Christmas...in July?

I could not believe my eyes when I actually saw this countdown to Christmas. The crafters are already getting their items ready for Christmas sales and travel plans are being made (unless you're having a staycation). Should I be among them? Perhaps.

With the cost of just about everything rising, I have a book with some inexpensive gifts ideas to give to your family and friends this year.

Make a scrapbook for your children, your parents or your spouse.

Copy your favorite recipes on cards and give to a newlywed, or to anyone for that matter. (I personally LOVE this idea!)

Coupon books are always great. Make one for your spouse or your children (i.e. This coupon is good for... one game of Monopoly, staying out an hour past curfew, for a dozen donuts).

Give something you own that a friend or relative has admired.

Write a letter to a good friend and let them know how much they mean to you.

Make a video of your children to send to relatives who live far away.

Baby-sit for a young couple whose date night funds are tight.

Have everyone bring something for dinner and just enjoy a meal together with great conversation.

Make sweet rolls for neighbors that can be baked on Christmas morning (recipe below).

Do you have any money saving tips for Christmas? I'd love to hear them.

Seven Months

Well, Noah is seven months old today...so what better way to be a month behind than to show you his sixth month photos that I just received! I was not at all planning to be involved in these photos, thus the shorts, but the photographer convinced me it would be cute with the blocks I had brought.

I really love to use Sharpie markers, however, I dislike that when I use them I need to make sure I have another sheet underneath to catch any bleed that might come through. Now, Sharpie has come up with the Sharpie pen that no longer bleeds through. Genius!

I've slowly been switching the different products my family uses. My latest switch has been with deodorant. I found Toms at our natural food store and really like it, and I really like the fact that it doesn't have any aluminum in it.

I like how these cups give the fun look of the disposable plastic ones, yet you actually keep them, wash and store them for your next party. Find them here.

Neat receipts for mac is a great way to store your receipts on the computer and would be especially helpful for business owners to keep their invoices in digital format.

Standing up

Can you believe we have a little boy who is crawling and standing up? He loves it and gets so proud of himself. I totally am not ready for this. And to add to it all, it appears his top two teeth have broken through and looks like the next two are on their way. He'll be eating steak and potatoes in no time.

4th of July family fun

Thought I'd share a few of the photos I had from our 4th of July weekend in Minnesota. It was hard to say goodbye and we miss everyone already!

The kids ran in the Mini Piggy Mile run. Lucas and Bonnie ran to help encourage the kids along. They did great! We told Lucas he could be Grant's bodyguard and take the kids out that got in his way. Afterall, what are uncles for?

We have a crawler

I tried my best to catch him in action. The past couple of weeks Noah has done some crawling and scooting around but I think by the end of this week he'll have it mastered. Today is also the second time I've caught him sitting up in his crib and looking over the edge once he's awoken from his nap, so we ended up having to drop down the crib as well. The house is definitely not ready for this mobile boy. And I had to include this photo of Noah once he got to me and how happy he was since he was so frustrated in the video.

Quick fix

One of my favorite "go-to" meals is one my mom turned me on to. I try to always have the ingredients on hand for a quick meal. All you need is...

1 13 oz bag of Barilla Three Cheese Tortellini
1 jar Alfredo sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups diced chicken

Cook tortellini according to package directions.
Combine tortellini, alfredo sauce, diced tomatoes and cooked chicken together in sauce pan. Heat through. Serve, and smile.