tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64586588829179729992024-03-12T18:32:18.127-07:00AFFORDING 4A wife and mother trying to live in today's world as a stay-at-home mom to four children.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-31065352289750076992012-07-09T18:11:00.001-07:002012-07-09T18:11:05.365-07:00New BlogI am moving my blog. Here is the link: <a href="http://frugallyservingtheking.blogspot.com/">http://frugallyservingtheking.blogspot.com/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-27900175695407880082012-06-11T04:38:00.001-07:002012-06-11T04:38:30.875-07:00MondayWell it is Monday. We had Ashley's birthday party, Evan's birthday (his party is next weekend) and church and a family over for fellowship lunch on Sunday. We had a busy but great weekend full of family and friends. I feel great about what we accomplished this weekend and look forward to a great week.<br />
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In a side note, my niece is back in the hospital. As you can say, the party is over. All I can say is that I feel for her, not because what she has done, but because of what she gave up. She could have had a great life with us, but chose differently. I don't know where she will go from here. Somewhere for troubled teens to be sure. I will just keep praying and hoping that she can change her life and really let Jesus in. <br />
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Enough on that note. We are going to the beach on Saturday, so my goal is to not grocery shop this week and to finish up anything in the fridge and eat from the freezer. I will combine my grocery money from this week and next to let us eat well while we are gone. I will probably go buy some shrimp and fish from the docks which is so much cheaper than eating out. We may go out once, but last time we it was so expensive and we were disappointed in the quality. I would rather buy it myself and cook it. We will see. I usually bring alot of food from home, but this time I think I will bring a small cooler with milk and bring cereal and muffins and then shop when I get to the island. I need to see what is down there because my parents go often and tend to store up stuff while they are there. We will see what is in the pantry and freezer there and then go shopping. Don't worry, I will bring my coupons. I never like to spend more than I have to even on vacation.<br />
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Well, I am off to finish addressing Evan's birthday invitations. His party is on Saturday and we are getting a blow up water slide and sharing it with my nephew. We are praying for good weather!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-36247285418439751702012-06-08T04:08:00.000-07:002012-06-08T04:08:05.564-07:00Happy BirthdayToday is Ashley's 14th birthday! I know I sound old, but where has the time gone? I remember bringing her home from the hospital. She was so tiny and I didn't know what I was doing. Now she will be in high school next year! Yikes! I am proud of the young lady that she has become and I can't wait to see what she does in the future. I know alot of people say that they hate the teenage years, but so far I am enjoying them.<br />
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So for the birthday party we are taking a van load to the movies to see Madagascar 3. When we are done we are coming back here for a cook out and cake and ice cream. The cake is a rainbow cake. I can't wait to post pictures, but we have to wait until it is cut because it is the inside that will be so cool.<br />
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For a birthday party i normally spend around $50 to take the kids to do something special. We have been skating, to the water park, gotten nails done, and movies. We then normally come back here an invite the family to come over for a cookout with hotdogs and cake and ice cream. It usually is another $25 for the cookout, but that is usually my total expense. The birthday kid also gets to pick the meals for the day on their birthday. Sometime it is some strange combinations of food, but usually it is pretty good. The point is to make the day all out them, and to focus on them for a day. We usually buy simple gifts and a few items that they need. If they are wanting something expensive we will encourage the family to give them money and they can pool that and go get what they want. I personally would rather them have one nice thing than a bunch of junk.<br />
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I don't think my niece is enjoying her run away life like she thought she would. We tried to tell her that, and we tried to convince her not to act the way she did. Unfortunately for her we do not have custody of her and if she wants to make other choices we can't help her too much besides talking to the Grandparents. People have to some day learn that you have consequences for your actions. You can't lie, steal and run away and then come back and live your old life like nothing ever happened. You have to pay the consequences and then try to make things right, but you can't go back to where you were. I don't know what will happen with her. It is out of my hands. Prayer is the only thing that will help her get her head straight and get through everything.<br />
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Well, I have to get started on some things for today. Babysitting this morning and movies this afternoon. Yeah for us we live a blessed life because of the Lord Jesus. He is our rock and salvation!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-66464853187758891662012-06-02T05:58:00.000-07:002012-06-02T05:58:29.748-07:00Moving onYes, we are moving on with life since my niece left. We are all left with a hole in our hearts, but she is 17 and we can't make her come home or realize what she left. She will probably realize it one day. The Lord God is deep down in her heart where that seed has been planted. I am still left with guilt and the what ifs. What if we hadn't let her get on the Internet, what if we didn't let her use the phone, what if we didn't let her have access to car keys, but truthfully she could have left if we didn't let her have open access to these things. She was getting online at the grandparents house with a stolen ipod. She made an extra copy of her car key without our knowledge. We try here to let the kids have access to the Internet and cell phones, but not with sneaking around and with safeguards in place. We try to have an open relationship, because we believe if you don't let them ever do these things they will sneak around and do things that are wrong when they are not with you. We do let our kids spend the night with friends and friends come over here and they all have smart phones and ipods and are all on the Internet. Yes, we probable let Brianna have too many privileges too fast, but when we saw it was a problem we restricted her on those privileges. We never thought she would leave and I won't let anyone make me feel guilty for her leaving. It could have happened on anyone's watch.<br />
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So like I said we are moving on. Ashley has her dance recital today. They are doing the Lion King and she if Rafiki the monkey. It was a little rough on the dress rehearsal, so I guess the recital will be good! After we are going out for Mexican food. It is cheap and good and I just am not coming back here after the recital and cooking for a crowd. I think Ashley's friend is coming and spending the night. More fun fun!<br />
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I went to Aldi shopping yesterday and spend over $100.00, but it was also stuff for a cookout next weekend for Ashley's birthday. It still seems like alot of money. I also went to Publix and spent $30 on meat. I only buy ground beef from them since I found out about the pink slime. I know theirs is good. I am hoping no grocery shopping except for a few fresh things for two weeks. We will see how that goes.<br />
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Well, it is 9:00 and only have the crew is up. I think I will make them some pancakes. Pancakes on Saturdays are so good! Have a great Saturday!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-69170485169723720382012-05-28T04:46:00.000-07:002012-05-28T04:46:37.051-07:00GoneWell, this weekend has been interesting. My niece that was living with us ran away on Friday. She took the car, my daughters cell phone, and some money. She left while I took the others to school and she was supposed to be doing her homeschooling work. We had no idea that she was plotting to leave. She went to stay with a guy that she knows (we don't know how she knows him or if she had ever seen him before Friday) and he lives three hours away. We did find his address and went and picked up the car, but at 17 we can't make her come back home. She legally can live where she wants.<br />
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I am still upset. We feel betrayed and used. We gave her things and tried to let her live a life of love and compassion. Then I have to remember that she is 17 and doesn't understand about sacrifice and being hurt by loved ones, she is only interested in the moment. She can't see that her future was going to be bright here, with schooling, and friends, and the things that a teen needs and wants. She can only see that she wants to be with someone else right now.<br />
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I was telling Steven the other night that I felt like the last 6 weeks that she has been here has been a waste. That we wasted all of our time, energy and money on her and she just runs off and steals from us, and then I said no it wasn't. The bible says that his word will not return void. I shared scripture with her daily and we had discussions about how God wants us to live as Christians. We took her to church, youth group, and to the Rush weekend at rock ranch. We showed her the love of a Christian family and what that love can mean. I believe that one day she will turn to that word and remember what we talked about. She will want in her life what we have here. I will be there to show her how to come to the Lord when she wants it. We will always love her, even if we don't love her actions. We can show the love of Christ through us. We don't have to let her exploit us again, but we can help her get the help she needs and to fully engage in Christ. He is the one who can heal her. He is already healing our family from this.<br />
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On a positive note, we are going swimming today if the weather cooperates and we are cooking our with family. My parents are at the beach, but we invited my sister and her family and Steven's brother and his family over to cook out and churn ice cream. We are going to continue to have fun and make family memories and just pray for the lost that they would one day return. Have a blessed memorial day and remember the sacrifice that our forefathers made so that we could have the freedoms that we have here.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-81956708772612021762012-05-23T09:00:00.000-07:002012-05-23T09:00:11.689-07:00Summer RoutineI am trying to map out a summer routine for my kids. I don't want anything too structured, but I also don't want everyone laying around doing nothing all summer. I don't want to waist a bunch of time, but I also want them to have plenty of free time to do what they want. Here is what I have come up with for this summer.<br />
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9:00 Breakfast - if someone is hungry before they can eat, but I want everyone up and eating by this time.<br />
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9:30 Clean up Kitchen, get dressed, make beds, clean up rooms, morning chores.<br />
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10:30 Those still homeschooling will work on schoolwork, others will have time to journal and read books from the library.<br />
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11:15 - 12:30 Free time, work on project of choosing, legos, free play time, (no computer or tv) finish up school work.<br />
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12:30 Lunch<br />
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1:00 Clean up lunch, put away laundry, clean up from free time.<br />
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1:30-4:00 Summer fun time. During this time we will go swimming, go to the river, go to the museum, go to the library, etc. If it is poor weather or we have more to do at home we may watch a movie or we might do some crafts or have game time. <br />
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4:30-6:00 Dinner prep - one child will help with that every night, free time, computer time, tv time.<br />
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6:00 dinner, family bible time at table.<br />
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6:30 clean up table, clean up other messes<br />
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7:00 - 8:30 Family time - work in garden, swim at river, go for walks, play outside, etc.<br />
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9:00 - 10:00 Bed<br />
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I think this is structured but loose at the same time. I am not tight with the schedule, but just want our days to flow nicely.<br />
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We will take some days and go to a state park, water park, have friends over, etc. We will also have appointments and such so this is loose, but just something to strive for.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-78587743535921979062012-05-20T13:50:00.001-07:002012-05-20T13:50:35.708-07:00Tye Dye CakeBrianna asked for a tye dye cake for her birthday. I normally make my kid's cakes and we spend lots of time looking for the right one and trying to make it. I think this one turned out really well.<br />
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The good thing was that it tasted good and we had fun making it. Happy Birthday Brianna!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-56429137489265949652012-05-13T16:00:00.001-07:002012-05-13T16:00:50.146-07:00Happy Mothers DayThis year the make up of my family has changed. Change can be good and this definitely has been a good one. He is our family this year on mothers day:<br />
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I received some wonderful heartfelt cards and notes, and the kids didn't let me lift a finger today. We went and visited my mom and we went out for ice cream. Yummy and fun! I don't want to ever forget my first mothers day with my new child. She has come a long way and is turning into a wonderful young lady. I hope she along with all of my kids will reach her full potential and just love the Lord and her family. You don't have to birth kids for them to take up space in your heart!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-37492476909826186952012-05-12T19:02:00.001-07:002012-05-12T19:02:30.250-07:00AdjustingWe are adjusting to having an extra kid in the house. Brianna is working hard on her math, and trying to finish it before the end of the school year. School will be out in two weeks, and then what? I hope I don't have to entertain everyone this summer. I have a feeling that it will be a summer full of having friends over, swimming, beach, church activities and fun. It will be a new summer of fun for my two new kids (yes, Brianna's brother is moving in next month. Oh, it will be interesting, but I am looking forward to it.<br />
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We are closing in our garage to make another bedroom. We don't want the kids to feel crowded. Luckily we have a large living room where we can all be together. We have never been crazy about kids spending time by themselves in their room. We think everyone should spend as much time together as possible.<br />
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I went to town and went grocery shopping. I spent $30 at Publix (best meat), $80 at Sams (cheese and meds) and $80 at Aldi (everything else.) I still have to get some bulk macaroni from Ingles but they were out. All of the cheese I got will last the month and most of the meds I got will last a year. Sams has super cheap over the counter meds. My grocery bill is growing, but so is my family and my heart. I just have to remember that.<br />
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Well, I need to go get ready for bed. Mothers day is tomorrow. I love my own mother so much, and I love my mother in law even though she is not in love with us right now. I keep praying for some reconciliation, but it hasn't happened yet. She doesn't want us to come see her for mothers day. It stings to hear that, but in a way it is a relief. I don't really want to deal with all of our emotions tomorrow. I want it to be a happy day.<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-9275094179169351912012-05-04T08:26:00.001-07:002012-05-04T08:26:22.874-07:00Affording more than fourI think that I am going to have to change the name of my blog. My niece has come to live with us. She is almost 17 and we are enjoying each other. Right now she is home schooling for the rest of the school year, but we went today to get her into school for next year. She is looking forward to high school. She has been at this school before and she says that she knows alot of the kids. I also think that I found her a babysitting job for the summer. Watching three older kids four hours a day. She likes kids so it is all working out perfectly.<br />
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Well, since we have been so busy with moving in a teen, baseball, babysitting, and general stuff I have not been bargain or coupon shopping and it has shown. I am going to Publix tomorrow with my coupons after baseball and I will let you know how is goes. I have got to get back into saving money. We sure don't have any extra to burn at this time.<br />
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I am going to eat lunch with Emma and let Brianna work on her school work. Geometry, Yuck!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-54208006426375908532012-04-11T04:27:00.002-07:002012-04-11T04:40:11.483-07:00VacationWe are leaving today to vacation in the mountains for three days. We have rented a cabin. We have found over the years that it is cheaper for us to rent a cabin or a condo than hotels. We are taking all of our food. We might eat out once something like pizza or go and get a dessert or snack somewhere, but mostly we are going to be together with the nature. We are taking my nephew. He is 14 and love the outdoors. The kids love him like a brother so it works out great. <br /><br />I don't know if I will be able to hike with the family. I hate not to. I love seeing their faces and experience times with them, but with my ankle just getting healed I don't want to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">reinjure</span> it. We will see how it feels. I can just stay behind and read and work on my bible study. <br /><br />I might bring my computer and post pictures. I hope the weather is nice and we can all relax.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-78542797776215019172012-04-04T08:08:00.002-07:002012-04-04T08:20:53.551-07:00GrandmaMy grandma passed away yesterday. She was 95 and a believer in Jesus Christ. We will miss her but I think she has been wanting to go for some time. My grandfather died seven years ago, and I think she has missed him and wanted to be with him since then. Her passing was peaceful. In fact my mother said that she was arguing with her (she was so stubborn) and then she just stopped and was gone. I am sad that she will no longer be with us, but I am so happy imaging her in heaven with Jesus and my granddaddy. They were both orphans and I think they were so proud of the family that they built. We will all see them again some day.<br /><br />Well you know that I have to post about going to a funeral frugally. We have to travel two hours out of town, so I got us two hotel rooms online. It is only $50 a night so we got two rooms so that we don't have to have someone sleep on the floor. It it supposed to have free breakfast. I am hoping that her church will bring food to the house so that we don't have to eat out a bunch. I am packing sandwiches and snacks for traveling and a cooler with water, juice and soda. So, we may have to eat out once, but not too much.<br /><br />I still want to write a post about coupons and my opinions on them. I will do that after Easter.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-42854584667561536402012-03-25T13:18:00.002-07:002012-03-25T13:27:55.664-07:00Healing Foot and SpringMy ankle is just about healed, thank goodness. I have another week wearing the brace full time and then I have to wear it when I am out walking or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">exercising</span> for another month. I am glad that it is almost well, but sad that it is not complete yet. I want to get outside while it is nice, especially before the heat sets in. We are in Central Georgia and it get <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">unbearably</span> hot here in the summer. I love spring and the breezes and getting outside when it is nice. In the summer I only go out early in the morning and sometime late in the evening if it cools off enough. We also spend <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> of time in water, either at my mom's house or anywhere we can bum a pool. The kids like to go swim at the river, but I hate to swim in ponds and rivers. I just like to be able to see what is swimming with me.<br /><br />I am hoping to sub a few days this week. The little kids that I babysit are on spring break. I also hope to get some housework and some organizing done. We will see how it goes. All of my meal for next week are either freezer meals or crock pot, just in case I get called in.<br /><br />I am going to post later about my reformed way that I am shopping. No more coupons (well, maybe a few but not heavy). That is for another whole post. We have church tonight so I don't have time. Look for that to come later.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-80987774978382419682012-03-13T07:34:00.001-07:002012-03-13T08:48:18.143-07:00New Adventures in SourdoughI have been trying to get some sourdough going. I have tried this before and had little luck with it. I know it is frugal and it is supposed to be very healthy, but I have always had trouble getting the starter to work. Well, I have researched and read alot about sourdough and I tried it again. The first set of bread rose, but I did put a little yeast in the starter. My second rose some, but not great and the third batch did not rise at all. So, then I took the started out of the fridge and started feeding it again and after a few more days it looked like good starter and a was bubbly again. I mixed up some honey whole wheat sourdough last night and now look at it.<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4PbSmSMhoEU/T19Zb9D_3fI/AAAAAAAAALc/0_fcvYHP6oE/s1600/march+13,+2012+234.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4PbSmSMhoEU/T19Zb9D_3fI/AAAAAAAAALc/0_fcvYHP6oE/s400/march+13,+2012+234.JPG" width="400" height="300" aea="true" /></a></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both" class="separator">I think it looks pretty good. I hope it bakes well. I am so excited that this is working. I did not put any more yeast in it, so it is true sourdough. I am hoping to incorporated it into more baked goods. Yummy yum yum!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both" class="separator">I other news, we are heavily into baseball right now. I think Evan is doing pretty well considering that he is the youngest on the team and the shortest. We are only practicing right now. I don't know how they will do as a team but I really don't care. I just like watching them. I don't care if they win or lose, I just want them to have fun and learn the game.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both" class="separator">Well, I guess I will go and put this bread in the oven. I hope it tastes as good as it looks!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-72732600844433385072012-03-11T13:30:00.002-07:002012-03-11T13:41:25.035-07:00Catching upDo you ever feel like you spend most of your time trying to play catch-up? Steven and I doled the kids out to different people on Friday night and we spent the night with the youth group with our church. I stayed at the church with the girls and Steven stayed with the boys <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">across</span> the street in our old <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pastoral</span>. We didn't sleep much, but the girls had fun and got to go to a conference and learn about the lord. I was glad to serve, even if I was tired the next day.<br /><br />We had our town's annual festival also this weekend. Ashley usually dances at it, but since she was with the youth group we just watched my niece dance. We then walked around, ate a gyro and a fried <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Oreo</span>, and went home. My foot wouldn't allow for much more, but it was enjoyable. We had my sister in law and brother in law over for homemade pizza for dinner. Busy but enjoyable. Now is the catch up time. I made the little kids clean their bathrooms and their rooms since we were not here this Saturday to do it then. I hate it but there is no maid and the week starts tomorrow.<br /><br />We are doing a women's study at church on Sunday nights. I feel guilty that I am going and not helping Steven, but he said that he didn't mind. I love a good women's study. He knows this and supports me in this. He is a great husband!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-54789376778237832632012-03-09T18:30:00.000-08:002012-03-09T18:30:07.771-08:00BACK IN THE SADDLEWell, I got the boot off of my foot this week and I am now wearing a brace. I still have some weakness and soreness in my ankle, but it is doing much better. I can walk much easier in this brace, so I decided to go the the grocery today. I went to Aldi because I saw that they had .99 cent pineapples and .79 cent strawberries and I was not disappointed. We have already eaten one of the packages of strawberries and made a dent in the pineapples. I also got some other staples:<br />
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I spent $48 total. I thought this was a good price for what I got : four boxes of cereal, sugar, lettuce, cans of tomatoes, 2 milks, oil, pasta, chips, crescent roll, and few other odds and ends. I still need to go to Kroger. They have whole chickens on sale and I need some ground chuck for hamburgers. This is the menu for the week:</div>
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Monday: Chicken wings, mac and cheese, carrots (Emma's request).</div>
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Tuesday: Spaghetti and salad</div>
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Wednesday: Chili</div>
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Thursday : Whole chicken, pasta salad, green beans</div>
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Friday: Chicken/broccoli braid</div>
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Saturday: Pizza</div>
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Sunday: Hamburgers and hot dogs (Sunday regular)</div>
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We eat cereal, bagels, eggs and toast or oatmeal for breakfast. Some of the kids buy lunches at school and some pack a sandwich, chips and fruit. Steven and I usually eat leftovers or make sandwiches.</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-81687143862562222342012-03-01T11:39:00.000-08:002012-03-01T11:39:07.771-08:00Sourdough BreadI have been trying to get back into the kitchen after breaking my ankle. I love being in the kitchen and organizing my home, but the last few weeks everything has been put aside. I have been wanting to make sourdough bread for a while. The last time I tried it, it was a flop. The bread never rose and I hated that all of that work went out the window. Well, this past few weeks I have been researching online other people's sourdough. I got many tips and tried it again. Well, this time it worked.<br />
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I haven't baked it yet, but it has risen up nicely. It is honey whole wheat and if we like the taste I will post the recipe. I am super excited. This kind of bread is supposed to be great for you.</div>
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I am also trying to make some yogurt. We have been eating two huge containers of yogurt a week. That runs about $5.00, but I can make the same amount myself for about $1.50. I cooked it on the stove and now it is sitting in my crockpot with a towel around it.</div>
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The last time that I tried this it didn't set up good. I am hoping for better results!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-58679514581617273602012-02-20T08:57:00.000-08:002012-02-20T09:05:28.611-08:00Gas PricesHave you heard that gas prices are supposed to go up to $5.00 a gallon this summer? What is the deal with that? We drive a mini van and it gets 20 miles to the gallon which is good for that type of car. We can't get anything smaller and we actually could use something bigger. We are always taking extra kids to church and other places with us. We just can't afford the gas for a bigger <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vehicles</span>. We sure can't go any smaller. We barely fit in the van.<br /><br />I guess this summer we will be staying home more and more. I hate it, but what choice will we have? When we lived in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leesburg</span> we had a pool, but here we do not. My mom has a pool, but she lives 20 minutes away from here. They spend <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> of time in the summer at the beach, so we may just stay at her house a few days at a time just so that we can swim and be closer to town for outings. I have also thought about spending some extended time at the beach this summer. My grandma has a beach house and lets us go. We will have to share some with my parents, but extra time in the water would be great! We do live 5 miles from the river, so we can take a picnic lunch and let the kids go swim there. I do worry about snakes. Yuck! I like pools better, but there is not one around here to join.<br /><br />I don't know why I am worried about summer already. That is four months away.. I guess I should worry about this week first. Like, what am I going to wear to my cousin's bridal party this weekend with this boot on my foot?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-16849211421366529382012-02-20T04:52:00.002-08:002012-02-20T05:01:37.562-08:00Presidents DayIt is Presidents Day today and the kids are out of school. I love these one day holidays. I usually take the kids to the movies or out to lunch or at least to a park with a picnic, but right now with this ankle I really can't take them anywhere. I could take them to the movies, but there is nothing really out right now that we want to see, so we are just going to stay home. I might let them bake and decorate cupcakes later. I don't know. We will just wait and see.<br /><br />I am babysitting the crew this week again. Luckily, my sister is out of school Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday so I will only have him two days this week and the other kids are coming on Thursday and Friday. I will have two days free with no kids. I am going to go and get my hair cut one of the days. I would love to go poking around Goodwill, I will just see how my foot is feeling. I can't walk a long way, only a short distance.<br /><br />Well, I guess I will get in the kitchen in a little bit and fix these kids some breakfast. I might bake some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">biscuits</span> for them. That would be a treat!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-56404234083409965062012-02-18T07:10:00.002-08:002012-02-18T07:25:17.558-08:00Shopping with a broken footWell, since I broke my ankle I have not been able to go shopping. I have sent Steven to the store a few times to pick up stuff to get us through, but no big shopping trips. I did send him to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Publix</span> with coupons and he did pretty good. He didn't like the selection of items that I sent him for (granola bars and fruit snacks) but he bought them on sale with a coupon, so I didn't think that was a bad deal. I can't stand in the kitchen for a long stretch right now, and the kids take the snacks to school and eat them on outings, so I don't think it is a bad thing. It did get me to thinking about what we are eating and what we are spending our money on. Would I be better to make some granola bars from scratch? Would it be better to eat home baked cookies. We already eat <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> of homemade bread and scratch goodies, but should they all be from scratch? I don't know the answers to these things, but I am going to think about them.<br /><br />Steven is going to take Evan to buy a baseball bat and pick up some items for me at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aldi</span> and Kroger. He hates shopping, but hates eating out more and hates spending the money to eat out.<br /><br />The guys are going to a monster truck show tonight. The girls and I are going to my parents house to cook out. Nothing big. Maybe <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hot dogs</span> and hamburgers. That is our usual Sunday lunch so I guess I will fix pizza for tomorrow. I think I will bake the crusts today and wrap them and put them in the freezer. Then we just have to thaw them and put the toppings on. <br /><br />Well, I need to go shower and get moving. I love to lounge on Saturday a little too much.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-62534855756823564152012-02-17T09:53:00.002-08:002012-02-17T10:06:52.904-08:00Time to ReflectWhile I have been laid up with the broken ankle I have had time to reflect on things. I was upset when I first broke my ankle that it seemed like no one was really concerned about our situation. With my ankle broken, I couldn't get in the kitchen and cook or do any house chores. I am starting to be able to hobble around the house now, so we are doing some simple dinners and the kids are helping with the heavy housework on the weekends. My mother in law did not even call me to see how I was (she is still angry with me over other issues I guess), two of my sister in laws did not even call me, and some other family members just made some half hearted requests to help us. My mom did bring us a roast and my sister brought us a lasagna and took off of work to keep the baby at home so I could recover. Then, two families from church brought us dinner, and several called and asked if we needed anything. I realized that we live in a selfish world. Most people don't mean anything by it, but they think only of themselves and what they have going on at that moment. We have a bread basket ministry at our church that takes food to those in need, and I try to do what I can to help with that, and even though the church did not do organized meals for us (we really didn't need <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span>) we were blessed with enough to get us through. We can count on our church family even when we cannot count on our own family. This is when being in a body of believers is nice.<br /><br />Steven has been doing the shopping. He is not enjoying it, but he has been doing OK. I am hoping that I can walk well <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">enough</span> to shop for myself next week. We will see. I am getting cabin fever so I am hoping I can.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-23352482806969698472012-02-15T09:56:00.002-08:002012-02-15T10:04:05.509-08:00It is brokenYes, I did brake my ankle. It is in a big black boot. I am just starting to be able to walk on it a little. It feels like wearing a ski boot. It is not very comfortable, but at least I am not in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> of pain anymore. I just have to be careful how I walk. If I turn my ankle at all then there is the pain. I am slow, but at least I am not on crutches anymore. Those things are a pain. I have to wear the boot <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">until</span> March 6 and then I have it re x-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">rayed</span>. I hope I can go back to regular shoe then. I am glad that they did not cast it. At least I can put it in the bath and shower.<br /><br />Valentines was nice and low key. Since I really can't go anywhere, we got some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Chinese</span> take-out. We really never get take out, so that was a real treat. Then we just sat around and watched TV and the kids worked on their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">AWANA</span> books for church tonight. <br /><br />I took Ashley to the orthodontist today. It was my first real outing by myself since I broke the ankle. We did OK but now I am tired. I hear a nap calling me. I think I am going to but clothes in the drier and try to nap for a few minutes. We have church tonight, but I am not doing the little kids. I don't think my leg is up to it. I think I will try to help out and listen for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">AWANA</span> kids to say a verse of something. Maybe I can be helpful and not walk.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-21440808493351517032012-02-05T07:50:00.000-08:002012-02-05T07:50:51.533-08:00Is it broken?Yesterday afternoon I feel and hurt my ankle. What was I doing? Nothing! I just stood up, walked about four steps and fell in my living room. Don't ask me what I tripped over, I don't know. All I know is that I injured it. It really swelled up and I could barely walk on it so off we went to the urgent care. They said at the least is it is a third degree sprain at most a crack in the small bone. So for now I look like this.<br />
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Yes, I have on a plaster splint and I am on crutches. I have to call today and see if the radiologist thinks that it is broken. They showed us the x-ray, but he couldn't decide if the fracture he saw on the x-ray was an old injury or a new one. I broke this same ankle when I was 13. I didn't think it would still show on the x -rays. You know that I am the big 40 now. If it is broken I will go to the orthopedic doctor. If not I stay off of it for a week. Either way it is going to be a pain! I really can't do much on crutches, so the kids and Steven are going to have to pick up the slack. It is probably going to drive me crazy! Steven said the Lord is trying to teach me to let some things go. I know he is right, I will have to just relax and like it! I will let you know if it is broken or not. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-3130669867552649742012-02-04T05:35:00.000-08:002012-02-04T05:35:03.409-08:00This week at PublixI went to Publix this week just to get a few sale things. That is what I do in-between my big shopping trips, I just stop in various stores when I have time and pick up sale items and coupon items. This week I went to Publix when I was already going to the bigger city. We live 20 minutes from the bigger city that has Publix, Kroger, Sams and Aldi. These are all of my favorite places to shop, but I only go when I am already going to be in town for something else. The cost of gas right now is too much for me to make special trips. Anyway, this is what I got:<br />
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I paid $5.33 out of pocket. I had another box of pasta, but I gave it to my mom. The crackers were the Wednesday penny item and the celery was on sale for $.99. It came just in time as I was making chicken and rice soup and needed some celery. My kids also love it with peanut butter. The only time I really buy cereal is when I can get a great deal. If not we eat oatmeal, bagels, toast, or eggs and grits.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6458658882917972999.post-34906766444737429332012-02-03T17:00:00.000-08:002012-02-03T17:20:42.633-08:00Friday NightI am relaxing on a Friday night with my family. I am sitting in the living room with the family watching <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">NCIS</span> (which is the new favorite). We were doing Just Dance on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wii</span>. If you want a workout, try working out with Just Dance. It is also fun. Every time we have friends over the kids end up dancing. It is really funny to watch some of the guys. I need some relax time. The babies did not nap much at all this week, and while I do enjoy little kids, I do not enjoy tired little kids who won't nap. I told my sister to get Collin's ears checked to see if he that is the reason he is not sleeping. If there is nothing wrong with him I guess that he is just spoiled or rotten. Either way we need to nip it in the bud.<br /><br />I am taking the kids to an animal refuge tomorrow if it doesn't rain. They are bringing a friend and we are hoping to bring our cousins. We never know if they are going to be allowed to go with us when we go somewhere. The grandparents are weird that way. We are also going to take a picnic. I might stop off and get them a movie to watch tomorrow night. I guess we will see what kind of mood we are in when the time comes.<br /><br />I did really good with the shopping this week. I spend $6.00 at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Publix</span> and $28 at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wal</span>-Mart. I price matched at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wal</span>-Mart and used some coupons. The lady tried to tell me that I couldn't use both coupons and price match. I told her that I could, to just scan the coupons. She finally did and it worked. I don't know why some checkers hate to have you used coupons. All they have to do is scan them. It is not much more work. I often have to tell the clerks how to do their job. It gets to be annoying. I will put up with it because I save so much money shopping sales and using coupons. Combine that with trips to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aldi</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sams</span> and I don't spend near as much as most of my friends. I also cook more than most and spend lots of time in the kitchen . We rarely go out and that is fine with me. I usually don't really like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">restaurant</span> food and I hate spending that kind <span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00">of</span> money for one meal when I know that I usually spend that much for a whole week of groceries. Yes, I am cheap!<br /><br />Well, the kids want popcorn. We pop it in the air <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Popper</span> and put butter on it. Yum and so much cheaper than microwave. The kids are so spoiled with good popcorn and real butter that they don't really like the other kinds. I guess I will make them some right now.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08900801226496769103noreply@blogger.com0