Meal Plan Monday-Envelope budget week 1

Well, I didn't make it to the store (yet), must be the weather but the girls (and I don't just mean my two, I mean our two ballet buddies and their younger sibilings) all suffered from a serious case of Meltdown Monday, that means that until nap is done...we WON'T be venturing out in public again for fear of bodily harm or loss of sanity...or both...Meltdown Monday is a SERIOUS ailment. But, when I do, I hope to show you all how I'm doing on my "envelope budget". I'm going to do weekly amounts for groceries...so this week it's  $100. Luckily, we have almost all our meals in our freezer/pantry and will hopefully roll some money over or throw it into savings! I'm also going to plan out lunches for once...because Ryan is taking his lunch and I've fallen into the "pregnancy trap" of being hungry and seeing a commercial  which makes me hungry for fastfood way tooo often!

So here is our Meal Plan Monday

Monday-            Ate Lunch out with our Ballet Buddies- $9.00
                         Lamb and Asparagus with a risotto for the adults/Pizza for the kiddos ( In the interest of being honest, this was written before I actually went to the grocery store and the girls ended up eating Ice Cream, Cheese Strings, Chicken strips, and a bannana because they did an EXCEPTIONAL job at the store despite it being REALLY late and I didn't feel like cooking. Ryan and I ate leftovers from his breakfast that he provided for his flight this morning).

Tuesday-       Eating breakfast out (we are going to be at the car dealership for maintenence and recall stuff ALL DAY)
                      Sandwiches/Lunchables for Lunch...hopefully at home, but may also be at the dealership
                      Ryan will have leftover lamb   sandwich?
                     Crockpot Meal for Dinner- Confetti Chicken over Rice (thank you MOPS)
(four frozen chicken breast, jar of salsa, can of black beans, can of corn, and 8 oz cream cheese....put the first four ingredients in the crockpot for four hours on high. 30 mins prior to serving plop on the cream cheese! Serve over rice!)

Wednesday-
                     Lunch at the Daycare, I have a meeting, Ryan has Leftovers
                     Dinner at a Friends for St Patty's Day, making some yummy chocolate cupcakes!
Thursday-    
                     Sandwiches For All
                     Lamb
Friday-     
                    Hot Dogs and sweet potato fries
                    Tilapia and Rice
Saturday-
                    Leftover Beans from the Freezer in Bean tacos/burritos
                    Breakfast for dinner (biscuits, sausage, gravey, pancakes, fruit, yogurt)
Sunday-       Shrimp Pasta/something (it was a great deal 1 lb for $4.95)
                    Date night for dinner (free...won a gift card!) Friends will babysit and feed youngun's

Just got back from the store and from the Grocery Budget I spent...$100.28
BUT- From that I have Bacon/OJ/Bread/Chicken breast/Salad/Cheese/Eggs/Cereal for next week...all of which are staples in our home, bought weekly/bi-weekly. I also spent $12 on a large thing of trashbags...which shouldn't count as groceries, but I'm letting it!
And here is what we have for next week's Grocery budget! $99.72


                  

Gratitude update

So, I recently did a post on our new house rules for gratitude...and how we were having issues with Kaelyn focusing on the negative and not paying attention to the positive (not all the time, but often enough that I can forsee a habit forming)....well, can I just say that two of our rules have already started to set in. And I am so excited...because I want her to find more in life and  gratitude is the way!

This morning, there was a recent attack of ungratefulness from the backseat (is it just me, or does this ALWAYS happen in the car?? this and fighting over something between siblings) and it all revolved around a desire to go swimming even though
1. she lost her swimsuit
2. the new one had to be returned because it was the wrong size
3. it wasn't swim day
4. did I mention she doesn't even HAVE a swimsuit??? or the fact that we were on our way to Dance lessons, ChicFila, Playdate with friends, and Shopping (which is actually something she REALLY enjoys)...while already having had breakfast with Dad at work (a BIG DEAL!).

So, shortly after the complaining has slowed down, and I had explained to her why her sister had a swimsuit and she didn't (hello, you didn't NEED one, I bought you one, it didn't fit and then you LOST your original one!) we started to talk about the positives....and can I say that she came up with some really GREAT things to be thankful for!

"Kaelyn, I know you want to swim, but today isn't swim day, it's dance day. I'm sorry, but you have to wait until Friday. Now, lets focus on the things we can be thankful for instead of the things we can't change...what are you thankful for"

"My friends, getting to go swimming later, getting to go places, pretty eggs (this goes back to our original ungratefulness episode), dance class"

"Now, because you are mad at me about not taking you swimming, what do I do that makes your thankful" (and possibly because I'm feeling VERY underappreciated by said child)

"You take me places, you love me and Anna and new baby, you let me look at pretty things (those silly Easter eggs), and you let me nap with you in the afternoons so I won' t be afraid (that one made me tear up)."

I think she's starting to get it...and I love how nothing she said had ANYTHING to do with me buying her stuff, or toys, it was all experiences.

We have a LONG way to go, but I think we've got a good start here!

I've also started to take the time to thank Kaelyn for the little things she has started doing...and I even tricked her today by using the "full name treatment" to give her her praise. I'm going to start listing out all the positive things she does on a board for her to see at the end of the day! Times when I'm really grateful for her help/obedience/willingness
-put on her jacket and shoes without being prompted at Chicfila
-helped clean up dance studios toys without being prompted
-helped her sister on numerous occasions
-helped Anna get in the tunnels at the playplace
-used her manners to ask for things

 I also know it's crazy to think that I'll stop my child from complaining, or that what she is doing is unusual, I know that it's not, and I know that some of it is to be expected which is why I'm not taking away her ability to complain. However I think, at least for our family and our lifestyle, it's vitally important that I equip my children with this lifeskill, one where they can vent about something they can't change and THEN find a way to fix it or get over it by focusing on all the good there is. My girls are constantly going to have things changed, people missing from major events (Daddy and Grandparents) due to our nomadic lifestyle, so I feel like the best thing I can give them is an optimistic outlook where they can pout for awhile about the bad but find a way to make it good or just focus on all the good things that they do have.

Preschool Corner-Bike Rides, Dollar Tree finds and life!

This weeks Preschool Corner is a bit lacking on the school work due to the fact that we've taken full advantage of our brief "spring-like" weather! Now we are enduring monsoon like Rain!

Monday-Dance and Playdate!

Tuesday-  MOPS, followed by nap and then we did a LOT of this! I think the girls and I ended up walking/biking/pushing two miles this week! Kaelyn is doing a GREAT job "starting" and "stopping" herself. We spent both afternoons lapping our block and talking about our address and the rules of the road. Anna spent the afternoons labeling things "Bird", "plane", "rock", "tree", "ruff ruff dog", "vroom". I think we all really enjoyed this relief from snow...but now it's raining!

Wednesday-                         

I was entertained by some really awesome renditions of Flash Dance... and some great Tapping from Anna!

We also went on another VERY long walk/ride!

Thursday- Mall Play Date where we made bunny ears, listened to stories and danced until the point that attitudes flaired, which has led to the new rules regarding Gratitude in our house. How do you guys teach gratitude? I'm thinking a lapbook or character building book is in order.

We did manage to tackle a few workboxes throughout the week. Kaelyn worked on some word search puzzles, "find the picture" puzzles, this sheet where she had to spell out her "sight words" using magnets.  She also did a few worksheets at her own prompting (she LOVES those workboxes and will pull them out when she is bored or wants to do some school work). She did a GREAT job on this worksheet about what doesn't belong (A row of  cowboy hat, tobogan, baseball cap and sunglasses), matching letters, writing letters as well as her name. We also wrote the letter D page.

Anna spent the morning playing in the leftover magnets...labeling colors and saying random letters "A" while holding up a Q or "o" and pointing at the "L". Anna also loves mimicing Kaelyn, so when Kaelyn is spelling things out or sounding them out Anna is doing it right along with her!

Friday- Swim Lessons/Sports lessons, Nap, then Errands

Which brings me to my latest Dollar Tree Finds! I could have seriously spent 20 bucks at that store...but I held back. I swear it was hard! The had some GREAT drawer organizers...but I put them back when I found these next two things that the girls spent the evening playing with (along with their $1 baby dolls with bottles where the fluid disappears)

LACING BEADS!

I have been searching for the Bear Lacing Beads (found them at Staples originally) that Kaelyn had, but I've only got about 7 left, and Anna loves to play with them! I honestly think those bear beads TAUGHT Kaelyn her colors and numbers! These Beads are LARGE and don't pose a choking hazard (IMO), unlike the little bears that I still choose to watch Anna with. 12 beads in a package plus two strings!The girls were tired of lacing them in this picture and started to use them to build things with!

Read Along Bible Story Books!

This is the book plus the CD. The girls spent the evening in the basement/toy room listening to Jonah and the Whale (although Kaelyn could have easily followed along in the book, but was busy playing and listening because she often commented on how Jonah should have listened to God). They really enjoyed it and it allowed me to feel like they were getting something out of their time while I hustled around picking up from the day. In addition to the story on audio and printed in the book, it also has 10 Bible songs, coloring pages that can be printed or colored while you listen to the bible songs, and if you use the CD in your computer, it's an interactive storybook (I wish the words that were being said were highlighted, but alas it only cost a $1). Can I just say that I think this is a STEAL! I've been SEARCHING for read along books (and will continue to search or eventually make my own) but I feel like I walked away with a lot for my $1. BTW My dollar tree had Jonah and The Whale, Noah's Ark and Samson and Delilah (sp?).

Anna is clearly teething as she listens/eats the computer playing the story!

Teaching Gratitude

My three year old has totally lost her ability for gratitude...I don't know if it's my own inconsistancy or my own lack of patience that has led her to these poor habits, but something must change. Here is what I've been hearing...frequently.

After a trip to the mall where they host this amazing playdate event (complete with crafts, music, snack all for the price of FREE), and I provided Kaelyn with a pretezel, a trip to EVERY fountain, extended her stay even though Anna was desperate for sleep, and let her look at the Easter Bunny display TWICE despite it being on the way out, I refused to let her "break into" the display to see where THE bunny sat...I evidently set off one of her "negativity" moods. I spent the next thirty minutes on the drive home listening to Kaelyn complain how I made her and Anna mad, didn't listen to them, didn't let her do this, didn't do that, ONLY let her look at the display twice...which isn't a lot, just so you know...and you now get the idea...except magnify it and extend it for THIRTY WHOLE MINUTES. Needless to say, by the time the garage door went up my patience disappeared...and I started to lecture...about how lucky she is to have food/toys/a mom who can take her to cool things/etc and how this complaining made her sound like an ungrateful brat. Yep, I said it, and No, I'm not proud of it...but 30 mins!

So, in an attempt to combat this behavior...which I REFUSE to let her develop...I'm starting a few rules...and if you have ANY suggestions please let me know them!

~ You can complain about an event/situation once...just once. Then we will find 3 positives together.

~ At bedtime and a meals we will all say one thing that we are thankful for (we tried it tonight and it spiralled into Kaelyn talking about how mad she was with mom, baby steps people).

~ We might end up making a list of things that she doesn't like and list the things we are thankful for to SHOW her.

~In addition, we are going to start saying THANK YOU for little things, the things you wouldn't normally expect thanks for.

How do you teach gratitude?

I WON---And I need YOUR help!

Yep! That's right, in case you don't remember, I participated in I'm an Organizing Junkie's 28 Day Challenge for Small spaces and ended up with a GORGEOUS and FUNctional Laundry! Even better news is that I won (third prize)! So first off, let me thank Organizing Junkie, List Plan it and OrganizeitMom!

Now, on to my prizes...
One of my prizes is a free year long membership to List Plan It! I'll let you know how that site is once I go exploring! (Thank you listplanit!)

My other prize is to go to this great little online store called OrganizeItMom and pick out $30.00 worth of items...which is a lot given the fact that her products are
 1. Reuseable
 2. Reasonable Prices/Affordable
 3. FUNctional on a daily (or near daily) basis
 4. Are going to save me time and effort

There are SOOO many things that I want from this site, but there is only one DEFINITE because it spoke to me...yep it spoke to that nerdy/organizational side of my brain and said "Brandie, you NEED me!". It also spoke to my thrifty side (I know, nuts that this side would even speak up since I won this great prize!) and said "I'm also only $4.50 which leaves you with a whopping $25.50 left to spend!". It's this FANTASTIC Grocery/Menu Magnetic list  that you can wipe off and reuse each time. Did I mention that it's brightly colored and has different color coding for different sections of the store! No more digging around in my purse, no more  Envelope grocery lists for this lady! I can also see myself handing it over to a grumpy 2 year old to draw on as we wait in line to check out!

So....to the why I need your help part.
What do I get with my remaining $25.50? What would you see yourself using? Did I overlook anything?
Here are some of my "maybes"

A Schoolwork Chart- My girls are a little young for this now, but I totally see it being beneficial in the future!
Routine Cards- These are some of the chores that I have Kaelyn do now, and see adding to Anna in the  near future.
Job Chart

There are other items I really love the idea of having, especially when the girls get older! So, what do you think I should get? Suggestions please! Go to OrganizeitMom and shop around for me!

Making life a bit easier

So, during our first deployment I was a full-time college student (20+hours) and mother to one with Anna incubating. Needless to say, it was a bit overwhelming, but I found a fun/interesting way to not only make the days go by faster, but to help myself by picking a new product each paycheck that could help me finish a task more quickly or eliminate the need of doing the task altogether. This allowed me to have more time for myself/schoolwork by freeing up time away from housework.  Honestly, one of the best things I have ever done for myself...was to invest in a few products that make life eaiser or make me happy. I hope to continue this trend when Ryan deploys again, but I found some REALLY great products during that time that I continue to use this day. So, if you are at all interested...here it goes!

1. Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner:
I love the one that has Frebreeze in the container because not only does it keep my shower clean...it smells divine! I cleaned my then completely tiled (and really old) shower from top to bottom, and after that initial cleaning...I just simply pushed a button and it's like a team of maids just *POOFED* into my shower and cleaned it! Now we have an all white shower, and after convincing my husband that he MUST use it, it's still a pristine white! I no longer SLAVE away in tiny spaces with a scrub brush, my magic team of maids does it for me! Although, I strongly suggest using the coupons....saves you a ton of money (and not using it every time you shower, but every other time, otherwise it can get $$$)!

2. Swiffer WetJet
So, I haven't actually used this one...I used a different cheaper brand and regretted it, but this one is my next purchase. I LOVE my Method O Mop from Target...it's green because the heads are washable, but this mop takes SERIOUS strength, you are SCRUBBING the dirt away...and breaking a sweat while you are at it! So, I will be saving my O Mop for once a month cleanings and using this bad boy for daily cleaning. Perhaps it's time for a confession...I am CONSTANTLY sweeping my floor...and I choose to blame it on my kids, so it'd be nice to have an easier daily mop that can keep me from having to bust a sweat more than once a month.

3. Bounce Dryer Bar- Fresh Linen Scent
I love good smelling clothing...a lot! When I found out my sweet husband is allergic to the fibers in dryer sheets, I gave up on the idea of EVER having freshly scented clothing. Low and behold, they came out with this miricle bar! I slap it inside my dryer once every 3-4 months and forget about it. I do notice that the scent loses strength over time (not as noticeable) before the bar clearly reads "replace". If you scrap the bar a bit, it regains it's strength. But I adore that it does make my clothing smell delicious!

4. Dawn Hand Renewal with Olay
This is one of my more recent discoveries, thanks to a coupon at the Comissary (the military grocery store)...and can I just say that I DEFINITELY felt the difference on my hands. Enough so that I have to fight my thrifty self with my vain self! Although, I will admit that I water down my dishwashing liquid after I use about 1/4 of it.

5. Denture Cleaner (The super cheap kind with whitening power!)

You can go ahead and laugh. And no, I don't have dentures. I use denture cleaner in my toilets. I plop two little capsules in each bowl at night and wake up the next morning, swirl my brush in and viola!  I didn't believe it would work, but  I was lamenting to my Mama Dot that I had a toilet that would NOT come clean in our old home...it was stained from the previous owner...and I tried everything. My darling Mama Dot made the suggestion and I was desperate, so I tried it. It worked!
Go ahead, laugh if you want, try it if you dare.



What would make your list of things that make your house work easier! I'm always looking out for new products!

Meal Plan Monday- From my freezer

So, we have been struggling to get back "on track" with our budgeting. To do my part, I'm going to be cooking from our freezer with minimal purchases (milk, eggs, cereal, and bread and coffee filters...how can you survive without coffee? even when it's decaf!). I'm hoping that doing this and a modified "envelope" budget for about two pay checks (only taking out our groceries/dining out/entertainment/children budget amounts) will help us not only save (ie catch up) but become more mindful spenders.

So for this week-

Monday- Kung Pao Chicken, Leftover veggies thrown in to up nutrition, with fortune cookies for dessert
it comes from a box and has a GREAT coupon on the website! A dollar off!

Tuesday- White Chicken Chili, beans are leftover from a few weeks ago, bought the packet at the store for flavor and the chicken is a few thighs from the night before!

Wednesday- Pan fried Tilapia with Asparagus (Asparagus was on sale two pounds for $3!)
heat your oil in your pan, dip Tilapia into  a 1/4 cup of powder mixed in with 2 tbs of Season All, cook til done
Asparagus-break into bite size pieces, heat over on high broil, toss asparagus in 1 tbs oil 2 tbs Balsamic Vinegar. Broil for 15 mins. I always end up adding more Balsamic Vinegar and salt and pepper to taste when done.

Thursday- Fried Chicken, Greens, Cornbread, Leftover beans and Corn on the cob. All which are found in my pantry/freezer!

Friday- Leftover Chili and Baked Potatos

Saturday- Lunch will be leftovers (if there are any). More than likely, we will have leftover fried chicken over a really large salad. Homemade pizzza that night!

Sunday- We have some browned hamburger meat that really needs to be used, I may make manwich (according to the new commercial it has a FULL serving of vegetables!) But...I'll be serving mine on hotdog buns...someone suggested this to me and I think it's a BRILLIANT idea of eliminating the mess!

For dinner on Sunday, I'm not sure what I'll do. We have a ton of frozen soups that need to be eaten as well as some deli meat. We may have a leftover soup smorgusboard!

Check out what other families are up to at Meal Planning Monday!