In My Own Little World...

2011-08-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Life can be defeating sometimes. Money, desires, responsiblities, dreams unfulfilled. Sometimes I need to slow down, refocus, redirect my thoughts and energies. Right now is one of those times. I need to become more grounded and make more moves tword my desires and dreams. One of my biggest dreams right now is to live a nomadic life with my family. To travel from place to place experiencing the culture, the energy of life. To live more simply, unencumbered by the tie to material wealth and possessions. To live with nature, to live authentically, in the moment.

2011-07-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

I sat down and was writing a rather scathing post relating to adult behavior in the McDonald's where I am currently sitting. But, I just had to erase it and adjust my attitude a bit. I'm sitting here in McD's, in the rain. Rain we haven't seen for weeks. I should be more thankful that the earth is being nourished instead. And, I am. I never thought I would utter those words again after being through the flood, but I am.

I'm thinking of my blessings for the day, and there were many. Breakfast oatmeal on the patio, listening to the birds chirp and watching them find food in the backyard. Seeing my 3 youngest children fearlessly perform their vacation bible school songs twice, in front of a packed house. Making homemade banana bread and brown rice with fresh vegetable to nourish my family. Sitting down as a family in our new home to a home cooked meal, while watching the rain and thanking God for it. And, now I'm sitting in a McD's waiting for my eldest to be done at church, enjoying a cup of coffee and a pastry I smuggled in to get some much needed alone time. This Sunday has been full of blessings and I'm sure there will be more when I'm back home. I'm a truly blessed woman.

2011-07-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

It's 91 degrees outside today with a faint cool breeze. I'm sitting here in the shade while my 4 boys play in the slip-n-slide and hose. My husband is another matter..he's burning wood. 91 degrees outside and he decides it's the perfect time to burn a brush pile. I'm sitting in the shade avoiding both the fire and water, watching the boys run around and scream like only boys can do. We've been in our new house for about 3 weeks now. It's slowly starting to feel like our home compared to feeling like invaders in someone else's house. My daily rhythm is starting to reemerge. I'm starting to figure out what to do when to keep the house in order, the kids happy and myself nourished. I'm starting to feel more like me instead of a refugee of flooding.

In 2 short weeks all 4 boys will be back in school. This time the 2 youngest will be in all day kindergarten. For the first time in 12 years I'll have my days free. To myself. Free to do what I want without taking a child (or 2, or 3, or 4) with me everywhere. I wonder what adventures my days will hold.

More beauty and blessings

2011-07-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

2011-07-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened in the last year. My kids have grown more. We got a dog. We lost our house and contents in a flood. We stayed with family for 2 months while we were homeless. We bought a new house and moved in. We took our first family vacation to an amusement park. It's been a long summer. There have been lots of emotions from sadness and anger to joy and thankfulness. I'm in a place right now where I'm looking for blessings and trying to be more in an attitude of thankfulness for everything we have, because we lost so much. So, I'm taking a que from Bluebirdbaby and instituting my own 30 days of happiness, where I'll share something everyday that makes me happy or is a blessing.

Today I have a blessing...my youngest worn out by a day or running around playing...

And, something that makes me happy...farm fresh veggies with quinoa and brown rice. A nourshing meal for body and soul.

Update, Menu Plan Monday

2010-08-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to say I made it through the weekend only spending money on ziploc bags to put up a bunch of tomatoes given to me and gas. Tomorrow, however, I'll have to buy tampons. Why does it always seem like I'm out at the start of every period, even though I just bought some the time before?

I've also made out my menu for this week relying heavily on my pantry and freezer.

Breakfasts:
Cinnamon muffins
PB& honey toast, watermelon smoothie
Oatmeal w/ peanut butter
Cheesy egg poofs, sausage patty
Cereal/milk
Zucchini bread, homemade jam
Buckwheat pancakes, turkey bacon

Lunches:
Spaghetti, garlic buns
Cheese pizza, carrot sticks
PB&J, fruit
Mama soup, crackers
Corn and potato chowder, biscuits
Grilled cheese, fruit

Dinners:
Biscuits and gravy
Pork roast, mashed taters, peas, gravy
Fried chicken legs, garlic taters, cauliflower
Tilapia, Italian noodles, broccoli
Chicken pot pie, salad
Taquitos, hominy
BBQ chicken pizza, corn on the cob

More lovely menus over at Organizing Junkie!

August 5th, First Day of School

2010-08-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of school for my older two. My oldest started middle school. It was so weird watching him get on the bus. I can vividly remember middle school and all the emotions I had then. I was scared starting a new school with new people, having to get myself back and forth between classes, and heaven forbid, no recess. I was and now he is, being forced to grow up just a little bit. I said a few extra prayers for him this morning, and for me to cope with him getting just a little closer to leaving the nest.

On the financial front, it's day 5 of the no spend month. The only thing I've bought are groceries so far, so I'm doing well. The beginning of the month is always the easiest. I tend to loose my momentum at the end of the month, though I resolve not to this time.

A Month Without Spending

2010-08-02T08:02:00.001-07:00

I've decided to make August a no spend month. I'll not be spending money on anything that's not essential. The only exception will be my weekly volleyball that is $2.

I'm wondering how much I'll be able to live without. How much will constitute a necessity? I'm going to really scrutinize everything. In my mind right now, necessities include: food, bills, gas for the vehicles. That's really about it. We could really live without everything else. I wonder if my view of necessities will change by the end of the month. Sometimes I think I need things when in reality they are just a want or a preference.

It's the second of August already and the only money I've spent is $25 on gas for the van. I'm hoping that this will last me all week.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-07-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY, July 27th

Outside my window...It's bright, but talks of rain for later

I am thinking... that this coffee I'm drinking is really good

I am thankful for...curbside trash pick up

From the learning rooms...We're actually in back to school mode. It starts next week..eep!

From the kitchen...Creole pepper steak w/ rice and fresh green beans tonight

I am wearing... Red Cross blood donor t-shirt and black shorts

I am creating...A mess while trying to clean, isn't that always the case though?

I am going...to cry when my babies start school this year

I am reading... Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally by Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon

I am hoping...that I can loose 2 pounds this week

I am hearing... the fan quietly hum in my room

Around the house...cooking, cleaning, laundry, snuggling, kissing, playing, laughing

One of my favorite things... right now is this cup of coffee with Southern Pecan creamer

A few plans for the rest of the week: Camping if everything goes as planned

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T09:15:00.001-07:00

6 AM

2010-07-16T06:15:00.001-07:00

I've recently began rising at 6am. I realize that 6am isn't that early to some people, but to me it is. I'm the kind of person that would sleep until 10am every morning if left alone. So, this has been hard for me.

I've noticed a few things about rising earlier though. I get quiet time to sit outside and enjoy these lovely views. I get to read my bible and talk with my God while surrounded by his quiet beauty. It stills my soul and gives me focus on what I want to accomplish during the day.

My husband is loving this. I'm up before him, showered and dressed with make-up on and hair fixed. I'm also preparing a hot breakfast for him, instead of leaving him with cereal or cold muffins. Yes, he's enjoying this greatly. :)

Hopefully after another week or so of rising early, it will become a habit.

"...She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls." Proverbs 31:15

Happy Homemaker Monday..

2010-06-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Hot and humid. It's been up in the mid 90's, but very bearable late afternoon/early evening.

Things that make me happy:
Right now, catching fireflies with my kiddos.

Book I'm reading:
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger.

What I'm enjoying on TV:
Nada, we don't have cable. Though DH and I have been watching The Office on the dvd player.

On the menu for dinner:
Smothered Pork Chops, mashed potatoes, green beans

On my To Do List:
Nothing. I'm actually caught up!

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Smothered Pork Chops

In the craft basket:
No crafting here.

Looking forward to this week:
Taking the kids to the movies. It will be the twins first time in a movie theater!

Tips and Tricks:
I grate all kinds of vegetables into my meatloaves, muffins, spaghetti sauce etc..to get extra nutrition to the kids.

My favorite blog post this week:
The arrival of Apollo to the Baker's Dozen Clan. Congratulations to them!

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
Food For a Hungry Soul

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days:
You can loose hours playing dominoes with your 4 boys..

On my mind:
Will I make my weight loss tomorrow at weigh-in?

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Menu Plan Monday

2010-06-28T10:56:00.001-07:00

This week is an eat from the pantry week. I'm making do with what I have on hand.

Breakfasts:
Oatmeal x2
Cereal
Cinnamon toast & smoothies
PB&J & smoothies
Pineapple orange muffins

Lunches:
Scrambled eggs & toast
Grilled cheese & tomato soup
Homemade mac-n-cheese
Fried rice
Grilled cheese & tomato sandwiches (from my garden!)

Dinners:
Smothered pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans
Carmalized chicken legs, broccoli, black eye peas
Chicken spaghetti, homemade garlic bread
BBQ chicken, augratin taters, corn on the cob, cole slaw
Leftovers

This will get me through Friday and I have to shop on Saturday, because I will be OUT of food by then! Go HERE for tons more menus!

June 22nd..

2010-06-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY... June 22th

Outside my window...Are big tractors working the field across the road

I am thinking... I'm only 2 pounds away from hitting my first weight loss goal and I couldn't be more excited!

I am thankful for...my son having a wonderful time at the drive-in last night.

From the learning rooms...n/a

From the kitchen...Eggplant parmesean and broccoli for dinner

I am wearing...Some grey-ish capri's and a light blue t-shirt

I am creating...sadly, nothing at the moment

I am going...to loose these last 2 pounds to get to my goal weight this week!

I am reading... "The Power of a Positive Mom" by Karol Ladd

I am hoping... that the part to fix my husband's truck doesn't cost too much

I am hearing... my kids watch Garfield downstairs

Around the house...smells so fresh. I love lined dried bedding!

One of my favorite things...fresh, perfectly ripe cantaloupe

A few plans for the rest of the week: Library trip for reptile show and books, playing in the sprinkler, volleyball games, and endless games of dominoes with my kids

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook for more entries!

June 15th..

2010-06-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY... June 15th

Outside my window...are some cobwebs, I really need to clean them.

I am thinking... I'm glad my internet is back, I was starting to go through withdrawals after a week without it.

I am thankful for...my family that makes me smile and my heart full

From the learning rooms...n/a

From the kitchen...Turkey burgers and salad on the menu tonight

I am wearing...a blue t-shirt and grey shorts

I am creating...this post and a headache by trying to get our router to work

I am going...to exercise tonight and play volleyball

I am reading... "The Power of a Positive Mom" by Karol Ladd

I am hoping... that my 2 oldest are having a fun time at their cousin's house

I am hearing... my twins laugh as they play together and my fingers striking the keyboard

Around the house... I need to take my clothes off the line and get started on those cookies

One of my favorite things... right now is fitting into my size 18 jeans after years and years of wearing a 22w.

A few plans for the rest of the week: library trip, volleyball games, sister and brother's birthdays

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Visit The Simple Woman's Daybook for more entries!

Easy, Cool Summer Eating

2010-06-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

On the 21st it will officially be summer again. Although, with the temperatures we've been having it seems like it's already here! I'm starting to think more about different meals and methods that I can prepare them having to heat up the kitchen.

1st Edition:Grilling:
The grill is great during the summer, isn't it? It allows us to keep all that heat outdoors where it belongs!

Grilling meats is of course the obvious choice. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, ribs, chicken legs, steaks. Any of those can be marinated and grilled up in no time flat. You can even make kabobs with hunks of chicken, pork or steak.

You can also grill fish. But, if you're like me and have a horrible time with the fish sticking to the grill, you can use foil packets. Just lay a square of foil out on the counter. Place your piece of fish in the middle and top with lemon juice and whatever spices/herbs you want to use. Pepper, garlic and butter are a favorite of ours and so easy. Then, bring the foil up to meet and scrunch it down and in, and then fold the sides up making a nice little package that the fish can steam in. Place on the grill and grill til done. Keep an eye on it, grilling times will vary! Don't forget about shrimp. On skewers with squash, tomatoes and onion, it makes for a great dish.

Speaking of foil packets, why not prepare your side dish while you're at it? Place your foil sheet on the counter again and put some veggies in it, along with some butter and spices. Our favorite is yellow squash, onions and asparagus with garlic, butter, salt, pepper and oregano. But, it will work with practically any veggie. Scrunch and fold, plop on the grill to cook while your meat does.

Also, while grilling I like to throw some potatoes on there to cook after the meal has cooked. This makes for some excellent hash browns the next morning and really helps you utilize all the heat from the charcoal.

Did you also know that you can grill pizza? It seems to be all the rage lately. Just make up your favorite pizza dough, add it to the grill to pre-bake a few minutes per side. Remove, add your toppings (pre-cook your veggies & meats, like onions and peppers, foil packet perhaps..or leftovers?), place back on the grill with the cover until the cheese is all nice and melty and the crust has cooked through.

Let's not forget about desserts! Grilled pineapple and peaches are wonderful with some vanilla ice cream. You could also use the foil packet idea to make some smores, or grilled sliced cinnamony apples.

BBQ Chicken, Ribs and Pork Chops
Marinate meat all day in the fridge in a half bottle of your favorite bbq sauce. Grill meats while basting with the other half of the bbq sauce. Don't reuse the bbq sauce that you marinated in, it will be germ infested.

Hawaiian Chicken, Pork Chops
Marinate meat in a mixture of 1 pineapple juice (from pineapple chunks), 1 can mandarin orange juice, 2TBSP soy sauce, 1tsp garlic, 1tsp ginger and a dash of hot sauce. Cook on the grill and serve with some grilled pineapple.

My Family's Favorite Burgers
2lb ground chuck
1package (or homemade) dry onion soup mix
4Tbsp worcestershire sauce
1Tbsp chopped garlic

Mix all ingredients well and shape into 8 patties and grill. We like to top ours with pepper jack cheese and all the trimmings.

BBQ Hamburgers
Mix 2lbs ground chuck with one bottle of your favorite bbq sauce. Shape into 8 patties and grill.

My Turkey Burgers
2lbs ground turkey
1/2c chopped roasted red pepper
1/4c chopped onion
1Tbsp chopped garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
1tsp oregano

Mix all well, shape into 8 patties and grill.

Next on the agenda: Summer crockpot meals.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-06-08T06:53:00.001-07:00

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... is my freshly cut lawn, it looks so nice.

I am thinking...that I need to get up and get a shower and get my day started.

I am thankful for...actually being successful at loosing weight this time.

From the learning rooms... I don't homeschool, but we have been working on reading skills this summer

From the kitchen... Tonight we're having chili dogs made with leftover chili and potato salad

I am wearing...pink flower pj pants and a white tank top ( I told ya, I need to get moving!)

I am creating...this blog post

I am going... to take the kids to the library later today for a magic show and to get books.

I am reading...Plenty: Eating Locally on the 100-Mile Diet by Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon

I am hoping...that I can get through the day without my 4 boys fighting..just one day.

I am hearing...my clicking on the keyboard

Around the house...it's actually halfway clean, the breakfast mess is in the kitchen, so I have to get to that.

One of my favorite things... right now is dark chocolate. A piece a day keeps me sane.

A few plans for the rest of the week: volleyball games, exercising, library runs, bringing my dad to visit for a few days on Saturday.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... Cookies from Kirchoff's, a local bakery. They are so darling and cute. I'd love to have one right now!

Find more Simple Woman's Daybook over at The Simple Woman

2010-06-04T19:58:00.000-07:00

Be still my heart. Thank you God for bringing this man into my life.

Some Family Photos

2010-05-26T11:13:00.001-07:00

One of my most favorite pictures..

2010-02-18T13:45:00.001-08:00

These are my men walking on a water trail at a local lake. It's one of our favorite things to do, be outside. I adore this picture.

Hostage

2010-02-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

Because you don't want your food to run away, do you?

2010-02-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

Why is it my kids can be engrossed in a puzzle, some made up game, coloring, tv, whatever, but... the minute I step food in the bathroom and lock the door there's 2 of them outside the door? Knocking, poking fingers, toes and toys under the door. Is this a fun game? The second I come out of the bathroom however, they are back to being engaged in whatever had their attention beforehand. Sigh.

Menu plan Nov 6-13th

2009-11-06T13:05:00.000-08:00

Breakfasts:
Apple/cinnamon oatmeal
Cereal,milk
Scrambled eggs, toast
Sweet potato pancakes, syrup
Sausage balls, fried potatoes
Gingerbread waffles, nutmeg sauce
Out w/ Joe's dad
Honey whole wheat bagels w/ butter or jelly, scrambled eggs

Lunches:
Homemade tuna salad sandwiches, carrot sticks
Out w/ Joe's dad after church
Leftover veggie soup from the freezer, crackers
Homemade mac-n-cheese, fresh broccoli
Grilled cheese sandwiches, apple slices
Fried rice using l/o rice, mandarin oranges
Bean chili, l/o bread
Out w/ Joe

Dinners:
Fried pork chops, augratin taters, lima beans
Turkey tacos, homemade refried beans and tortillas
Beans and rice using leftover pinto beans from refried beans, carrot sticks
Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob
Beef stroganoff, rice, peas and carrots
Homemade biscuits, sausage gravy, scrambled eggs
Baked pork chops, homemade dressing, green beans
Homemade Outback walkabout soup, homemade bread

More wonderful menu plans can be found at Orgjunkie.com!

A Frugal Monday

2009-11-02T08:12:00.001-08:00

It's November 2nd and I can't believe it's already this close to Christmas. This morning I ordered some items from Etsy to save me from having to actually shop at a store. Just as frugal with the items I bought, but I won't have to battle the crowds, which simplifies my holidays a bit. I have 6 people in the extended family left to buy for and a few more left to buy, along with stocking stuffers for my my kids. I'm hoping to be done by December 1st, so that I can enjoy the holiday and do lots of baking.

Today is a frugal, simple day. We're staying at home, eating scrambled eggs and toast for lunch and chicken potpie and salad for dinner. I'm going to be doing some de-cluttering to see if I have anything else to take to the consignment shop. I'm also going to try and make a menu to last us until Friday and stay out of the store until then.

I'm also going to make some apple oatmeal bars and cut up a pineapple for snacking.

The corpse hand

2009-10-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

Meatloaf that is! This is what we had for dinner tonight and the kids adored it after they got over the eeewww factor.. haha, so much fun!

Apple Brownies

2009-10-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday we went to the orchard again for the second time. We got another bushel of apples. The first thing we made with them was apple brownies. I found this wonderful recipe and it is absolutely scrumptious. It seems to be pretty frugal as well. I left out the nuts because we didn't have any and I used half whole wheat flour and half all purpose flour. It was a big hit at our house. Epically warmed with vanilla ice-cream on top.

Apple Brownies
1 stick margarine
1 egg, beaten
1 cup sugar
3 medium apples, diced small
1 cup sifted plain flour
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
½ tsp. cinnamon
½ cup chopped nuts

Cream butter. Add egg and sugar. Stir in chopped apples and nuts. Add other ingredients. Pour into buttered pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Menu I made out for the next 10 days.

Breakfasts:
Pancakes w/ apple syrup
Sausage balls, scrambled eggs
Cinnamon toast, apple slices
Blueberry pancakes from the freezer
Oatmeal w/ pb and honey
Biscuits w/ apple butter, yogurt
Cereal
PB&J
PB&H
Scrambled eggs, pumpkin bread

Lunches:
Spaghetti w/ meat sauce
Baked potatoes
Veggie soup, crackers
Grilled cheese
Mama soup, crackers
Homemade mac-n-cheese
PB&J
PB&H
Leftovers
Out with Joe

Dinners:
Homemade sausage, pancakes with apple syrup
Turkey tacos, hominy
Pork roast, mashed taters, peas
Homemade bean burritos, corn
Chili with l/o pinto beans, cornbread
Veggie pizza, oven fries
Meatloaf, green beans, homemade augratin taters
Homemade chicken nuggets, homemade mac-n-cheese, oven fries
Chicken cacciatore w/ whole wheat penne, salad
Leftovers

Snacks/Desserts that can be made:
Graham crackers, pb
Apple kuchen
Jello
Chocolate chip cookies
Peach crisp
Apple crisp
Apple oatmeal bars
PB cookies
Pretzels
Apples
Pineapple
Hot cocoa
Apple brownies
Popcorn

Go to Organizing Junkie for more MPM!

Menu Plan Monday..

2009-10-12T06:49:00.000-07:00

Lunches:
Chicken enchiladas/L/O beans and rice
Spaghetti
Chicken and stuffing
Beef and broccoli
Beanie weenies/fries
Grilled cheese/chips

Dinners:
Chili nachos/green beans
Shepard's pie/salad
Pork tacos/beans and rice
Chicken spaghetti/lima beans
Scrambled eggs/sausage balls/fried taters

Check out Organizing Junkie for a ton more menu plans!

Mosaic Meme

2009-10-09T16:54:00.000-07:00

1. Ella Michelle, 2. muuu!, 3. 1_Red_Reidland, 4. Kinderdijk Sunset, 5. Johnny Depp, 6. A coke and a :), 7. OIA, handmade houses, 8. HEAVEN, 9. a family dinner, 10. stavropoleos, 11. My Temporary Peace, 12. Through the eyes of a puppy

Here's how it works:

a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.

b. Using only the first page, pick an image.

c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker. Choose 3 columns with 4 rows.

The Questions:

1. What is your first name?

2. What is your favorite food?

3. What high school did you go to?

4. What is your favorite color?

5. Who is your celebrity crush?

6. Favorite drink?

7. Dream vacation?

8. Favorite dessert?

9. What you want to be when you grow up?

10. What do you love most in life?

11. One Word to describe you.

12. Your flickr name. (kid version: favorite animal?)

This week has tired me out

2009-10-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

It's only Wednesday and I'm exhausted already. Sunday was church and out to eat with the father in law. Monday was running around with errands, doctor appointment, back home to straighten and cook dinner, then went to volleyball. Tuesday was actually a day at home, although it was super busy between playing with the twins and cleaning my disaster of a house that I didn't get cleaned Monday, oh and 3 loads of laundy. Then that night I went and saw David Barton speak on our country's Godly heritage and how we're founded on the bible. It was great, really informative, inspiring speaker.

Which brings us to Wednesday. I'm really just tired. So, there's not much housework to be done today, but we do have team kid tonight at church. While the kids are there Joe and I are going to the library for some quiet time. The rest of the week is filled with volleyball, errands, pumpkin patch trip, grocery shopping and church. I haven't had one whole day and night at home this week and I desperately want one. Have I mentioned I'm tired? A tired mama and 4 kids (espically 3yr old twins) don't really mix well. I just don't have their energy!Haha.

Breakfast today was oatmeal with peanut butter and honey. For lunch we're having leftover Mexican potato casserole and green beans and dinner is a homemade pineapple and ham pizza along with broccoli/cauliflower topped with cheese.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-10-05T06:54:00.001-07:00

Breakfasts:
Yogurt, bananas
Bagels w/ pb and honey, raisins
Pumpkin bread w/ peanuts
Eggs, turkey bacon, toast
PB and apple butter sandwiches
Blueberry pancakes
Cereal, milk, dried apples

Dinners:
Chili dogs, oven fries
Mexican potato casserole, green beans
Creamy crockpot chicken, mashed taters, brussel sprouts
Ham and pineapple pizza, salad
Pancakes w/ apple syrup
Hamburgers, broccoli and cauliflower with cheese
BBQ pork sandwiches, corn on the cob, chips

Head over to Organizing Junkie for more menu plans!

Creamy Crockpot chicken
4-5 chicken breasts
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 envelope brown gravy mix
Sliced onion
chopped mushrooms

Add all ingredients to crockpot, cook until done about 6 hours on low. Remove chicken, add 2tbsp sour cream to the pot. Add a bit of cornstarch mixed with about 1/4c water. Cook on high til thickened and pour over chicken.

Sick, sick, sick..

2009-09-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

that's what we've been. It started off with my twins getting fevers, then the middle child got a fever, then I got a fever, and aches and chills and vomiting and a splitting headache. The kids never developed anything but a fever thankfully. I got sick while we were out and had to get Joe to drive us home. I spent all day in the bed and felt like death warmed over. Thankfully today I'm feeling functional. It's not good when mom is sick. Hopefully the older boy and Joe won't get sick at all. I hope they can avoid it.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-09-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY
September 28, 2009...

Outside my window...It's a beautiful crisp fall day, the sun is shining brightly today.

I am thinking... about mowing the grass while my 3 littles sleep during their nap.

I am thankful for... being able to stay home with my littles and to see them grow and learn everyday.

From the learning rooms...(if this applies) I don't homeschool, per se, but I am teaching my preschoolers. We are learning alot about germs, being sick and handwashing right now.

From the kitchen... We're having a lovely homemade vegetable soup and homemade rolls for dinner

I am wearing... Jean and a purple shirt with white stripes

I am creating...some yummy, comforting, warm food to nourish my family.

I am going... to play volleyball tonight, a weekly retreat for me.

I am reading...Beautiful in God's Eyes by Elizabeth George

I am hoping... that my little one with a fever will be over it soon.

I am hearing... nothing at the moment as my littles are all sleeping

Around the house... I cleaned out my pantry this morning and got rid of 3 boxes of junk that was just not needed.

One of my favorite things...is a cool day, a snuggly blanket and a good book.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Team Kid on Wednesday night and a get together with my girlfriends on Saturday.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... My 3 little monkeys..

For more Simple Woman's Daybook entries visit The Simple Woman's DAybook.

Menu plan for last week of September!

2009-09-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

Fall is finally setting in here in Ky. The high tomorrow is supposed to be 69, I LOVE this time of year. I really need to start posting something go than than menu plans, maybe one day I will.

Veggie soup/homemade rolls
Chicken potpie/salad
Salmon/brown rice/lima beans
Cream of wheat pancakes/turkey bacon
Meatloaf/mashed potatoes/green beans/corn on cob
Spaghetti/cheese biscuits
Chili/crackers and cheese

Head to Organizing Junkie for more MPM!

Menu plan monday and a tip

2009-09-21T13:25:00.001-07:00

Dinners:
Salmon, brown rice, lima beans
Scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, toast
Chicken pot pie w/ a homemade crescent roll crust
Homemade chicken nuggets, cheese rice, broccoli
Homemade mac-n-cheese, brussel sprouts
Tacos, oven potatoes
Toasted ham and swiss sandwiches, chips

Lunches:
Leftovers
Sandwiches
Cheese quesadillas
veggie soup, crackers
baked potatoes, carrot sticks
Lunch with Joe (Friday)
Lunch with father in law after church

Breakfasts:
Apple cinnamon muffins
Scrambled eggs, cinnamon toast
Cereal, milk
Overnight cinnamon rolls
Oatmeal with apples and honey
Breakfast out with the father in law (Saturday)
Cream of wheat pancakes, homemade chocolate syrup, bananas

Now, for my tip. I keep a glass quart jar in my fridge and put all my fruit juice in there, whether it's from canned fruits or some cooked fruit (I had a bunch of leftover juice today after cooking apples in the crockpot). I use it whenever I make muffins. It replaces any milk.

Check out Organizing Junkie for more menus!

Gratituesday

2009-09-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today I'm just extremely grateful for my salvation. For my Jesus that died to give me life. He didn't have to save me, I am unworthy. But, He did out of His never ending mercy and grace. I feel more thankful, humbled and blessed by His sacrifice everyday.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-09-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a great holiday! I had to switch around a couple of things thanks to my husband's desire to grill out today! It's a beautiful day outside so he picked a good day to do it. We're doing our actually grilling for lunch(meats, carrot sticks and apples) and eating the leftovers with baked potatoes and deviled eggs for dinner. Be sure to check out Organizing Junkie for more menu plans!

Monday- Grilled meats, baked potatoes, deviled eggs
Tuesday-Hawaiian chicken, brown rice, sugar snap peas
Wednesday-Orange glazed shrimp, leftover rice, broccoli
Thursday-Biscuits, sausage gravy, scrambled eggs
Friday-Potato cheese soup, fried cornbread
Saturday-Macaroni and cheese, broccoli
Sunday-Pork roast, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots

Picture Of The Day

2009-09-02T16:33:00.000-07:00

Tired Potato, Jake age 3

Menu plan for the week

2009-09-02T06:27:00.001-07:00

Ok, here's the meal plan through the 10th.

Today-Fettuccine Alfredo, salad
3rd(Clay's 11th bday!)-Lasagna, green beans, cheese biscuits, chocolate cake
4th-Cocktail meatballs, L/O green beans, L/O salad
5th-Macaroni and cheese,broccoli
6th-BBQ pork sandwiches, chips
7th-Potato cheese soup, fried cornbread
8th-Hawaiian baked chicken, rice, sugar snap peas
9th-Orange glazed shrimp, L/O rice, broccoli
10th-Biscuits, sausage gravy, scrambled eggs

Breakfasts include..
Freezer waffles, oranges
Eggs, toast
Pumpkin bread, apples
Orange muffins
Oatmeal, raisins
Cereal
PB banana sandwich
Saturday breakfast out w/ Grandpa

Lunches include..
PB&J, apples
Leftovers
Pancakes w/ PB banana and honey
Spaghetti with lots of hidden veg
Cheese pizza on english muffins
Veggie soup w/ toasted english muffins

It feels very good to have a plan again. I'm excited to go grocery shopping tomorrow and see if I can stick to my budget. No, there's no seeing if I can stick to it, I WILL stick to it. After shopping on Thursday, my regular shopping day will go back to Friday night so that I can leave the kids at home with Joe and concentrate with my calculator.

Back To Buisness..

2009-09-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

Well it's been awhile since I've posted. Frugality has taken a back burner in the last month and a half. But, out of necessity, it's back. And, back in a big way. This month we have a birthday for my oldest and an anniversary for me and the hubster, which coincidentally are on the same day. But, our anniversary will be celebrated on the 18-19th..more on that in a second.

The major area I've fallen in is my grocery budget, I've routinely been out of funds by the 2nd or 3rd week in the month. Not good. That's NOT being a good steward of the money God has given us for food and I feel completely convicted about it. I haven't been planning and I've just been buying what I want. Not good. It's made me guilty and my husband frustrated, stressed and unhappy. I'm determined that September will be the month I get back on track and become better at my planning and shopping. I've made a plan that I will follow for grocery planning..

Monday-Meatless
Tuesday-Chicken or pork
Wednesday-Seafood
Thursday-Breakfast or leftover usage
Friday-Beef
Saturday-Easy or kid friendly
Sunday-Crockpot

This plan will go into effect on the 4th, since I already have today, Wednesday and Thursday planned.

Thursday is the eldest son's 11th birthday, how did that happen? He has requested lasagna, green beans, garlic cheese biscuits and chocolate cake for his meal. Good choice, Clay. So, that will factor into my weekly budget. I'm still trying to decide whether to make it from scratch or buy a Stouffer's one with the $1 off coupon I have. I'll see what the grocery ads tomorrow say.

As for our anniversary, it's also on Thursday. 15 years, again, how did that happen? :) We save that day now for Clay's birthday celebration and we'll be celebrating on the 18th AND 19th. That's right.. a couple of nights away from the children. Alone. By ourselves. No mommy and daddy for 2 whole days...aaah. We're going camping! We're really looking forward to bike riding and hiking. Huge thanks to the sister who's brave enough to take all 4 boys at once. She did raise 5 kids, so I think she can handle it. :) We thought that this would be cheaper than a $100 a night hotel room (vs $12 a night campsite rental) and it will be tons more fun!

So my plan for September is to keep grocery budget to $75/wk and stick to my rotation plan. Also, I plan to can some tomatoes, either my own (if they all turn) or some seconds from the farmer's market that I can get for 50¢/pd. I also plan to stay home as much as possible, to use less gas. It's getting cooler so the thermostat will come up and more hanging of laundry outside.

I'm feeling renewed by the start of this new month. I hope this feeling lasts through the whole month.

Menu for the 11th-17th..

2009-07-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

July 11-17

Dinners:
Steak and pepper sandwiches, sauteed mustard greens, green salad
BBQ Pork sandwiches, pretzels, watermelon
Pork roast, mashed taters, gravy, peas
Baked italian macaroni, cheese biscuits, salad
Lentils and ham, cornbread
Grilled steak strips over salad
Brown rice patties, zucchini, sauteed mustard greens

Lunches:
L/O BBQ pork
L/O lentils and ham
Homemade chili
Baked potatoes topped with L/O chili, cheese
Veggie soup, french bread
Hummus, homemade tortilla chips, carrot sticks, fresh pinapple

Breakfasts:
Blueberry muffins
Banana bread from freezer, smoothies
Pineapple pancakes, bacon
Scrambled eggs, toast
Sausage balls, peaches
PB&J, mandarin oranges

Menu Plan Monday..

2009-06-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

This week is going to be a bare bones, clean out the pantry meal plan. We've got $50 to our name and no WIC until the 17th. So, here it is..

Breakfasts:
Pumpkin bread w/ smoothie
Waffles w/ syrup
Banana bread w/ scrambled eggs
Pancakes
Cereal/milk
Brown rice pudding cereal
Cinnamon toast w/ peaches

Lunches:
Tomato soup/grilled cheese
Bologna sandwich/apple slices
Lemon pepper chicken legs, garlic potatoes
Chicken fried rice
Scrambled eggs/toast
PB&J/smoothies

Dinners:
Beef roast/mashed taters/carrots
Shepard's pice (from LO roast), salad
Ham and beans/cornbread
Cuban beans & rice/salad
Spaghetti/cheese biscuits
Hot dogs/green beans
Homemade pizza/oven fries

Snacks:
Jello
Popcorn
Oatmeal cookies
Cheese and crackers
Chocolate chip cookies
Hot chocolate

Head on over to Organizing Junkie for more Menu Plans!

Overheard in the little pool yesterday..

2009-06-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

"I know of your plans! Your plans to do EVIL!" Andy 5, said to his older brother Clay, 10 when he was about to dunk him under the water.

Menu Plan Monday!

2009-06-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

Another week, another menu. This weekend I made some strawberry/blueberry jam and that will sneak it's way into our menu somehow. Over ice-cream, half pb&j sandwiches for snacks, etc. It's so very yummy!

Breakfasts:
Waffles
Pumpkin bread/fried eggs
Cereal/milk
Scrambled eggs/toast
Apple pancakes
Cereal/milk
Fried potatoes/turkey bacon

Lunches:
Chili mac/crackers
Baked lemon pepper chicken legs/cole slaw
Out w/ Joe
Chicken pot pie from freezer/sugared carrots
Bologna sandwiches/carrot sticks
Hot dogs/mac-n-cheese
Veggie soup/fried corny corn bread

Dinners:
Ham and beans/cornbread
Jambalaya/salad
Italian beef sandwiches/chips
Salisbury steak/mashed taters/peas
Layered enchilada casserole/green beans
BBQ sandwiches/oven fries
Grilled cheese/tomato soup

Head over to Organizing Junkie to see what everyone else is eating this week! :)

Balance Bikes

2009-06-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

5 Minutes for Mom is having a giveaway of Strider Running Bikes. I'd never seen this before. They are little 2 wheeled bikes with no pedals that toddlers ride on and they learn to balance themselves up. VERY cool idea, I 2 toddler twins that would just be so cute riding around on those. ;)

I learned to ride a bike when I was about 8 and we lived at a college that my dad was janitor of. I hopped on my cousins bike and just took off. I started off so well, but got going so fast that I lost control and crashed right into a brick wall. I was so scrapped up and scared. But, I was determined and hopped back on. By the end of the day I was riding pretty well. I didn't get my own bike til I was 11 and we had moved into our own house.

Head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom and check out the giveaway for the Strider Running Bikes.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-06-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

Wow, I haven't posted in awhile. What better way to start than a Menu Plan Monday! Check out Organizing Junkie for more MPM menus! :)

Breakfasts:
Apple cinnamon pancakes (from freezer)
Overnight cinnamon rolls
Oatmeal
Whole wheat waffles (from freezer)
Pumpkin bread, scrambled eggs
Cinnamon toast, turkey bacon
Cereal or oatmeal

Lunches:
Augratin taters, bolonga sandwich
Hot dogs, mac-n-cheese
Chicken legs, carrots L/O augratin taters
Grilled cheese, carrot sticks
Bean chili, crackers
PB& J, banana
Out w/ Joe (Friday)

Dinners:
Ham, beans and cornbread
Hamburgers, oven fries
Swiss steak, mashed taters, black eye peas
Chicken spaghetti, garlic cheese biscuits
Cheese pizza, salad
Lasanga, garlic bread
Sausage, peppers, onions, mexican rice, lima beans

Kitchen Tip Tuesday..

2009-05-12T08:15:00.000-07:00

My tips is to keep 2 freezer containers.

I keep 1 container in my freezer for veggie peelings, onion skins, broccoli stalks and other parts that you would otherwise discard. When it comes time to make chicken broth, I throw the veggie scraps in there and make my broth, it's always delicious and rich.

The second freezer container holds those bits of leftover veggies that don't get eat. I hate it when there's only a tablespoon or something left. So I chuck them in my container and when it's full we have a veggie soup for either lunch or dinner. Paired with my homemade chicken stock (from the bones and veggie scraps) it's a super cheap, if not free meal!

Head over to Tammy's for more KTT!

Fruit and veggie day..

2009-05-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

B: Shredded wheat, 1/2 banana
L: Chickpea and potato with spinach and chili/curry, pineapple
D: BBQ beef sandwich, 3 oven fries, fresh green beans
SN: Apple, Orange, radishes/carrot sticks

This is my attempt to get more fruits and veggies in my diet today. I came home last night from volleyball absolutely starving. I was good though. Instead of reaching in the fridge for the leftover mashed potatoes, I had a nice, juicy, red apple. It was possibly one of the best apples I've ever had. ;)

Challenge!

2009-05-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

Laura over at Heavenly Homemakers had issued a challenge to eat more fruits and veggies. I've been working lately on trying to get better and think this comes at the perfect time. I'm definetly in and will start working on that..right now. *goes to grab an apple*

What I'm currently saving for..

2009-05-07T08:18:00.000-07:00

A camera. A camera with zoom capabilities. I've wanted one for years and I'm finally saving for one. I want this camera. My savings goal is $200 and right now I have $31. Only $169 more to go!

Using the ends of the cereal box..

2009-05-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

I always hate throwing out the last little bit of cereal because it's not enough for one person. Today, I came up with the idea of taking all the ends of the cereal and storing them in a big ice cream bucket. Then the next time I want to make cereal bars, I'll have a mix of cereal. Today I made some rice krispy treats and peanut butter macaroons, then poured the little bit of each cereal that was left into my bucket.

Rice Krispy Treats

3TBSP butter
10 oz bag marshmallows
6c rice krispies

Melt butter and marshmallows over med-low heat until the marshmallows have melted. Remove from the heat and add the cereal. Mix thoroughly and spread into a buttered (or sprayed) 9x13 pan. Wet the back of a spatula and spread out evenly.

Peanut Butter Macaroons

1/4c sugar
1/2 c corn syrup

Heat til boiling for sugar to dissolve. Remove from heat. Add..

1c peanut butter
1 TBSP vanilla

Mix thoroughly til the pb has melted. Add..

2-2 1/2c corn flakes and mix until well combined.

Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper to cool.

Washing Baggies

2009-04-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

I use those Ziploc type baggies a lot for food storage, puzzle storage, etc. They can get expensive $2 or more a box. I've recommitted to washing them out, drying them and re-using them. I turn them inside out and give them a good scrubbing and then drape them over my silverware to dry. It saves money and the throwing of more plastic into the landfills.

Now, I'm off to hang a load of laundry out on the line. I haven't used my dryer in almost 3 weeks. I'm loving it, it's turning into one of my favorite chores.

Leftover planning today

2009-04-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

I took leftover meatloaf from last night's dinner, crumbled it up and added it to canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, mushrooms and seasonings to make a spaghetti sauce which was very yummy over some noodles.

I made extra sauce and will use it for homemade pizza later in the week and extra noodles which will be used in a soup also.

There's also a leftover corn/cream corn mixture from last night's dinner which I will use in making cornbread cakes to go with our soup. So we'll have 2 lunches made from leftovers, practically free. Gotta love that!

Jury Duty

2009-04-02T05:41:00.000-07:00

I totally forgot that the hubster has jury duty this month. $12.50 a day. How's that supposed to make up for missing 8 hours of work? I really hope he doesn't get picked very much this month, or that he's excused all together, but I don't see that happening. So, I'll just pray for God's provision this month, we're going to need it.

Today I'm..

Staying home, until v-ball time and my friend picks me up
Spending NO money today, nada
Lights are off, windows are open
Heat is off, kids are in long sleeves and socks
We're finishing off the last of the bacon and eggs for dinner
Using the leftover veggies from dinner in a soup for lunch
Start making a grocery list for Friday, hopefully I can shop

Update 1st

2009-04-01T19:09:00.001-07:00

Lights stayed off and we let the sunshine in.
Heat and AC stayed off, it was a very comfortable middle of the road day.
Stayed home until I took the kids to Team Kid.
Did, however, spend $4.85 on a gallon of ice cream and caramel syrup.
We did eat the leftovers for lunch.

All in all, not a bad day. I did spend money when I said I wasn't going to. But, I bought a big tub of ice cream instead of going to a stand and paying $1 per cone for the family. So, I guess it was still cheaper in the long run.

Sweet Tomato French salad dressing

2009-04-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

Ala Amy Dacyzn and the Complete Tightwad Gazette, pg 230.

Sweet Tomato-y French

2/3c ketchup
1/2c sugar ( I only used 1/4c)
2/3c veggie oil (I used canola)
1/2c red wine vinegar (I used apple cider as it's all I had)
1-2 cloves garlic (or 1 to 2 tsp powder)
2 TBSP finely minced onion

Mix all in a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake. Makes 2cups

I made it and used it at lunch, it was fantastic.

April 1st

2009-04-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

New month, hopefully a frugal month.

Today I will..

Stay home all day, only to take the kids to Team Kid at church tonight.
Spend no money whatsoever
Kids will eat leftover pizza for lunch, and I will a zucchini and salad that are about to expire.

I have a good feeling about this month and I hope to make it a better month than the first 3.

Tomatoes

2009-03-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

Last week when I bought groceries I bought a big industrial size can of whole tomatoes for $3. It was a great deal, as the little cans are .60 at Wal-Mart. Today I'm tackling that can of tomatoes. I'm making chili in the crockpot for dinner tonight, bolognese sauce and pizza sauce for lunch today and tomorrow and I've frozen 4 bags with 8 tomatoes and sauce in each for future sauces/stews/soups.

I'm going to keep watching for deals in the industrial sizes. With a family of 6, it makes perfect sense to watch for the larger sizes to be on sale.

Absence..

2009-03-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile since I posted. I'm come to realize that I'm hemorraging money and it needs to be fixed. I'm currently saving for a 3 day trip in April that I take every year. I'm up to $78 out of the $100 that I'm in need of and I will get to my $100 mark on the next 2 paydays.

I'm going to sort of go guerrilla for the month of April that's coming up. I'm going to try and save every $1 that passes into my hands along with all the change. My grocery shopping is going to be limited to $250 for the month or $62 every Friday. I've been really going out of whack on my grocery bill and I need to reign that in. I'm going to stay home as much as possible and hang my laundry out as my as the weather allows.

I'm also going to focus more on eating every leftover and using every food scrap (peelings for broth, etc..) We're only going to eat out (that we have to pay for) 4x in the month, lunch every Friday. It's a tradition that's been in place since we were married and neither one of us really wants to cut it out.

So, let's review..

Stay home as much as possible
Hang laundry as much as weather allows
Grocery shopping limited to $250/$62 every Friday
Eating all leftovers/using all scraps
Save every $1 and change that I come in contact with
Eat out only 4x, every Friday in April

Here's to a happy, healthy and frugal April!

This week's menu!

2009-02-27T14:33:00.000-08:00

2/28-3/6
Breakfasts:
Peanut butter oatmeal
Scrambled eggs and toast
Cinnamon toast, fruit
French toast, fruit
Cereal, milk
Strawberry mini muffins (didn't make them last week)
Simpe sourdough pancakes, bacon

Lunches:
Leftovers x 2
Spaghetti
Veggie soup
Grilled cheese, carrot sticks
Chili and noodles
Bologna, cheese and crackers

Dinners:
Hamburgers, oven fries
Shake-n-bake chicken, broccoli cheese rice, corn on the cob
Chili, crackers, cheese
Chickpea and lentil patties, sugar snap peas (didn't have this last week)
Stuffed pork loin, mashed potatoes, green beans
Chicken pot pie, spinach salad
Sausage, onion and peppers, rice, lima beans

Snacks to make:
Brownies
Chocolate chip cookies
Deviled eggs
Banana bread

Gratitiuesday

2009-02-24T06:50:00.000-08:00

Today I'm very grateful that my boys are getting better! 3 out of 4 have been sick with a fever and horrible sounding croupy cough for a couple days. This morning there's no fevers and I've barely heard any coughing. They are up and running around playing with each other like normal. It's never fun to have sick kids, I hate to see them so calm, it's just not normal. So, I'm really thankful they're on the mend and I really hope no one else gets sick also.

See what everyone else is grateful for this week over at Heavenly Homemakers.

Weekly Shopping Trip and Menu

2009-02-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

I usually shop and plan from Friday (payday) to Friday.

Super Valu:
1 large can crushed tomatoes $1
5# flour .99
Molasses 2.99
2# carrots 1.69
2 green peppers 2.00
3# onions 1.39
Beef stew meat 3.86
Round steak 4.60

Total: 18.52

Wal-Mart:
Fresh spinach 2.38
Pistachios 3.12
Eggs 2.37
Strawberry yogurt 1.67
Butter 2.28
Cashews 3.00
Apple cider vinegar 0.92
3 tomato sauce 1.41
Banana pepper 1.57
2 cans tomatoes 1.34
Curry powder 2.58
Mushrooms 2.48
Fresh pears 2.65
Fresh zucchini 1.69
3 roma tomatoes 0.38
Bananas 1.14
Grainy mustard 1.5
5# mixed fruit 5.77
1 lrg hershey's bar 1.00
cottage cheese 1.50
frozen sugar snap peas 1.46
Total: 41.83

Grand total: $60.52

Breakfasts:
Cinnamon rice, apple slices
Simple Sourdough pancakes
Scrambled eggs, sausage
Cereal, milk
Peanut butter oatmeal
Mini Strawberry muffins
Fruit yogurt parfaits w/ homemade granola

Lunches:
Leftover baked creamy penne
Fried rice (leftover rice from pepper steak)
Homemade tortillas w/ refried beans and cheese
Curry spiced potatoes w/ onion and peas
PB&J sandwiches, carrot sticks
Spaghetti with simple tomato sauce
Zucchini, tomato and parmesan cheese bake

Dinners:
Beef stew, cornbread
Pepper steak, rice
Baked creamy penne in homemade sauce, garlic herb bread
Cheese and onion soup,leftover garlic herb bread
Baked chicken breasts, twice baked potatoes, peas and carrots
Lentil and Chickpea patties, spinach salad, sugar snap peas
Grilled cheese, tomato soup

Comfort

2009-02-19T10:59:00.000-08:00

Gratituesday

2009-02-16T20:26:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for God's mercy this past week. My husband always leaves for work at a certain time and goes a certain way. I slept in on that particular morning and told him to grab some money out of my wallet and grab him something to eat on the way to work. He actually did (he never listens to me whenever that happens) that morning. And, going a different way to get a donut he missed a wreck involving a semi and a camaro that killed the camaro driver. If my husband had went to work at the same time and the same way as usual he would probably have been caught in the middle of that. I'm so grateful that God changed his path and kept him safe.

More Gratituesday over at Heavenly Homemakers.

Haven't posted in awhile..

2009-02-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

since the wonderful ice storm. I was so thankful that we didn't loose electricity and then later that day, we did! For almost 5 days. It was a fun time of reading, playing games, sewing, crocheting, cooking on an iron skillet in the fireplace. It was a not so fun time of freezing, trying to keep a fire going 24/7 to keep the kids warm, being couped up in one little room with 5 other people, no hot water, oh and did I say freezing?? It was really weird to be so disconnected with the outside world. We couldn't go anywhere in the car, nobody in Paducah had any power, so even if we did get somewhere we couldn't buy anything like food. Also, we couldn't get access to any money because the banks didn't have power. It's not an experience I ever want to have again. I hate how unprepared we were even though I thought we were. Here it is about 3 weeks later and some of my friends STILL don't have power. I just pray that they get it soon and I'm also so thankful that we do have it.

On to the present. Today was spent in the kitchen rearranging things and cleaning out cabinents. It's something I've been neglecting to do for awhil now and I'm SO glad I've gotten it done.

Here was the corner by the kitchen table that had the kids stuff on it. Various little projects, puzzles, teaching aids and a drying line for paintings.

This is the nook where I've been wanting to move all of the kids stuff for awhile now..

And here it is with the kids stuff moved in.. They have to share space with my shelving that holds extra food/water/paper goods, but their shelves fit in nicely. Included is a nice little picture of Jake doing his current obesession..puzzles!

Here's how the corner by the kitchen table looks now after moving out the kid's stuff. I didn't really have anything non-breakable to display in the cabinent there so I used it to hold the kid's dishes. Now they can reach everything and set the table easier! It seems so much more open and less cluttered now, I love it! :) I love my little sign on the shelf. It says "Home is where they love you".

And, just because he's so darn cute, a bonus picture of pj'ed Andy after completing his Cars puzzle!

Gratituesday

2009-01-27T06:35:00.000-08:00

Today I'm thankful that we survived the ice storm with power (so far) and that my husband made it to work safely. I just pray God continues His mercy on Joe's way home tonight.

See what everyone else is thankful for today over at Heavenly Homemakers.

Keurig Giveaway courtesy of Gayle!

2009-01-26T05:45:00.000-08:00

Gayle over at The Grocery Cart Challenge is having a wonderful giveaway. It's for a Keurig coffee maker that is retailed at $250! Head on over there and register before February 2nd!

Menu for the rest of the month..

2009-01-21T09:34:00.000-08:00

Seems like I've overspent again and messed things up. I had to put all of my emergency fund into the bank to keep from overdrawing. I really, really suck at this frugality thing. I feel horrid. I'm determined not to spend over $20 on groceries until the end of the month. I have only a short list that will round out the menu.

Shopping List:
Sour cream
2 loaves of bread
Spaghetti sauce
BBQ sauce
American cheese
3 tomato soup

Menu for the rest of the month:
21st
B: Cereal/milk
L: Bolonga sandwiches/chips
D:Taco soup, cheese quesadilla

22nd
B:Pancakes, milk
L:Baked chicken legs, mac-n-cheese
D:Ham & beans, cornbread

23rd
B:Pumpkin bread
L:Out.. I think..
D:Stroganoff, rice, green beans

24th
B:Oatmeal, milk
L:Grilled cheese, fruit
D:Meatloaf, mashed taters, gravy, peas

25th
B:Banana muffins
L:Out w/ father-n-law
D:Spaghetti from meatloaf LO's, cheese biscuits

26th
B:Scrambled eggs, toast
L:Baked taters
D:Chili, cheese, crackers

27th
B:Breakfast rice
L:PB&J
D:1/2 pork roast in crockpot with gravy, mashed taters, carrots

28th (Joe's Bday)
B:Apple cinnamon muffins
L:Canned veggie soup, crackers
D:BBQ pork ribs (or other 1/2 pork roast), garlic potatoes, broccoli w/ cheese

29th
B:Cinnamon toast, applesauce
L:Chickpea and bean chili
D:Veggie soup, homemade bread

30th
B:Pancakes/syrup
L: Out
D: Cooking a ham, green beans, mashed taters

31st
B:Scrambled eggs, toast
L:Grilled cheese, tomato soup
D:Ham fried rice

New Blog!

2009-01-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

I've decided to start a new blog dedicated to the use of leftovers. I love to make things out of leftovers and thankfully my family likes to eat it. So, if you'd like, come and check it out and see what I do!

Here's the link, but it's also in my sidebar.
http://makingmostofleftovers.blogspot.com/

Surgery..

2009-01-12T17:26:00.001-08:00

This cutie right here had eye surgery today, to fix his eyes crossing in. As a parent, I think it was harder on me than it was on him. He was happy every second until they took wheeled him away for surgery and even as they were wheeling him away he had a smile on his face as my heart was breaking for him.

I really hate the way doctors tell you that "we've never had a complication with anesthesia" "we've never had a complication from infection", etc.. it always makes me paranoid that my child will be the ONE to have the complication. I wish they would just keep me in the dark so that I don't think of all the things that could go wrong. I prayed silently to myself almost every minute that we wouldn't have a complication and that God would see fit to keep this beautiful creature safe and in my life for a while longer. God's grace is amazing. Jake came through the surgery without any complications. After waking up from the anesthesia, he was such a trooper, never complaining and not even getting upset. That was until his icee that the nurse gave him was gone, but he was quickly placated by another, 3 in all actually. :)

His eyes are red and a bit swollen, but he didn't complain or even cry all afternoon since the surgery. He's now comfortably sleeping in his bed and I'm secretly thanking God again that He showed Grace to me and my child.

Snapshots Of My Day

2009-01-07T08:47:00.000-08:00

Gratituesday..

2009-01-06T13:38:00.000-08:00

Today I'm grateful for God's strength. Since the beginning of the year I've given up caffeine. No cola or regular coffee has passed through these lips. It's a huge thing for me, I used to drink 5-6 cans or cups a day! But, I've been leaning on God and asking daily for His strength to help me break this addiction, and He's providing it for me and I'm so thankful for that today.

Smart Shopper giveaway!

2009-01-02T12:59:00.000-08:00

Erin over at Jane4Girls is having an awesome giveaway! It's for a Smart Shopper. It's an electronic list maker and it prints your list. It's really cool. Make sure and watch her video on the site that shows how it works. :)

2009 is soon here..

2008-12-29T07:51:00.000-08:00

Let me start off by saying Christmas was wonderful. The kids had surprises and lots of chocolates. The adults had lots of good food, presents and no one killed each other. ;)

Best of all, we celebrated the birth of our King. We were reminded that He came to the earth to save us, so that we could live with Him for eternity.

2009. Wow, I can't believe it's just around the corner. 2008 has just flown by. My kids have grown, I have grown, but the bank account has not. LOL

So, on that front there's a couple of things I want to accomplish this year.

First, financially:

Pay off the credit card bill that resulted from the washer dying. We still owe $300 on it.
Start a savings account. Try to save at least $500 this year. We haven't been able to in the past, but I'm going to try EXTRA hard this year to have some sort of savings.
Save money from the tax refund for Christmas. At least $400, although we won't use all of that. I'd like to use the biggest majority of it to help people. Operation Shoebox, and to give back to people that need help like I've been helped.
Keep grocery spending to at most $250 a month. For our family of 6 it will be a struggle, but I think I can do it.
Keep the debit card/credit card/check book at home and use only CASH. If I don't have cash, I won't buy it.

Health wise:

Keep playing volleyball and softball.
Use my treadmill at least 2x a week, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.
Eat at home more, less fast food.
Take my supplements. Vitamin, Calcium, Gingo Biloba.
Drink more and more water.
Be more mindful of what I eat, strive for more fruits and veg.

Family/home wise:

Cook more with the children. Start teaching Clay how to cook more by himself.
Get involved in reading the bible together. Children's or family devotions
More outside time! We love being outside and aren't out there nearly enough.
Get into a routine with my home and cleaning. Try to keep it from being such a disaster (if that's possible with 4 boys.)
Do more activities, crafts , etc with the children.

Self/relationship/spiritual:

Read. I love reading. I don't get to do it much. I want to do it more. I have been reading alot lately and I want to keep it up.
Read my bible and spend more time in prayer than I do.
Be more loving to Joe, be less of a nag. I tend to bark orders when I'm frazzled. I need to learn to ask and be nicer.
Try to get a babysitter at least once every 2-3 months so Joe and I can go out alone.

I don't want to say these are resolutions per se because they're something I always work on. I want to be more focused this year and quit being so fly-by my pants and frazzled.

Here's a look back at what I wanted in 2008, I'm happy to say that we are a (mostly) TV free family now. We only have very basic cable that we pick up NBC on. Come February we'll be a completely TV free family! :)

http://michelleolw.blogspot.com/2008/01/what-i-want-for-2008.html

"What I want for 2008
I want to become closer to my God. To read his word more, develop a better prayer life.

I want my home to be a haven. A retreat for my husband and kids. I want plants around the house, I want flowers outside of the house. I want it to be less cluttered and less full of toys.

I want to be content in this house. It is big enough, I just have to change my view and quiet the voice of consumerism that tells me I need a bigger better home. I don't want my husband or myself to have to work harder to provide that "better" house.

I want to have a veggie garden. A real one. I want to be able to go out and pick food for dinner that night. I want to be able to can and freeze food for use in the wintertime.

I want our house to be tv-free. I want the kids to play, build, create, to use their imagination. To Get Bored.

I want to write daily. I really enjoy writing and getting my feelings and thoughts down and out of me. It's liberating and stress relieving.

I want to do more with my kids. Give them more mom experiences. Cook with them, take them out with me. I need to quit trying to fit them around my schedules and my needs and focus more on THEM.

I want less toys in the house and more "creative" activities. Building, creating, reading, music, painting.

I want to stop the "I wants" and want nothing material. I want to look for my satisfaction in my home, husband, kids and God.

I want to be free of the hold that colas have on me. I want to drink pure, fresh water. My body doesn't need that caramel death. It just makes me feel miserable.

I want to save more money. I really want Joe to be able to retire early and enjoy himself. To travel like he wants, to camp.

I want to read the classics. Emily Bronte', Alexandre Dumas, Lewis Carrol, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, J.R.R Tolkien..etc.

I want to be closer to my friends. I want to talk to them more and really try to nurture my friendships. I'm not very good at it and it leaves me feeling lonely.

I want to focus on being healthier. Not on loosing weight. I just want to feel better. Have more energy, less headaches, less body aches.

I want to spend more time outside in nature. I feel awesome when I spend time outside and my kids do to. Being indoors all day is not very good for the body. No vitamin D, none of the natural endorphins that sunlight provides that make you feel better and less depressed, no fresh air for the lungs.

I want to make a list of things I want to do and see before I die and actually take steps and make plans to see this through."

Christmas Cookie making with all 4 boys!

2008-12-22T11:03:00.000-08:00

Here's some pictures of our cookie making today.

Menu Plan Monday

2008-12-22T08:16:00.001-08:00

Here's my menu for Christmas week! Check out Organizing Junkie for more Menu Plan Monday menus!

Monday:
B-Leftover coconut lemon bread and 2 pumpkin muffins from a friend
L-Veggie soup,biscuits
D-Crockpot chicken, mashed taters, peas

Tuesday:
B-Blueberry muffins
L-Leftover soup, crackers
D-Crockpot bbq'ed pork ribs, corn on cob, baked beans

Wednesday:
B-Scrambled eggs, biscuits
L-Out w/ Joe (payday, short week)
D-Christmas Eve, we go to a local chinese restraunt with Fropan & family

Thursday, CHRISTMAS!:
B-Overnight cinnamon rolls
L-Fropan's house
D-Probably still over at Fropan's

Friday:
B-Pancakes, peanutbutter and syrup
L-Baked potatoes (double for soup on Saturday) w/ sour cream, butter, or ranch
D-Crockpot turkey tacos, refried beans

Saturday:
B-Cereal
L-Pizza roll, carrot sticks
D-Potato cheese soup, homemade bread

Sunday:
B-Cereal
L-Out with father-in-law
D-Spaghetti, garlic bread made with leftover bread from Saturday night

Stretching a crock pot of chili for 6 people.

2008-12-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

First I made a huge crock pot of chili on Tuesday for dinner, served with crackers and cheese.

On Wednesday I took the leftovers, added a can of tomatoes (which admittedly, I forgot to add on Tuesday) and macaroni noodles. I also made fried corny corn bread, which left me a half can of corn.

Today for lunch I cooked 3 diced potatoes in chicken broth and tomato soup. After the potatoes were tender I added the half can of corn and the rest of the leftover chili with noodles. It made a nice soup! We ate it with leftover corny cornbread.

The kids didn't complain once about having chili so much and now, the chili is gone!

Gratituesday..

2008-12-16T06:07:00.000-08:00

I haven't participated in awhile. But, this week I have alot to be thankful for.

We were blessed this week with a ton of groceries and money that a lovely person (who wishes to remain anonymous) brought over to us. It was so sweet and so needed and SO appreciated. I love you!

We also celebrated the 5th birthday of my "middle" child last night. I love that little guy too. It was a nice, easy and fun family night.

For more Gratitude, head on over to Heavenly Homemakers!

Petit Elefant..

2008-12-15T12:32:00.000-08:00

is hosting lovely giveaways and one of them is for an actual microwave valued at $100! This would be a Godsend since ours is just about on it's last leg. So, hop on over there and take a peek and enter!

Petit Elefant

Happy 5th Birthday Andy!

2008-12-15T06:03:00.000-08:00

He's my own child who's not a twin. He's my own single birth. He was also the biggest and the loudest (which he still is).

He wants a red and green cake, not because it's Christmas time, but because those are the colors of Mario and Luigi (video game). He also wants cheese pizza and homemade mac-n-cheese for his birthday.

He's getting a Mario doll and a Spiderman memory game for his birthday.

He's no longer the little Hitler as Lisa used to call him. He's mellowed out quite a bit and I think he's taught Luke to be his successor.I love him so much! I'm so proud of him

Blessings..

2008-12-12T09:05:00.000-08:00

The generosity of some people is amazing. You know who you are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Soap Experiement

2008-12-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

Do it with your kids or without because you will be thoroughly amazed!

Clay came home from school and told me that he just HAD to show me this experiment they did. I was like waaaa?, when I saw what he was doing. But, it is totally cool and we're doing it again when his dad gets home.

Get a new, unused bar of soap, put it in a dish and stick it in the microwave for 5 minutes and watch in amazement...

There is air trapped inside soap. Heating it up like that makes all the air escape, taking the soap with it. It feels VERY weird afterwards!

Food Maitenance today

2008-12-08T16:18:00.000-08:00

We had turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans and gravy yesterday for dinner. We also lunched on the leftovers today.

I put the leftover corn and green beans in my soup bucket in the freezer. I mixed together some leftover dressing, chopped turkey and gravy and put in a dish to bake for tomorrow's lunch to be ate with the last of the mashed potatoes. I diced up the leftover white turkey meat and put it in a container with some gravy for turkey potpie and froze. I then chopped up the leftover dark meat for turkey and rice soup. I have the carcass boiling away now with onion, and carrot skins for stock. I'll use that in my turkey and rice soup. 6 meals for 6 people out of an $8 turkey. Not too shabby I think!

Tonight we had green pepper steak. I doubled the rice and will use the leftovers for fried rice later in the week. There was maybe a cup of leftover pepper steak. I diced it up together and will use it in my veggie soup later in the week for lunch also.

A-Z Questionairre..

2008-12-06T21:41:00.000-08:00

Join in and comment if you'd like! I'd love to read your answers. :)

1.Aprons – Y/N? If Y, what does your favorite look like? No.

2.Baking – Favorite thing to bake: Anything. Cinnamon rolls, biscuits and bread are high on my list.

3.Clothesline – Y/N? Yes, I love to use mine in spring/summer.

4.Donuts – Have you ever made them? Yes, we made cinnamon ones, the kids LOVED them.

5.Every day – One homemaking thing you do every day: Dishes/sweeping kitchen floor, at least 1 load of laundry

6.Freezer – Do you have a separate deep freeze? Yes we do, although it's never as full as I'd like it to be.

7.Garbage Disposal – Y/N? Not unless you count Clay. That boy is going through a growth spurts and eating at least 5 meals a day, couting the bolonga or peanutbutter sandwiches he makes himself.

8.Handbook – What is your favorite homemaking resource? Proverbs 31, The Complete Tightwad Gazette

9.Ironing – Love it or hate it? Or hate it but love the results?Blech, can't stand to do it.

10.Junk drawer – Y/N? Where is it? I have 2 in the kitchen.

11.Kitchen – Color and decorating scheme: Green with no scheme, really.

12.Love – What is your favorite part of homemaking? Eh? What kind of perverse question is that?

13.Mop – Y/N? Love, love my swiffer wet jet. I use my vinegar/water/lavendar essential oil homemade cleaner with it.

14.Nylons – Wash by hand or in the washing machine? Don't wear them.

15.Oven – Do you use the window or open the oven to check? Door. The oven I have at the moment doesn't have a window.

16.Pizza – What do you put on yours? Pepperoni, green pepper, onion and sausage

17.Quiet – What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment? Work on purses/crocheting, read, nap, catch up on laundry.

18.Recipe card box – Y/N? What does it look likes?I used to have a house that my sis gave me when I first got married, but the kids smashed it. Now I have a metal one..hehe. But, I mainly put my recipes in a binder that I have.

19.Style of house – What style is your house? Brick and old.

20.Tablecloths and napkins – Y/N? No tablecloths, we use paper towels most of the time.

21.Under the kitchen sink – Organized or toxic wasteland? Organized.

22.Vacuum – How many times per week? I vaccum my room/living room once a week. Clay vaccums the twins room, his room and the hallway once a week.

23.Wash – How many loads of laundry do you do per week? At least 10

24.X’s – Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off? It depends. Sometimes I make lists of the really important or little stuff that I forget to do.

25.Yard – Y/N? Who does what? Joe does most of it. We HATE yard work. maybe if our yard was more in control I wouldn't mind dealing with it.

26.Zzz’s – What is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed? Dinner dishes/sweep kitchen floor one last time. Change clothes over to the dryer if need be.

Horrid drink my boys love!

2008-12-03T14:16:00.000-08:00

Take your kool-aid pitcher that has at least an inch of grape kool-aid still left in it. Then, make lemonade kool-aid up in it with the grape. Call it dirty dishwater (that's totally what it looks like!) and feed it to your boys. They adored it, I got cool points because it was so gross! LOL

My grocery trip today

2008-12-03T10:45:00.000-08:00

Aldi:
Minced garlic 1.19
(2) Large eggs 2.78
(2) Sharp cheddar 3.98
3lb onions 1.49
Sour cream .89
Turkey bacon 1.89
10# potatoes 3.69
(2) white bread 1.58
(2) cream of chicken soup .98
Bologna .99
3lb margarine 1.69
Marshmallow stars (hubby cereal) 1.79
10pk kool-aid .79
(2) gallon milk 5.98
(2) AP flour 3.58
Saltine crackers .89
Total- 34.38

Super Valu:
(2) Flour tortillas (couldn't get at Aldi ) 3.00
3lb Red apples 2.99
3lb Clementines 5.99
2.80 pd ground beef 4.73
Total-16.71

Budget: $50.00
Total Spent: $51.09

It was all the flour tortillas fault. Usually I get them at Aldi for .99. Aldi was out of them. :( So, I had to pay $1.50 per pack of tortillas. If I had been able to get my tortillas at Aldi, I would only have been over budget .07 cents. Shoot.

Menu ramblings

2008-12-02T19:30:00.000-08:00

My grocery shopping this month is going to be limited to $50/week for the 6 of us. I've made breakfast/dinner plans for the next 14 days and will have a bare bones list to round it out.
Notice my lack of lunches this time? I'll have to make them up on the fly because I'm using most of my stuff for meals. Here's my list and hopefully I can get it all for $50 or below.

Grocery List:
2 Bread
2 cheddar
2 flour tortilla
2 cr of chicken
2 milk
18 eggs
2 flour
turkey bacon
sandwich meat
5# potatoes
cereal for hubby
10 kool-aid
butter
onion
garlic
sour cream
fresh fruit

Breakfasts: (some will repeat)
Oatmeal w/ peanubutter
PB granola
Poptarts (have some to use up lol)
Cereal
Pineapple cream muffins
Eggs and toast
Hot chocolate and cinnamon toast
Cinnamon rolls
Hasbrowns w/ turkey bacon

Dinners: (14)
Ham fried rice
Ham in augratin taters/peas
*Ham and lentil soup/homemade bread
*Beans and ham/cornbread
*Crockpot chicken/mashed taters/corn
*Chicken chili w/ chickpeas
*Turkey tacos/refried beans
Pepper steak/broccoli and cauliflower mix
Turkey/dressing/mashed taters/corn on the cob/gravy
Spaghetti/cheese biscuits/salad
Scrambled eggs/turkey bacon/homemade biscuits
*Veggie soup/homemade bread
Quesadillas/tomato soup
Homemade mac-n-cheese/broccoli

Snacks:
Peach pie
Graham crackers/peanutbutter
Sugar cookies
Chocolate chip cookies
Jello
Popcorn
Fruit

Well, here's another really Keen giveaway..

2008-11-25T06:16:00.000-08:00

Over at Daring Young Mom, she's hosting a giveaway for some really great, environmentally friendly shoes from the KEEN company. They are very cool and I'm really in love with the Chamonix style of them. So, go check out the giveaway at Daring Young Mom and see if you're lucky enough to win some!

Celestial Kisses

2008-11-24T16:40:00.000-08:00

Is a new buisness dedicated to using all natural ingredients in their bath and body products, it looks like a fabulous new buisness and to show just how fabulous they are, they're having a grand opening giveaway! Head on over to Celestial Kisses and have a look around, and if you're so inclined, sign up for the giveaway! :)

Celestial Kisses

Menu Plan Monday!

2008-11-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

Well, it's Thanksgiving week! I love Thanksgiving, it's one of my most favorite holidays!

Here's a list of meals, in no particular order. Thanksgiving day will be spent at my dear Sis's house, she usually hosts us and I'm MOST grateful for it. For more MPM, head over to Organizing Junkie!

Breakfasts:

Scrambled eggs/toast

Cereal/bananas

Pumpkin muffins

Peach cream muffins

Boiled eggs/fried ham

Scrambled eggs/toast

Lunches:

Leftovers (from ham made on Saturday)

Leftovers (from thanksgiving dinner at church on Sunday)

Out w/ Joe 1 day

Lunch at Sis's house for Thanksgiving

Leftovers (if there's any from thanksgiving)

Leftovers from ham and beans

Veggie soup

Dinners:

Ham fried rice/broccoli

Ham and beans

Turkey tacos

Thanksgiving dinner at Sis's house

Ham with cheesy potatoes/green beans

Sirloin steaks (bought at a steal!)/baked taters/broccoli and cauliflower mix

Ham, onion and cheese omelets/fried potatoes

Good grocery trip this week!

2008-11-14T18:19:00.000-08:00

With coupons on this Kroger trip I got 2 free swiss miss hot chocolate,1 free sugar cookie mix and 2 4pks of vanilla yogurt for .89 each.

Total before coupons/discount at Kroger: 75.14
Total after coupons/discount at Kroger :43.62
Kroger/coupon/discount savings: 31.52

Total before savings at CVS: 12.10
Total after coupons/savings/ECB: 3.10
Savings total: $9

At CVS I got 2 colgate toothpastes (regular 3.29, on sale for 2.29, plus b1g1 free and I had a coupon for 1.50 off), 1 Wisk concentrated liquid (8.49 regular, on sale for 3.99 and I had a 1.50 coupon), 2 Palmolive dish detergents (on sale 1.49 and you get $1 in ECB for each), all for the 3.10 I'm really excited about that savings.So, total spent on groceries/hba this week: 46.72! Woohoo, well below my $50 budget!

My first homemade bag!

2008-11-13T12:34:00.000-08:00

It took me about an hour and I have to say, I'm quite proud of it. I had to do hand stitching because I can't get my sewing machine to make a stitch for some reason. I'll have to tinker with it. I couldn't bare to get rid of the sweater because I LOVE the colors, but it had some little holes in it, so I did this!

Mmm, comfort..

2008-11-12T09:42:00.000-08:00

Today has been a dreary, rainy, blah sort of day. The kids have been happily playing with the tent that I created in the twins room. We still haven't recovered from the time change, we get up earlier, eat earlier, get cranky earlier, etc. And , it's really taking a toll on me, I'm SO tired.

I was so happy when I realized I was making fried rice for lunch today. It is one of my comfort meals. Not only that, but I used 2c leftover rice from Monday's meal and 3 carrots, 1 onion that I had prepped the same day. Throw in some peas, ginger, garlic, soy sauce and it was done. I served it with some pears on the side and it was just gorgeous. Just what I needed.

Speaking of pears, we are totally on a pear kick right now. Aldi had packages of 4 pears (D'anjou, Bartlett or Red ones) for 99 cents a package. 4 pears for 99 cents. Awesome. I bout 4 packages and we're just about done with them. I hope they're still on sale when I go back out there on Friday or Saturday. They were so juicy and crisp. Just awesome, way better than the apples I bought too.

I'm still thinking so much about homeshooling. It's in my thoughts/reading at least 15 times a day. I really, really want to do it, but at the same time I don't know if I'll be able to handle it. All 4 boys, all day long, always. Hmm. I'm not too patient when I get frazzled and I'm afraid that would work against me and schooling. But, there's still this tug at my heart saying get Clay home, keep him home and don't let the world corrupt him anymore than it has. Teach him good things, give him your time and attention and let him be a kid. They grow up so fast, do I really want the majority of his day to be spent with a teacher? Why does she get the best part of the day and I get the leftovers? I'm still so confused and still thinking and praying. Hopefully by summer I'll have a decision and will be totally at peace with it.

Menu Plan Monday

2008-11-10T16:40:00.000-08:00

Monday:

B:cereal

L:Chicken nuggets/oven fries

D:Blackened tilapia/rice/cheesy rice

Tuesday:

B: pancakes w/ peanutbutter

L: L/O from Sunday chili mixed with noodles and cheese

D: BBQ mini meatloaves/augratin taters/green beans

Wednesday:

B: Peanutbutter granola

L: Fried rice made from L/O rice from Monday

D: Biscuits and gravy w/ bacon

Thursday:

B: Scrambled eggs/toast

L: Cheese quesadillas/homemade tomato soup

D: BBQ pork sandwiches/oven fries

Friday:

B:Blueberry muffins

L: Out w/ Joe

D:Baked chicken/garlic potatoes/corn on cob

Saturday:

B:Pancakes/bacon

L:Frozen pizzas

D:Homemade hamburgers/baked potatoes

Sunday:

B:Cereal or oatmeal

L: Out w/ father-in-law

D: Salsbury steak/mashed taters/peas

Quiet and a new month..

2008-10-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

My kids and husband came down with a stomach bug today, on Halloween. The children were so bummed that they didn't get to go trick or treating. But, at least we did attend the trunk or treat at our church last week, so they did get some candy.

It's a little after 8 and everyone is in bed but me. It's a nice peaceful quiet in my house right now. I guess that's one blessing from everyone being sick, they went to sleep really easily. There hasn't been any vomiting for about 5 hours now and I'm hoping that it's passed by.
Don't you just adore a quiet house? Now, if only it was CLEAN and quiet, I'd be in heaven.

With all this quiet time I've been doing some thinking and pondering our budget/finances and my own contentment. I'm going to be tracking my spending in November, just to see where all my "extra" money is going. The only things I actually track are groceries and bills, so it will be a real eye opener, I imagine, to see where everything else goes. I'm going to keep my groceries to only $300, that includes an extra $50 for Thanksgiving. As a family of 6 that's only $75 a week or $12.50 a week per person. My budget is usually $250, but I decided to up it for Thanksgiving and hopefully I'll have some left. I need to stay home more this month also, to challenge myself to use less gas. I make way too many small trips to town and it needs to stop this month. Because as I too well know, when I go to town, I usually spend money that I don't need to. So, I'm going to plan, plan, plan my trips to save money and gas.

I need to look hard at my stuff around the house and see what I can get rid of. What I can consign or just give up to Goodwill. We have so much stuff, TOO much stuff. It's hard to keep things organized with so much stuff. It makes me feel cluttered all the time, even when the house is clean. So, in November, I'll be looking at that also.

Also, in November, I'd like to give a trial run at homeschooling my little ones. It's something I'm seriously considering. I can't practice on Clay just yet, because he's still in public schools, but I plan on tackling him with a bit of "summer enrichment" in 2009. I'd like to get somewhat of a structure to our days, which we have none, per se, now. We just kinda wing it. I've been thinking of how I'd like my day to flow and here's what I've been hashing out..

7:00 Wake
Breakfast
Devotional/bible time
Chores
Schooling (Alphabet book work, writing (for Andy), coloring, numbers, colors, etc)
Reading a book to them
11:30 Lunch
Outside play time
2:00 Naptime
3:30 Wake from nap
Free-time (playing with mom, baking, video, etc)
Afternoon chores (for Clay when he comes home)
4:45 Start dinner (help mom)
5:30 Dinner
Kitchen clean up
Quiet time (reading, coloring, puzzles)
Baths and teeth before bed (baths every other day)
7:00 Bedtime Jake and Luke
8:00 Bedtime Andy
9:00 Bedtime Clay

I think it has a nice flow without being structured too tightly. More of just a general outline of the day. I really wonder how other moms structure their days, espically homeschooling moms. Do they schedule out every minute, semi-structure or just go with the flow? I really, really need to get organized, espically if I'm going to homeschool, it's gotta happen.

I'm not really worried about homeschooling the little ones. They do most of their learning from everyday life right now. Andy is 4 and he's starting to read, knows his colors, know most of how they're made, all his numbers (counting to 100 and backward and by 5's), his alphabet, the sounds of the alphabet, can write all the letters. He's just a smart cookie and I taught him. I ddin't send him to preschool, I've taught him here at home, it's made me confident.

Where I get worried, is having to teach Clay. He'll be in the 5th grade when I start homeschooling and I just don't know where to begin. I really like the idea of unit studies for Science, Social Studies and English. I like the idea of being able to spend like a week (or month!) on the civil war and letting him get fully engrossed in the topic. Finding something that interests him and running with it. I want him to read and write freely. To keep journals of his thoughts and struggles and maybe even a nature one. I guess I kinda like the idea of unschooling too. I don't want to be structered like a public school, I want my kids to learn about what they want to learn about and have a say in what we learn. I want them to interested in learning, not just learning because they school says they have to learn. I don't want their enthusiasm for learning squashed out of them by endless reports, boring lessons and repetition.

I think also in November I'm going to begin trying to tackle the cola addiciton. It's been too long and I've gained too much weight from it. I'm going to take it slow, I know withdrawal is horrid, but I also know I'll feel so much better after I kicked it.

Well, that's enough rambling for now.

Giveaway!

2008-10-31T11:06:00.000-07:00

Nancy over at Southern Blessings is having a nice "treat" giveaway, go check it out! :)

Happy Birthday Jake & Luke!

2008-10-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

My babies are 3 today! It's so sad not to have any babies anymore, but they are such great little kids. I can't believe they're getting so big!

Can you believe they used to be this small??

And that they're now THIS big?!

Lovely giveaway..

2008-10-22T16:39:00.001-07:00

Nina over at Portugal Bound is hosting a lovely giveaway..go check it out!

Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap

2008-10-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

Here's my recipe for the swap.

I got this from my sister in law years ago, and it's terrific in and topped on meatloaf.

Homemade Chili Sauce

1c ketchup
6 Tbsp Brown sugar
4 tsp mustard
1/2 Tbsp chili powder

Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.

Halloween Wreath

2008-10-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

Instructions are over at My Montessori Journey . And, here's our version, I thought it was a totally cute idea. Thank you My Montessori Journey! :)