My Crazy Life: Desperately Seeking Work-Life Balance

My how things have changed...

2011-11-14T07:51:00.001-08:00

Two years later and I am trying to post some comments on a friends blog. I have to sign in only to find my own blog and realize that I had started something good and abandoned it. For what?

It's been a challenging two years and I've gone through some difficult trials. Our God is good and gracious and even though at times I felt like I had been abandoned, I can see now that He was carrying us through. Just like He promised. You know, when we aren't focused on the right things in life, everything suffers.

My family is starting on a new journey. We believe we have found a new church home which we are very excited about and we are getting actively involved in serving our community. Jeff has started a new job that he really, really likes and I think suits him very well. The company I work for is doing great and exciting things, and I have been granted many opportunities to meet and get to know many new smart, interesting people. Some of the relationships I had in the past were as rocky as my life and they are healing and on the right path. And the pain of losing my nephew is easing. The little man will always be in my heart, but I know I will see him again one day. God promises us this too!

For almost a year, I have been unable to pray at night because the mere mention of the things that were burdening me brought anxiety and panic attacks. It would be hours later that I would finally fall asleep. Last night I said my bedtime prayers without anxiety and because of this I know I am healing. I rejoiced silently in bed and thanked the Lord once again for forgiving me, loving me, healing me, for sending Christ to die for me so that I can live a full life and know without a doubt I will see the people I love again one day. And then I thanked him again for richly, richly blessing me!

And so today...we start a new journey.

What I am thankful for...

2009-09-05T07:43:00.001-07:00

Good Morning! This morning is probably one of the last opportunities I’ll have for a while to sit around reading and watching Food Network. Next week, Pee-Wee football kicks back up and I’ll be up early getting Grayson ready for football and Abby ready for cheer. It is crazy busy and my favorite time of year. This year even the weather is cooperating with a 10 day forecast of temps in the mid to high 80’s…amazing for Big D.

This morning I was reading an article in Woman’s Day about having a mind set of thankfulness and the joy this mindset brings. I for one have had a lot to be thankful for, especially in the past 9 months. Being away from the hustle and bustle of working outside the home has given me a good opportunity to re-evaluate what’s important. While I will always be one to overbook my life, this time I am overbooking it with a lot of projects I REALLY want to be involved in. I’ll post more on those another day. Today, I’ll start with why I am really thankful for my church family.

I am so glad we gave FBC TC a chance. I truly loved going to Stonebriar because Chuck is simply awesome. But we have been at FBC TC for about 18 months and I have finally returned to WANTING to be at church every Sunday. It is no longer a burden to get up on Sunday morning and go. It has been a LONG Time since I have really wanted to be at Sunday school and church. So, here are the top 5 reasons I love my church.

Reason #1…awesome, caring people. People who are not pretentious or arrogant. I have met people who have almost nothing willing to offer up what they have out of kindness and caring. And there people who have lots, but place little value on material things because they know there are more important things in life.

Reason #2…I would say the Pastor, but it’s not just the pastor…it’s the pastor’s family. I think the whole bunch is wonderful. Pastor Mark tells it like it is from the pulpit and lives what I would call a “normal” life. He is real and it is reflected in his children…who are well mannered, normal kids and crazy cute! And Monica, who is sweet, smart, caring, warm…I could go on.

Reason #3…My children want to be at church. Because of people who care, my children know about Christ. They are eager to talk about God with us and with their friends. They want all of their friends to come to church events. They learn about missionaries and other cultures and absolutely love going to church.

Reason #4…The church totally books my social calendar and there is always an opportunity to hang out with friends who inspire me to be a better person and have a closer walk with my Lord and Savior.

Reason #5...All of my wonderful girlfriends and their families now come on Sundays. The people who I want to be with when I am not with my family are there too. Almost all of them. I got giddy a few months ago on Sunday because they were all there!! DeAnna, Penny, Tamika, Sharla, Holly...I could go on and on. Plus the new friends I have met at the church...It is soo cool! I get excited just thinking about it.

My church is a key component delivering a sense a community to our city. I love it!!

Next post….why I am thankful for my cool and awesome family.

Summer Went By Pretty Darn Fast

2009-08-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

okay, okay...I wrote this on the plane to Birmingham about 3 weeks ago and I am just now getting around to posting it. Some of the information is a bit dated, but here goes:

Oh my goodness, this summer has gone by so fast and it has been a busy one. At the beginning of the summer, I thought it would be so great to be home with kids. I could work in the morning and then in the afternoons, we’d play. We’d go to the zoo, go the pool, go here and there. I bought all of us season passes to Hawaiian Falls. And then, I signed client number 2 and my workload when crazy. And then July 1st, I signed client number 3. At which time, I hired a baby sitter from church to watch the kids in the afternoon. Today, she can’t get there early enough!!

I have learned so much about business and marketing and working with clients this summer. I have learned how to manage contractors, which works out great unless they over commit themselves. Now I know how my clients feel at times…LOL! I have learned how to bill hourly because it’s not as easy as it sounds. I mean really, how do you bill for the time you spend writing in your sleep? I’m just sayin’!

Most importantly, I am learning how to balance working from how with being a mom and part of the family. I am having so much fun starting my business and have such a love for my work that sometimes it is very hard to shut the computer down and go make dinner.

Now I have to decide if I am satisfied where I am or if I need to grow. With growth comes office space, employees and contracts and I am just not sure if I want that kind of commitment. But where I am at is in the middle of getting it all done and needing more from my contractors anyway, so I probably need to make a decision at some point.

The way I see it…God truly led me here. He knows my needs, my fears and my abilities. He has a plan and I am just along for the ride. I’ll continue to do my best work, be the best partner to my awesome clients and know I am working to carry out my purpose in the world.

Logos

2009-04-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

I got my logos...I got my logos. More to come!!

Lori

Being At Home

2009-04-13T17:08:00.001-07:00

So, I have been at home now since December and right now my responsibilities include:
1. Being a homemaker
2. Finding a job (in the works), or building a Marketing Business (in the works) or becoming a teacher (also in the works).

You'll have to forgive me because I am quite flaky these days and I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. However, a few things are certain. I want to work and I do NOT want to be a homemaker full time, which leads to the next list of desires, I want to work part-time outside the house, make decent money and; therefore, have time with my kids. Or I could work full-time at home, but I still need an office or clients that I can visit on a regular basis--even if it's just for lunch.

Here is the deal on the homemaker bit...I hate to clean house and if I stay at home, it is expected of me. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind keeping things picked up, doing the laundry, and maybe vacuuming. I also don't mind grocery shopping and cooking dinner. But I will NEVER be the kind of mom that has ZERO cobwebs. I looked up today and my coo-coo clock had a cob web on it and then above that was one hanging from the ceiling, there are milk (or something) spots on my leather sofa and dog hair on the tile in front of the fireplace where the dog sleeps. Everywhere I look in this house, there is something that needs to be cleaned and I hate to clean, hate it, hate it, hate it! If you are looking for a complete example of cleaning avoidance...look no further. I can think of a million things that I can do to avoid mopping the kitchen floor. So there!

BTW--This makes my husband crazy because he says right now, it's my job and well, I think he should fire me and hire someone to do this crazy housework.

So, I think I am going to focus on my other two, err three, responsibilities and see how quickly I can make extra money to hire someone for the housework, cuz he won't do it. Ppphhhbbbbttt!

Oh, I should be getting my logo for my marketing site this evening. YEAH!! Hopefully, I can get the website published by the end of the week and move forward with that project. WEEEE!

Strawberry Pie

2009-04-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

I made this pie last night and had a few requests for the recipe. It was from Light and Tasty, April/May 2004. I included nutritional information. And as a bonus, I am also going to post the Taco Noodle Dish that I made as a precursor. I took the chili powder (read: spicy) out and the kids LOVED it!!

Fresh Strawberry Pie
3 pints plus 1 cup fresh strawberries
1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
2 to 3 drops red food coloring, optional
8 tablespoons reduced-fat whipped topping

Set aside 1 cup strawberries. Arrange remaining berries in pie shell. With a fork, mash reserved 1 cup strawberries; set aside.

In a saucepan, combine sugar and water; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add mashed strawberies and bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Gradually stir into strawberry mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in food coloring if desired. Cool for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spoon over strawberries in crust. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with whipped topping. Yield: 8 servings

Nutritional Analysis: One piece equals 234 calories, 8 g fat, 3 g fiber. (5 POINTS)

Taco Noodle Dish
2 cups uncooked yolk-free wide noodles
2 pounds lean ground turkey (I used lean ground beef)
1 can (8 oz) tomatoe sauce (I didn't have this so I subbed a 14 oz can petite diced tomatoes)
1/2 cup water
1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies
1 envelope reduced-sodium taco seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup (4 oz) shredded reduced-fat cheddar chese
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 taco sauce (used salsa instead)
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream

Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook beef over over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, water, green chilies, taco seasoning, onion powder, chili powder and garlic powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes. Drain noodles; place in an 11" x 7" x 2" baking dish. Spread the meat mixture over the top. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Top with lettuce, tomatoes, olives and taco sauce. Dollop with 1 tablesppon of sour cream. (I set all of this stuff out and let everyone add what they wanted.)

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals 312 calories, 13 g fat, 2 g fiber. (7 POINTS)

Enjoy!!!

Disciple Now Weekend

2009-03-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was such a rewarding experience. Jeff and I opened up our home to seven amazing girls, ages 12-14, for two nights and received so many blessings in return. The girls had such unique personalities with interests ranging from a love of swordsmanship, Manga and Anime to cheerleading, football and all things pink. And amongst the difference, one HUGE commonality brought them together. They were all raised by families who shared the love of Christ with them and they were all saved by grace. How fortunate they are to have families who love them enough to share their faith with them so that they may inherite the Kingdom of God. It is SO incredibly important! And in the worst of times, these teenagers will have a God they can turn to, to carry them through.

This weekend, we had an awesome speaker Jerrod who captured and kept the attention of the teenagers and adults with his crazy life experiences and his ability to easily relate them with the Word. He spoke of the time he got hit by a car going 35 mph and his realization at 16 that his dad was quite strong and clearly still in charge. And then he tied each of these stories to the weekend theme "Holiness" and discussed how we can become holy by being set apart in our actions and agents of change in our world.

As Christians, we are to live as no one else. We are to be in the world, but not of the World. And while I have heard this message so many times in my life, it really sunk in this time. I think maybe because his message strayed away from the "don'ts" in life--you know...don't drink, don't cuss, don't dance, etc--and focused more on "do's." Do love your neighbor, do feed the poor, do show up for church and community projects and do share the love of Christ with everyone you encounter.

Secondly, become an agent of change in your circle of friends, school, jobs, communities and world. Speak up when it's important and share Christ with your friends. As Christians, we can reach people one at a time, and the Word spreads one at a time. Together we can become Agents Of Change.

The whole weekend was so powerful...And Sunday morning, Jeff and I finally became members of the church we have been "visiting" for over a year. If you have a chance to be a part of DNow! I highly, highly encourage it. We'll be there again in 2010!

Menu Monday and More 3.9.2009

2009-03-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

Well, as I work on my little marketing business at home and try to gain some momentum in my trade show booth/registration sales, I also work on my other goal which is to become a teacher. I am a little afraid of that becoming a reality because of all the news about teacher layoffs in the area where I live. Thus far, I have signed up for my observation hours and plan to do them in Frisco. The coordinator seems to think he can get me a spot toward the end of April and I am realling looking forward to it. The first job fair is in Plano on March 28th and is open to certified teachers and those enrolled in an alternative certification who want to teach in critical need areas. My field is math 4-8 and secondary math is invited, so I plan to attend. The other job fairs are scattered throughout April, May and June. Hopefully, I'll land a job and be able to take a vacation this summer. The family really wants to go play in Colorado.

On a second note, we were a host home for Disciple Now this weekend. I learned so much that it is going to be the topic of my post...tomorrow.

Finally, here is my menu for the week. Remember mine started last Friday, so it's not too exciting this week, but here goes.

Friday: Kids left for my parents house for the weekend. Jeff and I dropped the kids off at the church and went and had PeiWei for dinner--alone! We made it back to the church in time for the guest pastor to speak. More on that tomorrow.
Saturday: we had Johnny Carinos at the church
Sunday: Lunch was Spring Creek BBQ and dinner was hot dogs for hubby and the kids, I had a 1 point huge salad. I think I gained a few pounds this weekend with all of the DNow food.
Monday: I made a huge pot of pinto beans with ham hocks, brown rice and Grands Biscuits.
Tuesday: Chicken Fajitas with fajita meat from the Mexican meat market & LO beans
Wednesday: Church
Thursday: Sliced ham, potatoes, fresh green beans

Friday we'll start over.
For hundreds of meal ideas, check out orgjunkie.com

Check back late tomorrow for a summary of DNow weekend!! It was a blessing and a half!
Lori

I don't have a title for this.

2009-03-03T07:24:00.000-08:00

Good morning! I have been home now for a little over 2 months and the to-do list is growing. How did I get all of this done while I was working outside of the home full time. I know I still did it all but I guess I just did it faster. Okay, I know I didn't mop the kitchen every week, but still. Well, a few things are new since I have been home. Like everyone takes their lunches to work or school now. That takes a little of my time. And my grocery/food bill has decreases substantially, which I can't figure out, but I'll take it.

I have a business meeting today to discuss the trade show that I working on, selling trade show booths and attendee registrations. Ya'll are going to think I am crazy when I say this, but I LOVE business meetings. I like learning what's going on, talking to colleagues, and feeling like I am 'in the know.' I am missing a little bit of that. So I am really looking forward to the meeting today.

I also should have my logo pretty soon for my little marketing business and can finish and publish my website...yeah!! I'll be actively seeking out new business at that point. Now that I actually know how much money I need to make to have the lifestyle that I want, I am pretty excited about moving forward and getting off unemployment completely.

Anyway, that is my brief update. Will share again soon.
Lori

Menu Plan Monday, March 3

2009-02-26T11:21:00.000-08:00

I think I am behind in posting a few weeks, although I have consistently written meal plans for every week. For this week, I have spent $90 on groceries including household items so far, and I anticipate that I will spend another $10 or so tomorrow because I need some raw veggies (grape tomatoes, cucumbers, celery and broccoli spears) for lunches and I am fresh out of dishwasher detergent. I have quit buying juice boxes as I now have containers for both children to take to school. Jeff still gets a coke zero and a bottle of water, though I may do away with the canned drinks because he comes home every day with a soda from QT. We'll see.

I menu plan from Friday forward because it is my shopping day.

Friday: Sloppy Joes, French Fries

Saturday: Veggie chili from the freezer was planned and it's what I ate, but everyone ended up eating something different.

Sunday: Planned was frozen pizza, actual was that Jeff and the kids had Leftovers from lunch at Black-Eyed Pea and I had veggie chili.

Monday is back to plan. Salmon, Rice with veggies and Broccoli

Tuesday: Chicken, Potatoes, Fresh Green Beans

Wednesday: Church

Thursday: We'll either eat the pizza or we'll have breakfast for dinner.

For more great menu ideas, check out orgjunkie.com

One more thing, did you know that 4 grams of sugar is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of sugar? I am sure that I have read this before, but for some reason it actually clicked in my head the last time I read it. Here is why this is a problem for me. My daughter LOVES poptarts, so we buy the Natures Path organic ones. I am thinking that I am doing something right, right?! WRONG!! Each pastry has 17 g of sugar, which is equivalent to 4 teaspoons of sugar FOR BREAKFAST! That doesn't even include the chocolate milk! So, Abby and I had a discussion this evening about different foods she'd like for breakfast and we are going to make a change at this mealtime. Fortunately, she likes to know that she is eating healthfully, so it isn't that big of a deal. I promised her she can still have her poptarts once a week for breakfast, but on those days, we are going to drink regular milk and skip the chocolate.

Signing off!

Lori

This, That and The Other

2009-02-16T11:25:00.000-08:00

This:
is Menu Plan Monday, which really started last Thursday for the Morgan Family. The menu is as follows:

Thursday: Breakfast for dinner...eggs, pancakes
Friday Dinner: Out for Valentines
Saturday Dinner: We had friends over for dinner and poker. My girlfriend makes an awesome chicken spaghetti with Homemade Gourmet's chicken enchilada seasoning...so yummy. I made a salad and strawberry cake. Kids had corndogs and tater tots. It was lots of fun.

Sunday Dinner: was wild rice soup. I'll post the recipe later.
Monday Dinner: Ham Steaks, potatoes, sauteed cabbage
Tuesday Dinner: Pulled Pork sandwiches, French Fries
Wednesday Dinner at church
Thursday is up for grabs, but it might be tacos

That:
So I have been saving my coupons and doing Grocery Game again. I am not an avid couponer so Grocery Game usually runs me about $10 and I buy fillers or things we'll need anyway down the road. For meats and produce, I go to Sprouts and the Mexican meat market. Anyway, last Monday was a Great Grocery Game Outing. Here is the run down.

10 Boxes of Cereal (Honey Nut Cheerios, Multigrain Cheerios, Total Cinnamon Crisp, Lucky Charms & Cinnamon Toast Crunch)
2 boxes Scooby Doo Fruit Snacks
Garnier Shampoo
Texas Garlic Toast (the frozen kind)
2 Boxes Totinos Pizza Rolls
2 Packages Ham sandwich meat
Cake Mix
2 Grands Biscuits
1 Package Yoplait Drinkable Yogurt (Diego)
1 Package Yoplait Kids Cups Yogurt
1 4-pack FiberOne Yogurt
1 4-pack yo+ strawberry Yogurt
1 4-pack Yo+ Blackberry Yogurt
1 Can Frosting
1 package shredded mexican cheese
4 cans Manwich

Total items = 32
Before coupons and Savings $83.36
Total Out-of-pocket $33.36
That, my friend, is success!

The Other:
I have decided to move forward in building my marketing company and purchased Praffeo.com. I am working to get that up and running. I'll be looking for some candid opinions and feedback soon.

Hope everyone has a happy monday!! and a great week!

Confessions Of An Out-of-Work Working Mother

2009-02-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

okay, so here's the outpouring of my daily thoughts. I want to work...but not all of the time. And, I want to make good money working part time, from home. I know, it's what most moms want, and I don't understand why it can't be.

Job Sharing has been a proven success for so many companies who have ventured into this experiment, and it has given many moms the income they need while be able to care for their children. Managers need to take a long hard look at their antiquated models and consider alternatives for moms like me who have excellent skills and experience to offer, but do not want to sacrifice valuable time the kids. HR Magazine says that the most challenging component in job sharing is the commitment it takes by the supervisor who now has to manage an additional employee. Let's face it, if a manager has to work that hard to manage an employee who has been given this privilege, the manager should find someone else. There are plenty of people who would appreciate and thrive in that environment. I know I would.

The reason I bring this up is that I love to work and I really like business in general. Like I read business book for enjoyment. And frankly, I like being able to go to Target and drop a hundred bucks just because. But I also like being a mom and picking my kids up from school and seeing the notable difference in their attitudes when I am not working versus when I am. Right now, they are way easier and more fun to be with because they are more relaxed...and so am I. It's a depressing state that I am in right now as I try to find my way,but I am optimistic. I seem to achieving some success in obtaining some contract gigs and will give those a shot for now. It seems that a couple of these might turn into full-time positions and then once again, I'll be making a hard decision. I also have my math 4-8 grade alternative certification thingy...though I'd rather teach a business class. And I am planning to attend a few job fairs in March to see what the opportunity is for a teaching position.

For now...I am torn and praying everyday for guidance. I won't sit idly by, but moving forward isn't always easy.

Menu Plan Monday: Week of January 25

2009-01-25T16:33:00.002-08:00

Good evening. I am putting my menu plan up Sunday night; however, I now do my grocery shopping on Friday's so you may notice that this menu actually started this past Friday. Also, this weeks menu is pretty simple. I am trying to save money, so it's pretty mainstream stuff. I'll probably get an urge to be more experimental next week.

Friday:
Three bean chili with veggies, Cornbread
Had extra kids Friday night, so we picked up a Cici's pizza for them. And, I froze to bags of chili, 6 cups each, for future dinners.

Saturday
Girls night out, men and children has spaghetti at a friend's house

Sunday
Ham steaks cooked in butter and brown sugar, roasted new potatoes, broccoli

Monday
Tacos with peppers, beans, rice

Tuesday
Spaghetti, salad, crescent rolls

Wednesday
Dinner at church. It's going to be chili dogs or frito pie..YUM!

Thursday
Chicken stir-fry, rice, egg rolls

Here is where you will find hundreds more menu ideas.

The Four-Hour Workweek, Love & Logic, The Bible

2009-01-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

The book titles in my headline currently sit on my bedside table. All are very good reading and the combination reflects the areas of my life in which I am most passionate--career, family and my spiritual life. I also have a Fitness magazine there and while 'fitness' is a need (of which I am currently avoiding), it's not a passion; however, I do like to cook and eat healthy. Once you have gone through the pain of losing 40 pounds, you don't really ever want to do it again, so I try to maintain. Right now, I am 10 pounds up and as a result I am sitting here eating chemical soup that Campbells call "Healthy italian wedding soup." It's bland. Stick with Chunky. I digress.

I mentioned in my post yesterday that I am most inspired by The Four-Hour Workweek. It helps entreprenuers achieve just this and provides a different perspective on the way we typically frame our lives in that we go to work and when we can afford something new (or even sometimes when we can't), we then go buy it. Take a new house for example...some of us save 20% to put down, make a mental note of how much payment we can afford based on the current job situation and then go find a house in that price range. We then long for vacations, cars, HDTV's, etc. The Four-Hour Workweek reverses that order. This book illustrates how to decide what we really want and then figure out how to fund it, starting a new business, selling something online, etc. It then discusses where to find the resources and services to do the work it takes to make your ideas come to fruition. As a person who has a hard time with authority...there I said it...and who has run my own business in the past, I like that someone has described how to make things happen. I can do the stuff in this book and I am therefore inspired to make it happen. My first step is inviting a friend of mine that I like to call IdeaGirl to lunch to brainstorm ideas. IdeaGirl has also started and run her own business and I think she is brilliant, so I'll keep you posted on where this leads.

My second source of inspiration is Love & Logic for Parenting: Teaching children Responsibility. I love the concepts in this book as they make complete sense. My biggest challenge will be having the patience to actually carry them out. Right now, be quiet and go to your room seems to be all I can get out of my mouth when my children act thier age. (Rolling eyes) So, I am going to have to work on having more patience and implement some of the concepts contained therein. This leads to my 3rd reading adventure...

The Bible. I have been a Christian and church goer my whole life. I am pretty sure in the last 34 years I have actually read the entire Bible in short snipits in sunday school, worship, youth group, GA, Acteens and Bible study, ect. But I have never read the entire Bible on my own. My husband has printed out a "Read the Bible through in a year Chronologically" sheet and so I am doing that. I have found that it is broken down into small enough segments that I don't get overwhelmed, or bored. (yes, the book of Job I have not found to be highly entertaining...bless that poor man's heart). Genesis however was pretty good reading. So far, it has been a blessing to spend a short amount of time reading God's Word and I am starting to feel like a better person already. I say this because my last job pretty much sucked me dry spiritually and I am finding my way back. New lessons will be shared for all. My biggest aha moment so far...I did not know that Jacob was renamed 'Israel.' Seriously, just like Saul became Paul, except Jacob produced the 12 tribes of Israel because that was his name. So there you have it, a born-again, church-going Christian of 26 years and I never knew this.

I recommend any of these books for those looking for real, non-fiction, entertainment--if these are subjects are of interest to you. I need to sign off pretty quick to go do my meal plan, so if there are spelling errors, please accept my apologies. My next post will be next weeks menu and it will be on a budget. We'll see.

Long time, no post

2009-01-22T13:18:00.000-08:00

It was brought to my attention that I haven't posted anything since January 5. Thanks Tamika! It has been crazy here at the Morgan household with me trying to find work, starting my 4-year-old in pre-school and travel. We took a trip to Ruidoso this past weekend because school was out for 4 days. My parents booked a cabin and we rode in the Buick with them. Just a quick note, the Buick is a really nice car, but riding in the middle between two energetic children in booster seats from Dallas to Ruidoso is not fun, especially when they won't go to sleep.

Anyway, I promise to post more tomorrow. I am reading The Four-Hour Workweek and feel inspired, so that will most likely be my topic. Until then...

Menu Plan Monday: Week of January 5

2009-01-05T15:55:00.001-08:00

Hi all! This is my second week posting with Menu Plan Monday. Last week was busy, but we made it. I think I cooked everything on our menu, which made lunch on Sunday awesome because we had a ton of leftovers. My menu this week isn't as structured because it's only Grayson and I at home for lunch. DH and Abby will take their lunches to work/school.

Breakfasts
(Btw...breakfast is always kids choice and it's the only meal of the day that I turn into a short order cook.)
Cereal
PopTarts
Pancakes
Eggs & Toast
Oatmeal

Lunches
Cheese sandwiches with tomato soup
Sandwiches with chips, fruit, Jell-O
Soups
Mac & cheese
Hot Dogs

Dinner
Sunday: Pork chops, cabbage, corn
Monday: Homemade chicken and rice soup, buscuits
Tuesday: PotRoast, onions, carrots, new potatoes, gravy
Wednesday: Church
Thursday: Bar-B-Q sandwiches with leftover roast on whole wheat buns, coleslaw
Friday: Probably homemade pizza with leftover veggies and canadian bacon

For more yummy menus, visit orgjunkie.com.

Car Wars

2009-01-03T13:34:00.000-08:00

I am the first to admit that I have great kids. My son is sweet, smart and funny; and my daughter is sweet, smart and sassy. They get along great--most of the time. Take this morning for instance...We got up late as has been the trend this holiday season, they watched Sponge Bob while I took a shower and got ready for the day. Then they each took showers, played some imagination game where Abby is the mom and then played Littlest Pet Shop together. It was great. AND THEN, we had to go run errands.

I don't know what it is about the back seat of a car that totally possesses children. They instantly can't stand each other. "That's my little pet shop lizard...but I had it first...but it's mine" and on and on and on, until mom gets frustrated and takes them all away. Then mom's mean! Well, I happen to think they are mean for making me listen to such nonsense and I tell them so. You know what they say..."Well, you should just ignore us!" Yah, like that can be done from the front seat!

So, we turned around and came home. I still have to go back to Wal-mart. Now, this all started in like January 2008, so it hasn't been going on that long, but it's enough to make mom and dad INSANE. So insane that we spent $1000 on plane tickets this year to Disney, so we wouldn't have to listen to constant bickering from here to Orlando. I have to admit, flying was better--but seriously.

So now, when it's just me and the kids, my 7 year old daughter rides in the front seat. I don't care if you tell me this is not wise. I'll do it anyway because I don't think it's any more dangerous than driving alone with them in the back seat whining about 'she looked out my window' etc. Because then I might just drive us all off a bridge.

No, really! If you all have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Otherwise we are going to be housebound for the next 10 years! And THAT is my rant for the day! ARGH!!

New Year's Eve

2008-12-31T12:20:00.001-08:00

Well, it's New Year's Eve and I am excitely looking forward to what 2009 will bring. I am making black-eyed peas for dinner tonight at my parent's house and another batch to enjoy tomorrow night while at my cousin's house, so I should have plenty of good luck.

Yesterday I took the kids to Six Flags for Holiday in the Park and I was really impressed. I have to say, I have gone many times in the past, but a new investment company bought Six Flags over Texas in January and some of the changes they made were quite present and pleasant at Holiday in the Park. For starters, there was a HUGE Nativity scene set up in the lawn right in front of the Judge Roy Scream. It was well lit and really pretty. Another noticable change was the holiday music, which were all songs released by Christian artists. I know I heard Casting Crowns, Point of Grace and others that I recognized. For some, these might have been unrecognizable small changes, but sometimes the small things are what empowers the subconcious. Either way, it kept Christ in Christmas and made for a most family-friendly atmosphere. Oh, and the kids got to try sledding on snow hill--not a common occurance in Big D. All and all the day was great fun and I'll be renewing my season pass in 2009 to see what other changes might come.

For tonight, we'll be enjoying an evening of good food and game playing at my parent's house. I have a bottle of the good stuff (Dom Perignon) to toast at midnight. No, I didn't buy it...Iam too cheap. :) and I looking forward to a good, safe entry into 2009. More to come tomorrow.

Happy New Year!!

Menu Plan Monday: Week of December 29

2008-12-29T08:29:00.000-08:00

Hi all! This is my first post to Menu Plan Monday. I was a recently employed mom, who is working to start a marketing business at home. We are out of school and off work this week, so the menu is fully built out. I hope to continue posting at least dinner every week.

Sunday
Breakfast: Donuts (we always take the kids to the donut store before church. It gets them all sugared up before Sunday school.)
Lunch: split pea soup with ham, cornbread
Dinner: fettucine alfredo with leftover chicken strips

Monday
Breakfast: cereal or pop tart
Lunch: pinto beans and cornbread
Dinner: tacos & LO beans

Tuesday
Breakfast: eggs & toast
Lunch: sandwiches with soup & fruit
Dinner: chicken, rice, broccoli

Wednesday
Breakfast: cereal or pop tart
Lunch: sandwiches or leftovers
Dinner: pork chops, fried cabbage, boiled new potatoes

Thursday
Breakfast: eggs & toast
Lunch & Dinner: Hoppin John at a friends house

Friday
Breakfast: pancakes & sausage
Lunch: out to lunch with a friend
Dinner: steaks, twice-baked sweet potatoes, salad

Saturday
Whatever is left

For more yummy menus, visit orgjunkie.com.

A Simple Life Of Hard Work and Modest Means

2008-12-28T19:18:00.000-08:00

What are your priorities in life? I read an article today in the Dallas Morning News about the superintendent of Irving Independent School District. The man is 67 years old and has served as superintendent since 1988, having began as a teacher in IISD and ultimately, climbed his way to the top.

Over the years, IISD has seen the face of its citizens change to a more diverse group, but their leader has remaned the same. Some see this as a problem, but personally, I see it as a success. He is a humble man who has served well-although some say he is quite the authoritarian. His salary is $240,000 per year, but he lives in the same house that he bought in the early 80's when he moved to Irving. It is valued at $137,500. He works hard day in and day out, but he sees no reason to live in a mansion, drive fancy cars or otherwise simply to impress you or me.

Having money and living a simple life provides options. It allows you to travel, and enjoy family and friends, without having to worry about social status. I guarantee that he sees this recession as a minor setback rather than a major disaster because of the choices he has made. I think if we had more people like that today, the world would be a better place.

Starting Today

2008-12-27T15:40:00.001-08:00

I am reading a book right now called 48 Days To The Work You Love by Dan Hall. It's a great book, but I am finding it to be a real eye-opener, sole seeker kind of book. Basically, the premise is that we should all be doing work that we are passionate about and when we do what we love, we become happier, which helps lead to...life balance. So, I have been racking my brain lately trying to figure out exactly WHAT I am passionate about. I have determined that I have been so busy living in the now that I have neglected to set real, tangible goals. Starting today, I am going to begin the process of living with a purpose. Here is my first goal:

Goal #1: Set real tangible goals.

I'll keep you posted daily to see how this goes.

Lori