Mom Swap Freezer Cooking

I couldn't be more excited for  Monday.

I have always wanted to have a freezer cooking day but just have never had the opportunity without my boys home and taking on huge tasks with my boys at home without the hubby home to help makes me nervous.
Then I was talking to my SIL and she was telling me about how her moms group was having a freezer cooking day.  I thought it was a great idea.  Freezer cooking and hanging out with friends, an awesome combination.
Here's how we are going to make this day happen.

- Each mom, decides on a recipe.  ( I made a facebook group event,that way we can all communicate easily and each mom is posting what she is planning on bringing, that way we don't end up with any duplicates)

-She then purchases enough supplies to make her own recipe times however many people are coming ( We are going to have 9).

-The day of the event, we all come together with our recipes, ingredients and began to create our meals.
Our kids get to play together, we moms get to hang out with each other.  My kitchen will be chaotic, but it will be fun!

Then the best part is, we each go home with many different freezer meals.  For example, we will have 9 people so we will each have 9 different freezer meals to bring home with us!

In planning this I went where other than Pinterest to find some freezer recipes.  Boy is there a  lot of recipes out there. I spent a ton of time looking at all sorts of posts to find a lot  of recipes that just didn't appeal to me. But thought I would gather  some of them up for all of you!

Baked Ziti
BBQ Pork Spareribs
Beef and Black Bean Mix
Beef Stew
Beef Stroganoff
Beef Tips
Black Bean Chili
Buffalo Chicken
Cheeseburger Soup
Cheesy Ravioli Bake
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Curry
Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Parmesean Meatloaf
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken Tacos
Chicken Taco Soup
Chicken Tinga Tostados
Chinese Hamburger
Cilantro Lime Chicken
Colorado Beef Burritos
Cream Cheese Chicken
Divine Chicken
Fajitas (Chicken or Beef)
French Dip Sandwiches
Hawaiian Chicken
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Homestyle Chicken and Rice Soup
Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey Sesame Chicken
Honey Sesame Chicken with Broccoli
Hot and Spicy Braised Peanut Chicken
Island Chicken
Italian Bolognese
Italian Chicken
Italian Sausage with Peppes and Onions
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Low Country Smothered Pork Chops
Meatball Stroganoff
Meatloaf and Rosemary Potatoes
Mediterranean Pork Chops
Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup
Mongolian Beef
Orange Chicken
Parmesean Chicken
Pasta Carbonara
Peppered Steak
Pizza Calzones
Poppyseed Chicken
Pot Roast
Pulled Pork
Rice and Chicken Hot Dish
Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Cream Sauce
Salsa Chicken
Santa Fe Chicken
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Shredded Pork Tacos
Sloppy Joes
Southwest Chicken Wraps
Summertime Beef Tips
Taco Soup
Tator Tot Casserole
Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki Pork Chops
White Chicken Chili


Have you tried freezer cooking? If so what's your favorite recipe?

 I'll be sure to update next week on our Mom Swap Freezer Cooking Day went!

High Five for Friday

This weeks High Five for Friday

1)  We live in a small town, hardly anywhere to go shopping.  Yesterday I took off work and  got to go to Champaign, the nearest town with a real mall and stores.  And the best part is I went alone.  I got to go where I wanted, for however long I wanted and got to take my time (for the most part anyway, I did have to get my kids from dayare)

I have been looking for mint jeans and after trying on quite a few pairs I finally found one with a decent fit.  I got some other great stuff too for summer!  It may not be time to wear it yet, but I sure am ready.  Then of course the majority of what I bought was for the boys and mostly Noah.  He doesn't have anything for warm weather at least Carson can wear Noah's stuff from last year.  And I can never go shopping without getting them a few matching shirts!  Love when they match!  We really get the twin comments then.  

2)  The weather was awesome today.  We got to go outside!  Noah got a bike for his January birthday and has been riding it in our basement.  He's so good at it (with training wheels of course) 

Carson is my super outdoorsy kid.  He's just wild, he loves to run, climb, throw rocks and be a boy!  

3)  Got the boys new sunglasses shopping yesterday, they were trying them on  We are heading to Disney in  3 1/2 weeks!

4)  I didn't run this morning, it was cold and dark and I knew it would be warmer later so I ran after dinner instead.  It was 57 degrees out, and it felt great running without all the winter gear on.  I could get used to this!  Apparently I run faster when it's warmer because I got my time down a little bit.

5)  Matthew took Noah to a variety show so Carson and I hung out at home together.  He was a different kid tonight without his brother.  Super happy.  We played, watched some TV, danced, laughed and got to rock him to sleep.  Thinking we should do date nights with the boys more often.  

All my high fives are all from yesterday and today but I had some good ones so didn't need to go back any farther, that's good right?

Have a great weekend !

Mobile Desk

 I love my house.

But we had a problem, there isn't anywhere upstairs to put a desk.  My "office"  is downstairs so last year to fix that problem  we put a command center in our laundry room.  (which is right off the kitchen)

My command center consisted of a dry erase monthly calendar, a frame that held my cleaning checklist and weekly menu plan that make it dry erase.  Then below that was slots for bills and other incoming mail, and another dry erase for notes and to-dos.  I then made a household binder.  If you don't know what that is or haven't seen one, I'm cuing Pinterest for this one.  There are tons of beautiful ones and way over the top ones found there.    I won't show you mine because, well I put those ones to shame.  Mine was basic, the front was plain but it worked.  The binder had a front pocket that I put everything to file away, I then had sections for things that I needed/ wanted easy access to upstairs.  It was set up similarly to this one below from Jen @ IHeartOrganizing.

It was working okay but wasn't perfect.  For example, when doing bills, I would have to get my binder out and the basket off the top of the fridge that held my calculator, stamps, and envelopes.  (hard work, I know)  And basically I had that silly basket on the fridge for junk that would be in my desk.  I never liked it up there.

Then a few months ago binder broke so I needed to get a new one or rework the whole system.   I love organizing anything so I decided to try something else and this is WAY better for my house and the way I do things.  Now I have what I like to call my mobile desk!  I had a holder similar to this in the basement I brought up and had been using the last few months but it just wasn't quite big enough so yesterday I picked up this much bigger version at Target that is just perfect.

The front has a small section for pens.  Then their are two short rows that hold, post its, calculator, stamps and paper clips.  The next one is for envelopes and mailing labels.
Then the biggest part is where I can fit ALL of my folders (this time I'm using hanging because I put the others in their and they were short and fell then I realized hanging fit perfectly.  One of those moments when I was thinking I was really smart for figuring that out, but knowing me it was probably shown on the tab like that and I just threw it away without paying attention.)

I just love it.  Everything I need in one place and I can move it all at once.  It has found a nice little home in our laundry room!

Do you have a command center, binder or some other way of organizing your paper?  If so I would love to hear about it.  This girl is an organizing junkie.  It's sad that projects like this completely make my day!



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Committed

Marriage and divorce have been on my mind lately, not because mine is in trouble but because marital problems and divorce are all around me.

I once had 2 parents, then when I was two they divorced and both remarried shortly after.

I then had 4....

I grew up the majority of my life this way.  It seemed normal!  My stepdad was like a dad to me because I lived with him and spent a lot of time with him.  I was also lucky that we lived close to or  in the same town as my biological dad who I have always remained close to as well.  I hit the jackpot, I was raised by two wonderful men who are both my "dads".  I wouldn't be who I am today without either one of them.  I also gained a stepmom, who was always such a good friend to me during the teenage years.   I always felt like I could tell her stuff and we had a great relationship as well.  Divorce then, seemed normal and I was perfectly fine living that way because it was all I really knew.

Then my world shattered in October of 2009.  My mom and my "stepdad" for understanding purposes (I have always called him dad), told us they were getting divorced. I'll skip all the details because that story could go on and on, it still is.  But I was raised in a christian home, I thought their marriage was fine.  I NEVER saw it coming.  I was 25 years old.  I didn't live at home anymore but I can tell you that didn't stop it from hurting every day.  It didn't stop the tears from flowing day after day.  It was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to go through.  And now 3 1/2 years later I still have days that it is hard, really hard.    They are both with other people, one married and one isn't but engaged.  Somedays it's so frustrating because I feel like I should be over it and I'm just not!   I still have so much emotion about the issue.

Now my dad and my stepmom are also getting divorced.  Now I have known about that since the end of last summer but they are just now selling their house and going their separate ways.  It didn't really become real until they sold their house a few weeks ago.  I loved that house and parted me always wanted it if they ever moved but now with the circumstances it would just be too weird.  It's hard to know I won't ever go there again and the reason behind it is divorce.  There are great memories there with that family!

Divorce sucks.  Period!  It's life changing not just for the people who decide to get divorced but it also affects kids much more than I ever would have thought had I not dealt with it on my own.

In my family there are a lot of divorces and in my husbands there aren't hardly any.  That is something I think about a lot and it scares me.

I'm committed to my marriage, my vows, my husband and my boys.  I can't imagine putting them through what I have been through the last few years.

I'm not saying marriage is easy, because I know it's not.  We have good days, we have bad days.  Matthew and I have had multiple times in our marriage where it just seems like we are roommates and I don't like it but it's so easy to get lazy and  be selfish and make life about what I want.  I want to go to bed. I want to watch TV instead of talking.  I don't want to be close to anyone because I have had kids hanging on me all day.  The list could go on but you get it.  Love is a verb.  It's an action.  For me it's not going to be a choice. No matter if I want to or not, each morning I believe I have to get up and make the choice to do it.  Somedays I will want to and somedays I won't.

 (Matthew if you are reading this stop now)

At the beginning of the year when everyone was doing resolutions I thought I would pick something each month and really work on it.  I did one for January but haven't really focused on anything since.  For April I decided I want to focus on flirting with my husband.   I'm a terrible flirt, always have been probably always will be, but I'm going to try at least I can only get better since there is no way I can get worse, haha.  So for all you married ladies out there, let's flirt with our hubby's!

Here are some ideas!

- Hold Hands
- Send texts throughout the day letting them know you love him, miss him, or can't wait to see him
-Talk with your eyes
-Leave a love note on the mirror
-Steal kisses, in the kitchen, hallway, at the table anywhere he doesn't expect it
-Let your spouse pick out your bra and underwear
-Remind him what you are wearing
-Whisper
-Do something with him he enjoys
-Play footsie
-Surprise him with something you wouldn't normally do
-Send racy texts
-Send a card for no reason
-Hide love notes in his stuff
-Flash your hubby
-Give him a card for no reason
-Hit his booty  (my hubby is really good at this one, now it's my turn!)
-Kiss in the car at stoplights

-Watch a movie and cuddle on the couch
- Praise your husband in front of people
- Do something that has to do with his love language
-Share an inside joke
-Wear his favorite clothes of yours ( I'm guessing this one means I can't stay in my yoga pants and t-shirt all day)

How Pinteresting

Just found this blog and since I'm Pinterest obsessed this was the perfect linkup for me!  

On my agenda this week is a new wreath!  Where else would I go for inspiration besides Pinterest.  (Sorry to my Pinterest friends,  I am aware that I blew up your feed with a million wreath pictures )

Here are some of my favorites and while we are doing this, I would love to know which wreath you all think I should make.  

Source: kimboscrafts.blogspot.com viaJennifer on Pinterest

Source: twoyellowbirdsdecor.blogspot.ca viaJennifer on Pinterest

Sst

Source: myblessedlife.net viaJennifer on Pinterest

Source: piccadillypeddler.blogspot.com viaJennifer on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com viaJennifer on Pinterest

Source: pinyourhome.com viaJennifer on Pinterest

I love all those wreaths!  I just can't decide.
Then moving onto the rest of my fun pins.

Pinned these because I sometimes always love junk food! 

I tried these a few weeks ago!  So good, will definetly be making these again sometime

Source: parentpretty.com viaJennifer on Pinterest

One of my I want to be super healthy snacks.  This one sounds good.  Hoping to try it this weekend!

Source: immerwachsen.com viaJennifer on Pinterest

I'm a worrier, what can I say.  I need to read this every hour to myself.

Source: godsgreeneyedgirl.tumblr.com viaJennifer on Pinterest

I absolutely love this look.  And I pretty much have everything I need to make this happen except for long hair, the talent to fix it and of course lets not leave out her tiny legs!  

Source: sassyandalwaysclassy.tumblr.com viaJennifer on Pinterest

I love scarves, I love bows!  Why not?

Source: yetanotherbeautysite.com viaJennifer on Pinterest

I've been drooling over Gallery Walls for a year.  Hoping to make one in my entry way soon!  

I want a combination of words, frames, patters, and colors.  Basically I want all of them combined into one huge masterpiece.  

Source: somewhatsimple.com viaJennifer on Pinterest

And last not but not least, a warning.  I got so excited when I saw this next pin.  Couldn't wait to try it.  Please don't! Save yourself from wasting 5 bananas, this was disgusting!

Source: sheknows.com viaJennifer on Pinterest

If you want to share your favorite pins from the week, head on over to Vintage Apple and join the fun. Also don't forget I need your help, I can't decide which wreath to make and I'm buying supplies tomorrow!  This girl gets to make a trip out of town shopping ALONE!

Mommy Wars

I'm sure you all have seen it, the blog post about titled "Mom on the Iphone."

If you haven't you can read it here.

I read it and while it made me feel guilty to a certain degree, I also started thinking about all the judging that we as moms do to other moms.  We jump to conclusions without knowing the "real circumstances"  we are only judging from what we see on the outside.

 I recently read " No More Perfect Moms" by Jill Savage (if you haven't read this yet, please do!  It's awesome)  and she tells a story about someone she knew who took her kids to the park and saw other kids playing and noticed their mother sitting in her car instead of playing with her children.  She immediately started judging her and thought negatively about why she wasn't playing with her kids.   It then wasn't too long later, the mom who judged was pregnant, had terrible morning sickness and her children begged her to take them to the park.  She agreed with one stipulation, I cannot play with you today I will take you but will only be able to watch.  As she sat there watching her children play she realized she was now "that mom" the one who couldn't get out of her car to play with her kids.   She in that moment thought of all the things that could of really been going on to the mom she originally saw that day.  She wished she would of looked at her with grace instead of criticism.

If most of us think, I'm sure most can relate and remember a time where we have judged another mom.     I know before I had kids I would always see how another kid behaved and thought mine will never do that, mine will never  talk to me like that and now those things are what I deal with every day.  I want to show grace not just in my actions but in my thoughts as well.  I want to stop the judging!

And that brings me to this article that is kind of the rebuttal to the "Mom on the Iphone"  

This one is long, but an interesting read for sure and you can read it here.

I know my children will only be young once.
I know that we are a way too connected society and a lot of people have their phones glued to them at all times.
I believe in having balance.
I don't think my boys need my attention ALL the time.
I believe my boys should learn to play on their own and have time when they do so.  And when those times are occuring, I don't see a problem with being on my phone.  Sometimes what I'm doing on it is beneficial and family planning, and sometimes it's definitely not.
I know my boys feel loved.
Should I be more intentional about putting my phone, or the ipad down when they "need" me?   Yes, I do believe I should and that's what I'm pulling away from these articles.
I know that for me there are times when I have to be intentional and keep my phone in a different room so I'm not distracted and have the uninterrupted time with my boys.  ( because I'm the queen of distractions.  I can't walk to the bathroom without stopping 3 times to do something else)

I'm not sure for my main reason in this post but I know I wanted to share these two articles because I  think there is something for us mommas to think about in each one.

Half Marathon Training

Half Marathon Training is officially starting this week.  Sunday marked 12 weeks until race day.   To read more about my decision to run my first marathon go here.  

I still have a long way to go and in the last two weeks have developed some knee issues.  I bought a brace today  so this week going to try to run in that and ice after runs and see if that help..  I also ordered a Genesis Pure product Mangosteen that I don't normally use but it helps with inflammation so will try taking that as well.  I'm hoping I can get rid of these knee issues because I have enjoyed running so far minus the aching and soreness in my knee after.  

I had looked at a bunch of different training plans and needed to adjust them a little and where a lot of them had you do cross-training I decided to pre-plan those workouts as well.  I really want to do this and want to do the best I can.  I don't want to leave it up to what I feel like that day so I will be doing my best to stick to this plan!  

Here is my plan, feel free to use if you are looking for one!  

Have you ever ran any races or marathons?  If you have and you have advice I would love to hear it!

Menu Plan Monday

Linking up as usual with OrgJunkie for Menu Plan Monday

Monday-  Clean Eating Southwestern 2 Bean Chicken Chili

Tuesday- Grilled Chicken, Brown Rice, and Asparagus  (Season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese; bake at 400 for 8 minutes.)

Wednesday-  Potato Stroganoff  and green beans (Healthier copycat version of the Hamburger Helper.  I used to make this for Matthew when we were first married and we really liked but haven't had it since I stopped buying the boxed stuff a few years ago. Hoping it turns out good.  It also says to use canned potatoes, they gross me out will try to use some regular)   

Thursday-  Normal Leftover night

Friday-  Pork Tenderloin/ My favorite Smash Potatoes and Corn

Sunday Social Link Up

Joining a new link up party today called Sunday Social over at A Complete Waste of Makeup

This one is called Sunday Social and you just answer random questions that are given each week!

I'm not good at asking questions but I love answering other people's questions so here we go.

 1. What is one movie you are terrified to watch?  Pretty much all scary movies!  I'm extra wimpy when it comes to them.  I love the show Pretty Little Liars but even that is too much to take sometimes when I'm alone.  We have lots of windows in our living room and nothing over them and there is trees and and fields.  I don't chance freaking myself out!  

2. What is one TV show you have always wanted to get into but haven’t yet?  Easy one, Downton Abbey.  I  tried watching 1 episode, it didn't reel me in but since everyone is obsessed with it, it seems like I may have to make myself try a couple more.  

3. What is one daring activity on your bucket list?   I'm boring, I don't ever want to do anything crazy.  My practical answer is open a clothing store!  At first I was thinking this wasn't a daring one but since it would be a financial risk I'm saying it's daring!  

4. Would you ever travel alone?  Absolutely.  I'm weird.  I love being alone!  Hotel rooms are like heaven to me.  No responsibility, no cleaning needing done. No cooking,  Cable TV (we don't have cable or satellite, haha)  

5. What activities do you like to do alone?   Errands, cleaning, shopping  (mostly because I can get a lot more done without two little boys with me)