The Mennobrarian

In and Around the Home this Week

03:39, Monday, February 25, 2008 .. Posted in Home Improvement .. 3 comments .. Link

Standing in line at the store a few days ago, I noticed all of the cash registers had a note taped to them that tried to explain the recent surge in food prices to their customers. Although I have certainly noticed an increase in the price of eggs, milk, and a few other items, our grocery bill is actually getting smaller as each month goes by. There are only a few things I can think of that might account for this. We buy relatively few convenience foods, (that's not to say we don't buy any, as I like to conserve time and energy as well as money). We do purchase a lot of produce, and eat meatless a few times a week. Neither of us are milk drinkers, and so I only buy powdered milk or very small amounts for cooking. My meal planning has a lot to do with what's on sale or what was previously bought on sale-- and so it is now what's on hand in the "pantry". But frankly, with just two adults it is a lot easier to shrink your grocery bill. Personally, I am hopeful that these rising grocery costs might translate into a good opportunity for people to grow their own food or buy directly from farmers, while giving everyone a better sense of where their food comes from.

We are making big plans for the construction once the warmer weather starts. Right now, fence posts are going in the ground, and plans are being made for some kitchen work at the end of the week. This will mean some crock pot meals and maybe even going out to eat one night.

It will be inconvenient for sure, but the result will be walls, a ceiling, and other things that make a room a room! Anyway, our big project for the spring/summer will involve building over an outdoor deck in order to make a larger bedroom, and constructing a new back door and porch at the end of our hallway which currently ends with a wall.

Ironically, the temporary demolition of several rooms will give us less living space than ever before, so this won't be easy.

By the way, many of you have contacted me to share your own home renovation horror stories, many of which ended with you and your spouses bailing out mid-construction due to stress and cost. A few of you have even told me of your trying times during renovating while starting or raising a family, which resulted in marital trouble and even worse. I thank you for sharing, and truly understand.

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01:25, Thursday, February 28, 2008 .. Posted by rildapeel1
I know your JOY and excitement in your home addition project. We added on to our home the same size almost of the orginal. It took one year for we did most of it ourselves. Hallelujah! I now have my as close to dream home can be. It will be worth all you will go thorugh. I treasure my new rooms. They make my heart sing. May yours sing also. *U* Rilda
Come to think of it we became Help meets in this adventure.

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06:41, Thursday, February 28, 2008 .. Posted by gabbie427
Your grocery bill is going down??? How wonderful. I will be going to the grocery store in a day or two and will have to see how mine ends up.

We are also not buying convenience stuff, and I am trying my hardest to get Noah and Matthew onto dry milk. UGGGH! Also, Matthew likes to buy lots of paper products to save me from doing dishes. LOL I told him to buy me a dishwasher instead....better for the environment! LOL

Good luck on the remodeling dear. Keep God as your center and keep praying and I am sure the remodeling will be just fine!

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

I hear you

08:29, Thursday, February 28, 2008 .. Posted by missourimom
about remodeling stress, although it sounds like you are (literally) up to your eyes in it!

Our bathroom remodel (during my second pregnancy) didn't cause too much martial discord, but I certainly see how it could! Who knew both my husband and I could get so worked up over flooring and toilets!!!

Best of luck,
Leslie

PS - my brand new dishwasher leaks, so I hear you on the appliance side as well!