One Frugal Mom

Closing this blog.

2011-02-05T23:07:00.002-05:00

I have decided to close down this blog.

I have a new one that I am starting to post on, since I feel that "One Frugal Mom" is not fully who I am anymore. I am still a mom, and I am still frugal, but I want more than that to represent me. :-)

Here is my new one: Country Tea

I hope you stop by and visit.

Five days into February already????

2011-02-05T22:55:00.002-05:00

Time is just speeding by without me realizing it!

School is going smoothly. I hope (and pray) it stays that way! Work is also going smoothly. Getting better at juggling everything.

Using that slow cookers ALOT! LOL I am still always looking for new things to put in them...so if anyone has any suggestions, bring them on! :-D

Testing

2011-01-31T10:18:00.001-05:00

Seeing if this app works.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:School

School closed again tomorrow.

2011-01-27T18:23:00.002-05:00

Well, I have another day off this week. Only worked on Tuesday. Snow days can be fun and very productive.

I have almost all my own school work done for the week. I plan to put some beans out to soak so that I can get them canned tomorrow.

Tonight is chicken and dumplings and tomorrow will be ??? I will wing it. LOL

Hopefully we will have some school next week. :-)

Busy, busy, busy

2011-01-26T11:45:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone!

College classes have started back up and I am SO busy!

With home, work, and classes, I don't have much time to post like I would like.

Trying to keep the budgets under control without scrimping on nutrition!

I hope everyone is doing fine!

Snow day

2011-01-12T10:07:00.003-05:00

School was cancelled today due to inclement weather. We did not get alot of snow, but there was ice below the dusting of snow.

DS11 is out shoveling the drive of our neighbors. Gotta love that kid!

I will get dinner in the crockpot and work on dishes. Then some laundry and just some relax time today.

Grocery Budget so far.....

2011-01-07T07:07:00.002-05:00

Okay... I have spent roughly $115.00 this month. (I have the exact figure somewhere, I need to find my notebook)

I feel confident that I will make my goal this month. I hope to find some good meat deals this weekend. If not, I will hit Wegman's for chicken and ground beef, since they have the cheapest non-sale prices for those items.

Getting back into keeping the grocery budget tamed!

2011-01-05T06:38:00.002-05:00

I am back to challenging myself to keep my grocery budget restrained. I will admit that I have not been doing so hot the last couple of months. It all comes down to laziness!

I make excuses, but there really is none!

I want to keep it below $300 for the month. Should be doable.

Have a great day!

Canning

2010-12-30T08:46:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I put away over 2 dozen pints of home made turkey broth. It is a wonderful thought to know that when I make soup or anything else that requires broth, I can go to my pantry and get out a jar or two.

I know what's in it, and I did not have to pay money for it at the store! I consider it "free" because I counted the cost towards the meal the turkey was served at, and I have used my jars enough that I no longer consider the cost on them.

Technically, I should count the cost of the lid, since they are not reusable, so...maybe 10 cents a jar. Still alot better than what the cost is at the store!

I need to do a search on those tattler lids I have seen online. I wonder if they really live up to their claims.....hmmmm

This is wonderful!

2010-12-27T21:18:00.001-05:00

Got this in an e-mail today:

After being interviewed by the school administration, the prospective teacher said:

'Let me see if I've got this right.

'You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning.

'You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride.

'You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job.

'You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure that they all pass the final exams.

'You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their
handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents in English, Spanish or any other language, by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card

'You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard,a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps.

'You want me to do all this and then you tell me. . . I CAN'T PRAY?

Menu for the week--12-27 to 01-01-11

2010-12-26T23:42:00.002-05:00

Monday: Jam Chicken over rice

Tuesday: Baked Burritos

Wednesday: Corned Beef and Cabbage

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Restuarant. It's our anniversary!

Saturday: Standing rib roast, rolls and veggies.

Life keeps on going....

2010-11-30T06:48:00.002-05:00

Well, she made her choice and it's to no longer live here. She is also saying that she is going to "get rid" of this pregnancy. This saddens us so, but she is an adult and feels that she can do what she wants. My heart breaks for her and her baby, but all I can do is pray.

Now we have to deal with explaining to I and A about her decision. Major prayerful consideration going into those future discussion. I just know that this will change the way they see their sister. (Another way that she will have a lifelong after affect of her decision!)

Well.... I had hoped to not have to make a post like this, but life happens and all we can do sometimes is do the best we can and pray!

Canning, canning, canning....

2010-11-13T18:05:00.002-05:00

I am getting into the habit of canning in small batches a couple times a week.

In the past week I was able to can 7 quarts of kidney beans and I just put up 9 pints of chicken broth.

I also have a recipe for canning a "soup starter." I found it on this blog; Creative Chicks Soup starter.

I will post about it after I try it.

Like is never boring!

2010-11-12T06:21:00.002-05:00

Goodness alot has happened since I last posted.

I have been accepted to Liberty, so I am getting all my financial stuff taken care of, so I can start in January.

Oh....also found out we are going to be grandparents! Of course, not the one that is in a committed relationship, but the other daughter. We are trying to encourage her to live here with us, but she is not sure. I don't see it as a hard decision; secure place to live, no worries about food, and people that will help her take care of the baby....compared to relying on "friends" for a place to live, no job so must rely on the government or friends for food and no help with the baby. To me there is not much to have to "think" about. Oh well, she will do what she wants and everyone else (including her unborn baby) be d*mned! (yes, small vent there)

Work is going good. Life is good, even if stressful. I am blessed in many, many ways!

Took the next big step in my journey to teach!

2010-11-02T18:02:00.003-05:00

I applied to Liberty University Online yesterday! If all goes well, I will be starting with them in January.

Other than that, not much is going on. We (the kids and I) had the day off today, but I don't feel like I got much accomplished. :-( I worked on laundry, folded some laundry, did dishes, took to online quizzes, got two new tires on the car and now have brownies baking. I guess I did get some stuff done today after all. LOL

I have re-committed to my weightloss journey. I can not get to the local WW meetings, but I know the program and I have a really good online support group available, so I should be able to do this. I will update on my weightloss blog.

I need to get a menu written. Kinda late, but better late, than not at all. :-)

Monday morning check-in

2010-11-01T05:34:00.002-05:00

It's November 1st. Wow.... 2010 is flying by.

Not much has gone on since my last post. Working, school and homelife going along fine. Going to get some beans soaking today so that I can can them tomorrow.

I plan to start canning at least one batch of something each week. Working full time takes away time in the kitchen, but I will work it in when I can. (no pun intended. LOL)

Post again soon......

Musing about my online "life"

2010-10-30T19:13:00.002-05:00

I have come to the coclusion that I am on too many message boards. I do not post regularly on most of them, but they take up too much of my time.

I am going to close out the accounts that I can and just delete the links on my computers to the others and hopefully my account will be deleted for being inactive after awhile. I hate to do this, but the part of me that likes to lurk and be "nosey" is just too strong and taking away too much time for other things.

I am not going to list the boards here, but if I stopped coming to one that you are a regular, please do not take it personally.

Have a great weekend!

Big week last week!

2010-10-25T08:19:00.001-05:00

I have a new neice! She was born October 19th, 2010. 6 lbs. 12 oz. 19 1/2 inches long!

Her daddy (my BIL) received his operational wings on the 22nd of that week!

The new little family is doing great!

Worst Blogger Award!

2010-10-21T08:17:00.002-05:00

Sorry readers (if there are any!) but life has been busy and my online life is what has taken a move to the back seat!

I am now working full time as an Instructional Assistent in Special Education at my daughter's elementary school. I love it!

I am also still going to college to finish up my final semester at the Community college before transferring to a University to finish my teaching degree.

Besides those two, I am also still a wife and mother, which is a full job in itself!

I am still trying to live as frugal as possible and hope to post about some of the ways I am doing that while working full time.

Have a great Thursday!

I lost a very special family friend yesterday.

2010-08-11T09:52:00.002-05:00

I have known her since I was about 4 1/2 years old! I grew up at her home almost as much as I was at my own at times.

Cancer! It is a cruel, cruel manifestation of all that has gone wrong in this world since Adam and Eve fail from perfection! I don't beleive there is a person on this earth that has not been affected by this dreadful disease.

Sleep now, Linda. We will see you again in the New System, where cancer will be a thing of the past; just like all other illnesses and even death!

:-(

The final countdown.....

2010-08-08T20:58:00.002-05:00

School starts in two weeks!

I will be working some days the week before, but everyone starts back on the 23rd.

So, between now and then I am finishing up getting school supplies together, new shoes for those that need them and renting a clarinet for the boy.

Also, within the next two weeks I need to work out a plan for meals. I need to get into the swing of planning out my meals again. I also want to start using my crockpot some more.

Also... I have not used my rottiserrie (sp?) in a long time, so I have a whole chicken defrosting in the fridge right now. :-)

Things are getting back to normal, kinda.

2010-07-30T22:32:00.003-05:00

I am such a bad blogger!

I always plan to get on here and post, but it never seems to come to fruition! I need to find an app for my ipod that allows me to post here. That would be SO cool!

Anyways....what is going on here:

Garden is doing really good this year. I have cukes coming out my ears. I will have more cantelopes and watermelons that I will know what to do with! My tomatos are prolific, but alot of them seem to be splitting before they become ripe. :-( Considering how dry it has been, maybe we are over compensating with the sprinklers....hmm still figuring that one out.

Classes are finishing up for the summer. So far, so good. I did find out that taking Spanish online is NOT for me. Only class I have ever had to drop. But having a "withdrawl" on my record on my transcript is better than an "F" in the long run. Plus it was not a requirement for my degree.

I was hired on full time as an instructional assistant at our elementary school. :-D That is nice! I even have a photo badge and everything!

School starts on the 23rd of August, but I will probably need to work some the week before. Have not heard anything definite about that yet.

I also plan to start looking into "Once a month" cooking. I plan to use my crockpot more, but sometimes I want meals that are not crockpot friendly, and having an entree in the freezer sounds like the way to go.

Well... that will be all for now. I do hope that I don't wait another month and a half to post again, but I am not making any promises!

Menu.....Wednesday??? LOL

2010-05-19T10:11:00.002-05:00

I keep forgetting to post this on Monday. LOL

Monday- French Onion Soup

Tuesday- Leftovers (cleaned out the fridge)

Wednesday- Chili w/cornbread

Thursday- Crockpot pork ribs

Friday- Pizza

Saturday- Grilled steaks, potatos

What do you think?

2010-05-14T21:26:00.003-05:00

Okay... I was lurking in the atheist/agnostic parenting forum on a message board I frequent when I read a rant by one of the ladies there.

She was upset that her MIL taught her 2.5 year daugther to say "thank you Jesus, amen" before eating. She went on about how they are not respecting their non-beliefs and so on... At first, it seems like a valid argument, until....

She states how her in-laws watch her every friday while they play softball, and that sometimes it is overnight so that the little girl is not up late.

Now, it is just me or does this seem a bit childish? I mean, her in-laws watch her for them, what seems to be every friday and they are upset that the little girl pick up saying grace before meals???

The poster even states in a later post that her MIL said that she didn't "teach" the little girl to say it, but that she sees them say grace before meals and that's how she must have picked it up.

So.... does she expect her in-laws to change their habits and beliefs for her?? Seriuosly! I mean, if my MIL watched my kids for me on a weekly basis I would not complain about something like a 2.5 year old saying an innocent prayer before eating!

I could understand if they were teaching the little girl racist things or that people who don't beleive are evil, but to complain over something like this??? PULEEZE.... if it's so terrible, find a babysitter!

Okay... mini-rant over. I feel better. LOL

Menu Monday

2010-05-03T11:29:00.002-05:00

Monday: Corned beef and cabbage

Tuesday: Clean out the fridge night

Wednesday: Crockpot chicken thighs cooked in spagetti sauce, served over rice

Thursday: Grilled steaks, potatos and green beans

Friday: Pizza night

Saturday: Grilled chicken, mixed grilled veggies and bread

Sunday: Kings Dominion: Pasta salad with grilled chicken, veggies and cheese.

Working full time, going to school full time and blogging...

2010-04-27T20:58:00.005-05:00

do NOT mix! LOL

I don't plan for it to go SO long between blog posts, but life gets in the way!

We have our garden in, for the most part. I have some more blueberry and raspberry bushes in this year, oh... I also have some wonderful flowering strawberry plants in my front flower bed! I am more for function than looks! LOL

This week and next is finals week for three of my classes. Then I start the summer semester on May 17th. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel... I am almost DONE with my Associates degree! Yay me!!!

Book Review: Family Feasts for $75 a Week.

2010-02-17T11:03:00.003-05:00

This is a wonderfull cookbook from a blogging mom! You can read about her and her family of 12 at Owlhaven.

After reading the book, I like the wonderful Mrs. Ostyn writes about her family life and how she adapts recipes for her family. I like the easy recipes and her hints on ways to make them even for frugal!

I fixed Chili Corn Pone Pie (pg 112) for my family the other day. Overall it recieved good reviews. The only desenter was my youngest who is not partial to beans, expect of the green variety. LOL For my family, I will make it saucier next time, but there will be a next time with this recipe. Which is a good thing!

So, if you are in the market for a new cookbook, check out "Family Feasts for $75 a Week" by Mary Ostyn.

**I am not receiving any kind of compensation for this review. I even bought the cookbook myself.**

Blizzard of 2010

2010-02-10T22:41:00.003-05:00

That's how the local news is describing it. LOL This is from the first wave of the storm. I was going to get some pictures of todays new one, but the wind was SO bad that it was pure white outside most of the day. Maybe I can get some pictures tomorrow.

I had not realized I have been THAT busy!

2010-02-03T12:43:00.002-05:00

I have been working full time at the school and I am taking a full course load of classes this semester. Add that to keeping house, I am one BUSY lady!

I do not want life to get in the way of my blogging, but I am not sure how I am going to work my posts into my schedule. Maybe I can plan to spend 10-15 minutes a night thinking of things to write about and then another 10-15 minutes in the morning posting those thoughts.

I still need to be frugal, but how I do that is changing. I can not spend as much time cooking as I used to, but I don't want to start buying convenience food either. Not just because of costs, but also because of health reasons!

I will work this out and start posting more.

Being hit by a spammer!

2009-12-20T11:37:00.002-05:00

Wow.... I have had one post being spammed lately! I have deleted at least 10 comments in the last 3 days.

So... the best way to (hopefully) resolve this problem is to set up a comment moderation for any posts older than 5 days.

I hate to do this, but I am getting tired of that one post being spammed. Weird how spammers minds work.

Ha Ha....so much for my blogging more often!

2009-12-07T14:35:00.002-05:00

Seriously though... I really meant to, it's just life seems to get in the way!

I have recently acquired a substitute position that could last until the end of the school year. I am very happy about that, but also realize that I will have to become much more organized if I plan to stay within a reasonable grocery budget.

Meaning.... planiing meals in advance, using my slow-cooker more often and NOT relying on frozen pre-cooked meals or even fast food for dinners.

Another expense is lunches for myself. I have so far just fixed a sandwich the same time I fixed them for the kids' lunches, but I will have to look into varying that a bit. I get bored quickly with lunches and would hate to start hitting the snack machine because I was not prepared.

I do look to this as another stage in my life and hope that it leads to a permanent position.

Busy with my own schoolwork...

2009-10-24T23:05:00.002-05:00

I know, I am a bad blogger. But I do have an excuse! I have been subbing alot and keeping up with my college classes!

I will truly try and do better. Maybe set up certain days of the week to post, even if it is just an update on us.

I will let you all know. :-)

Another generation to appreciate "Anne of Green Gables"

2009-10-10T23:03:00.003-05:00

Okay... so I have made it a habit of getting books on CD from the library. Mainly because there is not alot of good music on the radio today and also because I like to listen to them while I am driving.

The latest that I have been listening to is "Anne of Green Gables." One of my all time favorites. I have read it SO many times over the years.

Guess who now wants her own copy of the book? You guessed it, my 8 year old! Older brother does not want to admit to it, but he is getting into the story also. LOL

Almost a month....

2009-09-05T09:05:00.003-05:00

since I posted last. Bad Molly!

Things have been super busy here!

My classes are going smoothly and I am subbing like crazy! Alot more than this time last year! That's okay, I am extremely grateful for the hours!

The garden is winding down. I took a picutre of the yummy watermelon we harvested (yes, it appears we will only get ONE from the three plants I planted! :-( ), but I can not find it..it is on the computer somewhere. LOL

I hope to get some carrots and turnips in the ground to have some for a fall harvest... but we will see what happens.

Here is to hoping everyone is happy and healthy!

Back from vacation!

2009-08-09T22:34:00.002-05:00

Had a wonderful week at the beach...and not back to reality! LOL

Tomorrow will be getting back into the swing of a normal routine, well at least for two weeks until school starts again, and then a new, new routine. LOL

Laundry will be first on the list tomorrow, then wiping down bathrooms and checking out what can be done in the garden since we were gone for a week!

Gearing up for the next semester of college!

2009-07-26T22:11:00.002-05:00

I currently have two weeks left of this summer class I am taking. Actually only one, since we leave for our vacation next Sunday. :-)

I am taking four classes this Fall.... I am getting so excited! I am starting to look into which school I will transfer into after I get my degree from the community college!

The kiddos are gearing up for the start of school also. It starts August 24th...same day that my college classes start. LOL

I have been canning green beans from the garden. :-) That and dehydrating beans and squash!

I am loving my dehydrator!

The economy....

2009-07-13T08:33:00.003-05:00

Like many people we have been efffected by the economy. For us, it was mainly just the increase prices more than anything else, but not anymore.

Starting with the final pay period of this month, DH is "receiving" a pay cut. :-( It is not major, but it will take some adjusting.

We are trying to look on the positive and remind ourselves that a small paycut is much better than a pink slip!

In response to this new pay rate, I will be increasing my efforts in the area of getting the most for my grocery dollar.

Here are my first line of defense:

1. Making a menu and STICKING to it! No more, "I don't feel like ____" and then running to the store for something that does not need to defrost!

2. Making better use of leftovers. This is something I have been bad about lately.

3. Making even MORE things from scratch. (I need to find a sub roll recipe for DH's lunches)

4. I will NOT impulse buy anymore!

There will be more things I will add to my list, plus I will go back and read some of my earlier blog posts when I was alot more strict in the grocery area.

more pics....

2009-07-07T23:16:00.001-05:00

Pictures for a friend....

2009-07-07T17:22:00.001-05:00

These are from the last couple of months... so pretty recent.

I will post a couple more later.... promise!

Interested in learning about gardening, preserving and other skills from our ancestors?

2009-07-03T21:20:00.002-05:00

Then join us here:

OMG I love this tool!

2009-06-24T15:11:00.002-05:00

Besides that fact that I am posting twice in one day....

I just had to tell you all about a garden tool I found out about from a wonderful blogger! The Grocery Cart Challenge

She calls her a "halo hoe," but my local Home Depot calls it an "action hoe." Either way, I consider it a God-send!

I went out and weeded my "trouble" area... the paths between my bean plants! It was a breeze and took just a matter of minutes on a job that usually takes ALOT longer and requires bending over the whole time!

School's out for the summer....

2009-06-24T08:49:00.002-05:00

Okay... this is actually the fourth day of their summer vacation, but I am a "bad" blogger... so I am just now getting to it. he he he

Summer plans this year include... visits to Kings Dominion. We get season passes to this amusement park.

Visit my mom a few times, first time will be the 4th of July weekend.

Going to Myrtle Beach in August. Only four of us are going... Donny has to work. Such is the life of a young adult needing money for spending during the sollege semesters....

I have signed the kiddos up for the library's summer reading program..and have a few projects to do with them for fun.

Watching the neighbor boy also... so at least Ian has a playmate. They will have to just get over having to play with a girl. :-)

Ouch...almost a month and a half has gone by...

2009-05-27T08:02:00.001-05:00

since I last posted!

Been so busy! College ending for the semester, starting the next semester. Donny coming home and getting resettled.

My mom had her surgery and is recovery very nicely!

Just ALOT going on!

The Sun is Out!

2009-04-17T11:10:00.002-05:00

So what am I doing inside at the computer? LOL

Well, I am having my lunch right now... so that is why. hehehe

I have two loads of towels and sheets out on the line, I have a basket of clean clothes waiting to be folded and I have another in the washer.

I love when it is warm and dry, since clothes dried on the line are just so... homey! (Plus the savings on the electric bill are nice also!)

Nisan 14

2009-04-08T21:18:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow (April 9th) after sundown will begin the date of Nisan 14. The day that Jesus gave his life so that all of us can have the opportunity to receive everlasting life.

His perfect life in exchange for Adam's sin.

We observe this with a special meeting where we read remember, through scriptures, the events leading up to his sacrifice.

I have always found it rather funny

2009-04-03T21:13:00.000-05:00

when people use their blogs to “condemn” other people’s religion.*

Especially when these people have never really looked into what the others believe, but just take whatever their own church’s so-called “expert” says about what the other religion believes.

If you want to know what a person in a certain religion believes…. Ask someone that is currently a member of that religion.

Thank you!

*I might not agree with another religion’s beliefs, but I do not use my blog to condemn any of those religions. I will post what I believe and that is all.

I caught a glimpse of the future yesterday....

2009-03-18T19:53:00.003-05:00

We had another pet loss in our family yesterday. It was my son's hamster. He has had this hamster for over two years and was rather attached. It was not uncommon to see his hamster climbing over his shoulders or running around on his bed as he laid there watching. It was not uncommon for my son to ask for a piece of carrot, lettuce or apple as a "treat" for his buddy. Which of course, was always given.

So... in what way did I see the future? When I gave my son the news yesterday after school, he's eyes started to redden, but he shook off any "mothering" I wanted to do at that time. He squared his shoulders and said "okay... we need to bury him."

I got a box for him, we used some cotton batting and some fabric to improvise a hamster coffin. (Unfortunately, I have had practice with this.) We then went out back and got the shovel. At this point he said, "mom, I want to do this myself." I asked again if he was sure, he was positive, he wanted to do this himself. I told him to let me know if he needs help, but okay.

Well, it was not exactly easy for him, but he did it. My almost 10 year old, dug the grave (after having to tell him once that it needed to be deeper) and then put his friend to rest.

His face was wet and smeared with dirt, but he did this himself. He wanted to give this to his friend.

My heart grew warm with my love for my young man, and got a glimpse of the man he will one day be....

Re-homing fee?????

2009-03-17T11:01:00.003-05:00

Okay... this is a new one on me!

I am in the process of trying to find a new kitten to add to our family. (Yes, we had a loss, but I am not ready to talk about that)

I have looked at the animal shelters, but in my area they want everything short of a blood sample in order for you to adopt. Don't get me wrong, I believe in making sure an animal is going to a loving home, but one place actually asked for me to state "who" would get the animal in case of divorce! Oh... and they all say they have to come out for a "home visit" before you can adopt an animal. I am sorry, but that is just too much in my book.

So... I look to craigslist and the local papers. Found some kittens, but each ad stated that there was a small "re-homing" fee for the kittens! I decided to call and find out about one.... and guess what! The "small" fee was $50! I was told this was to cover the cost of a vet visit and food. Okay... I could see the vet part, but when I asked for proof, I was told they did not have any??? Excuse me?! You want me to pay you that much money and I will have no proof that the kitten was even taken to a vet, much less proof that it had its first shots. I don't think so!

What happen to the days when people truly wanted to find homes for the kittens? If they do not want the trouble, then make sure YOUR cat gets fixed before she can get out and get herself in a "family way!"

Okay.... off to look for any more ads....

Ever get upset/irritated by something a person posts on their blog?

2009-03-11T10:06:00.002-05:00

Well, I try not to let it get to me, especially since it is a view that I pretty much knew the person held, but seeing it posted really got my ire up this morning!

I am not going to get into what it was about, but I think I am just going to let it go and pray about it.

I know that nothing I would post would change thier viewpoint, even though they are WRONG, so why waste my time.

And I do not feel this post is a waste of time and energy, because it is a vent, and I will feel better after I post! :-)

Okay, other than that... life is going along nicely. Classes are pretty much the same, sick kids are seem to be finally over the crud they had and we are having some nice warm days!

I NEED spring! LOL

Things are holding steady....

2009-03-01T23:48:00.002-05:00

School is progressing; kids were sick, but now recovering; still hoping to get hired with the school system.

Not much to report at the moment.

"The righteous themselves will possess the earth,
And they will reside forever upon it." Psalms 37:29.

2 Timothy 3:16,17

2009-02-19T23:30:00.000-05:00

All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.

Message board update..

2009-02-19T23:25:00.002-05:00

Well... I pared them down! I now only have 12 on my list. 2-3 I only look at maybe once a week.. so those I will keep as "read only" ones for now. I own one, so that is a keeper. LOL One, I am only staying on there until I save some more information from there that I want to keep, and then I am deleting my account. That is more because anything I post where I defend my beliefs, the post gets deleted. But the other post that is posting falsehoods is left. Yeah, I see a pattern there. (And I want to point out that I am only defending my beliefs) I don't need that kind of treatment!

The others are ones that I love and don't ever plan to leave! (I hope I never have a reason to leave!)

Needing to pare down my message boards..

2009-02-11T17:08:00.002-05:00

Okay, I have come to the conclusion that I need to lessen the number of message boards that I visit. The only problem with that is that I now have to DECIDE which ones that will be.

Checking out the current USDA..

2009-02-06T16:57:00.003-05:00

monthly food cost quide. The most recent the site says is available is December, 2008, but I could not get that one to work, so I looked up Novembers. USDA

Since Donny is only here for summers and college breaks, I am calculating our costs on a family of 4. Their "thrifty" plan has me spending $604.90 a month! On my goodness......

My personal goal (and I usually make it) is to spend on $300.00 a month on food and $50.00 on non-food items.

And we live less than an hour from D.C., so our cost of living is not exactly cheap!

What is your family's costs compared to what the .gov thinks you are spending?

What I am currently reading, for pleasure...

2009-01-31T20:48:00.000-05:00

The is where I wanted to put a picture, but I could not get things to cooperate!

Duggars: 20 and Counting.

I am only about 1/2 way through it....but it is really nice and informative.

Going down memory's lane....

2009-01-30T22:53:00.002-05:00

I just finished reading a blog of a friend of mine (do I say former? I would rather not, but it has been too long since we have talked)...

For awhile I could not access her blog, since it is a part of her board and I am not a member there.

Reading it was bittersweet. It reminded me of all the good times I had there. Don't get me wrong, I still stand by my reasons for leaving, but it does not change the fact that I miss what had been. (Does that make sense?) There will never be another place like that one and I hope that whatever "growing pains" it went through, it came out the better for it.

If you are reading this... I think you will know who I am thinking of.....

Still trudging along....

2009-01-28T23:01:00.003-05:00

Classes are going great so far... will start my fourth one on the 2nd of February! It is my Art class, really looking forward to what that one will entail!

Been subbing alot at the school and praying that I get an interview for a teaching assistant position. I will hopefully hear soon about it.

Feeling as if I caught a cold...so taking it a bit easy so it does not become something else!

I got my books today!

2009-01-07T11:55:00.000-05:00

I am so excited! Okay, alittle scared too, but a good kind. he he he

I am done!

2009-01-05T19:50:00.001-05:00

Okay... I mean that I am officially done with the Fall Semester!

Now I can just relax a bit until Monday, when the Spring semester begins. LOL

Here's to a great new year everyone!

Gearing up for 2009

2008-12-30T17:56:00.002-05:00

As the year draws to a close, I think about what I did this year and what I want to accomplish next year.

I am not making any resolutions, but I do plan to stick more to my household cleaning schedule and make my weekly menus on a regular basis.

I am continuing my goal of $300 for food and $50 for non food items. I also hope to continue to reduce that further since most months there are only four of us at home now that Donny is away at college.

I have gotten a bunch of seed catalogs in the mail, and hope to work on getting seedlings started this year, thus buying fewer started plants come garden time.

The last days of 2008

2008-12-27T21:54:00.002-05:00

I have found out that my final grade for History is an A! Yahoo! I am so happy!

Now just waiting for the final three classes to come through. Of course, I still have two that are not finished. LOL

Next week will be busy. I need to get my car inspected by Thursday. My sister and her husband fly in Wednesday morning and then Sweetie and I will be going out that night. See... the 31st is our anniversary! Going out to dinner and maybe a movie!

Then on Thursday, we will have a few family members over for dinner. It has become our tradition to make a standing rib roast on the first. Not sure how it started, but everyone looks forward to it. LOL

The semester is drawing to a close...

2008-12-21T21:23:00.002-05:00

and I am very happy about that. LOL

I have received my first official ending grade for a course... for my "Personal and Community Health" class I have a "B". I am very happy with that grade! I just hope the other classes are that (or higher!) History should be an "A", unless I really tanked on my final! LOL

The kids are out for two weeks, so we are currently at my mom's and then we will just hang out at home for the rest of the break.

I have already signed up for my classes for next semester. Taking another 13 credit hours....so it should be another fun semester. LOL Hey, if I am going to do this, I am going to try and get it done as fast as my schedule will allow!

Time flies.... when you are busy.

2008-12-13T23:48:00.002-05:00

Alot has gone on this I last posted.

School is almost over.....for this semester. I have already registered for next semester.

I have some things I want to post about...but do not have the time right now... I should have time after the 21st.

But I just wanted to say "hi" and that I am still alive.

Paperbackswap

2008-11-10T22:13:00.002-05:00

Have you heard of this website? It is wonderful! I have found some books that I have been looking for for quite awhile!

You post books that you are willing to get rid of... in exchange for credits that you use to receive books from other people. You pay the postage on your end...and those that send to you pay the postage on their end.

I'm back to blogging....

2008-11-07T21:37:00.002-05:00

Or did you even realize I was missing? LOL

Sorry I did not announce I was taking a break fro here... it was a bit of step away or risk losing my last bit of sanity.

October was not a good month for my family. You all already know that I lost my aunt, I broke a bone in my foot, and my daughter lost her hamster. What happened after my last post was not good either.

On the morning of October 23rd, I received a phone call from my 19 year old away at college. He was informing me that a very good friend of his, and our neighbor was killed the previous night in a car accident. This news hurt our hearts greatly. This was the closest person my son had ever lost, at least that he is old enough to remember. He came home the following day, even though we offered to come get him right then, but he wanted to let his Professors know where he was going. I took the news very hard, harder even than the news of loosing my aunt. But then again, I had not seen my aunt in years, but our friend used to be at our house often. No parent should have to lose a child, death is a terrible thing to deal with, but someone so young just seems so much more tragic.

Also during this time, our mini van did not pass inspection. I sat for three hours waiting and then get an estimate for over $700 for what needs to be done to get it to pass the state inspection. When it rains, it poors!

I did not get much accomplished with my college classes for almost the next two weeks. The things that did have deadlines were not my best work and things that did not have to be done by a certain date just sat there, untouched.

I have finally gotten things pretty much caught up, and hopefully producing work that is more up to my usual standards.

So far November has been better. Dh worked on the van....and guess what? A few bolts were loose, and when HE took it to get re inspected, it passed! Let's just say that we will never go back to that place again. He did not even touch one of the areas they told me did not pass....so that right there tells you volumes! Anyways... I was just so thankful that we did not have to use our emergency fund for auto repairs.

I also got a wonderful sale price on bottom and top round roasts. I grind these up and pay less per pound than store bought ground meat! Plus, I know what is going into that package of ground beef that I put in the freezer.

I truly do plan to post more...now that school is back on schedule, and my emotions have come back to order. (I still get sad if I think about him, or I run across a picture of him with my kids, but that is just part of living)

I had tried to set a challenge figure to keep my budget at last month....but that did not happen, so I am starting again with November. I will post about that as I get my figures together.

Thursday, 10-16-08

2008-10-16T16:07:00.002-05:00

Not alot going on... Picked my mom up yesterday so she can catch her flight Friday morning to go to Texas for the funeral.

I am behind on school work, but have plenty of time to catch up.

Trying to get back into the practice of keeping a price book, prices are getting all screwy! Yesterday I realized that basic canned veggies are 3 cents a can cheaper at Walmart than Aldi's! So... who knows what else I will find. Also trying to get back on track with a monthly budget. Need to do some adjusting now that there is only four of us here. I should get it down nicely.

Another update...

2008-10-14T22:09:00.003-05:00

Goodness, it has been 9 days since I last blogged!

Been really busy with school. Working with the seniors and the school. And family life.

Besides the above, which is pretty much weekly, I also broke a bone in my foot, we lost a pet and the worst...my aunt passed away. I am limping along, my daughter is coming to terms with the loss of her hamster and my mom is getting ready to fly out to Texas for the funeral of her sister.

I took my first mid-term for college, a history one. I am confident I passed, but not sure what my grade will be. I have another one due for Cultural Geography. I had hoped to do it this week, but it just will not work this week, so I will do it Tuesday of next week.

Anyways... life goes on, it just takes some time

This was a hard week....

2008-10-05T21:49:00.002-05:00

coursework-wise that is! (I think I just made up a new word! LOL)

Ian was home sick on Monday, I worked on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday...oh and had to go and meet up with Donny since he was home for a long weekend.

I got SOOO behind on my assignments for the week! I usually like to have everything done by end of day Friday... so I have the whole weekend free. I just finished my last assignment less than an hour ago... not what I wanted, but at least I am done before the due date.

I don't plan to let that happen next week, it is just too stressfull.

I hope your week went well....

Still surviving

2008-09-23T10:11:00.002-05:00

Been really busy. Course work has really picked up. Just finished the first of 4 essays that I will need to do for History. And that is JUST history. LOL Does not include all the other classes. But I am pacing it and so far so good. My biggest issue is that I hate to be graded! LOL And of course, what is the whole point of college, but to submit work for grades. LOL

Anyway... I am getting there, plus working here and there at the school and for the senior care place. I know it will all be worth it in the end!

Hugs to all you out there that read this blog and cares about the life of one lady in Virginia! ;-)

It looks might once a week (or less)....

2008-09-09T11:01:00.003-05:00

might become normal for this blog for now.

My online courses have gotten really busy now, plus the last two started up yesterday and they have just has much if not more assignments than my other three! I am starting to question my decision! I know, I will get through this! (Well, God willing, anyways!)

Kids are doing good....family life is going along nicely. I am starting to get teaching assignments, and so far I am keeping up with my own schooling. So really, I can not complain too much. I knew going into this that I would be losing my online "play" time. I just miss some of the chats I would have!

Anyways...please keep me in your thoughts as I wade through academia and continue being a wife and mother in the process!

Hugs!

The first week of school....

2008-08-29T19:54:00.002-05:00

Well, it is over! The first week of school that is. :-D

Okay... I had plans for Monday. I really did, but unforseen occurances befall us all, and that is exactly what happened on Monday.

Picture getting the kids up for school and dealing with one nervous fourth grader (they change classes for science and social studies!!), add in a 2nd grader that did not go to sleep until almost 11 o'clock the night before (not fun!)! Got everyone ready, start out towards the end of our driveway (our bus stop)...and before the kids get half way there, I see it... our oldest daughter's cat lying dead across the street. Let's just say that the first day of school this year will be rememorable, just not in the way I would have liked!

Okay... I call my sweetie and tell him, get the kids on the bus (their choice, I gave them the option to drive them in later), put the dog in the house and got a blanket. Then went across the street to see if there was any hope....there was not. :-(

Oldest daughter came over later, we had a small graveside service to say goodbye to Payne.

Okay... now the plans I had made for that was day to surprise the kids with a new kitten! I had already made the arrangements to meet up with this person and could not change them. Thankfully my oldest took this well and actually said playing with the new kitten helped her with her grief.

The next day was rather uneventful, until Sweetie almost took his finger off with the log splitter on Tuesday night! Three hours at the hospital and 5 stitches later... he was okay. (yeah, it is never dull here!)

Oh... did I mention that I am taking a full course load at the community college, and my classes started on Monday also?? Well... I am and they did! Thankfully the first week of assignments were pretty simple and easy, so I was done by Wednesday.

Our 18 year old came home this weekend, which was a wonderful way to end the week.

Of course.... we have not gotten through Saturday yet.... LOL

Random tid bit...

2008-08-21T07:58:00.002-05:00

Did you know that in the state of New Jersey, it is illegal for you to pump your own gasoline?

I did not know that until we drove through the state on our way to Maine! I had never heard of anything like that!

I wonder what the reasoning was for that little law? hmmmm...that will make you wonder for a bit.

General updates on us.....

2008-08-18T07:53:00.002-05:00

Okay... I have not posted any pictures because my photo-editing program (the one I love!) did not get transferred to the new computer and I have yet to find one I can tolerate! LOL But I am working on it.

Alright, here is what has been going on in my life for the last couple of weeks:

We were in Maine the first week of the month, which was nice and peacefull and fun! Unfortunately, I got some bad news while we were there! The new superintendant of the school system decided to use his authority and decided that there had to be a substitute with a degree for the assignment I was going to do this year. The principal told him that HR had not found anyone and had ok'd her choice (me) for the position. He would not budge and told her that he did not care WHAT degree the person had, but that they HAD to have one. She was not happy, and of course, neither was(am) I! Although I can understand where he is coming from, just because a person has a degree, does not mean they are qualified to teach a room full of first graders! Oh well, life goes on and I am trying to get a position as a teaching assistant at another school. I will still substitute teach and work for the senior care place until something full time comes my way.

Since I will not be teaching full time, DH has encouraged me to take a full course load of classes this semester! I am scared half to death! I will be taking 4 online classes! I just hope I do not lose my mind in the process!

Our 18 year old is off at college! I was rather "bummed" on the way home. Don't get me wrong, I am so proud of him, but I will miss him! (It helps that he keeps texting me!)

I was able to visit my mom for a long weekend.... it is always nice to visit mom.

This is the final "free" week until the kids start back to school. I have almost all their supplies together...and just a few more things to get before the first day.

Well.... this will be all for now gang!

Back from Maine...

2008-08-10T11:34:00.001-05:00

We got back into town late last night.

Had no internet access at the lake.... will update later.

Hugs to everyone

Scripture for today....

2008-07-26T12:41:00.001-05:00

The angel of Jehovah is camping all around those fearing him, And he rescues them.
Ps 34:7

What a verse of comfort.

I got the long term substitute teaching position!

2008-07-23T13:59:00.001-05:00

I will be teaching first grade! I am guaranteed until mid-January! Then it will depend on if the regular teacher can get early dismissal from her tour of duty or not.

She is trying to save up her leave time to get done early, but if not, I will be subbing until mid May!

I am so excited and honestly, an tad scared!

I brought home a stack of teachers reference materials to start getting an idea of what I will be doing!

I also need to start bulk cooking some, since I will be working full time AND taking two online courses. LOL Talk about jumping in feet first! LOL

I have been tagged...

2008-07-19T12:43:00.002-05:00

Okay, Donna over at the Zoo, has tagged me...so here we go:

Here are the rules.

1) Link to the person who tagged me.
2) Mention the rules.
3) Tell 6 quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about myself.
4) Tag 6 other bloggers by linking to them. (I don't know if I can do 6, since most have already been tagged by other people! LOL)
5) Go to each person's blog and leave a comment that lets them know they've been tagged.

Okay here go the Quirky, Boring Details

1) I love to bake, but hate to clean up after. (Is that really quirky???)

2) I read all sorts of "self-suffiency" books, but don't really want to HAVE to grow and raise all my own food.

3) I am a rather frugal person, but secretly, I would love to be able to go shopping without looking at any price tags!

4) I usually have at least 3 different books going at any given time!

5) Although I would never get one, I would love to have a small tattoo.

6) Is it a quirk to not really know what your quirks are?? I would ask my sweetie what my quirks are, but he is not here. LOL

Now... off to see if there are any of my online blogging friends that has NOT been tagged yet.

Update on monthly spending

2008-07-17T13:27:00.002-05:00

Hi all,

I have been wanting to post some pictures I have taken with my new camera, but we lost the programs I normally use when we got this new computer. LOL I will post them as soon as I can....promise!

Okay, back to the budget.

As of yesterday, I have spent $246.69 of my budgeted $350.00 for food, and $10.53 of my $50 for animals and misc.

Considering this is the 17th of the month, and I will not need to buy much for the rest of the month, I should be able to make my budget. I think I will use the excess to stock up on any meat sales that happen between now and the end of the month.

So...how is your grocery challenge going?

Using the USDA's Guide for grocery budget.....

2008-07-08T09:02:00.002-05:00

I decided to look up the USDA's website to see what they had for their monthly food budget plans. (I always like to see how much less I spend than what they
"think" I should! LOL)

The most recent figures they have are for April, 2008 (here)

For their "Thrifty" plan for my family, I should be spending $694.07 a month on FOOD! Let me just say, even with my being lazy that last couple of months, I did not spend even close to that amount on food! I also did some stocking up and did not come close to that amount!

I am still planning on spending just $350 for this month, with a budget of $50 for non-food items (this will include pet supplies also). This is a very reasonable amount, since I have a nice pantry and have been working with a pantry for years.

Our garden is also starting to produce, so that helps keep costs down at the store. I also need to look into some new canning recipes so that I can stock up my pantry with home made items!

Getting back to tracking my monthly grocery spending....

2008-07-07T14:44:00.002-05:00

I used to know to the penny what I spent on groceries every month. I really did, but then I got lazy. LOL

I am back to doing that. I went to the store today and spent $20.92 on groceries. I spent $26.76 four days ago... so as of today, I have spent $47.68. I plan to keep my spending to less than $350 this month.

It should be easy, but only time will tell. lolololol

Ceremony day is here!

2008-06-29T09:10:00.001-05:00

well... all the cupcakes are iced, the veggies are cut up, the dip is in the fridge, and we will pick the cake up at the bakery.

I have done all I can.....so we now just wait and hope it goes rather smoothly! LOL

I will let you all know how it went later.

1930's Wife

2008-06-28T09:26:00.000-05:00

As a 1930s wife, I am
Very Superior

Take the test!

Something I read on a message board I frequent...

2008-06-24T12:15:00.001-05:00

Let me preface this by saying that I have a number of "Northern Friends" that would fit the same role as "Southern Friends" do in this list. :-D

'FRIENDS' VS. 'SOUTHERN' FRIENDS

FRIENDS: Never ask for food.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Always bring the food. And lots of it.

FRIENDS: Will say 'hello'.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will give you a big hug and a kiss. More than one.

FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Call your parents Mom and Dad, and often.

FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Cry with you. And for you.

FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner table and leave.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will spend hours there, talking, laughing, and just being together. Then do the dishes before leaving.

FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you. And most of the time know you better than you do yourself.

FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds' butt that left you. Then walk beside you in the front of the crowd.

FRIENDS: Would knock on your door.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Walk right in and say, 'I'm home!' If you are not home they will wait.

FRIENDS: Are for a while.
SOUTHREN FRIENDS: Are for life. And then some.

FRIENDS: Might ignore this.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will forward this to all their Southern Friends!
'Life is Short ......So Enjoy It!'

First full week of summer vacation over...

2008-06-21T13:44:00.002-05:00

And they are still both ALIVE...but barely. LOL

Oh things are really not that bad... just them adjusting to being home together all day. LOL Add in the neighbor boy that I am watching this summer and it can get interesting.

I have signed them both up for the library's summer reading program. I have mentioned it to the dad of our neighbor... so hopefully he will sign his son up also. I would truly dislike having to let them get prizes and he not getting anything. I can only do so much.

The garden is coming along nicely. I just wish it would hurry up a bit. LOL

Not much to post about... but wanted to at least post something, I am sure it has been at least a week, if not longer, since my last post.

Hope you all are enjoying the first official day of SUMMER!

Summer time in the country.....

2008-06-12T09:47:00.000-05:00

Such a nice place to be a kid!

Molly, Molly quite contrary.....how does your garden grow?

2008-06-10T15:07:00.002-05:00

The garden in doing very well, considering the heat we have been having.

Here are a couple of pictures:

My cukes.

My squash.

My peppers, tomatos and beans are coming along nicely also. I will take pictures of those later.

After checking on our garden... I went around front to finally get my herbs planted. I got my thyme, dill, oregano, spearment planted. Went on to plant my sweet basil... when I noticed that the soil seemed to have been "disturbed". I just figured something had been messing with them... no biggie, they looked good. Got my hole dug and loosened the container, flipped the plant over and.........

This plopped into my hand along with the dirt. Let's just say that I jumped a foot and screamed a bit! LOL

Okay... I am NOT afraid of toads...but when I am NOT expecting one to come out of my herb container, I am taken by surprise! LOL

S/He was not a happy camper either! LOL I beleive I woke it rather suddenly! LOL

So... any interesting garden stories you would like to share?

Part of my weekend.....

2008-06-10T07:19:00.003-05:00

I will post some more pictures...but wanted to share a couple for now:

Here is the cake we got for the cookout:

Here is one of the family:

(well, minus Heather, who was taking the picture and Jennifer, who had already gone off with friends)

And here is the cute couple:

I will post more later... school ending has us really busy!

I am still alive...

2008-05-31T16:55:00.002-05:00

My life has been REALLY busy. We were gone for Memorial Day weekend... I then worked three of the four days of school that week. Then add in two nights of awards at the high school for my senior... I have not done much at all.. least of which online.

On the home front... my 20 year old step daughter is taking the navy exam on the third of June. If she does not pass, then she has to enlist in the army! (Yeah, tough love going on here!) We got her a book to help her pass the exam, but her idea of studying is not what I would call studying! But as DH says, "she knows what will happen if she fails"... so there is not much I can do about her lack of studying.

We have most of our garden in! YIPPEE! I planted a long row of bush beans today. DH wanted to know WHY I did not do both. LOL I told him that I would like to stagger the time of harvest. If we get a yeild like last year, I will have plenty to can! I did not have my pressure canner last year... so this I hope to end the season with rows of nice jars of home canned green beans! (yes, I can already see them!)

My blueberries are coming along wonderfully! I will actually get some this year! Nothing like I will once the bushes really get going though!

So... how are your gardens growing???

Getting back on the frugal bandwagon.

2008-05-20T08:13:00.001-05:00

Okay,

I have been a bit lax on my planning in the grocery/meals department lately. (I know, that is not a new thing!)

This seems to be my "issue" when it comes to frugality! I just get tired of it! Plain and simple. It happens a couple times a year, but usually only for a couple weeks at a time. This time, it has lasted longer than normal. I am sure I could come up with all sorts of reasons "why" or excuses, but it really just comes down to the fact that I just did not WANT to.

So.... I am figuritively kicking myself in the rear and getting out my menu sheets, cookbooks and figuring what I have in the freezer and using that up with what is on sale each week!

Tonight will be chicken and dumplings because it is cold and rainy... perfect weather for a stew-like dish!

Wednesday will be spagetti with homemade bread.

Not sure about the rest of the week....but will get that planned before Thursday morning! LOL

With prices going up, I can not take the luxury of NOT planning and sticking to those plans.

I need to re-read my own stratigies for keeping my grocery budget down! (I need to go search my blog history for those posts! LOL )

Proud momma post.....

2008-05-12T12:09:00.002-05:00

This past saturday was my 18 year old's senior prom. I thought I would share a couple of photos from that day:

And here is one with him and his girlfriend:

More on our Daytona trip....

2008-05-10T13:15:00.003-05:00

Here are some pictures from the JROTC competitions that my oldest son went to..

Here is some from their drill team performance:

Now, I hope I have those in order, but if not... you get the idea of what they were doing. I think they did really good, but of course, I would. LOL

I think I have adopted three little ones today.......

2008-05-09T18:55:00.003-05:00

birds, that is!

They are casualties of our storms last night. Their nest was on the ground, and I just couldn't leave them there to become a meal to some animal.

I put them on our porch... fed them watered down puppy food and then when I stepped inside to check on our dinner (washing my hands thoroughly)...I come to the window to see momma bird feeding them some worms! I could not beleive it.

Now I have a different problem... they are not safe on the front porch, at least not where they are now....but I have no idea where to put them so that momma can get to them, but nothing else can!

What was that I said... about posting again soon??

2008-05-05T21:18:00.002-05:00

Hmmm... that was back on the 25th of April and here it is.... May 5th! LOL

Oh well... the best laid plans.. yada yada. LOL

Well... part of what has been going on is that we went out of town for about 4 days. We surprised our 18 year old in Daytona on Friday. No, he was not there on some sort of spring break debauched vacation... he was there because his JROTC group qualified to compete in the National Drill Team competition!

It was really fun...and really impressive what those kids can do!

Got home late on Sunday, then turned around and worked today at the school and will work tomorrow also!

I have not even had a chance to look at my CVS ad or to get by there to pick up my May book! I am having withdrawal symptoms! But, I understand there are some nice deals... so hopefully I will be able to not only get "free" products, but to also increase my ECB's! (reminder to myself, check the experiations on the ones I have!)

Anyways, that is all for now and I truly hope to be able to post more soon!

Wow, what a busy week...

2008-04-25T18:36:00.003-05:00

This week has been busy. (Goodness, I have been saying that alot lately!)

I worked more this week than others...plus, DH has been home earlier than usual. (Which is nice!) So, I have spent more time either with him or he has been on the computer in the evenings.

I have been able to get on and read, so that is not too backed up. LOL

There has been all sorts of stuff going on in the blog-world. LOL I might mention my thoughts and views on some, then again, I might not. Depends on how much time I have and if I feel it will be worth it. LOL

My message board has really picked up in activity! I love it!

Well... that will be all for now, don't be surprised if I post again later.

Shameless Plug!

2008-04-20T08:26:00.003-05:00

Okay, I have a few things to post today:

This is my 200th post! Part of me is really impressed that I have that many, and the other part can not beleive I have done so FEW! LOL

Since I started tracking how many visitors come to my blog (I think I started that in November, 2006), I have had over 5,000 hits! Might not be much compared to some, but I am impressed. :-)

Now... here is the shameless plug part!

Want to be a part of a fledgling message board? Want to have a place on the web to share and learn from other women about taking care of the homes and families? Then head on over to "One Frugal Mom"'s message board! Here is the link:

One Frugal Mom's Message board

Thank you,

Molly

And now, for today's episode of "As The Throat Aches".......

2008-04-18T18:21:00.002-05:00

That is what my life feels like lately! LOL

My 18 year old has been having problems with his throat for months. He has been taken a few series of anntibiotics with the last series coupled with prednisone hoping to "heal" it for good.

Well... that did not work. Within days of ending that series of medicine... the sore throat was back!

So... back to the doctor's office we went! (yes, sarcasm!) They have now referred us to an Ears, Nose and Throat doctor, which will give us some incite on what can be done. Most likely, the removal of his tonsils. (Or do they shy away from that nowadays?)

Oh... and on top of that, my 6 year old is on antibiotics for a sinus infection! Ah..the joys of parenthood!

Of course, I am not really surprised......

2008-04-15T16:21:00.002-05:00

LOL Let me tell you about my day:

Started this morning like normal, got up started getting the kids ready for school. Neighbor boy came over (I watch him in the morning), they played.

Got the kids on the bus, got laundry started and went of stairs for some "computer time". Basically check e-mail and boards, plan my day.

Okay... so instead of getting off the computer like I should have...I started to play a game. Not that big of a deal, but then the computer moniter decides to go "pop" and that's all she wrote.

I got so much done today! I might just have to take some days and pretend that the computer is not working! LOL

Oh well... got a new monitor....and off I go surfing the net again......

Okay ladies, here is the recipe:

2008-04-08T14:35:00.002-05:00

Taco Twist Casserole

1 lb. ground beef
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
3 cups rotini, cooked and drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup sour cream

Brown beef; drain. Stir in seasoning mix, tomato sauce and green pepper. Bring to a boil, remove from heat. Combine with cooked pasta, 1/2 cup cheese and sour cream. Pour into greased casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

** Here is the recipe in it's "original" state. Of course, I have changed it depending on my mood or what I have in the fridge. LOL

I have added corn to stretch it, omitted the green pepper when I did not have it. I know you understand. :-D

Menu for the week 4-07 through 4-12

2008-04-08T07:18:00.002-05:00

Here is our dinners for the week:

Monday: Sausage and onions (also leftover tacos for the younger crowd)

Tuesday: Baked potato night, salad

Wednesday: Taco Twist casserole, salad

Thursday: Bean soup with cornbread

Friday: Homemade pizzas

Saturday: Spagetti, rolls, salad

As you can see, I found a good deal on lettuce, so salad will play a big role in dinners.

A question I was asked in a comment:

2008-04-05T21:38:00.002-05:00

First off... thank you for your kind words Suzy, I appreciate them.

Okay, now the question:

"I do have a question if you don't mind--I was reading your menus and noted meat--I was under the impression that Jehovah Witness did not eat meat--could you educate me on that please?--from suzy."

What we eat is considered a personal choice. Although we are to take care of our bodies (no gluttony, or excessive drinking), there is no scriptures to back up the belief that the bible forbids the eating of meat.

Yes, Adam and Eve ate a vegetarian diet, but after the flood Jehovah gave mankind permission to eat meat. "Every moving animal that is alive may serve as food for YOU. As in the case of green vegetation, I do give it all to YOU." Genesis 9:3 (NWT) Also, some question whether we should remain "kosher"... this was part of the law covenant that was fulfilled in the death of Jesus. Also, Acts 10:9-16 shows where Peter was told “You stop calling defiled the things God has cleansed.” (verse 15b).

This is all to say that whether we choose to eat meat or not is solely a personal choice, and a personal matter.

I hope this helps answer your question... if not please don't hesitate to ask again. :-)