New Cleaning Schedule

I'm changing around my cleaning schedule a bit - back to my original schedule that I had been doing for a couple of years:

Mondays: Bedrooms - change bed linens
clean ceiling fans
sweep/vacuum floors
wipe down doors and
light switches
wipe window sills
clean mirrors and
dressers/tables

Tuesday: Bathrooms - clean tubs and showers
including tiles
clean inside and out toilets
wipe down counters and cabinets
clean mirrors
wipe down doors and switches
check supply of toilet paper
take out trash
clean out drawers if needed
put bathroom rugs in laundry
mop bathroom floors

Wednesday: Kitchen - declutter all counter tops
wipe counters and kitchen table
clean inside and out microwave
clean oven and stove
wipe down and wash out coffee pot
clean and declutter top of fridge
clean out fridge
clean outside of fridge
wipe window sills
sweep/mop kitchen floor

Laundry room- wipe down washer and dryer
change kitty litter
sweep and mop floor
declutter

Thursday: Family Room
Dining Room - Dust everything including T.V.
tables, pictures, window sills, etc
Move couch and chair to vacuum
Sweep and vacuum and mop floors
Declutter and put items either in trash
or back in proper place
Water indoor plants

Friday: Computer Room - dust tv and computer. Clean computer
keyboard.
Declutter computer desk
Sweep and vacuum


It looks like a lot, but really it doesn't take that long to get it done.

Tomorrow, I'll post "A Day in the Life of Me" and show you exactly what I do and when I do it along with how long it takes.

Oh...also 5 Things that Went Right - Monday

1. My husband was off of work and did a beautiful job on the yard
2. I actually had time to sit and read a WHOLE book outside while enjoying the sunny day.
3. It was nice so all the kids got to go outside and play
4. We met our neighbor who lives next door - very nice lady
5. I was able to make it thru the day without spending any money

Check out this talented artist.....

My husband has a friend who is a VERY talented artist. We feel very privileged to be able to have one of his prints.

He has made some youtube videos of his work -

Please watch below and be prepared to be amazed!! I know we were.









Have a great Saturday. I'm going to go enjoy some time with my kids and step kids!

Not much to say....

I wish I had something interesting and inspiring to post today...but I don't. I really want to be able to uplift and encourage women in their roles as wives and mothers. However, today is just one of those "blah" days we all have once in awhile.

I haven't been feeling to great lately and I don't know what's wrong. I am tired all of the time, and I mean ALL of the time. I feel as though I am in a haze and just going thru the motions of keeping house and cooking. I hope this feeling goes away and goes away SOON!!

Today, I was supposed to mop all the floors, but it will just have to wait as I have other things to accomplish.

I have made 4 pizza crusts for tomorrow night. My step-kids will be arriving tomorrow night and I always try and fix homemade pizzas on those nights. My son says that they are better than Domino's pizza. I know it is something everyone looks forward to twice a month and it is sooo much cheaper than delivery. I pre-bake the crusts a day ahead and wrap them in plastic wrap and put them in the freezer until the next day.

I am also making my kids' favorite cookies - Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies...Yummm! I hope I can keep myself from eating them...but probably not!

I have to sort and file my coupons today and make out a grocery list. I went and picked up a Kroger flyer yesterday. We don't have much choice for grocery stores here, just Kroger and Walmart. It's hard to get the great deals I see so many people posting on the yahoo groups I frequent.

About 8 or 9 years ago, I was a grocery shopping queen. I loved going grocery shopping because I got amazing deals (that is when I lived elsewhere and had various of grocery stores to choose from). I took cash with me and never spent over $65.00 per week. That was for 5 people and 1 dog. It also included all of my paper products as well.

Lately, I have been spending WAY too much at the store and its got to stop! So, I am going to pay attention more to the sales and my coupons and see how I do. I would like to eventually spend no more than $85.00 a week for groceries. I know, some of you do much, much better than that.

I'll be going grocery shopping tomorrow (hopefully) and will let everyone know how I do.

Depression Cooking

I was reading another blog and she mentioned Depression Cooking with Clara on youtube.
Clara is a 93 yr old woman who lived grew up in New York during the depression. While she is cooking she talks about her family and growing up during these hard times.

I was so inspired after watching her video, and will continue to watch and learn.
In the episode below, she goes on to tell that she had to quit high school because they could not afford to buy socks.

It really makes you think....sometimes we think we have it bad off...when in reality, we are truly blessed.

Monday Madness and......A Recipe!

My husband and I went garden shopping yesterday. He had seen the "topsy turvy" commercial on T.V. You know..those are the things that you use to grow your tomatoes upside down. He was really wanting one, but was shocked at the price.

I guess I am rubbing off on him because he went online and found out how to make his own using milk jugs. So, off we went to get some tomato plants. We also bought two strawberry plants (Blake loves to grow strawberries) and I bought a pineapple sage plant. You can't believe how wonderful it smells ---- just like a pineapple!!

We also bought some flowers and some window boxes. I have always wanted to put window boxes up out front. We couldn't do it at our last house because the windows went almost all the way to the ground.

We found some boxes for $7.00 each. We finally got them planted and hung today. They look so beautiful. My husband did such a great job hanging them. I planted potato vines, red petunias, verbena and dianthus.

I'm glad my husband felt o.k. to do it today as he had a dentist appointment to get a tooth pulled. Long story short, it didn't get pulled....they deadened his mouth, but the spot where the tooth was would not get numb enough for them to pull the tooth. So off we went to get more antibiotics and hopefully he will be able to get it pulled next week.

On another note, I found someone who would barter eggs in exchange for my homemade baked goods. I took some to her today with a list of things that I have available, and she emailed me saying that she has co-workers that want to order some goodies from me! Whoohoo! I was hoping that somewhere down the line, I might be able to make a little with my baking.

Here's a recipe for the day courtesy of Candy at www.keepingthehome.com

I changed mine around a little bit:

BAKED FRENCH TOAST

12 slices of bread ( I use the white potato bread)
1 1/2 cups of milk
4 eggs
1/3 cups maple syrup (I have used pancake syrup)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. cinnamon

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, and then mix in the milk, syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon.
2. Butter a 9x11 baking pan
3. Place 5 or 6 slices of bread in the pan, and pour 1/2 of the mixture on top of the bread.
4. Place 5 or 6 more slices of bread on top of the other slices, and pour the rest of the mixture on top.
5. Cover the pan over with plastic wrap, and put the pan into the fridge overnight.
6. The next morning, remove the plastic wrap and cook in the oven at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. You will not believe how amazing this smells when baking.

Busy Saturday

I won't be able to get to the computer for the rest of the day...

My wonderful husband woke up early this morning and made a big breakfast for us all - eggs, sausage, biscuits and milk gravy - YUMMM!! I love him so much!

Busy, busy day. Blake has a soccer game this morning and then I have to drive about an hour to drop him off at his dad's. Then its back and try and get a quick shower.

My hubby and I are going up around Reelfoot Lake to meet some friends for dinner.

Here's the latest picture of my granddaughter....I miss her so much.

Getting older

Today I had an appointment with the optometrist. I wear contacts but I am wanting to switch back to glasses. My contacts have been giving me some problems. I am near sighted, but when I wear them, I have had to start wearing reading glasses to do things like reading.

So, it was no surprise when the doctor said out loud the word that I had been dreading to hear " BIFOCALS " .

I thought bifocals were only for "old" people. (Sorry if I just offended anyone).

Am I old? O.k...the grey hair is coming in, but I try and keep it hidden with "warm golden brown" courtesy of Nice and Easy.

The lady that helped me find a pair of frames was very nice. We were talking while she picked out a frame for me, as she said the frames I picked out were too big for my face. I told her that my oldest son would be 22 this year. She said, "Wow, you don't look that old." Then she followed up with, "That's not what I meant. What I meant to say was that you don't look old enough to have a 22 year old."

I took it as a compliment. My husband is quite a few years younger than me and I always worry that I will look older, you know what I mean?

I am very fortunate to look younger than I am; I get it from my mom. She is in her early 60's, but she looks like she is in her late 40's.

Anyway, bifocals...just another um milestone?

What I'm doing today

So far, I've cleaned the bathrooms (I'm a little off of my schedule),

cleaned the kitchen counters,

unloaded dishes,

put dirty dishes in dishwasher,

made out homeschool planner for today

I'm trying to get some much needed baking and cooking done today.

I just put a loaf of banana bread in the oven and a pan of brownies.
I'm going to get a loaf of sourdough bread started here soon. If I have time, I'm going to make a batch of peanut butter, oatmeal, chocolate chip cookies. They are so YUMMY!!

I need to get my coupons put away and my grocery list done. Other than that, I'll probably take it pretty easy this afternoon.

On another note, my wonderful husband bought me a present a couple of days ago. I had to laugh when I pulled it out of the bag - Slipper Genie! Mine are just like the ones in the picture except mine are pink.



He did it kind of as a joke, but I love them!! I wear them pretty much all day when I am in the house. We have hardwood throughout the house and ceramic tile in the kitchen....hey, every little bit helps. If you want your own pair, you can pick them up at Walmart.

5 Things that went right Wed. 3/18

So, how's everyone doing on their list of 1001 Things That Went Right? Here's my list for yesterday:

1. Was a beautiful day and was able to get lawn mowed and patio cleaned

2. School was done on time

3. No bills came in the mail

4. Was able to get all the laundry done and put away

5. Was able to barter my homemade bread and rolls in exchange for fresh eggs

Spring has sprung - Finally!!!

School is done for the day as well as most of the household chores.

It's a beautiful warm sunny day outside and my windows are open. My husband and I went to Lowe's yesterday and looked at the flowers and herbs. I really would like to plant an herb garden this year. I have a perfect place under a tree in the backyard.
I want to plant rosemary, basil, parsley, mint, cilantro, and thyme.

I also want to put window boxes out this year in the front. I figured I'll need 5. We found some for $7.00 each. Still trying to figure out what I want to put in them. I want some purplish/blue flowers, white dainty flowers, some trailing ivy and probably red petunias or another reddish flower. Our house is grey, so I think this would look great next to it.

We are still wanting to do either a raised bed garden or a container garden. At first, I was leaning more toward the raised beds, but now thinking more that we will do a container garden.

Has anyone used one of those upside down hanging tomato things? My husband is interested in giving it a try...but they are about $19.00 each and I'm not sure if I want to spend the money one one....still deciding.

My husband got his new toy out this morning (his riding lawn mower) and mowed the grass. I absolutely LOVE the smell of grass that has just been cut.

Well, the outdoors is calling. Need to go and clean up all the leaves on the back patio.

Chili Chicken Sandwiches

O.k....ladies just a quick post and then I won't be able to get back on the computer.
I have housework and homeschooling stuff I need to take care of.

I am trying a new recipe for dinner tonight....Chili Chicken Sandwiches. I got the recipe out of my Simple and Delicious magazine. I make our own hamburger buns and am including both recipes.

CHILI CHICKEN SANDWICHES



1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese, softened
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (4oz) green chilies
3 Tbsp. chopped green onions
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. chili powder
4 rolls (hamburger buns)
2 Tbsp. minced fresh cilantro

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Stir in the chicken, cheddar cheese, chilies, onions and seasonings. Cut tope fourths off of rolls; carefully hollow out bottoms, leaving 1/4 in. shells (discard removed bread or save or another use.) Fill bottom portions with chicken mixture; replace the tops.

Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 5-7 minuts or until golden brown. Sprinkle with cilantro.

HAMBURGER BUNS
taken from www.hillbillyhousewife.com


1 1/2 cups warm water
1/4 cup oil
2 Tbsp. honey or brown sugar
2 tsp. salt
4 cups bread flour
2 tsp. active dry yeast.

Layer the ingredients in to the bread machine in the order given. Set the bread machine on the Dough Cycle. Press Start. When the dough is done mixing and rising, divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll the pieces of dough in to balls and flatten slightly. Arrange them on an oiled cookie sheet sprayed. Let them rise for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size. Bake at 400 degress for about 20 minutes. Serve hot, or allow to cool and use as hamburger buns. I usually brush or rub butter on top of the buns when they come out to keep them soft.

Painting and more painting....

Well, I'm finally done painting Blake's room. I like the idea of painting, but once started, I just want to be DONE!

This is the first time Blake has had a room of his own, so I let him pick out the colors and a new comforter.



The orange is painted on one wall behind his bed and the three other walls are the khaki color.

I think it turned out well. The hardest part I have is painting where the wall meets the ceiling. I will have to do some touch up work there.

Painting all day yesterday has put me behind on some of my housework, so I'm going to try and catch up today. Got the laundry done, but not put away.....

I've got some other things to post, but will have to wait until a little later.

For all the moms......

One Heartbeat At a Time

Lyrics

by Steven Curtis Chapman | from the album This Moment

You're up all night with a screaming baby
You run all day at the speed of life
And every day you feel a little bit less
Like the beautiful woman you are

So you fall into bed when you run out of hours
And you wonder if anything worth doing got done
Oh, maybe you just don't know
Or maybe you've forgotten

You, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time

With every "I know you can do it"
Every tear that you kiss away
So many little things that seem to go unnoticed
They're just like the drops of rain over time
They become a river

And you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
How you're changing the world
You're changing the world

You, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
Oh, I believe that you
You are changing the world
One little heartbeat
At a time

And you're changing the world

Gotta get to the grocery store....ugh!

Well, it's a rainy cold day here...but at least there is no snow and ice!

My son's soccer game has been cancelled due to rain. I'm kinda glad, because it is just too cold outside. There is always next week.

I've got to get to the grocery store today. I know, I know....I was supposed to go yesterday, but I just couldn't make myself go. It has gotten to the point that I detest going to the grocery store. I have to make myself go. Sometimes I try and put it off as long as I can and just get creative with whatever I have in the cabinets.

Here's my list for today:

toilet paper
deodorant
laundry detergent
bananas
oranges
ketchup
onion soup mix
cocoa
pudding cups
spaghetti pasta
Hunt's spaghetti sauce
5 cans tuna
coffee
5 lbs bread flour
box mashed potato flakes
mac n cheese
green beans
corn
choc. chips
canned green chilies
2 cans rotel tomatoes
2 boxes augratin potatoes
peanut butter
oil
flour tortillas
hot dog buns
2 cans potato soup
crackers
spinach tortillas
mils
3 cheddar cheese
moz cheese
velvetta cheese
guacamole
2 crescent rolls
cream cheese
4 lbs chekcen breasts
ham & cheese snacks
frozen veggies
pot pies
t.v. dinners
hashbrowns

I'll try and post my menu for the week in another post.

Have a great weekend!

5 Things that went right Friday 3/13

1. My husband got a pay raise!

2. We were able to purchase 50lbs of pork, beef and chicken from our local butcher!

3. No bills came in the mail! (always good)

4. My husband is off work today!

5. I received a call about a part time job opportunity!

God always provides....

Just a quick note and then I gotta go.

My hubby just became eligible for health benefits. I knew that a considerable portion of his paycheck would be going to pay for those benefits. I have to admit I was worried about how it would affect us financially in other matters.

I even went on an interview for a job this past week (but I didn't get it).

Then today, when I looked at his paycheck stub knowing and dreading the amount that would be taken out and how much his check would be reduced, I noticed that the final amount was not different at all.

Huh? I questioned my husband. His company gave him a raise!!! A raise on the same paycheck that the benefits would be taken out! A raise that covers the amount of the health benefits!!

God always provides......

Adventures in sewing

As I was growing up, my mom made lots of my clothes. I always received a brand new handmade Easter dress every year. I looked forward to it...these dresses were not just your run of the mill dresses. They were beautiful with lace and details. Mom made an Easter dress every year until I was about 16.

During those years, I tried to learn how to sew. I had my own stash of material and scraps that my grandma would save for me to make Barbie clothes. However, I always had problems with the thread getting tangled. I can still remember me trying to sew while my mom was taking her nap. She probably never got any sleep because I was always coming into the room with a sewing problem. I would quietly sneak in and tip toe all the way to the bed, then lean down and quietly whisper " Momma, I need some help. My thread keeps getting messed up." She would always wake up and take care of whatever it was that time.

When I was in high school, I took Home Economics. One of my projects was to make a skirt. I made a corduroy skirt. It had front kick pleats, a fitted waistband and a zipper in the back.

My mom, being the wonderful seamstress that she is, made my wedding dress including my veil. It was truly beautiful and cost so much less than a store bought wedding dress. Not only that, but since it was made by my mom, it has much more sentimental value.

I wish I could say that am as accomplished at sewing as my mom, but I don't think I will ever be. However, I am trying. My husband bought me a sewing machine a few years back because I asked for one. I have dabbled here and there over the past couple of years.

But now I am ready to work at it a little more. I did make new valances for the windows in our new house - and they look great.

I bought a pattern to make a dress for my granddaughter. My first attempt was less than desirable, but I'm going to give it another try. You can afford to mess up a little when the material only costs $1.50 a yard a Walmart.

I did successfully take a pair of my stepdaughters ripped jeans and turn them into a skirt for her. She was really excited about it. I'm going to take some of the leftovers and make a matching purse.

O.k....and my latest discovery PILLOWCASE DRESSES. I had never heard of them, but come across some blogs and websites with pictures and directions. Wow...so cute and easy! I immediately went to the linen closet and found a pillowcase that no longer matches the beddings we have and went to sewing.

All I have left to do is put the ribbons on the top. It took me less than an hour. I wish I could post a picture of my finished project, but as you know I don't have a camera. But below is a picture I found of another pillowcase dress that someone made.



If you are interested in making your own pillowcase dress, let me know and I'll post the site...I can't remember it right now. And them maybe you can post a picture of your dress when it's completed.

Have fun!

Five things that went right Wed. 3/11

1. Was able to pay the cell phone bill the same day I received it

2. Picked up 2 dozen farm fresh eggs (we love these fresh eggs - free range chickens)

3. Homeschool was completed on time

4. Talked to my friend in Michigan who is moving here on the 20th

5. Found out that another one of my long distance friends might be moving here in May

What happened to the warm weather?

O.K. the weather here is ridiculous!!! I'm soooo ready for spring! The past few days have been wonderfully warm and I've been able to raise the windows and let some fresh air in. My dafodills are blooming and the flowering trees and bushes have beautiful tiny pink flowers.

Why oh why is it cold today? It's in the 40's today and will be dipping into the 30's by tonight with a high of only in the 30's tomorrow. And that's not all...we're expecting sleet and freezing rain tonight and tomorrow. I am dreading having to turn the heat back on....won't probably do it until the thermostat registers about 62.

Today is one of those days when I have had a lot to do and feel like I haven't got much accomplished. I needed to do some baking today, but just haven't gotten around to it...I guess I'll get pizza crusts made tomorrow.

I did make a large breakfast this morning, do two loads of laundry, two loads of dishes, clean toilets, homeschool, went shopping for Blake some new jeans, and have dinner started, so I guess it's not so bad.

Tomorrow, I want to get my baking done, dusting, mopping, ,make out my grocery list,homeschooling, and I would like to get back to my sewing (now that I have bought a pkg of new needles.

I'm a very beginner when it comes to sewing, but determined. I have a granddaughter and a stepdaughter that I would like to make some clothes for. I have learned that I seriously need help when it comes to doing sleeves. Anyone have any suggestions or tips?

One last thing, thought I would leave you with a recipe for today. On busy days I rely on quick and easy recipes that are filling.

Teryaki Chicken Sandwiches

2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 Tbsp. sugar
3/4 tsp. minced garlic
1 TBSP brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground ginger
hamburger buns

In a large saucepan, combine the first seven ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for 3-4 minutes or until heated through.

Spoon chicken mixture onto each bun.

God is good....

Good morning....

It's a cloudy Tuesday here with the chance of rain. But, it is warm and I have the windows open. I love being able to open the windows and have fresh air in the house.

The other night I watched the movie "The Hiding Place" about Corrie Ten Boom. If you are not familiar with the story, The Ten Boom helped to hide Jews during the war. They were eventually discovered and taken to concentration camps. Corrie and her sister were imprisoned at the same camp. It was horrible conditions. All thru it, Corrie's sister, Betsy, would always say "thank you" to God. She reminded Corrie to thank God for ALL circumstances.

The barracks that they were in was infested with lice. Corrie told Betsy that she was not thankful for the lice. It was later learned that the German guards would not bother them in the barracks because of the lice. Due to this they were able to read and teach the Bible (which they smuggled in) to the other captors. Corrie and Betsy were thankful to God for the lice.

We are to be thankful to God for all situations. It is a hard thing to do. I know it is hard for me and sometimes I have to admit...I am not thankful. But God knows the "big picture". We can only see the small. We do not know why or when God does things, but we have to have faith and trust in Him.

I have been struggling with this. But God tells us not to worry. God has ALWAYS provided my needs. Not necessarily my wants, but always my needs.

As you go thru the rest of the weeks, be thankful to God no matter what your situation.

Remedy

I don't get a chance to post pictures that often because I don't yet have a digital camera.

This is a picture of my granddaughter Remedy. Ain't she just sooooo sweet!!

I miss her very much. We just moved about 100 miles away and I don't get to see her as much as I used to. When I lived closer, I used to babysit her 1 or 2 days a week along with a few weekends.

5 Things that went right - Mon 3/9

1. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful warm day

2. My best friend came to visit for the whole day!!

3. I was able to get my house cleaned in under an hour this morning!!

4. My cat didn't "poop" outside the litter box today!

5. I was finally able to clean out the carport today

Stocking the pantry......

Good Morning!!

It's a beautiful sunny day here. Great way to start off the week.

I have fallen a little behind in stocking my pantry due to funds. However, having a stocked pantry has helped a great deal when the grocery money is low.

I thought I would share about how I stock my pantry. Right now, I have two large cabinets over my counters and 3 cabinets below that I keep all of our dried and canned goods.

I have made a list of items that I want to try and keep stocked in the pantry. I keep this list in my binder close to my menu planner. I use it when making out my grocery list. I try to spend just $5.00 a week on extra things for my pantry.

Here's what my pantry list looks like:



Remember to always rotate your food - moving older to the front so they will get used first. Also, don't buy something if it is not going to be used. That is just waste.

When stocking, don't forget your essentials. I will also stock up on things such as toothpaste (when it is on sale or free), shampoo, toilet paper, deodorant, etc.

Well, I gotta go and get some housecleaning done. I am having a friend over to visit this morning and we are going to the park.

Friday was a busy family day....

Yesterday was such a beautiful warm day!! It was great that my husband was off and we got to spend some time together.

I had some appointments to run to first thing in the morning and got them done a lot qicker than expected. Made it home about 10:00 am and hubby decided he was hungry so we told Blake to get dressed and we headed out to IHOP for breakfast. We don't do that very often, maybe once every couple of months.

I then needed to meet a lady that was buying some of my stepdaughter's clothes that she had outgrown and then we headed home.

We received our tax refund (yeah!) and was able to pay off our credit cards and medical bills!! Now we are debt free!!!!! No more credit cards - EVER!! These were old. We haven't used them in years. We have learned....if you don't have the cash, don't buy it.

We had a little extra and hubby had been eyeing a rifle that he wanted, so we went and picked it up. For those of you that do not know, my husband used to be in the military and loves to hunt. I didn't know anything about guns before I married him. I still don't know much, but I'm learning. It's funny, when he is telling me something about a certain gun, I look at him and nod. It's like listening to someone talk in a foreign language.

Blake and I went and picked up his soccer uniform and came back home and just chilled out with some T.V. (We cancelled school for the day and will make it up next week).

Later that evening, we picked up a burger at Backyard Burger. The boys dropped me off...by this time my back was hurting. Then they went to the shooting range to shoot Hubby's new rifle.

It was a great day and very productive.

Well, I'm off now. Blake has a soccer game in a little bit and I've gotta pick up snacks for the team.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

5 Things that Went Right - Thur. 3/5

Sorry, I didn't post this last night. I felt a migraine coming on and took some medication and that was pretty much it for me...

Anyway, here it is.... 5 Things that Went Right

1. My husband decided against buying the truck he looked at (selfish of me, I know)

2. The weather warmed up enough for shortsleeves

3. Someone emailed me about adopting one of our kittens (we have 8)

4. I was able to take an afternoon nap! (haven't done that in ages)

5. The new recipe I tried turned out great and everyone liked it!

Don't forget to post yours!! (Still waiting...)

Thursday's This and That

So, how did everyone do on their challenge of 5 Things that Went Right? Don't forget to post them in the comments.

Yesterday was a good day. I invited a friend over that I haven't seen in a couple of months. I knew she was going thru some difficult times and it was good to just visit for awhile.

We were supposed to have a family from Michigan over for dinner last night, but her son wasn't feeling to well and they had to cancel. Hopefully, we will be able to get together before they leave on Saturday.

I had already planned out dinner before they cancelled so I just went ahead and finished making the lasagna, homemade garlic bread sticks and butterfinger pie.

I have learned something about myself....I love to have people over to the house! I would love to have a big get together sometime, but I just don't know that many people here yet. Maybet when it is warmer, we can have a neighborhood barbeque.

Other than that it was a quiet day here and it starting to warm up. I got up this morning and most of the snow had melted. Blake has asked if we can go to the park and play tennis today. Let me say this....neither one of us is a tennis player. If anyone was watching, they would certainly have a great laugh!

I'm gonna leave you with my easy simple recipe for butterfinger pie as I'm making breakfast and waiting for my husband to get home from work (he's working 3rd shift for now). Have a happy Thursday!!!

Butterfinger Pie

1 graham cracker pie crust
1 tub of cool whip or store brand whipped topping, thawed
1 8 oz bar cream cheese, softened
3 regular butter finger bars or 10 snack size bars, crushed and divided.

In a bowl, combine whipped topping and cream cheese. Mix with large spoon until blended together. Fold in 1/2 of the crushed butterfinger bars.

Place mixture in pie crust and top with other 1/2 crushed butterfingers.

Place in refrigerator for about 2 hours before serving.

Engjoy!!

Five Things that Went Right Today

As promised in my previous post, below are my five things that went right today:

1. No bills came in the mail!!

2. I got to visit with my friend Lori whom I haven't seen in two months

3. I was able to call the hospital and tell them that their bill would be paid in full by the end of the month.

4. The snow is almost completely melted away

5. I got to spend some quality time with my husband

Don't forget to post your list in the comments.

1001 Things That Went Right - Challenge

My son actually mentioned this challenge to me.

It is so easy for us to get discouraged and thing about what went "wrong" during the day; what we did not accomplish; how our kids misbehaved, etc.

So, here's what I'm going to do and my challenge to you.......

At the end of each day, I will list 5 things that went RIGHT during the day.

Can you do the same? Leave a comment with 5 things that went right during your day.

I am hoping that this challenge will help me focus more on the positive thing and God's blessings in my life!

Homeschool Art

This year, as part of my son's high school curriculum, he is doing art. We are using Alpha Omega Art Lifepacs for our study. Blake is 14 yrs old and is in the 9th grade. He just finished lifepac #5 which is portrait drawing. He has never drawn portraits before. The lifepac explains step by step how to produce a portrait drawing from a photograph.

Below is his portrait drawing. I think he did an excellent job, especially since he has never done this type of art before. He was very pleased with it and has expressed an interest of doing more portraits in his spare time. You never know when you are homeschooling what will "inspire", "encourage" your child. You see, at first he was very hesitant about this, but gradually got more excited about it as it progressed.

Family Finances

We are trying to get out of debt, like a lot of other people. Right now, my husband works full time and I stay at home. Since we have moved, this is the first time I have not contributed to the finances and it bothers me.

Even though in the past my financial contribution has not been much, it helped.
My babysitting job that I thought I had earlier, fell through. I am praying that God will open another door.

With our tax money, we will finally be out of debt (not including some money we owe our parents). We recently sold our house that had a large house payment and we are now renting a more affordable house. We are hoping to buy again after the first of next year. When we do buy, we have decided to get a fixed 15 yr loan.

We are following Dave Ramsey's financial strategy. For those that are not familiar with it, the website is .

We will have our Baby Emergency Fund in place and our debts paid off within the next couple of weeks. Then we will move on to our fully funded emergency fund, 3-6 months expenses. Then we will concentrate on buying the house and paying it off as quickly as possible.

It has been a long road - since 2006 and I will be glad to get rid of some of these bills.

I cannot stress enough of how important it is to have a budget and to discuss with your spouse regarding the budget and also purchases that each plans to make.

My husband leaves the bill paying to me. We discuss what is coming up, what we have in the accounts and how to proceed. While sometimes I think I would prefer him to take care of everything, I think the control side of me wouldn't be able to handle it. This is what works for us.


On another note (completely different)....we got lots of snow - 8 inches!!! There is still snow on the ground, but it will be gone soon as it will be in the upper 60's/lower 70's by Thursday.

March - in like a lion!!!