So its been a while since I've updated the blog. Shame on me I know. I should be better about this. At the very least it would serve as a diary of homemaking, which could be quite useful if utilized properly. Oh well I digress....
I've been busy like super crazy busy!! Mostly with the garden and canning which is all day job some days.
I've been more involved with helping my Pap. He needs someone to write out the bills each month and that has fallen to me. I'm still taking care of hubby's Gram. Her health is declining and more rapidly than I am ready for to be honest. She still continues to live alone and handles most everything except paperwork, she has me now do her monthly bills as well. And I am running a lot more errands for her since she has given up driving.
The kids are growing like crazy. My big fella is in the 7th grade now, my middle guy is in the 3rd grade and my princess started preschool. Time is flying by.
I've been busy just plain busy. Kids, gardens, grandparents, Life, Church, and the list goes on. But we're blessed and we know it. Some days are just longer than others is all.
We've had some employment scares, in that my hubs company has been downsizing over the past few months. We were really concerned that this month was going to be the month that he was laid off but thankfully he was spared. Uncertainty is a scary scary thing. I pray that he continues to retain his job.
In the mean time I am trying to downsize here at home and cut our spending as much as we possibly can. I am more than ever committed to an emergency fund. In the past my emergency fund has always been my pantry.In the event of a financial issue I've been able to forgo grocery shopping and reallocate the grocery funds to whatever financial issue had arose at the time. All made possible by a well stocked pantry and a little insight into stretching meals to make them last. I still think this is a good practice, and will continue to do so as long as I am able. But with this recent lay off scare I am more encouraged to put an emergency fund in place. So now the job is finding places that I can pinch a penny or 2 to stow away and help my emergency fund to grow. Pennies aren't much but they add up to dollars eventually.
That's my update such as it is. I won't make any promises but I do hope to blog more.
Till then,
Be blessed and be a blessing!!
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Monday, July 7, 2014
Almost forgot.... Menu Plan Monday
Monday 7/7- Beef and Veggie Stir fry over rice
Tuesday 7/8 - Whole Roasted Chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn
Wednesday 7/9 Chicken and Dumplings
Thursday 7/10- Taco/Nachos
Friday 7/11- Homemade Pizza
Saturday 7/12 Broiled Salmon, Baked Potatoes, Broc
Thursday 7/10 is also my 15th Wedding Anniversary, however its a scout night and so we'll be busy with that. My poor hubby is so busy with work and scouts lately I'm not even sure he remembers its our anniversary :(
Tuesday 7/8 - Whole Roasted Chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn
Wednesday 7/9 Chicken and Dumplings
Thursday 7/10- Taco/Nachos
Friday 7/11- Homemade Pizza
Saturday 7/12 Broiled Salmon, Baked Potatoes, Broc
Thursday 7/10 is also my 15th Wedding Anniversary, however its a scout night and so we'll be busy with that. My poor hubby is so busy with work and scouts lately I'm not even sure he remembers its our anniversary :(
Monday July 7th 2014
Good Morning!!
We're back home now after a trip to the Pediatrician's office for a 4yr old check up which included shots-3 of them :( Needless to say, the rest of our day will be low key!! At least for the 4yr old!! I've promised a laid back, movie marathon and snuggling kind of day!! She's happy to indulge!!
I've got lunch cooking, Spaghetti was the request from the mini pin cushion.I'm using leftover sauce from last week, just waiting on the noodles to finish cooking then we feast!!
The rest of my day will be spent catching up on the laundry, I also have some mending to do!! Just general housework.
Dinner tonight is Beef and Veggie Stir Fry over rice, I've got some chicken tenderloins thawing that I'll bake to go with dinner tonight for my non-stir-fry eaters and I'm cooking more than I need so that I can have leftover chicken to make chicken salad for lunches this week.
That's my day!! Just catching up on housework chores and spending time with my people :) Enjoy your day!!
We're back home now after a trip to the Pediatrician's office for a 4yr old check up which included shots-3 of them :( Needless to say, the rest of our day will be low key!! At least for the 4yr old!! I've promised a laid back, movie marathon and snuggling kind of day!! She's happy to indulge!!
I've got lunch cooking, Spaghetti was the request from the mini pin cushion.I'm using leftover sauce from last week, just waiting on the noodles to finish cooking then we feast!!
The rest of my day will be spent catching up on the laundry, I also have some mending to do!! Just general housework.
Dinner tonight is Beef and Veggie Stir Fry over rice, I've got some chicken tenderloins thawing that I'll bake to go with dinner tonight for my non-stir-fry eaters and I'm cooking more than I need so that I can have leftover chicken to make chicken salad for lunches this week.
That's my day!! Just catching up on housework chores and spending time with my people :) Enjoy your day!!
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Tuesday July 1st 2014
I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that it is July 1st!! Seems like only yesterday we were complaining about our extra long extra cold winter, now we're walking out the door and immediately bursting into a sweat because its near a 100* with equally high humidity.
My last post I mentioned that we were all wrapped up in car drama. The bad news is the insurance co. did finally (after go back and forth for over a week) deem the hubs car a total loss. We felt early on it was going in that direction, So when it was finalized we wasted no time in looking for another work car for him. Thankfully we found one and purchasing it was just as eventful and dramatic as going round and round with the insurance co and the body shop at the beginning of this car wreck headache. Thankfully all the kinks were worked out and we are again a 2 vehicle family. I feel good knowing my hubby has reliable transportation back and forth to work (he's a commuter) but on the downside we now again have a car payment.
So here we are working out a new budget that includes a car payment. Its going to be tight again while we get into a new spending routine but we've been down this road before and we've always made it work and we will this time again. Faith!! Its a mighty powerful Ally!!
I'll be paying much closer attention to our spending. I've already been grocery shopping for the month of July and we'll be sticking closely to our menus and hopefully the only thing we will need as the month progresses is milk and fresh veg. The garden is starting to produce ( I picked 5 zucchini yesterday) and that will come in handy as we are able to eat fresh and put up the surplus for the winter and year to come!!
Here's our menu for this week:
Yesterday I worked in the garden weeding all day, so come supper time I was pooped!! We had an easy dinner of pancakes, eggs and sausage patties.
Tonight: Spaghetti with meat sauce and Manicotti for those who aren't fond of spaghetti we're a 50/50 family Half of us love spaghetti and don't care for Manicotti and the other half of us is the exact opposite loving Manicotti and disliking Spaghetti. I'll make some homemade french bread to go with this meal.
Wednesday: Beef fajitas with Rice
Thursday: Leftovers or Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, hm applesauce
Friday: 4th of July- More than likely cooking out with family and I'll make a couple dishes to take along!!
Sarturday and Sunday The Weekend menu is up in the air, we will definitely be eating out of the fridge freezer and Pantry but I'll let the Hubs decide what we're feasting on!!!
Enjoy your day, I'm off to make some lunch for my kiddos and switch the laundry and start another load!!
Blessings!!
My last post I mentioned that we were all wrapped up in car drama. The bad news is the insurance co. did finally (after go back and forth for over a week) deem the hubs car a total loss. We felt early on it was going in that direction, So when it was finalized we wasted no time in looking for another work car for him. Thankfully we found one and purchasing it was just as eventful and dramatic as going round and round with the insurance co and the body shop at the beginning of this car wreck headache. Thankfully all the kinks were worked out and we are again a 2 vehicle family. I feel good knowing my hubby has reliable transportation back and forth to work (he's a commuter) but on the downside we now again have a car payment.
So here we are working out a new budget that includes a car payment. Its going to be tight again while we get into a new spending routine but we've been down this road before and we've always made it work and we will this time again. Faith!! Its a mighty powerful Ally!!
I'll be paying much closer attention to our spending. I've already been grocery shopping for the month of July and we'll be sticking closely to our menus and hopefully the only thing we will need as the month progresses is milk and fresh veg. The garden is starting to produce ( I picked 5 zucchini yesterday) and that will come in handy as we are able to eat fresh and put up the surplus for the winter and year to come!!
Here's our menu for this week:
Yesterday I worked in the garden weeding all day, so come supper time I was pooped!! We had an easy dinner of pancakes, eggs and sausage patties.
Tonight: Spaghetti with meat sauce and Manicotti for those who aren't fond of spaghetti we're a 50/50 family Half of us love spaghetti and don't care for Manicotti and the other half of us is the exact opposite loving Manicotti and disliking Spaghetti. I'll make some homemade french bread to go with this meal.
Wednesday: Beef fajitas with Rice
Thursday: Leftovers or Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, hm applesauce
Friday: 4th of July- More than likely cooking out with family and I'll make a couple dishes to take along!!
Sarturday and Sunday The Weekend menu is up in the air, we will definitely be eating out of the fridge freezer and Pantry but I'll let the Hubs decide what we're feasting on!!!
Enjoy your day, I'm off to make some lunch for my kiddos and switch the laundry and start another load!!
Blessings!!
Thursday, June 12, 2014
God's Got This!!
Geez, what a week!!
Yesterday my hubby called to let me know that he had been in an accident and his car was smashed. But he's fine and that is what is most important to me. Cars can be replaced, he can't so you can bet I am thankful that it was just the car that got smashed.
So we go through the normal back and forth with the insurance company, arranging towing and claim adjuster visits, rental car business and so on. Hopeful that it will be salvageable and we will just dust ourselves off and continue on.
Today he calls to tell me that the body shop is waiting to hear back from the insurance Company but more than likely they will deem the car a total loss and make us an offer on the wreckage. :(
As soon as we get the official word we will weigh our options and proceed from there but more than likely now starts the process of looking for another car, getting financing and so on and so on.....
STRESS, FRUSTRATION, DEPRESSION, yeah we got it all and healthy doses of it. We had JUST paid off that car, READ like we've only had a free and clear title for about a month or two.
But to be honest I'm not stressing it. We will figure it out like we always do. We may be down but we won't be down for long. I know God's Got This. And I think knowing that is the only thing that is keeping me from flipping out. We've been through worse and we'll get through this. I know we can and we will!!
I've already got ideas floating around in my head on how to reduce our bills and such even farther. I'm definitely going to put more than just thought into a fall garden I'll make it a reality now. Every little bit helps and we've got to be able to cut our budget to handle another car payment. If this payment is the same as the last one we'll be fine, it will be tight like before but we'll be fine, if this new payment is more than the last then we'll definitely have to tighten up a bit more than we expected but it can be done and it will be ok.
I know it will because GOD'S GOT THIS!! And I am so thankful he does!!!
Yesterday my hubby called to let me know that he had been in an accident and his car was smashed. But he's fine and that is what is most important to me. Cars can be replaced, he can't so you can bet I am thankful that it was just the car that got smashed.
So we go through the normal back and forth with the insurance company, arranging towing and claim adjuster visits, rental car business and so on. Hopeful that it will be salvageable and we will just dust ourselves off and continue on.
Today he calls to tell me that the body shop is waiting to hear back from the insurance Company but more than likely they will deem the car a total loss and make us an offer on the wreckage. :(
As soon as we get the official word we will weigh our options and proceed from there but more than likely now starts the process of looking for another car, getting financing and so on and so on.....
STRESS, FRUSTRATION, DEPRESSION, yeah we got it all and healthy doses of it. We had JUST paid off that car, READ like we've only had a free and clear title for about a month or two.
But to be honest I'm not stressing it. We will figure it out like we always do. We may be down but we won't be down for long. I know God's Got This. And I think knowing that is the only thing that is keeping me from flipping out. We've been through worse and we'll get through this. I know we can and we will!!
I've already got ideas floating around in my head on how to reduce our bills and such even farther. I'm definitely going to put more than just thought into a fall garden I'll make it a reality now. Every little bit helps and we've got to be able to cut our budget to handle another car payment. If this payment is the same as the last one we'll be fine, it will be tight like before but we'll be fine, if this new payment is more than the last then we'll definitely have to tighten up a bit more than we expected but it can be done and it will be ok.
I know it will because GOD'S GOT THIS!! And I am so thankful he does!!!
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Wednesday May 28th 2014
Good Morning!! I'm sitting here drinking my last cup of coffee for the day and then I must get busy here at home. I have alot to accomplish today.
So far this morning I have:
Packed 2 lunches - Hub's and our oldest's, my other son decided to buy today
Hubs and the two boys are off to work and school
Made breakfast for my little miss
To do today:
Work up the rest of the green onions for the dehydrator
Kitchen:
*dishes
* check on drinks and make tea and lemonade as needed
* check on lunch making supplies and bake, prepare lunch items as needed for the remainder of the week
* lay out chicken to thaw for dinner
* straighten and clean up
Laundry- Should have 2 -3 loads
Straighten livingroom- sweep and mop floor
Straighten Bathroom
Straighten hall way
Trash- get all gathered and ready to go to dump for tomorrow
Grocery list and coupons- keep working on finalizing list and clip coupons ( I'm behind on my clipping - BOOOO)
That's enough to get me started I think. I hope to get all that done and then some! And if there is time left in my day after meal preps and chores I hope to work on some sewing!!
Lunch today is either sandwiches or leftovers or something quick and easy
Dinner tonight is Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes and a veg just not sure which one yet :)
Have a Blessed Day!!
So far this morning I have:
Packed 2 lunches - Hub's and our oldest's, my other son decided to buy today
Hubs and the two boys are off to work and school
Made breakfast for my little miss
To do today:
Work up the rest of the green onions for the dehydrator
Kitchen:
*dishes
* check on drinks and make tea and lemonade as needed
* check on lunch making supplies and bake, prepare lunch items as needed for the remainder of the week
* lay out chicken to thaw for dinner
* straighten and clean up
Laundry- Should have 2 -3 loads
Straighten livingroom- sweep and mop floor
Straighten Bathroom
Straighten hall way
Trash- get all gathered and ready to go to dump for tomorrow
Grocery list and coupons- keep working on finalizing list and clip coupons ( I'm behind on my clipping - BOOOO)
That's enough to get me started I think. I hope to get all that done and then some! And if there is time left in my day after meal preps and chores I hope to work on some sewing!!
Lunch today is either sandwiches or leftovers or something quick and easy
Dinner tonight is Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes and a veg just not sure which one yet :)
Have a Blessed Day!!
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Wednesday 5/21/2014
Good Morning!!
Another day at home for me today :) and yes I'm happy about it!!
Today I plan to bake bake bake!! I want to make some breakfast muffins and snack cakes. I have a fair amount of things that need attention here. General straightening and setting everything right about the place.
And then..... And then I hope to sew!! My girl needs some clothes that are appropriate to wear. I've not found in town anything that is to my liking or that my wallet liked. The clothing is either too short for my tastes or too expensive so the only other alternative I have is to make her something. I don't normally sew clothing so wish me luck ? If this little shorts and top experiment turn out then maybe just maybe I'm on to something here!! Which will be a blessing considering she starts preschool in the fall. I could very well be sewing quite a lot. Now to find a way to do it inexpensively!!
Dinner tonight is Chicken Alfredo, Yum!!
Another day at home for me today :) and yes I'm happy about it!!
Today I plan to bake bake bake!! I want to make some breakfast muffins and snack cakes. I have a fair amount of things that need attention here. General straightening and setting everything right about the place.
And then..... And then I hope to sew!! My girl needs some clothes that are appropriate to wear. I've not found in town anything that is to my liking or that my wallet liked. The clothing is either too short for my tastes or too expensive so the only other alternative I have is to make her something. I don't normally sew clothing so wish me luck ? If this little shorts and top experiment turn out then maybe just maybe I'm on to something here!! Which will be a blessing considering she starts preschool in the fall. I could very well be sewing quite a lot. Now to find a way to do it inexpensively!!
Dinner tonight is Chicken Alfredo, Yum!!
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