donate ... my house and body both lose weight.  At least that's what I've found ... 

So.  Bring ON the spring cleaning - even though I realistically know that things only stay clean and tidy for a short time *boo*.  Here's my list for this week.  It's not everything - but it's a start.

Monday:   all bathroom drawers and cupboards (bandaid wrappers, half-used-travel-sized containers, bobbypins ... you name it:  wiped out and gone.)

Tuesday:  Katia's clothes (it's time again ... bring out the next size, and donate the old one ...)

Wednesday:  tupperware cabinets, baking drawers (so.much.stuff.)

Thursday:  Mattias and Josiah's closets (it's amazing what decides to live in there ...)

Friday: the grand finale ... downstairs.  Toys.  Toys.  Toys.  We are making 3 piles:  home, grandparents and donate.  I am hoping to downsize what's down there by 50%.  It's CHAOS down there.  One million toy cars and three million race track pieces and five million building blocks and twenty-five million bits and pieces of broken junk.  GONE.

That's this week ... And I think I'll go around with a garbage bag or box and just randomly put things in it too to donate.  We have collected over the fall and winter ... and I'm going crazy.

Anyone else feel the same???   Hmmm ... maybe I'm the only one.   And I think that if my house loses 25lb, I could physically lose the last 7lbs that I need to.  Here's to hoping.

Have a great one!

[talk: SUPER Deal and Meal Plan]

Do you have a million photos that you need developing?? You know, like 350 images on every photo card ... and it's so overwhelming, you just store the cards - hoping to hear of some amazing deal with photo developing?

Well FRIENDS ... let me tell you the DEAL!!

I was on walmartphotocentre.ca looking for pricing for the Birth Announcements I'm needing to print out - and saw that on SEPTEMBER 9th Walmart is charging $9.99 for 99 -4x6 images!!! That's only 10cents an image ...

Did you get a teensy bit excited? Maybe just crack a smile?

Well ... I thought it was fantastic, and will be making sure to use Walmart for my announcements - and whatever else I can (photos for grandparents, photos for my photo frames ...) ...

Hope this is helpful!

... and ALMOST done the curtains for Josiah's room *blush* ... I know, I know ... said that a while back - but NOW I have the thread *wink*. That helps. Soooo ... "renovations 09" will be sporting some new pics soon ... stay tuned!! Plus, I have a bunch of new digiscrap pages that I'm wanting to put up ... and this week's mealplan? PHEWF!! Did that to! ...

Monday: at my in-laws (can I tell you how much I love not cooking on Mondays????)
Tuesday: at a birthday party (um. so - this is going to be an easy week ...)
Wednesday: BBQ Chicken, baked potatoes, veggies and dip
Thursday: Pork tenderloin, steamed rice, salad
Friday: Home-made pizzas

And hey. Have a good one *grin*.

[organize & talk: THANK YOU and Easy Local Dinners]

First off ... I have been literally OVERWHELMED by the wonderful response I've received about my new website and business: www.redhandedphotography.com . So THANK YOU to you all. It was a much scarier thing than I thought, putting myself out there - with a price tag to-boot. And I'm NOT hoping to be everyone's photographer *smile*. Many of you have a love for photography yourselves, or have someone who already does your photos. Please, please - don't ever think that I would be offended by NOT being your official photography *grin*. I'm sure there's enough business out there for all of us! I already have a number of events lined up now, and am really excited about a new creative outlet.

NOW - onto my exciting find today, and I tell you this whilst eating the YUMMIEST cheese and broccoli soup. And this is all thanks to my friend, CW. I was muttering to her today about that lack of cooking I've been doing while my husband's been away - that I haven't been eating healthy and how hard it is to cook for one adult and 2 wee ones.

She told me about a place in our neighbourhood called "FRESH GOURMET TAKEAWAY." So, I went while my eldest was in preschool and found it to be the GREATEST place!! There was a place where kids could colour while I looked around - LOVED that. And what they do, is they prepare a set menu (of about 15 entrees) each month, and they're made FRESH. Here's a couple of the entrees for February: Citrus Marinated Tuna Steaks, Almond Chicken, Chicken Mama Mia ... just to name a few. They come in large ziplock bags, made FRESH and you cook them at home. No preservatives. Essentially, they just do the grocery shopping and preparing for you.

But what I REALLY loved, was the fresh "t.v." dinners they had in their freezer. These are dinners for one with SO many choices ... freshly frozen, to simply be reheated. Today I bought "roasted Turkey with cranberry stuffing and fresh veges" and "Orange Marmalade Chicken with basmati rice and veges". These will be PERFECT for those nights that Lu's out and the boys are happy with fresh veges and dip with a tuna sandwich.

The "t.v." dinners were $7.95 each.

SO - if you live in my neck-of-the-woods, I SO recommend this place!! It certainly won't replace my own home-cooking, but for those nights when I'm like, "WHAT???" - I now know where I can go to get a HEALTHY choice for my family.

Isn't this GREAT??

[organize: Gotta Plan to Make It Work]

*blush*

I'm here? Are you? So sorry that I haven't been posting anything as of late ... and would you believe that I've been on the computer MORE in the last 2 weeks than ever before?? "Project 101" is almost done ... can't WAIT to share it with you. But, alas, you'll have to wait until it's completed ... although, I AM tempted ...

So, I was sitting here eating leftover Chicken & Vegetable soup and a glass of yummy cranberry (and half water *grin*) juice and I thought, "HEY! I haven't posted a menu plan!" And maybe it's not overly helpful for you, but it sure helps ME a lot. Is that selfish??

MONDAY: at in-laws
TUESDAY: Chicken & Vegetable soup, garlic bread (courtesy of my hubby)
WEDNESDAY: Marinated Flank Steak, scalloped potatoes, green beans
THURSDAY: Whole Wheat Fettuccine with Rosa Sauce, salad
FRIDAY: hoping to go out ...

Why am I hoping to go out on Friday? Because my hubby is leaving Saturday morning to Phoenix with 4 of his friends for four nights. They're off on a "Golf/Sporting Events" weekend ... it's out-of-control. Every day/night there's either a golf game, hockey game, basketball game ... or how 'bout this? The SUPERBOWL is happening that weekend IN Phoenix!

I'm glad to stay at home and have the remote to myself *grin* and I'm wondering how tired he'll be when he returns ...

[organize & make: Meal Planning & Teriyaki Chicken]

Ok ... so - it's back to normal around here ... except that nothing is EVER normal. If we had a week that every single day was reliable, I would die of a coronary. Seriously.

We always go to my in-laws on Monday nights ... but that didn't happen and I didn't find out until late morning - which meant I didn't have time to grocery shop and plan. UGH. So it was pizza last night - and my 2 year old sobbed and sobbed ... all he wanted was grapes. Oh brother.

And on Thursday my hubby gets his wisdom teeth taken out, so today I purchased pudding and jello mixes, sorbet, vanilla ice cream and Popsicles. I'm a tad worried about Friday. He's a man ... he could become pathetic *grin*. He said to me last night, "Imagine knowing that in a few days you're going to be in pain." Um. Dude. I've given birth ... YOU imagine being a ticking time bomb waiting for the most unbearable pain you could ever imagine. Don't mess with me *wink*.

But I got it together and dinner is in the oven on low heat, cooking for 2.5 hours ... smells YUMMY already.

That leads me to this week's menu plan. A WEIRD menu plan.

Monday - not even worth mentioning.
Tuesday - roast beef, oven roasted yams, potatoes, red peppers, carrots & onions. Multigrain baguette & salad with tomatoes.
Wednesday - Whole grain fresh fettuccine, red tomato sauce, veggies & dip.
Thursday - Teriyaki Chicken (recipe to follow), brown rice, steamed broccoli.
Friday - Chicken & Spinach lasagna (pre-bought), salad.
Saturday - Ham & Pineapple pizza ... if we're home.

Hope this post finds you and your home in peace.

OH! And the recipe ... I'm not sure where I got this from but I usually use it when I make fried rice with egg and such, so I dice the chicken rather than use the breasts ... it's super yummy - and EXTREMELY hot (heat hot, not spicy hot). So be careful ... and enjoy!

Teriyaki Chicken (for 2 chicken breasts)

2 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp ginger (fresh - I keep mine frozen in a ziplock for easy use)
5 tsp honey
1 tbsp cooking sherry (or the real stuff *wink*)
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced (or pressed ... )

Directions:

- mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Set aside.
- in a non-stick frying pan, cook chicken (diced or breasts) until half cooked.
- pour half of the mixture over chicken and continue cooking. Keep adding sauce until all the sauce is used and becomes evaporated and sticky. Or, if you prefer, reserve some sauce to pour over - but I find that the chicken is adequately coated and extra sauce isn't necessary.

Enjoy! Let me know if you tried it ... would love to hear from you!

[talk: Sigh. I Feel It Coming.]

It did it again.

The Christmas Cactus bloomed ... how does it know?? I mean, it's not like my house temperature drops to freezing levels and lets the little plant know that it's winter time. But it's a smart creation and it bloomed the most incredible blossoms this year. The stems were heavy with pink flowers.

And my heart grew heavy as well - as I braced myself for the anniversary of our loss of Shalom. It's been three years - can you believe it? And yet, as December 17th creeps up on my calendar, it all begins to replay in my mind. Everything tweaks a memory ... setting up the Christmas tree, the first snowfall, the Christmas Production at church. And it's not like I feel the need to stay in bed for a week and sob until there's nothing left - no, that's not it at all. But there are moments - just a few - where I ache to hold my little girl.

I'm certain every woman, or man for that matter, who has lost a child knows exactly what I mean. Regardless of the length of gestation - a child is a child. And I would guess that most women remember the day they lost their child and as that date approaches, their arms begin to ache too.

We're still really not sure if we'll have more children. *smile* Things are getting easier around here with 2 growing boys. The thought of going to a newborn - well - some moments it seems like the GREATest thing, and the next, I feel selfish as I start to see a bit of freedom and opportunities for me on the horizon. But ultimately, He's in control - um, that would be God *grin* - and we want His will to be done, not ours. So we shall see ...

So - that's where I've been lately. Don't get me wrong - life has been GOOD *smile*. I love the Christmas season, despite its little reminders. I'm a big fan a tradition, and the annual events bring normalcy to me. And we've been spending so much time with family, old friends, making new friends ... we are blessed.

And on Wednesday, we will go see the Christmas lights. Shoot. My eyes welled as I wrote that. *moment*. Ok. I'm good. *smile*. We'll get hot chocolate and walk to see the lights in a nearby neighbourhood. Apparently, it's going to snow - so I hope that it all works out. Because, that's what we do on Shalom Hope's day.

Then we're going to my bro & sis-in-law's for my mom's birthday dinner. Her bday is December 16th.

Ok - enough of all that ... it's Monday - and that's when I post my weekly meal plan. Here's what I've planned for this week:

Monday - at my in-laws

Tuesday - roast beef, baked yams, green beans

Wednesday - at my sis-in-laws

Thursday - Chicken Hurrey, brown rice, brocolli w/cheese

Friday - Smart Chilli, homemade crusty bread, veges and dip.

Saturday - out for dinner.

And for you, dear friends, I wish you Peace for today and Hope for tomorrow. Just as our little one's name reminds us.

[organize & make: Tiger Butter & Meal Planning]

First off - life has been good around here. We've been purging the boy's toys into "donate" and "throw away" - which makes me SO happy. Too much clutter makes me go crazy. Tomorrow I'm going out with some friends from Elementary school *crAZy* and am looking forward to a night out ... my husband is playing hockey 4 times this week - so don't feel bad for him *grin*. And yesterday, I lead worship at our church and I haven't done that since August, with all of our traveling messing that up. It was so wonderful to be apart of it all and I'm feeling recharged and ready-to-go.

OOOooo ... so, I thought that if I was accountable to all of YOU for getting my meal planning done - I'd have a little added pressure for making sure my meals had a bit of thought put into it. I did this last night, and did the grocery shop while Tias was in preschool today. And tonight's dinner is so easy - I won't have to worry about it until 5pm ... whoo hoo!! Now, to just fold the laundry that's beeping. *sigh*.

Monday: Paninis with prosciutto, mozzarella & roma tomatoes. Veggies & dip.

Tuesday: Whole Grain fettuccine w/rosa sauce and salad.

Wednesday: Pureed Cayenne Corn & Bacon Chowder with buttermilk biscuits

Thursday: Chicken fried rice w/ brown rice, eggs, red peppers & peas.

Friday: Tacos for the boys - taco salad for the grown ups *grin*.

Saturday: goin' out ... yay!

And people seemed to like having baking recipe ideas - so here's another standard one in our home. It comes from the "Best of Bridge" series of cook books.

Tiger Butter

1 lb white chocolate (I use the bulk wafers ...)

3/4 cup smooth peanut butter

2 oz dark chocolate

Directions:

- Melt white chocolate and peanut butter on low heat (or double boiler) until smooth.

- Pour onto cookie sheet LINED with wax paper.

- Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the white chocolate/peanut butter mixture. Swirl with a knife to get the "marbled" effect.

- Refrigerate to set. Break into pieces. Freezes well (if you can keep it in your house long enough).

On a little side note - I never measure anything in this recipe *grin*. I put as much white chocolate as I have; I guess-ti-mate the peanut butter ... and I use milk chocolate wafers instead of dark chocolate. In other words, this recipe is FOOL proof. I'll be making some this afternoon - then peeling my sons off the walls from their sugar overload while helping me *grin*.

AND - would you like a couple of "alternatives" to the peanut butter? I've used Nutella before *yum*. OR you could just melt the white chocolate, and pour in some rice crispy cereal (not too much ... just enough for some crunch - say 1 cup) and some chopped dried cranberries and cashews. That idea was from a friend's mom ... Or you could melt the white chocolate and pour in crushed candy canes. THAT one is my favourite ... ooo. LOVE peppermint.

Peppermint lattes. Peppermint gum. Peppermint candy canes. I've even owned peppermint perfume before *grin*. (going on a tangent here ... are you sensing that??)

I opted to not buy the Candy Cane Ice Cream in the store today ... it's my favourite. I'd eat the whole thing if it was in my house *grin* and I'm not prepared to run the 10 miles per day I'd need to, to keep up the habit. And who are we kidding? I have candy canes in the house. I have vanilla ice cream (splenda, double churned, just to make me feel better about it). You do the math *wink*.

Enough already. Go make some and let me know if you liked it *grin*.

Have a GREAT day.

[organize: Meal Planning]

I'm living proof that meal planning works.

If I don't know what I'm making for dinner by the time breakfast is over, I'm usually scrambling at 4pm DESPERATE to figure out what's going on the table. For me, meal planning isn't about coming up with ideas, but rather having the INGREDIENTS in the house. SO many times I have thought "oh, I'll make 'that'" only to discover I'm missing 3 key ingredients and then PANIC comes.

I have a little wipe-able calendar on the side of our fridge. On Saturday *works best for me, as I usually shop Sunday afternoons if I can* I take it off the fridge, scan the past couple of weeks for ideas, talk to the hubby about nights out or whatever, and then plan for the week ahead.

Since I've come back from the cruise, this has NOT happened and I've felt like a chicken with my head cut of ... wandering aimlessly around the kitchen. So, today *although it's Monday*, I have planned for the week and am feeling SO good about knowing what the plan is. Usually Monday nights are with the in-laws, but they're away so we're at home. And we usually plan to be with my parents as well sometime during the week ... maybe

This week?

Monday: Bacon Fritata with chopped veggie salad
Tuesday: Baked Sour Cream Chicken with steamed brown rice & peas.
Wednesday: Roasted Red Pepper Soup and chedder biscuits
Thursday: Homemade Chicken Fingers with egg noodles in Cheese sauce (not canned), veggies & dip.
Friday: **company coming over** Pork Tenderloin, roasted potatoes, onions, carrots & yams, salad
Saturday: Pizza

Now ... off to put away all of the baking supplies I bought today. I have a few "standards" that I like to make. And then tonight, another Digi Scrap class while the hubby plays hockey. HOPEFULLY it won't be too late of a night ... I'm hoping to get some of my OWN digiscrapping done. It's been waaaaaaaay too long.

*sigh*.

[digiscrapping: Some pages, some banter ...]

Wellllll ... it's been a few days - and I have a million "posts" going through my head. Don't you find that??? It's like "ooooh - THAT would be a good thing to blog about." Or no. Wait. "THAT's a good thing to blog about." And it goes on and on. To the point where I don't blog because I can't decide what to say. *laughing*. Such a geek, I know.

So - a few thoughts ...

1. I had a few fantastic couples over for dinner on Sunday night - so much fun, such great people. I LOVE to cook and so I prepared french onion soup for the starter, bacon Alfredo fettuccine for the second course, and grilled chicken with roasted yams & potatoes with stir fried peppers & zucchini in Marsala. For dessert - as requested by my hubby - Lemon Pavlova. So. See? I love to cook ... and one of my lovely guests laughed as she said that she wasn't sure if she could have us over for supper b/c she wouldn't do what I did. Hmmm. I've never thought of that before ... See, I just get into this "zone" of loving the smells and flavours and planning. I love writing out the menu and grocery shopping for yummy ingredients ... I love setting the table and all the small details as well as large. So - I started wondering if that's why we rarely get invited over to anyone's house for dinner?? (ok - that's a little embarrassing to admit too *blush*) Maybe not, but if so - that would break my heart. Seriously. I do what I do because I love to do it - not to make anyone feel ANYTHING but the love I put into it. So - if you've come over, and it's made you feel "whatever" - please don't. I love love love love love to do it. And if I do it for you - it means I love YOU too.

2. Oprah's show yesterday: I don't always watch her - she drives me a tad crazy. But I like the decorating or whatever - I tape them and either discard them or watch them when the hubby's playing hockey late at night. So, I watched the first 60 seconds or so and got so sick to my stomach - I halted the PVR and decided today (after chatting to a friend about it) to delete it. I don't like to be ignorant - but putting images in my head of children being ... ugh. I just can't take it. Lord, protect our children and HEAL the minds of those who dream up these intolerable evils.

3. Big Brother: I'm cheering for Dan. End of story.

4. Lampe Berger: I bought one of these the other day. It burns a scented alcohol rather than an oil - and it DISINFECTS the air ... the one I got cleans 150sq ft in 20 minutes. I was told that this is how hospitals used to sterilize rooms at the turn of the century. Sure, our technology is far better now, but sometimes - the basics is good enough for me. So the lampe has toured our home, first our bedrooms and then the main living space - and the way the AIR FEELS afterwards is really fantastic. I bought a "starter" kit for $40.00 including lamp, wick and fuel. Love it, love it, love it.

3. Digiscrapping: I created my first "word art" and wanted to post it .. haven't figured out how to save the image with a transparent background once it's a jpeg (as apposed to a psd file). When I save the image, there's a white background & it's unusable for digiscrapping. Also - don't know how to set it up on my site so friends can dowload "freebies". SO... anyone know? Anyone?? Help! I'm passionate, still ... and here are a few pages of late.

click image to enlarge

[organize: Tidy Equals Calm]

As I get my body back into order, I find that my sense of calmness has overflowed into other parts of my life. When I'm happy with myself, it seems that my home is in better order, my purse organized, my car cleaned, my lists - done. And when I'm not happy with myself, things get cluttered, messy, disorganized and basically - well - chaos. Now, those who know me would maybe say that my home isn't completely chaotic - but I know where I've "stuffed" things, rather than putting them in their rightful place. Or I know how long it's been since I wiped down the cupboards. Or when the last time was that I emptied out the fridge. Or what's behind the door in our "junkroom" that nobody sees *GRIN*.

So - I'm happy. Feeling good about myself, and the state that our home is in. I've taken a few photos of little projects that I've completed. I bought 2 new glass vases from Costco and set them up beside my hutch and LOVE how it looks ... along with organizing all of my cookbooks in baskets underneath. I've FINALLY bought the frames from Jysk to put Mattias' art in and hang in his room, and the newspaper clipping from Josiah's "NEW YEARS BABY" birth, which will hang in his room. They will be hung tonight *grin*. And the rest is just moving things around, cleaning up the space with less clutter ...

And that junkroom is not so junky anymore. YAY!

Tonight when the boys are in bed, we'll light the candles, get cozy on the couch, watch SYTYCD and enjoy the calm. That is the GREATEST feeling for me.

[Organizing: The "To Do" List]

I like lists. They make some people go mental, but for me - they give me a sense of completion, of accomplishment. But it's frustrating when you take something off your list, only to have it added on the next day. But that's how it goes for us SAHM's. Our office is our home ... we start work the INSTANT we open our eyes. Making beds, tidying the bathroom, getting the kids clothes ready for the day ... And that's before we even walk down the stairs. Then, for me, it's a "OK - what needs to be done and what CAN I get done?"

I try to be efficient with everything I do. I don't go up the stairs unless I have enough stuff to put away. I go to the bank on the way home from Costco, because it's on that side of the road. And I'm learning that I it's a waste of time to tidy up the house 10 times throughout the day. I mean, the boys are taught to put their toys away when they're finished with them and before they start a new activity - but the "stuff" that accumulates gets cleaned up 3 times now. Once before lunch, once before my husband comes home from work, and once before bed.

I have found this type of scheduling to be very helpful:

Sundays: church, Costco grocery shop, clean out fridge
Monday: laundry, healthy baking (snacks for the week), dinner at in-laws
Tuesday: change all sheets,fruit/veggie grocery shop
Wednesday: mall-day (playground for boys, Walmart supplies for me)
Thursday: vacuum main, dust main, library with boys
Friday: vacuum stairs & upstairs, any appointments (ie haircuts, dr. appt etc...)
Saturday: all bathrooms and bedrooms

Of course, there are exceptions to everyday. And obviously, there is more to be done in the day than just those things ... play dates, dinner preparing, family walks to the park ... but you get the idea.

Today's list:

*changed the sheets last Thursday and we were away for the weekend*
make snack for morning at the lake w/boys
banking
HH12 gifts (a girl's group I'm in ...)
Tias' preschool "family day" at the lake
pick up a few groceries
make dessert to tonight's HH12
input banking onto my computer
Pilate's workout
dust main floor
make dinner
bathe boys
put boys to bed
HH12 group

It's a pretty average day. Hope the sun comes out for the lake!!