Mama's Country Market
Summer's last days...
The weather has been blustery and rainy here the past few days on the homestead. It hasn't been this cold since April! We have had temps in the high 50's and low 60's...... so unusual for NW Missouri in early September. I am ever so thankful for the moisture, as we needed it. The grass was beginning to become brown up and the last few days of rain has "greened up" everything again.
No doubt about it.... fall is on the way! Did I mention that fall is my favorite season of the year? The colors are spectacular here in October ~~ our homestead has a good 25 acres or so of Oaks, Maples & Walnuts.... so the colors are something to behold. I am looking foward to that.
On the home front we are busy, busy renovating our "parlor"...... it's not too big of a room ~~ about 15 x 16 or so..... but it faces south and gets lots of sun, and overlooks the woods and fields. This is a favorite place to sit and read on a cold winter day. We have stained the new wood windows, and have painted the cieling and installed a new light/fan. We are almost done with the wallcoverings..... I chose a very "old fashioned pattern"..... it actually looks like the original pattern that we discovered under the sheetrock! It makes things look very "old" and I am excited about that!
I apologize that I have been remiss at posting photos of our recent renovations. Life is so full with schooling, renovating, and all the other "stuff" that this mama has to do each day. I am finding I am only able to blog a few times each week as life is simply filled to the brim. ( No complaints here)
In the kitchen we have been busy baking some fall treats...... the weather put me in the mood for pumpkin pies! So, this afternoon my eldest daughter and I were busy making some for desert. I am so happy to share that my 13 yr old daughter has truly mastered the knack of making homemade pie crusts and does a superb job! She is going to be such a blessing to her future husband and family! She loves to help me in my homemaking endeavors and she is a precious helper to have around!
The pumpkin candle is burning........and the air does have a nip to it in the evenings now.
Supper is in the oven ready to serve....... a hot pan full of swedish meatballs.
It's that time of year...... when smells fill the home........
Well I am off to spend the evening serving my beloved family.
May God bless each and everyone of you!
~ gloria ~
Musings...of Autumn?
You know, in just a matter of a handful of weeks now, Autumn will officially start.
Yes, I know I do this every year.
I get rather melancholy this time of year. Every year it's the same thing. September begins and I start thinking with excitement about things like
combines harvesting the fields,
fertilizers being spread on those large farmsteads,
cooler evenings,
the surprise of a cool breeze during the day,
air conditioners being used less and less and windows opened with softly blowing curtains around them,
apples ready to harvest,
pumpkins starting to perk p for picking,
leaves slowly beginning to turn all those magnificent colors of deep rust, brighter red, rich orange and brilliant yellow,
the gathering of firewood for that first lighting of the woodstove,
those wonderful autumn smells...ever notice how pies and breads just smell so much better, so much more homey during the autumn than they do in the summer?
the starting of school and those big yellow buses rolling along the lanes early morning. No, my children aren't riding a bus, but there is just something that touches my heart and says autumn, in a nostalgic sort of way, about those yellow buses on the road after a summers' absence.
There are preps being made everywhere it seems...
folks are finishing off larger portions of their gardens and clearing them for a winter rest,
chickens are growing and seem to know time is limited for gathering those bugs and greens before the snow flies,
barnyards are freshened and hay mows filled with the last of the hay harvest before winter.
There are just smells and actions that speak autumn all over.
But, it's a bittersweet time for me. I miss all those things I've just mentioned. I know it's all a state of mind, really, but I have not been able to wrap my mind around a changing of seasons since moving here. Everything stays so green...and so wet...this time of year around us. I can pull out the autumn colors in flowers and garlands to decorate the house and give an illusion of autumn, but it's just not in my heart. I am just too wrapped up with seasonal changes.
Yes, I have so many friends here in the South who would argue vehemently that there are changing seasons here, and there is a definite autumn. I guess my trouble is, I only know one kind of autumn in my mind. It's the only one I've ever known. It's hard to change a vision that is ingrained in a nearly-40 year old mind.
So, this weekend, we are going to try to bring autumn to the homestead. I am gathering the fall fabrics to tuck here and there on a table, along a bookcase and near an oil lamp. I'm putting up a simple garland of flowers...all those beautiful rich tones I so love this time of year. We will be doing our evening devotions with the lanterns lit instead of the regular lighting...sort of creating that cozy feeling that autumn brings with it.
My eldest daughter says that's fine...as long as I don't crank up the a/c so we all have to don sweaters and thick socks to really bring that feeling of autumn to real life!
Blurts, Outbursts, One Liners, Vomit Stories, and Verbal Thoughts
I just don't have it in me to write out an eloquent blog. So this morning, I am going to jot down my heart and mind as it comes to me and revisit it later........I just don't like people anymore. Well, not all of them. Just most of them. It is so very few and far between that I have encountered someone with integrity and work ethic. That is so frustrating.
Years ago I had a goal. At 40, I could retire. At 40, I had worked 27 years, and thought that was a sufficient amount of work.Well, here it is, 3 years PAST my goal, and not only can I NOT retire, but I now have a SECOND job. Actually, I have 3 jobs. I work part time from April to September at a 3rd location.
How many years will my back, hips, shoulder and elbow be able to throw a tray? I guess we're about to find out. Yeah, I am bitter about this. I am trying so hard not to be. Thanking the Lord for my health, my strength, my ability to work.............but deep in the pit of my heart, I am bitter. I want to stay home, cook, clean, do all that mom / girl stuff. Yeah, I DO do all that stuff now......cook, clean, take care of the finances, make all the phone calls, handle all the problems that arise, home school 3 high schoolers.....oh, and now, work 2 jobs outside the home. Yes, I am married.
My oldest has registered to vote. This election year is sickening. I will hold my nose when I pull my R. As will everyone in my family. It is sickening to see how many people DO NOT remove their hats and face the flag when the National Anthem is played.........sickening. And it's only going to get worse.
Whoever gets in office, I hope the economy rebounds long enough for me to sell my house for what its worth.............
Nightmares.........what's that all about. My sleep is poor enough.
Maybe I will cut my hair, color it blonde, hit the tanning bed and buy a new outfit and take myself out.........oh, that's right, I am broke! HA HA
What is it about the 20 year itch? Why do so many couples get divorced at 20 years? Ok, I can see the 7 year itch. They are still young, in shape, bla bla bla...........but 20 years?? What's the deal with 20 years in a marriage and all the sudden someone wants to bail out?
How do you put on a smile, when you don't have one laying around to attach?
Why is it what you want is almost exactly the opposite of what you get? You want to be a joy, a helper, a pleasure to be around, and what you end up being is quite the opposite... What is that all about?
Days and days go by and I just don't wana.
I don't wana talk to God. I don't wana read His Word. I don't wana talk to anyone. I don't wana get up. I don't wana do anything. I just don't wana.
I am tired, worn out, used up.
I just don't wana.
Homestead Snapshots...
Not sure how good these will be. I'm not what you would call tech-saavy in the least. Even joking, one probably wouldn't call me that. My 'techie' is off in Arkansas, so I'm all you have when it comes to sharing pictures here. I'm using the video camera (it takes still shots as well) and working to figure out how to upload them...it's slow-going, to say the least.
Here are some shots of daily farm life on this homestead...
Barn chores being done this morning -- seems the goats decided they could in fact, push hard enough on the fence and make their escape. So, while the fence was being rebuilt by eldest daughter and I, Matthew started his job....mucking out the barn.
Remember the tree? This is it. Not really much of a tree looking at it this way, but it's a good tall one...just dead for the most part.
This is the life, isn't it? Just lounging around...totally centered in the walkway of the front porch, not caring one bit for those of us coming and going trying not to break our fool necks dodging kittens!
This is our 'seeing-eye' goat....the friend we bought for the blind one. We tethered them out in the barn lot this morning after they made their escape.
These are the newest additions to the homestead...they are supposedly pregnant, but honestly, they are the skinniest 'pregnant' sows I've ever seen. But that's ok...they'll fit in the freezer much nicer this way ;o)Those are some of the shots of the day here. Maybe something exciting will happen here that an be shared later...not that we don't have exciting moments, but honestly, with Dewey gone, I'd just as soon keep things nice and quiet around here.
Should Christian Women serve in Government Leadership Positions -- What does the Bible have to say?
Dear Readers,
I am *not* a political person by nature. I realized a long time that God is in control of our nation, and the world at large. I do read the news and try to stay up on what is going on in our nation and in the world around me. With that said, I am not one to write about my political views or share them publically.
I truly believe God has His hand in governing the world at large.
I also believe it is our stewardship to pray for our leaders.
I have been reading the past few days and hearing on the news about the appointment of Governor Sarah Palin ( Alaska Gov) to be Senator McCain's VP pick for this year's presidential election. I have been reading and hearing "mixed" thoughts and views on whether a "woman" and in this case a professing Christian woman should be in a leadership position in our Government.
Let me start out by saying, for the most part I am hearing positive remarks in Christian circles of Mrs. Palin's appointment. But there are some Christians who are concerned and some who are even critical and feel Mrs. Palin is not fulfilling her God given role as a wife & mother.
I have given this much thought myself and much prayer.
I have prayed about Gov Palin's appt and also prayed about whether I should share my thoughts here on my blog.
I wanted to share what God has been showing me about this issue --- Women in Government Leadership--- and what has been shown to me in the Word of God, which I believe is the *final* authority in all things.
For those of you who may be struggling with this issue as well, I pray this post may be a blessing to you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Christian Women in Government -- What does God have to say about the matter?
I am for the most part a believer that women have been ordained by God to be "keepers at home" .... chaste , discreet, ( Titus 2:5) and definately a Proverbs 31 woman.
I believe God has ordained us for a special ministry that only we can fulfill and that is of mother to the next generation of God's precious children. To train them up in the way they should go, and to teach them of the Lord.
That is what I have dedicated my life to for the most part.
This is where my "heart" is at.
When I read of Gov Palin being chosen as McCain's VP pick I was amazed, and suprised! Not only is Sarah Palin a woman -- she is a professing Christian, active in her Church ( Junueau Christian Center, she is a practicing Pentecostal) , a wife of over 17yrs to her high school sweet heart, Todd & mother to 5 beautiful children , the youngest of which is a little baby boy.
Honestly , when I heard of her appointment I immediately began to research and study about this woman. The more I read about her the more I was amazed. God has blessed her with many talents & gifts. She is a strong woman, head of the Alaska National Guard, a hunter, and a "hockey mom". She is an athlete but also a very feminine woman who is not afraid to embrace her femininity.
I read about her in high school, leading her sport teams in prayer before games.
I read about her committment to life -- and her living testimony of embracing and cherishing the life that God gave her at the age of 44 , with her special needs baby boy. She chose life and has been a staunch supporter in the pro life movement. She is committed to marriage -- traditional marriage defined by God.
The more I read the more I was impressed.
I was also concerned.
How could this young wife & mother fulfill her duties and obligations?
How does she balance it all?
I decided I would turn to the word of God and see what the "final authority" has to say on this.
Can God raise up women to be mothers , wives & also lead in Government affairs???
In proverbs 31 we read about the Godly woman whose husband does not only trust in her, but is also deeply concerned about her household. She rises early to make sure her family & household is clothed and fed well. She purchases fields and property. She is a strong woman -- a woman whose arms are strong ( verse 17) . She cares for the poor and is involved in a ministry to care for them. This woman is not afraid, for she is a prepared woman. Her husband is known by all. She is wise and out of her mouth proceeds kind words. She is not an idle woman. Her children & husband call her blessed.
Wow -- what a woman!
The proverbs 31 woman is not just sitting at home, baking and keeping house!
The proverbs 31 woman is a hard working woman, who is strong, capable, kind and involved.
She not only cares for the needs of her family -- but she reaches out to the community.
Then I turned to the passage in Judges that speaks about Deborah, the Prophetess and great Judge of Isreal. ( Judges chapters 4 &5)
After the death of Joshoua, God raised up Judgest to lead and rule over Israel.
The first Judges were Othneil, Ehud, and Shamgar. And then came Deborah.
Wow -- what a woman was Deborah! She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman!
God had great trust in Deborah!
Deborah led the children of Israel.
Who said women can not lead armies or sit at heads of state and nations? Did deborah not do this same thing? Did God not appoint Deborah to do so?
Here is one of the many women God himself called & used.
She was very respected by her people.
Her leadership qualities were unquestioned.
She was also a prophetess and A MOTHER & A WIFE . ( judges 4:4 & Judges 5:7)
Marriage was not designed to hinder the ministry of women, but to enhance it.
Deborah's duties & ministry was similar to all other judges of Israel & then some:
1. She was a leader of a nation
2. She helped settle disputes
3. She was a prophetess who have gave Isreal direction from God.
4. She was called of God
5. The land had peace for 40 yrs due to her ministry ( judges 4 & 5)
6. If deborah was living in our times she would have occupied the role of prophet & teacher
God called Deborah to this stewardship --- and God knew Deborah was married & was a mother in Israel!! Her gender did not inhibit her from serving. Her duties at home did not inhibit her from serving!
Deborah told Barak to lead Israel to attack Sisera, who was the commander of the enemy forces. Barak, would not go into battle without Deborah by his side! He knew that Deborah's presense would ensure victory for God's people! ( Judges 4: 8-16) Such was the respect he had for deborah!
I think it's important to note that Deborah was a judge in a time in world history when women were very much traditionally at "home" and definately not in the fore front of politics!
God was not inhibited by the fact that Deborah was a woman.
Are we?
Should we be?
Deborah was not proud, nor did she carry a "chip" on her shoulder against men. This is an attitude that many women hold today against men. The women's lib movement are doing more harm then good today because they sow seeds of discord. They cultivate this attitude of "Women vs. Men" and this is not Godly.
Remember also, it was Jael -- a woman-- who killed Sisera, not Barak, as Deborah had prophesied.
Again, God is not inhibited by women serving Him in government.
Are we?
I asked this to myself in regards to the issue with Gov Palin --- she is a wife, a mother and a Christian.
Could God be asking Sarah Palin to serve Him in this capacity?
Yes.
Do I have a problem with it -- if God doesn't?
Hmmm................
That is what God has shown me the past few days since the announcement has been made about Gov Palin being appointed McCain's running mate.
Honestly, I had some repenting to do.
I honestly judged this woman.
I can not place God in a box and say that God "ONLY" calls women to be mothers & wives and stay home and keep home. I do not believe this because the bible tells me differently. Proverbs 31 tells me differently. The beautiful story of Deborah tells me differently.
I admit ,I was tempted to put God in a "box".
Let's not put God in a "box" ladies.
Remember HIS word is HIS final authority.
This is what God has shown me -- thru study of the Word of God and thru prayer.
I am compelled to believe that YES, God can appoint women to judge over nations.
I am compelled to believe that perhaps God has placed HIS hand over Gov Palin at this time in history.
I am compelled to pray for Gov Palin.
Want to know what my prayer is for her?
That she may be a "modern day" Deborah!
That is what God is showing me.
May you be blessed!
~ gloria ~
Recipes to share...
These are from one of the LDS Cannery recipes....sounds like something I definitely will have to try!Breakfast Cookies
yield: 48 cookies
2 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 3/4 cup oatmeal (not instant)
2 cups Grape Nuts cereal
1 Tablespoon flax seed meal (optional suggestion)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, softened ** (see note below)
1 3/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs
1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple
2 cups raisins
Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine flour, oatmeal, Grape Nuts, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Stir to mix. Set aside.
Beat together butter and sugar; add vanilla and eggs, beat well. Stir in crushed pineapple (including juice) and raisins. Add flour cereal mixture and stir until blended. Drop by large spoonful on lightly greased baking sheet or use a #30 ice cream scoop. Slightly flatten cookie dough. Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack. Store cookies in closed container. Freeze extra cookies until ready to use – reheat in microwave, if desired. Makes 48 cookies.
**NOTES: Try substituting 1 cup crunchy peanut butter in place of the butter
Apple Pie Tarts (yum...cherry and other fruits as well!)
Homemade Yogurt
Yogurt is expensive to buy in the store but SO EASY AND INEXPENSIVE to make at home. Give it a try and I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised. It costs less than 50 cents to make a quart of yogurt. I use the cannery dried milk.
4 cups very warm water (not over 120 degrees)
1 3/4 cups regular nonfat dry milk (3 cups instant)
1/3 cups plain yogurt with active cultures, no additives (if bought from the store to use as a starter)
OR 1 packet of yogurt starter (I buy mine at Good Earth or Wild Oats )
Mix well with a hand mixer or in a blender at the lowest speed. Pour into a ceramic or glass dish with a lid. Put a heating pad on your counter and turn it on low. Cover it with a kitchen towel, put the yogurt mixture on the towel and cover the entire thing with a large bath towel so it retains the heat. I do this just before I go to bed and it is perfect when I get up in the morning.
Do not disturb the incubation. During the incubation period the cultures multiply and thicken the milk.
I then refrigerate the incubated mixture for 2-3 hours until it has cooled completely and is cold clear through. Divide it in half or as you wish and flavor each in different flavors with cannery jams. Mix the yogurt and the jam together with a hand mixer until well blended. You can add chunks of fruit it you wish.
Set aside 1/3 cup plain yogurt before flavoring to "start" your next batch.
Oatmeal Breakfast bars
Submitted by Marilyn Park
I particularly liked this recipe, easy and quick to put together. The bars you buy at the store are loaded with sugar and have preservatives and things I don't want in my food. Plus these are high in fiber! Love that! Try this recipe.....I think you will really like them.
2 3/4 cups old fashioned oatmeal or 1 cup 6 grain rolled cereal and 1 3/4 cups oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons honey
1/3 cup applesauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup dry milk
1/4 cup water
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 to 1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup almonds
1/4 cup golden flax seed ground
1/2 cup palm shortening (or whatever you use)
1 grated apple with skin on
Cream egg, shortening and brown sugar and applesauce. Add all other ingredients and mix well, add raisins and nuts and grated apple last and mix in. This is a thick batter. Spread evenly on a non-stick 9X13 pan with a heavy spatula. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-16 minutes. 12-15 good sized bars.
Tuesday Visit
The news I've heard so far sounds very good, considering. Gustav didn't beat down on New Orleans as the thought for a while there. Our prayers are with the million plus folks throughout Louisiana without power and still bearing up under the remnants of heavy rain and winds.I worked on my Bible class lesson last night. Our Pastor was teaching verse by verse on Wednesday's from the book of Acts. He asked me if I would be willing to take his class for the rest of the year. I sort of agreed, tentatively, and said I'd pray over it.
No, I don't believe in women teaching Bible. Well, I certainly don't believe in women teaching men/boys. If it were a child's class, I probably wouldn't have the reservations, but this is teens.
The reason I agreed, for now at least, is that our church is incredibly small...on a really good week we have all of 25 faithful attend (truth be told, we have all of only 37 on the rolls right now altogether). Our teen class was started after we arrived....there were only 2 other children. We came to church and bingo -- youth explosion :o) Right now, for the 'teen' class, we have those 2 daughters of a friend, my two eldest girls, and my middle son. Once in a blue, blue moon, another friend of ours comes to church, but he is never able to be counted on. It just depends on what he feels like doing, and his family doesn't push otherwise. So, I would be teaching my own children...well, my own son. I don't have a problem with that at all. If the class were to grow to include other teen boys, I would not keep teaching.
Either way, I didn't stay with the book of Acts. I might change my mind, but right now, I went with a short study, 'introduction' as it were, to the 12 Apostles instead. Then I have something we had started here on the final days of Christ and His Resurrection. I'm just not sure what to do with the teens. I know my own children will follow and understand the study I have, but I'm not sure about the others. The 2 daughters are both saved, but their level of actual comprehension I don't know about. There is one more girl who comes every so often -- an elder's daughter -- but you can't count on her, either. It's Fair season throughout the Mid-South and she does alot of shows and demonstrations (she does rodeo stuff and barrel racing, plus her family runs a livestock sale and auction service).
Well, we'll see what happens.
On another note, Dewey and Christopher headed out early-squirrely this morning for the job in Arkansas. Straight into thunderstorms and rains. We are pretty sure we have forgotten to pack him something, but that's typical. You always feel like you are forgetting something when you don't really want to leave in the first place. But, we loaded his new truck to the gills...he might forget something, but he certainly won't lack for much of anything! The children each tucked drawings and such into his bags and toolbox for him to find. Right now, we are planning him back next weekend. This week they will get settled into the lease house, and start the process of hiring locally -- something that might be difficult. Everyone on this job must have their Arkansas Electrical license. If they can't man the job that way, it will go Union. Not a problem for Dewey as technically he is still Union, but Christopher won't be able to work the job then as he isn't in any of their schooling. Let's pray they can man the job themselves.
Question of the day -- if a tree falls in your yard and you aren't there to witness it, does it make a sound?
Yep. It does. Just after finishing on the grill yesterday, we were all sitting inside getting dinner ready at the table and we heard a whoooooosh and a light sort of thud. We al stared at each other like goofs...as if any of us had a clue what that noise was...and someone finally got the bright idea to get up and go look. There at the end of the trailer laid our pine tree. It wasn't the prettiest one we have by a long shot, but in the spring it was covered with a solid mass of wisteria up one side. Now, it's just lying there in the yard like...well, like a fallen tree.
I knew we shouldn't have mowed the side yard. We'd let it go for thee longest time (ok, so it was more out of laziness than any other reason...still...) but here we just mowed on Saturday and now Monday comes and down it goes. Could be all that tall grass and weed was holding the old tree upward.
And wouldn't you know it, but the chainsaw isn't working. So...next question of the day will probably be this:
How many homeschoolers does it take to drag a tree to the back pasture?
Cutting the grocery bill down by half! 10 tips for saving BIG TIME!
Large families, like mine really have felt the rising costs of food lately. We have 10 children ages 15 down to 4 yrs old and they all are blessed with a hearty apetite, including dad!
I thought I would share with you all some things we have done around here that has literally cut my grocery bill down by half. These are simple things that have made a huge difference , and my husband and I are thrilled and we are also a bit frustrated that we had not done this before! It took a recession to hit our home before we had to take a hard look at how we spent the money on food.
For some of you , this may not be anything new to you. Kuddos to you for your frugality!
Our family has gone from spending approximately $1,400 to $800 for food items!!
Here are 10 easy "tips" for cutting back on the food bill without really sacrificing the quality of meals or your health and nutrition.
1. PLAN YOUR MENU!!! I can not emphasize how this has helped!!! I plan my menu for the week and print it down and then keep a copy in the kitchen. This has been a help not only for saving so much on $$ but it helps with being more organized with meal time prep. I don't feel as stressed around the dinner making hour anymore. My menu is planned and my ingredients are purchased and ready to go!
2. MAKE A MASTER GROCERY LIST FOR THE WEEK. Some of you may do a master list for the week or 2 weeks or even month or more. I place all my needed ingredients on the list and take that with me to the grocery store.
3. CUT BACK ON MEAT AND MAKE MEATLESS MAIN DISHES!! Not only is this good for your body's health but great on your pocket book too!! There are so many meatless dishes out there that are delicious and healthy too! One of my families favorite is black bean burritos, or baked potatoes. Healthy & yummy! Now with cooler weather coming around the corner, legumes, soups & chilis will also be on the menu.
4. GO TO THE GROCERY ONCE AND DO NOT RETURN!! Even if I forget an item I do not return to the grocery store -- reason being is I will usually end up purchasing more than the "one item" I went for!! Going to the grocery just once a week has also helped cut back on the gas bill for my big van.
5. GIVE UP EATING OUT !! Nothing destroys the budget faster than eating out!! That includes fast foods and drive thrus. Send your husband a packed lunch from home -- or prepare him a plate of leftovers from dinner to send with him. It will be better for his health overall and save you so much $$!! If you do eat out -- PLAN IT - into your budget. We purposely choose to eat out on nights where kids can eat free out our favorite restraunt or we don't take the kids, and really we don't eat out hardly at all. It is a SPLURGE to eat out - so we really do it sparignly.
6. Consider GIVING UP shopping at Sam's Club or Costco -- I for years shopped costco and Sam's club. I would average spending about $300-400 a month there and then I would need to go to the local grocery store as well! I have successfully given up shopping at Sam's club! I didn't think I could do it -- but we are doing it and saving hundreds of $$ each month! It is hard to shop Sam's and not spend a bundle. It is tempting to purchase things that are not needed.
7. GO NO NAME BRAND on cleaning products and canned goods: I Purchase all my cleaning products and paper products from the dollar store and save $$ each month. I do not calculate cleaning products into the monthly grocery/food bill. It is seperate. When I purchase canned goods like peanut butter, honey or canned veggies I look for no name brands or what is on sale.
8. CHECK YOUR PAPER AND SEE WHAT YOUR GROCERY HAS ON SALE AND BUILD YOUR MENU AROUND SALE ITEMS : You will save so much $$ by doing this!! If hamburger is on sale -- purchase hamburger or if chicken is on sale go for that! Sticking to sale items and building your weekly menu around that will save you $$!!
9. USE WHOLE GRAINS VS. REFINED GRAINS: Reason being if your family consumes whole grains, like brown rice, or whole wheat breads vs. white they will be satisfied and not go hungry away from the table! Consider making your own breads and baked goods , if you are not doing so already.
10. AVOID PACKAGED FOODS LIKE COLD CEREALS, FROZEN FOODS, ETC. : Not only are they not healthy for you or your family, they do not fill your kid's tummy up like a pot of hot oats or creamy wheat cereal! Consider making your own granola and save $$$ . We eat oats and wheat cereals. It is rare to see cold cereals around here. Frozen foods are not only hazerdous for your health, they are $$ and usually do not include large portions or servings.
I hope this is helpful to some of you struggling with getting a grip on your grocery bill!
We got to the point in our family where we were "forced" to take a good hard look at what we were doing and make some major changes and adjustments. We are so pleased with the results, we only wish we would have done this sooner!
Like I shared earlier, many of you may already be doing this , but it's new to me because we have not had to do this before, financially speaking.
We are down to feeding a family of 12 for $800 a month and I am thrilled!
I hope this helps someone else who is struggling with keeping a lid on the food budget!
~ gloria ~
Leanne’s Mission Trip, Part Four
Leanne and her team members spent some time (while not doing concrete work ~smile~) with the children of the orphanage. Here are a few pictures…
They made a trip into the town of Assuit, where the orphanage is located, and it was quite an experience. They had to have "tourist police" escort them. Here are some pictures of the town. The water you is the Nile River.
Once again we were up at
The Orphanage hired a man to do the finishing touches, like smoothing out the top so when it dries it is nice and smooth. His name was Niem. He believed there was a God but that was the extent of his faith. He had a bad opinion of Americans because he’d worked in a lot of touristy places where he’d met a lot of Americans, who didn’t talk, act or dress in any way that would give him any other kind of opinion. The way we dressed (as do most Christian organizations we had a dress code we followed) especially caught his attention, and when he asked one of our Egyptian leaders, who oversaw our work, why we dress like we do he was able to say we dress modestly because of our God. Anyway, his opinion of Americans was completely changed and it was an opportunity for someone to share Christianity with him. It was really neat.
As well as working we also put together presentations for the children. On Sundays we had two presentations we did. One in the morning and one in the evening, and we also had one on Wednesday’s in the evening. A presentation consisted of around eight songs (we even learned how to sing a song in Arabic!), a puppet show, and two testimonies. Once in a while we would even do a skit. One of our leaders would then give a massage. Everything, except the songs we sang, was done through a translator. It only got complicated when our translator (we had more then one) didn’t know what a word meant and then one of our leaders or team members would have to find a way to describe the word. I never spoke through a translator, but I have played games where you have to describe a word and it isn’t always easy to do.
More to come… 
some trails from today...
Just some trails I took while printing and looking hither and yon...http://darkwoodfarm.wordpress.com/
http://homeschoolhollow.blogspot.com/
http://asustainedlife.blogspot.com/
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