I'm having a somewhat easy day today--TGIF! We thought we were going to have a snow day today, but alas, we only got rain and a few flurries. The kids were so disappointed when they woke up and didn't see white! We haven't had a decent snow in a few years. DONE: get up and dressed breakfast wait for daycare child to get here (8:30am) folded laundry from yesterday take dd8 to great-grandma's for her pre-birthday celebration math & science with ds sit down with dd15 to go over work keep dd5 and daycare child entertained C25K Week 3, Day 3 - 2.20 miles, 28 minutes STILL TO DO: make lunch take a shower & change clothes English and more math for ds work on religious badge requirements for scouts with ds wrap presents for dd's birthday wait for daycare child to get picked up (hopefully before 3pm today) take ds to his friend's house for sleepover/birthday party dinner vacuum/sweep clean kitchens/bathrooms fold last 2 loads of laundry & put away

3:40pm check-in DONE: get up and get dressed breakfast take daycare child #1 to her preschool (9am) morning lessons (math, science, English, handwriting) with dd8 and ds daycare child #2 arrives (10am) call "Just Tires" and give them a peace of my mind for trying to swindle me into having work done that didn't need to be done when I took my van in for routine tire rotation (they messed with the wrong lady--I have a trusted mechanic!) more school (history, more English, reading for ds & dd8) take meats out of deep freezer & figure out what we're eating tonight lunch pick daycare child #1 up from her preschool (1pm) IN PROGRESS: laundry (load 3 of 4 is in) daycare child #1's mom picks her up (3:45) bring daycare child #2 to her mom's work (4pm) take dd15 to dance (4:30) STILL TO DO: kindergarten with dd5 look over dd15's school work vacuum/sweep ab work (crunches, etc) & arm weights wrap dd8's birthday presents (birthday is Saturday) fold & put away all the laundry once I'm done washing go to bank (deposit) dinner Haven't gotten as much done as I had hoped this afternoon--I got sucked into playing Words With Friends. Oops!

It's 11:30am here and I'm working on tackling the tasks of the day! DONE: get up and get dressed breakfast take daycare child #1 to her preschool (9am) morning lessons (math, science, English, handwriting) with dd8 and ds daycare child #2 arrives (10am) call "Just Tires" and give them a peace of my mind for trying to swindle me into having work done that didn't need to be done when I took my van in for routine tire rotation (they messed with the wrong lady--I have a trusted mechanic!) IN PROGRESS: laundry (load 1 of 4 is in) more school (history, more English, reading for ds & dd8) STILL TO DO: kindergarten with dd5 look over dd15's school work vacuum/sweep take meats out of deep freezer & figure out what we're eating tonight ab work (crunches, etc) & arm weights lunch wrap dd8's birthday presents (birthday is Saturday) pick daycare child #1 up from her preschool (1pm) fold & put away all the laundry once I'm done washing go to bank (deposit) daycare child #1's mom picks her up (3:45) bring daycare child #2 to her mom's work (4pm) take dd15 to dance (4:30) dinner

I went through chemo and radiation at age 19 due to Hodgkin's lymphoma. I lost all of my hair...even my eyelashes & eye brows. As a young adult in college, that was difficult to go through. I would have been flattered if a friend had offered to shave their head, but would not have wanted them to actually do it. I did end up shaving my head once the hair started falling out---it was easier than having to watch it come out little by little. Could you support your friend by taking her to a nice (private) salon to get it cut short or shaved before it starts coming out? It's an emotional thing to go through (compared to the physical difficulties of chemo). Be there for her. Buy her some hats/scarves/wigs (whatever she is comfortable with) BEFORE she loses her hair.

5:30pm check-in DONE: slept in until 8am (what a treat!) did C25K, Week 3, Day 2 on the treadmill (2.10 miles, 28 minutes, 265 calories burned). showered & got dressed math, science, handwriting with middle kids lunch for kids took dd15 to Spanish class (12:30) pick up daycare child #1 at her preschool (12:45pm) pick up daycare child #2 at a different preschool on the other side of town (1pm) light lunch for me pick up dd15 from spanish class (2pm) get daycare child #1 down for nap (fingers crossed that she stays down for an hour!) take van to our mechanic (Yay! He found nothing major wrong!) daycare children get picked up (4pm) fold & put away laundry from yesterday start 1 new load of laundry call Grandma re: birthday plans for dd8 this weekend STILL ON THE AGENDA: bathrooms/kitchen cleaning vacuum/sweep dinner give youngest dd a bath go to work (8:30pm-12:30am)

Praying for healing and strength for you, Jean. I've been tackling Wednesday in full force today! It's 2:30pm here. DONE: slept in until 8am (what a treat!) did C25K, Week 3, Day 2 on the treadmill (2.10 miles, 28 minutes, 265 calories burned). showered & got dressed math, science, handwriting with middle kids lunch for kids took dd15 to Spanish class (12:30) pick up daycare child #1 at her preschool (12:45pm) pick up daycare child #2 at a different preschool on the other side of town (1pm) light lunch for me pick up dd15 from spanish class (2pm) get daycare child #1 down for nap (fingers crossed that she stays down for an hour!) STILL ON THE AGENDA: call Grandma re: birthday plans for dd8 this weekend bathrooms/kitchen cleaning vacuum/sweep take van to our mechanic so he can diagnose some problems (ugh) daycare children get picked up (4pm) dinner give youngest dd a bath fold & put away laundry from yesterday start 1 new load of laundry go to work (8:30pm-12:30am) I had hoped to go to a holy yoga class at our church this evening from 6:30-8pm, but I think it might be too much for me to squeeze into this evening.

7:30pm check-in DONE: get up and get dressed check coolant in van (it was low, so I had to add coolant--we're thinking there may be a leak somewhere, so I need to keep an eye on it) take 'daycare child' to her preschool (9am) go to bank for GS troop-make deposit & order checks go to personal bank (deposit) morning school lessons consult with dd15 to coordinate calendars/plan out assignments make appt to get tires rotated on van make eye appt for me to get glasses lunch pick up 'daycare child' from preschool (1pm) vacuum/sweep bathrooms/kitchen scrubbed master bathroom tub/shower C25K, Week 3, Day 1 shower/change clothes take dd15 to pointe class (4:30-6pm) dinner ds and dh - Boy Scouts 7:30-9pm picked up prescriptions at grocery store 3 loads of laundry STILL TO DO: put clean sheets on our bed relax!! DIDN"T GET A CHANCE TO DO (WILL HAVE TO DO TOMORROW): call for consult at orthodontist for ds buy new pillows for dh and I

It's been a busy Monday already. DONE: get up and get dressed check coolant in van (it was low, so I had to add coolant--we're thinking there may be a leak somewhere, so I need to keep an eye on it) take 'daycare child' to her preschool (9am) go to bank for GS troop-make deposit & order checks go to personal bank (deposit) morning school lessons consult with dd15 to coordinate calendars/plan out assignments make appt to get tires rotated on van make eye appt for me to get glasses STILL TO DO: lunch pick up 'daycare child' from preschool (1pm) vacuum/sweep bathrooms/kitchen C25K, Week 3, Day 1 shower/change clothes take dd15 to pointe class (4:30-6pm) call for consult at orthodontist for ds dinner ds and dh - Boy Scouts 7:30-9pm

I'm trying to finish the week off on a strong note. DONE: get up and get dressed do 2 loads of laundry (washed, dried, and folded--kids will finish putting away this afternoon) vacuumed swept took dd15 to co-op (9am) have dd5's best friend over for a playdate/babysitting (9:30am-1pm) lunch STILL TO DO: pick up "daycare child" from preschool (1pm) & watch her until 4pm drop friend's daughter off at her house pick up dd15 from co-op (2pm) clean bathrooms scrub master bath/shower & change shower curtain liner shower & put on clean clothes to go out to dinner with friends tonight figure out dinner for dh and the rest of the family dinner with my 'mom friends' 7pm relax

Praying for you to have the strength needed to get through these trials.

I would "expect" choice A....given the nature of most doctors (quick to write a prescription). I would prefer choice C, as a patient.

It's 3:30pm and other than finishing C25K, Week 2, Day 3, :willy_nilly: , I've spent my day dealing with teenage drama :blink: :eek: and succeeded in giving myself a headache from :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: . The evening can only get better, right?

1:30pm check-in: I am thoroughly tackling Wednesday and all that it holds in store for me! DONE: get up & dressed breakfast school take "daycare child" to her preschool (9am) 2 loads of laundry take dd15 to & from Spanish class (12:30-2pm) pick "daycare child" up at preschool (1pm) and play until her mom picks her up at 4pm go to my bank (make deposits) NEXT UP: pick up dd15 (2pm) afternoon chores (vacuum, hang delicate laundry that has been laundered, wipe down bathrooms) exercise (C25K-Week 2, Day 2 + crunches & ab work) shower & change clothes go to bank for Girl Scouts (make deposit & order checks) drop ds off at church for handbell practice (5pm) meet person to buy ipod shuffle for dd5 (5:15) go to library so dd8 can get some more books pick up ds dinner kitchen clean-up go to work (8:30pm-12:30am)

10pm check-in DONE: get up & dressed (this may have been the most difficult thing to do today!) breakfast fold 2 loads of laundry from yesterday & have kids put it away 1/2 of our morning school lessons start dinner (crockpot beer chicken) take "daycare child" to her preschool (9am) finished 2 loads of laundry, folded & put away school lessons pick "daycare child" up at preschool (1pm) and play until her mom picks her up at 4pm take dd15 to dance classes (4-8pm) take dd5 to dance class (4-5pm) go clothes shopping for me (got gift cards for my birthday) go to grocery store/Walmart for needed items vacuum/sweep HERE'S THE START OF TOMORROW'S LIST: scrub master bath tub/shower go to bank for Girl Scouts (make deposit & order checks) go to my bank (make deposits) do some stretches/yoga/crunches (no treadmill today) help dh put rubbermaid tubs with Christmas stuff back up into attic in shed

DONE: get up & dressed (this may have been the most difficult thing to do today!) breakfast fold 2 loads of laundry from yesterday & have kids put it away 1/2 of our morning school lessons start dinner (crockpot beer chicken) take "daycare child" to her preschool (9am) IN PROGRESS: Load 1 of 3 of laundry school lessons STILL HAVE TO DO: pick "daycare child" up at preschool (1pm) and play until her mom picks her up at 4pm finish laundry scrub master bath tub/shower have my mom dye my hair (the grays are starting to show again!) go to bank for Girl Scouts (make deposit & order checks) go to my bank (make deposits) vacuum/sweep do some stretches/yoga/crunches (no treadmill today) take dd15 to dance classes (4-8pm) take dd5 to dance class (4-5pm) go clothes shopping for me (got gift cards for my birthday) go to grocery store/Walmart for needed items help dh put rubbermaid tubs with Christmas stuff back up into attic in shed

Thanks, Jean!

Today is my birthday....I wish I could just bask in the glory, relax & enjoy the day, but the rest of the world doesn't stop just because it's my bday! There's still laundry to do and mouths to feed! 6pm check-in - haven't been nearly as productive as I would have liked, but it is what it is! Guess tomorrow's list will have a few extra things on it! DONE: breakfast (pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes & maple sausage birthday breakfast courtesy of my ds and dd15) morning school lessons (kindergarten with dd5, math/science/reading with ds, math/handwriting/science/reading with dd8, dd15 worked independently on English, math, history & biology) 1 load of laundry empty & reload dishwasher have dd15 wash pots & griddle by hand take "daycare child" to and from preschool (9:30am and 1pm) lunch 2 more loads of laundry afternoon chores (bathrooms, vacuum living room & upstairs) dinner take dd15 to dance & pick her up afterward (4:30-6pm) dd8-Girl Scouts (6:30-8pm) ds - Boy Scouts (God & Church meeting 6:30-7:30 + regular meeting 7:30-9pm) STILL HAVE TO DO/PROBABLY WON"T GET DONE TODAY: exercise (scheduled to do C25K, Week 2, Day 1) shower & change clothes bank-personal bank-Girl Scouts (make deposit and order checks) go to Walmart/Harris Teeter/Home Depot for needed items I finally finished working on all the GS financial paperwork for the troop yesterday! I'm so glad to not have that hanging over my head on my "to do" list anymore! Phew!

We're tackling Monday here! Today is my birthday....I wish I could just bask in the glory, relax & enjoy the day, but the rest of the world doesn't stop just because it's my bday! There's still laundry to do and mouths to feed! 1:30pm check-in DONE: breakfast (pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes & maple sausage birthday breakfast courtesy of my ds and dd15) morning school lessons (kindergarten with dd5, math/science/reading with ds, math/handwriting/science/reading with dd8, dd15 worked independently on English, math, history & biology) 1 load of laundry empty & reload dishwasher have dd15 wash pots & griddle by hand take "daycare child" to and from preschool (9:30am and 1pm) lunch STILL HAVE TO DO: exercise (scheduled to do C25K, Week 2, Day 1) shower & change clothes 2 more loads of laundry afternoon chores (bathrooms, vacuum living room & upstairs) bank-personal bank-Girl Scouts (make deposit and order checks) dinner take dd15 to dance & pick her up afterward (4:30-6pm) dd8-Girl Scouts (6:30-8pm) ds - Boy Scouts (God & Church meeting 6:30-7:30 + regular meeting 7:30-9pm) I finally finished working on all the GS financial paperwork for the troop yesterday! I'm so glad to not have that hanging over my head on my "to do" list anymore! Phew!

I just had to come back and tell you all what a difference participating in this challenge has made in our week. I planned the whole month of meals, bought all necessary meats & non-perishables for the month, and the perishables for the first week-ten days. I have not had to step foot in a grocery store or Walmart in a whole week! Not only has it saved us a lot of money, this challenge has also saved me lots of time, gas & energy! I now have a short running list of the perishables that we will need for the upcoming week-ten days as well as any random things that we have run out of it or discovered that we need.

I only prepare fresh brussel sprouts. I slice them in half and toss them with coarse kosher salt, olive oil, and pepper and roast them in a 425 degree oven for about 20-25 minutes.

Otterbox Defender....definitely order from amazon (they are much cheaper there).

Saturday tackle is in progress! DONE: breakfast get dressed take kids to dd8's first ice skating lesson lunch STILL HAVE TO DO: chores take dd8 around the neighborhood to sell girl scout cookies general clean-up (especially bedrooms & bathrooms & kitchen & living room....oops, I guess that's the whole house!) drop dd15 at the movies to see Les Mis (again) with her friends dinner out with dh and younger kids pick up dd15 from movies get littles to bed/lay out clothes for church tomorrow morning go to work (8:30pm-12:30am)

4:20pm. I did not anticipate spending an hour at the Sprint store having them look at my 3 day old iphone. I also did not plan on having to go back to the store later tonight when they finish resetting my phone. UGH! The store is a half hour trip each way from our house, so it has taken a big chunk out of my day. DONE: breakfast take dd15 to co-op (9am) take "daycare child" to her preschool (9:30am) breakfast (reheated quiche--spinach, mushroom, ham & cheese) math, science, handwriting, and English with dd8 and ds Kindergarten with dd5 Week 1, Day 2 of Couch to 5K (did 2.34 miles in 30 mins) lunch (kids had leftovers; I had turkey jerky & a cheese stick) pick up daycare child from preschool (1pm) 2 loads of laundry pick up dd15 at co-op (2pm) go to Michael's craft store to get one more wooden crate for ds and 2 more doll stands for dd8 play/supervise daycare child until her mom picks her up (4pm) waste half of my afternoon at the Sprint store STILL HAVE TO DO: work on GS financials (yes, I know this has been on my list for weeks...I just keep putting it off). prep dinner watch movie with dh pack dd8's stuff for her first ice skating lesson tomorrow morning help dh put the tubs of Christmas decorations back up into the attic of the shed vacuum/sweep clean bathroom & kitchen counters drive back to Sprint store to pick up phone. WOULD LIKE TO DO, BUT PROBABLY WON'T GET TO: write and mail thank you notes history lesson with ds and dd8

I've been limiting my "online" time so that I can be more productive. So, it's now 1:20pm and so far, I've: DONE: breakfast take dd15 to co-op (9am) take "daycare child" to her preschool (9:30am) breakfast (reheated quiche--spinach, mushroom, ham & cheese) math, science, handwriting, and English with dd8 and ds Kindergarten with dd5 Week 1, Day 2 of Couch to 5K (did 2.34 miles in 30 mins) lunch (kids had leftovers; I had turkey jerky & a cheese stick) pick up daycare child from preschool (1pm) 2 loads of laundry STILL HAVE TO DO: pick up dd15 at co-op (2pm) go to Michael's craft store to get one more wooden crate for ds and 2 more doll stands for dd8 play/supervise daycare child until her mom picks her up (4pm) work on GS financials (yes, I know this has been on my list for weeks...I just keep putting it off). prep dinner watch movie with dh pack dd8's stuff for her first ice skating lesson tomorrow morning help dh put the tubs of Christmas decorations back up into the attic of the shed vacuum/sweep clean bathroom & kitchen counters WOULD LIKE TO DO, BUT PROBABLY WON'T GET TO: write and mail thank you notes history lesson with ds and dd8

Already halfway through our morning lessons and have already dropped dd15 at co-op for the day.... I enjoyed reheating a delicious breakfast--homemade quiche with fresh spinach, ham, mushrooms & cheese. I'm hoping to do Week 1, Day 2 of the C25K program later this morning. If we keep working at our current pace, we should finish school by 12:45, leaving the afternoon for picking up my "daycare child" from her preschool, picking up my dd15 from co-op, and making a quick trip to Michael's craft store for one more wooden crate for ds. TGIF!