Wordless Wednesday

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

Home

During work last night, a YMCA member mentioned to me how beautiful the leaves are turning this year in Washington. As I agreed and listened to their story politely, I couldn't help but think of home.

If you don't know, I was born and raised in Iowa where each of the season are uniquely defined. As "corny" as it may seem, Iowa will always be considered home. The people are real, hard-working...neighbors know one another and 4-H calves are considered "family". (If you're from Iowa...can I hear an AHEM!)

Fall has always been one of my favorite season as it ignites all of my senses. The leaves in Iowa are exceptionally bright, vivid and display array of colors including: red, burnt red, browns, and yellows.

I love Fall in Iowa. Often if I let my mind drift and close my eyes tight enough, images of leaves tumble to the ground as the soft hum of a combine harvesting corn fill my ears. A deep, distinct smell reminds me of the smell in the air on a crisp, Fall night watching high school football. I reach down and pick up a crunchy red leave in my rake-blistered hands from the pile in front of me. I am home.

Unfortunately, my trips home are fewer (usually once a year), but in my mind when I least expect it...like at work last night...I am home.

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

Wordless Wednesday

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

Rhythm and Routines

Rhythm and routines. There is definitely a new rhythm at the Little Blue Bungalow. We are adapting and adjusting to earlier bed times, Kindergarten homework, gathering the eggs, and carving out new family time. To say it has been easy would be a lie, hence...the reason for my "somewhat" absence on my blog.

Honestly, I think I'm the worst person in the family in adapting to change. I love order, structure, routine. Though the day-to-day routines are mostly the same, (working out at the YMCA, working for the YMCA, bed-time routines, eating, playing with the kids) the actual times of day have drastically changed.

Throughout the day, I'm finding myself regrouping and reminding myself what day it is and checking the clock. Monday at 10 AM...OK you are at work...pick-up Keegan from Lynda's at 3 PM...pick-up Fiona from school @ 3:35 PM...go home, eat snack...4:45 PM...back to work...and so on and so on. I find myself racing from here to there trying to maintain order, control in the process. (Good luck!)

I know that in a few short weeks this new routine with be the "new normal", but in the meantime I'm already checking my clock and reminding myself that today is Monday. It IS Monday, right?


From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

Thursday Thrifty Tip: Drink Tap Water

Really there is no mystery or hidden agenda in this Thursday Thrifty Tip...drink tap water. Yes...good old fashioned water from the...(gasp)...faucet.

Not only is this a HUGE money saver; it is an environment friendly concept as well. Water bottles can be purchased in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes ranging anywhere from $.50 at a garage sale to $15.95 for a "fancy" one from REI.

The Little Blue Bungalow is almost sometimes "littered" with the array of water bottles throughout our home. Water bottles can be found on the kitchen counter, in backpacks, and on night stands. Even I get overwhelmed by the allotment of water bottles, but at least we are hydrated; saving money by drinking H2O right out of the faucet.

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

Wordless Wednesday

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

Our First Egg

I found it somewhat ironic that our chickens (well, one of them) laid their first egg on 9-11. In the midst of what can be emotional day of remembrance; a perfect egg lay...a symbol of rebirth and newness.

Though a day many remember of loss; we were rejoicing in our gain of a simple or "perfect" egg as Fiona put it. Like a rainbow...I felt this simple egg represented God's promise that even in a day of destruction and evil, He would make all things new.

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Ezekiel 36:26

Thursday Thrifty Tip: Prepping Dinners

Making dinner after a long day at work, driving the kids from here to there, and life demands sometimes make dinner time a real challenge. I know...I speak from experience.

Sometimes dinners are just...well...interesting. Take for instance last week's Tuesday dinner...green beans and scrambled eggs. Yes, I already realize I'm not going to win the mother or wife of the year with that meal...but it happens. Other times I give in and order a pizza or declare "fend for yourself night".

Realizing my schedule isn't getting easier I've decided to prep 2-3 meals on the weekend in advance for our busy weeks. I have done this off and on over the years, but now I realize the necessity for reducing my stress level and spontaneous dining out.

Thinking and preparing meals out ahead, help in a variety of ways and the greatest is saving money. Not only are are not tempted to grab a pizza but you also stop running to the grocery for one other item. When prepping meals ahead you have a great opportunity to buy in bulk if you know for instance you'll need three pounds of ground beef, saving you money in the long run.

Saving money is great, but saving time is a beautiful thing. For instance, this weekend I had three dishes that required ground beef so instead of browning the meat separately I did it all at once and chopped up an onion enough for all the dishes. Instead of washing three pans, I washed one. Time saved!

Preparing meals ahead of time also make for great left-overs after the main meal. Honestly, I'm excited to take my Burrito Pie (as shown in picture)with me to work for lunch today. Knowing I have a great lunch I'm less tempted to want to swing by a fast-food restaurant or waste time digging in the refrigerator for something to eat for lunch. Check...time and money saved!

By prepping your dinners you'll save time and money...and that, my friend, is thrifty.

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

Wordless Wednesday

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

Reader's Note: 1st Day of Kindergarten...

Thoughts from a Kindergarten's Mom

Today is a day mixed with emotions...today my daughter enters the world of the public school system. Drew and I are both so excited for the opportunities for Fiona to learn and grow, but atlas I can't help but wonder what the roller coaster of learning "life" will present itself in the next couple of years. Ah...the joy of parenthood.

To Fiona we wish you the best...an opportunity to explore, expand your understanding, and learn life-long skills. To the teachers we wish you the best...to impact a generation, to impart wisdom and knowledge to students, and to spread love to the unloved. To the students we wish you the best...a chance to connect with your community and learn the "golden" rules of life.

Our prayers are with you all as you begin this new adventure, a new chapter in your book. And as I grip with the fact my "baby" will be graduating with the class of 2022...(R u kidding me?) I am at peace knowing that this too is in God's plan.

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

Back to School Shopping At Home

Our family is extremely blessed to have Grandma Bonnie who loves to shop for clothes. Not only is she up on style and sizes, she knows how to shop thrifty and green.

Most families take the annual trip to the store for their kid's "Back to School" shopping, but not us thanks to Grandma Bonnie. Today we've been Back to School shopping from home. Yes...from home. We've been sorting, shifting, hanging, and making decisions on our Fall outfits in the comfort of kitchen.
It is a big project, but we are overly blessed by the gifts and are excited to pass on the extras to our friends. So, if you like our outfit make sure to thank Grandma Bonnie and if you're looking for an extra pair of snow pants we have that too. (Smile.)

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean

Wordless Wednesday: Evergreen Fair

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie jean

Summer End

I think every year I say the same thing, "Where in the world did the summer go?" And this year is no exception. With the end of summer, we pack away some of the spontaneity the great weather the Pacific Northwest boasts and settle back into "routine".

This year seems even more monumental as Fiona enters Kindergarten. My head is still spinning with thoughts of coordinating her pick-up and drop-offs around my work schedule. I'm positive it will only get worse as she and Keegan attend practices, plays, and parties.

Fiona is so excited about going to school and I feel like I'm dragging my feet. My days as "Mom the Taxi Driver" are beginning and I think I'm going to finally understand my mom's comment..."Laundry is my Life." (Smile.)

From inside the little blue bungalow,
Katie Jean