Pouchee

As many of you mommies can relate, I always find myself digging through the diaper bag to find "my" stuff. I would get stares at the checkout. You know the scene.

I refused to care a purse and a diaper bag. I gave into that a long time ago. I have a thing for purses so when Wook came along that transformed into a thing for diaper bags.

I tried stuffing all of my "stuff" into those diaper bag pockets, never being able to remember which pocket housed the ringing cell phone in the doctor's office...oops (Oh, there's a sign reading please turn off cell phones..followed by old lady glares)

I am an organized gal but I needed some help with this one.

Then I found this....(angelic music plays)



This is a Pouchee! My new favorite "make your life easier" product. And here's why:

Pouchee is not just a wallet ladies! There's a place for:


All those cards we need...and a tight little pocket for the one's you don't want to get stolen (see left pocket).



It has a handy cell phone pocket, an extra find it fast pocket, and a place for a pen. And that's just the back!



Inside, there are 3 large pockets that I can fit a check book, calendar, and shopping list pad in. It even has 2 lipstick mini pockets.

I love love love it!!!!!!!!!!

I got mine at Chichester's Pharmacy in Macon (fabulous gift shop....another post for another time!)

Check out the website here if you are interested. I don't usually spend that much money for something like this, but I was at my wits end, and it made a great "gift from myself". We all need one of those now and then. It has been worth every penny!

Wookie Wednesday

I just wanted to post some of my new favorite pics!

I think this is my absolute favorite age! The Wookie is almost 11 months old and having a blast.

Life is good when you can eat Nilla Wafers and chase the cats all day. (ok I don't let him eat Nilla Wafers all day...that sounded bad)

Wooks is nearly running to explore everything. He is such fun, and he loves to play with us. You rarely see him without a book...he just walks around with them all day. He gives lots of kisses and occasionally graces us with a bye-bye. And his new word of the week is "Bob"?



Wook during his "quiet time" with his first bible...and sock monkey of course! I couldn't resist when I walked up on this.




This looks like a peace offering to me. Why wouldn't Bax want his Georgia Tech Lovey?
This is the cat who wants absolutely nothing to do with the Wookster. He's slowly coming around we think.


My DH has already started teaching Wooks to build "forts" in the living room.


Count them! That's eight teeth folks!


This has become an every morning ritual. Wooks and Mosey checking on the birds around 8:00 am each day. This is the other cat who follows Wook everywhere. Best Buds!

Ok...on another note. I do not like to toot my own horn but I have never sewn in my life. My Grandmama signed me up for a purse class at The Scarlett Thread (amazing shop by the way).

And now I am hooked. I mean I'm not ready for an Etsy shop or anything but I mean not bad for my first few tries?

Ear Infections, Coughing, Sleepless Nights....Oh My!

Here we go again. My poor baby boy!

Don't get me wrong, we have been really lucky. This is only ear infection #2. I am just praying it is not RSV again.

We started the breathing treatments just in case and to help him breath better but they just wire him like he drank 30 cups of coffee. Can anyone say decaf?

Poor thing is waking up coughing and fighting to go back to sleep. The ear infection seems to be getting better but the side effects of the antibiotic are just so bad on his tummy. Thank the Lord for yogurt!

Anyways, we just rubbed soggy cookies in our hair so better run! Please pray for Mr. M.

It Takes Two Baby....

So I have only talked about Poop one other time people! If you feel the need click here.
Ok, so I blogged about it twice. Click here too.

Again this is not for those with weak stomachs. And no I will spare you and not include pictures with this one.

I can handle the newborn poop. Even the first newborn poop. Those of you who have had a baby know what I am talking about.

My son has always been the "Tootsie Roll" type. You know primarily biscuits.

Since Sunday, DH and I have dreaded the diaper change. I have heard myself saying things like. "No! I did it last time." or "I do it all day!" (purposefully guilting him into diaper duty, and it is not usually hard to coerce him)

It has been bad folks. And I want it to go away. So bad that I am afraid to take him out in public for fear of wearing it home. Yes me, wearing it home. So bad that I feel like I need a shower after changing him.

It has taken two of us to change him because he is in that "exploring" stage. He wants to "give his worm a wiggle" if you know what I mean. Unfortunately, the poop is everywhere....and I mean everywhere.

He's a tricky little fella.
It starts with gas. He lets a few rip and we get our panties in a wad. (well I get my panties in a wad...DH would not want you to think that he wears panties)
I sniff butt. I check. I sniff butt. I check. Nothing. Until....

I think the Wook is saving them up for one big explosion a night. Usually while sitting in his highchair so that the "force is with him". Scary. Does anyone have a Lightsaber that squirts stain remover?

It has been serious. When there is just as much poop in the jammies as in the diaper, its serious. Seriously disgusting!

So I called the other Jessica. She is a mommy of two precious kiddos and always knows what to do, or at least she tells me that its ok that I don't know what to do.

She is a dear friend.
I knew this before I started calling her to help me decipher poops.

She assured me that with no other symptoms and the infrequency, it was probably just him adjusting to some new foods.

So I ask "What have we been feeding him???????" Oh how I long for the days of "Found a Peanut". Leave me a comment and let me know that this too shall pass. That's funny... Since we are "passing lots" these days.

The Meal Planning Rookie

When I started this blog I found that all of the blogger vets I encountered meal planned. Some once a month, some once a week, some daily but with a slew of supplies always on hand. I gave it a try until I found what worked for me.

For those of you who haven't started meal planning....it will change your attitude about cooking. Whether you work in or outside the home, it makes cooking less stressful.

Here is my Meal Planning Plan. I have borrowed several ideas from lots of other Meal Planning Moms. I even visit a site regularly called MealPlanningMommies. Check them out!

I think what kept me from getting overwhelmed was starting slowly. Try one week.
Here are some easy steps to becoming a Meal Planner (however you do it!)

Step One
Heather over at WantingWhatYouHave suggested making a Dinner List.
She inspires me daily! She always has ingredients on hand to make meals on her list. Her family saves money buy eating meals using what they already have on hand, instead of running to the store for things they really don't need. Heather has taught me a lot about saving money on groceries!

To make your dinner list, simply sit down and make a list of all the meals you and your family really enjoy or eat frequently. I keep this in a Word document so I can add to it when we find a new recipe we really loved.

Step Two
Print yourself up an empty calender for the month. Look at your dinner list and fill in some of your favorites for the week. Don't forget to leave a day for leftovers or eating out if you do so.

Step Three
Make a shopping list from your weeks planned meals. This keeps you from buying stuff you don't really need and aren't going to be using. We have saved so much money just by using lists! Don't forget to check out what is on sale at the store that you do use, even if its not on the meal plan this week. (example: you find a great deal on chicken...buy some on sale, freeze it, and plan it into next week's meal plan

Step Four
Check out Meal Plan the night before or that morning, thaw or prep ingredients during the day, and your cooking routine goes more quickly in the evening.

Step Five
Freeze meals for later use. If I am making a batch of spagetti sauce anyway...I make it a double or freeze the leftovers. This makes nights when you have a PTO meeting, bible studies, etc. so much easier. Examples of batches I freeze include spagetti, taco soup, chicken and dumplings, casseroles, pasta dishes, and much much more.

Step Six
Refer back to your meal plan when the week is over. When starting your next week's meal plan, don't forget to include meals that you didn't end up using. This will save you money on your next trip to the store.

Once you have tried once a week meal planning for a while, decide if its right for you. I like to do mine every two weeks. I find that the less I am in Walmart....the less I spend! I also have a 10 month old so longer shopping trips just don't end well.

I hope this helps to get you started. Give it a try if you haven't already. Please leave a comment and let me know how you meal plan or how it goes once you get started.