Back to School Lunches Made Easy

With the start of school just around the corner, my kids and I were talking about what they want in their lunches. They rarely eat the hot lunch provided by the school, so that leaves me with the task of providing them a healthy, yet tasty lunch. So I did some research on the brown bag lunch.

Bag Lunches for Less Money
1. Avoid Prepackaged Items. You pay extra for the convenience. If possible, make your own snack-size bags of pretzels, trail mix and treats.
2. Use reusable containers and utensils. Reduce the use of plastic forks, spoons and sandwich bags by using reusable containers and utensils. Invest in a BPA-free bottle for beverages. Refilling the bottle is cheaper (and environmentally-friendly) than prepackaged water bottles, juice and sports drinks.
3. Watch for sales and coupons. Many grocery stores offer weekly specials. Purchase needed items when they are on sale. Save even more when you have a coupon. Check the Sunday newspaper and the Internet for manufacturers' coupons.
4. Left-overs? Take a look at what's in the refrigerator. You can send cold pizza, fresh veggies and cheese along in their lunch. Most of the money we waste in groceries is what we end up tossing because it's expired.

Impossible Questions

Lately my 4 year old son has been full of interesting and nearly un-answerable questions.

• Mom, when the firemen put the fire out, where does the fire go?
• Mom, why are all the mosquitoes hiding?
• Mom, why can't I wear flip flops in the snow. My feet won't get cold because I told them not to and they are really good listeners.
• On my birthday, my husband lit the candles on the cake. My son asked who we should call to put the fire out.
• Mom, will Dad always be taller than you or will you catch up to him if you eat your carrots?
• So this summer when I play soccer, can I wear my shin-guards on my arms instead of my legs?
• When I go to school, can I just start in 2nd grade or do I need to go to Kindergarten first?

You gotta love their innocence. Althought busy, I do what I can to enjoy these moments!

First Post - An Introduction

Since this is my first post, I thought an introduction would make sense. I'm a mom of three who also works full time. I'm completely devoted to both my family and my career, but continually try to find a better balance between the two.

Working outside the home and having a family is a constant battle. Shortly after my third child, I found that I always felt guilty. Guilty for not putting in the extra hours at work when others could, and then later guilty for working late and not spending enough time with my family.

I've found a better balance after setting limits and priorities. My limitations now include leaving work on time. It doesn't happen all the time, but a lot more often. I've found that setting creating that boundary also made me more productive in the office.

At home, I had to change my expectations. Life is easier and more enjoyable when we spend time with the kids. In the crazy, busy work week, they act up to get our attention. When we choose them first, we all have a better night. And amazingly enough, the dishes can be done after they go to bed!

Going forward this blog will be about my family, a very normal Midwest family with some crazy moments. It will be about life's lessons along the way, learning as my children grow, and finding the balance between work and family and somehow enjoying both.