TGIF!!

Most Fridays seem like any other day to me, but lately I'm so glad when this wonderful day gets here! We are so busy with schooling, and like some students and teachers this time of year, we are tired and ready for summer! So being tired of school, makes it hard to teach for the teacher and makes it hard for the student to learn. Even so, we keep trudging along and Fridays are wonderful days because we have the weekend to look forward to. At least our history and science are fun and with it getting warmer we will head outside when we can.

What have we been up to? Well, besides the usual happenings, Phillip is trying to teach us to play poker and it's a blast! He has 4 students and we are slooooow learners. Our van has been in the hospital for several things in the past several weeks, so we have also been dealing with that. It's still not fixed completely.

Michael is taking drum lessons and Madison is taking guitar lessons. Hopefully soon Melanie will be taking horseback riding lessons. Phillip is working hard at his new job. All of us will be getting out soon to ride our bikes. If you know us, you know Phillip loves cycling. I'm teaching myself to crochet. It's been difficult because I'm left handed, but I'm getting the hang of it. I've actually made 2 hats that are wearable!!

We got our fireplace fixed and it's been so nice having a fire at night. We have always wanted a fireplace that uses wood.

Last, but not least, our finances. Can I just say, UGH! I was way off on what we spend each month on groceries and deals. We spent at least $500.00 in the month of Feb. That is definitely not good. Now that was the only thing I wanted to know for Feb. was how much we spend. For the month of March I'm going to see if I can get this amount down a bit. I'm trying to cook healthier and have more vegetables and fruits in the house, so this can cause the grocery bill to go up. I still think we can do better. So far we have spent $58.00 for the month of March but you should have seen what all I was able to get at Publix. Phillip also did a Bilo run. I don't have my receipt right in front of me, but maybe I can remember most of it.

13 bags of Green Giant Steamers
7 cans Green Giant veggies
2 bags Doritos
4 Right Guard Deodorant
12 cans Hunts tomato sauce
1 (2liter) drink
4 laundry detergents
6 boxes of pasta
Gallon milk
Bag of wood

I know there was more, but just cant remember. I'm hoping to be able to spend no more than $50.00 for the next week. This should take us through next Friday. Wish me luck!

Michael

Five years ago Michael started out as a cubscout and last Monday he "crossed over" and became a boyscout. I can still remember the day my friend, Jennifer, asked me if I would like to sign Michael up for cubscouts. I had not thought anything about it, but I am so glad we started down that road. He has had so much fun and learned so much. He also earned the highest honor in cubscouting (Arrow of Light). He has the goal of becoming an Eagle Scout just like his dad. Michael will begin a new Troop tonight. It's a little sad for me to know he will not be going to Greenwood anymore, but I know new and fun memories are ahead for him here. Michael, we wish you good luck and are behind you all the way!

Can you get any cheaper?

There were 2 birthdays in this house this week, so we celebrated in style and cheaply! Phillip took me to Red Lobster and to the movies. The total bill for the food was $1.04 because we had gift cards. Michael wanted to take me out also, so last night we headed to Greenville. We had 2 coupons for Red Robbin and 2 coupons for Cold Stone Creamery. Anyone can get these for your birthday through your email. The only thing we had to pay for was the tip. How great is that? I was definitely on a coupon high and Michael was pretty excited too.

Fire House Subs also will give you a free sub on your birthday and it's well worth it! So, what you are waiting for? Go sign up!

Madison is taking guitar lessons and needs a new guitar. I thought I would cash in the mypoints that I have and can get a gift card for Wal-Mart. I should be able to get one of those first act guitars pretty cheap. I love a deal!

Another Challange

I thought I would try and keep up with what we spend on groceries for the month of February. I always guess about how much we spend on food and I would like to believe it's between $350.00-$400.00. This amount includes what I buy to put in our stock pile. I will not count eating out last night, that amount comes out of what we budgeted for birthdays. Wish me luck.

Looks Yummy Was Yummy

I couldn't find a neat place to put the cake when I took the picture, but isn't this a great looking cake? Phillip helped a little with it. My goal is to make 1 new dessert each month for our ladies meetings. We didn't get to have the meeting Sunday, so we nibbled on it...ok ate huge delicious pieces of it with milk. Sometimes you just have to do those things when you are cooped up in the house during a storm. We will have a ladies meeting this Sunday, so I think I will try my hand with a layer cake.

Michael Turns 11!

Michael has always been a little ham and you can tell it by the pictures below. He still can be funny, but he has grown so much physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are really proud of him. He is so loving and seems to have a good set of values. He wants to do what's right. Happy Birthday Michael, you are a great son!Easter '02
Kelsy and Michael's date to the movies..lol

Michael and Madison

Michael early this morning with his new bike

Slow Going

It's been over a month since I have really changed the way I had been cooking. I'm making progress! We have tried several new recipes and I still have a couple to post on here. There's a sweet and sour pork dish that is really good. For the most part, we have went to all brown rice, whole wheat bread, wheat pasta, wheat tortillas, bagels, and English muffins. I am not making many things with creamed soups and most of our cheese is 2%. Since these changes, I have lost 5 pounds! I do not feel like I have deprived myself of anything. I have ate a few things that weren't very healthy, but we have made significant changes in our diets. Since I have it in my mind that I am helping the family be healthier, it's been easier to change our habits.

I am going to try something else though and it's NOT healthy by no means. Our ladies ministry meets once per month and of course we eat at those meetings. I thought I would make a dessert that I have never made before each time. I have a picture of the chocolate nut pound cake that I made for tomorrow. I will post it later. The recipes will come out of an old southern heritage book that I love. I can hardly wait to try some layer cakes! Hope I can keep my fingers off the desserts!!