Living well

So I have a question for all of you: how do you go about living well while raising small children? I think what I mean by that is inclusive of a lot of things...I'll try to list some of what I've been thinking about and would like your thoughts on:

making time for prayer
balancing housework with playing with your kids
how much housework is too much? or not enough?
how much time to spend focused entirely on your kids
getting enough rest so you're not falling apart when hubby comes home
disciplining effectively and being proactive so you don't have to discipline so much
schedules or full flexibility or a combination?
is getting outside (to a park, etc.) just part of a healthy day?

I know that we all work on this and I'm sure we all come up with different ways to balance everything. So I'm just wondering what you guys do! Any thoughts on any of the above (or anything related that you've thought about) I'd love to hear them. Maybe by discussing our various thoughts and strategies, we can all become better moms, eh?

Snugli

Found ours.

Finally.

WAY too late.

Do any of you happen to know anyone who could use one?

A Discovery!

So, in my quest to find the perfect diaper bag I stumbled upon a wonderful thing! Gap has nursing clothes. Granted it's only like 4 tops, but still! Progress is happening amongst a major company!! Check it out here. Maybe by the time of my 5th child nursing clothes will be common place in stores - hey, a girl can dream right?

I know its a long shot but...

... Is there any chance you all might consider moving Mom's group to later in the day? Say, 1:30 or 2:00? I work until 1:00 but would love to join you each week. If this interrupts nap time too much I understand, but I thought I'd at least ask. :)

On Diaper Bags

I've decided that diaper bags designed for that specific purpose are fairly pointless, unless you're bottle feeding. Aside from the bottle compartments, the only real differences that I've found, between "diaper bags" and any other moderately large tote, is that the one's designed specifically for that purpose tend to be of lower quality and higher price.

Lately, I've discovered that I can fit all the essential-essentials into a medium-sized organizer purse. One diaper per kid, travel wipes, and one of those wonderful baggie dispensers, dried fruit and goldfish crackers, H20 bottle, one recieving blanket. Everything else stays in a huge beach tote in the car, there if I need it, but otherwise I needn't lug it around.

What works for you guys?

this week

Young Moms' at my place, with water play for the kiddoes!

-Jess

Diaper Bags

So I need a new one. Any suggestions?? If possible, I want something durable.

Easy Microwave Tuna/Dill Casserole

Microwave Tuna Casserole (6 servings)

In small bowl combine:

    1/2 c. sour cream

    1/2 c. mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip)

    2 t. prepared mustard

    1/2 t. salt

    1/2 t. dried thyme

    1/4 t. dill

In large bowl combine:

    5c. cooked egg noodles (For 4 people I use a 12oz. pack of noodles)

    2 cans tuna drained

    1/2 c. chopped celery (I don't use the celery)

    1/3 c. sliced green onions (I use red)

 Stir in sour cream mixture. Spoon half into greased 2-qt. microwave safe dish; top half of 1 sliced small zucchini. Repeat layers.

Microwave, uncovered, on high for 6 - 8 mins or until heated through. 

Sprinkle with:

    1 c. shredded cheese (4oz.)

    1 tomato, chopped.

Microwave, uncovered, 2 mins. longer. Let stand for 3 mins. before serving.