I have SO many things on my mind lately . . . which is probably why I haven’t written any blog posts. I get overwhelmed. Do you know the feeling? SO many ideas. SO many things to share. It’s a bit paralyzing.

Instead of blogging about each and every idea, I decided to blog in list format. Forgive me?? Thanks!

#1 - A new Trader Joe’s just opened up in Salem, so I went and checked it out one day after my haircut. It’s kind of a fun place. Blue chips. Lots of grains I never knew I needed. Three Buck Chuck. Rows and rows of organic processed food. Want to feel better about feeding your kids mac~n~cheese? There’s an organic version of that. I just have to chuckle! {By the way, you have to say “organic” in your most nasal, lofty, English accent to get the true effect of my use of the word “organic”. Not that I have anything against organic food, mind you! I just have to laugh at organic processed food! Oh, it must be so much better for you!}

Don’t be hatin’ me. Just giggle with me. You KNOW they have organic processed food there. Just admit it.

#2 - Frugal Living NW posted a great article about Back to School shopping that really made me think. I love the idea of giving my kids a back to school allowance when they are a bit older or when they start to ask for things. In the meantime, I’m very thankful that they are clueless about the latest fads. (Have I ever mentioned that we don’t have tv/cable?) Our “back-to-school” shopping ritual consists of counting up the number of pairs of jeans our boys have and then running out to some garage sales to pick up more for them to grow into during the school year (for $1 or less). I might patch up some of their older jeans myself. Perhaps a new shirt or two for the first week (from the clearance rack, of course) is in order. PLUS, we make sure the shoes fit (although we do ask the grandparents to gift these to our kids for their summer birthdays!). Oh, and you KNOW I’m looking for the best school supply deals. Yeah, baby.

Man, I’m cheap.

#3 - My kids have enjoyed summer sports programs. LOVED them. First, it was Track and Field with the local YMCA. It was very different from last year, but still a lot of fun. Next, we had Wildcat Hoop Camp, which the boys loved . . . especially my little hoopster, Cole. And this week we are finishing up Soccer Camp. Grant is in heaven! Cole thinks he’s better at basketball, which is a little frightening since he is an awesome soccer dude. I’m incredibly thankful for these fun summer sports programs!! My kids get a great taste of a sport without having to invest in a whole season!

#4 - My husband has had walking pneumonia for the last month. I say “month” and yet it was really the two weeks prior to this week and now (this week) he is recovering BECAUSE I called the doctor and told him, “He can see you RIGHT NOW, so GO!” (I’m so glad our doctor is our friend.) I’m feeling a tad bit of guilt because I insisted that he “suck it up” and take the family camping for the first time this summer last weekend. And then I held him while he battled the chills and the sweats all night long. Guilt. I had nightmares of him dying from pneumonia (which happened to a friend of mine . . . whom I still mourn). Guilt.

He’s on drugs and feeling better. Not fully recovered, but at least he is able to go back to work.

#4.5 - Camping rocked in spite of the pneumonia. I adore my family.

And, finally . . .

#5 - I really enjoy Pinterest. I hesitated to join for quite a while because I have the tendency to get sucked into things. Ever start playing solitaire on the computer? Addiction. Ever watch Lost on DVDs? Addiction. I really didn’t need another addiction.

I’m happy to report that I am not addicted to Pinterest. Oh, but I love it so!

Feel free to follow my boards!! I’d love to follow you back!

If you need an invite, let me know! I’ll do my best!

I’m joining other bloggers who have too much on their minds and not enough time or energy to post about it over at the Friday Fiver linky party @ Graham Like The Cracker! Care to join us?

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