Maybe you have noticed my lack of blogging, but I’m sure you are busy with your own summer. I have decided to compile a short list of reasons why I have been absent from the blog world.

Excuse Numero 1 has 6 small pieces to it.  Can you see them?

Six little teeth in 6 weeks was not as pleasant as Jonah makes it look in this picture.  There was 102 fever,  and mega fits.

Here is our latest victim:

The is the only toy that keeps him happy.

Happy Summer

How was teething on your kids?

I just bought all 29 items for $31.79. Woot, woot! I know, to you, it doesn’t look like it’s as much as it is, but I saved $22.50 and a $70 coupon book is in the mail from Kellogs Fuel for School.

The 2nd best thing about this Wal-mart trip was that I was ALONE.

My baby is now closer to One than he is to being born, and with everyday he has something new to accomplish. Don’t they learn so quickly?! Time is flying by and some days I wish it could stop, but other times I think the big “One” couldn’t get here soon enough. (I know, I already hear your gasps)

I will let you celebrate with me the milestones that little 8 month old Jonah has accomplished in the past weeks…

He cut his first tooth (along with his first fever of 102) the Saturday of Coram Deo. His fever finally broke three days later with the cutting of tooth numero 2 up top. This was a very trying time.  Jadon cut his teeth with ease.  His only side effect was drool.

He took his first “real” crawling scoots, and the best part of it was Jon was the first to see it. That’s pretty special for a dad.  Because I stay home, I get to experience most of the boys’ “firsts”

He is also clapping and waving.  Though he only claps with one of our friends, Brian.  I don’t know what it is, but he refuses to clap with anyone else.  His wave is probably my favorite because he does it as we walk and everyone loves it.

I’m looking forward to all the fun stuff he’ll be able to do by the end of summer.

Happy Thursday!

I am always looking for easier, cheaper, cleaner (get the point) ways to do things. Since I have entered the blogsphere, I have been blown away by how many awesome blogs are out there for this stuff, (and they are even better than Martha Stewart).

Because it is so easy for me to get carried away looking at each one and clicking on links to the next one, i thought I would share with you a new blog series called Friday’s Five. This will be a short list of my most recent favorite sites, so you can enjoy them with me.

1. Simple Mom - this site motivates me to be a better Mom/homemaker. It takes everything I see as impossible and makes it all do-able. Also, The *giveaways* are fantastic. Like this week they are doing a series on Cloth Diapers 101 and they are giving away lots of them! I am seriously considering trying out cloth diapers on my boys.

2. My Blessed Life - My friend Lora has a beautiful, “homely” blog with all kinds of recipes, meal planning, and just a lot of Godly motherly insite.

3. Frugal Coupon Living - If you like free stuff (Burt’s Bees, Candy Bars, Victoria Secret etc.) she knows where it’s all at!

4.  Simple Kids - I haven’t even had a chance to check out this place, but I know it’s awesome because Simple Mom is awesome.

5.  Dinner with Julie - I stumbled on this blog somewhere?  The only thing I know is that I’m going to make this, Sunken Chocolate Cake with Blackberry Raspberry Fool, and I will let you know how it goes. 

This concludes today’s episode of Friday’s Fantastic Five.  Tune in every other Friday for the DL on my favorites sites.

Do you have any sites (they don’t have to be blogs) that are in your Fantastic Five?  Please share!

Recently I have been inspired to do many things. Unfortunately, when this happens I do not have enough money to finish what I start. So I have had to change my perspective, and here is my new “green-ly” inspired list of to do’s. I guess you could call this is my self-evaluation sheet of being a mom (and wife). I like doing this because it makes all of our lives around here better.  

• Menu planning for our family meals - This is hard to do every night, but I’m getting the hang of it with our schedule.  Hopefully I will share some new recipes and ideas here soon.
• Coupon clipping like *this* - I need some helpful hints for this area from my local moms.  There are not many easy ways to do it around here.  We have Wal-mart and Harps.
• Making Jonah’s baby food - working on it, and just found out my friend Amy is going to help me!
• Spring Cleaning - I was kicked into gear by Simple Mom.  (You need to check out this site if you haven’t!)  It has taken me twice as long to get everything together, but I have almost finished.
• Women’s Bible Study - A group of us moms decided we would all go together, and I am stoked (and there is childcare!)
• Attempt a “Garden” - Hopefully my few little plants will survive!
• Get Out of the house - We have been going to the park almost every other morning to walk and ride the train.  I also bought a pool for Jad.  
• Potty Train Jadon - Well, you know how that one is going. 
• Have the best summer possible!  I want to have so much fun with my family.  I don’t care if it’s crazy busy like the last few weeks.  That is how our life is and I have learned that I can’t change it.  

Overall, my goal is to become a better home manager this summer. I am satisfied with this list (for being a mom of two little ones).   I’m sure that many interesting posts will come from my adventures…

Do you have any tips?  What have you been inspired to do lately?