Book exchange

Hello

So I have decided to do something that I am completely excited about. I have decided to start a book exchange. People will sign up by sending me a e-mail listing two books you are interested in. Once the deadline date has arrived I will match people. You will be given 2 months to get to know each other. When the 2 months are up you will send your match 2 books. One will be off of the list of two you had sent with your sign up and the second one will be a new or used book from your match. Mind you if you send a used book. It must still be in good condition. There must be no stained or missing pages.if your match discontinues communication please let me know and I will rematch you. 

The first sign up will start January 07 and will close January 31. I have decided to keep it open so long because it is the first round. Please keep that in mind. 

The e-mail to registrar is

Amomwithgoals@gmail.com

Happy reading.

Book exchange

I am thinking of starting a book exchange who is with me ? Ideas if how to get it started? Any takers ???

Taking a break from Studying

I wanted to take this quick break from studying. I seriouly think my brain hurts.lol . Even though going back to school has been a challenge on so many levels I never thought it would be. I am so thankful everyday that I have this chance. It is tuff I am lucky enough to have a understanding husband and children who have been a trumendous support system. Just wanted to take a moment to say I am so thankful. 

ps. My chemisrty set for next quarter finally arrived I couldn't believe how expensive it was but my inner geek is so excited. lol 

A quick hello

I know I have been a little absent in the blogging world. I am nearing the end of the quarter in school and will be back among the norm shortly . :) 

I started

So I just started to check this out. I will post more as I learn. Mmmmmmm 

Cara Box

I have thought so many times as to go about doing this post. To start, I had gotten paired with Tiffany who blogs at mysafehaven. Tiffany is so sweet. She is a working mother of a little girl who is the same age as my oldest. It was fun to see L get excited about helping me put together this box. The second person I was paired with was not quite what I expected. Which for me is ok. Actually better than ok. I am lucky enough to have heard about the Cara box from my sister Tanya. Her blog is The Baksha five. We get excited to talk about our Cara boxes. It has really been something for us to bond over.

I was having a family dinner to celebrate some birthdays and she surprised me with a Cara box! I thought it was the best. Being sisters it felt like Christmas ! She got me this amazing bag that I use for work now. All these amazing goodies.

What can I say? I love it! She knows what I like. Xox

First snow

The time of year has finally came. We got our first snow today.It was just enough to stick a little but it got the kids all excited. L already wanted to make snowmen and go sledding. Lol I had to explain to him we needed a lot more before we can do that. We then talked about the coming holidays and Santa. A is getting so big. The kid climbs and gets into everything he is cute but so mischievous. I also ordered my books for next semester. It is going to be a tough one. Well happy Monday ! I am hoping to hit the gym tomorrow but I also work and have a paper due. One can hope. Until next time . 

Catching up

I know it has been awhile since my last writing. It is something I am working on. I will try to post at least three times this week. 

Now for catch up. Halloween was great! Even though it was cold and rainy the kids still had a blast. In the morning I even got to be the surprise reader in L's class and help with his school Halloween party. I loved it . It was a busy day for us . I also registered for next semester, we took the kids to see all their grandparents and great grandparents, and then made it back here to trick or treat with friends and have pizza. The kids were so worn out not even all the sugar they consumed kept them awake kept them awake after dinner. Lol

As the Turkey trot approaches I am trying to get in as much running as I can too. I have found myself a few times multitasking bringing my homework and reading while I run. Not totally effective, I know but efforts are made. Some goals this week are........

Read two chaperters in physchology and take two quizzes

Write my next essay for English

Run at least 3 times this week

Post three times

As always.... Enjoy my family

;) Have a happy weekend. 

It's been awhile

So I know it has been awhile since my last post. I have been crazy busy. I knew going back to school would step it up a notch but I also decided to give myself a few project to get done. Every year around Christmas I go crazy with the amount of things my kids accumulate over the year and wounded where are we going to put all their Christmas goodies. So this year I decided to bit the bullet and finally get rid of all the baby clothes. No more hanging on to them for one more. It is sad but yet happy to move on to another chapter. No more babies. In February on I think it was Dateline or 20/20 they had a show on ways to sell your kids old things for money to help out with the new things they need. They talked about a few companies and decided to go with one call Thredup. I had ordered a clean out bag and even got a few shirts from the boys to check out their standards. I loved it! I had gotten two practically new Gap dress shirts for under $15. So that being said up in the attic my husband went. They only take 12 months and up so I found a another company that was also featured called swap.com. As of right now my room in covered in piles of clothes but I am making headway. I am so excited to see the outcome. I will keep you posted. 

Yummy yummy

So this is what I made for breakfast today. Hands down this is so yummy. It was also super easy. I highly recommend people to go to this blog. Everything I have made from there has been super yummy. We made the cheddar crackers this morning too. Please note that the below is off the website. The page is .... 

http://www.100daysofrealfood.com

4.7 from 6 reviews

Print

Breakfast Casserole Bites

SERVES: MAKES 12

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pieces whole-wheat sandwich bread
• 8 eggs, farmers’ market or organic recommended
• ½ cup milk, any kind will work but we use whole milk in our house
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 oz grated cheese, organic sharp cheddar recommended
• ½ lb cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon, local or organic recommended
• Also need: Foil muffin holders for baking

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Distribute 12 foil muffin holders into a muffin baking pan. If the foil holders are lined with paper either don’t use those or make sure they are on the outside as shown in the picture.
3. Cut the sandwich bread into half inch squares and evenly distribute them on the bottom of the muffin cups (pictured above).
4. In a mixing bowl or large measuring cup that has a pour spout thoroughly whisk together the eggs and milk. Add a few dashes of salt and pepper if desired.
5. Evenly distribute the egg mixture into each muffin cup. It’s okay if the bread pieces float to the top.
6. Sprinkle an equal amount of both the grated cheese and the crumbled bacon (or sausage) into each muffin cup on top of the egg mixture.
7. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until eggs are set.
   Enjoy or freeze (in-between sheets of wax paper) for another day!

Pumpkin farm

Today has been so exciting. We had L's first field trip. We went to Toms farm in Huntley. At first I was really surprised they chose a farm so far away ( it takes about 45 minutes to get there) but after being a chaperone ( which I was soooo happy to be one of the three lucky moms picked) I totally understood why. This farm was amazing the kids took a hay ride out to the pumpkin patch. On the way out to the patch they actually learned about the difference between a pumpkin and a gourd and the different kinds of gourds. The kids were so excited to pick the pumpkins and gourds off the vine. They each got to bring home 3 gourds and 1 pumpkin. They then got a tour of the animal houses they have. Teaching the kids something unique about each animal. I even think the adults learned something new. Who new cows had four stomachs and actually eat things four times. 

They then showed them the special way they wash and prepare the fruits and vegetables to be sold. They even got a tour of the huge refrigerator they use to store fruits and vegetables in to stay fresh. The kids did not want to leave. The farm was clean, well organized,and the people very friendly. The way home kids were singing on the bus a few even passed out from being so tired. It was such an amazing trip. I feel so blessed that L truly has such an amazing teacher. Hats off to Ms. P thank you for an amazing day .

Manic Monday

I want to start off by saying I apologies for not getting the recipes up yet it has been crazy town here. I have had a week full of homework. Not just mine either I am amazed how much L gets in kindergarten. He is doing really well though and really enjoys the work. This week I get to be a chaperone for his first field trip to the pumpkin farm. I am so glad to be picked to go along. I will post pictures . 

This week we are keeping up with the shakes they really are yummy. Who knew going green would taste so good. I have noticed a huge difference in my energy level. My husband also told me he wants to try doing vegtable lunches. I was really happy to hear this. I have always been huge on vegetables . I have always thought he needed more. I am also trying to introduce this to my sons too in hopes that they can enjoy some of these yummy fall veggies. Any good ideas are welcome. 

Keeping it clean

This title fits in so many ways. Being a mother of to small boys I feel I am always cleaning but yet my house is always a mess. I keep saying one day I am going to have the boys out with family and I am just going to scrub from top to bottom. Realistically I know it would probably only stay that way for maybe an hour before I felt it was destroyed. Any tips from the other moms out there? How do you do it? How do you fight the overwhelming exhaustion that you feel mid day? 

On another note I am finally sticking to some meal planning. I have continued with the shakes from 

100daysofrealfood.com and they have been really good. I have even gotten my donut loving hubby to try it and he even said it was good and surprisingly filling. 

This is the strawberry peach. It was good. 

Tonight though I branched out to one of their family dinners. It was the Chicken Marsala pasta. It was so delicious. My husband who is crazy picky. Said it was really good and can't wait for the left overs. So yummy. I loved the fact it was a FAMILY meal usually when it says serves for 4 my boys are always wondering where more is. They love sauce and this had plenty . So happy. I did do green beans instead of asparagus just because it's what I had in the house. Definilty making this again! 

Manic Monday

So today is the last day of September . I have set big goals for October so keep your fingers crossed I can follow through. I am really excited to say I have started to really introduce the family to clean eating. There has been some set backs. My husband loves junk food. It poses quite the challenge but the goal this week is to start off with shakes. I found these on a blog I think is 100 days of eating clean. I will post a link when I figure it out to the right site.lol I love the fact I can prep ahead and freeze. Our mornings are crazy in our house so anything to make it run more smoothly is a plus. 

I am not a huge fan of spinach and blueberries but this shake is really yummy. I will post all the recipes I use at the end of the week. 

Happy Monday!

A new week

So today is Monday which starts a new week. In this week my goals are huge! I am shooting for us to eat all planed home made food. Go to the gym at least 3 times and get good workouts in, and sign up for some cross fit classes. On top of take my Psychology quizz. I also start a new work schedule too. It's going to be crazy town here but I think it will be excellent in soooo many ways. 

Since I've been gone

It has been a few days since my last post. We have been busy here enjoying these last few nice days . I had my first paper due. I was so nervous to turn it. I am happy to say my teacher loved it. I am gleaming with excitement . Now to study for my psychology quiz. 

We have done so many fun activities this week it is so hard to go to work today. I know it's what I have to do though. I have posted some pictures below. 

I am also continuing on our path to clean healthy eating. I have been cooking so much more. It's amazing how rewarding and relaxing it really is. Everyone is loving getting involved too. I will be doing a more in depth post this weekend with pictures. I hope everyone has an amazing weekend making memories..........

Playing while big brother is at school ;)

Indoor somores on a rainy day

Basketball for L

 

Pretty blog

Ok to all my fellow bloggers how do you make them pretty and add links and all the extras on see on pages ?

Happy Thursday or in my case Sunday !

Today is my Sunday since I work the weekends. Oh how I dread tomorrow. This week is flying by. We have been enjoying these sunny days. I still have not completed my freezer meals only because I didn't realize how expensive it is. So hopefully by the end of the month I will be on track with freezer meals. I am however committed to making more meals freezer or not. I really want to eat healthy as a family  and try to eliminate alot of processed junk. I know we could never get rid of the occasional Ramen noodles but I would like to get rid of most the other stuff. 

Happy

So today I did not  really get what I had intended to get done done but I did something so much better. I spent time with my kiddios. I know this nice weather is soon to be gone so we soaked it up.No better way to spend my day

Eating healthy

So I have fallen in love with the idea of trying to get rid of the processed foods in our life. Anyone who knows me knows I love natural foods and organic. So my goal this week is to put together freezer meals so cooking good food for my family is that much easier. I had found this blog awhile ago and now I feel is the perfect time to do it. 

I will post pictures. I am hoping to get this done by Wednesday . Wish me luck.

Setting goals

I have come to the conclusion I really need to get back to setting my goals. With our crazy busy schedule now I think it's the best way to function . What better time now that A's birthday celebrations have past. So my first goal is to post more often. I see all these amazing blogs out there I would really love to get there. 

Happy Birthday A

I can't believe it has been two years since I had my baby boy A . He is turning into such an amazing little boy. I have been quite in the blog world because I have been busy with preparation for his party. I took some picture with my phone I am posting once I upload the rest from my camera I will post more. We have been busy celebrating our baby boy.

Yummy veggies! I love pretty food.

Time to grill

So worth grilling in a thunderstorm . Chimichurri shrimp my favorite

 

Cara box reveal

I am so excited to be apart of this amazing thing. This was my first Cara box and I loved it! I've gotten to know two amazing women / moms. I sent to Elina and Danielle sent to me. She really hit the nail on the head. Even down to the scratch tickets . I feel so blessed . I have posted a pick below. Along with the Cara box link.

I am not sure that the picture does not do it justice. I love the fact not only did she nail it on the head she wrote cards and recipes . I can't wait try them out. Thank you again you did an amazing job. 

Weekend overview

So this weekend threw all the craziness I tried to take a little me time.When becoming a mother my Godmother had given me a word of advice . It was along the lines of remember Tina if you do not take time to do you once in awhile you will be no good to anyone else. This advice has helped me so much in the balancing of things that comes with being a mother. It is very easy to get lost in everyone's needs. So I did a little me........

This has been my place I go to rebalance myself ever since I was 15 years old. 20 years later still does the trick. It really cleared my head and I am so ready to start next week. I will be changing up my post too( at least I will try ) . 

So to end my weekend I am very happy to say I received my Cara box. It really is amazing I can't wait to do my reveal post and share it . Until tomorrow  .

Tina 

Determined not to procrastinate

So every year for my kids birthdays I like to go all out( at least as much as I can ) . The time is approaching for A's second birthday. This year it is Mickey Mouse club house. I wanted to incorporate some fun different ideas. I absolutely love cake pops! I think they are so yummy ,the perfect portion of dessert, and when at a party you do not have to worry about juggling a plate. So for A's party of course I am doing Mickey pops. I decided to do a silhouette pop to save some time because I am doing all the cooking for the party. So I decided to combine a few ideas in hopes of something amazing in the end. Since Mickeys club house is bright colors I decided on doing this for the actual cake.........

I am hoping this does not turn into a epic fall once I start making the pops. Lol I will post pictures. Keep you fingers and toes crossed :). 

 

Cara box send off and books books and more books

On another note today was also book buy day for school. So I took A with me after getting his 2 year pictures and battled the madness together. It was nice to see in all the craziness that I was not the only one pushing a stroller and battling a not so happy little one. Can you believe 2 books cost over $175.00 !! Wow is all I can say. I am excited though. It has been a long time goal of mine to finish college. I am more determined now than ever. 

For some time now my sister has been blogging about participating in something called Cara box. So when I started this blog I knew it was something I wanted to check out. So for sometime now I have been getting to know two great ladies. Today was the box send off. I can't wait to post more in my reveal blog to come.  

First day of school

Today has been a amazing day! Today was my oldest son L's first day in kindergarten. I know most parents are very sad to see their child off knowing it is such a huge mile stone. I am just so happy for him. My high energy boy loves
to interact with others and loves school we could not get him there fast enough.

So it begins

Today marks a big day for our family. L met his first elementary school teacher. He was so excited to say the least. He did not want to leave. It was very cute. On our way out we met his principle too. It was a great morning. He is going to love it on Monday. Afterwards I treated him to his favorite breakfast ( one i usually do not allow ) then we were off to run errands. A is still teething and on the crabby side so the more out and about he is the happier he is. So we ran errands until lunch time. Lol

After lunch it's off to work for me. I know it is good to get out and work but I just miss them so much when I am gone. When I get home they are passed out and always look so cute snuggled in bed. Until tomorrow when the craziness starts again. 

Perfect end to the night

Today I was going to take the kids to the zoo but because A is teething and super crabby I decided to not take that challenge. He fell sleep early so L and I played games and did fun learning activities ( also got a TON of laundry done). I love watching my boys, seeing them get so excited about using their imagination. The things that L does makes me crack up. I still can't believe he is starting school. He is so full of energy I know it is what he needs to grow. A is also developing such a personality . When I see the two play I am just in aww. 

Tonight was some much needed time at me sister and brother-law's house. We did a pizza night. This is one of my favorite things. I love that we can just hang out . I know it sounds strange but its like my recharge . We missed my niece but we got to spend time with my nephews and my oldest nephew's girlfriend (ahhh young love ) . I am so proud of what they are becoming, and the drive I see in them. When did they get older though ? It seems like just yesterday they we the age my boys are. Time flies. I always always love my sister talk. Even if we talk about nothing it's the best.

Schools around the corner

Today we FINALLY found out L's school schedule. I was so shocked they are giving us 5 day notice. I can see for he older grades its just a matter of who is your teacher. For kindergarten since it is either morning or afternoon I would have thought we would have gotten more notice. Note taken for when its A's turn. 

I still can't believe it is almost time for me to start as well. I am so nervous. I really wan to do very well. Keeping my fingers crossed ;) 

Women's club

So after a nice morning with Tony running some errands while the kids played at their child center. I had a meeting to join the Streamwood women's club. I had been thinking about doing this for sometime. I really wanted to get more active in  our community.  I feel very strongly that no one should be hungry. Just the thought of someone having a empty stomach and no way to fill it saddens me. I really want to do more to help. I feel so many people have really forgotten how to help one another. A elderly person should never have to choose between medicine or food;or both. I see so much food go to waste when it really should go to ones in need. I am sure they won't care if its day old bread or slightly burned. Some may not even care if something is a day past the sell by date. As long as they had something in their bellies to soothe the growling. 

Enough of my tirade for now. Today really was a great day. I feel very blessed. I am so nervous about tomorrow's Crossfit. I am finally not sore.

So part of my time with the hubby today we went to Woodfield Mall and had these great frozen yogurt mmmmmmm. I highly recommend this place.

  

Trying new things

So over the last week my goal has been to try new things. I even started a new schedule with the kids. After many weeks of Tony trying to convince me I finally tried Crossfit last night. I was so nervous. I am not nearly as in shape as I used to be. It frustrates me . Anyway, because of this insecurity I have been very reluctant to try new physical things. Last night though I took the plunge. This is what I did. These pics are off their website so I am not in them but this is what we did....

It's a lot harder than it seems. I am not going to lie I am pretty sore today. I have to admit though . It's the best workout I have had in a long time. I feel fantastic ;) very happy I did this . 

 

Time to train

Tis the season to really start running . Starting tomorrow I am changing the kids schedules around  in hopes of getting more time in at the gym . Lets hope this works ;) getting so determine to accomplish some goals this year! 

Is this really summer

I feel like time is just flying by. I really can't believe that it is the end of July. I have sent out the invites for my lil boy A's second birthday party. No it's time to plan the rest. It will be Mickey Mouse crazy. Lol 

I am still waiting to hear back from school I wish it didn't take so long. I really hope I get it then I can registrar for my English class too. I never thought I would be this excited about school. 

It's been awhile

So it's been awhile this I know. I have been enjoying the summer before school starts. It has been quickly approaching . Since the last time I wrote I had a birthday  35 yikes ! Where has the time gone? Growing up I always heard that time flies faster the older you get. I never knew how true that would be. Where has 35 years gone? I have been through so much, and learned so many things. I am great-full for all my lessons . Are there things I would have changed ? I would say yes and no. I would never change the things that would have changed my present. I love my boys so much anything  that would have changed that I would never change. 

On a lighter note. We spent all morning at a splash pad with my friend Beth and her kidos . It was do much fun. I realized how much I miss them . It had been way to long. This is something I am working on. I think some days I get to caught up in the to do list I forget to enjoy things. The kids had so much fun too. It is 100 degrees and no one cared because we were all playing in the water . Ah the summer . Love it ! 

Another Friday

I know most people look forward to Fridays because of the weekend of no work . Fridays for me are hard. It starts my work week. The kids always tell me they do not want me to go. 

Well I made it through . I kept to my goal of spending time one on one with L outside . He is getting so big. Where does the time go?  Until tomorrow . 

Dream chaser

So today was productive. I like to clean house on Thursdays since I work all weekend. I also took L to the doctor for a check up. It was a little traumatizing with the shots but he is ready for school now. 

Today I heard someone say something that is sticking with me . It was along the lines of ......  Everyone has dreams. When I look back I do not want to be one of the people who thinks I wonder if I would have tried this. I just want to look back and see I went after my dreams.  I live this a new motto tomorrow starts dream chasing ;) 

Putting my goals first

Today I have to say pretty I am happy. I am beat tired the kids have been keeping my on my toes. My youngest has now figured out almost all gates the little spider boy . Luckily he has not figured out the one by the top stairs yet. 

So usually I would find the excuse I need to clean ( my house has been well used by the boys today) to not work out . Today though L had a swim lesson so regardless to the gym we went. The thing I am so happy about is even though A was really crabby, my house a mess, and I could probably think of about 2 more reasons . I stayed and worked out . I ran for 45 minutes . It feels great * good sigh 

Getting caught up

I know it had been a few days I am just trying to get caught up after my oldest son's birthday and the holiday. 

I never knew how frustrating financial aid for school can be. I can't wait to be done with all the hoops . I did register regardless for this semester so hopefully I get some aid . 

Enough of that . Tony ( my husband ) goes back to work tomorrow so things should be a little more back to schedule . Here are a few pics from the last few days. Back to goal setting tomorrow . 

Fourth of July parade L with Honey bears 

Daddy and A 

I did hit the gym too not as much as I should but better that not. 

New day tomorrow with new goals ;) 

Catch up/ no excuses !-- I noticed this did not post on the 5th

Today's the day to get caught up due to holiday I have been slacking enjoying the family . Today is back to work :( . To start the day. The goal today is no excuses to start it off ..... Here we go 

Big steps

So today and yesterday are big steps. Yesterday my goal was researching going back to school. Today to start the process . As of right now I am sitting at College of DuPage waiting for a counselor . My stomach is so nervous . 

Big steps

So today and yesterday are big steps. Yesterday my goal was researching going back to school. Today to start the process . As of right now I am sitting at College of DuPage waiting for a counselor . My stomach is so nervous . 

So I got everything all squared away with school now I wait for the word on finacial aide fingers crossed

Getting caught up

So I know it has been a few days . I know what you are thinking slacking already . Which is defiantly not the case. I have been working on the last two goals as a combo . One is learn to except what I accomplish and two was not to fret when company is coming over. 

See this weekend we had a family dinner for my oldest sons ' birthday. Normally I would have been such a crabby ball of nerves , I would stay up until the wee hours of the morning and still feel I am unprepared . I am usually a wreck. 

So I am happy to say that is not what I did this weekend ! I went to bed before 11pm then I just got up early (5 :30 am ) got everything ready and truly relaxed. It was so much better. Today was amazing and my baby had a good birthday. ;) 

Now tomorrow starts a hole new challenge mmmmmmmmm

T   

In the nick of time

So today's goal was not to procrastinate. It was a tuff one for me but I did it surprisingly it was very rewarding . I worked today and I am beat. Goodnight. 

T 

Day 1 of goal challenge

 I am starting to write this in the morning . I am setting my goal for the day then I will write about it later today. 

As I walked through a store yesterday I came across a saying " Do more of what you love " . Seeing this made me ask myself many questions. How much of my day do I spend doing things I love? I understand that being a mother and a wife comes with a certain have to do list but how much do I really love doing? Mmmm not much. What example am I showing to my boys. 

So today my goal is to put something's aside  and do something I love..........

I did it ! I put all else aside today and I did something I loved doing. I took the kids to my friend Tami's we have been friends forever and it was much needed time. Our friend Lauren was there with her kidios too so it was 3 girls and our 6 boys. It was crazy but so much fun . A well over do visit. It was so nice to see all our little ones playing. It just made me think how time has changed. I have really missed my friend time. Life gets in the way we are all so busy now. I am so glad I took to day just to enjoy it . 

T 

The beginning

So here I go. I broke down and decided to start this blog. I am not sure where it will go, or if anyone will even read it but here I go.

I am a married 34 year old mom with goals and to do list about a mile long. I hope and dream of someday accomplishing most of the goals on my list. I have a very supportive husband and two amazing young boys. I always feel there is not enough time in a day. So to begin this blog I am going to start a goal a day. I will have to accomplish one thing a day and post about it for at least 30 days . Wish me luck.

T