Blogger problems...

Despite popular belief, I have not completely neglected my blog. I have actually tried uploading posts since June, but I have been having major "blogger" problems. And after my friend Stephanie admitted the same problems (inability to load pictures, etc)---I thought, "okay it's not just me!". For the longest time, I thought it was me, my computer, the internet connection, etc....

There have been many events and happenings occur in the Hood home since my last blog post in May, and I look forward to sharing them with you---and I currently researching the best way to do that. (Stephanie converted to WordPress and is having success with the new format...I may do the same...) But for now, please don't give up on me! I will keep you posted!

Pony Rides

Popsicles on the porch

Too Cool

Preschool Mother's Day Brunch

Ben's preschool hosted a Mother's Day Brunch this morning. I took a 1/2 day off at work and really enjoyed my time at home with the boys, getting them ready and taking them to school, and my special time with Ben. The fellowship hall at the church was decorated so nicely. There were pictures of the kids lined along the walls and the stage was set for a singing program. I was so proud of Ben! He sang great---and we enjoyed a fabulous brunch together.

Tuesday's Treasure

Ever since I had children, I have been more focused on providing a good, homemade, nutritious meal for my family. And while dinner time can be a stressful time in a young family (kids whining, playing with food, refusing to eat, etc)---I have never underestimated the power and importance of my family sitting down together to eat a meal. An important lesson that I have learned is that if I don't plan a menu ahead of time, my family eats out more and eats what we can find in the pantry in a "grab and go" style. And obviously, this ends up costing my family more money and less time together---exactly what we don't want to do! So, I started planning meals on a calendar; charting the weeks menu and basing my grocery list from the menu I had planned. The problem? Variety! Easy meals for a busy mom! I found myself repeating the same menu every month---and I got bored!

The solution? E-Mealz! I came across E-Mealz from Dave Ramsey's website. Anyone who is familiar with Dave Ramsey knows that he is a proponent of cutting excessive spending, sticking to a budget, and simplifying your life. E-Mealz provides a weekly menu, the corresponding grocery list. The menus are concise and easy; and the grocery list is separated into sections, corresponding to the area of the grocery store that you will find the item. They also designate the meal associated with the grocery item, so if I don't think I will make a certain meal, I can cross the grocery items off the list easily! There are a lot of meal plan options: Low Fat, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Portion Control, Vegetarian, and Regular meal plans for 2-6 people. I started the E-Mealz plan in the month of April, and my entire family is happy! ALL the meals that I have prepared are delicious!!

If you are looking for an easy way to organize your family's dinner, and make your menu planning less stressful, I highly recommend E-Mealz! This has definitely been a treasure to me and my family---Happy Dinner Time!

Stitches

Logan received his first set of stitches last week. Logan and Ben were playing with their dinosaurs in the living room, when Logan tripped and fell onto a wicker basket. The basket had started to fall apart, and there was a piece of wicker that was exposed and Logan fell straight onto it. I saw it all happen, and I saw how deep it went in....classic puncture wound. The wound only needed 2 stitches, but almost went directly through to his oral cavity. Poor baby, he was so brave. Never cried while he got the stitches---he was "still as a soldier" and was rewarded with Chick-Fil-A afterwards. Mommy was just so glad that his wound wasn't farther up on his face...it's quite scary thinking what could have been wounded (and lost). He is healing nicely and got his stitches removed this past Saturday.