Practical. That would be a word to describe my husband and me and our gift-giving to each other.  Neither one of us splurges or goes all out for a Christmas, birthday, or Valentine’s gift.  We get what we need all year, so we sometimes don’t exchange more than a card!  If you are like me, or even if you aren’t, and go big, here is a practical gift that gives all year long!

Let’s just admit it – we’ve all watched at least one episode of “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette.”  Sometimes you just need some trashy TV to get your mind off your own chaotic life.  My husband won’t be pleased that I share this, but we’ve watched “The Bachelorette” together. 

This year, I am so excited that Christmas is over!!  Don’t get me wrong – I am a Christmas fiend!! I decorate everything in my house, bake every recipe (and subsequently gain fifteen extra pounds for the New Year), and I do it all with three crazy kiddos between one and six underfoot.

Just about every birthday from age 5-30 was included, with mostly every other year of their twenties. The idea was that my daughters would read the letters on that particular birthday. So, on their 10th birthday, they would read the letter for that year (one letter from one person for each of my daughters per birthday).

I have decided to take a dose of my own medicine.  Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, I worked in a Preventive Cardiology clinic where, day in and day out, I helped patients set goals to better their own health.  The typical method I used when helping people set goals was to make a S.M.A.R.T goal.  

Is it just me, or does every mom dread a certain little question from their husband after a long day at work? Every day as I leave work and call my husband to ask about his day, I hear it: “What’s for dinner?” Now don’t get me wrong – my husband is great and helps cook meals too, but no matter who is cooking, he always has to ask the question, and it drives me crazy.

Anyone else burned out over the usual suggestions for New Year’s mom resolutions?  Every year it seems we all aim for the same things… finally lose that baby weight, purge/simplify, be more “present,” stop judging others, and the list goes on! 

What you eat is probably top of everyone’s list when it comes to changes in a new year. We’re big fans of eating loads of fruits and vegetables, and we’ve come up with a variety of ways to do that. We’ve also worked hard to make it super simple for you to keep an eye on which produce items are at their peak each week by updating that information every week online here.

I believe that most people would love to serve those in need in our community. But where to start? How do you know that it would be a right fit for you? How can you help out with your busy schedule? Can you bring your family?

$81,000. That’s the projected average cost of 4 years of tuition and fees for a UW institution in 2034.  WOWZA.   And, you know how we say, “time goes by so fast.” Or, “Before you know it, they are all grown up.” It’s true. And, even more reason to start saving for college TODAY!