Monday, May 31, 2010
Clothesline
I wonder if there's a record for the world's longest time clothes have been on a clothesline?! Mine have been on since Saturday (that's TWO days ago!). Why? Because in our area, we keep having afternoon summer showers that come out of nowhere. URGH!!!! Just when they get dry, it rains again. SOOOOOO, the blankets and sheets have spent going on three days because I am trying NOT to use the dryer if I don't have to. I don't plan to wash/dry any clothes tonight so they get to spend the night tonight and hopefully I will be able to bring them in tomorrow. Well, actually I think I will just decide to bring them in during the morning even if they aren't dry, I AM going to use the dryer. I am just tired of walking out and seeing them on the line. It's really getting ridiculous.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
What Does Memorial Day Mean To You?
With all the fuss in Washington, some folks think Obama's doing a great job. Some think not so much. Women already serve in the armed forces, now they get to serve on submarines. Also, gay rights are being discussed in the military and in Washington.
But, among them all there are still a few who know God, love Him, want others to KNOW Him, and serve our country. Those who put their lives in danger for our freedom. Those who bear arms for the lives of others. We salute you!
Thank you for your hard work!
But, on to HOW we celebrate Memorial Day! This year, we have opted to celebrate Memorial Day as a church. Our church is hosting a celebration Sunday, May 30th, right after services at one of the member's homes. We will grill out burgers and dogs, have LOTS of other delicious side dishes, and W-A-T-E-R-M-E-L-O-N! Oh, I think there's going to be a cheesecake as well but did I say WATERMELON? Just kidding Charlotte (she's making the cheesecake)!
We will play horseshoes, frisbee golf, and probably some kickball. Sound like fun? I bet it will be. We will get to meet some new people as well as fellowship with good friends we haven't seen in a while. I am looking forward to rekindling some old friendships. Food, Fellowship, and Fun! That's what this Memorial Day means to me.
In rememberance of those who served and continue to serve, we will also be thankful! May those who died in services rest in peace and may those who continue to serve be protected by the Grace of God.
Friday, May 28, 2010
I LOVE MY BREAD MACHINE!
I have one of those machines that lets you cheat to make bread. It's a wonderful invention and I LOVE it! Right now I am using it to make Italian bread to go along with lasagna and salad that we will have for dinner tomorrow night. I am going to make another loaf in a few minutes to use for sandwiches. I have decided I will not buy bread at the store because I can control the ingredients in MY bread. I don't know WHERE the ingredients came from or what chemicals were used to grow them but for now, I will not think about that. I will only think about the fact that I am controlling the preservatives that are NOT used in my bread and I am saving money, I hope.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
What Homeschool Curriculum Do You Use?
I do not use a whole packaged curriculum. I only use ONE "curriculum" and that's math. Here is what I do:
Erin does Teaching Textbooks 6 and Caleb does TT 4- both on the computer. We used to do Saxon but Erin struggled with it. Now that she is doing TT, she is doing a lot better.
For both the children, we don't do history everyday. But, for history we use the "whole book" way of learning. We get books from the library either by buying them from their used book sales or borrowing. The kids read the book(s) then write a report on it. That incorporates history, reading and writing. The writing incorporates vocabulary, spelling and grammar. And, I like that.
For science, in April of this year, we started using Apologia's Botany curriculum. I had a hard time teaching plant classification so we moved on quickly. I will read in the main book what I think will keep the kids' interest then we do the projects. I must admit that I am disappointed in some of the projects as they have not turned out quite like the book says they would. It is probably us, but I am not sure so we will just move on. That's the great thing about homeschooling- if it doesn't work, you move on or learn why it didn't. With seeds, only God knows how they will grow. You do as much work as you can but not all seeds will grow. But, it's still fun to do the projects. After we go through this book, I will probably NOT use Apologia again. At least, not for a while.
I like the "whole book" way of learning. I need to get Caleb to write more and Erin to write better but other than that all is going great by using this method of learning.
Erin does Teaching Textbooks 6 and Caleb does TT 4- both on the computer. We used to do Saxon but Erin struggled with it. Now that she is doing TT, she is doing a lot better.
For both the children, we don't do history everyday. But, for history we use the "whole book" way of learning. We get books from the library either by buying them from their used book sales or borrowing. The kids read the book(s) then write a report on it. That incorporates history, reading and writing. The writing incorporates vocabulary, spelling and grammar. And, I like that.
For science, in April of this year, we started using Apologia's Botany curriculum. I had a hard time teaching plant classification so we moved on quickly. I will read in the main book what I think will keep the kids' interest then we do the projects. I must admit that I am disappointed in some of the projects as they have not turned out quite like the book says they would. It is probably us, but I am not sure so we will just move on. That's the great thing about homeschooling- if it doesn't work, you move on or learn why it didn't. With seeds, only God knows how they will grow. You do as much work as you can but not all seeds will grow. But, it's still fun to do the projects. After we go through this book, I will probably NOT use Apologia again. At least, not for a while.
I like the "whole book" way of learning. I need to get Caleb to write more and Erin to write better but other than that all is going great by using this method of learning.
Dreams and other Things
Why is it that we dream? What do they mean? Should we make them mean anything at all? I think people put too much stock into their dreams and want them to mean something.
Today, I will tell you my dream. Or, at least the one I remember vividly. For some reason my craziest dreams happen after David has left for work and I am still in the bed.
OK, on to my dream. We lived in a trailer by the beach. And when I say by the beach, I mean across the street. Our house was on one side, then the street, then sand and the beach. Our neighbors lived there as well because LaDonna came over to borrow something from me. We were sitting in my vehicle talking. Why we weren't in the house, I haven't a clue. Stay with me now! After a while, I look over and 2 houses away the house was on fire, almost gone mind you. I was going to call 911 but someone beat me to it! Then I noticed our shed had burned down. This is supposed to all have happened while I was sitting in my vehicle talking to my neighbor and not paying attention to what was going on around me.
In my dream, I called David. I had to explain to him that a house down the street caught on fire and somehow the flames spread and burned our shed. While I am talking to him I notice that part of our house was gone as well, like the roof, in places. He decided to come home. Not long after all that someone (I have NO IDEA who this person was in my dream) screamed. Our house was moving! That sucker rolled down a little hill, over the street, through the sand, and into the water! Sinking further and further until it was.... Gone! It was the weirdest thing I think I have ever dreamed. OK, so it probably wasn't the weirdest but.... you get the picture! I remember I was wearing a bathing suit with a cover up when all this happened. I remembered thinking in my dream that everything was gone. I haven't a clue what it's really like to lose everything. But, my sister does. And it makes me miss her soo much. Her house burned down on Easter Sunday and I haven't even been up there to see her yet! Shame on me. But that's because it's a 2-hour drive so when we go we usually spend the night. They are living with family and there's no room for all of us. So, am I justified in my reasoning of not going yet?
On the bright side, Caleb is sooo excited. Today is the day! The Star Wars in Concert at the FedEx Forum is tonight. I am excited for him and his father. I wish I was going but only to see the look on Caleb's face while watching all the scenes and seeing the sights! I enjoyed those looks in Erin when we went to see Celtic Woman. I hope they both have a GREAT time tonight. I am sure they will. I will have to stay up to hear all about it!
Today, I will tell you my dream. Or, at least the one I remember vividly. For some reason my craziest dreams happen after David has left for work and I am still in the bed.
OK, on to my dream. We lived in a trailer by the beach. And when I say by the beach, I mean across the street. Our house was on one side, then the street, then sand and the beach. Our neighbors lived there as well because LaDonna came over to borrow something from me. We were sitting in my vehicle talking. Why we weren't in the house, I haven't a clue. Stay with me now! After a while, I look over and 2 houses away the house was on fire, almost gone mind you. I was going to call 911 but someone beat me to it! Then I noticed our shed had burned down. This is supposed to all have happened while I was sitting in my vehicle talking to my neighbor and not paying attention to what was going on around me.
In my dream, I called David. I had to explain to him that a house down the street caught on fire and somehow the flames spread and burned our shed. While I am talking to him I notice that part of our house was gone as well, like the roof, in places. He decided to come home. Not long after all that someone (I have NO IDEA who this person was in my dream) screamed. Our house was moving! That sucker rolled down a little hill, over the street, through the sand, and into the water! Sinking further and further until it was.... Gone! It was the weirdest thing I think I have ever dreamed. OK, so it probably wasn't the weirdest but.... you get the picture! I remember I was wearing a bathing suit with a cover up when all this happened. I remembered thinking in my dream that everything was gone. I haven't a clue what it's really like to lose everything. But, my sister does. And it makes me miss her soo much. Her house burned down on Easter Sunday and I haven't even been up there to see her yet! Shame on me. But that's because it's a 2-hour drive so when we go we usually spend the night. They are living with family and there's no room for all of us. So, am I justified in my reasoning of not going yet?
On the bright side, Caleb is sooo excited. Today is the day! The Star Wars in Concert at the FedEx Forum is tonight. I am excited for him and his father. I wish I was going but only to see the look on Caleb's face while watching all the scenes and seeing the sights! I enjoyed those looks in Erin when we went to see Celtic Woman. I hope they both have a GREAT time tonight. I am sure they will. I will have to stay up to hear all about it!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Recipe- Yummy Yeast Rolls
Another Taste of Home recipe. This one as you see is for yeast rolls. They are very yummy as the recipe states. I don't have the recipe in front of me but if you want it click here Yummy Yeast Rolls.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
I Spoke Too Soon
Today we went to the food pantry to help with the organizing of the freezers. When I got there I found out that they were getting a shipment from the Memphis Food Bank. That's great but there turned out to be several people there so we did not stay to help shelve. They had enough help and I think we were in the way more than anything. So, we left to go to the library before coming home. While driving home, I notice the check engine light is on again. I called David. He said, "Let's just wait and see what happens." Then he calls me back later to say that they've got a machine that he can hook up to the Jeep and try to figure out what's going on. We might have to look up the codes for it on the internet but hopefully we can figure out why it is on. I really like this vehicular. I don't want to give it back! There's a 30 day guarantee on the thing so we can take it to CarMax to get whatever fixed. I am glad for that!
Well, I am off to research homeschool curriculum. I am really just playing on the computer to keep from passing out. I am tired for some reason!
Well, I am off to research homeschool curriculum. I am really just playing on the computer to keep from passing out. I am tired for some reason!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Oh My Toes and Other Woes
Today I wore new shoes to church. OUCH! They rubbed a crazy blister on the top side part of my big toes- a big HUGE blister on the left foot. I threw those stupid shoes in the big garbage can as soon as we got home. I WILL NOT BE WEARING THOSE AGAIN!
I can't remember if I blogged about this but we had our first hiccup with the new vehicular (vehicle-but I like to call it our ve-hi-cu-lar; I exaggerate each syllable on purpose :). On Wednesday I drove to the local Dollar General- love that store BTW- to pick up a few items. On the way, I dodged a big box turtle. I could have dodged a bit more but I am still getting used to the vehicular and did not judge the dodge enough. I also had a big school bus in the other lane headed toward me and I would rather hit the turtle than endanger the lives of children. Later that evening, a neighbor told us we had a flat. I could NOT believe it! David's going to KILL me (not really). It's kind of strange because we had just had a conversation about how these tires should be better than the ones on the Mazda. WRONG! I guess the turtle's shell cut a slice on the tire. David tried to put air in it that night but Thursday morning it was flat again. He didn't actually find the slice until Thursday morning so that's when he plugged it. That has worked. But, then the check engine light came on. Our thoughts were, "What now?" I asked if it could have been the tire? At first, David did not think it was. After some thought, David began to change his mind. Maybe it was the tire!
So, after church today when the check engine light was still on we decided to drive to CarMax where we bought the vehicular. I suggested to David that we call them first but he assumed they would be open so no reason to. When we got there, guess what? They were closed. So, we left and decided to go by Nana's gravesite. David's mother passed away 4 years ago. She had no flowers and we weren't planning to stop by so we had no flowers. We are going to plan to go and put some flowers in her vase at a later date.
I made some babysitting money this week. My plan was to buy the children some clothes, like my son a new bathing suit. But, since it was getting late and the family was starving, they conned me into using my money to buy lunch. They twisted my arm. Really. They were pitiful! Actually it was really all selfish motives. I was wanting to go straight to bed when we got home and if we ate out then I could do just that! We decided to go to Krystal (in our church clothes, mind you) to eat lunch. After lunch, we get in the vehicle to leave. Low and behold the check engine light went off! We are really thinking that it was the tire!
So, the trip to CarMax was not wasted. We got to see Nana's grave and tried to find out what the kids remembered, which isn't much. They were small, at least Caleb was! They mostly remember the hospitals we visited her in. Sad! I miss her and wish I could have been able to spend more time to get to know her.
I can't remember if I blogged about this but we had our first hiccup with the new vehicular (vehicle-but I like to call it our ve-hi-cu-lar; I exaggerate each syllable on purpose :). On Wednesday I drove to the local Dollar General- love that store BTW- to pick up a few items. On the way, I dodged a big box turtle. I could have dodged a bit more but I am still getting used to the vehicular and did not judge the dodge enough. I also had a big school bus in the other lane headed toward me and I would rather hit the turtle than endanger the lives of children. Later that evening, a neighbor told us we had a flat. I could NOT believe it! David's going to KILL me (not really). It's kind of strange because we had just had a conversation about how these tires should be better than the ones on the Mazda. WRONG! I guess the turtle's shell cut a slice on the tire. David tried to put air in it that night but Thursday morning it was flat again. He didn't actually find the slice until Thursday morning so that's when he plugged it. That has worked. But, then the check engine light came on. Our thoughts were, "What now?" I asked if it could have been the tire? At first, David did not think it was. After some thought, David began to change his mind. Maybe it was the tire!
So, after church today when the check engine light was still on we decided to drive to CarMax where we bought the vehicular. I suggested to David that we call them first but he assumed they would be open so no reason to. When we got there, guess what? They were closed. So, we left and decided to go by Nana's gravesite. David's mother passed away 4 years ago. She had no flowers and we weren't planning to stop by so we had no flowers. We are going to plan to go and put some flowers in her vase at a later date.
I made some babysitting money this week. My plan was to buy the children some clothes, like my son a new bathing suit. But, since it was getting late and the family was starving, they conned me into using my money to buy lunch. They twisted my arm. Really. They were pitiful! Actually it was really all selfish motives. I was wanting to go straight to bed when we got home and if we ate out then I could do just that! We decided to go to Krystal (in our church clothes, mind you) to eat lunch. After lunch, we get in the vehicle to leave. Low and behold the check engine light went off! We are really thinking that it was the tire!
So, the trip to CarMax was not wasted. We got to see Nana's grave and tried to find out what the kids remembered, which isn't much. They were small, at least Caleb was! They mostly remember the hospitals we visited her in. Sad! I miss her and wish I could have been able to spend more time to get to know her.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Recipe- Perfect Pizza Crust
I didn't name the recipe. But, I made the recipe tonight. It was a last minute thing. I was going to make Pepperoni Lasagna Roll-Ups but decided I just wanted plain ol' pepperoni pizza! I give this pizza crust 5 stars! It's the best I've found that calls for whole wheat flour.
*This recipe is from the Taste of Home April/May 2009 issue.
Here's the recipe:
1 tbsp active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110-115)
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups bread flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
Cornmeal
Pizza toppings of your choice
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt, 1 cup bread flour and all of the whole wheat flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in remaining bread flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down; roll into a 15-in circle. Grease a 14-in pizza pan and sprinkle with cornmeal. Transfer dough to prepared pan; build up edges slightly.
Add toppings of your choice. Bake at 425 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until crust if golden brown and toppings are lightly browned and heated through.
How I made mine:
I do not like thick crusts so I turned this into 2 pizzas instead of one. I turned the oven on warm for about 5 minutes then turned it off. I let the dough rise in there. I cooked one on a Pampered Chef pizza stone and the other on a rectangular baking sheet. I took the rectangular one off and out of the pan to cook directly on oven racks for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the crust. I think the crust was OK but could have been crispier. It was crispy on the edges but I want the middle to be crispy as well. Will continue to test the recipe in different ways like cooking it directly on the oven rack or half on pan then finish on rack.
*This recipe is from the Taste of Home April/May 2009 issue.
Here's the recipe:
1 tbsp active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110-115)
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups bread flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
Cornmeal
Pizza toppings of your choice
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt, 1 cup bread flour and all of the whole wheat flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in remaining bread flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down; roll into a 15-in circle. Grease a 14-in pizza pan and sprinkle with cornmeal. Transfer dough to prepared pan; build up edges slightly.
Add toppings of your choice. Bake at 425 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until crust if golden brown and toppings are lightly browned and heated through.
How I made mine:
I do not like thick crusts so I turned this into 2 pizzas instead of one. I turned the oven on warm for about 5 minutes then turned it off. I let the dough rise in there. I cooked one on a Pampered Chef pizza stone and the other on a rectangular baking sheet. I took the rectangular one off and out of the pan to cook directly on oven racks for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the crust. I think the crust was OK but could have been crispier. It was crispy on the edges but I want the middle to be crispy as well. Will continue to test the recipe in different ways like cooking it directly on the oven rack or half on pan then finish on rack.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Frugal Websites
I am going to try to make a list of websites that focus on being frugal. Whether it's by using coupons or using the cheapest food for recipes. You name it, I will collect it!
Here are just a few:
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/
She has some great recipes that are CHEAP! She also has an emergency menu in case some one only has a little money to spend on food. GREAT SITE!
http://frugalliving.about.com/
Collection of frugal living ideas and recipes!
http://www.wisebread.com/dealista-tip-getting-free-stuff-at-walgreens
Here's one I stumbled upon while I was putting this list together. Getting free stuff from Walgreens! I have heard but never done this. Looks like it's time to start!
http://www.couponmom.com/
http://www.hotcouponworld.com/
These are just a few. If you know of more, feel free to post them. I am always wanting a good deal!
Here are just a few:
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/
She has some great recipes that are CHEAP! She also has an emergency menu in case some one only has a little money to spend on food. GREAT SITE!
http://frugalliving.about.com/
Collection of frugal living ideas and recipes!
http://www.wisebread.com/dealista-tip-getting-free-stuff-at-walgreens
Here's one I stumbled upon while I was putting this list together. Getting free stuff from Walgreens! I have heard but never done this. Looks like it's time to start!
http://www.couponmom.com/
http://www.hotcouponworld.com/
These are just a few. If you know of more, feel free to post them. I am always wanting a good deal!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Ants Go Marching...
I went to put some clothes on the line and it was FULL of ants. I am sorry but I do not like bugs. I can tolerate them usually but the idea of them being in my clothes when I put them on does not set well with me. So, I brought them in to dry in the dryer. I am glad I have a dryer to use and am only choosing to use the clothesline as an alternative. I don't like the idea, but might have to resort to using chemicals to kill the bugs so I don't have to worry about them getting in our clothes and on our family. Spiders and ants and bugs, oh my!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Rain, Rain, Stay!
Notice it doesn't say, "Rain, rain, go away?" That's because I am liking the rain right now. It replenishes the earth and our rest. I get more restful sleep when it rains. I think God designed our spirits like that on purpose. I am grateful for the rain because it will help our garden grow. It will help the vegetation and animals around us. It will keep me home and make me get more done around the house because I won't feel like getting out in it to go anywhere. Yes, I like the rain.
Many songs have been written about the rain.
Singing in the Rain - Gene Kelly
Purple Rain - Prince
Blame It On The Rain- Milli Vanilli
Like the Rain - Clint Black
You get the idea, right? Well, off to teach these kids some math, history, and science. We have already done our Bible Time.
God Speed!
Many songs have been written about the rain.
Singing in the Rain - Gene Kelly
Purple Rain - Prince
Blame It On The Rain- Milli Vanilli
Like the Rain - Clint Black
You get the idea, right? Well, off to teach these kids some math, history, and science. We have already done our Bible Time.
God Speed!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Venison Stew and What's New
So, I made a Venison Stew for lunch today. It was actually pretty good. Of course, with a stew, the pieces of meat and veggies are quite large, but bite-size. My husband is prejudice against the big pieces of meat and veggies. What's up with that? I am not sure if I will ever make it again, but.... maybe?!
On a random note, today is Mother's Day! Happy Mother's Day! Last night my family treated us to dinner- my pick. Well, my true pick would have been Olive Garden but hubby didn't want to drive that far, so we settled for chinese. It was nice not to have to cook but better because I didn't have a kitchen to clean up afterwards.
Today, my hubby, the wonderful preacher that he is, provided corsages for the mother's at church. Since only 2 of us were mothers, there were 2 other corsages. We let the "mother's to be," our daughters, have the corsages. I think they liked it!
I am TIRED! I would LOVE a nap, but for some reason my body is tired but my mind was racing and I couldn't fall asleep. After several interruptions, I decided it wasn't for this mom to take a nap, so I got up and decided to blog instead. Arent' you glad? HAHA!
One more random thought, I was putting clothes on the clothesline yesterday. While I am putting them up I had a thought. I was spreading the clothes waaaaaayyy apart and stretching the clothes all the way out. Well, what would happen if I didn't spread them all the way apart and put them closer to each other? Then I could fit more on the line. DUH! The joys of learning to properly put clothes on a clothesline. I wonder if there is a book or website that actually tells you how to properly place clothes on the line. I just might have to check it out!
Well, that's all for now. Hope you have a blessed Lord's day!
On a random note, today is Mother's Day! Happy Mother's Day! Last night my family treated us to dinner- my pick. Well, my true pick would have been Olive Garden but hubby didn't want to drive that far, so we settled for chinese. It was nice not to have to cook but better because I didn't have a kitchen to clean up afterwards.
Today, my hubby, the wonderful preacher that he is, provided corsages for the mother's at church. Since only 2 of us were mothers, there were 2 other corsages. We let the "mother's to be," our daughters, have the corsages. I think they liked it!
I am TIRED! I would LOVE a nap, but for some reason my body is tired but my mind was racing and I couldn't fall asleep. After several interruptions, I decided it wasn't for this mom to take a nap, so I got up and decided to blog instead. Arent' you glad? HAHA!
One more random thought, I was putting clothes on the clothesline yesterday. While I am putting them up I had a thought. I was spreading the clothes waaaaaayyy apart and stretching the clothes all the way out. Well, what would happen if I didn't spread them all the way apart and put them closer to each other? Then I could fit more on the line. DUH! The joys of learning to properly put clothes on a clothesline. I wonder if there is a book or website that actually tells you how to properly place clothes on the line. I just might have to check it out!
Well, that's all for now. Hope you have a blessed Lord's day!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
It's All A Dream
My son asked me on the way to volunteer at the food pantry today, "Mom when do we have to return the Jeep?" I told him that we did not have to return it, it's ours now. I looked in the rearview mirror and asked, "Still feels like a dream, doesn't it?" He shook his head.
The entire family is still in shock over all this. I cannot believe how God was "in" what happened because that's the ONLY way everything fell into place like it did.
Getting to the dealership safely in the Mazda, the dealership allowing us to use their internet computers to renew our expired licenses, allowing David to bring the title to the Mazda on another day, getting more money for the car than we expected, etc. I could go on but I won't. Some people would say the dealership was just doing what they could to sell you the car. They just want you to buy the car. I agree with that.
But, I believe that it was all GOD. HE blessed us with His Grace on that Monday night. No other way to think or believe.
The entire family is still in shock over all this. I cannot believe how God was "in" what happened because that's the ONLY way everything fell into place like it did.
Getting to the dealership safely in the Mazda, the dealership allowing us to use their internet computers to renew our expired licenses, allowing David to bring the title to the Mazda on another day, getting more money for the car than we expected, etc. I could go on but I won't. Some people would say the dealership was just doing what they could to sell you the car. They just want you to buy the car. I agree with that.
But, I believe that it was all GOD. HE blessed us with His Grace on that Monday night. No other way to think or believe.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Pantry Challenge
So, with Erin's braces and the purchase of our vehicle, our budget is tightening. My first cut is in the grocery budget. BUT, my hope is to learn how to utilize coupons, CVS and Walgreens discounts, and whatever else can help decrease any our bills. If I am able to figure it all out, then my budget will be cut, but I will still be able to bring home plenty of food. I am NOT good at math so this isn't going to be easy for me. I am not desperate but I am eager to learn how to get this right.
One of the first ways to cut my budget is to do a "Pantry Challenge." That means, I will ONLY purchase those items that we NEED and will eat out of the pantry. I normally spend $400 per month on groceries. That includes food and non-food items like toilet paper, animal feed, etc. My challenge for this month is $300 and try to eventually get down to $200 each month. I will let you know how I do.
If you know how to use coupons and have any tips or advice, please feel free to comment! I would LOVE the help!
One of the first ways to cut my budget is to do a "Pantry Challenge." That means, I will ONLY purchase those items that we NEED and will eat out of the pantry. I normally spend $400 per month on groceries. That includes food and non-food items like toilet paper, animal feed, etc. My challenge for this month is $300 and try to eventually get down to $200 each month. I will let you know how I do.
If you know how to use coupons and have any tips or advice, please feel free to comment! I would LOVE the help!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Thank God for His Blessings
OK, so the car messed up on me again today. The RPM's sped up and rev'd and the car jerked and you felt like you were about to lose control. It was enough to make me worry. I made it to the Food Pantry to organize the freezers drove home immediately afterwards. I spoke to David when I got home and we decided that it would be best for our family to go ahead and try to do something. So, the kids and I met David at his work and we followed him to CarMax to see about a new vehicle. Well, not NEW but new to us. We spent a lot of the weekend searching online so we had an idea of what we could afford and what was available.
But, when we got to CarMax we actually found a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the same price of the small compact sedans we were going to look at. It is roomy, comfortable, and an all around VERY GOOD VEHICLE. That's what I thought when we first got the Mazda in 2001. The Mazda did last us almost 10 years. So, if this SUV can last that long, then we're doing good. It only has 70K miles on it so hopefully it has a lot of life left in it.
Lord, You always provide for our family. When it seems we can't seem to take much more, You send Your grace along to provide and bless us. Lord, I thank You for everything. In Jesus Name, Amen!
But, when we got to CarMax we actually found a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the same price of the small compact sedans we were going to look at. It is roomy, comfortable, and an all around VERY GOOD VEHICLE. That's what I thought when we first got the Mazda in 2001. The Mazda did last us almost 10 years. So, if this SUV can last that long, then we're doing good. It only has 70K miles on it so hopefully it has a lot of life left in it.
Lord, You always provide for our family. When it seems we can't seem to take much more, You send Your grace along to provide and bless us. Lord, I thank You for everything. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Tightening Those Money Belts
Well, another problem with the stinkin' car! The transmission is trying to go out. Mazda '99 that we got in 2001. It hasn't been the greatest car in the world. It has had more problems than I care to count lately. So, after forking out the money for braces for our daughter's teeth, the car decides to give us greater fits!
We have been on the look out online for a new car. If we have to buy a new car then that means a monthly payment. That's 2 payments we will have to make. It means we need to tighten our budgets, starting with food budget and gas for the car (new or old). We will eat less meat, which we have already been talking about doing anyway. If we are able to go out to eat, then we will appreciate it more. It also means going less, staying home more, which will mean less gas. If we can tighten our belts there, then maybe we can slowly tighten it in other places. I am not upset about it and am glad it's happening. It's a lesson I think the whole family needs- especially the kids. Less eating out, more staying home, enjoying home cooked dinners at home. Might even learn how to use coupons better and more often.
Bring on the challenge! I savor it! May God bless our endeavor to tighten the belts!
We have been on the look out online for a new car. If we have to buy a new car then that means a monthly payment. That's 2 payments we will have to make. It means we need to tighten our budgets, starting with food budget and gas for the car (new or old). We will eat less meat, which we have already been talking about doing anyway. If we are able to go out to eat, then we will appreciate it more. It also means going less, staying home more, which will mean less gas. If we can tighten our belts there, then maybe we can slowly tighten it in other places. I am not upset about it and am glad it's happening. It's a lesson I think the whole family needs- especially the kids. Less eating out, more staying home, enjoying home cooked dinners at home. Might even learn how to use coupons better and more often.
Bring on the challenge! I savor it! May God bless our endeavor to tighten the belts!
Recipe- Italian Beef Hoagies
This was really good!
3-4 lb roast
2 envelopes Italian dressing
Jar of sliced Pepperoncini peppers
Cut roast in half and place in crockpot. Mix Italian dressings with 2 cups water. Pour over roast. The original recipe called for cooking the roast then adding the peppers but I wanted the flavor to cook along with the roast so I added them at the beginning of the cooking cycle. Cook on LOW for 8 hours. Remove roast, shred, then place back in crockpot to heat through. Serve on hoagie buns or bread of your choice.
Hubby says it would have been better with some cheese, like provolone. They were good without cheese but might make sure I have some available next time.
3-4 lb roast
2 envelopes Italian dressing
Jar of sliced Pepperoncini peppers
Cut roast in half and place in crockpot. Mix Italian dressings with 2 cups water. Pour over roast. The original recipe called for cooking the roast then adding the peppers but I wanted the flavor to cook along with the roast so I added them at the beginning of the cooking cycle. Cook on LOW for 8 hours. Remove roast, shred, then place back in crockpot to heat through. Serve on hoagie buns or bread of your choice.
Hubby says it would have been better with some cheese, like provolone. They were good without cheese but might make sure I have some available next time.
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