Pop Arty

I think Ellie may have thought she was in heaven when I brought home a bucket of Pop Arty today.

I love it when I find something cool that the kids have never seen, even on commercials, and they get fixed on it. Pop Arty are beads that just pop together, so kids her age and even younger can make their own necklaces, rings, bracelets etc with ease. It comes with 500 beads as well as bracelet starters and ring starters. Only $15 at Target!

I am all about things that are fun, cute and keep the kids occupied. Oh....and the hug I got was well worth it too!

If you have any gifts to give for a girl coming up, consider this!

What's for Dinner?

I've been really enjoying cooking these days!

Monday: Sausage and Mozzarella Calzones, coleslaw

Tuesday: Steak on the bbq, broccoli and strawberry salad, steamed rice

Wednesday: Japanese Curry and rice with carrots and potatoes

Thursday: Salmon wrapped with lemon and dill on the bbq, corn on the cob, green salad, rice

Friday: Eat out

Saturday: Dama usually cooks!

Sunday: garlic and gruyere brats, quick make sauerkraut, roasted potatoes, maybe grilled butternut squash?

What's for dinner at your place?

Teacher Apprecation 2010

It's Teacher Appreciation week! I'd love to hear what all you crafty ladies have done for your special teachers this week.

Here is an idea that we are doing this year. Our starts have been doing wonderfully so I thought I would share the wealth and give the teachers something that will really produce!

inexpensive planter + veggie starts lovingly grown by me = cute gift!

Add in a card that reads "thanks for helping me grow" and it's ready to give.

Money Matters

It really does. I've never been one to care too much about money, material stuff is just not that important to me and doesn't impress me all that much. But ever since we have been working aggressively on finances, I have become well aware that money matters much more than I had hoped.

I am really happy with the work we have done and the fact that hubby and I have not killed each other in the process! Not even close. I am grateful that finances is one thing that we agree upon and as we all know, that's huge in the realm of marriage.

Yesterday I sent off what I feel is a gigantic cashiers check to purchase years of college for the kids. The bank teller told me "you are doing the right thing, Mom" as she saw the anxiety written on my face. I wish I had a video camera to document all of this and the long discussions with hubby, trusted friends that brought us to the decision of college funds.

We also worked on our 401k so monthly income is trimmed back . But there is a certain peace in knowing we will have that security later in life and that we are "doing it right".

Home Improvement

I love to work on home projects when the hubby is away. This time I picked a large one that involved hiring someone to help. I am so excited to see his reaction when he gets back.

As I type, the tilers are putting in our new tile in the entryway. It's called "black grotto" but it's kind of a dark gray with some brown accents. It looks fabulous so far! They will also be replacing all the trim (which was 1970's original) and they took out the entire door jam leading from the entryway to the downstairs hallway and are replacing it with an open entry type doorway, no door. Nice and neat. They are also doing all the trim in the downstairs hallway.

I have been working in the yard and on getting ready for growing season. I built a 6 foot by 3 foot raised bed for tomatoes and lettuce, filled it all up with soil. Ready for my starts which are looking hardy and strong! I also thatched the yards and re-seeded. It's going to look great!

Look at me!

I have a new blog design! It's custom made...oooooo, ahhhhh! Do you love it? Give me some feedback!

Easter Menu

My final Easter menu is in the works. Here are the ones that definitely made the cut:

Costco Ham
Mashed Potatoes with a little cream cheese and chives
Scalloped Pineapple
Steamed Green Beans (fresh and plain)
Apple Pie
Julie's Famous Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping

And some others that I will choose from once I get to the grocery store:

Bourbon Pecan Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins