Praises of a Wife and Mommy

How stunning is that flower?   Can anyone figure out the name and tell me if I can grow it in Iowa?  I mean it was at the Quad City Botanical Garden, however, it was inside the green house so that might make it hard to grow.  Again we go to go for free because we got a pass from our local library!   LOVE LOVE LOVE these passes!   I am saving money and for that am thankful. 

This was a guest post written by Stephanie Lynch --  the co-founder of howmuchisit.org . Taking your children to the zoo, movies or baseball game can really add up.  Each of these activities could easily surpass the $100 mark, placing a decent dent in your monthly budget. Who says you need to spend $100 each time you take your kids out?  If you have this mindset, it's time to stop thinking this way because there are so many great things you can do out there with your children for less than $5. No  matter where you live, I can guarantee you there  are countless things to do for less than $5. 1. The local state park Most state parks will cost very little to enter, and if you have one nearby, you may want to see what they have to offer.  Most state parks will have a slew of activities, which may include lakes for fishing, hiking trails, nature centers and playgrounds. 2. Go bowling Bowling doesn't have to be expensive if you know where to loo...

Sunday was the perfect day to be outside!  Temp's were finally in the very comfortable 70's!  :) We are blessed to live close enough to Green Bay so we can enjoy neat activities there.   First we went to Bay Beach- an awesome and affordable amusement park.  It is free to get into the park and the rides are .25 to.50 cents a piece!  YES YOU READ THAT RIGHT!!  The lines are not very long and the food is also very affordable.  My 16 month was also able to enjoy the rides!  :) After the fun at Bay Beach we ate dinner and then headed over to Lambeau Field.  You all know I am a big PACKER fan...right?  They hold practices outside and the public is allowed to view and cheer.  It was packed out no seats left on bleachers so we stood at the packed fence and watched a few minutes before we headed to the pro shop.  :)   The drive home was quiet and the sunset was beautiful!  I feel very blessed with my wonderful f...

We picked a great day to head down to the farmers market.  There was a free show and they had the Chicago Boys Acrobatic team and they were really fun and awesome!!!  :)  They did crazy flips, jumps, and some neat things with jump ropes.  They were really awesome at getting the crowd going and overall put on a great show.  I love when our city offers free things like this that are family friendly.  I spoiled my daughter while we were down there too.  We shared some frozen ice, egg rolls, and then even went and had ice cream at one of the little shops.  :)  It was a beautiful sunshiney day and I truly enjoyed spending it with my kids.  My hubby was even able to surprise us for a few minutes while he was eating his lunch.  :) Here are a few photos that I got off my phone (not the best).  I also included a youtube video of the Chicago boyz.  :) Crazy jump roping...he had some skills! Yes, this guy just flipp...