Three R Thursday #4 - Something To Smile About

Fifty Million pounds of toothbrushes end up in our landfills each year. Imagine how high that number would be if we followed the advice of our dentists and actually replaced our toothbrushes every 3 months!

A toothbrush developed by Recycline called Preserve is a simple solution to this problem. The Preserve toothbrush is made from recycled plastics. They have formed a partnership with Stonyfield Farm Yogurt – the recycled yogurt containers are used to make the toothbrush handles. The Recycline website is very informative and does a great job describing their Plastics Recycling Process.

I can’t believe I’m this excited about toothbrushes . . . man has my life changed.

Today at Trader Joe’s I picked up a couple of Preserve Toothbrushes along with 2 pre-paid postage return envelopes. At the end of its lifecycle, you use these envelopes to return the toothbrushes, and they will repurpose them. Even their packaging is made from recyclable materials, and the clear container it comes in has "breathable" air holes making it useful for travel purposes.

The Preserve is available at natural food supermarkets such as Whole Foods Market, Wild Oats, and Trader Joe's. There are also many online sites offering Recycline’s products (like Amazon) – there are even Preserve Jr. Toothbrushes for your little ones.

Bonus: If you shop at Trader Joe's and use your own bags you can be entered into a drawing for a $20 gift card.

Take a look at some Bloggers who are making a difference. They are making small changes that will have a huge impact and help REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE.

• Playful Professional at Play More, Laugh More, Live More hosted a clothing swap for her "Girls Night Out". You could also organize one with your "Mom's Group" for swapping kids clothes.

• Tickled Pink shares 13 little ways her family is going green.

• GreenStyleMom has a great beauty tip and is also having a great EcoGear giveaway.

• SortaCrunchy is looking for Another Way to free herself from all the "stuff".

These are all great examples of how small changes can make a big difference. Please share your small changes with us!

Look At Me!

My roots are gray and my brows need waxing, but my blog just got a makeover and it looks so good!

Thank you, Jen at Blue Yonder Designs.
I am so grateful for your creativity and most importantly your patience!

I still have a little tweaking to do, but I am thrilled with the results.

Ode To Tums

Ode To Tums

You sit on the shelf with your magical power
To help make my stomach feel less sour

The chalkiness lingers so I have time to savor
Your peppermint, tropical, and regular flavor

When even a sip of water makes my heart burn, and
I insist on having that last bite, its to you I turn

There is healing power in your colorful spheres
Thank you for the relief all these years

In eight weeks our journey will come to an end
I will miss your rattle my companion, my friend

Tackle It Tuesday #3 - Guest Room Conversion

Wow! Sometimes you don't realize how bad something is until you see a picture of it.

Well, it's official! I am kicking my husband out of the last room (the only room) he had. He does still have the garage, but that's at least a couple of months of "tackling"!

It is all for a good cause. We are blessed to have my mother coming to stay with us when the baby arrives. She has agreed to stay for a few months so we are going to make her a very comfortable bedroom. Before that can happen there is lots to do:

• Obviously, clear out the room. Everything from computer pieces to bike parts. I am told all these various parts will eventually turn into a bicycle.
• Order window coverings.
• Order bedding.
• Order lamps.

I have all the furniture I need - just a matter of finding the right layout.
I think that's it. Mom, is there anything else you need? I am also planning to put a rocking chair in the room - you know - just in case!

We are expecting my mom the middle of March. I have some time to make it as nice and comfortable as possible.

Previous Tackle It Tuesday Posts:
My Thoughts
Coat Closet

The Anatomy Lesson

For Christmas my son received several Planet Hero action figures. This morning he was playing with the only female planet, Venus Dazzle. Just imagine Barbie suited up and ready to save our Solar System with her 38-21-34 figure!

He asked my husband what was on her chest. Mind you, he has asked me this question many times before, and I have always been able to convince him that they are part of her "suit of armor". But, as most men would, my husband promptly replies, "those are her boobs - ladies have them".

My sweet, wonderful and observant son, whom I have cared for since he took his first breath states, "yes, mommy does have them .... they are right by her stomach! Mind you, I am 8 months pregnant - my second pregnancy in his short little life of 3 years so of course he thinks my anatomy is a little off! Oh, the joys of motherhood!

Friday RoundUp

A collection of random and interesting things I found while spending way too much time on the computer searching the web this week. I blame the entertainment industry because the writers are still on strike and there is nothing good to watch on TV.

1. A helpful article on becoming a better blogger by Skellie.
2. PaperBack Swap: A great resource for REUSING and RECYCLING books.
3. A funny post over at The Country Doctor's Wife.
4. I am participating in the Crunchy Chicken's book club. We are reading Affluenza. It is challenging and convicting. I am not ready to discuss it yet.
   
5. An interesting article on Milk from KIWI Magazine.
6. A Virtual Baby Shower Giveaway over at Design Mom.

Don't forget I will be hosting my first very own Giveaway starting next week. An iTunes gift card is in the lead for the giveaway. There is still time to vote for your favorite!

My kids love their daddy so why won't they let him change their diapers?

All day long I hear, "Where is daddy?", "When is daddy going to be home?", and "I want to play with daddy!". These statements do wonders for the ego. I think to myself, "I am fun to play with - just because I'm usually the one who makes you pick up your toys and take a bath doesn't mean I'm not fun!". "I can hold my own with Legos and baby dolls - I'm a fun parent!"

My husband tries to give me the "gift" of sleeping in whenever he can. This sounds like a wonderful idea, but all of a sudden when I sleep in, it seems everything in our house falls apart. The very same children that the day before couldn't wait to see their daddy, suddenly seem to want mommy for everything - including changing their diapers and peeling their bananas. He tries to comfort them and pretty much offers them the world to allow him to do for them, but they have a keen mommy radar and know I am in the house somewhere. At some point during my groggy state of sleep, I hear all the commotion and decide it is easier to get up and help them than continue sleeping.

So how do I handle this problem . . . I leave the house! Today I met a dear friend for a pedicure and lunch. Man, did I need that time. What a pleasure it was to come home relaxed to a house that contained one napping little girl and one very happy boy who was spending time with his daddy!

Three R Thursday #3

Welcome to the 3rd edition of Three R Thursday. I know from comments and emails I have received you are making small changes and practicing the 3 Rs . . . YEAH!

This week was a pretty typical week. We put out a lot of paper for curbside pick-up and gave away some things on Freecycle. I was successful with my eBay sells, but decided the last bin of Meg's clothes are going to the consignment shop. I don't want to go to the post office anymore, and I think keeping the clothes local is probably better for the environment in the long run (this is me trying to convince myself I am not lazy because I don't want to go to the post office).

I think I have RECYCLE and REDUSE under control, but I struggle a little with ideas for REUSING things. I would love to hear your ideas.

I did find an interesting organization, EcoMom Alliance. I joined the EcoMom Challenge which basically consists of 10 steps to creating a sustainable future. I am listing the steps below, but you can find out more from their site. Check out #5 (as I pat myself on the back!)

1. Change a light. If every household in America changed out just 5 light bulbs to energy efficient CFL's it would be equivalent to taking 8 million cars off the road.

2. Drive More Efficiently: Car pool, don't idle during drop off and pick up, drive a hybrid and drive less. If we each drove just 10 mile less per week, it would save 20 billion pounds of CO2 - and you'll find more time in your day.

3. Shop local, fair trade and organic. Most food travels an average of 1,200 miles before it reaches your table, so by walking down to your local farmer's market, you'll not only reduce fossil fuel waste, you might also reduce your own waist.

4. Use non toxic products for cleaning, bathing, even make-up and you'll protect the environment as well as reduce you and your family's risk of disease.

5. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Cutting down on garbage by just 10% can save 1,200 pounds of CO2 and you'll have less junk around the house!

6. Turn off and unplug electronic devices and you'll reduce your exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and save on energy and CO2 emissions. You can also start having dinner by candlelight, which your kids, and your partner, will love!

7. Re-think your laundry plan! A favorite of many EcoMoms. Doing less, using cold water and line drying when possible you can save over 500 pounds of CO2 and over $600 per year.

8. Plant a Tree. Or any plant. Just bring more green into your life. This is a great activity to do with your kids to mark special occasions. Over the course of its lifetime, a single tree can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide. Go organic if you can and avoid those nasty pesticides.

9. Buy carbon offsets and reduce mom guilt, like the SUV you still have. Offsets are kind of like eating too many brownies one day and jogging extra the next. For more information you can visit www.nativeenergy.com.

10. Play more. This will be your child's favorite, and hopefully yours too. In today's world, it is easy to get so busy that you forget to take time to connect and play with the people you love, and to do things that feed your mind, body and spirit. So do things that make you feel healthy, good and thriving. It's all connected. Sustain your Home, Sustain Your Planet and Sustain Your Self. You're on your way to being an EcoMom!

Works for Me Wednesday: Reading with My Kids

My kids love books. They each get to choose 3 books to read before bed and nap time. Occasionally, they decide they are interested in the same books, and we all read together. There are definitely times when I don't want to read The Cat in the Hat for the 7th night in a row, but when I see them pick up a book on their own and start "reading" it to themselves, I know we are doing something right - we are raising readers!

Our days can get busy so it is nice to know there are times built into our day where we can snuggle up together with some good books. Our kids are young now. I hope they always look forward to reading with their mom and dad even as they get older.

Check out more ideas at Works for Me Wednesday.

Bloggy Giveaway

Next week I will be participating in Shannon's Bloggy Giveaways over at Rocks in My Dryer. I am having a hard time deciding on what to give away. Please help me out by taking the poll over to the left. I would love to know what you would like to win - come back next week to enter the drawing and have a chance to win the giveaway. Thanks.

Tackle It Tuesday #2 - My Thoughts

How can it be that I manage to go through a whole day without one single worrisome thought, but as soon as I lay my head down ready to rest my weary body, my thoughts rise up and demand my full attention.

They say, "we have been waiting patiently all day and now it is our turn". As the dutiful, nurturing mother I am, I say, "sure you crazy, irrational, and irritating thoughts let me pay you some attention. I know I will be able to address all of your concerns and questions right now so I'll sleep later".

After listening to them whine for several minutes I think - wait a minute - I'm not falling for this - you guys don't control me you are just my fears and insecurities talking. I am sending you on your way so I can get some much needed rest. But these thoughts are determined and as if it were game day, they dress out in full pads and come after me . . . hard.

What if you go into labor early, What if there is something wrong with the baby, What if Meg and Davis have a hard time adjusting to a new baby, What if you don't have enough love to give to everyone, What if you can't take care of three children (did I mention these thoughts are irrational).

OK- so that's how you want to play - fine. I have something stronger than pads - I have prayer. I tackle these thoughts - pinning them down to the ground until they agree to listen - and I pray.

Matthew 6:33-34

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

And my thoughts rest . . . at least until bedtime tomorrow night. So my "Tackle it Tuesday" assignment for this week doesn't involve a room in my house, but rather a room in my head. A room I will organize and keep tidy - free from worrisome thoughts with prayer.

Anne Lamott - Traveling Mercies

I recently finished reading Anne Lamott’s Traveling Mercies. Lamott has been writing for a while and has written several books. I guess my soul was finally ready to discover her. I eagerly read her truthful words. They stung at times, but I needed to hear her words and gratefully let them wash over me. I am including some of my favorite parts in this post. I will refer to these truths for the rest of my life. My hope is to develop them into further posts dealing with my healing and grieving process. For now I am dipping my toe in the water and hoping the bravery Lamott shows in her writing will reveal itself in me and encourage me to write my own truths.

All those years I fell for the great palace lie that grief should be gotten over as quickly as possible and as privately. But what I’ve discovered since in that the lifelong fear of grief keeps us in a barren, isolated place and that only grieving can heal grief; the passage of time will lessen the acuteness, but time alone, without the direct experience of grief, will not heal it.

She had a great deal of religious faith, and everyone assumed that she would adjust and find meaning in her loss – meaning and then acceptance and then joy – and we all wanted this because, let’s face it, it’s so inspiring and such a relief when people find a way to bear the unbearable, when you can organize things in such a way that a tiny miracle appears to have taken place and that love has once again turned out to be bigger than fear and death and blindness.

I do not at all understand the mystery of grace – only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us. It can be received gladly or grudgingly, in big gulps or in tiny tastes, like a deer at the salt. I gobbled it, licked it, held it down between my little hooves.

Laundry Day!

We have a laundry chute. It is in our bathroom on the 3rd floor and "chutes" all of our dirty clothes down to the basement laundry room - wonderful invention. We have managed to keep this treasure hidden from our children so we haven't had any unusual items showing up in the laundry pile ready to be cleaned.

I am not a very skilled homemaker. I rarely cook a meal, wipe the baseboards, or clean the windows. But laundry. . . I take pride in my laundry. I do not let Bob go near it. I keep up with it regularly so I was not surprised to see an empty chute in the laundry room this morning. Yeah, me!

What now? Should I wipe down baseboards and clean the windows? I go to get dressed and look for one of the three pair of pants that still fit. The pants are no where to be found. How is that possible? I am living in a house with no dirty laundry. Let me check. They must be folded neatly in a basket somewhere and I just overlooked them. No. OK, I'll check the laundry room again. Upon closer inspection, this is what I see.

A set of sheets plugging up the chute. Oh, that explains a lot. So as gracefully as a very large pregnant woman can, I use the hook of one of the kid's umbrellas and the stools from "The Firm " (an exercise video set I promised myself I would do on a daily basis about 5 years ago) to gently pull the sheets down to freedom. Tah-dah! There are my pants and about 2 other loads of laundry. To some of you this may seem like a huge challenge or a big disappointment, for me it is an opportunity to actually accomplish something productive today, besides caring for two young children!

Quotable Ya Yas

For my Alabama girls who are such a big part of my heart and my spirit. Few people can say they have had the same core group of friends for over 20 years . . . . I can.

Even though I moved away from home, they have shown up for me time and time again. I am so fortunate to know these women and have them consider me a friend. I pray for such relationships for my children, especially for my little girl because few things are more important than good girlfriends.

I pray she will be sitting at her desk in her elementary classroom and someone will introduce themselves and ask if she would like to be friends. I pray Meg will have girlfriends who help her see she is not alone in this world and give her the confidence and security she needs to make big decisions in her life always knowing she can come home.

Here's to you girls. I love you.

Connor: You are much more normal than you have any right to be.

Caro: The only disease that can survive in our bloodstreams is alcoholism.

Younger Vivi: Don't look at me in that tone of voice!

Vivi: I tried to be the best momma I could.
Connor: How did that go?
Vivi: Not so hot.

Caro: We'll leave you alone, but we'll be listening from the kitchen so talk loud

Vivi: I'll knock you into the middle of next week.
Teensy: And I'll kick your sorry ass on Thursday. Now get in the goddamn car and go home!
[after Vivi drives away]

Vivi: I need your divine intervention. My oldest daughter, Siddalee, is about to throw away true love. Don't let her do that. I will only smoke once... a day. And I will only have a drink once a week... a day. If you could just help me with this one thing, I'll make it up to you somehow.

Caro: What I'd give to know then what I know now. And to still have those thighs!
Necie Rose Kelleher: I'm sure they're still buried in there somewhere.

Shepard James 'Shep' Walker: I think it can best be said...?The road to hell is paved with good intentions."
Sidda: Well, what about the road back? What's that paved with?
Shepard James 'Shep' Walker: Humility.

Three R Thursday #2

Welcome to 3 R Thursday! Each week I will document our family's attempts to REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE.

This week we posted a rug and crib on Freecycle. The rug was picked up last night and someone is coming for the crib over the weekend.

I forgot my reusable shopping bags on a trip to the store. I asked for paper bags and used them to mail three packages.

Partial credit - I posted a lot of clothes on eBay. I don't know if this totally counts because I made a little money from doing it. The clothes are no longer taking up valuable space in my house and somebody out there got some great deals on really cute clothes they did not need to go purchase new somewhere.

How was your week? Did you find any creative ways to REUSE something?

Works for Me Wednesday - Kid$ Piggy Bank

My kids love their piggy banks. They love the act of putting coins into the little slots. I love that I can entice them to go to their rooms for bedtime by saying "time to put some coins in your piggy banks".

I have not taken the time to appropriately explain the theory behind using a Piggy Bank to save money - this may have something to do with the fact I am not a saver; but rather a purchaser of really cute Piggy Banks.

My friend, Ilene at The Ferret Online found these great banks. The LearningCents Bank comes in two colors (pink and blue). There are three compartments: SAVE, SPEND, and GIVE.

Check out more Works for Me Wednesday tips at Rocks in My Dryer.

Tackle It Tuesday #1 - Coat Closet

By the end of March we will be a family of five! Another little one's "stuff" will be added to our already crowded and unorganized coat closet so I want to get it under control now. As you can see in the photo, I have a small obsession with bags! If anyone has found the ONE bag that can do it all please let me know.

My goal is to find a place for everything without purchasing another bin, basket, or container!

Eat Wild

Bob has been reading Omnivore's Dilemma and trying in a stealth-like way to impart the information he has been learning about the way our meat is produced. At first I wasn't listening because I thought it was going to be an attempt for him to encourage me to stop eating meat (not something a woman in her 7th month of pregnancy with no control over what she is eating wants to hear). Once I heard him say "it is more important to know what the animals are being fed and it is better to use meat more as a side dish and not so much the main part of the meal seven days a week" I perked up. However, I have decided instead of reading Omnivore's Dilemma (I am going to trust him to tell me what I need to know) I am going to cheat a little and read through Jo Robinson's website, Eatwild.com. Pretty interesting and eye opening stuff!

Eatwild.com is owned and operated by Jo Robinson, an investigative journalist and New York Times bestselling author who specializes in science-based health information. Jo has been investigating the differences between animals raised in feedlots and pasture-based farms for the past seven years.

Eatwild.com is your source for safe, healthy, natural and nutritious grass-fed beef, lamb, goats, bison, poultry, pork, dairy and other wild edibles. This website:

• Provides comprehensive, accurate information about the benefits of raising animals on pasture.
  
  
• Links consumers with local suppliers of all-natural, delicious, grass-fed products.
  
  
• Provides a marketplace for farmers who raise their livestock on pasture from birth to market and who actively promote the welfare of their animals and the health of the land.

Teaching Matters

Before I had the opportunity to stay home with our children, I was an elementary school teacher. As a classroom teacher, I became interested in the role technology plays in educating our children. I decided to pursue a Masters Degree in Educational Technology which opened up doors for my professional development. I was able to move out of the classroom and work with teachers as they began the process of integrating technology into their classrooms. I also had an opportunity to work with students in our school's computer lab. It was amazing to see how motivated they were by technology and how quickly they picked up new skills.

It has been over 5 years since I've been in the classroom. I have continued to follow the use of technology in the classroom, and although a lot has changed and advanced some things remain the same. Teachers have so little time to plan, much less learn new technologies and how to incorporate them into their classrooms. I was always focused on how to integrate technology into the curriculum in a natural way; not as an add on or additional burden to teachers.

Recently I came across a great non-profit in New York, Teaching Matters. Teaching Matters is a non-profit professional development organization that partners with educators to improve public schools. They use technology in the classroom to prepare teachers and their students for 21st century learning and achievement. Teaching Matters has developed a great tool for teachers, Pagekeeper. PageKeeper allows teachers to quickly and easily create a page of weblinks to manage student web use in their classrooms. The service is free and contains absolutely no advertising.

Feel free to check out My Page for the resources I have posted.

Do Not Worry

When I feel anxiety start sneaking in trying to take hold, I reach for my trusty Calm My Anxious Heart book. This book has been with me a long time. It was the first Bible Study I attended after losing Ellie & Kate - it was meaningful to me then and continues to provide me strength when I need it (which is pretty much on a daily basis).

This morning I flipped through and came to a chapter on worry. Dillow writes about her Anxiety Box in which she writes out what is causing her anxiety on a small piece of paper and places it in a beautiful heart-shaped box tied with a ribbon. Honestly, I do not have the time or patience to practice this habit at this stage in my life. However, it is comforting to know our anxieties don't have to be presented to God wrapped up in pretty packages - he takes them anyway we deliver them to him: broken, interrupted, and confused.

Matthew 6:25-34 (New International Version)

Do Not Worry

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Three R Thursday

Thursday is going to be dedicated to the 3 Rs:
REDUCE - REUSE - RECYCLE

REDUCE - make less waste in the first place.
REUSE - reuse items where possible, or find alternative uses for them.
RECYCLE - recycle as much as possible so the materials can be used to make something new.

Imagine what could happen if we all chose one R a week to focus on to make a small change. Chances are you are already doing things you aren't even aware of that can make a difference one way or the other.

Last night Bob posted an old printer on Freecycle and someone is picking it up today! YEAH

Have you done something this week to REDUCE, REUSE or RECYCLE? If so, let us know about it so we can get some new ideas! Kudos to my brother for making several changes in an effort to go green!

If you didn't get a chance to do something this week - what are you planning for next week to make a difference?

Works for Me Wednesday: Backwards Edition

This is my first time participating in a Works For Me Wednesday with Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer.

WFMW is a "blog carnival" (that concept is explained here). Basically, the idea is that on Wednesday you post a little tip you've learned on any (G-rated) topic--anything that has "worked for you" in making your life easier. You post a link back here to my WFMW post, and enter your link in the "Mr. Linky" form at the bottom of my post.

Shannon has switched things up a little today. Today is Backwards Day at Works-For-Me Wednesday. Instead of sharing a tip that has worked for me I am going to be asking for your advice on an issue that has me stumped.

Dear husband, if you are reading this please stop now . . . you have already listened to this and have permission to gracefully bow out now and let the experts help me!

My question: Come March our children will outnumber available bedrooms. Who should share with who? Do I put the big kids together, even though they are different genders, which could cause me great decorating anxiety OR do I let the big boy and the baby brother share a room? Believe me . . . I have gone back and forth more times than I care to admit and have already wasted many minutes with this. I would love any advice you might have - I know some of you out there have experienced this same dilemma, and I would love to hear what you did. Thanks so much!

Our Favorites

My son has figured out a way to combine 2 of his favorite Christmas presents. This is a photo of his Planet Heroes intently watching one of his new Backyardigan DVDs. These Planet Heroes have provided him with hours (like in 24/7) of entertainment. Even though his silly mommy didn't realize there is one for each planet and only asked for 5 of them, they have been a big hit. BONUS: he is learning about the planets in a round about sort of way. If you haven't been introduced to the Backyardigans yet - check them out. Davis and his daddy are huge fans! WARNING: be prepared to walk around for days with various songs in your head - I have been told by my husband they really have a great beat . . . . but . . . .

Meg's favorite gift by far is her new Tutu. It has only come off of her body for baths pretty much since Christmas morning. There are pieces falling off and little holes throughout but she loves it!

What about at your house? What were the big hits of your Christmas?

I am in no way affiliated with the makers of Planet Heroes, Backyardigans, or Tutu makers!

The Six O'Clock Scramble

I have a wonderful husband. Not only does he do the majority of the grocery shopping, he quietly looks the other way as I do the minimal amount necessary in the kitchen. I do not cook. I do not like to eat a variety of food. I do not want my children to continue developing my bad habits and attitudes towards food - as it stands now Meg is very happy to eat spoonfuls of ketchup and call it a day!

I would like to do a better job preparing meals for our family. I will probably stumble with this goal and I may fall flat on my face, but I think Bob will appreciate my effort and as always pick me up when I fall down. Who knows I might enjoy it and make something edible!

I am armed with the necessary tools:

• a couple of new cookbooks I got for Christmas along with a food processor (I believe I stored away in the cabinet above the frig),
• a husband who is willing to do most of the shopping and will eat almost anything (except for meat - did I mention he doesn't eat meat!), and
• the Internet

I found a great site recommended by my favorite magazine, Real Simple. Below is information from the Six O'Clock Scramble web site. There is a minimal subscription fee, but I think you can get a free trial to test it out. There are other sites out there offering similar information but you have to deal with a lot of ads and disorganization.

• Each Wednesday, you will receive a link to the week’s Scramble® newsletter, 5 FAMILY-TESTED MEALS including side dishes and a corresponding grocery list
  
• Use all the meals for the week or CHOOSE THE MEALS YOU WANT by swapping for any recipe in your recipe database to fit your family’s tastes and schedule. Your grocery list is automatically updated with your choices.
• PRINT OUT your selected recipes and grocery list.
• Make ONE TRIP TO THE GROCERY STORE, confident that you will have everything you need for a week of easy, healthy and delicious meals.
• Prepare A DELICIOUS, NUTRITIOUS MEAL IN 30 MINUTES OR LESS.
• BASK in the compliments!

I would love to know how you plan your weekly meals. Leave me a comment and let me know "what's for dinner" at your house tonight.

Happy New Year!

We had a wonderful Christmas and are so thankful for the time with our family and friends. We are also thankful for two wonderful children who did an amazing job on the trip South and held it together much better than their mother did.

I am not making any resolutions this year. Instead I have decided to pray over a verse each month. After making an incredibly long trip to the South for the holidays, trying to recover from my Christmas hangover, and beginning my seventh month of pregnancy I have to decided Colossians 1:11 is appropriate for this month:

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.