I'm back to blogging....

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

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...

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....

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

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)....

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....

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...

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.....

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...

We got back into town late last night.

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

Hugs to everyone

Scripture for today....

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!

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...

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

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.....

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....

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!

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

96 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Superior Take the test!

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

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...

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.....

Such a nice place to be a kid!

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

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.....

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...

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.

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.....

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....

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.......

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??

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...

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!

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".......

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......

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:

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

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:

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. :-)

Partial Menu

Today: Pizza

4-3: Spagetti w/meat sauce, rolls, salad
4-4: Pork Roast, veggie, rice
4-5: Tacos, fixin's
4-6: Roasted Chicken, green beans, potatos

So... this carries me until Sunday. I hope to get a better inventory done between now and then to use more of what I have in my freezer.

Getting back into the "groove" of life. LOL

My mom flew back to Texas yesterday... the kids are back at school and now life gets back to "normal"...whatever THAT is! :-D

This being April 1st... I need to get back on track of keeping my grocery budget down low again. I admit it... I have not been keeping track and planning like I should. So, today I will making a menu and using what I have in the house to make our meals. I know I have enough food here!

Once I get my menu together I will post it here.

Interesting start to my day.....

Okay.. a little background:

There was this message board that I was a member of for about 2 years. I did not post much, but read it at least weekly. In the last couple of months, I had been posting more, mainly because of ending my relationship with a previous message board.

I was really starting to feel comfortable there. It was a smallish board because the owner limited the number of members. She would periodically "cull" inactive members and open up for membership, but would not let the number of members get to be too high. I liked that. It was also a "Christian" site, which meant that I did not have to worry about new-agey, "out there" type posts.

Okay... last night (3-21-08) I posted on a thread where someone asked what religion everyone was. The thread was started the day before, I believe, but I waited to see how others posted before I did. **I am in no way ashamed of my beliefs.** After seeing that the other ladies stated their religion and some of their core beliefs, I felt comfortable posting mine.

All I did was post that I was a Jehovah's Witness and some of our core beliefs. Nothing more, nothing less.

This morning (3-22-08) I sign on to read the new posts and to look at a recipe I was thinking of making. I was surprised to see that my post had been removed and the thread was locked! I decided to pm the owner to ask if something had happened. Let me just say that I was NOT expecting the response that I received! I was informed that she (the owner) was a Christian, and as such believed that MY beliefs were falso doctrine! And that she has the right to remove any post that she wanted to, if she felt she should, but that I was welcome to stay on the board. (Um, yeah right)

I sent another message to her. I told her that I was sorry that she feels that I am not a Christian, but it was not the first time I had run across this online. I also stated that, that is why I posted scripture to back up my beliefs that I posted. I had not tried to "preach" to anyone, nor had I tried to start a debate. I had simply answered a question that was posted to the board in general. I let her know that I looked over the site for any evidence that I would not be welcome there...and since I had not, I joined.

She then told me that she was not going to argue or debate with me over the running of her board, and that my post did not meet the requirements for her board. (okay?!?!) I then messaged her back that I was not questioning how she ran her board, but that if she did not want JW's posting, then she needed to make that known. I also informed her that I could not stay on a message board if I could not express my beliefs. So, I deleted my account there.

Okay... my biggest issue is that she would not just come out and state that she did not want me to post anything about my beliefs! I would have at least RESPECTED her for that!

Such a shame.... such an absolute shame.

A Quick Update....

Sorry I have been MIA! Been really busy here! LOL

My mom is in town from Texas, so computer time is limited.

I know I have been tagged....and will fulfill that once I am blogging some more.

Just wanted you to know that I am not "gone"....just having a great time visiting with my momma!

Condoning actions by silence......

Okay, this is somehting that I have been thinking on for quite a while now.

I used to be a part of a group, a group of women with some varying personalities. Some stronger than others. Some that did things and "said" things that I did not agree with. I, very erroneously, thought that if I did not participate in the actions or words of the stronger personalities that I was "unblemished". That I would not or could not be colored by what they did or say. I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE WRONG!

Because I associated with this group, whatever they did also reflected back on myself. Especially since I kept silent about it! If I had taken a stand and said I did not agree, that would have been better. But, and this is a large BUT.... I still am guilty of the same sins because I not only kept silent, but I STAYED associating with that group! (1 Corinthians 15:33)

I am sorry, truly sorry for anyone that was hurt during that time! I did beleive I was "staying out of it" by my silence. I know now that is not correct and will do my best in the future to keep that from happening again!

Ever heard the saying "Let sleeping dogs lie"?

Well.... there are some out there that have not! Or at least, they don't want to leave those poor dogs alone!

I am talking about people that keep trying to "stir the pot" on the situation that occurred WEEKS ago at a certian "company"!

I am referring to a post by a friend of mine on her blog His Faithful Servant

Why bring this back up? Had she not already stated she was moving on? I sit here and just shake my head at what people do in the name of "Christian Help".... all that person was doing was to try and start things back up again! (IMO)

Oh... and I am posting about this, because it goes with something that has been on my mind for awhile (and I plan to blog about when I have more time)... about keeping silent and how that is actually condoning actions that you do not agree with!

I have a busy day, that I should already be started on... but just had to post a bit on this!

Sheree.... HUGS! My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Guess what I got today???

I received the grain mill I ordered off E-bay! Yahoo! Now... it was a rather inexpensive ones, but as a "starter" one, I think it will be fine.

The only problem.... my wheat order will not be here until next week! UUGH! I really need to find a source that is not on the other side of the country! LOL

I did score 43 canning jars for 10 cents a piece today from Craigslist! Yeah me! LOL

That is all for now.... I hope to can some hot dog chili this weekend... if I do, I will let you all know how it turned out!

It is now confirmed....

My living room is part of the BURMUDA TRIANGLE! LOL

Things mysteriously disappear in my living room!

Latest victim: The right lens to my son's glasses!

Yes, you heard me correctly... his lens has disappeared, even though it feel out in the LIVING ROOM. My sweet DH and I spent three, yes that says THREE, hours searching the room for that little lens! We moved furniture that has not been moved sinced we bought this house! I took things off of shelves and went through anything, anywhere it could have gone. Nope, nada, nothing!

Okay, why go through all that trouble, well our insurance will not cover another pair of glasses until the end of June. So a new pair would be out of pocket at this time. So finding that lens would me just repairing the glasses, not replacing them!

Fast forward to today... found out that replacing the lens and fixing the frame (if it could be fixed) will cost approximately $75-100 dollars! Not what I want to spend, but will because the poor kid really needs his glasses!

I was talking to my sweet DH that I knew there was a place where you could get a pair for cheaper... I just could not remember the name. So, off to the internet I went! LOL Found the company "America's Best" Eye care.... we got a new eye exam and TWO pairs of glasses for ....... $69.95 total!

So.. not only did I save money on what the replacement+repair would cost, but we will have a spare pair of glasses. They are cute frames! One are gold colored wire rim...and the other are blue wired rimmed!

Seriously, unless you need more than a single prescription, they are the cheapest around... almost cheaper than with our insurance! Probably cheaper when you consider the fact that you get two pairs! (The lady that helped us pick out the frames told me that most adults get one regular pair and the other as sunglasses)

Anyways... just thought I would share my last couple of days...plus the information on America's Best for anyone out there that is dealing with eye care needs!

March is National Craft Month!

In my latest issue of Country Living... there is an article about National Craft Month. Okay, I never knew there was such a thing, but I should not be surprised.

I used to have a website in my favorite places that told you what "theme" each month is, i.e. February is Black History Month, March is National Craft Month, and so on. Does anyone out there have the link? If so, please send it to me...I would love to have it again.

I need some laughter... and the best kind is from the mouths of children!

7 reasons not to mess with children.
A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales.

The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small.

The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale.

Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible.

The little girl said, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah".

The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?"


The little girl replied, "Then you ask him".

************************************************************************************

A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing.
She would occasionally walk around to see each child's work.
As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.

The girl replied, "I'm drawing God."

The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like."

Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, "They will in a minute."

************************************************************************************

A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds.

After explaining the commandment to "honour " thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"

Without missing a beat one little boy (the oldest of a family) answered, "Thou shall not kill."

*********************************************************************************

One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head.

She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?"

Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white."

The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"

************************************************************************************

The children had all been photographed, and the teacher was trying to persuade them each to buy a copy of the group picture.

"Just think how nice it will be to look at it when you are all grown up and say, 'There's Jennifer, she's a lawyer,' or 'That's Michael, He's a doctor.'

A small voice at the back of the room rang out, "And there's the teacher, she's dead."

********************************************************************************

A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of the blood. Trying to make the matter clearer, she said, "Now, class, if I stood on my head, the blood, as you know, would run into it, and I would turn red in the face."

"Yes," the class said.

"Then why is it that while I am standing upright in the ordinary position the blood doesn't run into my feet.


A little fellow shouted, "Cause your feet ain't empty."


********************************************************************************

The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray:

"Take only ONE . God is watching."

Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies.

A child had written a note, "Take all you want. God is watching the apples."



Like I said.... I love the innocence of children!

What I have been thinking about......

I just submitted my letter of resignation to a Company that I have been a part of for over 6 years! Not exactly a short tenure, to be sure. I would like to share what my letter consisted of (identities have been changed for obvious reasons):

Pray for clarity and wisdom for all of the parties involved.

From "The Expert", posted at 7:16 pm Friday, February 15th, 2008 (I would do the normal quote function, but this post is no longer there. Thankfully, I saved it to my hard drive.)

You know, I have been taking the above advice. Actually I have been praying about this type of stuff for a while now….but have received quite a bit of clarity in the last couple of days. And NOT in a direction I would have expected at one time.

I have been studying the account in Titus that so many women here want to project:

“Likewise let the aged women be reverent in behavior, not slanderous, neither enslaved to a lot of wine, teachers of what is good; 4 that they may recall the young women to their senses to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sound in mind, chaste, workers at home, good, subjecting themselves to their own husbands, so that the word of God may not be spoken of abusively.” (Titus 2:3-5)

To be brutally blunt, I have not seen much of this being displayed here.

“be reverent in behavior, not slanderous” … hmm reverent? Let’s see how the KJV words this “behaviour as becometh holiness”… holiness. I like that term, but have not seen much from many that I would describe as holy. Holier than thou, yes, but not holy.

How about the “not slanderous” part? People that make severe accusations would be wise to provide proof, otherwise, it will/can be seen as “slanderous”! Accusing ANYONE of doing something wrong should be done with proof, otherwise it is WRONG! Again, I like the way it reads in the KJV; “not false accusers”…please provide proof.

“teachers of what is good”… I like to learn from people that teach by example. I have never been one for “do as I say, not as I do” kind of teaching. There are not many here that I want to learn anything scriptural from lately.

“so that the word of God may not be spoken of abusively”…nothing that has been written lately supports this scripture. Wow…not the best witness for Christ!


Useless questions! That stings! To have anyone say to another person that is striving to find correct answers to concerns in their life, that have a great impact on their life, that their questions are useless is beyond hurtful! Talk about using a sharp knife! If you do not like a question someone is asking….then I think you need to look within yourself to see WHY the questions bother you so much! Do not get defensive, but use it as an opportunity to study and re-confirm your own beliefs. Don’t beat the person down, that is not loving nor is it treating someone like a Christian should.


Please know that under the layer of yuck of the last few days is a solid core of faith filled women, ready to reach out and help those who wish it. Not in anger, not in arrogance, but in love. Do not hesitate to ask.

Quote from "The CEO", posted at 6:26 pm, Thursday, February 14th, 2008. (Again, I would have done the traditional method to quote, but the post is no longer there. Thankfully I saved it to my hard drive.)


I wish this was true….I honestly do! But I have not seen this lately. I see A LOT of “I know better than you” attitude being played by several here. Humbleness is not being portrayed. No one here is an expert on the Holy Scriptures! No one’s husband is an expert, no matter how many years of school they have attended. So please do not try and portray anyone as such. “Has presumptuousness come? Then dishonor will come; but wisdom is with the modest ones.” Proverbs 11:2.

For someone that touts that they will not listen to someone else’s husband….they sure seem to allow a certain "Expert" to portray her husband as an authority, and thus making themselves an authority by default.

God allows things to happen to teach people things. (Quote from "The CEO")

But will you take this opportunity to learn also? Or will you dismiss it as just an attack on you and this site? Who says that the incidents of late are not God’s way of letting you know that maybe some things on "The Company" need to be re-evaluated? Teaching goes BOTH ways, but are you willing to listen?

Thank you for letting me voice my concerns.

Still here....

Just got alot on my mind.... when the time comes, I will share. {{HUGS}} to all out there.

School closed due to ice...

And I am glad! I was not scheduled to work, so no need to worry about that!

I plan to work on the playroom today...and then do some baking! I would have rather had snow....but ice will work. I truly just wanted school closed today! LOL

Of course, I hope we have school tomorrow, since I am scheduled to sub for the preschool class.


On the dinner front...today will be a pork loin roast, with a veggie and potatos. Nothing fancy, but a decent meal.

Menu slump......AGAIN!!!!!

I don't know WHAT is going on with me lately....but none of the recipes I usually cook sound appetizing anymore! I feel that I make the same things over and over!

I want new recipes, but all the ones I find online are rather "involved"... I need things that are rather quick and simple.

Am I being unrealistic? Are there dishes out there that are quick and simple that I have not been doing over and over?

Oh well....off to search for more recipes....

You Are 84% Texas

Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit. This ain't your first rodeo!

How Texas Are You?

Your Intrapersonal Intelligence Score: 85%

Your Intrapersonal Intelligence is Very High You've spent a lot of time introspecting, and it's really paid off. You are comfortable with who you are, and you have a life philosophy that you are happy to live by. And you're always re-evaluating what you believe. Because you learn something new about yourself each day!

How Does Your Intrapersonal Intelligence Rate?

He He He.. I like this one.

Your Bumper Sticker Should Be

Even if the voices aren't real - they've got some great ideas

What Bumper Sticker Should Be On Your Car?

Your Personality is Somewhat Rare (ISTP)

Your personality type is reserved, methodical, spirited, and intense. Only about 6% of all people have your personality, including 3% of all women and 8% of all men You are Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

Can someone be into “preparedness” and still be a true Christian?

I have heard all sorts of opinions on this, and not all of them in a nice way! LOL

I think a lot has to do with a person’s personal perception of what “preparedness” means. Do you automatically think of someone that builds a bunker and stocks it full of food and ammo to last 10 years? Or do you think of someone that wants to make sure that if they (or their spouse) loses their job….food would be low on the list of worries, at least for awhile?

Here is my version of “preparedness”... I want to at some point have a 12 month supply of food on hand. If I end up with more... great, but if I only end up with a 6 month supply, I will be happy with that also.

I know there will be some out there that feel that I am not “truly” trusting in God by wanting to have this type of food supply! I can say with complete sincerity that that is FALSE!

Do I feel that having these stored items will carry my family through Armegeddon on our their own merit? Of course not, only Jehovah will protect his people during the last days! ‘And they keep on crying with a loud voice, saying: “Salvation [we owe] to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.” ‘(Revelations 7:10) Only through faith and loyalty can we endure to the end. “And YOU will be objects of hatred by all people on account of my name; but he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)

Okay, now that we have that out of the way, I would like to share some of the scriptures that I feel show that we should also take some responsibility in being prepared for whatever “unforeseen occurrence” befall us. (Eccl. 9:11)

One of my favorite scriptures about preparing is found in Proverbs. Specifically Proverbs 6:6-8: “Go to the ant, you lazy one; see its ways and become wise. 7 Although it has no commander, officer or ruler, 8 it prepares its food even in the summer; it has gathered its food supplies even in the harvest.”

Here we are told to look how the ant, the lowly insect and to learn from it! I know everyone reading has heard the parable of the grasshopper and the ant….so seeing the Holy Scriptures using the ant as an example for us to follow should not be surprising!

If the ant knows by instinct to store up food for the winter, then we, as humans, should also store up food for lean times!

Also…. Remember the dreams that pharaoh had about the wheat and the cows? God gave forewarning that there would be a 7 year drought….and to store up food to last for that time period! (Gen. 41:29-36) Hey, I only want a 12-month supply! I cannot even imagine a 7 year one! LOL

In summary, I have no problems with people following their beliefs, but please do not question my faith or beliefs because I choose to put away food items and try to learn ways to “live off the land” in case that situation ever comes about. I have a feeling that when the time comes, knowing that I can feed my family will be one less thing to stress over! (I KNOW there will be plenty of other things to stress over!)


Thoughts? Comments?

Update......

Hi all,

Not alot going on here....

Senior care is going on... I now have two clients that I work with two days a week with each.... so I am working about 16 hours a week. It can be a bit depressing, but I am glad I can be there to help them.

My step-daughter is still gone, and about to get herself into some trouble if what I am hearing is true....but I will just leave it at that.

Trying to get myself "back on track" with my couponing and stocking my pantry again. Again, I hope to post more on that as time goes by.....

One bright note.... we are looking to get a "new to us" car this weekend. So, I will post what we end up getting after all is said and done.

Oh.... I hope to post next about my views on "prepping" and some of the feelings and beliefs I have read about on the internet concerning being a Christian and prepping.

Bye for now......

What is the old saying....

"If you want to make God laugh....tell him your plans"?

Well, I didn't really go that far....but I had hoped to post ALOT more on this blog starting with the New Year....and as you can tell, that did not happen.

There is been quite a bit of stress and tension in the house lately. Nothing between sweetie and I, but because of my 20 year old step-daughter! All I will say is....she is no longer living with us....and most likely never will again. (I would say "never", but you never know what the future holds, but it would be an extremely unusual circumstance if she did) There are a number of people out there that will understand my situation...and the ones that don't, just please keep me in your daily thoughts and prayers!

Things are getting better, settling down a bit...so THAT is good.

I have officially started with my "senior care" company. I "subbed" for another employee last Friday, and I got to met the "couple" I will be helping with on a weekly basis today. They seem REALLY nice...and I hope things go smoothly.

On the school system front....the new elementary school has been officially announced as opening next fall.... so I hope to be applying there soon. I REALLY want to get a teaching assistant position there. It would be such a relief on so many levels. I would have hardly any worries with child care! I would have all the same holidays off...plus winter, spring and summer breaks! There would be some days during the year that I would need to deal with....but nothing compared to working anywhere else.

I hope to start blogging about saving money again....so please bear with me as 2008 has gotten off to a bit of a rocky start in some areas of our lives.

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!