So it's a good thing my children don't read my blog, because I've been getting away with something for a while now, and I really don't want them to know about it!

When I buy jam, I only buy the "all fruit" varieties, so it is a bit more pricey than regular jam. When the jar is almost empty, I add some plain or vanilla yogurt and a bit of milk. Then I cap the jar and give it a good shake. This mix goes into popsicle molds and Presto! My kids think I've slaved bigtime!

You could also throw the mixture into a smoothie concoction. At any rate, check out the other great frugal tips!

Labels: Frugal Fridays

# posted by a suburban housewife @ 4:58 PM 1 comments

After 10 1/2 years of changing diapers and having to buy diapers and wipes, you can bet your bottom dollar (pun intended) I was singing "Hallelujah!" to be able to sail right past that aisle in the grocery store. Until I remembered that panicky feeling I would get when I would reach into the diaper bag only to discover I was out of wipes. Nooooooo!

So now I keep a tub or two on hand for my friends who still change diapers. Their relief is almost a tangible thing. It is such a small thing, really, to serve others in this way. Be sure to check out what else works.

Labels: works for me

# posted by a suburban housewife @ 10:19 AM 5 comments

Labels: home improvement

# posted by a suburban housewife @ 3:30 PM 1 comments

One part of change in our family is that I am homeschooling two of our children this year. For various reasons, Rob and I chose to keep Harrison (oldest) and Kirk (youngest) at home for me to teach. I have read lots of "homeschool" blogs and honestly, I get irritated/frustrated with the ones that come off as homeschool-is-perfect-and-nothing-ever-goes-wrong-and-we-finish-by-noon-at-the-latest.

Let me tell you: my 7th grader has picked up on this mentality, and we have had some significant conversations on why it isn't practical to expect that he will be done with his work everyday by noon. Moreover, we have had to deal with his feelings of how unfair it is that his brother, who is in kindergarten, does finish by noon everyday!

Some of my friends have asked me, "Isn't it easier to homeschool when you have taught school before?" I think the answer is "NO!" The explanation is simple, really. When I taught at a day school, my class periods were definitive: 45 minutes from bell to bell. There was no phone ringing, no potty help required of me, no FedEx man at the door...you get the idea. In addition to that, I could wax philosophical and assign work. End of story, homework due next day. Homeschooling my own children is a lesson in daily dependence on the Lord. Not that I didn't have to depend on the Lord when I taught for pay, but now my attitude must be "Help me not be frustrated at the interruptions. Let me enjoy this time at home and take advantage of the ond-on-one time with my children."

Labels: homeschool

# posted by a suburban housewife @ 10:37 AM 2 comments

Labels: birthdays, family

# posted by a suburban housewife @ 4:03 PM 1 comments

Labels: Frugal Fridays

# posted by a suburban housewife @ 1:29 PM 4 comments

Labels: ch-ch-ch-changes

# posted by a suburban housewife @ 11:24 PM 0 comments