Menu Monday Feb 1st-5th

What a week we had!  Nothing really happened but I did not follow our menu at all, and what a difference it made in our week.  I have come to say I HAVE to have a menu.  I cannot go without having a menu, it is like my food "to do list", if that makes sense.  When it came time to prepare a meal I was "huh what am I going to make."  You know what it was? I can tell you, it was pure laziness, and no organizational skills being used.  However, taking the kids outside to enjoy some much needed fresh air really had a priority over the dinner menu.  Wouldn't you say? It has been since November that my children have had an opportunity to go play at the park.  So I would rather let them have their "kid time" then worry about following a menu. 

I Have A Confession.....

Okay, okay.  I have a confession to make.  Something that I thought would never ever come out of my mouth.  Something that I thought would ever happen.  However, I had a feeling that it was coming because God has put sooooo many people in my path that are the same way.  It was apparent to me today when someone mention to me that we have something in common.  When it was said I was like "I AM NOT", but when walking to the car, I said "yes I am".  So to all my friends who thought it would never happen, I have to say it has finally happened........

I admit.....

I AM AN OFFICIAL CRYER!!! 

Ladies (and you know who you are) I never thought you would have "converted" me but you did ;)

Lord, I thank you for putting these precious ladies into my life to show me that it is okay to cry over blooming flowers and geese flying V shape, because of You, you have brought these awesome women that I call friends and sisters in Christ into my life.  Because of You I am truly blessed by them all!  Thank you!
In Jesus' Name
Amen

Our Homeschool Story Part 2...

If you have not had a chance to read the first part of our homeschool story please click here. 
This part is dealing with me and more of my emotions.  So please bare with me ;)
Let's see where did I leave off at...ummmm....
Oh yes, I was thinking "am I really considering this?"  While walking back to my car I couldn't believe I was seriously thinking about homeschooling.  I knew I had two obstacles to overcome; my daughter and my hubby. 

Military Wives....

A very close friend of mine sent this to me today, and I just had to share with all of you.  I love being a military wife and wouldn't want it any other way! 



Military Wife
Lots of moving...

Moving...

Moving...

Moving far from home...

Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.

Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house;

Moving curtains that won't fit;

Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.

Moving away from friends;

Moving toward new friends;

Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.



Often waiting...

Waiting...

Waiting...

Waiting for housing.

Waiting for orders.

Waiting for deployments.

Waiting for phone calls.

Waiting for reunions.

Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.

Waiting for him to come home,

For dinner...AGAIN!

They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better:

She is fiercely In-Dependent.


She can balance a check book;

Handle the yard work;

Fix a noisy toilet;

Bury the family pet...



She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.

She can file the taxes;

Sell a house;

Buy a car;

Or set up a move...

.....all with ONE Power of Attorney.



She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.

She reinvents her career with every PCS;

Locates a house in the desert, The Arctic, Or the deep south.

And learns to call them all 'home'.

She MAKES them all home.



Military Wives are somewhat hasty...

They leap into:

Decorating,

Leadership,

Volunteering,

Career alternatives,

Churches,

And friendships.

They don't have 15 years to get to know people.

Their roots are short but flexible.

They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.



Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:

They connect over coffee,

Rely on the spouse network,

Accept offers of friendship and favors.

Record addresses in pencil...

Military Wives have a common bond:

The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is unique.

He doesn't have a 'JOB'

He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...

He's on-call for his country 24/7.

But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!

His language is foreign

TDY

PCS

OPR

SOS

ACC

BDU

ACU

BAR

CIB

TAD

And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.

She is the long- distance link to keep them informed;

the glue that holds them together.

A Military Wife has her moments:

She wants to wring his neck;

Dye his uniform pink;

Refuse to move to Siberia;

But she pulls herself together.

Give her a few days,

A travel brochure,

A long hot bath,

A pledge to the flag,

A wedding picture,

And she goes.

She packs.

She moves.

She follows.


Why?

What for?

How come?

You may think it is because she has lost her mind.

But actually it is because she has lost her heart.

It was stolen from her by a man,

Who puts duty first,

Who longs to deploy,

Who salutes the flag,

And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband,

She will remain his military wife.

And would have it no other way.

--Author Unknown

The "B" Word....

Since the hubby and I are on this road to become debt free one thing that we have learned that has really helped us to save money is by doing a budget.  When it is close to the pay period we will sit down with my home management binder, computer, bills, and a calculator.  We then work on our "zero based budget" that is recommended by Dave. 

With the "zero based budget" you have different categories such as transportation, tithing, groceries, utilities, and other categories that may happen in the future such as birthdays, and Christmas.  You then "plug in the spaces" until every last dollar and cent is accounted for; hence "zero based". 

We have really saved money by doing this type of budget because everything is really "broken down to barney level" for us.  We can see exactly where every dollar and cent will be going. Before we use to sit down write down the bills, pay the bills and whatever was left we would then go grocery shopping and spend the rest.  Now we know how much money we have to spend on gas for vehicles, groceries, clothing, and even entertainment.  We are now aware of where our money is going compared to us saying "where did the money go". 

Over time we will really see a saving by doing the budget because the money that we do not use will be going towards debt.  For example, if we have $200 for gas for our vehicles and we use $150, that $50 will be able to be used for a debt. 

I say now that I don't mind doing the budget, some day I hope to say I LOVE doing the budget!
For more Frugal Friday tips head on over to LifeAsMom.

Okay I am Listening....

 Laura over at Heavenly Homemakers is hosting "Becoming a Christian" today, and I thought this was a wonderful idea.  I think it is always interesting to know how God has brought us closer to Him.  So I would like to share what He has done for me. 

Ahhhh Relaxing....

***this is the park we play at, and just look at that view***

This is what I will be doing today...NOTHING!!!  Well, I plan on doing laundry and school, but that is it.  The weather today is suppose to be a high of seven so I am taking the two blessings outside to play.  We were able to go outside yesterday after our errands were done, and the blessings loved it.  It was such a joy to see them outside playing at the park and having fun.  So I plan on doing the same today!

What are your plans for today?  How warm or cold is it where you live?

Homeschool Update...

Remember last week when I posted about our homeschool room?  That room was so boring with nothing on the walls and just one window to look out of.  That was until my daughter and I decorated the room to look more like a schoolroom. 

My hubby....

I am such a lucky woman!  I do have to say, in my own personal opinion, I have the bestest (I know, but I like that word) hubby in the whole wide world!!!  No, I am not trying to butter my hubby up for something.  I truly am the luckiest woman in the world, and I am so blessed that God has given me my hubby.

Menu Monday

WOW! What a great weekend we had!  On Saturday we were able to sleep in, and then we went on a scenic drive around Fairbanks.  We were able to see Mt McKinley, the Alaskan pipeline and the beautiful mountain range.  Then on Sunday afternoon we watched football.  I am glad to announce that our football team, the Indianapolis Colts will be heading to the Super Bowl!!!  Unfortunately, my home state of Minnesota will not be.  So I apologize for not posting my menu earlier but it was a very nerve racking day, and I went to bed at 7:30pm last night!!!

Our Homeschool Story....

Today I am feeling led to talk about our homeschool story.  So that is what I am going to do.  I want to tell you how my husband and I decided to homeschool our two little blessings.  First, I need to explain that I am not degrading anyone who chooses not to homeschool, and these are our own personal opinions about homeschooling.  I really want to show how it was a big decision that my husband and I really had to pray about.  So on that note....

Baking from Scratch

Yesterday I went grocery shopping and I try to avoid the inner aisles but I had to go down the chip and cookie aisle.  While down the aisle my son asked if he could get some chocolate chip cookies.  Of course the answer was "no we can make those at home for cheaper."  I loved his enthusiasm when he answered because he was "yeah mom and can we help you make them?"  I said "of course", he then threw his fists in the air as in victory and said yesssss.  It was great!!

After my son's excitement I started thinking about how much money we save by baking from scratch.  The cookies that my son were looking at were about $3 or $4 and I could make homemade cookies for about half of that.  Plus, while baking from home you may choose to double your recipe and freeze half the dough or bake and freeze.  When baking cookies I usually bake the entire batch and then freeze a little more than half.  Then over time I can pull cookies out of the freezer, instead of buying them. This has really helped us save some money on our grocery bill.


For more money saving tips jump on over to LifeasMom

Eating from the Pantry Update

Well, I was hoping that we could go the entire month but unfortunately we are done.  We are no longer participating in the Eat from the Pantry Challenge =(   However, looking back at my goals I realized that I have completed each and every one of them.

To my Mommy.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR GRANDMA/MOMMY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
Well as you can tell it is my mom's birthday today, and I do have to say she is "nifty". 

My Hair....UGH!!!

Okay, how many of you out there have a problem with their hair? 

I know I do!

I get asked a lot about my hair.  I mainly get asked "how do you get it like that"?  Sometimes it makes me think "what is wrong with it"?  I have always been teased or comments have been made about my hair, ever since I could remember. 

Gratituesday

The more I sit here and think of all the things that I am grateful for, one thing sticks out in my mind.  A memory that was created this past weekend that will be etched in my mind forever.  I am so grateful for this past weekend.  Memories......

Our Homeschool Room

For some reason it has occurred to me that it is January and we are about half way through the school year.  WOW!  I can't believe how fast it has went.  Well, I guess with the move, and the Holidays the school year did somewhat slip by.  I started school in late July knowing that we were going to take quite a bit of time off during our move.  While in Maryland I never decorated or set up a room in our house for school due to us being packed up and moving within a month and a half.  My kitchen in Maryland had a lot of natural light and we would sit at our kitchen table, and work for few hours a day on school.  Well, that is not working for me here in Alaska.

Menu Plan For Jan 18th-22nd

I went grocery shopping yesterday and spent $128 out of $150.  That sounds like I was under budget but in reality I have to run back to the store this week because there was no turkey meat, I forgot crackers, and I have a feeling that I will need to get another gallon of milk.  We definitely will be needing milk because we have CEREAL now!!! YAY!!!!

THE GAME IS OVER!!!

Kolton at the start of the game

  Well, the Colts won and the Ravens lost, meaning dad won and son lost =( 

Here is Kolton at the end of the game:

He is in the middle of slapping his hands together and looking sad not mad. 

Poor lil guy =(

He was a good sport but if you ask him if he will cheer for the Colts next week, he says "no I am cheering for the team that the Colts are playing".  No hard feelings???  ;)

Situation on My Hands......

I don't know about you, but I LOVE football.  It is a huge event in our household.  My husband is from Indiana so his team is the Indianapolis Colts.  His favorite player is Peyton Manning, trust me it makes it easy at his birthday and Christmas to find him gift.  My husband has his own little "man cave" that has nothing but Colts.  I do have to admit it looks really nice down there.  When we were moving to Alaska my husband and son had a opportunity to go to a Colts vs Jaguars open season game.  My husband was like a little kid in a candy shop.  He couldn't sleep the night before because he was soooo excited.  My son on the other hand.....

The Great Physician

On Fridays I like to write about "Frugal Friday" and ways to save money.  However, today I have to write about something so wonderful, and so amazing that has recently happened.  Lately, within the past couple of weeks or so I have been receiving some scary news on some very important people in my life.  I will not go into details about some because of privacy.  However, I am praying very hard for all them to be healed by the Great Physician.  Yesterday, I received a call from one of my dear friends and sister in Christ, one phone call that really showed me again how awesome God is.

Day 14 of Eating from the Pantry

Today  is grocery shopping!!!!  YAY!!! I never thought I would be this excited to go grocery shopping.  I think my family is just as excited as I am.  My husband even text me yesterday and said "tomorrow is shopping day right?"  I almost went shopping yesterday but instead I bought McDonalds =( I rather of went grocery shopping. 

IT IS COLD OUTSIDE!!!

Today is one of those days where all you want to do is stay indoors and drink coffee (or hot tea) all day.  That is what I would like to do today.  But I CAN'T!!!  My dear daughter of mine has ballet class today (I am moaning and whining while saying that).  That means I have to go outside to warm up my truck 30 mins prior to our departure. 

WFMW

I have been debating back and forth on what I was going to write today for Works for Me Wednesday.  I didn't know if I was going to write about homeschooling or something else.  But homeschooling kept coming up so I thought that is what God wants me to write about.  So....

Asking for Prayer.....

For those of who you do not know but Haiti has been hit with a 7.0 earthquake today.  The aftershocks have been measured at 5.9; to me that is one big aftershock.  This earthquake has caused much devastation on this tiny little country that is about the size of Maryland. 

My Friends

For this GratiTuesday I want to say that I am very grateful for my friends.  God has brought so many wonderful people into my life that has had an impact on me, big or small.  Sometimes when I am sitting or while I may doing something a thought will come to mind and I think "wow, she is awesome, how could I have done that without her." 

Menu Plan for Jan 11th-15th

I am so glad this week has finally arrived.  I get to go grocery shopping!!!  Don't tell anyone but I am starting to think "man, there is nothing to eat".  However, whenever I think that, immediately the Lord shows me there is plenty.  How great is He?!?!?!  However, it has a been great week and weekend and I am now ready for a new week.

Day 9 of Eating from the Pantry Challenge

We are at Day 11 of this challenge and I am starting to feel it now.  On our menu for dinner yesterday was homemade pizza.  No big deal very easy to make.  The problem I didn't want to make it.  All I wanted to do was just let everyone eat whatever they wanted or got out to eat.  Well, going out to eat was kind of going against what we were trying to do and that was save money.  Plus, we went out to eat the other night and used our entertainment money because we are so busy this week that we weren't going to use it anyways.

Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe

Well, I finally did it.  I have been wanting to make homemade laundry soap for a long time, but for some reason I thought it would be "to hard".  BOY WAS I WRONG!!!!  It took me probably about 30 minutes from start to finish.  The longest part of it all was waiting for the soap to melt in the pan. 

FRUGAL FRIDAY!!!

Today, as I was doing the "mountain of laundry" I ran out of fabric softener and then realized I only have about two loads worth of laundry soap.  So, being the "frugalnoid" that I want to be, I decided "well, I guess it is time to try my hand at making my own laundry soap". 

My List of Books

LifeasMom is hosting a book club for 2010.  The idea is for us to read our own books, books that have an interest to us.  Then we are to write what we read, such as a review, if we liked it, if it was okay, or just down right boring.  I am looking forward to this because I LOVE to read.

talking about....pretty much nothing.....

So, today I could not get motivated.  I did not roll out of bed until 1030, and then laid on the couch until 1100.  Talk about lazy!!!  The thing is though I was in bed at 1130pm the night before, that is a huge step compared to what it has been.  I took my daughter to her first ballet class (she hasn't done it for a couple of years).  She loved it!!! We then headed to Fred Meyer's, how I love Freddies.  For my Midwest, and east coast readers, it is almost like a Target but better. 

WFMW Backwards Edition

Each Wednesday there is a carnival hosted by We Are That Family, and that is called Works for Me Wednesday or also known as WFMW.  Each Wednesday I will post something that works for my family, or for myself.  However, this week it is WFMW Backwards Edition.

Day 6 of Eating from the Pantry

So it is day six of eating from the pantry.  How are we doing you ask? Well, I can say that waking up late and eating brunch is really helping us save some meals.  The bad news:

In God's Image

The thing that I am most grateful for and the thing that brings me comfort is knowing that I was created in God's image. 

"So God created man in His own image. In the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27

The Inspiration I Found Today....

When many people think of Alaska, somethings come to mind, such as snow, freezing cold, and the beauty it holds.  Well, at least that is what I thought before we moved here.  Trust me, the beauty that it holds is indescribable, one really has to witness the beauty for themselves. 

My goals for The Forever Neighbor

There is a great new website out called Savvy Blogging, and it is made up of five wonderful bloggers.  The website is there to help those, like me, who have recently started a blog or who are planning to start a blog.

Menu Plan

Here is our menu plan for the week:

Eating from the Pantry Update

Well, day three into the challenge, and I am feeling good about it.  I went grocery shopping on Dec 30th to pick up items I needed to complete some meals that were requested.  My usual grocery shop budget is $200 on the 1st and 15th of the month.  My goal for this challenge is $100 for each pay period.  Well, I came in at $85 which comes down to $15 under budget.  I am happy with that because the $15 will be there just in case we run out of milk. 

Getting to know me, The Forever Neighbor

I have recently started The Forever Neighbor but yet haven't really explained anything about me.  Well, that is going to happen today.  YAY!!!

Frugal Friday

I posted my goals for 2010, but I wanted to touch a little more on finances.  I have some goals that I want to go a little bit more in depth with.  I mentioned here about starting our baby fund, starting our CHRISTmas fund, and to stop using credit cards.  Well, there are some things we need to work on in order for those things to happen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I pray everyone had a great New Year's Eve.  I know I did!  I spent the day with my dear children.  Since we took the week before and the week of CHRISTmas off, we are having school this week.  But we are only doing a light week, to get the kids ready for the upcoming new schedule.  The kids and I then went and brought dinner to the DH.  We didn't really have an eventful day but a day of being together is what brings happiness to me. (Wish the DH could have been with us).