Dear Parents, each month the GCS newsletter is chock full of information, including links for you to download forms, send e-mails, or connect you to a website. There are no attachments to open, simply click on the underlined links to download the pertinent files, send an e-mail, or connect to a website. It's easy!

Quick Links

GCS Website

Elementary School Calendar

Parent Resource Library

GCS Document Library

GCS Facebook Page

Early Years

Dear Parents

December is such an exciting month here at Grace Christian childrens nativity Preschool! Our students will soon present their families with a beautiful "gift" of song, as we perform in the Christmas Program. Your children have been working hard preparing for this special occasion. Come prepared to be blessed as they sing about the birth of God's Son, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, December 7.

Stop by the Christmas Boutique, an annual event planned by the PTF. You will certainly be amazed by the lovely gifts available for $1, $3, and $5. It has been said that Black Friday deals having nothing on this event! Please continue to scroll down through the newsletter to read about more festive events happening this month. Don't forget about Priority Enrollment for 2014-2015.

We also want to extend to your family, prayers for a very blessed Christmas season. We are certainly blessed to have you as a part of our family here at Grace. "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

A Gentle Christmas Reminder from Mrs. Spielman

Christmas is a very magical time for children and we know that each family has a special way to celebrate. Traditions, values and ways to celebrate can vary greatly even among our Christian families. We want to remind you that at Grace Christian Schools we focus on Who unites us - Jesus Christ, God's only Son and gift to us! We ask that when celebrating at school, during class parties and any gifts you bring, to keep the focus on Jesus' birthday and not the other trappings of the season.

In His love,
Julie Spielman, Preschool Director

Tuition Reminder

Just a friendly reminder that all December tuition payments must be received by Friday, December 20. Please refer to your Financial Agreement or log in to ParentsWeb for your specific due date. Late Fees are assessed on the 5th day following your due date. If you are signed up for ACH Debit-Bank Draft, you may disregard this reminder.

Bringing Food to Share this Month? Remember: No Nuts!

We are a NUT-SENSITIVE campus with several children dealing with SEVERE nut allergies. Please be considerate. We encourage our families to make homemade items to share for Christmas Parties.

When purchasing pre-packaged foods, please read labels. Teachers will be looking at labels as foods are brought into classrooms. We cannot accept foods that have been processed with nuts or nut products.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our campus a safe place for children with allergies!

Preschool Healthy Nut-Free Policy

Christmas Program - Saturday, December 7

Your children are working hard practicing for our Christmas program, "Christmas Around the World," and will be performing it for you on Saturday, December 7. See flyer linked below for specific class information. Bring the whole family and enjoy the sweet sounds of the children all decked out in their finest Christmas outfits. Immediately following the performance, join your child(ren) for his/her classroom party. Watch your teacher board for party food sign-ups.

If you have a family member attending who is in a wheelchair, please notify the School Office so we may make special arrangements.

The MPM-Only Class is NOT participating in these performances, but will have their own performance and party on Monday, December 16. Parents are invited for a special class-specific chapel where the children will sing from 3-3:30 p.m.

Christmas and Chapel Music CD's are still available in the School Office for $10! These are great to help your child learn the songs for the performance. Stop in today and pick up a copy!

Christmas Program Schedule
Ways to be Successful

Spreading JOY - NEGU!

Every holiday season reminds us all that we are blessed, and to be thankful

for all that joy jar

we have. This year, during December, we would like to encourage our Preschool children to spread "joy" to children in need by supporting the Jessie Rees Foundation*, filling up JoyJars�.

Each classroom will be filling their own "JoyJar" box. Please have your child bring any items directly to their classroom. When the boxes are filled, we will take them to the Joy Factory so that they will be able to be placed into the JoyJars� and then distributed to children who are fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

A list of acceptable gift ideas will be handed out to families during December. JoyJars� are put together to follow hospital guidelines, so please wait to shop until you get the list!

*The Jessie Rees Foundation, was inspired by 12-year-old Jessie Rees, an alumni of Grace Christian Preschool. At age 11, Jessie was diagnosed with cancer; and during her 10-month courageous fight, Jessie focused on spreading hope, joy and love to other kids fighting cancer. She knew having cancer made kids feel lonely and limited, and as a result, Jessie felt empowered to help ease these feelings for those children fighting. She chose to share her message to NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) with as many kids as she could. On January 5, 2012, Jessie went home to be with Jesus. Her legacy; however, continues as the Jessie Rees Foundation continues to spread joy - through Joy Jars - to children facing cancer.

To find out more information about Jessie, please visit Jessie's website orJessie's Facebook page.

Gently-Used Toy Drive

Are you looking to clear out cluttered closets and bulging toy boxes before Christmas? You can make room on your shelves *and* help make Christmas dreams come true for homeless families living at the OC Rescue Mission by donating your kids' under-loved or gently used (good condition and still working) toys and books. Please drop off your donations in the wrapped collection bins located inside the double glass doors to the school on campus from Monday, December 2 - through Friday, December 20, 2013. All donations will go directly to bless the homeless women, children and families staying at the Rescue Mission. Thank you in advance for your generosity! May your Christmas be Merry! Please contact Wendy Horey, GCS Elementary mom, with any questions or for more information.

Wendy's Telephone: 949.709.7908

Email Wendy Horey

Family, Faith & Fun Night - Wednesday, December 4

Join Grace Community Church for the last FAMILY, FAITH & FUN NIGHT of 2013. This event is designed with your family in mind. Babies and kids of all ages are welcome! Families will be able to worship, seek God and play TOGETHER! This fun and impactful event will leave you growing closer to God as a family. 'Tis the season to celebrate the birth of our Savior, join us December 4. Come dressed in your pajamas. Dinner will be served prior to the event from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. for a small fee per person. The event will be from 6:30 - 8 p.m. and it's FREE! Please contact GCC's Children's Ministry Director Darcie King, if you need more information.

Email Darcie King

Event Flyer

Grace Community Church

Farrell's Dine-Out Fundraiser - Thursday, December 5

Farrell's logo

December's dine-out is at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant, which is located in the Shops at Mission Viejo mall, on Thursday, December 5, from 4-8 p.m. For every party that presents our GCS/Farrell's flyer to their server, Farrell's will donate 15% of the guests check to our school!

Faculty Flip-Flop
To make our dine-out even more entertaining, our very own GCS faculty and staff will become servers for the evening from 4-8 p.m.! Imagine ordering a Zoo from Mrs. Spielman or your student's teacher! We hope you will join us for this FUNDraiser! Please remember to bring the flyer - we won't get credit without it!

4-5 p.m.

Mrs. Puck

Mrs. Ramsey
Mrs. Roberts

5-6 p.m.

Mrs. Balazs

Mrs. Carruthers

Mrs. Engle

Mrs. Middleton

Mrs. Puck

6-7 p.m.

Mrs. Capps

Mrs. Cilderman

Mrs. Long

Mrs. Maniscalco
Mrs. Middleton

7-8 p.m.

Mrs. Eastman
Mrs. Ramsey
Mrs. Maniscalco

Dine-out Location: Farrell's

Address: The Shops at Mission Viejo (799 Shops Blvd., Mission Viejo)
Date: Thursday, December 5
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Farrell's Telephone: 949.364.5411

Ana Douglas coordinates our monthly dine-outs. If you have any questions regarding them, please contact her.

Email Ana Douglas
Farrell's Flyer
Farrell's Website

PTF Christmas Boutique - M-F, December 9-13

christmas boutique

We are excited to announce our annual PTF-sponsored Student Christmas Boutique! The Christmas Boutique will be open, in Room 112, on the dates and times shown below. PTF volunteers have taken their shopping and creative packaging skills to new heights! Come check out the great selection, adorable gifts, and child-friendly pricing.
Savings abound! We will have tables with $1, $3, and $5 items for sale! Preschool students and their parents are welcome to stop in before or after school. The boutique will be open on the days/times listed below.

Christmas Boutique hours for the week of December 9-13:
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday: 8:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Email Christina Beckman
Christmas Boutique Flyer

Moms in Prayer - Tuesday, December 10

You are invited to join the Grace Christian School's Moms in Prayer group! We meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month, in Room 109-A, at 8:40 a.m. to lift up our children, school, and teachers in prayer. It's a great way to start the morning - in prayer! Not only will you be a blessing to those that you pray for, but you will leave the meeting feeling blessed as well! Please join us for this month's meeting, which is scheduled on December 10.

Moms in Prayer gathers moms together to pray specifically and scripturally for our kids. Experience the joy of replacing anxiety with peace and hope when you pray with other moms. If you have any questions, please contact Nadine Schubert via email. Prayer requests can also be sent via email to Nadine. Hope to see you there!

Moms in Prayer Website

Email Nadine Schubert

Elementary Christmas Concert - Wednesday, December 11

Do You Hear What I Hear

You and your family are cordially invited to our elementary students' Christmas concert. Come celebrate the birth of our Savior with an evening of music. The students have worked so hard this year on the Christmas Concert and want to share it with you and your family and friends. This event is FREE!

We are pleased to announce we will be having our Christmas Concert off campus at Saddleback Church, in Tent 3, on Wednesday, December 11, at 7 p.m.

In addition to the whole elementary school singing several different Christmas songs, our 5th and 6th grades will be playing hand bells; 3rd and 4th grades will be playing recorder; and some of our students who are currently taking music lessons will be sharing their talents. Also performing are the GCS Elementary students who have been part of the En Tour Dance class, as well as the new GCS Elementary Choir. The doors will open at 6:45 p.m.

Chancy and Bruce Testing- Forms Due to Teachers by Friday, December 13

pencils

Chancy and Bruce testing will be taking place at GCS January 7-10, 2014. Please take a few minutes to go to the Chancy and Bruce website linked below to understand the importance of this testing and learning where your child is at developmentally, socially and emotionally in regards to school.

Chancy and Bruce Educational Resources, Inc. was founded in the early 1980's as a unique service to children, parents, teachers and schools in assessing children using a developmental profile. It assesses children in the processing skill areas that are needed for formal learning. Social-Emotional maturity and attention-span maturity are also profiled. Recommendations are made in regards to school readiness, grade level placement, and if further diagnostic assessment is necessary.

Forms and literature will be handed out by teachers soon so check your child's school bag. For your convenience we have linked a copy of the form below. When you have completed your form, please return it with an attached check to the School Office by Friday, December 13. Sorry, we will not be able to accept forms after this date!

Please note that checks will not be cashed until testing, which is the first week back in January.

Testing Results will be available at the Parent Workshop on Tuesday, January 21, 7-8 pm. A representative from Chancy and Bruce will lead a workshop in how to interpret your child's results and discuss why the developmental approach is so important in preschool.

Chancy and Bruce Website

Chancy and Bruce Form

Classroom Happy Birthday Jesus Parties - December 19 & 20

preschool Christmas party large

Thursday and Friday, December 19 & 20, each class will hold its own Christmas party (students only). If you haven't already signed up to help or bring something for your child's Happy Birthday Jesus party, contact your child's teacher. She would probably appreciate someone volunteering to help out too.

MPM-Only Classes will have their Happy Birthday Jesus Party following their Christmas performance on Monday, December 16.

Bunnies Need Homes Over the Holidays

bunny

WANTED: A loving home over the holidays! I will even bring my own food and my own bed. I promise to have perfect manners and never run screaming through your house. In fact, I must confess, that I always win the quiet game! In fact, all I need is a warm place and gentle hands to care for me over the Christmas break. I am one of four bunnies that live in your preschool garden. Have you seen me before? If you have room for me, please visit Mrs. Prince or Mrs. Burton, on the playground.

P.S. My friends need homes too! P.S.S. I hope you are the one I get to go home

with!!!

Reuse & Recycle

wrapping paper

Do you have any of these items laying around? We could sure use them! We are looking for donations of the following items:

Christmas wrapping paper/ribbon
Old non-breakable ornaments
Used/Old Christmas cards
Pine-cones
Buttons
Tissue paper
Wallpaper books or samples
Green strawberry baskets
Plastic containers with lids (i.e. margarine, sour cream, etc.)
Styrofoam

Items may be brought to the School Office. Thank you!

Lunch Bunch

Has your preschooler tried Lunch Bunch yet? It is a wonderful way for your child to practice their social skills as they eat lunch with classmates and new friends too. Each Lunch Bunch session is $6.00. You provide your child's healthy lunch (NO NUTS or Products Processed with Nuts). We highly encourage you to reserve your child's spot the night before your chosen date. When signing up the morning of - the cut off time is 10 am. Lunch Bunch is non-transferable and there are no refunds or exchanges. If you have any questions, please email our Lunch Bunch Coordinator, Annie Olver at the link below. If you are unable to access the internet at home, please come talk to us in the School Office.

TO GET STARTED: Log-in to ParentsWeb, click on the Student Information section to the left. The drop down menu will show the Lunch option. Click on Lunch and a calendar will appear on the screen. If you have more than one enrolled student, make sure to click their name Tab at the top.

Change your view to "month" for easy reading. When you are ready to select your Lunch Bunch day(s), click on Create Web Order. A button on the upper right of the webpage. Proceed to order by date and complete the process by entering your banking information. You will need your bank account number and routing number to complete the process. These items can be found on the bottom edge of your banking checks.

Please note, there will be NO LUNCH BUNCH on December 6, 13, 18, 19, 20.

Email Annie Olver, Lunch Bunch Coordinator

Preschool Calendar

Lunch Bunch Guidelines

Lunch Bunch Facility Map
Preschool Healthy Nut-Free Policy

Christmas Vacation! December 23 - January 6

Merry Christmas from Grace Christian Schools! We hope you and your family have a blessed time together celebrating the birth of our Lord! Please note that there will be no school from Monday, December 23, 2012 - Friday, January 3, 2014. School will resume on Monday, January 6, 2014.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Priority Enrollment for 2014/15 through 12/20!

We are pleased to announce a new, easy way

reenrollment to reenroll your students for the 2014/2015

schoolyear! For our RETURNING STUDENTS, reenrollment starts now! No more waiting until January to enroll your child(ren) at Grace Christian Schools for the next school year. Go to ParentsWeb today!

HOW: Log-in to ParentsWeb to begin reenrollment.
WHEN: Available NOW!
COST: There is a $25 fee to submit your online reenrollment packet. The $25 deposit is fully refundable upon withdrawal prior to January 1, 2014. The deposit of $25, submitted with your enrollment packet, will apply toward the registration fee.
PRIORITY: All current returning families will be given priority over incoming new students. In order to keep your priority status, you must enroll on or before December 20, 2013.
WHO: Please reenroll each student, as this process is on the individual and NOT as a family.
NOTE: Returning families must reenroll their returning children through ParentsWeb. Do NOT submit an application through the school website unless it is for a new younger sibling who is brand new to the school. The online application, which will soon be posted on the GCS website, is for NEW students only.

Haven't set up your ParentsWeb account? Click here to fill out an Online Help Request Form.

Christian Education

Do you know why Christian education is important in shaping the child's intellect, moral values and Christian Worldview? Take a moment and read this brief article that explains the "Why" of Christian education for students in their elementary years.

Read Article

Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten? Important Dates to Remember

With the opportunity to re-enroll your child(ren) for the 2014/2015

School Year, you may be wondering which program you should sign-up for and also wondering what our elementary school is all about. We have several opportunities coming up in January to help you gather all the information you will need to help you make a wise decision for your child's education, whether next year or in the near future. Put these dates on your calendar now.

Back Stage Pass - Thursday, January 16, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. - more info

Parent Workshop - Chancy & Bruce testing results - Tuesday, January 21, 7-8 p.m. - more info

Transitional Kindergarten Presentation - Tuesday, January 28, 6:30 p.m. - more info

Move Up Day - Tuesday & Wednesday, January 28-29 - more info

Kindergarten Preview Night - Thursday, January 30, 6:30 p.m. - more info

Backstage Pass

Mark your calendars and tell your friends about our annual Backstage Pass to Grace Christian Schools on Thursday, January 16, 2014. The elementary school will host this event for our preschool families, and families from the community that are interested in attending our elementary program next year. We will take those interested on a behind-the-scenes tour of our classrooms, and introduce them to our teachers and administration. Our students will also demonstrate some fun activities.

11-11:30 am - Guided Tours
11:30 am - 12:30 pm - FREE BBQ Lunch & fun in the bounce houses!
12:30-1 pm - Guided Tours

Watch for flyers to be sent home in December! Take a tour during Back Stage Pass and bring your flyer to the School Office, on the same day, for a FREE Starbucks gift card!

Transitional Kindergarten Presentation

You are invited to attend Grace Christian Schools Preschool Transitional Kindergarten presentation on Tuesday evening, January 28. The presentation will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. in Room 112 (Chapel). Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is for children needing a "Gift of Time" before entering Kindergarten. Parents, come and hear about our Peabody Language Development Curriculum, which will be presented by our current TK teachers. We will also discuss what makes our TK program so special! Children must be 5-years old by December 31, to be eligible for this program. Not sure your child is ready for Kindergarten, or you just aren't sure what to do? Come on this night and get the answers you need!

Move-Up Day

The boys and girls often wonder what it will be like in the next grade. On Tuesday and Wednesday, January 28 and 29, the Transitional Kindergarten children and older 4's will "move up" to Kindergarten and spend a half hour in one of our kindergarten classrooms and visit with the teacher. Children will be encouraged to ask questions, participate in an activity, and hear about all the new learning adventures they will go on next year!

Some of the activities they will experience include: stories, fun interactive games, crossword puzzles and science experiments. Parents, don't forget to ask the children what their day was like!

Kindergarten Preview Night

Kindergarten Preview Night will be on Thursday, January 30, in Room 112, beginning at 6:30 p.m. If you, or any friends, might be interested, this night is for you! Please come hear about our WONDERFUL elementary school and testimonies from families who are currently attending. This will be a great night for any questions you might have.

This meeting is an adult-only, informational night. We would love for you to consider Grace Christian Elementary School. Open enrollment for our Elementary School begins on this night.

ParentsWeb

Haven't Checked ParentsWeb out yet? Not sure where to begin? ParentsWeb is a private and secure parents' portal that will allow you to re-enroll for the 2014/15 school year, make changes to your child's current information such as address changes, phone number changes, adding people to your pick-up list, signing up for Lunch Bunch, and even paying your tuition! All information is safeguarded and protected.We look forward to your participation. If you don't remember receiving an email to help you log-in, please check your trash and spam folders first. Make sure to add "@renweb.com" to your email address book. If you can't find the email and need help, please contact us through our website by clicking on Online Help Request.

SCRIP Program

A great way to describe SCRIP is "Shopping Cart Fundraising." Families don't have to sell anything.

GCS families produce revenue by making regular household purchases they would make anyway - like groceries, gasoline, toys, gifts, etc. For a complete description of SCRIP, see link below.

Haven't signed up for SCRIP yet? Now's the time to jump in, start ordering gift cards and earn money for you AND our school!Set up a FREE account at www.shopwithscrip.com and enter our school code: ADD829563L468

ORDER online every week by NOON on MONDAY

PICK-UP in the School Office that same week on FRIDAY at 8:30 a.m.

What is Scrip?

Getting Started Online

How to Set-up Presto Pay

Scrip Questions?

Please Contact: Mrs. Julie Freese, Scrip Coordinator

Email Julie Freese or

TEXT ONLY: 949.466.3158

Spreebird Fundraiser

We are pleased to let you know that we have a win-win for Grace Christian Schools and all of our supporters. Spreebird (formerly Screamin Daily Deals) has offered to donate 10% of their proceeds to our school when our supporters join their free website and select Grace Christian Schools to receive the proceeds.

Spreebird offers our supporters 50-90% off a variety of entertainment, including local restaurants, whale watching, kayaking, concerts, spa treatments, and much, much more! Please sign up for free at www.spreebird.com and select Grace Christian Schools as your school to support; our school will receive 10% of the proceeds, and it's absolutely free!

Ongoing Fundraisers Throughout the School Year

GCS Free Money Programs
There are several ways for you to raise funds that are easy on your pocketbook, but can really make a difference for our school. We call them FREE money programs! Please see the linked flyer for several programs GCS participates in where your normal day-to-day purchases add up to BIG contributions for our school!

Box Tops

Box Tops for Education is a fundraising program provided to

schools by General Mills. It doesn't require you to donate money. Instead, money is earned by clipping and turning in Box Tops for Education labels off of food and paper products. Grace Christian Schools will earn 10 cents for every label you turn in! See attached submission form and start clipping!

Labels for Education
Labels for Education is the revised Campbell Soup labels program. Clip labels off of thousands of products and turn them in at Grace. With the points submitted, Grace Christian is able to purchase items for the school such as P.E. equipment, classroom supplies and much more.

Box Tops for Education Collection Sheet

Labels for Education Collection Sheet 1-Point

Labels for Education Collection Sheet 5-Point

Labels for Education Collection Sheet 10-Point

Student Drawing for Turning in Box Tops!

There will be drawings held for students who turn in Box Tops! Make sure the student's name and their teacher's name is on the collection sheet or in the plastic baggy with the box tops so they can be put in for the drawing (please, either 10 on a sheet, or 10 in a baggy)! The collection notebook is located around the corner from the School Office in the breezeway.

Questions? Please email Ana Douglas.

Get Connected

Did you know Grace Christian Elementary School has a Facebook page? Check it out. Be our friend. Post a comment. Post pictures. Get social!

Also, write a review about Grace Christian Schools on Yelp and Great Schools! We would appreciate getting the word out about our hidden little gem of a school.

Facebook Page

Yelp
Great Schools
Private School Review

GCS Tours & Observations

Spread the word about our wonderful school! Preschool Tours are Tuesday/Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Elementary Tours/Observations are available Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 9-10 a.m. If you have friends or neighbors who are interested in taking a preschool or elementary tour, have them contact the School Office at 949-951-8683, Ext. 0. Information brochures are available in the School Office.

GCS Calendar & Parent/Student Handbook

For the entire 2013/2014 School Year Calendar, please go to ParentsWeb. Field trips, events, changes and/or updates are immediately posted. Also, don't forget, the Parent/Student Handbook is available online. Please go to our website and click on the link to download it.

If you have friends, grandparents or other family members that you think would like to subscribe to our monthly newsletter, we would love to include them! It's really simple. Just go to the top of this newsletter. In the left-hand column, there is a "Join Our Mailing List" link located in the "Quick Links" section. Just enter the email address and they will soon be receiving our newsletters. If you have any questions, call the School Office at 949.951.8683.

Elementary School Calendar
School Website
Parent/Student Handbook

Parent Resource Library

Did you know we have a Parent Resource Library? Please stop by and take advantage of some great parenting and marriage resources (located right next to the School Office). We have a variety of items to choose from including books, cassettes, CDs and videos. You may check out items for 30 days. Please find the index card on the item and fill out the date, your name, and phone number. There is a drop box hanging on the wall that is provided for you to drop in your completed index card. When you return your items, just drop them off in the School Office.

This month we are highlighting the following books:

Why a Daughter Needs a Dad By: Gregory E. Lang

The relationship between father and daughter almost defies description. Nurtured with love, the relationship strengthens and brings out the best in both, softening the rough edges of fathers and providing security for their daughters.

Why a Daughter Needs a Dad is one father's loving reflection upon what he brings, or hopes to bring, to his daughter's life. The warmth of hugs and laughter, the comfort of familiarity, the creation of a history from which both he and his daughter may draw - these things make up the warmhearted relationship he enjoys with his daughter, and shares with readers in this sensitive and thoughtful book.

Family Feasts for $75 a Week By: Mary Ostyn

Whether you're overhauling your entire budget or just trying to save a little here and there, making a dent in your grocery bill may seem challenging in today's market. A typical supermarket trip can easily cost a minimum of $100, and if you're feeding an average family or larger, that number can soar even higher. What's a mom on a budget to do?

Family Feasts for $75 a Week to the rescue! Written by blogger mom and penny-pincher extraordinaire, Mary Ostyn, who prepares three meals a day for her family of 12 for $800 to $900 a month, this book is stuffed to the gills with Mary's expert, in-the-trenches tips on savvy food shopping. Plus, it includes 200 delicious recipes for home-cooked meals that make the most of economical ingredients. Mary's real-world advice teaches real-world families how to save in more ways than one.