Inquiring Minds Want to Know

I have received a few emails and comments regarding the implementation of our new budget. It has been one full week since we started our cash/envelope system, meal plan menu, and overall radical spending changes.

I'm here to tell you that it has been a great week! Having every meal already planned has taken the guesswork and stress out of those last minute food fixing challenges.

As far as the grocery list goes, I am still working out the kinks. I ran out of eggs early- basically because we made some spontaneous brownies Friday night and that threw off the scrambled eggs breakfast Saturday a.m. No biggie- we can settle for cereal and toast as a backup. I'm officially out of butter as of this afternoon due to all the 'made from scratch' baking. I suppose I should have used more shortening, but was trying for a healthier option.

The juice and milk lasted up until this morning by rationing the portions to breakfast time only. I ran out of cheese Thursday night- basically because they were out of stock of all the sale cheese I had allotted for on my list and I had to buy less of the brand name because it was too expensive.

So, in retrospect, it's the dairy that's bogging us down. All in all everything was fabulous and I'm excited for this week! I look forward to your encouraging comments and ideas!

We are going to go out to eat with some friends tomorrow so my budget for the week will be at least $25 less than normal. Oh, the joy of a challenge! I'll post this week's meal plan soon!

One More Thing

I wanted to mention that I am adding a link to www.cooks.com to my sidebar favorites. I think I visit this site daily. It has an abundance of recipes submitted from about everywhere in the world! The best part is that if I am running out of ideas for meals, I simply type in the search engine the ingredients I have available and hit 'go'! And Tada! It comes back with all the recipes that include those items!

Keeping Track

I was encouraged by Tracy to start tracking my miles in 2008! You'll notice in my sidebar that I'm all ready to start adding the numbers beginning January 1st! I'm super excited about doing this- basically because I'm a numbers freak and love to see progress!

Notice that there are three parts to this 'diary' of exercise: walking, running, and biking. Please make a mental note now, I do not bike. I would like to do a triathlon sprint this summer and I am told this involves biking... *grin* So, perhaps the miles may or may not increase on that little tab. We shall see.


I had dinner with my running team a couple weeks ago and we all decided to run another 1/2 marathon this spring. We'll do most of our personal runs indoors at the gym, but every weekend is our long run...come rain, sleet, snow or ice! Very "postal" of us. *smile*

I'm hoping to do at least six 5k's this year and planning on running the Columbus marathon again in October. Granted, I'll most likely do the 1/2 again, but this time my goal is not to end up in the med tent afterwards. Oh, the joy of a full year!

The Proof & the Potatoes: Meal Plan (Pt. 3)

The following is our 10 day meal plan. Please scroll down to the other two posts to see the grocery list and the method behind the budget mania! If you like what you see and would like recipes, please let me know!

There will be certain items that you find yourself making almost daily from scratch. If you have not yet memorized the measurements, print or write out the recipes on one page and have on your refrigerator next to your meal plan. (This should also be printed out and hanging on your fridge or another spot that is easily accessible)

If you are packing a lunch for your husband, as we do, plan to set aside some of the meal from the night before for his portion the next day. I also add some fruit, tea bags/mug, and cut up veggies. Since we homeschool, the lunches mentioned are provided for them and myself during the day.

10 DAY MEAL PLAN

SUNDAY

BREAKFAST: BLUEBERRY MUFFINS, SCRAMBLED EGGS, MILK/JUICE
LUNCH: BAKED CHICKEN, STEAMED BROCOLLI, BAKED YAMS
DINNER: TURKEY STROGANOFF, PEAS, BISCUITS, APPLESAUCE

MONDAY

BREAKFAST: CEREAL, TOAST, MILK/JUICE
LUNCH: TUNA SALAD ON BREAD, PICKLES, PRETZLES, CHEESE SLICES
DINNER: (CHRISTMAS EVE) APPETIZERS; BBQ MEATBALLS, CHEESEBALL & CRACKERS, VEGGIES/RANCH DIP, REFRIED BEAN DIP & CHIPS

TUESDAY (CHRISTMAS DAY)

BREAKFAST: EGG FRITATTA, SAUSAGE LINKS, CINNAMON ROLLS, BACON, FRUIT, FRIED POTATOES, JUICE/MILK, HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE
LUNCH: DINNER AT IN-LAWS (TAKING MASHED POTATOES AND BROCCOLI SALAD)
DINNER: LEFTOVERS

WEDNESDAY

BREAKFAST: PANCAKES W/ FRUIT AND SYRUP, MILK/JUICE
LUNCH: BAKED POTATO SOUP, CRACKERS, LEFTOVERS
DINNER: HOMEMADE PIZZA, SALAD/RANCH, & APPLESAUCE

THURSDAY

BREAKFAST: BISCUITS W/ HONEY & JAM, HOT OATMEAL, MILK/JUICE
LUNCH: GRILLED CHEESE, CLEMINTINES, CORN
DINNER: CHILI (MADE W/ GROUND TURKEY), TORTILLA CHIPS, SOUR CREAM & SHREDDED CHEESE, BAKED APPLES, SALAD (CHOPPED ROMAINE)

FRIDAY

BREAKFAST: FRENCH TOAST, SYRUP, POWDERED SUGAR, FROZEN FRUIT SMOOTHIES
LUNCH: MAC N' CHEESE, TUNA SANDWICH, PEAS
DINNER: SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS, GARLIC CHEESE BISCUITS, SALAD, APPLESAUCE

SATURDAY

BREAKFAST: TOAST, CHEESY SCRAMBLED EGGS
LUNCH: CHEESEBURGERS, HOMEMADE ONION RINGS, RICE PUDDING, SALAD
DINNER: BAKED CHICKEN, ROLLS, CELERY SALAD, MASHED POTATOES

SUNDAY

BREAKFAST: BLUEBERRY MUFINS, YOGURT, OATMEAL, MILK/JUICE
LUNCH: FAMILY REUNION; TAKING DESSERT: NO BAKE BARS
DINNER: CHICKEN QUESIDILLAS, BEAN DIP, CHIPS, BAKED PEACHES

MONDAY

BREAKFAST: COLD CEREAL, TOAST, JUICE/MILK
LUNCH: CREAMED CHICKEN CASSEROLE, BAKED CARROTS, RICE, ROLLS
DINNER: (NEW YEARS EVE) LEFTOVERS & APPETIZERS (MEALTBALLS)

TUESDAY (NEW YEARS DAY)

BREAKFAST: QUICHE, FRUIT
LUNCH: HOMEMADE PIZZA, APPLESAUCE, GREEN BEANS
DINNER: LEFTOVERS FROM THE WEEK

The Proof & the Potatoes: Grocery List (Pt 2)

The following was our 10 day shopping plan that included both Christmas & New Years. I allotted $100 for this plan, but our budget calls for a weekly shopping trip. Therefore, I have the ability (only if needed) to add some items such as fresh produce or dairy after the first seven days. Again, keep in mind that this was a holiday week. I am hoping to get the budget to around $75 weekly as time goes on.

FOOD GROCERY LIST

EGGS (2 dozen)

ORANGE JUICE ½ GAL

1 CAN FROZEN JUICE CONCENTRATE

ONE GALLON VIT D MILK

VEG SHORTNING

CHICKEN STRIPS

BUTTER

2 LBS GROUND TURKEY

1 BOX CLEMINTINES

1 LB BANANAS

1 BAG FROZENF FRUIT MEDLEY

10 LB BAKING POTATOES

SALAD- ROMAINE WHOLE BUNCHES

BACON (2 PK)

5 BLOCKS CHEESE

4 CANS REFRIED BEANS

2 HEAD BROCOLLI

DISH LIQUID

APPLESAUCE 3 JARS

SOUR CREAM 2 16 OZ TUBS

CREAM CHEESE 3 BLOCKS

BOX STROGANOFF MIX

CEREAL 1 BOX MAX

BREAD (2 LOAVES)

CRACKERS

TORTILLA CHIPS 2 BAGS

2 CANS DICED TOMATOES

AMERICAN CHEESE SLICES

BAG APPLES

KIDNEY BEANS *3 SMALL CANS

MAC N’ CHEESE *3 BOXES

PEAS-FROZEN

SPAGHETTI NOODLES 2 BOXES

HAMBURGER BUNS

BAKED BEANS

YOGURT (4)

TOTILLA SHELLS

PEACHES CANNED

CREAM OF SOUPS

SAUSAGE LINKS

The Battle & the Budget (Pt. 1)

"The Kitchen Battle Plan"

A few posts ago I mentioned that I was going 'green' when it came to our grocery budget. I wanted to share with some of you who might be in need of a little encouragement in this area!

Our goal is a $100 weekly budget on all food spending for our family of four. This includes all grocery shopping (food & kitchen related items), eating out, and all other food/snack related purchases. For some of you this may seem extreme spending and others it may seem unrealistic.

At the beginning of the week I took a couple of hours to plan out all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks) for the next ten days. This included all holiday eating, packed lunches for hubby's work, and hosting friends and family for guest dinners. We like to eat and I've not skimped on any portions, but have made sure they are also healthy and food group appropriate for my growing boys.

My grocery list assumes I already have in my pantry items such as flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, shortning, dry milk, oats and other misc seasonings. These items are essential to making most of your breads, breakfast foods, cookies, etc from scratch. The plan is laid out with B: (Breakfast) L: (Lunch) & D: (Dinner). Snack items are small portions of yogurt, fruit, or cookies that have been made. We do not use paper products (such as paper towels or napkins, but rather linen napkins, washcloths and towels that can be washed re-used easily.

Also, keep in mind that the cost of drinks can consume one's budget very quickly. Make the healthy change to drinking mostly water or hot tea and saving the milk/juice for breakfast only. (1/2 cup for kids & 1 cup for adults) The kids will get their nutrition as needed throughout the day from other sources.

After the meal plan came the shopping list. I researched a little online at weekly market ads and looked back at my receipts for averages of our usual purchases. If you have an Aldi in your area, I encourage you to shop there for certain items. You will save abundantly and I guarantee that you will enjoy the food! (Aldi guarantees it too...100% satisfaction or your full refund and replacement of the item).

After I had everything listed out I took off for the ATM. I withdrew the $100 in cash, because once it's gone for the week...it's gone. No debit card usage for "extra" purchases. If it wasn't already budgeted in, it needs to wait until the next week. Spontaneity may be a good idea in some cases, but not when it comes to money.

I have been amazed at how easy this week has been in the kitchen. Each morning I wake up and just take one glance at the menu to see what I'll be preparing for breakfast. I glance down to dinner to see if anything needs thawed or prepared for later. It has taken all of that "Daddy's coming home in 30 minutes....what's for dinner?!?!" There is no need to go running at the last minute to the grocery for 'missing ingredients'. Truly, I can't tell you what a burden has been lifted for the preparation and planning of all meals!

I will be posting the 10 day meal plan and shopping list soon! Be on the lookout! Also, please feel free to email me with any questions or ideas of your own!

Blessings,

Angel

Christmas Cookies

Christmas Cookie Decorating


Mommy & the boys pose for picture time

Surprise! Lil' Bub enjoys spreading the sprinkles in an eight foot diameter

Daddy gets in on the decorating action!

The Story of the "Manger"

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Luke 2:8-14

Merry Christmas!



I wanted to share a cute little exchange between my two year old and myself last night.

Mommy: Let's talk about the Christmas story... What do you know about the angels?

Lil' Bub: They came to tell the shepherds not to be 'fraid

Mommy: Good! Tell me about the animals...

Lil' Bub: They were stinky.

Mommy: Good! What about the star?

Lil' Bub: It shined on baby Jesus so that the wise men could find Him.

Mommy: Good! Where was baby Jesus at?

Lil' Bub: Meijer

The Budget

I Timothy 6:17-19

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

If you've read my profile you know that besides running shoes, my favorite attire of choice is an apron. I love my kitchen and spend 80% of my time in here. So, grocery shopping is quite the outing for me. I enjoy browsing all the produce, snacking in the bakery department and as of late have made friends with the butcher. I love sales and usually only purchase what is on clearance for that week. Still, I knew I was going over my spending amount from our budget when it came to the checkout line 'total'.


I was shocked, however, to realize after some calculations that I was almost spending twice my allotted amount in the food category! I have made my New Years resolution early this year and am going to start planning out meals and shopping lists to make sure we are disciplined to our budget! Although we are blessed to not have car payments or credit card debt, it is still so easy to find myself spending above and beyond.



I wanted to bring your attention to some great websites that I have on my 'favorites'. All three have a Biblical perspective on stewardship. I've spent most of the afternoon working on our new plan and these sites were very helpful!

The first is the "Hillbilly Housewife". It is a fabulous free site that lists menu options, shopping lists, tips, and more for the the money conscious family.


"Living on a Dime" is also a great site to get inexpensive e-books on money management, debt, grocery tips, cleaning & household ideas, and much more! There are no shipping fees since the downloads are immediate to your computer.


If you have not yet had the opportunity to listen to Dave Ramsey during his radio broadcasts, I encourage you to click on the link in my sidebar to hear some of his wisdom on money management and debt. He is the foremost authority on the 'plastectomy' (aka: cutting up your credit cards!)

I look forward to hearing your ideas of stewardship for your family! I find that it is important all year round, but especially during this season of gift giving, parties, and reunion style family dinners!

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

"The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."

I have just posted a YouTube video on my sidebar about a little baby boy named Eliot. Warning; prepare the kleenex before watching. My heart was not only touched by the story itself, but moreover by the parents who know that God is unfailing. No matter what our circumstances and pain- if it can serve to glorify the magnitude of our God- then let it be. They have discovered the ultimate truth and rest in the peace of Christ.

The following is an excerpt from Igniter Media Group who originally hosted this documentary.

"Eliot was born with an undeveloped lung, a heart with a hole in it and DNA that placed faulty information into each and every cell of his body. However, that could not stop the living God from proclaiming Himself through this boy who never uttered a word.

In the midst of heartbreaking tragedy, the Mooney family found the presence of God strengthening, comforting, and guiding them. Their story reminds us to seek God and endure our struggles rather than blame Him for our hardships."

"Eliot- isn't he a sweetheart?"

"99 balloons were released in memory of Eliot's 99 days of life- To the Glory of God"

Santa Claus and the Three Bears

I've been wanting to write a post about the 'Great Santa Debate', but seeing how some of the discussions in blog land have became downright dirty, I've avoided it. I do want to share, however, a story regarding my oldest son's perception of Santa Claus that I felt was worthy of telling.

First, let me share a little background on the matter of SC. I personally was never raised with the tradition of Santa Claus. I knew who he was. I knew who other people thought he was. I wasn't deprived of any gifts, holiday cheer, or childhood memories for the sake of not being a believer. He was just never 'celebrated' in our family as 'magical'. My husband and I have passed along the same concept to our children. We probably have stronger views on it for this reason, alongside of others.

The boys know who Santa is from simply taking a cart ride through the local grocery store. He is as 'real' to them as Bob the Builder or Dora the Explorer...a friendly character that is fun to see a show about or sing a song about, but nothing more. We haven't "evangelized" our children against Santa as some might put it, but rather decided not to teach that he is anything "more". We don't go out of our way to avoid the 9 foot inflatable Santa like the plague, but we also don't stand and stare.

The other night during our bedtime routine, my oldest son asked for a story. We've been going through different heroes of the Bible and stories of history. I decided that the story of St. Nicholas of Nicea (aka: Santa Claus) might be fun- tis the season, right? I went through my entire story and at the end I talked about 'his memory' still thought of today. (Since have dealt with the passing of a dear Grandpa already- my son is aware what the reference of a 'memory' means).

With the most shocked look on his face, he turned to me and exclaimed, "Santa Claus is dead?!?!" Ok, moms- how do you respond to that one even if you don't believe that Santa is real? It's like telling him that 'Blue had kicked the bucket'!

I pulled him into my arms with a smile and reminded him gently that the man who lived so long ago loved Jesus very much and is alive in Heaven with Him today just like Papa D. is. The idea that Santa and Papa are hanging out in Heaven was just about too much excitement for one evening. I'm just waiting now for him to announce to someone that Santa is dead. Oh, the joy of parenting!

'O, Holy Night'

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; ...and he is named...Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

O Holy NightThe words and lyrics of the old carol 'O Holy Night' were written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847. Cappeau was a wine seller by trade but was asked by the parish priest to write a poem for Christmas. He obliged and wrote the beautiful words of the hymn. He then realised that it should have music to accompany the words and he approached his friend Adolphe Charles Adams(1803-1856). He agreed and the music for the poem was therefore composed by Adolphe Charles Adams. Adolphe had attended the Paris conservatoire and forged a brilliant career as a composer. It was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight (1812-1893).

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! O night divine, the night when Christ was born; O night, O holy night, O night divine! O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming, Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land. The King of kings lay thus lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friends. He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger, Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother. And in his name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, With all our hearts we praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we, His power and glory ever more proclaim! His power and glory ever more proclaim!


I am overwhelmed! The tale told so many years ago about our King that came in such a lowly way. Together with the melody it is one of my favorite Christmas songs! Read the words and be aware of their truth in light of scripture! Praise His holy name; He came in the flesh and knows our daily needs. Indeed, what a Holy night!

"The End"

Have you ever watched a movie that was going absolutely no where, but you still finished it? Or perhaps drudged through the longest novel just waiting for the final chapter? Maybe you sat through hours of a Broadway play in order to see the 'ending'... Why is that? Aside from sheer boredom or entertainment purposes, there is indeed a deeper reason.


I was reminded during my quiet time this morning that God has given us within our hearts the desire for resolution and reconciliation. We want there to be a 'happy' ending. Something within us cries for justice. That wasn't by mistake! Think about God's plan through his Son, our atonement, so that we could be 'reconciled' back to Him. God created us to know that something was lacking so that we would one day turn to Him. Praise the Lord for His mercy and compassion!

Our Trip to the Fire Station!

The boys and I went on a field trip to our local fire house a few days ago. Enjoy the pics!

A Fireman shows us the gear needed to fight fires!

Mommy & the boys in front of the ladder truck

Lil' Bub on the front of the truck!

Drive away, lil' fireman!

My oldest poses on the top while lil' bub climbs down from the cab

And The Winner Is...

Congratulations goes out to Leslie! You are the December giveaway winner for "Christmas Child" DVD! Please contact me via email to obtain shipping instructions!

Click here to visit her wonderful blog and congratulate my newest winner!


Check back next month for another fun freebie! Merry Christmas everyone!