January Menu Plan

I am going to attempt some healthier eating - my 2013 resolution. I'm not dieting -- because my goal is not something short term. But, rather, I have a friend who truly believes in the power of food and that we are what we eat. I want to adopt some of those healhty habits - and in the process hope to lose some weight too.

We also are getting an increasingly packed calendar as the boys get older - just this month we are starting weekly evening meet and greet activities with our future Kindergarten teachers, biddy basketball, and the busy Mom's book club. Plus tossing around the idea of starting weekly religious education classes too. So ease of menu planning is getting REALLY important.

1 - sweet potato chili, breadsticks

2- sweet chili lime salmon/fish sticks

3- spaghetti and meatballs

4- mini calzones, salad

5- pancakes and bacon, fruit

6- loaded baked potato soup and grilled sandwiches

7- crockpot chicken stroganoff

8- pizza, salad

9- teriyaki chicken

10- spaghetti and meatballs

11- takeout

12- spinach ravoili soup

13- mini chicken pot pies

14- leftovers

15- salisbury steak, roasted potato

16- meatball subs, onion rings

17- spaghetti and meatballs

18- crockpot honey chicken

19- pancakes and bacon, fruit

20- tater tot hot dog casserole

21- horseradish salmon/fish sticks

22- pizza, salad

23- leftovers

24- spaghetti and meatballs

25- takeout

26- alphabet soup, grilled sandwiches

27- pierogies

28- pasta fagoli

29- ham and cheese roll ups

30- kid's choice

31- spaghetti and meatballs

Household Plan 12.17.12

Only focusing on what absolutely needs done this week as I'm still trying to get holiday stuff done. Shopping, wrapping, and baking. Plus the kids and I are trying to work on the holiday bucket list. This weekend looks like we're getting some snow so I think we'll spend some time baking, and wrapping then.

Now off to the yard to finish packing away the summer toys before the snow hits andthen the post office to get the cards mailed out.

Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels

Other -
water plants
clean out purse
pay 12/14 bills
holiday stuff
clean toilets/mop bathrooms
vacuum 1st floor
mop kitchen
clean car
chnage kid's sheets
pack for xmas trip

Household Plan 12.10.12

minimalist list again....

Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels

Other -
water plants
groceries
vacuum 1st floor and furniture
clean toilets, bathtub in mstr bedrm
mop kitchen
dust DR/LR
chg mstr bdrm sheets
holiday stuff
pay 12/14 bills
finish putting away yard stuff before snowstorms come
kids snow pants/boots - check size and buy new if needed

Household Plan 12.3.12

minimalist list.....

Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels


Other -
water plants
Clean toilets
Dust LR, wash LR windows
Mop kitchen
change kid's sheets
Plan for January occasions
holiday shopping
wrapping, holidays stuff, etc

December Menu Plan

1 - frittata

2 - fish sticks, vegetables, noodles or rice

3 - spaghetti and meatballs

4 - pizza

5 - salisbury steak

6 - pierogies, vegetables


7 - unstuffed shells, salad

8 - teriyaki chicken, rice

9 - chili, veggie sticks, breadsticks


10 - spaghetti and meatballs


11 - rigatoni with greens and beans (see October for recipe)

12 - takeout

13 - sausage stroganoff

14 - pancakes and sausage

15 - pigs in ponchos

16 - mini chicken pot pies

17 - beef tips, potatoes

18 - crockpot chicekn cacciatore

19 - Chicken nugget tacos, mexican rice

20 - spaghetti and meatballs

21 - takeout

22 - baked potato soup, grilled sandwiches

23 - crockpot beef and broccoli

24 - Lasagna casserole

25 - Visiting family

26 - visiting family

27 - visiting family

28 - pizza

29 - spaghetti and meatballs

30 - Cheesy Vegetable Chowder, rolls

31 - take out dinner

2012 Christmas Bucket List

25 days left until Christmas. And so much that I want to do! Ya know, four is an awesome age! The boys really understand and participate in all activities around the holiday. It is so cool to see the looks on their faces or the wheels turning in their heads. Soaking it all in and making memories this month....

Here's what I'd love to do as a family --

Watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Year Without a Santa Claus, and The Grinch.

Enjoy this Grinch punch I found on pinterest while watching said Grinch show. Made this and the kids loved it. It was good! Didn't quite look as pretty as the picture but will def be an annual tradition.

Make cookie cutter pizza

Make peppermint bark

Make edible snowflakes

Drive around town and look at all the decorations

Visit Santa We finally did it! At 4 years old my children finally have sat on Santa's lap. With the bribe of a candy cane. Although Alex would not let go of my hand so my arm is in the pic.

Make these edible christmas trees Not quite but we did make cookie cutter funfetti cake that we decorated with sprinkles

Decorate Christmas tree together The kids loved this! They had such fun putting all the decorations on the tree. The tree does look like it will tople over because all the decorations are on one side but it is absolutely beautiful! I left every decoration they hung up exactly where they put it. Now I see that Alex will sit down next to it sometimes and move things around. Cute.

Put together our gifts for teachers and neighbors and deliver

Attend village "It's a Wonderful Life" Christmas parade and celebration Boys got to be in the parade with school singing carols as our littlest angels. Too cute!

Holiday photo shoot (Homemade) I saw the cutest ideas for cards on Pinterest. Tried it - but ummmm....my kids are not willing subject yet. Maybe in a few years as we develop our sense of humor more...

Send cards to family and friends

Make these cookies (give baking another chance)

Go to library's craft and tree trimming party Almost, though not quite. Not feeling well on craft and tree trimming day so we opted out and chose the library's bedtime storytime rendition of Polar Express where we each got hot cocoa, cookies, and our very own jungle bell to take home.

Attend family movie night at the library to see The Polar Express

Take kids shopping at dollar store to buy gifts for family - let them pick out their own gifts to give

One for Me....champagne and pedicure while watching Christmas movie - Elf, or It's a Wonderful Life (two fav's) - or do it twice -- one pedi and one mani and two bottles of bubbly.

Thanksgiving

We had a really nice holiday. The boys are starting to understand Thanksgiving - although they still can not fathom why a holiday without candy or presents is my favorite. We had a great time with family, made spider turkey t-shirts with Aunt Stef, and enjoyed our first bowling game! So what if 2 four year olds got half my score and I've been bowling way more - and so what if I used the bumpers too.

Household List 11.26.12

I knew I would not get much accomplished last week with the holiday. I've decided to cut msyelf some slack and only focus on the neccessities between now and Christmas so I can enjoy working on projects on our holiday list

Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels


Other -
Water Plants
Grocery shopping
Vaccum 1st floor
Clean toilets and bathtub in mstr bedroom
Clean stove, microwave
Mop kitchen
chagge mstr bedroom sheets
Plan for december occasions
Holiday shopping

A Random Act of Kindness

7 years ago today I lost my Mom. She passed away from complications of breast cancer. She never got to meet her grand children although I am certain she somehow had a hand in them coming to existence.

So, my reminder to you all out there: Schedule your annual mammogram or remind the women in your life to do so. Hug your children. Be grateful for the family that you have and try to incorporate extended family into your children's lives - I'm sure they will benefit from that involvement.
And, most of all, if you still have your Mom, call her today and tell her you love her.

In honor of my Mom, I plan to do one random act of kindness today.

Open Wide

The first dentist appointment.

With twins it's tough because one has to go first. So, they're fighting over who will be first when I randomly pick one up and put them in the chair.

No x-rays. Thank goodness.

The rest of the exam consisted of counting teeth, showing them the tools, and getting a cleaning. We both had two teeny tiny cavities beginning but all in all everything looks good.

Alex actually had two bottom teeth beginning to loosen.

Wordless Wednesday

Voting

I am one of the 47%. You know, one of those people Mitt referred to in his speech.
I have had a job since I was 18 years old, except for a short 8 months when I was downsized by a by a big, bank employer. The top executives, whom I'm sure were among some of the richest people in this country, kept their jobs.
When my children were born, their health insurance consisted of Medicaid and we had WIC for their first year of life. My children now get their health insurance through a state program. Thankfully we have something called Medicaid in this country, and CHP in my state, as my employer only offers family coverage with huge premiums, impossible to afford on a non-profit salary. So, while I go to work each day, I can have peace of mind knowing that should my children need medical care they have access to affordable care. Not thanks to my employer. But thanks to my government. And, I pay the premiums for that coverage each month.
Now that I am raising two children, because the work I do each day pays minimal compared to other fields, I don't pay any federal income tax. I pay it out of my paycheck each week but at the end of the year I get it returned to me. Returned to my bank account, where I can use it to pay for pre-school for my children, health insurance premiums for my children, and food for my children.

I believe that I am doing my best to raise my boys to know that we should all do our best to make our own way, to work hard, to follow your dreams, but we should also all stop and care about our neighbors. Sometimes our hard working neighbors might need a little hand. And, isn't that what this country should be about?

So, today my vote will be a vote for caring for others when they need it, for working hard to build a strong middle class, for families everywhere who are struggling in tough economic times, for children who dream of college and what lies ahead, and for all people who sometimes face tough situations and should have the tools and assistance they need to overcome them.

Household Plan 11.5.12

Got a decent amount done last week. Now that the kids are home with me on Friday afternoons I think I'll get less done - unless I enlist their help. But I'm making up for it in more time with my children. And, someday, when they're big I'll be glad I got to spend those Friday afternoons with them.

Here's for this week:

Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels

Other -
Water Plants Put garden to bed
Raking lawn, put away outside toys, and cover grill
Vacuum 1st floor and LR furniture, and 2nd floor Clean bottom fridge shelf
Dust Hallway, LR, Kid's and Guest rooms Clean out purse Christmas shopping list/plan
Clean out under bathroom sinks, clean toilets and showers
Mop Kitchen
Clean LR windows Wipe down doorknobs Sweep porch
Change kid's sheets
Order cabinet hardware and kitchen backsplash tiles
bring donated clothes to HOC

There's also the boy's first dentist appointment this week, and we've got plans to go to movie night at the library and craftastic morning at the library too. And, our new babysitter is coming over to meet the boys so when she babysits next week they won't freak out. In addition to our daycare provider quiting, our babysitter is leaving for college in January. So much change.



 

Down Time

This weekend is a down time weekend - since last weekend we did not take even one minute of rest time as we were working on the kitchen remodel (which I still have to post picture of). So, not doing anything yesterday but watching Disney movies, and playing video games, was relaxing.

Today, the change in the time meant we were up and at'em at 7am - so I've already had a few cups of coffee, done a few loads of laundry, and put some Brown Sugar Chicken and Sweet Potatoes into the crockpot for dinner. I found the recipe on Pinterest, and I'm made a commitment to myself to not just pin things and forget them, but to pin and then actually try them. Oh, which reminds me, I did do something else yesterday. The boys helped me make a cranberry banana bread, again found on pinterest. I'm not a baker, so had to substitute baking powder for baking soda. But it came out OK. Alex said he liked it but only took two bites. Landon took one bite and said he didn't like it. So now, like the trix krispies we made a few months back, I have a whole loaf of bread to eat. I think I'll bring it to work to share - but this time I will not tell anyone that my kids had a slight cold while they helped me bake. It'll be OK - they're not that sick.

Looking out my window at the enormous amount of leaves I think we're going to have to venture out to work on the yard - I think this year I'll do what I can between now and Thanksgiving and then hire someone to finish up what I don't. Last year I left big piles of leaves and had dead patches of no grass all over. I might convince the boys to help rake for a total of maybe 15 minutes, but then I'm sure they'll be off playing with their new spy equipment, spying (and taunting) on the cat.

Halloween

We did a lot of things this Halloween season. We went to the apple picking farm, with our cousin, and picked apples. Then preschool had a field trip to the pumpkin patch. That was fun!

The boys first field trip to the pumpkin patch was great. We got to ride on the wagon hayride, go out into the field and pick a pumpkin, paint the pumpkin, feed the goats (who knew that goats eat dry macaroni?? Not me. Did you?), and bounce in the bounce house! Then back to school to enjoy apple cider and donuts.

We carved pumpkins with Aunt Stef to decorate the front porch. I even found this great idea on pinterest about decorating pumpkins with potato head accessories and also "carving" with cookie cutters and a mallet (much safer than knives for little hands) Also, found on pinterest, was the idea to use glow stick in the lack-o-lanterns instead of candles. I loved it, however, my four year old - does not like change - child informed me that lack-o-lanterns MUST be lit with candles. No exceptions!

And finally, of course, we went trick or treating. The mall near us offers this every year, and it is so much easier with little kids than going door to door. I didn't get any pictures of the costumes but we were super heroes, avengers to be exact, and we made out like bandits on our candy. We came home, dumped it on the living room floor, sorted through and began eating, while we watched "It's the great pumpkin, Charlie Brown." A perfect end to the Halloween season.

This morning I told the kids it was now November - since they learn about the days, and months, at pre-school. They didn't care though. They were too busy discussing what candy they will eat tonight for dessert.

November Meal Plan

1- soup and sandwich (grilled cheese and canned soup - working late)

2- takeout

3- crockpot chicken and stuffing

4- fish sticks/salmon

5- breakfast for dinner - pancakes

6- spaghetti and meatballs

7- sausage with sauerkraut and potatoes (crockpot)

8- soup and sandwich

9- pizza

10- pierogies with vegetables

11- sweet potato chili (crockpot)

12- leftover

13- pizza chicken (crockpot)

14- sausage stronganoff

15- soup and sandwich (loaded baked potato in the crockpot)

16- takeout

17- ham and scalloped potatoe casserole (crockpot)

18- breakfast for dinner - frittata, sausage

19- fish sticks/salmon

20- salisbury steak

21-23 Thanksgiving with family

24- dinner out for my birthday :)

25- spaghetti and meatballs

26- pigs in ponchos

27- pizza

28- leftovers

29 - Kid's choice

30- takeout

Household Plan 10.29.12

Didn't get much accomplished last week because I was mostly focused on work, pre-school stuff, and the kitchen remodel.

Boys started new daycare today after pre-school - so I'll update on that later and we accomplished everything we set out to do for the remodel - and it looks awesome!


Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels

Other -
Water Plants
Put garden to bed
Raking lawn, put away outside toys, and cover grill
Clean top and middle shelves in refrigerator
November meal plan
Grocery shopping list
Grocery shopping
Clean toilets, mirrors, and showers
Sweep porch
Dust DR and Mstr BR
Change Mstr BR sheets
Mop kitchen
Vacuum 2nd floor
Pay 11/2 bills
Organizing recipes
Order cabinet hardware and kitchen backsplash tiles

Inspiration

Household Plan 10.22.12

Took a weekend trip to visit family so I didn't get mich accomplished but I did have fun visiting and it was nice to see family. And, that's what's important.

Here's the plan for this week. I'm so excited that both of my sisters are coming up to visit us next weekend and while here are going to help me put a new kitchen floor in and change my kitchen countertops. Yeah, independent contractors! I'll have to post some before and after pics. Oh, and getting the furnance and insulation replaced in the next week or so, so meeting with contractors about that too. Busy, Busy.

Best day of the week though should be Wednesday - field trip with the boys' pre-school to the pumpkin patch!

Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels

Other -
Water Plants
Put garden to bed
Grocery Shopping list
Grocery Shopping
Clean car
Pay 10/19/12 bills and balance checkbook
Order supplies for kitchen remodel
Paperwork for new child care center
Library books (return before they arrest me :))
Vacuum 1st floor
Clean toilets
Dust LR
Change kid's sheets
sweep porch
Grill cover

Child care woes

Our daycare provider, the one that the boys have been with since they were infants, gave me her two-week notice the other day. She has found another job. I kind of expected it since the boys have been her only kids for 6 months now - when she lost two school age kids. Well, the boys and her own infant daughter.

I told the boys that night that she would no longer be able to watch them. It was a difficult conversation because they don't really understand that that's her job, and also that they kept saying that they love her and the baby and when will they see them? Will they still see them every day? Ugh. It was hard and it was breaking my heart. My children are experiencing a loss and there is nothing I can do to make it better. So, I ended it with that we would set up playdates with them as often as we could and that if they had more questions about it they can always come to me to ask them.

Then I began frantically looking for a new provider. For those of you who utilize out of home care, and have multiples, you know how difficult this is. Our state regulates the number of children that a home provider can have, so asking for 2 out of 6 slots is a lot - it's 1/3 of the spots. Needless to say, out of a possible 15 providers I called, only one had  slots open. And, there were a few that refused me when they found out the boys were twins?! What is that about?! Does that make them bad, or more difficult to handle??!! That pissed me off. I mean really, suck it up people, they are 4 years old. And I handle them by myself every single day. Ya know what, I wouldn't want my boys in your wimpy ass house anyway.

We went to visit the one provider with space, and while extremely nice and a perfectly suitable place for children, there were 12 school age kids there. And, not early elementary school age. I'm talking 9, 10, 11 year olds. My kids were overwhelmed. And, the days consists mostly of free play. We left. I asked what they thought and Alex kept telling me, for days, that he does not want to go there.

So, I go to the daycare center in town. More expensive, more institutionalized, but more like the pre-school environment that the boys have in the mornings. Playground, and a room full of only four year olds, with four year old toys, and games, and activities. I took the kids to visit and they seemed to enjoy it. When we left I asked them if they had to choose between this place and Miss D's which would they choose, and they chose CC. So, there we go. They will be going 3-4 afternoons a week, after morning preschool. I've decided to cut out Friday afternoon care to save some money. That had been my me time as I only work half-days on Fridays, but I figure, if I can save a little, maybe I could hire a sitter once a month for some me time. Plus, who am I kidding, it wasn't me time, it was clean the house time, and the boys can be home with me for that.

They'll start in the new place next week. I'm a bit worried about the transition.

Household Plan 10.15.12

I know I've been MIA lately. Work has not really slowed down quite yet, looking for a new daycare provider as mine quit and I now have 2  weeks to find someone new, took a trip, and fall soccer began for the boys. Arrrghhh.....I feel like I am completely out of control. I promise more updated posts with pictures and such soon. Really soon.

For now here's this week's plan:


Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels

Other -
Water Plants
Put garden to bed
Grocery Shopping list
Grocery Shopping ?
Vacuum 1st and 2nd floor
Clean toilets, mirrors, bathtubs, sweep/mop bathrooms
Dust DR and Master BR
Clean car and purse/wallet
Pay 10/19/12 bills and balance checkbook
Change Master BR sheets
Order supplies for kitchen remodel
Change kids car seats

September ends

I finished everything on my household list last week. I have a ton to do this week. I know I won't get to it. Work is INSANELY busy right now. But the light at the end of that tunnel is it probably will slow down within a few weeks. Two-three more weeks of craziness.

Have to pack for a trip to the city this weekend.

Not even going to post my household plan - I can only focus on the absolute necessities this week.

I have got to start my 5 things for me again - I was finding it was really helpful to my sanity. So, my thing for me for this week is to only worry about necessities.

Tree man came and took down the trees that were giving squirrels access to the attic. Great - thought I outsmarted them buggers. Today I saw one squirrel with a big walnut in his mouth scale the side of my house to get back up to the hole in the soffit. Shit!

That's it - hopefully a few weeks from now I will emerge from the craziness with my sanity intact and a semi-clean and organized house.

October Menu Plan

1 - Foil pack chicken and broccoli

2 - pierogies

3 - breakfast for dinner - eggs

4- rotisserie chicken

5-7 family visit

8- takeout

9- spaghetti and meatballs

10- applesauce chicken (crockpot)

11- fish sticks/salmon

12- pizza

13- leftovers

14- crockpot chicken and stuffing

15- leftovers

16- sausage with sauerkraut and potatoes (crockpot)

17- spaghetti and meatballs

18- pizza fondue with breadsticks, veggies (crockpot)

19- takeout

20-  breakfast for dinner - pancakes

21- kid's choice

22- pizza chicken (crockpot)

23- leftovers

24- fish sticks/Salmon

25- pizza

26-27 family visit

28- golden apples and pork chops

29- spaghetti and meatballs

30- ham and scalloped potato casserole (crockpot)

31- takeout

Household Plan 9.17.12

I knew I wouldn't get much done last week - but that's OK, right?
Here's this week's plan.

Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels

Other -
Water plants
Weed and put garden to bed for season
Make grocery shopping list
Grocery Shopping
October menu plan
Buy kid's Halloween costumes
Vacuum 1st floor/furniture, 2nd floor
Sweep/mop bathrooms, clean toilets, clean bathtubs
Dust DR
Sort through kid's summer/fall clothes
Clean microwave, dishwasher door
Change sheets master bedroom
Mow the stinkin lawn

Household Plan 9.10.12

With busy season at work I am not planning on getting much done, but here's the plan.

Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels

Other -
Sweep porch
Garden
Vaccum 1st floor and furniture
Clean toilets
Dust hall, LR
Clean under kitchen sink
Mow lawn, weed wacking
Spray around house for spiders
Mail out September cards
Change out clothes for kids (fall clothes out of closet)

Shorthanded

It is September. My super-busy time at work. There is no escaping it. Add to that the fact that the boys have started pre-school, and religious education, and soccer, and I feel like my calendar, and my head, are going to explode!

So, while I had extravagant thoughts in my head about the posts I was going to write about what we've been up to, you will have to settle for the shorthand version for now. For a few weeks. Until work calms down a bit. Until I settle into our new school year routine. I can do that, right?

Late-August:

Had the boys 4th birthday party at Grandpa's house. Avenger's cake, decorations, and so many super-hero toys. New big-boy bikes. I believe Alex would like an electronic bike - he doesn't seems to like to have to pedal. I guess it's too much like work. Landon got his most prized Hulk hands - I see boxing matches in my home in the future.

September -
First day of pre-school. Where does the time go? Can't believe they are in pre-school. This eases my mind a bit about whether they will be ready for Kindergarten next year. I hate that our school system has become so stringent that Kindergarten is the new second grade. Thank you Mr. Bush for your fabulous "No child left behind" act. Nuff said.
I didn't cry at the first day of pre-school. But there was a definite feeling of sadness. Although Mommy can act happy when trying to convince two kids that preschool is gonna be FUN! My babies are no longer babies. I won't have anymore babies. A bit sad.

First game of mini-golf too. This was funny! Landon actually yelled at Alex for blocking the hole when he could have made a score in one. I'm beginning to see some competitiveness coming out of them.

Update J -
He called me. Back in rehab again. 5th time. Supposed to be finding a sober-living house for him at the end of 30 day program. But we all know the drill. There will be some reason why he can't go, he will just get out, continue to think that meetings/counseling are not important, and be right back at it again in a matter of months. Difference this time - he has no resources to use. Without my resources, he has no resources. We'll see....still waiting for him to prove me wrong.
While I was hugely angry at the judge for imposing the stay away order for three year and taking the control over my life out of my hands, I am glad it's in place. I don't have to worry that he'll show up here after getting out of rehab, and continue to find a way to use my resources for his benefit. And, at the end of three years if he's still on the merry go round then I can have the order extended. But I don't have to think about it for three years.

last night we made Trix treats. Marshmallow treats made with trix instead of rice crispies. My kids review: Yuck! Great, now I have a whole pan of these things for me?!

Household Plan 9.3.12

Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels

Other -
Make shopping list
Grocery shopping
Vacuum 1st floor and 2nd floor
Clean toilets, tubs, and bathroom mirrors
Clean LR windows
Dust master bedroom, DR
Planning for September and October occasions
Clean microwave, toaster, bottom shelf of refrigerator, and dishwasher
Pay 9/7 bills
Sweep porch
Change sheets - master bedroom and kid's room

September Menu Plan

1-3 visiting family

4 - sausage and peppers (crockpot)

5- mini corn dog mufffins, fruit

6 - newlywed beef tips (crockpot)

7 -cheesy chicken tater tot casserole (crockpot)

8 - takeout

9 - kielbasa kabobs

10 - teryaki chicken (crockpot)

11- spaghetti w/ meatballs

12- pizza

13- cube steak and gravy (crockpot)

14- kid's choice

15- mini chicken pot pies

16- sweedish meatballs w/ noodles

17- leftovers

18 - breakfast for dinner (eggs)

19- meatball sub casserole

20- baked chicken, rice

21- takeout

22- BLT pasta

23- pierogies, veggies

24- ham and noodles

25- spaghetti w/ meatballs

26- breakfast for dinner (pancakes)

27- fish sticks/salmon

28 - pizza

29 - chicken parm (crockpot)

30 - leftovers

What I'm Thankful for - Guided Journaling

Take some time to list all the things you're thankful for in your life

I remember reading a quote one time, I don't remember where, but it stuck in my mind. "What would you do if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for tonight?"
Every night, as i lay on the floor of the boys' room, because (and please do not judge me) I still stay in their room until they fall asleep, I quietly thank God for everything I'm thankful for that day. It typically is something like this:

my healthy children
my good health
my families' good health
my job and the fact that I have enough money to buy food so my children do not go to bed hungry at night
a supportive family who loves us
my friends
a daycare provider who cares deeply about my children
a warm house and comfortable beds
a car that gets us safely where we need to be
that my children and I were not in the throes of my husbands issues for this day
that I have the wisdom, patience, energy, etc to be a single parent

Wordless Wednesday (Almost)

5 Things for me

 Last week I bought myself a new pair of yoga pants. It was nice go into a store and get something for myself. So now I can either use them for the yoga I would love to be doing a few times a week or for relaxing on the couch with a glass of wine.

Either way, happy me :)

This week:
1. Take a free yoga class
2. Read a chapter from book
3. Take a 30 minute walk at lunch
4. Give myself a pedicure
5. Go to happy hour for a drink

Household Plan 8.27.12

Almost everything from last week accomplished. We'll see how this week goes. Have to get ready for a long weekend trip to go have the boys' birthday party with family.

Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels

Other -
Color hair
Pack for weekend trip
Order cake for boys' party
Get party stuff - food, decorations, etc
Call tree guy to cut down tree that allows attic access to annoying squirrels
Make Dr. appointment for boys' 4th wellness visit
Water plants/garden
Clean top shelf and middle shelf of refrigerator, clean stove
Vacuum 1st floor
Clean toliets
Pay 8/24 bills - balance checkbook
Dust kid's room, LR
Sweep porch
Change kid's sheets  Save until next week

Happy 4th Birthday

Alex and Landon,


Happy Birthday! I can not believe you are 4 years old today. I know I say that each year but I really do not know where the time goes. The day you came into my life was the happiest day and you make me the happiest Mom alive each and every day.

Enjoy your new video games, lunch at Chuck E. Cheese, and cake tonight.

Have the happiest birthday! I love you 1,000,000, to God and back, and all the flowers in the world.

Mommy

Happy Blogoversary to me!

It's kind of unreal that I've been writing my blog for 5 years. When I started over here I didn't think that someday I'd end up where I am now. That was a dark, sad, and angry time and I so needed that space to share my thoughts when I knew I couldn't always share them with people IRL. They just would not understand. So thank you for listening then.

Now, I need my space to share both joy and sadness. The roller coaster ride that is my life as a single parent with twins. Chronicling the boys milestones, triumphs, joys, and meltdown moments as well as the train wreck of my marriage - which although caused by J's problems, ultimately was wrecked, in my opinion, by our long battle with infertility.

Thanks for listening and walking down this road with me. We've got a lot of traveling still to do - I hope you'll stick around.

Tell it Thursday

The picture from yesterday is because my babies will be turning 4 this Saturday.

4.

Four.

They are not babies anymore. Four brings so many questions, so many independent moments, so many new and exciting things. But it is also one step closer to them growing up. And, while of course that's what I want for them; to be happy, healthy, well adjusted adult men - I want it only someday.

Not so fast.

Wordless Wednesday

What I've Learned - Guided Journaling

What have you learned about yourself since becoming a parent that you might not have known about otherwise?

One thing I've learned since becoming a parent that I would not have known otherwise is how strongly I feel against using spanking as a form of discipline.
Before having children I used to immediately think that for kids who seemed out of control, having a tantrum, or otherwise doing something wrong, that their parents should spank them.
Now that I have children I am completely against it.
I feel it important for my family to send consistent messages about non-violence. I also believe it important to know the difference in a child purposely being bad, or something like inability to express emotions due to lack of vocabulary or lack of self-control due to their age and development. I truly believe that my use of talking things through with my children will have a positive effect on them in the future.

5 things for me

This past week I took time to read again. I had set a goal for myself back at the beginning of 2012 to read 12 books this year - I'm only on #2. So taking some time to read more was nice and relaxing.

This week:
1. Read another chapter
2. Walk 30 minutes on lunch hour
3. Take a free yoga class
4. Give myself a pedicure
5. Buy something for myself - staying with a $10.00 budget

Household Plan 8.20.12

Almost got everything done last week! Plan for this week doesn't look too tough.

Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels

Other -
Water plants/garden
Make shopping list
Vacuum 2^nd floor
Wash windows/Clean Curtains - children's/guest room(s)
Clean toilets, bathtubs, and bathroom mirrors
Dust master bedroom and DR
Clean microwave and dishwasher door
Refill prescriptions, make Dr. and Dentist appts.
Sweep porch
Change sheets - master bedroom
Get Groceries
Color Hair

Household Plan 8.13.12

Got through nearly the whole list last week. Not so sure about this week.


Daily -
Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels


Other -
Water plants/garden
Vacuum 1st floor
Vacuum LR furniture
Clean out purse
Finish paying 8.10.12 bills
Dust hallway, kid's room, LR
Wash laundry room, LR, and kitchen windows
Wash kitchen curtains
Clean refrigerator door shelves
Change kid's sheet
Sweep/Mop bathrooms
Mow Lawn
Weed Wacking
Pick veggies from garden
Color/Cut hair
Register kids for fall soccer (and hope we're not so far past the deadline my kids won't be able to play - how do I explain that to them??)
Shopping for kid's birthday gift

5 things for me

My list for this week:

1. read another chapter on the kindle
2. take a free yoga class
3. take a 30minute walk on my lunch hour
4. go to a movie Friday afternoon before the kids get home
5. enjoy one whole day of not doing any chores/errands/etc

Friends with Kids review

After the kids went to bed last night I decided to watch a movie. A movie not animated, not for kids. A movie all for myself. OMG. So I chose Friends with Kids. It looked comical, and I felt like i could relate a bit because, well, I have kids, so I thought it would be fun to watch a story about people who don't have them and what they think of people who do.

The movie kept my interest, it had some funny parts to it, like the explosive poop diapers, and the awkward moments when Ben and Missy returned to the dinner table after having sex in the bathroom. There were also moments I could relate to like seeing how difficult it is to maintain a relationship when you have small children, and also wanting, but not necessarily knowing how to, reenter the dating world after a time away. I had to laugh though, when Jules and Jason were talking about how long it had been since they had been intimate with someone, and they said that it had been 3 months. Let me just say, they've got nothing on me.

I was glad to see how the movie ended for both of them too.

While not the most in depth story line, Friends with Kids entertained a tired worn out mom who needed a light-hearted, comical movie.



For me

The things I chose off my list of 5 things for me this week was to take myself and the kids out for dinner. I needed one less day of cooking and cleaning. So much going on this week - a crisis at work, an email from my stepdad about how he feels I don't include his new girlfriend and his side of the family enough in my life, J calling me to tell me he had emergency surgery on an intestinal problem. Too much.

So, I got a certificate from restaurant.com and took the kids out to eat. They, of course, got pizza and I got my usual at this restaurant, and something I never make for myself, eggplant parm. I love the cheesy, saucy goodness of it and it is far to time consuming to make for just me - the kids won't touch it. I enjoyed a delicious glass of wine with my dinner, and made a stop at the store on the way home to pick up a bottle of said wine, to enjoy more at home.

Inexpensive, good dinner with no cleanup. Now that is something good for me.

Tell it Thursday

The picture from yesterday was of our first trip to the ocean - while we were visiting Aunt Amy and Uncle Stan. While not really the ocean, because technically it is just a bay, it is still salt water, and therefore dubbed our first ocean visit.

The kids liked the water, and the fact that there was seaweed and a few dead crabs on the shore. They are still not at the point of wanting to play in the sand for any length of time, though, so beach trips are usually short-lived unless there is a playground nearby.

I do hope that one day they will love the beach. I have very fond memories of our family trip to Virginia beach every year, where my sisters and i could boogie board, or play on the beach for hours each day. The smell of the salt water, and the feel of the sun and the sand on your body, well, I love, love, love it. And I hope that in a few years time, my kids will look forward to that same vacation experience too.

Wordless Wednesday

Household Plan 8.6.12

Last week was awful. Just did not get much accomplished. Oh well....life goes on, right?
Here's the plan for this week. It already looks daunting. Not sure how this will go either.

Daily -

Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels

Other -
Water plants/garden
Make grocery list
Grocery shopping
Planning for September occasions
Mail kid's birthday invites
Mail cards to Grandma Dayle and Aunt Kathy
Shopping for kid's birthday gifts
Sweep porch
Dust DR
Wipe down washer/dryer
Vacuum 1st and 2nd floors
Clean microwave, dishwasher, and bottom shelf of refrigerator
Clean toilets and bathtubs

5 Things for Me

I did it. I made the commitment to doing one of the things on my list last week and I saw I saw it through. The item I chose was reading a chapter from one of the many books on the kindle.
I ended up reading about 6 chapters, which was great! I forgot how much I enjoy reading. Sometimes finding a way to force yourself to do something, for you, makes a world of difference.

This week's things:
1. Reading another chapter
2. Walking 30 minutes on lunch hour
3. Taking a free yoga class
4. Giving myself a pedicure
5. Taking myself, and the kids, out to dinner - one less day of cooking

Surprise - Guided Journaling Day 4

Describe a time you surprised yourself doing something you didn't think possible.

I surprise myself on a daily basis doing things all the time I didn't think I could. When both kids are fighting and I can stop it, when everyone is crying and I make smiles, when I get the kids ready for daycare or preschool each and every morning, especially when I haven't slept well the night before. When I work all day and come home, and find it in me to cook dinner, clean the house, go outside and play with the kids, give baths, and get both kids sleeping soundly without collapsing on the floor in my own crying fit, that all surprises me
When I can survive the grocery store with first two infants in car seats, then two toddlers who nearly climbed out of carts many times, and now two preschoolers who run through the store nearly causing chaos everywhere we go, that surprises me.
This whole single parent thing and my ability to get through each day with the ability to see the joy through the chaos surprises the hell out of me.

A day to myself - Guided Journaling Day 3

Imagine you had a whole day to yourself. Where would you go and what would you do?

OMG, I have not had a whole day to myself since before the kids were born.
Well, first I would sit and enjoy an entire cup of coffee, hot, without having to reheat it in the microwave 3 or 4 times. I would do this while watching food network or the Today show. On this day, Nick Jr. does not exist. Then, I would take a loooonnnnng shower, and enjoy the sound of only the water, not someone incessantly knocking at the door asking me how much longer I am going to be and where the darn wolverine guy is.
I would get dressed without having to answer questions about why my private parts look different and why girls need privacy.

I might then go window shopping, or to the beach, or park, to relax on a blanket with my kindle and a cold beverage. I might even take a  nap.

I would enjoy a dinner either out or at home, one that did not include any fast food, or nugget of any sort, with glass of wine to go along with it.

Then I would sit on the sofa and watch reruns of Beverly Hills 90210 until I fell asleep.

And, of course, I would pick up my children the next morning, refreshed and happy to see them, because all the while I would miss them terribly.

Tell it Thursday

The last two weeks of Wordless Wednesday are because the boys are attending summer preschool. They are loving it! We only had one day each of crying and not wanting to go but the rest of the time has been great! They are happy, enjoying learning, and playing with other kids.
The program is only a 4 week program subsidized by our town recreation department. So, it was really inexpensive.
Now the dilema. Most of the other kids are going to the fall program. Which is not subsidized. and expensive. And I would still need daycare because it's only 2 hours. So, it would be an additional expense on an already strapped single income family. And I would have to adjust my work schedule to make sure I could drop them off and pick them up.

We have another preschool in town that has offered to scholarship one of the boys - but still I will need to cash in some of the boys savings bonds in order to afford this. I am also waiting for the summer preschool teacher to tell me tomorrow what her fall program costs.

Remember, too, that there are no other children at daycare and there haven't been any since February. It may very well be that they will remain the only ones there until they start school next year. Or there could be 2-4 more kids starting next week - we just never know - so preschool may be my children's only option for socializing with other children prior to beginning Kindergarten next year.

What would you do? Would you cash in the savings bonds, and figure out a way to get your kids into preschool? or do you not think preschool is necessary?

Give me a break - Guided journaling day 2

What happens as a result when you give yourself small breaks from your responsibilities?

It is difficult to know what the result is of giving myself breaks from my responsibility.Since becoming a single parent I've not taken much time to myself. It is not that I don't want to, or think that my children can't survive a few hours without me, but it is more due to financial reasons. I am a single parent household, with no child support. It is my income only that supports us. If I take time to go out then it not only costs me the money for whatever I am going out to do (whether that be dinner, drinks, or a movie) but it also costs me the money for a babysitter. I don't have the freedom of bringing my children to relatives who will watch them for free, as our closest relatives live 2 hours away. I simply don;t have extra money in my monthly budget for added babysitting costs. I have to save those for when I have a work meeting or event in the evening that I have to attend.
I do know that when I began listing all of the household chores we have each week, and letting them go if I didn't get to them, I felt a sense of freedom. A little anxiety too because I was giving up doing everything that "needed" to be done. But I can see that we've survived, even if the house is not spotless, or the lawn is a little longer than the neighbors.

I guess what I need to do is start viewing breaks from my responsibilities in different ways. It doesn't necessarily mean I have to spend money. Maybe the break is not cleaning the house when I'm too tired, and not giving a damn if it's not done. Maybe the break is taking a Friday afternoon (when I'm not working and the kids are in daycare) and just spending it reading, or window shopping, or sitting on the beach quietly, instead of rushing to fit in all of the errands of the week into one afternoon.

I imagine if I can do this that the result will be a happier mom and therefore a better mom to my kiddos.

Wordless Wednesday

See this post.....

Guided journaling day 1 - 5 things for me

I found this great website the other day as I sat surfing the web - it is articles, news stories, tips and such for single parents. You can view it at www.singleparents.about.com
I signed up for their daily newsletter with helpful tidbits of information for single parents. The current newsletter is focused on guided journaling. Each day I get a different topic in my inbox to journal about so I thought I'd share here.

I'll do my best to post each day, but if you know me at all, I am not making any promises :) Join me in journaling on these topics and share your thoughts. Doesn't matter to me if your single or married - I'd love to hear your opinions.

Today's topic -- List 5 things you can do for yourself this week and then commit to doing at least one of them

So,

1. Read a chapter of one of the MANY books waiting for me patiently on my kindle
2. Take a 30 minute walk on my lunch hour
3. Take a bath after the kids go to bed
4. Give myself a pedicure
5. Go to a matinee movie on Friday while the kids are at daycare

I'll let you know which one I end up doing.

August Menu Plan

1 - Chicken Wing Wednesday - bbq wings

2- Spaghetti and meatballs

3- Greek chicken and pasta

4- Sweedish meatballs and noodles

5- frittata, sausage

6- taco salad dippers

7- BLT pasta

8- Chicken wing Wednesday

9- spaghetti and meatballs

10- takeout

11- pierogies with vegetables

12- pizza

13- soup/salad and sandwiches

14- Hot dogs and french fries

15- Chicken wing Wednesday

16- spaghetti and meatballs

17- fish (sticks for kids, salmon for me), noodles

18- kielbasa kabobs

19- omelets in muffin cups

20- salisbury steak, potatoes

21- sausage stroganoff

22- brown bag dinner

23- spaghetti and meatballs

24- takeout

25- Birthday dinner - kid's choice - with cake of course!

26- pizza

27- chicken nugget tacos, rice

28- soup/salad and sandwiches

29- Chicken wing Wednesday

30- spaghetti and meatballs

31- visiting relatives

Household Plan 7.30.12

I didn't get much accomplished last week. Between work being completely awful to the point where I'm ready to look elsewhere to having to work all day Saturday and being exhausted on Sunday I got nothing done. Oh well, such is life right? Have to go with the flow.

Here's the plan for this week.

Daily -

Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels

Other -
Water plants/garden
Vacuum 1st floor
Balance checkbook and finish paying 7/27/12 bills
Clean purse
Clean toaster, stove, and middle shelf in refrigerator
Clean toilets and bathroom mirrors
Change kid's sheets
Sweep porch
Dust LR, Kid's and Guest room
Clean car
Wash DR windows

Oh, and since I got nothing done I never told you all about last week's Wordless Wednesday post. Stay tuned this Thursday when I'll tell the story then.

Wordless Wednesday

Shopping for FREE or cheap 7.23.12

Rite Aid -
Get $1 +UP Reward wyb Stayfree Maxi Pads 14-24 ct. - $3.00

$2/1 from the 7/22 SS
Final price: FREE 


Get $1 +UP Reward wyb Playtex Gentle Glide or Sport 18-20 ct. - $3.99
$1/1 MQ coming in MOST Sunday papers.
$1/1 Playtex Sport Box printable
$1/1 Playtex Sport Tampons printable
$1/1 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons or Sport Tampons, exp. 8/15/12 (SS 06/10/12)
$2.50/2 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons or Sport Tampons, exp. 8/15/12 (SS 06/10/12 R)
$1/1 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons printable
Final price: $1.99


Get $4 +UP Reward wyb (2) Revlon Nail Enamel @ B1G1 50% OFF
$2/1 Revlon Nail Enamel (RA Video Values, July)
$1/1 Revlon Nail Product, exp. 7/29/12 (SS 06/24/12)

Deal Idea:
Buy 1 Revlon Nail Enamel, $4.99 (online price)
Buy 1 Revlon Nail Enamel, $2.49 (BOGO 50% off)
-(1) $2/1 Revlon Nail Video Values Coupon
-(2) $1/1 Revlon Nail Product, exp. 7/29/12 (SS 06/24/12)
Pay: $3.48 Get: $4.00 UPR (limit 2)
as low as Free + $0.52 Money Maker after coupons & UPR


Get $1 +UP Reward wyb (2) Stride, Extra or Orbit 14-15 ct. - $1.00
$0.25/1 Stride Gum (RA Video Values, July)
$0.50/2 Extra Gum printable
$0.50/1 Extra Gum, exp. 8/31/12 (ALL YOU July '12)
$0.50/2 Extra Gum, exp. 7/31/12 (ALL YOU June '12)
Final price: FREE


Walgreens -
Butterball Turkey Bacon 6 oz - $1.29

With in-ad store coupon, limit 3.
$1/2 Butterball Turkey Dinner Sausage, Franks, Bacon, Breakfast Sausage, Lunchmeat or Chicken Strips, exp. 8/31/12 (SS 06/24/12 R)
$0.55/1 Butterball Turkey Dinner Sausage, Turkey Franks, Turkey Bacon, Turkey Breakfast Sausage, Chicken Strips or Regular or Deepfried Lunchmeat, exp. 8/31/12 (SS 06/24/12 R)
$1/2 Butterball Turkey Dinner Sausage, Turkey Franks, or Turkey Bacon, exp. 8/5/12 (ALL YOU June '12)
$1/2 Butterball Turkey Dinner Sausage or Bacon, exp. 9/9/12 (ALL YOU July '12)
Final price: $0.74

Tops -
Tostitos Tortilla Chips AND Salsa - $3.00

$1 off Tostitos Tortilla Chips AND Salsa, exp. 8/11/12 (Pepsi Moments 07/22/12)
Final price = $2.50 ea. wyb chips AND salsa


Lay's Kettle Cooked Chips - $3.00
$1/2 Lay's Kettle Cooked Chips, exp. 8/11/12 (Pepsi Moments 07/22/12)
Final price = $2.50 ea. wyb 2


Yoplait Greek Yogurt, 6 oz. - $1.00
$0.50/2 Yoplait Greek Yogurt printable
$0.60/2 Yoplait Greek Yogurt printable
$0.60/2 Yoplait Greek Yogurt printable
$0.60/2 Yoplait Greek Yogurt printable
$0.50/2 Yoplait Greek Yogurt, exp. 8/4/12 (SS 06/10/12)
$1.50/5 Yoplait Greek Yogurt, exp. 8/4/12 (SS 06/10/12 R)
$0.50/2 Yoplait Greek Yogurt (SavingStar.com)
Final price = as low as $0.40 ea. ($0.15 ea. w/SavingStar coupon)


Wise Potato Chips B1G1 FREE - $3.99


Ball Park Franks B1G1 FREE - $3.99
$0.75/2 Ball Park Franks, exp. 8/11/12 (Pepsi Moments 07/22/12)
Final price = $2.49 for 2


Stonyfield Organic Yogurt, 6 oz. - $0.60
$2/3 Stonyfield Yogurt printable
$0.50/3 Stonyfield Organic Yogurt printable
Final price = as low as $0.10 ea. wyb 4


Planters Peanut Butter - $2.00
$1/1 Planters Product, exp. 8/31/12 (SS 06/24/12)
Final price = $1.00


Tops Spaghetti Sauce, 24 fl. oz. - $1.00
$0.50 on 2 Tops Spaghetti Sauces (Click-to-Card Coupon)
Final Price = $0.75 ea. wyb 2

Pepsi NEXT 2L - $1.00
$0.55/1 Pepsi NEXT Bottle, exp. 8/11/12 (Pepsi Moments 07/22/12)
Final price = FREE


Tops Large White Bread - $1.00


Zone Perfect Bars - $1.00
$0.55/1 ZonePerfect or Perfectly Simple Item, exp. 8/15/12 (SS 07/15/12)
Final price = FREE

Fill in neccesitites at Aldi's -

Staying within bi-weekly budget of $145.00

Thanks Living Rich with Coupons and I am that Lady

It's in the bag

Over the weekend I decided to pull out a craft activity I have tucked away in a file. As I read (imagine having time for that) through magazines I tear out craft ideas, vacation ideas, tips, etc and file them in a binder. Ok, so there really is no binder. Rather, they are "filed" in a pile in our guest bedroom on top of the computer desk but that's the best I can do right now.

So, since it was hot, I thought making homemade ice cream was a good idea.
This is not the homemade ice cream that you make in some machine. Oh no. This is ice cream in a bag. It was simple, inexpensive, and the kids had fun!

The recipe calls for 2Tbsp sugar, 1/2tsp vanilla, 1c half and half - sealed in a quart size freezer bag. Then you take a gallon size freezer bag, put in 1/2c salt and fill bag halfway with ice. Put smaller bag inside larger bag, seal up, and shake. For 5 minutes.
That was the best part. The kids ran around the house shaking the bag, throwing it on the floor, and dancing to the shaking. I, of course, had to take over shaking for a while, because even though 5 minutes is not really that long, it is incredibly long when you are holding a freezing cold bag and your hands are little. 

The end result was a serving of soft serve vanilla ice cream which was really tasty.

Household Plan 7.23.12

I finished almost everything on the list last week, except the weed wacking! I feel like I accomplished a lot, in spite of everything that was going on last week) watch for that post later. Here's the plan for this week:


Daily -

Make beds
Dishes
Laundry
Empty Trash
Wipe out Bathroom Sinks
Change dishtowels and bathroom hand towels

Other -
Water plants/garden
Grocery shopping list
Grocery shopping
Vacuum 1st floor/2nd floor
Clean toilets, tubs/showers
Dust mstr. bedroom, organize closet
Clean microwave
Clean purse
Balance checkbook, pay 7/27/12 bills