Less Processed, More Homemade

I am attempting to make meals and snacks that are less processed and more homemade for several reasons. 

1) I know exactly what is in my food...no extra preservatives or added colors and flavors.
2) It is healthier for me and my family.
3) Most homemade items taste a whole lot better than their processed counterparts.
4) Doing homemade can amount to a decent amount of savings...not with all things, but with some.

I have been meddling with this idea for a little bit of time now, and as I think it through a bit, I am trying to incorporate more and more homemade foods.  For example I have been making my own macaroni and cheese (haven't bought the boxed stuff in over a year), hamburger buns (started this within the last several months), refried beans (started this a couple months ago...I use dried beans, soak them, cook them and then re-heat them with a little olive oil, some chicken broth and seasonings), Caesar dressing (actually my husband makes this) and other items as well.

Last night I made homemade bread crumbs for the first time...I had some bread that was going stale and wasn't going to keep much longer.  Tomorrow I am going to try my hand at homemade pasta sauce, and I will make the pizza dough that will accompany the sauce tomorrow night.  I will be making a large batch of sauce to freeze and use for future uses as well. 

I would like to start making my own breads, granola bars and much much more.  Although homemade seems far superior on all accounts, it is also time consuming, so that has to be factored in.  I can sometimes make good use of the boys' naps, and some evenings I put aside some time to cook and bake, but I also want to spend time with my husband too.  It is a delicate balance, but as I strive to do better in this regard, it will get easier, I am sure.

I would like to eventually start making my own jams and applesauces and learn how to can those items.  I think it would not only be a fun hobby, but it would provide fresh, tasty homemade healthier options for my family.
Of course there are always yummy looking baked goods and candies I want to try making too.  I think it would be fun to give homemade marshmellows a whirl as well as caramels and other tasty candies.  Then cakes, cupcakes, breads and everything else too.

I have a friend who amazes me with all the healthy foods she has readily available for her family.  She also has two little ones, similar ages to mine, and I am impressed she finds ways to make it work for her.  A couple weeks ago at a play date, my friend brought  homemade graham crackers for her kids' snacks.  Now, I have actually thought about making those because I saw a recipe in a magazine, but that is as far as I have gotten with it...just thought about it.  I am inspired to give it a try sometime soon.  My friend is a great mom, and I aspire to be like her.  : )