Another Monday, Another Meal Plan

It's that time of the week again! When I try and organize our family meal times! Last week was hit and miss on the plan- most nights were spot on. A couple of other times... not so much. And, that meant, I ended up going to the grocery store more than I should/wanted.

But, I'm determined that we will have a meal plan every week & it will be stuck to! It's one way I can make the most out of all the ingredients in my house & save money.

Back in the saddle, I go!

MONDAY- Chick-fil-A Monday (a new tradition around here)

TUESDAY- Salmon, Salad & green veggies

WEDNESDAY- Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake & Salad

THURSDAY- Hard Tacos, Queso/Chips, and Tomato/Cucumber Salad

FRIDAY- Apricot Chicken, Salad & green veggie

SATURDAY- Pizza :-)

SUNDAY- leftovers!!!! :-)

But the best part of meal planning and making?

It's seeing these guys across the table from me every night.

5

Be still my heart.

My baby boy is 5 today. 

Happy Birthday to my funny, sweet, smart, handsome little boy.

You make my life better every single day. 

I love you!

Getting Cowboy'd Up

For an early birthday present/any excuse to go do something fun event this past Saturday night, my dad took Jacob, me and E to The Mesquite Rodeo.

We had a blast. We got to sit up in the suites (which is the only way to go to *most* events, in my humble opinion.) Jacob and I rode the chuck wagon around the arena before the rodeo started. We had tasty bbq & free drinks, lol! We got to come and go throughout the arena at our whim, thanks to the trusty, red wristbands on our wrists! Jacob highly enjoyed the face painting part of the night- he got a Batman face mask & a Superman "tat". I really loved being up on the cat walk by the cowboys and the animals during the bull riding part of the evening. *That* was awesome.

My favorite part, though was seeing my little boy all "cowboy'd up" as he put it. It was very cute & super special to me- my family owned a 'country/western wear' store up until I was 13/14 years old. I grew up learning how to fit a pair of boots, what 13MWZ's are, and how to take proper care of a cowboy hat. So, watching my off-spring soak up and absorb a little of that culture made me a happy mama, indeed.

If you get a chance, get on out to the rodeo- it's on until the middle of August! But there's always something happening at the arena other times of the year!

Meal Planning Monday

So, I've fallen off the whole 'plan your meals every week and shop the sales' plan I was working there for a while.

Why?

Because I'm lazy really busy.

So, in an effort to be more organized/planned/money managed- I'm committing to planning out my family's meals every week & posting the plan every Monday. Here we go!

Monday- Lemon Chicken, baked potatoes & green beans

Tuesday- Baked Tilapia, salad & fruit

Wednesday- Grilled Cheese & soup

Thursday- Jacob's 5th Birthday (yikes!). We're working on that plan!

Friday- left overs

Saturday- Taco Night w/the Mintons


What are y'all having for dinner this week?

The Sharp, Pointy Teeth of Kindergarten

So.

I gotta admit, there's been plenty of days lately when it feels like I'm running from this all day.

For what?

Oh, just the short one's Kindergarten future, that's all.

Good. Grief.

I'm telling you, this Kindergarten crap is going to be the death of me. I've been back and forth, back and forth, back and forth... for months. Public school or homeschool. Public school or homeschool. Both have advantages. Both have disadvantages. Private school just ain't an option- side note, really private schools? Must I pay you in with the the soul of my next born in order to pay for this child's KINDERGARTEN education?!

I had been searching for a 1/2 day Kindergarten around me. Yeah. Good luck with that. I don't want my just barely 5 year old gone for the whole stinking day. I just don't! And, to be honest, the school schedule would wreck havoc on J's visitation schedule (which is enough of a pain the hiney!). Homeschooling would take care of that issue! 

But.

Jacob does need the structure of a classroom. He just does. Being in a room with other kids that he has to get along with and learn from and with.... these are all things that I think would be very good for my little carpet commanche. 

However, I'm still not sure that Jacob is really ready for Kindergarten. His preschool teacher sure didn't think so! (she is a former Kindergarten teacher.) The private school that we had looked at one point didn't think he was seriously ready either... they suggested summer school to get him ready.

(really? summer school? for KINDERGARTEN?!)

I'm driving the neurotic bus on this one & steering straight into the crazy skid. Trying to figure out what works best for our family. What I WANT to do. What NEEDS to be done. What Jacob NEEDS to learn & to love to learn. What he needs to not become the next face on COPS. And, oh my goodness, I feel like I'm about to ruin my child's life & it's just about KINDERGARTEN!!!!!

This would be the point where this conversation takes place in my house:

Me: I don't know what to do! This is his education and future!

E: It's just Kindergarten, Babe.

Me: You don't understand! It's the foundation for his entire education! He could end up hating school and flunking out and then hating me for making the wrong decision all those years ago!!!!

(cue the increased hysteria)

E: Well, in that case. We shall neither sleep nor eat till all is decided!!!

Me: Sometimes I don't know if you're kidding or not.

(silence)

E: I'm going to bed.

The clock is seriously ticking down on me. I have to make a final decision & fast. 

whimper.

Hold me, y'all.

Honest, I Love It

I just want to go ahead & say, I'm not getting paid for this blog post. I was not asked to do it. I just want to let some other people know about something awesome I've found. I'm a professional wife and mommy- an amateur reviewer.


The Honest Co.

Let me explain. I love me some Facebook but mostly those pop-up adds on my timeline just annoy me. However. One day, an add for a free trial with The Honest Co. came on my screen. I had heard about the company, knew who Jessica Alba is, etc,etc. But, I'd never thought to try the products. I'm usually all about whatever is cheaper at Walmart or such. But, for the price of shipping, I thought- what the heck? Let's give it a try.

I'm hooked.

I love this stuff!

I've tried the laundry detergent, body wash & shampoo, hand soap, body lotion, multi-purpose cleaner, bug spray.... I've loved everything I've tried. I also love that they use organic ingredients, non-toxic ingredients (even in bug spray & house hold cleaners).

I'm slowly transitioning a lot of our household cleaners & personal care products over to Honest Co. products. I particularly love the laundry detergent & the body lotion right now. In our house, we use less than a bottle of the detergent a month (it's concentrated!) and my clothes & the Hubs and the small boy's clothes always come out clean. For me and my family, it's the right decision- for our health & for the planet's health.

If you're in the market for trying something new- give The Honest Co. a try. 

Obligatory picture of the detergent and the hand soap in my laundry room..... and 'Uncle Walter'

Yup. I'm Ready.