Crew turned 8 last month and although I’ve tried to prepare him for Baptism, I don’t think I was prepared for Cub Scouting. Holy moly — that manual is rocket science. Points and ranks and advancement and all the different animals…I can’t keep them straight. Plus I didn’t realize all the clothes / supplies the boys need to get started.

I am starting to work on our summer alliteration schedule. I like to have a general idea of what to do each day. Having a loose plan for the summer gives me a little motivation and a little direction. And I like the activity to start with the same letter as the day of the week (alliteration) because I’m weird like that.

I love traditions. And not because I am sentimental and nostalgic and family oriented. Rather I love traditions because I am lazy. So I decided I wanted to set a tradition for those Monday holidays where the kids are off school…like Memorial Day!

I haven’t been able to post as much lately because I have been UP to my eyeballs in Teacher Appreciation Week. I am in charge of the week for the whole school and the assignment has tied UP all my extra time. This year I am doing an “UP” theme.

Last year’s thrift goals and this year’s budget crack down got me thinking… especially about birthdays … on a budget.  I began to ask a few questions: How much should we spend on the kids’ birthdays? What does this budget include?  The party? The celebration? The fun food or just…

Whoever said, “Money can’t buy happiness” never bought my bike.  In fact, if I had know how much happiness I would feel riding bikes with my kids, I would have bought a bike and the trailer much, much earlier. My bike is a pretty mint green / pale aqua blue….