Our Anniversary!

Looking forward to 2008

No offense to the majority of the people out there....but I am so glad that Christmas is over. LOL

For some that might not realize, I do not celebrate Christmas. Yes, I AM a Christian, but do not believe that celebrating Christmas is biblically based, so I do not celebrate it. My husband does, so it makes things interesting. We have a good balance, but that does not mean that I am not relieved once the 25th comes and goes. LOL

Now, I am gearing up for 2008! Some of my plans/goals are to 1.) Increase my hours with the school system and with the Senior care place; 2.) Build up my pantry again/more. I used it a bit this past couple of months...need to get that going again; 3.) Get a bigger garden going, so I have more to can, thus helping reach my #2 goal. Also, a goal I have for the fall of 2008 is to have a full-time job with the school system as a teaching assistant. I would love to have the same schedule (for the most part) as my children.

What are some of your plans for 2008? Care to share?

Forgot to post about my candy making.....

Okay... so these are the ones that turned out....

My peppermint bark was beautiful (forgot to take a pic)...and tasted good also. My chocolate covered pretzels were another hit! I bought some more candy coating to make some more...I WILL get a picture of those when I get them done. I promise.

Now....for the ones that did NOT turn out:

That new fudge recipe that I tried. I have no idea what I did wrong, but here is an example of how it turned out. (both recipes that I tried looked very similar, so I will only post one of the pictures)



I think I will just go back to my old version of making fudge...on the stove top and alot of waiting and watching. LOL

Candy making...

Okay, there is just something about the cold weather of this time of year....plus the sale prices of baking items, that make me want to bake and candy make! LOL

Last night I tried a new microwave fudge recipe. I used some clearance priced bags of hearshy's mint chips....a can of Aldi's brand of evaporated milk, a dash of vanilla.... Not bad, price-wise!

I hope the will turn out. hehehe They (I made two batches) seemed a bit too "runny" to me, but I have never made fudge this way...so I am not sure if that was right or not. LOL

They seem to have set up, and I hope to cut them into squares later. (I hope to take pictures later!)

I have some "candy" coating that I hope to make some peppermint bark later.

What are some "tried and true" EASY candy recipes that you use?

Dinner for Thursday....12-13-07

Dinner for Thursday will be ham and bean soup. This is one of my "frugal dinners". hehehe

I will be using about 30 cents worth of beans (bulk buy), and leftover ham from dinner the other day. Through together some homemade corn bread and you have yourself one fine meal!

What is your favorite "frugal dinner"?

Changes going on....

I have cancelled my website for now. Just felt that is was just now a good way for spent my money at this time.

I might re-establish it in the future.... especially if I can find a more inexpensive way to host it. hehehe

Just thought I would let everyone know the "why" if they go to the website and see the "no longer exists" heading at the top. LOL

Changes happening in life.....

Well, school will not be an option this Spring. Between cost and other financial items coming up soon.... DH and I felt that it would not be very prudent at this time to have me in school full time.

I hope to be able to take a course or two either this summer or next fall. We will have to wait and see what happens.

I am also trying to get a job with the school system as a teaching assistant. That is my ultimate goal, but until then, I am going to be working with a company that provides non-medical care for seniors in their homes.

Taking advantage of the special "sales" this time of year

Okay, I have already been able to take advantage of some rather "sweet" deals so far this "holiday" season.

I have been able to re-stock my flour supply with Pillsbury brand bread flour to the tune of $.69 for 5 lb. bags. My Aldi's has reduced the price of sugar to $.99 for a 5 lb. bag, and their eggs are currently $.69 a dozen. The cheapest by far of any other place around here!

I am not sure if I am going to get the price on butter that I have in the past ($.99 a lb.), but I have been able to get it for $1.89 a lb at Aldi's and $1.99 a lb at Walmart....so, although I would love a "great" sale...I can at least get a decent price at those two places.

So, am I the ONLY one that loves the sales for these items this time of year?

Getting back to frugal "basics"!

Okay, I have been lazy! I admit it. I have just not felt like "doing" anything that took the extra effort to save money!

Okay... I take that back.... I have been making lunches and baking cookies, but other than that... not much else lately!

Menus have NOT been made in months... which usually means EXTRA trips to the grocery store each week! Not only am I spenind extra money on groceries, but also in gas.

I will plan a menu for next week (monday is already planned, bean soup and cornbread).. plus start making the effort to save anyway I can!

Do you find yourself in "ruts" like this also? If so, how to do you get out of it?

Part of what I have doing the last couple of days....

There are some of the peppers I have pickled, jalapeno and banana pepper rings. Also some extra hot habanero jam and Jalapeno jelly.

I have some more peppers brining and will try my hand at some jalapeno relish, but have to buy some cukes for that.

Been keeping me busy....


**I have not forgotten my "tagging"...working on that.

Menu funk!

Yes, I said it! I am in a menu funk! Nothing sounds good lately! I feel as if I fix the same things over and over!

The weird part....it has now gotten colder, so I can make soups and stews.....but am I motivated? NO!

I really need to get my cookbooks out. I also have a TON of crockpot recipes to go through. (Thanks Kayla!)

What do you do when you get in a "menu funk"? Or is it just something that I go through? LOL

**Other than having no voice, nothing exciting is going on here currently.**

Arrr!!!

My pirate name is:

Iron Mary Kidd

A pirate's life isn't easy; it takes a tough person. That's okay with you, though, since you a tough person. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Guess who is going to college???

Well, if you guessed me...you are correct! LOL

I took my placement testing on Tuesday, but will not learn my results until I go to new student orientation on November 27th. (Have I ever mentioned how I am not the moost patient of people!)

The reading portion seemed easy, but the math...well, hopefully I did not completely bottom out on that one! LOL

I am going to study to be a teacher! Who would have thunk it!!

Besides making some rather major life decisions... not alot has been happening. This past weekend was the Maryland Renaissance Festival. I will post pictures once I get them onto the computer.

Oh... some friends of our kids were in two different car accidents this weekend! The first was on Friday... DS's girlfriend flipped her truck. She walked away with only some bruises, but her truck was totaled. (Yes, she was VERY fortunate!)

Then Sunday on our way back from the festival, we get a call that DD's good friend had been in a very serious accident and was thrown through the windshield of her car. She was not as fortunate as the other friend, but she is alive. She broke her neck and had to have surgery. So far, things are looking good, but it will be a long recovery for her. We are hoping and praying that she will continue to improve. So far, she is not showing any signs of paralysis....we hope that also continues.

Oh....I had a slight fender bender on Monday, but it was all cosmetic and no injuries, but boy, did it shake me up!

Wow...my "value" has increased recently.....

My blog is worth $28,227.00.
How much is your blog worth?

The last time I did this....about 6 months ago, it was only about $6,000.00.

Are having pets truly for "frugal" people????

I have had people tell me that if I was truly frugal, I would not have pets! The first few times I heard this....I was at a loss for words. (Yes, it does happen on occasions! hehehe)

But since then, I have thought about this often. Usually after a vet visit OR buying a big bag of food.

Yes, pets cost money to own (or at least they SHOULD). There is the cost of vet visits to keep them healthy, the cost of food and other items that keep them healthy and happy.

But there are other things to consider about owning a pet, besides the cost involved.

Are you an animal lover? Is the idea of NOT having a pet of some sort abhorrent to you?

Is the cost of owning that pet offset by the love and companionship they give you?

These are things that I look at when I am re-considering pet ownership. I beleive that kids benefit greatly from owning a pet. The experience of caring for another living creature and also the real issue of dealing with death are for their good, in the long run.

Currently at my house we have several pets. We currently have 3 hamsters, 1 cat (which my 17 year old pays for...since it is his) and one puppy.

The biggest expense comes from the puppy. She is 4 1/2 months old, so we are dealing with all the vet bills that come with a "baby" animal. Soon, we will be dealing with the expense of having her fixed, but balance that with the cost we would incur if she had a litter of puppies! Believe me, having her fixed is cheaper in the long run! LOL

After all the initial vet bills, we will only need to take her once a year for a checkup and boosters. Her food bill is still uncertain. LOL I have never had a dog that will be as large as she will be, so I might have to make allowances for her food costs. (She is a black lab/golden retriever mix)

There is one thing that can not be calculated with dollar signs, and that is companionship! I have this giant puppy that wants to be a lap dog! She is already becoming protective of the kids, which out in a semi-rural area is PRICELESS! I send her out back with the kids and feel safe that I will hear if anything unusual happens.

So, after all that rambling... let me just say that YES, this frugal mom can have a pet and they do NOT have to be a "money pit" or an "extravagance"! At least, not in this One Frugal Mom's opinion!

I used my pressure canner today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you believe it?! Does this thing look like it belongs in a sceince lab???



close up of the lid:



I beleive I will dub it "the beast"... (I know, naming it! LOLOLOL)

Here is the chicken broth I canned today:


Here are some pictures of other items I have canned since I started this adventure (pickles, peppers, garlic and habenero jam):

I have a webring! LOLOLOL

I started a webring for either blogs OR websites!

If you are interested, go to the bottom of this page and click on the "join" button. Only this blog and my website are on it at the moment, but I hope that will change soon!

Excessive bumper stickers!

Have you ever been driving down the road and come up behind a vehicle that has multiple bumper stickers?

I don't mean the simple "my child is a honor student" kind of thing....but all those political/protect issue type ones. Do I really care who you voted for in 1996? (or whatever was an election year)

I really don't care if you are wiccan/pro-choice/anti-choice/democrat/republican...etc. etc.! All I want you to do is to safely drive your vehicle to where ever your destination is!

I wonder how many accidents are caused by people paying too much attention to the bumper stickers on vehicle instead of paying attention to their own driving?

I will never understand the need to advertise all your personal agendas on the back of a car!

So, what did you do today? Well, funny you should ask.....

I spent the first half of the day watching basketballs filled with water shot from a pressure cannon! LOL

Then...I got to ride on a four-wheeler for the first time in my life to head out in the field to watch said basketballs land almost a mile away from where they started!

Huh? You are thinking.. here is the background...

My sweetie plays poker with some people he met here in town, and one of the guys participates in something called "Punkinchunkin". This is usually done WITH pumpkins, but since he is just practicing and getting his cannon geared up for the competition in November, he uses basketballs filled with water.

He also shot a bowling ball, but we could never find where that landed.

I also got to ride on a 4-wheeler for the first time. Now that was an experience! Okay, thankfully, I wore pants that day or I would have never done it. hehehe The man driving the machine was not my husband, so first it felt weird to get on behind him. LOL (sweetie was riding behind another guy on another one)... Then I tried to only hold on by the bars on the back of the 4-wheeler... let's just say, that I got over my qualms about holding onto a man other than my husband REALLY quick! Otherwise, I would have fallen off! That is not what you want to happen on one of those things at 40 MPH!

So... we all had fun, I kidded with sweetie that we are "officially country" now! (and that is not in a bad way....so do not take it that way!) The kids had fun in the corn fields and are a dirty, dirty mess. Ian was alittle bummed because he did NOT get to ride on the 4-wheeler, but he will get over that disappointment.

We hope to be able to go up to Delaware when the competition happens...it is not very far and sweetie seems to want to go... :-)

It has been rather hectic and stressful lately....

Wow, it has been twelve days since I last posted! And that was a vent that I decided was better left untold. LOL

Since the beginning of this month, we have buried 2 hamsters, my cat has gone missing...oh and my 19 year old step-daughter decided to move out AGAIN. (oh and did not go about it in a very nice fashion either)

Yeah, just a little stressful. hehehe

On a brighter note, I have made several batches of wonderful Habanero Jam and Pickled Garlic! I hope to at some point make some apple jelly I have been planning everyday for over a week to do. One day, it WILL get done!

On an even brighter note.... I am now the proud owner of an All American Pressure Canner! My wonderful DH told me to buy one! Gave me a budget and said "either get the one you want, or I will buy one and then you just get what you get!" Goodness, I LOVE that man!

I hope to use my canner soon, but will be starting with simple items first. That giant looks like it should be in a labrotory instead of my kitchen.

So, please forgive me for being away.... I will try to do better.

In a funk!

Decided I did not need to leave this up.

Updates

Thing have been so busy around here!

School is now in full swing, I have been looking for a job (part-time during school hours) and my poor little girl had to deal with her first pet death.

Having a pet taken to the vet and not returning is something she HAS experienced, but that is somewhat "unreal" to a child her age. This time it was different. Her little hamster (Nibble) passed away while she was at school last Friday (8-31). I sat her down and talked with her after she got home from school. We cried together...she wanted to see him, and then we had a small graveside service on Saturday under a favorite tree. Daddy dug the grave and I wrote a little note on a stone for the grave.

Although it is still a sad thing for her...she is handling it rather well.

Once some time has gone by... we will consider getting her a new one, but for now, she wants to just "remember" Nibble.

Allergic reactions to vaccines

in my puppy!

My poor little puppy had an allergic reaction to her shots on Saturday. Her little face swelled up and she broke out in hives! Her poor little fur looked like there were pebbles under her skin!

Of course, the vets' office was already closed and the answering service referred me to an emergency vets office in Fredricksburg (almost an hour away!). I called them and they said bring her in!

Okay....not that I was not concerned for her (beleive me, I was!)....but I was not going to drive that far without checking to see if there was another ER vet closer to home. I looked in the yellow pages and found one that was only about 25 minutes away and CALLED!

I was able to speak to a vet over the phone (was not given that option with the other place)... he asked me several questions and then told me to give her Benedryl. He told me the dosage to use and how often. He said that if she did not improve (or got worse) to bring her in, but that the first thing he would do would be to give her a shot of benedryl....so instead of driving her in, I could get her started on the medicine!

It worked! Within 30 minutes of the first dose...some of the hives had dissappeared. By the time I get her the third dose, her face was almost back to normal and there were only a few hives left. By the next morning, there was no trace of her reaction!

I am so thankful for a vet that was more interested in getting this puppy better fast, than having me come in and pay for a vet er visit (over $100).

I plan to write a letter of thanks to the animal hospital! I do not remember the name of the vet, but I can give the date and time....so that would at least narrow it down abit in case there was more than one there that day!

Thanks so much for the special people that are out there taking care of our pets!

**Here is a website that talks about animal allergic reactions. I did not even know this happened to animals!

Urticaria (Hives) & Angioedema (Swelling of the Face)

Shiva had the "moderate" reaction.

School days....school days...

Start again in just a week!

Have you started back yet? Or are you in an area that waits until after Labor day?

We are almost ready here. We bought new tennis shoes today...and back packs. Last years did stand up to the usage I had hoped they would. (sigh)

I made my little girls school year...I let her pick out a "High school musical" back pack! LOL I swear, she is 6 going on 13!

I also agreed to let my son get a back pack "on wheels" this year. But with the agreement that it has to last at least two years. hehehe

How are you "back to school" plans coming along?

I am being over run with cherry tomatos!

I plan to surf the net and find something to do with them besides in a salad or pasta dish! LOL

If you have any recipes...I would greatly appreciate them!

How do you get ready for "Back to School"?

I start by keeping an eye out for the sales that always happen this time of year for school supplies. So far, I have gotten some really good deals.

I also start looking for close out sales on clothes. Involved in this is also going through their clothes and giving away what is out grown (and still usable) and getting an idea of what is needed.

What are some of your "getting ready" strategies?

Things on my mind lately.....

There have been a few things that I have been debating on blogging about. From not sure how I would word it....all the way to not knowing how "others" would react to what I wrote. (LOL, like I have such a large influence out in cyber-world!)

First off.... Modesty "for men"!

Okay...I am not saying that I think the male of our species should go around naked.....but is there all that much to be concerned about???

There is a thread on a message board about this topic, that has opened my eyes to what some people believe concerning this issue. I have always been an advocate for modesty...nothing flashy or "sexy". I also do not endorse having little girls look like miniature adults. I make sure that my daughter does not wear anything too short or too tight.

But you know what? I have never put THAT much thought into what my son wears. I mean, I make sure his shorts are not too short or too tight, but not ALLOWING shorts or even sleeveless T's???? I would never imagine putting those kind of restrictions on him! Also, my husband would request I see a doctor if I did!

I also believe that there are certain situations that allow for being without a shirt (if you are a male)! Swimming is a good example. I do not require my son to wear a shirt while swimming, or when running through the sprinkler in the back yard! I do not see anything wrong with a male wearing a tank top type shirt or even going shirtless when working out in the hot sun or in a hot house. Would I allow that type of dress while visiting friends or going to the store? No, of course not. That would be inappropriate.

Does that mean my son is immodest? Not as far as I am concerned.....nor is there anywhere in the Bible that states exactly HOW we are to dress. There are guidelines, nothing else.

Another thing on my mind: Predestination.

I know...what a weighty subject! LOL Now, this is the subject that I believe might cause a reaction some that read my blog. Although I apologize if I hurt any ones feelings....this is what I believe and feel on this matter, I am not sorry for that.

To me...there is nowhere in the Bible that tells us that Jehovah has already "chosen" all that He will save. If that was the case, there would be no free will (Galatians 6:7) and what use would Jesus' sacrifice had been if we were all predestined! (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20) That would also have meant that God set Adam and Eve up! He would have "planned" for them to disobey Him and bring sin and death into the world! Not a very loving thing for Him to have done! (1 John 4:8)

Also, it seems rather arrogant to believe that "I was chosen and YOU were not!" We are to be humble (James 4:6)....and to me, that is NOT a humble attitude!

Well, I think that will be all for now.

My next canning adventure....

Jams...Jellies....and Preserves!

I have some pickles spears "curing" in the cabinet and some relish that I have put up also.... Since I have only have water bath canner at this point (yes, I plan to get a pressure canner, but I need to save up for that purchase) I have a limit of "types" of things I can put up at this time. Not complaining....

The first couple of things on my list to do are:

Garlic Jelly and Blueberry preserves.

I will post how they turn out after I am able to do them....

More puppy pictures

Here are a couple more "active" pictures of Shiva:






I will post some more later.....

Introducing a new member of our family......

Please let me introduce to you SHIVA:




She is an 8 week old lab mix. She has just curled up right into my heart. I will post more alert pictures later. They were took by my oldest and she has her camera with her! LOL So, I can not load them onto my computer!

Update on Canning Dilemma

Thank you for your response, Kayla. :-)

I did call the manufacturer....and made a bit of a fool of myself!

It was the CANNING company that but the disclaimer about not reccommended for glass top ovens....not the oven manufacturer!

She asked me what brand I had....and then told me what page to look at in the guide that deals with canning! LOL

The reccomendation is to do small batches and to alternate burners if you will be canning large amounts!

So, I will be getting started on some pickles tomorrow morning (Tuesday)!

Thank you for all your help!

A Canning Dilemma

Okay.... if there are any canners out there, I have a question.

Back when we were remodeling the kitchen, I got the privilege of picking out a new stove. I had always longed for a glass top stove....so that is what I picked!

Fast forward and year.... Now I want to learn to can. I have all these plans of lining my cupboards with rows of tomatoes, pickles, green beans and anything else I could grow and process. Guess what???? I was told that I could not use a canner on a glass top stove!!

Has anyone out there had any experience with this? Will it truly break a glass top stove? I mean, how is this any different than any other cooking you do? I mean, I don't plan to process any water bath items for hours. And what about a pressure canner? You do not process that for hours! Why would this really pose a danger to my glass?

Or is this a case of CYOB* for the manufacturers??

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

*Cover your own bottom

Blog Rating

Mingle² - Online

I found a way to minimize my computer time....

First, have the kids out of school....
Second, go out of town for a few days....
And then third, have your DH take a week off of work....


Talk about putting a major dent in my computer time! LOL That is okay, family always come first. (Okay, Jehovah truly comes first, but you all know what I mean!)

I have been busy with the kids since school let out. Mainly just doing things in the yard and around the house. There is a new exhibit at the little museum in our town that I will take them to next week....not sure if they will enjoy it, but I know I will! Hehehe.

This past weekend was my District Convention for Jehovah's Witnesses. The theme this year is "Follow the Christ".....and it was wonderful! I just love having three full days of learning and fellowship! My spiritual cup runneth over!

This week, my beloved is off of work. We have been busy going to Kings Dominion and working on projects around the house. I get so much done when he is here.

Hopefully, things will settle down some more next week, but I am not going to promise to write more often! Because every time I do...something comes up and it is weeks before I get back here! LOLOLOLOL

I hope this finds everyone reading it in good health!

Time flies.....

Wow, I had no idea so much time has passed since I last posted. Just a short update:

Was at the school 8 out of the last 10 days of class. LOL Only one of those was as a sub...all the rest were for different end of the year programs!

Then, our A/C decided to die on us....and I do mean "DIE"! There was no fixing it, so a brand new system had to be installed! Let's just say, that was not a very pleasant decision, but one that had to be made. Oh...that decision also meant that our tripped to Texas had to be cancelled. Sigh....part of being a homeowner.

This past weekend was hectic! Besides the A/C company finishing up the installation....we went to see the newest Fantastic Four movie...and then Sunday, spent the day at Kings Dominion. That was fun.

Except for when we got home and the A/C was not working. So, the a/c company sent some men out this morning to find out why....it has been fixed and it is working now.

That has been the last two weeks in a nut shell. The summer has started for the kids and I hope to post about our activities.

Today we are going to the library to get some books....I have already told the kids that we are going to have some reading time every day.

Last two weeks of school.....

I can not beleive that there is only TWO weeks left of this school year!

And what a busy couple of weeks that will be! Monday is field day, Wednesday is the Reading Carnival, Thursday is the Pizza party for the kids with a certain number of AR points. Next week is subbing on Monday for me.... Wednesday is the Kinderrgarten awards day...Thursday is the second graders cookout...then Friday is the LAST DAY! (Thursday and Friday are also half days!)

Then we get to re-adjust our schedule for the summer....but I will give them the first week to just have "fun" without any schedule.

Then I need to start preparing for our trip to Texas, which is the first week of July. I am trying to get everything down the the "bare minimum", to keep the mini-van from being to cramped.

I am also thinking about end of the year school gifts! I am leaning towards some "gifts in a jar" kinda thing. Does that sound good?

Oh..the shame of it....

Here is a post from last year:

Saturday, May 20, 2006
I missed an anniversary!!!
I did not realize that I have been blogging for a year now!

I started this blog on May 10th, 2005! I am a female, so how did I FORGET an anniversary??? LOL

Hopefully, I will not forget the second one!

Since this is the 28th of May....I would say that I officially FORGOT my second blogging annivesary! LOL

Not sure if I am improving or not....but I am still here, for the most part anyways!

I have been TAGGED!

This is a first...LOL I am actually kinda excited that someone thought of me!

It was my Xanga blog that was officially tagged, but since I don't post there often...and when I do, it is about weight loss, so I am posting it here. hee hee hee

The Rules:

1. Each player lists 8 random facts/habits about themselves
2. At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 people and post their names
3. Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged and to read your blog.


The eight things about me:

1. I always wanted to be a novelist, but have not written any fiction since I was 22.

2. I have a phobia concerning snakes! My heart races and I feel as if I can not breathe when I see one that is not in a cage.

3. I am supposedly related to Cheif Osceola....but have no proof, just family legend.

4. I took college level courses in the 7th grade. (Experimental program)

5. I love Logic Problems...but greatly dislike Crossword puzzles.

6. I hope to travel to Scotland someday to see where DH's ancestors came from.

7. Both of my "second" toes are larger than my big toes.

8. I was the first girl born on my father's side of the family in 4 generations.



Okay....who will I tag??? Like Merchant Ships, ArmyofFive, Rubygirl, and Homekeeper at Heart. (Okay...I don't read many blogs, so I can only tag four people.)

Wow...been MIA here recently

We are in the final days of the school year and I have been BUSY!

We are getting everything together for the Kindergarten play..which is always a big deal here. LOL

DS17 had his prom this last weekend...helped him get ready for that, I have been subbing quite a bit lately...I guess some teachers getting last minute items taken care of also.

I will be enormously relived when the school year has ended.... Then it will be just getting into a new routine for the summer. LOLOL

Anyways....I have not forgotten this blog....just needing things to calm back down so that I can post more.

Have a great day!

Mount Vernon Field Trip

Well....I survived the field trip! LOL

Actually, it was really fun. I had never been to Mount Vernon before today. I really could have spent the whole day there by myself and STILL had not been able to see everything. I love places like that...especially with the people dressed is period dress and showing us how things were done back then.

That would be my dream job....a historical re-inactor for historical place like that.

Back to the field trip....LOL... I had five girls in my "group"..of course, we all stayed together and they held hands with all the different girls and teachers. LOL I just kept an eye on my girls (okay, I kept an eye on all of them!)...and things went smoothly.

My legs hurt! I walked so much....plus I have a red face! Oh well..that is normal for me. Now I get a week to recover, then I am chaperoning a field trip for my second grader. We are going on a nature hike to look and identify birds and other animals. Yes, I will be getting my exercise in. :-)

Phases in our lives.....

Sorry I have not posted recently, life has been busy...and well, I have been considering an end to a phase in my life.

Several months ago....my DH and I decided to have another child. Well, honestly, it was my idea. He just said he would let me decide and if that is what I wanted, he was fine either way.

Several months later, no pregnancy and my life was busy with projects with the kids school and even substitute teaching. Doubts about another child started forming.... the changes that I would need to make, the things I would be unable to do with my two that I have already had. And most importantly.....WHY did I want another child!

What it came down to....I did not want to face the end of that phase in my life! The thought of my "baby-making" days being over was something I did not want to deal with...but I needed to. After much prayer, contemplation, and talks with DH (tears included)...I have decided to end that phase of my life and move on to enjoying fully the two I have. I enjoy being active in their school. I even enjoy being able to substitute teach there. (Especially the preschool classes).

Although, there will always be that part of me that goes "ohhhh" when I see a newborn baby...I am ready to say that I am content with the children I have. I am SO thankful they are healthy and happy.

So.... as I readjust my mindset....I will be looking for new opportunities to "broaden" my horizens. LOL

****Just a note. If for some reason, we ever do get a "surprise"...I would have no problem switching back to that role. It is just not something I am intentionally going to pursue!

Prayers to all the families affected

by the violence of Monday.




Tears flow.........

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Well...I gave in....slightly.

Okay, my dear little daughter has been wanting her hair cut for weeks now. I have said "no", "not yet", and "when you are older" MANY, MANY TIMES! LOL

She wanted her hair to be like "sally's"....unfortunately, "sally's" hair is thin and straight, so her short bob looks good on her. Lays flat and straight. Well, my dear daughterr's hair is naturally Curly, with a capital "C", and I tried to explain to her that her hair would not look like "sally's" no matter how much her wanted it to... LOL

Anyways, now to the "giving in" part. :-D I agreed to trim her hair some....not alot (even though it looks like it), but mostly to get rid of some of the rough ends that keep getting tangled. Although I barely cut 2 inches off, the lighter weight made the remaining length just spring up. LOL

Here is the before:



and now the after:



Oh...she wanted bangs....so I gave her some..... well, just a slight amount.



See....she got her hair cut and I still have enough to braid and put up in ponytails!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Stratagies for saving money on groceries. Part V

Today's Topic: Coupons.

I use coupons, but not as much as some people might think. :-) I use coupons only when I am truly get a deal. Does that sound strange? Well, I found out that a coupon, in and of itself, does not guarantee a "good deal". I now only use them when the item is on sale, especially as a "loss leader". Okay...correction, I have been known to use a coupon on a product that I would like to try, but do not want to pay full price for; again, hoping to find it on sale at the same time.

I know there are some ladies (and gentlemen) out there that live in areas where the grocery chains have awesome coupon policies. I wish I had the same options. I am starting to utilize CVS' Extra Care Bucks, there seems to be promise to those if you can combine them with coupons. (I will post more on this, once I get a better understanding of it.)

So, if you want to coupon great, find a system that works for you and use it. But please remember that not all coupons equal a good deal.

Stratagies for saving money on groceries. Part IV

Today's Topic: Shopping at Multiple Stores.

I find this one of the best ways to get the ultimate in grocery savings. This ties into the loss-leaders strategy from the previous topic. Check each ad to see if there are items worth purchasing. (This is where the price book comes in also.)

Included in this is for me to drive to Aldi's every 3-4 months (Aldi's is now an hour from where I live) for a larger "stock up". I have found that if I go every 3-4 months, I optimize my savings in balance with the cost of gas to drive there and back. I am also blessed to have a Hubby that works near Aldi's, so if I forget something or need something restocked before my next scheduled trip, he can do that for me on the way home.

**If you live somewhere where driving to several stores is NOT cost effective, you need to concentrate on the one store that gives you the best deals. This can mean different stores each week, but it takes knowing your prices.

For Rocket

October 2000 -- March 2007

You were a good dog, Rocket. You will be missed. Thank you for being our friend and member of the family for the time that you had.

Love you......

It is now official...I am a Substitute Teacher.

Well, I had my first assignment today. Special Needs Preschool. It was really fun, hard, tiring, but fun non-the-less fun.

Actually it is a combination preschool, with the majority with special needs (5 special needs, 3 non). After the other substitute and I found our rythem the day went by nice and truthfully, kind of fast.

We even survived a tornado drill.

I have my next assignment scheduled for the 26th of this month....unless I get called before then. That assignment will be with a second grade class....the room next to my son's.

Well, I am off to surf some more and relax before I start dinner. The kiddos are outside enjoying the 75 degree weather.

Talk to you all later.

Daylight Savings Time Reminder

Turning our clocks forward is coming early this year. Don't ask me why... I read an article about it, but am still not sure WHY they wanted the change.

Anyways, please remember to turn your clocks forward one hour tonight before going to bed. Oh...since we are losing an hour...you might want to try and go to bed earlier than usual.

What fun for us with kiddos in public school on Monday.

Have a great day everyone.

Stratagies for saving money on groceries. Part III

Today's topic: Loss-Leaders!

Loss-leaders are the "get you in the store" sale items that Grocery store chains put on the front page of their ads. They do this in the hopes that you will buy all your other groceries there, at THEIR high prices!

The way to take advantage of these are to buy ONLY the loss-leaders and then leave! LOL There is nothing wrong with doing this. You are not being dis-honest or unethical. I write this because I have heard people say these type of things in the past. Now, if you were not adhering to any limits or conditions to these prices, then I could see the point. BUT if this if the price the store is offering, then there is no reason that you HAVE to buy anything else.

This leads into the next topic on shopping multiple stores, which I will post about next time. :-)

It's a good thing you can "opt out" of this......

Below is an article about Virginia passing legislation that will require all girls to receive the NEW vaccine for certain virus' that cause cervical cancer.

Now, I have no problem with vaccinations, I really don't. MY problem with this one is that it is SO NEW and the government is trying to FORCE us to put it in out daughters!

I want more research to see what kind of long-term reactions might show up. I am always suspicious when some new drug or vaccine comes out and the government wants to push it on us "for the greater good"!

I am relieved that WE, as parents can "opt out" of this, but how long will that be an option? KWIM!

All I know, is that I agree with my dear, dear sweet husband...."there is always the homeschool option." I have a feeling that will come about sooner, rather than later!

Updated:2007-03-02 08:21:59
Virginia to Require Vaccine for Girls
AP
RICHMOND, Va. (March 2) - Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said Thursday he would sign legislation requiring all sixth-grade girls to be vaccinated against the sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer.

Virginia would become the second state to mandate the vaccine for the human papillomavirus, or HPV, and the first to do it through legislative action. Texas Gov. Rick Perry sidestepped the Legislature and ordered the shots for girls there, but lawmakers are considering overriding that order.

"I think it strikes the right balance," said Kaine, who wanted to make sure parents would have enough time to review the vaccine and allow them to opt out "without having to jump through hoops."

The requirement would go into effect for the 2009 school year. If parents want to opt out, they must review literature provided by their child's school, then sign a form.

The federal government approved Gardasil, the only vaccine on the market, in June and suggested it be given to females before they become sexually active.


03/01/07 23:24 EST

Stratagies for saving money on groceries. Part II

Today's Topic: Buy in Bulk

This is not just for grains, flour, sugar and such, but also cleaning products, paper goods and anything that I can freeze. This is where having a nice Price Book comes into play. A bulk purchase is a waste if the price per pound is not a savings. Don't assume that just because the package is large that the savings is there! Because of my price book, I know what the "normal" prices are and what the "sale" prices will be (within reason). Also, something to consider, if the product that you are buying in bulk can not be used before it goes bad, IT IT NOT A SAVINGS! Food thrown in the trash is no different than throwing money in the trash.

DH has a contact through work that can order meats through a restaurant wholesaler, if you can find someone like this, make them your best friend! (Okay, that might be considered "using" someone, but hey, we can all use more friends. :-) ) We have gotten some wonderful deals that way. My vacuum sealer was a wonderful investment!

That will be all for today, I will post some more in a day or two.

Stratagies for saving money on groceries.

I want to start adding more "frugal living" ideas to this blog. I mean, that WAS the reason I started this thing to begin with. LOL

So, today I am going to share ONE of my strategies for saving money on groceries.

Today's Topic: The Price Book

It is a simple 4 X 6 notebook, with pages that can be removed and added. The prices listed in mine are now mostly Aldi (a small grocery store) prices. If I can beat their price, I know it is a good deal. I do have some other stores listed, but not as much as I used to.

This has helped me to find some really AWESOME deals. I can really tell if a "manager's special" REALLY is special. It also helps to know if a "loss leader" is worth a special trip to a store.

It takes some time to set up a price book, but the savings in the future is really worth the investment of your time now.

Clutter is taking over again!

I have been rather lax with the clutter in my living room, dining room area and it is REALLY showing!

I need to start paying more attention to the details. Also, I think I will look into some decorating books from the library, maybe get some ideas.

Why does decorating come so naturally to some and so difficult for me? It's not from lack of interest, at least I don't think so. :-)

Of course, sometimes I think "why bother" because no one else in the house seem to care, and with six other people living and "cluttering" the place, it can get out of hand.

Hmmm....any suggestions? I am open for anything.

Lazy Town look

Profanity from parents

What is wrong with people today???

I was in Walmart today and this woman was yelling at her son and using profanity! I just stood there looking at with a "you have got to be kidding me" look to my face!

It seems that the little boy (around 5) had an accident in his pants. Well, the mother's response (in part), "I can not believe you s*&^&&& in your pants! You are old enough to know not to be s*&^%%^*% in your pants. I can't beleive you!" Then she turned and saw me with my "look", and actually looked embarassed. She then turned and went down the aisle.

It is bad enough that people don't seem to have a large enough vocabulary that they need to use profanity in their every day language, but for a MOTHER to talk to her little one like that just floored me!

Is it just me that is surprised by this type of behaviour? Am I a little naive? I don't know about that, but I do know that the look on that little guys face just tore me to pieces!

I love the mind of kids

We are currently re-listening to "My Book of Bible Stories" on tape in the car. Actually we have heard them multiple times, but this momma sure doesn't mind!

Last week while on the way to the store, DS7 asked to listen to "Bible stories" on the way. We made sure that our books were ready and in went the tape. Listened to the stories and then stopped the tape to go into the store.

As DS7 was waiting for his sister to get out of the van, he goes "Mom, can God do anything?"

"Yes, He can." was my reply.

"ANYTHING?" he asked with only the questioning that a kid can do....

Yes, "I", ANYTHING." Came my reply.

"WHOA!" was his emphatic response.

So, next time I am frustrated with life, I will recall his reaction and just remember Jehovah can do ANYTHING! and that is just "WHOA!" in my book.

Finally a snow day.

The kids are home from school today. We got ourselves a little snow storm yesterday. Our road seems fine, but we are on a "main" road and I am SURE that some of the back or "side" roads are bad.

The kids are playing and I am spending some time on the computer.

Not alot going on here, which is good. I am on a search for a bread recipe that is similar to the Italian bread that is sold at my local Giant. Kayla advised me to ask someone there, so I did. The woman I asked looked at me like I had grown a third eye. LOLOL

I will try and ask another lady that I chat with on a regular basis. Maybe she will be more helpful.

I hope to work on some sewing projects today. I figure get the fireplace going and just enjoy the sound of my sewing machine. LOL

Have a great day everyone.

**Oh....and Traci, I really wasn't "trying" to keep things from you. Really, I just never thought to mention things like my blog or website. But, now you know.

I finally have a foot in the door!

Well, I got a call today from a teacher at my kiddos school, wanting to have me as a substitute teacher! YEAH! Of course, before we could get things finalized her doctor called and needed to re-schedule. LOLOLOL BUT, she is going to call me when she has the new date (which she said should be tomorrow, Thursday), AND she wants to schedule me for a date in March!

I was getting worried for alittle bit there! I kept logging into the website for our county and seeing NOTHING! Now, I have found out that the teachers at my kids school arrange their own!

I will start spreading the word some more that I am available. I just need to make sure that I continue putting my field ministry and my family before working. I will just be happy to actually start subbing!

Update on Donny's hand.

Hi all,

I just realized that I never gave an update on how Donny's hand was doing.

It is healed now. It is still pink where the worst burns were, but that will fade in time.

Here are a couple of pictures of the day it happened:

Shameless plug!

Okay....maybe I should have said "shameless plea", but anyways.... LOLOLOL


Have any of the 2 or 3 people that read this blog ever checked out my website or message board???? Any takers???? LOL

I have not updated my website recently, but will be working on that later today.

www.onefrugalmom.com

Also, I have a message board, that is just BEGGING for some activity! Join us and have some nice conversations without any drama!

http://onefrugalmom.proboards67.com/index.cgi

Hope to "see" you there!

Menu planning

Okay, I am trying to plan my meals out for the next two weeks. I already had them planned, but dear DH threw a bit of kink into my plans....so need to re-arange things abit. LOLOL

I want to stay below $300 for groceries this month. It really should be within reason. I have a fully stocked pantry and freezer, I just need the discipline to use what I have and plan ahead so I am not running to the store for something to fix. (yes, I have been known to do this. I am not proud of it, but I will be honest.)

I have almost given up on coupons in my area. They are either for products that I do not use...or I can not combine sales/coupons deals. I will still clip them, but not order any more online. We are getting a new store up the road, maybe that will stir things up abit. LOL