An Oven Full Of Yumminess!

I love my convection oven!

The Question Of The Day

While playing football in the house and knocking over a picture frame and candle...."Can we move this couch outside?  It's in the way." 

Money Talk

One of our goals for 2010 was to nail down our budget. Before we moved to CO, we worked with a cash envelope system. It worked well until we moved and were living in two separate states. We then moved to a cash back reward credit card for everything. We paid it off every month and that helped Honey track our separate spendings. And because we liked the money we were earning from it, decided to keep it that way for awhile.

Well now we're back to the envelope system. We are hoping to save more using cash than we made with our credit card. It's just too easy to whip out a card! Check out these kyuuute envelopes I made!!

This was my inspiration. I didn't do it exactly like she did b/c I'm not going to carry them around in my wallet and because I don't like my wallet anyway and I need want a new one. I also didn't use her template. I just found an envelope style I liked and took it apart and traced around it. Here's the back.

So I guess mine isn't like hers at all except that I made them out of scrapbook paper. Anyway... I like 'em!
What does that have to do with money? Hmm, not much. So nevermind. Back to budgeting.

~We set up our new budget this morning taking it down to zero dollars.
~We get paid every 2 weeks so I'll work with that dividing it in half.
~I am trying something new with my menuing and doing it every week instead of every 2 or every month.
~I'm thinking I should be able to cut the food budget by $75/mo b/c of my parents' meat and no diapers!
~The tricky thing about not getting paid monthly is dividing up money for stuff that you just buy once a month. Also excitedly buying too much of a sale item and then forgetting that we're out of toilet paper. That's me. So I made a list of everything I could think of that we think we have to have so I could plan around that better and still have money left on the last week.

When I started writing it all out, I figured we went though 30 gallons of milk, 5 lbs of sour cream, 10 lbs of cottage cheese, 20 lbs of butter, and 20 lbs of cheese every month. I'm thinking we should just buy ourselves a dairy cow and call it a day.

Next step is to be more careful with my list making so I can just shop once a week. I figure I'll just blitz it all in one day and be done with it. Aldi, Walmart, and Sams here we come!

And last but not least, we bought a new car! New for us, but really like 16 years old. It was coming time to have a third car for teenager purposes and we got a screamin' deal from a guy at Honey's office. It's super clean, in great shape, easy to drive with low mileage. Honey will drive it to work and leave the Escape for us. They both get better gas mileage than the van and will help us keep the van in better shape longer.

Ripsticking Makes Me Sore

And it's rather comical.  So I decided to take pictures of everybody else doing it instead. 

This was a fun afternoon with warm weather and all sorts of wheels.  Bikes, skates, scooters, and ripsticks.

When I told her she needed a helmet, her response...."Momma, helmets mess up my hair." 

Here's my new favorite of ZBaby.   Standing up in his chair, mouth wide open, sporting his Scooby Doo undies. 

Snack Mix

This is my kids favorite mid-morning snack.  I like it b/c it's not messy and is already made.  Plus they can eat and still work on school without interruption! 

1 box of cheese crackers
1/2 box of cherrios
1/2 bag of brown rice cereal
1 sleeve of graham crackers broken up
walnuts
peanuts
pumpkin seeds
sunflower seeds
chocolate chips
mini marshmallows

Dump all into a bowl and stir around.  Serve in coffee filters for easy cleanup!

The Battle Of Mount Tagg

These guys don't stand a chance against my air soft sharp shooters. 

I remember when my oldest son was little and his daddy taught him how to shoot down his army guys with rubber bands. 

Now this new set of little boys have a much more powerful weapon! 

Today

Lane's busy school.

A new writing project.

LB teaches the boys science. 

His mouth is HUGE.  (That's a regular sized basketball.)

Teaching the boys to play the baseball card game. 

Music AND cards.

Life is good. 

I just HAD to get a picture of this b/c Honey is not much of a card player.  This is a quick game, though, so sometimes he'll indulge us. 

~LB got a fish tank for Christmas.  Tonight one of the fish died.  I tried to prepare her that fish just don't last that long.  I remember when we had a fish tank before.  If any fish even looked sick, we had to pray for it.  And the first time one of the fish died, it was huge tears all around. 

~I hate college prep stuff.  Transcripts, scholarships, CLEPS, distance learning.   It's all hard.  And my friends told me it was no big deal.  Well I must assume they're all smarter than me, b/c I think it is a big deal.  Maybe when it's all done, I'll look back and laugh over all that I'm fretting over.  Then I'll tell somebody else that it's no big deal. (wink wink!)  I spent pretty much all morning working on a transcript and nothing else.  And filling out the FAFSA?......Please.  Did ya'll do that too?  Or am I making it harder than it is? 

~Andie is a family friend that has helped us in the past with our school.  One day she came over and spent an entire school day with us.  She listened to boys read, helped with spelling, figured out tricky math problems without making anyone cry, did a chemistry experiment, and had lots of good ideas.  Her girls are grown and now she is able to pass along her wisdom to me!  And I'm so blessed, or I should say, we are b/c the kids love her.  She just mentioned to me that she might like to start coming with us to the library every week!  REALLY?  Oh I hope she does. 

~My 5yo just wasn't himself today.  I had him take a nap and then wash dishes when he woke up.  Rest and work cures everything, right?  And maybe some cake too, but we were out of that.

~2 of my girls are switching jurisdictions for 3 days.  LB does NOT like taking care of the dining room.  I'm guessing this was her idea.  But maybe Lane will like a break from the living room too.  

~Somebody forgot to start the dishwasher after lunch yesterday.  That meant that there was not enough room for dinner dishes and some were soaking in the sink.  Date night after the kids went to bed and the kitchen was a wreck.  I  half way entertained the idea of leaving it like that and going to bed.  I mean it is date night right?  And who does dishes on date night?  Well it drove me crazy and I was overcome with guilt for even thinking it.  I knew I'd never be able to sleep.  Sooooo, I got busy and even did some "extras" just to make up for my moment of insanity. 

Today's Meals...

Breakfast - cream of wheat

Lunch - vegetable soup and bread

Dinner - chicken enchiladas (new recipe that is a keeper!), beans & rice

Tea - 4 minute brownie pie 

Perfect Peace

Last night I read a chapter in Worship Matters, by Bob Kauflin.  In chapter 2, the author speaks of a time when his heart was not right and the Lord brought it to his attention.  Instead of focusing solely on the Lord, he was focused on the praise of man.  He delighted in an audience of many, instead of an audience of One. 

Seeking glory for ourselves is taking glory from God.  It is idolatry.  As I thought about that last night and this morning, I realized how much I also fall into that trap.  The praise of man is tangible and measurable.   And when there is no praise, I wonder if I am really doing anything at all or if anybody even cares. 

This morning, the Lord gave me this verse...

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord, the Lord, is everlasting strength." Isaiah 26:3-4

In this chapter, Mr. Kauflin encourages his readers to search their hearts and ask themselves questions such as...
"Where does my mind drift to when I don't have anything to do?"
"What do I spend my money on?"
"What do I feel depressed without?"

Here's a couple I thought of...
"Are you embarrassed when your kid throws a fit at Walmart, or in front of your mother-in-law?"
"Do you care if ppl comment on your blog or your Facebook status?"
"How important is it that your kids look perfect on Sunday morning?"

There is no peace when we are thinking of ourselves.  But when our minds are stayed on God, and seeking His glory instead of our own, He promises perfect peace. 

I pray that He will bring me to the point of casting my cares aside, loving Him, and having a heart of worship. 

Some New Friends

I'm introducing you to some of my new friends and adding their links to my sidebar.


First, my sweet cousin Carri in California. Her pictures are awesome and her boys are precious.

My good friend in Colorado, Wordlady, has 2 new blogs as well as her regular one.
This one is a devotional blog.
And here is one about healthy cooking. Good stuff.

2 friends from my new church....
Leslie and Abigail

And while I'm at it..
My church and
My other church

These are not real friends, but some helpful sites I enjoy.

Tammys Recipes is where I go for inspiration in the kitchen.

Heavenly Homemakers and Passionate Homemaking are always nice reads.

And for deal finding, Money Saving Mom and Common Sense With Money.

Enjoy!!

A Bad Start

Oh my goodness gracious!  Did my kids wake up on the wrong side of the bed! 

Sisters are mad b/c one left a mess and the other is bossy. 

5yo refuses to make his bed.

Boys are sitting, talking, visiting when there is work to do.

ZBaby is screeching.

Meg is mad at the dog. 

Lane is mad at everyone. 

I go from one to the other giving pep talks, swatting bottoms, putting out fires, and praying for peace.  And making breakfast. 

It doesn't get better.  In fact, after breakfast it is worse.  And I'm done, out of ideas, and wondering if somebody secretly switched my kids in the middle of the night.  

So at 9:30am I sent them all back to bed.  No talking, no calling my name, no playing.  Just pray and think. 

I needed some time to strategize.

30 minutes later it was time to give a huge speech regroup.  And I can't say that it was a magical transformation, but it was a start. 

Good Reads

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."  John 1:14

Today I start reading John.  My very favorite of the gospels.  I'm also going to read it aloud to the kids and we'll spend about 30 min watching The Gospel Of John on dvd each day just to add a new dimension. 

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets."  Matthew 7:12....  This is our memory verse this week.  After weeks of memorizing long passages, we're starting this week with something easy.  It's a review for my older kids, and new for the babies.  At the end of the week, I'm passing out prizes(!) for several weeks of good work.  Great job, kids!  We're still working away at this Charlotte Mason style of memorization and find its just the thing for our family. 

I printed off a coloring sheet to go with our verse.  Even my big kids like doing this sometimes. 

The Peacemaker by Ken Sande.  My friend, Janice, loves this book.  And since peacemaking skills are always helpful, I put it on my Christmas list.  I love the way the author teaches about glorifying God through conflict.  But its not just in concept, he actually teaches you what that means and explains what it looks like. 

Of course the minute I start reading this book I get into a discussion with Honey.  Or as Jodie calls it, "intense fellowship".   God's timing is perfect, and a bit funny. 

In His Steps by Charles Sheldon. This is a re-read for me b/c I was wanting something fiction and something meaningful.  Its about how members in a local church make a commitment to do nothing without first asking the question, "What would Jesus do?".  Through prayer and Bible reading they discern what Jesus' probable actions would be and determine to follow in His steps regardless of the cost. 

First We Have Coffee by Margaret Jensen.  I know, I know.  Seems like I'm always reading this book.  When I found out that I actually knew a child of Ella Tweeten's, I just couldn't help myself.  I'm reading it to the kids and when we're done, I'm planning to invite Mrs. Jensen over for coffee.... and a chat.  We're all looking forward to that!  I love love love it b/c I learn something new every single time.  Mama Tweeten is my hero. 

Spiritual Leadership by Henry Blackaby.  Anything Blackaby is bound to be a fave of mine.  Looks like a man's book, I know.  But leadership skills are helpful as I strive to raise up these little people who look to me for guidance.  Blackaby is never fluffy but always cut and dry, full of Scripture, practical, and relevant.  Greatness in my opinion, but I am a huge fan. 

Happy And Sad

Today's the day we join our new church, Fellowship Bible. 

And I guess that would mean it's also the day we unjoin our Colorado church.   My first church love. 

So I'm considering it more of a co-join.  

Is that ok? 

We'll all be together in heaven someday and that makes me smile. 

Another Chance To Celebrate Life!

This was a super fun birthday for Meg. 

We tried to let her sleep in...but we were all excited.  And I suspect she was too. 

Her little brothers bought some fun decorations for the table and beautiful flowers.  

Her siblings decided that at least one present couldn't wait until Dad came home.  She HAD to open the Wii Fit Plus and try it out. 

We went to lunch with her girlfriends.  Chitty, chatty, giggly, fun! 

Then off to the mall to get her ears pierced.  And while I'm thinking she'll chicken out, it turns out that it was ME who was more nervous than she was.   She didn't squeal, cry, or even whince.  Hmm, I'm guessing her brothers have toughened her up over the years. 

No holes....

Done! 

With her fans cheering her on. 

Thank you Bekah for a fun day.

Then home for presents, yummy dinner, and banana pudding. 

And one special present.  Real diamond earrings!  My parents gave me diamond earrings for my 18th birthday and I still love them.  I hope she will too. 

Happy Birthday Meg!  You are our joy.  We love you so much!!

Today

Meg came home from class to find this!

Her baby brothers spent some Christmas money and bought her flowers for her b-day.  She loves flowers, and she loves them boys! 

I'm trying to let these guys help in the kitchen more.  See that stool behind them?  That's been a great addition to the kitchen.  It lets one be up high enough to "work" while the other can usually sit on the counter. 

I made this.  Lemon chicken that didn't turn out too good so I won't share that recipe. 

While I listened to these guys.  This is our breakfast area made into a music room.  I LOVE this kind of noise.  It's such a loud and happy sound. 

Then I made this.  Rather my bread machine made it so I can't take the credit. 

Cinnamon Raisin Bread

1 1/4 C water

2 T softened butter

3 1/4 C flour

1/4 C honey

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 C. raisins

2 1/4 tsp yeast

Place everything in the bread machine in the order given except raisins.  Pour the yeast into a well made in the flour and pour the raisins in the side of the pan.  Hit the dough cycle.  Let rise in machine. 

Shape into a loaf and let rise in pan.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. 

What else?

Let's see....

~Meg's b-day is tomorrow!

~Leola came by and took my serger home to clean it up, figure it out, and hopefully teach me.

~I got a new blender!  I'd been without one for weeks and it was driving me crazy.  I was always saying, "I can't make that b/c I don't have a blender."  Well of course when I finally brought home a new one I couldn't think of a thing to make with it! 

And I promised my mother-in-law some pix of my kitchen since she's in Florida for 2 more months and can't come see it herself. 

Here's one side.

And the other. Of course it's always this neat and clean. 

Ok maybe not. 

My 2010 Goals

Still working on my goals for 2010, how 'bout you?  Date night was full of upcoming plans Sunday night.  I'm excited about all the new changes just around the corner. 

~We've been asked to lead a children's study group at church.  Surprising really, since that's not our thing.  BUT, sometimes its good to stretch beyond your comfort zone.  I'm looking forward to seeing how God is working in these young people and (prayerfully) helping them grow closer to the Lord. 

~Check out our other ministry project here.   This is more of our family project, where the other one will just be Honey and me.  We've been praying for a family ministry and I'm excited about this.  If you like airsofting, please go check it out. 

~Hospitality is on our list of goals.  We like having friends over and our house is set up nicely to accomodate company.  I'm looking forward to even more fellowship this year, including a visit from Yvette and her family from Colorado!

~Speaking of our house....I love it.  And you know what?  I don't even miss my stairs.  I do love stairs though, but its ok.  Really.   Anyway, we have a list of some things to keep plugging away at.  Getting rid of white carpet is tops! 

~Can you believe Meg will be 18 tomorrow?!  Eighteen!!  Where'd the time go?  And are we really that old already?  whimper. 

~Graduation is May 1.  It has been my joy to homeschool her from diapers to diploma.  And I will try to get through the whole ceremony without crying my eyes out.  No promises though. 

~Then there's driving by herself.  In traffic.  And college. Without me.  (Do you think she'd mind if I walked her to her classes the first week and sat with her?  I'd be really quiet.  I promise.)

~And now Babyest is pretty much out of diapers.  No more diapers?  It was bad enough to give up the cloth for awhile, but now this?  My ZBaby is half grown already! 

~LB's learning to sew and just made her first quilt.  Meg and Lane will be teaching a co-op class this semester.  My oldest son will probably start refereeing. 

~Then there's my own little personal stuff....staying out of the stores as much, including the little kids in the kitchen more, speaking sweetly, and several must reads to get in, ya know. 

It looks like a good full year. 

And now it's your turn.  What are your goals?  Anybody wanna share?

Homemade Granola

Here's my favorite granola recipe.  Just for you, Carri!  (And, well, for anyone else who happens to be at all interested.) 

6 C. oats
2 C. coconut
2 C. chopped walnuts
1 T. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix all dry ingredients.  Then add the wets.

1/2 C butter melted
1/2 C honey
2 tsp vanilla

Spread in baking dish and bake at 350 stirring every 10 minutes or so until golden brown.  Cool.  Add rasins, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, and chocolate chips. 

I double this for us and keep it in a big bowl.  Mostly we use it in place of boxed cereal.  It's also good for apple crisp type recipes and yogurt parfaits like this...

I sliced bananas on the bottom, filled in with yogurt, and topped with granola.  I put it in a fancy glass and my little bitties thought they were in heaven!

Matthew

After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.  Luke 5:27-28

Don't you just love the way that Levi (Matthew) responded to Jesus?  He got up, left everything, and followed.  Except for a lucrative career, the Bible doesn't give detail as to what everything was for Matthew.  He could not have known all that was in store for him, but in faith, Matthew responded immediately without hesitation. 

The next part is my favorite.
Luke 5:29 "Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them."

Without embarrassment or fear of man, he invited all his fellow tax collectors over for dinner and introduced them to his Jesus.  Evangelism at its finest and hospitality to boot!

Matthew was a man of action, unconcerned with the opinion of man.  Jesus called him, loved him, saved him, and allowed him a tremendous honor - to pen the gospel of Matthew that his experience with the Lord could shape the generations to follow. 

A Good Deal

Go here to print a $2/1 coupon for Dove deoderant.  These are $2.58 at my Walmart, making them only $.58 each!

Playin' With My Blog

And it's kinda fun. 

What do ya think?  Is it hard to read?  Is there too much contrast?  Is it just plain ugly?  Is the cake picture too much?  Should I have just left well enough alone?

Or do you like it? 

Don't be shy!  I want the feedback. 

I Guess It's Time

2 days now he's been in his Spiderman underwear.  And doing it like a pro.  And I knew this day would finally come.  But I wasn't in a hurry.  He is our Babyest afterall (and I do love changing diapers). 

This morning at the breakfast table I was praising him in front of everyone telling about what a big boy he is and what a good job he's doing on the potty. 

Honey put his face in his hands and said, "But we haven't been out of diapers since Laura Beth!" 

I'm glad I'm not the only sentimental one. 

Happy 2010 (and more food talk)

Honey and I started the new year with a nice long talk in bed this morning.   We talked over our goals for the coming year and some things we'd like to start.  More ministry, more hospitality, financial goals, etc.  Good stuff. 

One of my personal goals that will line up nicely with financial goals is to be more organized with our menus and shopping.  I find myself in the stores way too often. 

This afternoon I worked out our menu plan for the month of January.  I pulled out the calendar to see what kind of events we would need to work around, how many pizza nights, how many date nights, etc. 

Here's what it looks like....
5 Sundays mean 5 date nights.  (I didn't plan those out.  I'll do those weekly.)
5 Fridays = 5 pizza nights
That's 1/3 of the month done without even thinking about it!

And the rest...
Tex-mex casserole w/refried beans & chips
Chili in the crockpot
Lasagna in the crockpot
Sloppy Joes & oven fries
meatballs & noodles
artichoke ravioli
chicken enchiladas w/spanish rice
big turkey w/stuffing
lemon chicken w/mashed potatoes & veggies
chicken salsa pasta
chicken penne pasta
tuna sauce on toast w/ peas
veggie lasagna
7 layer dip with meat
Meg's b-day meals that she hasn't decided. 

That comes out to 25 dinners which should be more than enough considering dinners at church and leftovers.

I'm planning breakfasts very simply w/o a whole lot of variation.
Cinnamon rasin bread w/ boiled eggs & fruit (x4)
Oatmeal (x4)
Oven pancake w/blueberry syrup (x2)
Baked oatmeal
Cream of wheat (x2)
Apple streusel
Omelets (x5)

That's 19 days and I'll fill in the rest with homemade granola.

I don't plan lunches b/c we usually have leftovers or some sort of soup/sandwich. 

I'm hoping that a better plan will keep me out of stores as much.  We'll see...
I'm also trying to cut our budget back to $850/mo.  The gift of my parents' meat plus the turkeys from Thanksgiving ought to make that happen.  But mostly I want to remember to pray more over my shopping and planning.  Asking the Lord to show me how to spend His money and use the time He's given me.

Today's meals...
Breakfast - cereal
Lunch - leftover chicken spaghetti
Dinner - pizza
Snacks - banana bread, apples, & clementines