Menu plan Monday (a little late)
>> Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Friday-leftovers
Rag Quilts, Rag Bags, and Tag Blankets made by a mom of 4
Went to Walgreens today hoping to save some money, and take a challenge from Keeping the Kingdom First
Here's how it all played out I am not sure how to word all this it's my first time.....Any suggestions to improve format are welcome.
(I had all three children with me 5yr, almost 3yr, and 15 month)
Buy 1 Crayola Crayons 24-pk @ $1.00
Total OOP 1.00
RRs Earned= $1.00
Crayola Markers $3.00
$3.00 mail in rebate
Total after rebate $0.00
Total OOP $1.00
Ban Deodarant $3.99
Walgreens coupon $2.00
MGF coupon from Sunday paper $1.00
Total OOP $1.99
Dawn dish soap $1.99
Walgreen coupon -$1.00
MFG coupn from Sunday paper $-.25
Total $.74
Total OOP 2.73
4 boxes Jello $4.00
Walgreens coupon 2/$1
Total $2.00
Total OOP 4.73
With 1.00 in RR still outstanding (Which I used to reward the kids for good behavior)
Will I use everything??
I am not attached to my current deodrant so was willing to try a different brand for $.99. Crayons and markers were free and I will probably donate to Crayon crusade in town b/c ya'll know that I don't allow markers in my house yet :)) and we have plenty of crayons right now. Dawn is a great dishwashing liquid so I was willing to have that as an extra on hand. Jello is sugar free and Hubby is on South Beach and it is one dessert item he is allowed :)
Zucchini Pizza Casserole
This is a recipe I came across last year when I wanted to use up the abundance of Zucchini I inherited. It was absolutely yummy!!!!
4 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Favorite pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce or plain tomato sauce
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
Pizza toppings of choice
I forgot to take a picture before we ate, but the whole family devoured it!!
Rag Blanket set for Baby
Here is a set a made for an auction to benefit the KLQ education foundation
The blanket is a jungle print with coordinating green, brown, and cream snuggle fabric.
It measures 39in by 39in. There is a raggy side and a smooth side, it has been washed and dried twice in cold water to help it fray and the more you wash it the softer and fluffier it becomes.
2 large receiving blankets in coordinating cream and green measuring 33in by 33in are great for swaddling, and cuddling.
Matching bag is made of jungle print snuggle flannel and coordinating green and cream cotton. It can be used as a diaper bag or an everyday tote for mom or grandma. It measures 15in tall 15in wide and 5in deep and has a 14 in drop handle. It includes two 9 by 5 in pockets and two 5 by 5 in pockets inside and an 5 by 5 in outside pocket for keys or cellphone.
The Check-in Questions
1. Did you record all your spending this month?
Yes I download directly from our bank's website to an excel spreadsheet, then I itemize and categorize.
2. What are your goals for keeping a ledger? Analyze spending habits, Track where the money is spent, and Get out of debt.
3. Do you have a success story to share? No success stories this month :(
My all time favorite tip: I pay insurance every 6 months to save the monthly fee but I set aside 1/6th of it each month so I don't have to scramble for the money when the bill comes.
4. (Optional) How are your children doing with this? Any cute sayings from them, or progress in their financial education?
My children are 5, 2.5, 1 I am just beginning to teach the 5 yr old about money
5. Any helpful resources you've found?
Would love to but Internet searching has not been successful
6. Were you able to put aside some savings this month?
Saved the normal amount not much but every bit helps.
7. Comments or Thoughts? Love the though of this check in...maybe add a struggle that we are may have had that others could comment on?
I found this link on another Blog and I love love love it. I just need to figure out how to print from my computer. :)
Character Traits
Even though my kids are young I don't think it is ever to early to start teaching them these character traits and I love that they are referenced with a bible verse!
I'm feeling down but depressed seems too extreme to explain it. I am trying to keep up with everything, but being pregnant just really takes way too much out of me. No matter how hard I try to act normal and do fun stuff with my kids I end up exhausted.
I can't figure out how to balance everything. I want to play with my kiddos, but if do the housework doesn't get done. On the other hand if I attempt to do housework I end up grouchy and snap at them.
I have a wonderful friend who cleaned my house from top to bottom while I was away and I am so grateful!! I love it when I have a clean house and I know that if I could do a little every day it could stay that way, but how do I balance the little energy I have between housework and playing?
So needless to say I am feeling down on myself today, I want to be able to play, clean, sew, and garden, but since Dec of 2004 I have been either pregnant or nursing a newborn. I know God has a plan for me but really is this it? To be completely sad and frustrated that I am unable to complete my duties as a wife and mother?? I am trying to cling to Jer 29:11 p, but on days like today I find it hard to understand how these plans are for my good and not harm. If u r reading this please pray I will stop feeling sorry for myself and figure out a way to find balance in this season of my life.
My youngest Charlie is almost 13 months and loves to get into everything he is not supposed to. He climbs on whatever he can to reach what he wants.
We do not have a small house, but the way it is laid out it is not conducive to toddlers. We moved from a much larger house before this one. I have a computer desk in the breezeway, office supplies in the kitchen, and toys everywhere! I have tried to organize my brains out and just as I think I have it one of my toddlers figures out a way to get something out. For example this morning I had my purse up on the shelf and my 2.5 yr old (I still consider her a toddler) uses a kitchen stool to reach it and dumps everything out and gets in to the lipstick and chapstick I keep in there. As we are making beds for the day I find lipstick on the sheets and wonder where else it will pop up in the next few days. Then my 13 month old manages to move the small toddler bench in the kitchen and get into the rubber cement and scotch tape drawer. Luckily he was unable to open the rubber cement and my oldest brought it to me before any damage was done. We used gates when my 2.5 yr was in this stage, but since then we have moved furniture around and I can't figure out how to use them now. And honestly it really looks so much more cluttery...is that even a word I don't know.....with the gates up.
I am starting to stress out about adding one more, the first 6 months it won't be as big of deal b/c they can't move but once they are mobile the next 3 years make me insane.
I have tried to declutter and get rid of lots of extra stuff but with younger kids there is so much stuff! And with dry storage limited all the baby stuff is still in the house waiting for the next one....
I am very thankful for a great mother who is willing to help clean when she visits and a great friend who loves to organize and is willing to help. I am blessed beyond measure in many areas of my life. I am praying for a spirit of contentment. I am striving to emulate Paul and be content with everything Phil 4:11....For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Someday I will do a post on my journey of Faith but it would be so long. Someday I hope to have time to sit down and from the beginning share my story, but with 2 toddlers and an almost Kindergartner I don't see that happening anytime soon :)
So my Wednesday is sooooo much better than my Tuesday! I am in a quilt block of the month club and I finally was able to cut out my April block. My goal is to finish each block by the end of month. I love this concept. I do a different block each month, I don't have to coordinate the colors, and I am learning which patterns I do not like :)) This month is a bear claw pattern and so far it is very time consuming, probably not one I will repeat.
Tonight is our community dinner at church so I don't have to cook dinner I am so excited! If you are in my area a free dinner tonight at the First Baptist Church 5-7pm.
I have gotten out of the habit of menu planning since getting pregnant and I really need to start again. It makes dinner time so much less stressful.
She has 3 girls and she wanted them to have matching bags.
She wanted them larger than my previous small bag so I added sides and a bottom.
She used them as Easter baskets such a great idea!
Here is a picture of one of the small bags next to her Momma bag.
This Post is not a positive one so if you need encouragement don't read it! It will probably be a huge ramble but I need to vent!!!
I have had a horrible day! My morning sickness is horrible today even with the Mocha from my wonderful friend. I have tried everything and nothing seems to be helping.....
My older children keep forgetting to close the bathroom door which means my youngest has put more body parts into the toilet than I care to admit. His head luckily is one that has survived..........the remote was dumped in as well, luckily it still works.
I have very little energy to chase them around and my daughter is into anything and everything she can get to! She doesn't listen to instruction, time out has been used more than 10 times today (which is also energy draining). One high point is Charlie took a 3 hour nap which probably means he just doesn't feel good. I am praying it is just teeth and nothing more serious.
The kids are always hungry, nothing I give them satisfies them. They have had oranges, grapes, apples, graham crackers, animal crackers and even an one oreo as a treat. It is sooo exhausting to be in the kitchen non stop. Normally I make them stick to a snack routine but today I got soooo sick of them asking and asking and asking so I gave in. Along with snack after snack creates dish after dish after dirty counter. I am so sick of cleaning up after them......I know this stage will pass and everyone swears I will miss this someday but I just can't see that at all....Maybe I will look back someday at this very post and Laugh.....Although as a Proverbs 31 woman I should "laugh at the days to come" Proverbs 31:25 not the days past but I am doing good to laugh at anything today.......
Well Hopefully my next opportunity to post will be more positive........I need to remember "The Lord's unfailing Love surrounds those who trust in him" Psalms 32:10b
Monday- Crock pot night Cheesy Chicken and noodles
Tuesday- Manicotti for MOPs Spring Fling
Wednesday- Community dinner at church
Thursday- Fajitas with Guacamole
Friday- Pizza
Saturday- Quesadillas
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
For Today ~ March 16, 2010
Outside my window... It looks dreary and I am wishing it could be like last Wednesday...Spring just gave us a teaser
I am thinking...My children are behaving so well today. They know Mommy doesn't feel good and they know it.
I am thankful for... The security of this country and all the decisions we are able to make and for all the service men fighting to keep it that way
From the kitchen...Manicotti is defrosting for dinner tonight
I am wearing... Jeans and a short sleeved striped polo
I am creating... finished the easter bags for my bestie, am almost done with the scrap quilt for my sister, and created 2 blankets this weekend.
I am going...to the Doctor and hopefully will feel well enough to make it to MOPS tonight and Wii dance night on Friday with the girls
I am reading...Proverbs 31 everyday for 31 days (a challenge from Revivie our hearts.com)
I am hoping/praying...that God helps me accept whatever he has trusted me with
I am hearing... Dakota play ping pong on Wii Sport resort
Around the house... I am loving my new dining room table it has been a blessing.
One of my favorite things...Hugs and kisses from my kiddos...today they are being given out generously.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Spring Break with my kids, Girls Night Out and finishing a scrap quilt and a rag quilt
Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...
Here's a favorite verse I am memorizing....know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3
Zondervan had a free bible give away and I was a lucky recipient of a FREE Busy Mom's Bible. I was so excited when I received it in the mail. It is hot pink and brown sooooo cute!
I LOVE this Bible. It is so pretty, the pink leather is fabulous and has tidbits of pertinent topics at my fingertips. I am a mother of 3 under the age of 5 so time is not an easy thing to come by. I have found it easy to read daily and have been keeping a prayer and praise journal along with it. It has been such a blessing.
THANK YOU!!!!! Zondervan for offering this for free.
http://www.busymomsbible.com
“The Chewy”
Adapted from Alton Brown recipe
Ingredients:
2 sticks unsalted butter
2 1/4 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
Directions
Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom medium saucepan over low heat. Stir together the 2 1/4 flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp baking soda and set aside.
Pour the melted butter in the mixer's work bowl. Add the ¼ cup sugar and 1 ¼ cup brown sugar. Cream the butter and sugars on medium speed. Add the egg, yolk, 2 tablespoons milk and 2 Tbls vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture until thoroughly combined. Stir in the chocolate chips, white chips, and pecans.
Scoop onto parchment-lined baking sheets and chill or freeze. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown, checking the cookies after 4. Rotate the baking sheet at 4 minutes for even browning. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
I like to double the recipe and keep in the freezer for easy cookies in the future.
This is a favorite recipe in our house and has been adapted from my Gma Visscher's Chicken Enchiladas.
Ingredients
2 cups of cooked shredded chicken or turkey
2 cans of cream of Chx soup
8 oz of sour cream (opt)
8 oz of cream cheese (opt)
1 can of green chilies or rotel
1 finely chopped onion (opt)
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
6-8 corn tortillas
Usually I boil 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts but, this time I bought a turkey when they were really cheap around Thanksgiving. Aaron deep fried it and then I froze it in quart bags, I used one in place of chicken.
Chop or shred the meat
Mix the soup, sour cream, cream cheese, rotel, and meat
Use a deep casserole dish and grease lightly.
Spread a little of soup mixture on bottom of the pan. Spread soup on one side of a 2 corn tortillas and lay in pan.
Add more soup mixture to top and sprinkle with a 3rd of the cheese. Do this 2 or 3 times depending on the size of your dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese.
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
Monday-Pizza
Tuesday- Community dinner for Aaron
Wednesday-Church community free dinner
Thursday-Turkey Enchilada Casserole
Friday -Leftovers/MNO Asian at Cecilia's
Saturday Hamburgers and mac and cheese
Sunday Family Dinner
I am beginning to wonder if contentment is an achieveable goal for me. I don't struggle with wanting more stuff, I'm happy with weight, I'm 31 and am ok with that, and I know there are blessings all around me. There is just one area in my life I can't seem to wrap my arms around. It is a personal struggle that only a few even know exists.
I know that God can be everything to me if I will let go and let him, but the human side of me won't let go. I look back and when I have let go my life is different but not in a good way. My one little habit helps make so many other areas of my life go well. I know it is wrong and yet.....
We are reading the book Classic Christianity by Bob George at church and it has really made me think about the errors in my life, and has made me realize there are a lot of truths that I need to cling to.
This is a under construction site here is a link to all my projects that are avilable for sale. If you have any questions or want more pics please email me at ragstagsandbags@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/album.php?aid=57788&id=1217115621
This is the basic reciepe I used. I got the reciepe from my sister-in-law and she said they did the salsa inside and they turned out soggy so we have never tried it. I also use a 9x13 pan not a cookie sheet. I have also used this "pocket" idea with taco ring filling and it turned out great! We served it tonite with Tortilla chips cream cheese and salsa dip and decided next time we may try to put it inside next time to change it up. All 3 of my kiddos ate these tonight.
Chicken and Cheese Crescent Chimichangas
from Pillsbury Best of the Bake-Off
Yield: 8 servings
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons oil
2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1/2 cup picante salsa
8 oz (2 cups) shredded Cheddar cheese
Sour Cream
Salsa
Heat oven to 350 F. Grease large cookie sheet. In large skillet, cook onion and garlic in oil until onion is tender. Add chicken; cook over low heat until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Separate dough into 8 rectangles; firmly press perforations to seal. Spread about 2 teaspoons of the salsa on each rectangle to within 1/2 inch of edges. Stir 1 cup of the cheese into chicken mixture. Spoon heaping 1/3 cup chicken mixture onto half of each rectangle. Starting at shortest side topped with chicken, roll up; pinch ends to seal. Place seam side down on greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 F for 16 to 21 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven; top each with about 2 tablespoons of the remaining cheese. Bake an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream and additional salsa.
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