Happy Homemaker Monday

Good Monday!!

We have a busy week, with activities and of course, the first day of school! I am looking forward to some quieter days & a bit more freedom. I am taking a few minutes this morning to just enjoy the quiet.

Weather in my neck of the woods: It is supposed to be a perfect 75* here today! Love it.

On my reading pile: Oh this is so embarrassing! I am still reading the same book I was last week! For a while, I was all engrossed. Now, with only a few chapters left...I have kind of just let it sit. I will have to pick it up again and finally finish it. The book? Her Dearly Beloved Husband.

On my tv:
Watching A Psych Marathon (:

On my menu for this week:
Monday: Labor Day bbq with our church
Tuesday: grilled steaks, baked potatoes, rolls (a belated birthday dinner)
Wednesday: Its the first day of school! I promised my 5th grader I would get McD's on the first day
Thursday: fettuchini alfredo
Friday: leftovers or pizza
Saturday: breakfast for dinner
Sunday: pot roast w/ potatoes and vegi's

On my to do list:
-organize my scrapbook area
-spend time updating my calender
-washing sheets & blankets and then remaking all beds

What I am creating: Nothing. Zip.Zilch. nada. However with all my free time once the kids go back to school (lol) I am really wanting to start scrapbooking again.

Homemaking tips: This week not only marks the first week of school, but also, making  lunches again. I have a drawer dedicated to all things lunch. Ziploc bags, but also all of my reusable bags, lunch notes & jokes, cookie(or in this case sandwich cutters), post its, fun napkins, hand sanitizing wipes...It makes getting lunches ready a lot easier...and more fun!

Looking around the house: My hubbys homework is set ont he couch, a few remnants of our family movie night, a basket of socks missing their mates. The quiet of the morning.

From the camera: My sweet son, has been making "lego guy movies". Taking tons of pictures and then playing them back really fast so it makes a movie. They really are fun to watch and I am impressed with his ingenuity. However, I found 239 pictures on my memory card!

On my prayer list: My kids as they head back to school

Devotionals/thoughts/scripture: "Don't judge me because I sin differently than you."

Happy Homemaker Monday

11:40 pm: went to bed
4:46 woke up coughing
5:12 My two boys who slept on the trampoline, came in soaking wet thanks to the sprinklers going off.
5:13 began my day. Very early. Especially after not going to bed until almost midnight. Sigh...it will probably be a long day...

The weather in my neck of the woods: while the sun hasn't come up yet, it is supposed to be a little cooler here today. I have been lovin' the break from the heat.

On my reading pile: Have you ever started a book, thought it was kind of silly, and yet kept reading it?Well,  I got a free e-book called "Her Dear and Lovely Husband", it is not something I would normally read an yet, I haven't been able to put it down.

On my tv: my boys are watching Phineas and Ferb, which is one of my favorite cartoons these days!

On my menu for the week:
Monday: tacos, rice and fruit
Tuesday: baked zitti with sausage
Wednesday:pulled pork sandwiches, french fries and fruits/veggi's
Thursday: pizza night
Friday:not sure
Saturday: birthday dinner
Sunday:leftovers/make own

On my to do list:
go bring paperwork to kids schools and get them enrolled
finish laundry
clip coupons and organize them

What I am creating: nothing...and more nothing. Maybe when the kids are in school?!

Homemaking tip: I've got nothing. Lack of sleep,I guess!

Looking around the house: Hanging out with cute boys watching Phineas and Ferb, snuggled under a Clone Wars blanket. Piles of folded clothes that the kiddos need to put away.

From the camera: I got a new phone and I am lovin' the camera. I am used to taking my phone, ipod, camera with me every where...now I can just use my smart phone. These are my hubbys favorite cookies adso I made them on his first day of grad school (:

On my prayer list: Me. Praying for knowledge for what is best for my family.

Scripture/devotional:

Happy Homemaker Monday

Whew this is it! The last week of summer for our family. I am ready for a more structured schedule. My kids may not be, but I certainly am!

Weather: Its still hot around here. Mid 80's. Yes I know that compared to some that is not very hot, but for here, it is!!

On my reading pile: I am actually re-reading The Hunger Games series  since I just watched the movie over the weekend.

On my tv: LOL, watching Magnum P.I. on Netflix while I fold laundry (: Love that Tom Selleck!

On the menu for this week:
Monday: ham wraps with spinach, potato salad, and grapes & apple slices
Tuesday: we will be gone most of the day so I am going to put potatoes in the crockpot and have leftover mini meatloaves, corn on the cob
Wednesday: chicken stir fry
Thursday: spaghetti w/sausage, garlic bread and salad
Friday: pizza night
Saturday: not sure
Sunday: not sure

On my to do list:
*laundry
*clip coupons/sort/file
*pack needed items for playgroup
*zoo activity sheet for kids

What I am creating: Our playgroup is headed to the zoo tomorrow so I want something fun for the kids to do like bingo. So I am working on that.

Homemaking tips: Do as much as you can the night before to prepare for the next day. I love starting the day with a clean slate. But if I know I have somewhere to go, I like to be ready...for example our playgroup is headed to the zoo. I know what I need to have and so if I prepare today, then I am able to get out that much quicker in the morning.

Looking around the house: hubby just got home from a run, one of my sons is ignoring me and not getting his daily chore done. Quiet and relaxed morning. I have to enjoy them while I can!!

From the camera: My son has borrowed one of my cameras and has taken HUNDREDS of pictures of his Lego creations. So I have just been using my little one. I love this picture of my son in the pool. He has no fat on his body so he gets a little colder in the pool then the rest of us (:

On my prayer list: family and friends, always.

Devotional/scripture:

"From what might appear to you to be small choices, the Lord will lead you to the happiness you want. Through your choices He will be able to bless countless others."

Happy Homemaker Monday

I have been so busy this morning and afternoon, working on getting this upcoming school year organized, I have barely had time to sit down!

I really, really wish that I wasn't such a procrastinator. My life would be so much easier. However, that is my goal for this new year...ok my whole life. I just want to be organized, is that to much to ask for?!

Moving on...

Weather in my neck of the woods: I am going to sound like a real whimp, I know it, but it has been hot lately. I am dying...and it has been hovering between 83*-85*. What can I say? I am used to my mid 70's temps!

On my reading pile: Its very random but, I am going through a scrapbooking magazine, I am also reading "SuperMarket Secrets" and I am re-reading a book on homeschooling.

On my tv: well now that the Olympics are over, I am catching up on my DVR. Leverage and I will also be watching the final Closer tonight.

On the menu for this week: Uhm, yeah. Food will definatley be served.

On my to do list: make out a menu plan (: See above! But also, homeschool paperwork, organizing my "classroom", working on my kiddos chore charts

What I am creating: Although it is not the most crafty thing in the world, I am making something. The chore charts for my kids have all been laminated and have jump rings. I am printing off healthy habit check lists...It is fun to make things even if it isn't all cutesy (:

Homemaking tips:Label everything. It makes everything so much easier to find and to put away.

Looking around the house: I have made quite a mess on my table! Cricut, laminator, hole punch, binder rings, markers....

From the camera: Since my husband has been home, my youngest won't let him out of his sight for a second! It was so cute watching him get his "tools" when Daddy got his tools out.

On my prayer list: family and friends.Always.

Devotional: Unfortunatley I am drawing a blank right now :(

For more Happy Homemaker Mondays, stop on over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

I'm hoppin'

It's Friday so I must be hoppin'! I am always happy to have new followers and to "meet" new people. If you are new here, WELCOME! Please leave me a comment letting me know that you are a new follower and I will happily follow you back!  I am currently having a giveaway for a fun summer tote from Carmex. You can find it here !Have an awesome weekend (:

I am participating in: Hop Along Friday at Chubby Cheeks Thinks

and : Fun Friday Blog Hop hosted by Life With Twins and a Drama Queen

Happy Homemaker Monday...on Tuesday

Yesterday was filled with laundry, errands, grocery shopping and somewhere in all that...I forgot to post my HHM. So although I am a day late, I decided to participate anyway (:

The Weather: Our weather doesn't change much here in So. Cali but when I woke up there was a pretty dense layer of fog, followed by sunshine, 70* with a slight breeze. In my very humble opinion...perfect.

On my reading pile: I started reading The Husband Project and am excited to particpate in a blog challenge based on the book.

On my tv: watching the very first Pirates of the Carribean with my boys

On the menu for this week:
Monday: Papa Johns provided dinner (for a fee of course!)
Tuesday: leftovers
OK honestly I haven't even thought about dinner for the rest of the week! :( I need to figure it out asap!

On my to do list:
  clip & organize coupons
   clean kitchen
  laundry, laundry, laundry

What I am creating: Last week I decided to spend two hours every Saturday crafting...then thanks to my daughter having head lice...I didn't do anything. So this week I am determined to get some scrapbooking in!!

Homemaking tip: "Inspect what you expect" has become my new motto in dealing with my children. They do a much better job when they know Mom will be checking their work.

Looking around the house: I see lots of little piles of clutter and it is driving me nuts. I need to put everything away. However the house is somewhat quiet as my daughter is off on a week long church camp.

From my camera: The last time I participated my husband hadn' yet returned from his deployment. But now he has! This was our family at the airport after finally getting to be with him again. We are having so much fun as a family!

On my prayer list: my Grandma who is not doing very well and my daughter who is off at camp...and of course my family.

Devotional/thought/scripture: On the chalkboard in my kitchen I have a daily reminder to my family, "Have you done any good in the world today?" It is also a good reminder for me (:

If you have a blog and would like to participate, or just want to read more, you can find more Happy Homemaker Mondays (or Tuesdays) at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Friendly Wednesday

While I am printing and clipping my coupons, I thought I wold stop and participate in Feeding Four's Friendly Wednesday blog hop!

If this is your first visit to California Clippin', welcome! Please let me know if you are a new follower and I would love to follow you back!

I also have a giveaway going on (which has a seriously low number of entries :( so please come and enter to win some great products from Carmex. You can enter this giveaway here!!

Once again thanks for stopping by and come back soon!

I'm hoppin'

Today I am participating in...

If you are a new follower, please let me know, so that I can come and follow you!!

Friendly Wednesdays/Blog Hop

It's been awhile since I have particpated! So today I am joining in Feeding Fours blog hop. If you are interested in joining, you can find it here at Feeding Four.

I always follow back so please let me know that you were here and I will come and visit you!

What's for Lunch?

So with my kids being out of school for the past two weeks, I really haven't been making any bento's. But with school back in session, lunch bags are on the menu once again! (:

I have been a little out of practice and so this was pretty sad but it is what it is...

A mini bagel w/cream cheese and ham, cubed cheese, apple chunks and m&m's

I also added a yogurt, drink and carrots w/ dip

I found these containers at Target in the $1 section! There were 4 pink and 4 red in a pkg! I think they are perfect for little treats/dipping sauces!

The lid does come all the way off, no hinge. But I think it was a good deal! Head to Target and pick some up for yourself!

hoppin' along!

Tomorrow is Wednesday and so that means...I am blog hopping! I am joining in Feeding Fours' Friendly Wednesday hop!
If you are a new follower to Just A Mom, please leave me a comment so that I can follow you back! (:

Monday blog hop

I am participating in Be One Fine Day 's Meet Me on Monday!

Menu Plan Monday

I am so excited to send my kiddos back to school on Tuesday!

I love vacations but I love routine and getting back on to a schedule.

Not to mention that I would much rather take 1 child to the grocery than 5!

This is what is on my menu for the week:

Monday:
orange chicken, rice and vegi's
Tuesday:
hamburgers, pasta salad, sliced tomatoes
Wednesday:
ranch chicken, rice, salad
Thursday:
breakfast for dinner
Friday:
pizza
Saturday:
still undecided (:

For more great menu's head over to Organizing Junkie

Friendly Wednesday

After a loooong day at a very busy Universal Studios, I am home! So I am participating in Feeding Fours Friendly Wednesday blog hop!

If you are a new follower, PLEASE leave me a comment and let me know so that I can come and follow you back!

**Starting Saturday I am hosting a 2011 Resolution Challenge. If you sign up by Saturday you are entered into a GIVEAWAY! (: Although, you can join in anytime! You can find all that information here

Monday blog hop

I am participating in Be One Fine Day's Follow Me Monday!

If you are new here, please leave me a comment so that I can follow you back!

I'm hoppin'!

It is Wednesday, which means I am joining in Feeding Four's blog hop! If you would like to join in, head on over to her site and link up! She has all the instructions there!

***If you are a new reader, please leave me a comment letting me know that you are a new follower. I would love to come and follow you back!***

Friday Follow- blog hop

Come and join in all the fun of a blog hop! I am participating today!

If you are a new follower, please leave a comment so I can come and follow you back!

Good Monday Morning! I am hoppin' over at Be One Fine Day! Come on over and join in the fun!

**If you are a new follower to MarthaWannabe, please let me know in the comments. I would love to come and visit you and follow you back!**

It's Wednesday...

So I must be hoppin'!

I am joining in Feeding Four's blog hop. Here is all the info from her site:

How to Participate: Follow the hostess - Feeding Four. If you want me to follow you back, please leave a comment letting me know that you are a new follower and leave a link to your blog. Create a new Friendly Wednesday blog post on your own blog and be sure to use the button provided on the side bar. Enter your information into the linkup below. Follow all the other blogs you want. This is a great way to get more followers! Friendly Wednesday will be posted once a week. Your link must be added every week so be sure to come back to linkup!

Make sure if you are now following MarthaWannabe, that you comment and let me know! That way I can come and follow you back!

Hoppin'

I am joining in Feeding Fours blog hop! She has a fun money saving blog, and every week others come and link up. Here is the info from her site:

How to Participate: Follow the hostess - Feeding Four. If you want me to follow you back, please leave a comment letting me know that you are a new follower and leave a link to your blog. Create a new Friendly Wednesday blog post on your own blog and be sure to use the button provided on the side bar. Enter your information into the linkup below. Follow all the other blogs you want. This is a great way to get more followers! Friendly Wednesday will be posted once a week. Your link must be added every week so be sure to come back to linkup!

Make sure if you are now following MarthaWannabe, that you comment and let me know! That way I can come and follow you back!