Appreciating Every Day

I was sitting here at my computer looking for a picture that I remember taking of the girls last year. As I flipped through the many pictures, I could not believe how time has changed my little girls so quickly. Just a year ago, I had a 1 year old, a 2 1/2 year old, and I was pregnant with our third child. It seems like just yesterday! I have begun to realize how fast little ones grow up! I'll have to admit, when I first became a mother, I thought that 18 years seemed like it could take forever. Amid the constant feedings and diaper changes, my minds eye was clouded with thoughts of How am I going to do this for the next 18 years?

Now, what seems like yesterday has now been 3 1/2 years ago since I was so BLESSED to become a mother. After looking at these pictures and the changes that have taken place, I again realize that the kids will not be kids for long. I have learned to appreciate every day and that Works for Me!

Does it seem like your kids are growing up fast?

-Robin

Fall Garden

I was afraid that we were going to be late planting our fall garden. We didn't even plant the seeds until August 1st, but luckily the seeds grew fast and we were able to plant them yesterday. I really don't know how long it takes seeds to grow because they always grow so fast in the warmth and sunlight of our back porch.

I started the seeds is some recycled yogurt containers and a disposable/ reusable Glad container. This is a great use of them instead of throwing them away.

This is the first time that I have planted a fall garden. We planted sunflowers, butternut squash, and spaghetti squash. I hope it works out. We'll see if the fall garden Works for Me!

We are currently harvesting alot of cucumbers and banana peppers.

How is your garden growing? To see what other gardeners are havesting, go to $5 Dinners!

-Robin

Grateful for Peaches

A few weeks ago, we picked 1 1/2 bushels of peaches for $.32/ lb. We ate so many of them, I wasn't sure if we would ever want peaches again. A few weeks later, we are ready to use all of those peaches that we put up in the freezer. I am so grateful for the work that we put in to freezing those peaches. Now, we can relax and enjoy! We have made peach pie, peach bread, peach jam, peach muffins, and peach cobbler so far.

If you have any great peach recipes please share!

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

-Robin

Garden Tomatoes

A few weeks ago, we got the first tomato from our garden! Here is a picture of our little beauty! Yummy salsa!

-Robin

Couponing with Kids

ALL YOU Grocery Challenge

A few months ago, I dreaded to even go to the grocery store with a 3 year old, 2 year old, and then 3 month old girls. The task of grocery shopping with 3 littles made me exhausted at the thought of it. Then, I started couponing. Of course, my first thought was, how am I going to coupon if just going to the grocery store seems like a challenge?

Knowing that the task at hand would not be easy, I clipped some coupons and headed to the grocery store. It was a rough first few trips, but after we got into a routine, our trips have been easy. I'll share a few tips with you.

Tips for Couponing While Shopping with Kids

1. Organize your coupons and list in the order of the store.

2. Take only the coupons that you know you are going to use

3. Go by the bakery to get the kids a free cookie... most grocery stores give them away. I tell my girls that they only give cookies to good little girls.

4. As you put an item in your shopping cart, put the coupon in a place that you will remember to use it!

5. Give the kids a small list and let them find the items and put them in the shopping cart.

6. You keep the coupons. Do not let the kids hold them... the coupons might disappear.

7. Stick to the list. If the kids ask for items that are not on sale, tell them that you will get them that item when it goes on sale. As the kids grow up, it becomes a good lesson in life.

8. Tell them that you need them to be quiet while checking out. It is very important that you watch all the prices and make sure that all of your coupons are given and come off the order.

9. Don't use the kids as an excuse not to coupon. As a mom, when faced with a challenge, you can do it!

As a mom that has 2 toddlers in her BIG heavy shopping cart (the huge one that looks like a car and seats two kids) and has a now 5 month old strapped on, I feel your pain. But, believe me, the kids get used to your new techniques. We actually shop quicker now that I am more organized and I often get complements on how well my kids behave!

I hope that you are encouraged that you can juggle your kids and your coupons!

-Robin

Friday Finals

Hi everyone! I have been away from blogging for awhile. My husband and I welcomed our third little girl into the world in January. With a three year old, two year old, and an infant in the house, I have never been busier! It has been lots of fun and I am soaking in all the sweet and wonderful moments.

Over the last six weeks, I have started a new challenge for myself... COUPONING! I never knew that you can save a TON of money couponing... when you do it correctly. I have been following a great blogger and couponer named Jennie. Her blog is Southern Savers. If you don't already follower her blog... I highly recommend that you do! She does many of the grocery store ad coupon match- ups in the south and all of the drugstore ad coupon match- ups! I am so grateful to her and her hard work each week. She has helped me to take my grocery bill down to ONE THIRD of what was!

Southern Savers does a Friday Finals post each week. This week I am so excited to be participating!

The picture above is from Monday's shopping trip to Harris Teeter. I normally don't shop at Harris Teeter, but I had to participate in Super Doubles!

My grand total was $153. I paid $49 and sent in for a $10 rebate from Kraft. I'm super happy to only have paid $39 for my order!! The order included shrimp, chicken, hamburger, milk, bread, fruit, cheese, etc.

I hope this post encourages you to try couponing. Not only does it save money, but it makes shopping more fun!

-Robin

Encouraging Independence in Toddlers

Our toddlers love to help out around the house. They are always trying to do what they see mommy and daddy do. We encourage them to help in the kitchen with making dinner and allow them to take their own plate to the sink. They like to help gather the laundry and see if they can throw it high enough to get into the washing machine. Our 19 month old gets her own wipes and diaper and brings them to me when she needs to be changed. Our 3 year old makes her bed and empties the small trash cans when asked.
I encourage the girls to help me do tasks and give them praise when they have done a job. We never make them do anything, but they love the independence and praise we give them for each task. Even though it is easier to do things around the house yourself, if you take the time to teach your children how to do things they will love the independence and be excited that you are incorporating them into your daily routine.

Encouraging my children to become independent Works for Me!

-Robin

Reading the Bible in 90 Days

My husband and I just finished reading the Bible in 90 days! This is a great way to read all the way through the Bible. The reading requirement is twelve pages each day. It might seem like a lot to read and keep up with, but if you stay disciplined, you can do it. We found that it was fun to share the reading with a partner. Also, having a partner gives you someone to discuss the reading with. Our whole church went through this reading journey together and the ministers patterned their sermons by the reading. With the whole church going through the program at the same time, I found that it was easier to continue reading on busy days when it was hard to find the time to read twelve pages.

Reading the Bible in 90 days Worked for Me. I would encourage your Sunday School class or small group to try it.

-Robin

Reading Aloud Daily

The few hours we have between the end of the school day and bedtime are usually full. We have homework, chores, dinner, showers and various other things that need to be finished. However, I always make time to read aloud to each of the children.

Our daughter is a very advanced reader who is fully capable of reading any book on her own. Our son is a new reader who can handle most of the books on his shelf. I still feel it is SO important for them to hear a story from me. It is very personal time for us to reconnect and spend a little one on one time. We also often read stories together as a family. Those common stories are important to us and have become the foundation to many family jokes. The kids have both been reading books to each other now, too. I love to watch them working together, sharing their favorite excerpts from books and acting out stories.

We also keep a basket filled with holiday stories that we have brought out for the season. We take turns choosing the story we will read each night and also take turns reading aloud. It is a wonderful family tradition that we all look forward to each evening.

Reading aloud definitely Works For Me and my family benefits from it every day.

-Julie

Do Big Chores Together

I always find it amazing that we end up with so many leaves in our yard each fall. When it is time to remove them, we take the opportunity to work together and have some fun.

It is always fun to see how easy a task seems when you work together and how much fun you can make the thing you have been dreading.

-Julie

The Ability To Stay Calm

I'll admit it. I didn't always possess this ability. Things like I have pictured here would have, at one point in my life, made me pretty angry. Now, it made me laugh.

A recent order of children's art supplies arrived at my home. I wasn't able to open it until late in the evening. A smaller box was inside the larger one and I lifted it out and placed it on my cream colored carpet. THIS is what I saw below it. Yes, it was on the box I put on the floor. Yes, it was now on my carpet. Yes, I laughed out loud.

I am happy that I have been able to teach my children that we can't always control the situation we find ourselves in, but we CAN control our reaction. Getting angry wasn't going to do any good. It wouldn't lift the red stain from my floor or repair the damaged product in the box. It would only make things worse for me and set a bad example for my kids.

I am grateful that I have the proper perspective in most situations now. This Gratituesday, I hope that you are able to laugh, no matter what life brings you.

-Julie

Veteran's Day

I would like to take today to thank all the Veterans of our country. We are truly blessed to live in the United States of America. Thanks to all of those who have served and those who are currently serving our country and their families.

I am especially grateful for my grandfather and father-in-law who served our country.

This post is linked to Works-for-Me Wednesday.

-Robin

Being Prepared For The Flu

So far, we have avoided the dreaded flu. My kids have contracted other minor viruses, but nothing too severe. I have formed a plan of action that will hopefully hold it at bay. The law of averages in my life have shown that, if I am prepared for the worst, it usually doesn't happen. It is when I'm not ready that disaster seems to strike.

I am making an effort to keep the elements of the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) diet on hand now in case we pick up a bug this season. I am prepared to make toast to tame upset tummies, have apple juice for reluctant drinkers who need to stay hydrated, natural applesauce and bananas for easy snacks.

I am hoping that we can stay healthy, but I am glad to know that these items, along with keeping the medications we will need on hand, will make it easier if we do become ill. During the start of this busy season, not having to run to the store for supplies with a sick child Works For Me.

-Julie

Women's Bible Study

I have truly enjoyed my new Women's Bible Study group this fall. We are using a book called Marriage from Surviving to Thriving by Charles R. Swindoll. Even though my husband and I feel like we have a great marriage, we are always happy to learn how we can make it better. The book examines how God intended for married couples to experience and enjoy life to together.

On this Gratituesday, I am grateful for my Women's Bible Study group. It is awesome to enjoy some time each week with a great group of ladies. My Women's Bible Study group is at the church we attend. Usually, churches provide childcare for mothers with young children. I have a friend that goes to Community Bible Study and has had a good experience. Alot of the Community Bible Studies offer a Children's Program so that the children can participate too.

I hope you will be inCouraged to join a Women's Bible Study!

-Robin

My Cleaning Schedule Works For Me

Aside from switching to all natural cleaners in our household, we have also instituted a weekly cleaning schedule that Works and keeps our home running smoothly. We try to do a quick tidy of our major clutter areas each evening after dinner and I have guidelines I follow for the deeper cleaning of the house. Deep cleaning for me includes dusting, vacuuming, wiping baseboards and clutter control. We have a three story home, so I have divided it up into areas that I tackle each day. The kids often help me with this, but my routine is as follows:

Monday - Kitchen Deep Clean (including mopping floors) and Bedrooms

Tuesday - Main Floor cleaning (our main living spaces)

Wednesday - Bathrooms and a Kitchen Touch-Up

Thursday - Basement (our "play" and craft space)

Friday - Kitchen and Bathroom Touch-Ups

We take the weekends off as family time and this schedule has completely freed us up to do that. If we have a mess on an off day, we do tackle it, but this schedule keeps us "company ready" and very proud of our space.

I hope you can adapt this to work for your home or that you'll share what Works for You!

-Julie

Pumpkin Patch

Fall is one of our favorite times of the year. We always look forward to going to the pumpkin patch and picking out the perfect pumpkin! We enjoy carving the pumpkin together, baking the seeds, and then using some of the pulp to make some sweet pumpkin treats.

Going to the pumpkin farm to pick out a pumpkin with your kids is a great way to spend time together.

I’ll share some of our favorite pumpkin recipes with you after we carve our pumpkin!

-Robin

Sunday Morning Fellowship

I love that our Sunday School class gets together for snacks and fellowships once a month before class begins. This time give us a chance to get to know one another better and get to know any new members of our class. Last Sunday, my husband and I brought cantaloupe wrapped pursuitto to share with the class. It was yummy and easy to make. The salty taste of the pursuitto went very well with the sweet taste of cantaloupe. I would encourage all Sunday School classes to start a fellowship Sunday. This Gratituesday, I am grateful for Sunday morning fellowship.

This post is also linked to Tempt My Tummy Tueday!

-Robin

Join us on Thursday for Thrifty Thursday!

Brilliant Moms Blog Community

It is often easier to pick out our differences than it is to rejoice in our similarities. Community is a social group of any size that shares experiences together. Our families are often our most immediate community, but you may have a neighborhood community, a church community, a club community, etc. Plus you are part of the global community, and by the fact that you are reading this, you are a part of the Brilliant Moms Blog community.

In our house, we had the opportunity to each make our own sandwich the way that we wanted it last week. You might look at these two pictures and note that one sandwich is turkey on toast and that the other is bologna on bread. If you could look closer, you might see that one has mustard and the other has mayonnaise or that one has tomato and the other is without. Look again, though, and you will see that both have similar structure with bread on the outside holding the contents within. Then you might notice that each is cut into diagonal sections and placed on a similar plate. But, I think the most important similarity to notice is that each plate is at the same table. One of the biggest challenges for a Brilliant Mom is to maintain a sense of community for herself and her family. I want to thank each of you for giving me a sense of on-line community. I hope that any of you who are lacking the fulfillment that can only be achieved through our interactions with others will choose to look beyond your immediate differences to sit at the same table with your family or local community.

My Herb Garden

I am so excited to be settled into our new home. A few weeks ago, I started some projects that I had been waiting to start. One of the projects was my herb garden. Our family loves using fresh herbs in our cooking, so I thought it would be fun to have the kids help me plant the seeds and watch them grow. Every day the girls help me water the plants. It teaches them some responsibility and gives me a little help as well.

After a few weeks, our herbs are off to a great start! We planted our favorite and most used herbs basil, oregano, and parsley, but we are planning to add to our garden since it has been a success.
Growing your own herbs saves money and it is a fun project for the kids. My herb garden Works for Me!

-Robin

Share your money saving link tomorrow on Thrifty Thursday!

My Favorite Kitchen Tool

This definitely Works For Me. I have mentioned that I am "vertically challenged" so I need this little plastic stool to reach the top shelves of my cupboards and pantry.

Even more important, this stool allows my kids to get in on the action in the kitchen. They love to help prepare meals, wash dishes and see what Mom is working on.

This is definitely one of the least expensive, but most used items in our kitchen!

-Julie