Making Dinner Happen-Even on Busy Weeknights

My family sits down together, at the dining room table (because that's where all of us can fit), each night for dinner. We always have. I didn't realize that many kids don't have that as a part of their family routine until recently. So as much as Jeff and I do to screw our kids up, at least we're doing a few things well, too.

 I'm not a great cook. In fact, I don't even like to cook. But, I can be organized and follow a recipe. And being organized is a big part of the reason why we succeed in the area of family dinners.

 I used to coupon, but it takes a lot of time, and as a busy mom, time and I are not bffs right now. I have found that I can do the majority of my shopping at Aldi and still save. So, on Sundays after church you will find me running through the aisles at Aldi with my helper, Aiden, getting what we need for the week. That means on Saturday I have to sit down and plan our meals. I take into account what we have on the calendar for the week. Usually, that means we have something each night. Being prepared is KEY! I need to know what I'm making each night and how long the meal takes to prepare. I HATE making the menu plan. (Remember, I don't like to cook.) So, when I can find one done for me I USE IT!

I'm excited to read Living Well, Spending Less after this month (after this month because I'm challenging myself to a 'no spending' month). Check out the Living Well, Spending Less blog. It is where I found the plan to kick busy January weeknights in the tail! Now, I think I probably spent a little more than an hour, but I have TEN main dishes ready to go for those busy weeknights! All I will need to do is pull them out of the freezer.

 

 It was a great way to spend my Sunday afternoon because it means less for me to worry about as we all head back to school (BOO!). So, with some planning ahead, you can enjoy a few minutes with your fam in the evenings!

Worth it, right? :)

2014: A Full Year of Memories

Stay tuned for our recap of 2014.

Soccer Team Party

Asher had a big time with his soccer teammates at their end of the season party. There was plenty of room for the kids to run around and lots of different things for them to do. As you can see, they decided to start painting their own faces! But, the most exciting part for Asher was getting his trophy! You would've thought he won a million dollars! So thankful to have had wonderful coaches and a great first experience with a team sport.



Asher and his BFF, Isabela. Sofia <3

Happy Halloween!

Mamaw came through again by making a beautiful costume for Halloween! It is no secret that Baby A is a huge Elsa fan and he has talked for months about wanting an Elsa dress.  He was so excited and loved, loved, loved everything about being Elsa!


Coco settled for Wolverine. His first choice was Batman the Brave and the Bold, but we didn't find his size. (Am I alone that it pains me to BUY a way expensive costume? What a racket. But, apparently, it is a huge deal to little boys not to have a homemade costume.) It was funny to me how fake muscles made him walk with a strut.



 We trick or treated with our sweet girlfriends.

Millie the Cat



Sofie the Unicorn



Isabela the Ghost (which she made herself!)



Lenny spent the evening at a haunted house/zombie something or other. She definitely doesn't get that bravery from me!



Lizzy was cheering on the Dragons as usual for a Friday night dressed as a girl version of Tom Cruise in Risky Business.

I love these kids!

Senior Homecoming

My girl is simply beautiful. Inside and out.

  

Love Connor's shoe choice!

She is just precious to me and I'm so savoring every event this year. She is too.

Some of these girls have been her close friends since 4th grade. Avery has been so blessed to have such a group of good girls to do life with.

I love you, Ave!

First Day of School

3rd grade

SENIOR!!!!

6th grade

All three have entered big years of school! Man, these kids are awesome and I am one proud mom. You can see by the picture that Coco has to leave earlier than the girls. An HOUR earlier. But, I'm liking the staggered start times. Granted it is only day one, but I think it will work out well for our family.

All had a good day. They like their teachers and have friends in their classes. This morning was super smooth-I know that won't last! I'm thankful that we have one more week before evening sporting events start up!

Hangin' with the G Braves

Mr. Coco has been participating in the Gwinnett Braves baseball camp this week.  Oh to see him out there on that big, beautiful baseball field!  He loves it!  I'll give him his own special post soon. :)

Today Baby A and I went to watch a bit.  We walked down toward the field so I could take some pictures and wouldn't you know, the child who has never met a stranger made some new friends.

I saw that he caught the eye of the coach and before I knew it, they were talking.  He said, "Why don't you come down here and meet some of the guys."  Of course, Asher is too young to know how special that is.  He is used to hanging out in the dug out with Jeff and Aiden, so it wasn't anything unusual to him.  But, I sure thought it was!

 That little stinker!  You can't tell me that God hasn't gifted this child with something special!  He brings a smile to all that he meets!  The guys hung out with him for about 10 min. and then sent him off with his own baseball (which he gave to his brother, sweet boy).

Munciana Volleyball Camp

Asher loves volleyball. If you hand him a ball he will try to pass it or set it. Since we were going to be in Indiana for 2 weeks, I thought we'd take advantage of the best club program in the nation and send our little volleyball lover to youth camp. The camp was a little advanced for him because they spent a great deal of time on footwork rather than actual ball handling, but he enjoyed being in the gym and getting a tshirt.









We'll try it again next year and I'm glad to still have a volleyball player in the family!

Junior Prom

Lizzy attended her first prom last night. The pictures will speak for themselves with how beautiful she looked! I found myself so excited to see everything come together. A slight glimpse of how her wedding day will be? Oh my! She did all of her styling herself. She's got an eye, that girl. She found the dress on etsy for a great price. She's smart, too.  
   
The day was cold and rainy, so we shot some at home before heading to meet the group. Of course, her main man had to get into the action! He was SO excited to see all the girls dressed up!
  


 
   


 It was fun to see all the kids gussied up, but mine stood out, don't you think? :)