Getting Outside

I have to admit. I've felt a little guilty lately. While my friends back East have been dealing with snow days galore, we've been enjoying sunny skies and warm temps here. And lots of yellow flowers popping up in my grass.

They're not the dandelions of my youth or the buttercups from Virginia. My kids call these "Sourgrass flowers." I honestly don't know what they are, but I think they're pretty...even if they are weeds.


Since I have some hermit-like tendencies, I've decided that I need to make more of an effort to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and flowers on a daily basis. So, the girls and I have instituted a daily walk into our school days. It doesn't happen at the same time every day, but we're trying to make it happen.

They like breathing the fresh air, getting to look at the various plants and flowers, and having spontaneous foot races. I like that they're getting a bit of exercise in hopes that it will help their focus during our school time.

And I like looking up at the mountains and the blue skies.

It's also a daily reminder to appreciate what I have.

Save by Shopping the Pantry

Ten years ago I was a new mom practically living on the couch with my newborn for her first month of life. (Yeah, labor and delivery was no joke.) We didn't have cable -- just one channel would come through with our antenna. I could watch whatever was on TV as long as it was on ABC.

It seemed as if E nursed all the time, so I spent many an hour watching ABC. I got to know their lineup by heart. I watched a lot of Good Morning America in those days. As a result, when I think of my favorite TV channel, it's always ABC -- even though I don't actually get that channel anymore. Weird, huh?

When my sister told me that she was being interviewed for a segment on GMA, I got so excited! It aired this morning. Unfortunately, I didn't get to watch it live on TV, but thank goodness for the internet. Instead of cuddling with my newborn on the couch, I had my 10-year old sitting on my lap in my desk chair as we watched the segment on the internet. We've come a long way, baby.

Here's a link to the GMA segment -- Eating Down the Pantry. If you want to know more about having a Pantry Challenge at home, visit Jessica's blog GoodCheapEats. Her most recent post has some great Tips for a Successful Pantry Challenge, including links to some yummy recipes.