First pic is the family pic with my parents, minus Freddie

Here is Janet (my cuz's girlfriend) me, lynsie and my mom

I was in a play right before Halloween.  Here is a pic from it!!  Its the crazy group photo!  I am in the back on the right wearing big rimmed glasses!

I am unable to access my xanga account from the library so I will up load a few pictures here.  There isn't many and they aren't so great, but here you go!

This is Freddie and I, there is NO telling what he is telling me!!  *giggle*

Here is one of the family pics.  They aren't so great!  The boys in back are Jacob, Alex, Drake--of course the one little girl is Lynsie! 

Another family pic.

How many other Nanas take their grandsons for motorcycle rides!!!  (Jacob and my mom!)

Me--coooking !!

Life has been crazy so sorry for not posting.

We are currently getting ready for Thanksgiving.  I have a ham and turkey waiting for me to cook as well as some sweet potatoes.  The rest of the family is providing the rest.  Oh I also have stuffing/dressing as well. And least I not forget Chocolate cake with 3/4 of it frosted (my cousin does not eat frosting--well she does home made, but I don't feel industrious)  And the frosting reminded me, I picked up a beginning Wilton cake decorating set, a leaf cookie cutter and some autumn frosting coloring stuff to make sugar cookie leaves.  I guess I do have a lot to do!! 

Yesterday I worked on my kitchen.  I felt as if part of it was too cluttered so I declutterd and rearranged my pantry.  It is much nicer now!

I am also moving some of my decorations around.  I don't like where I hung some items when we first moved in.  I can't wait to see how it looks when I am finished!

Okay--heading back home now (at the library!)

I just made these for breakfast and it was a hit!! 

Buttons and Bowknots

2 c Bisquick

2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp cinnamon

1/3 c milk

1 egg

1/4 c butter or margarine, melted

1/2 c sugar

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Mix thoroughly Bisquick, 2 tbsp sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, milk and egg.  Beat vigorously 20 strokes. 

Round up dough on lightly floured cloth covered board, knead 5 time.  Roll 1/2in thick, cut with floured doughnut cutter.

To make bowknots, hold opposit sides of each ring with fingers and twist to form figure 8.  Place holes (buttons) and Bowknots on ungreased baking sheet.  Bake 8-10 min.  Immediately after baking, dip each button and bowknot into melted butter and then sugar.

Now for my version of the same recipe:

I did not have Bisquick so I used some pancake mix I had left over.  I did add a bit more shortening to it as well as a smidge of baking powder.  You can look online for Bisquick recipes.

I simply used a glass to cut out my circles and then used a knife to slash through the center.  Then I grasped each side and turned the circle (the slash was in the center) into the figure 8, it is basically a flip of the wrists....  We had no buttons, because we had no holes.

Oh and I did not have nutmeg so I added some ginger.  The children loved them!!  Leave questions in the comments and I will see what I can do!

After driving around today, my hands are killing me!  I didn't know running a tiller could do so much to my poor hands!  Oddly enough though, I am looking forward to going out there and tilling more.  Hopefully tomorrow I can get some more work done.

Today we are in because Jacob has Young Marines.  I hit some garage sales this morning.  I had $7 to spend.  The first sale I visited was the best!  EVERYTHING was free.  It was a clothing give away.  I went in and picked out some things.  I picked up 3 suits for the boys, but I am not sure any of the suits will fit any of the boys.  I can always give them away if they don't.  I found a nice heavy coat for Lynsie as well as some sweaters.  I also found a pair of shoes (Nike) for Jacob.  I have a trunk full! 

I also picked up a couple of other goodies at a garage sale or two, but nothing outstanding.  I did live my name and number at one sale for a lady who had 3 bikes for sale ($40 or $30) with helmets. I would love to buy all three for my boys! They were nice looking bikes.

The other day we walking in the pasture looking at the persimmons and pecans. I did not see any pecans but I have TONS of persimmons.  I can not wait to make jelly/jam out of them!  However, word to the wise, do not eat them unless they are ripe.  Your mouth will literally go numb, as will your tongue and throat.  Please don't ask me how I know! Ha Ha!

We visited with my friend yesterday (who happens to be an author as well!!  How cool is that?? She writes science and math books!)  The children had a ball, and she and her husband were so kind to us.  She sent home some goodies with us as well.  Which was  a wonderful blessing!

Well off to surf the web a bit while I am killing time at the library. 

I do have pictures to put up here, but I forgot my receipt so it will probably be NEXT Saturday before I get them up.  I have a whole posting on spending a frugal day--for the pictures.

I have had a nice day of working out!  I borrowed my dad's tiller and tilled my little heart out today.  I am only about 1/3 finished.  I planned out my garden area and got busy tilling.  While I was working--mindless really (things such as mowing and hanging out laundry etc..really make it nice to let your brain wonder!)  I decided to make my garden much larger and sell my extra.  I also want to be able to supply food for the year for my family.  I am pretty excited about the future!  However my hands are covered in blisters.  I didn't let the tiller do the work--I did too much of it myself!

I will type more later, but currently I am trying to figure out about 4 things at one time--and it's not working!! *big grin*

We have been pretty busy around the house these past few days.

Friday the children and I went into town with Freddie.  We enjoyed our morning and lunch with Freddie.  Afterwards I went with my friend and we hung out with her.  It was a great visit. 

Saturday I bombed the house and the children and I spent our 4 hours away from home in our small town.  I went to several garage sales and picked up a few goodies.  Some of those goodies being dishtowels, pot holders and 3 Holly Hobby dolls for $1.35.  Now that is my kind of sale!! I also found the boys some shoes and clothes.  I picked up quite a bit for $16.50.

I worked on the house some and looked forward to Freddie's arrival. 

Sunday after church we brought home two sweet little girls.  Then we ran into town picked up fishing stuff and another little girl.  All except for the side trip to the ER (for one little girl who cut her foot) we had a great time. 

We had baked taters and chili for lunch, cheesey rice with chicken for supper and sugar cookies.  Then on Monday I fixed Indian fry bread, home made cinnamon rolls, pizza with Pilsbury pizza crust and for supper (after the little girls were gone) I made pasta. 

I really enjoyed making pasta.  It was work, but it really looked so homey in my kitchen hanging on plastic hangers to dry.  (I don't have a wooden rack)  My chicken cheeseghatti tasted soo wonderful on my homemade noodles.  I plan on making them again. YUMMY!!

Today, I recovered from all my baking and entertaining.  Tomorrow I have to fix lunch before we leave for co-op. I better scoot--my eyes are getting droopy

There is really nothing new going on around the house. 

I did clean the fridge out yesterday which made a very nice difference.  It always helps to look in the fridge and not see icky, moldy stuff, but instead see exactly what you do have to eat, and see that you have 20 onions in there. 

Our house guests are so kind to bring down food.  I have a pantry filled with pork and beans, refried beans and some corn and green beans.  They also bring onions (which is why I have so many.)  Yesterday they gave us 3 whole chickens and a bag of leg quarters. 

Last night for supper we had a nice cheap meal, I called it "Chicken No Pot Pie"

6 packages of chicken flavored Ramen

1 can of mixed veggies

1 can of green beans

1 can of corn

(I would have just used 2 cans of mixed veggies, 3 cans of veggies seemed to be over kill--but Lynsie had already opened them)

I diced up some cooked chicken breast

All of this I mixed together.  It reminded me of how I make a chicken pot pie, except with out the crusts and the cream of soup......hence the name there was "no pot pie"  Hubby LOVES Ramen so he really enjoyed. 

My pineapple top is really doing great so I plan on getting it put in the dirt soon. 

Today I plan on picking up some garlic and some tulip bulbs and planting them. 

Well the challenge is coming to a close and here are a few things I have learned.

1) I am not good at these challenge things.  I enjoy shopping.  I enjoy spending money.  I am normally pretty good about how I spend my money so I don't believe my little $10-$20 here or there to buy a few goodies will break us or hurt us.  I have been able to pick up a few needed things by going this route.

2) We are not prepared for things that come up.  For example I spent close to $100 getting my boys ready for their trip to Florida.  And even then, I needed another week to really pick up a few more things they need.  I did get some great deals, but I know now what I need to look for at garage sales and such.

3) I just don't like being confined as I felt with the challenge. 

So with that all said, let me say this---I did well.  I was more aware of where my money went and I did choose MANY times NOT to spend money, and I pray this is something I continue to carry on with me.

As for our house---well the cleaning was going well, until life took a crazy turn and now the house reflects it.  I will do better this week and get my house back into ship shape!  I enjoy my home so much more when it is.

The children and I drove down to the dam by our home two times this week.  There were HUGE fish down there.  I think we are going to really take up fishing.  I just need to learn to clean fish!!  And of course I need to get fishing license, until then----Jacob can fish (he is too little to need a license) 

My other three explored the run off area, which looks almost like a little creek.  I, myself, enjoyed reading on my blanket.  It was VERY relaxing.

Today we are spending the day in town.   I woke up this morning and baked 2 pizzas (homemade but with a crescent roll crust) and baked an oooey gooey cake.

Recipe for ooey gooey cake:

1 box of cake mix

1 stick of butter melted

2 beaten egg.

mix together and press into a cake pan (9x13)

Then mix together:

1 box of powdered sugar

1 beaten egg

1 box of cream cheese (room temp.)

Spread this mixture over the cake mixture.  Bake at 350 until browned lightly on top.  Then enjoy.  The orginal recipe called for butter cake mix, we used devil food's.  I not yet tasted it, but it sounds like it will be devine.  And since is has cream cheese most of my family may not care for it---so then it will be "MINE ALL MINE"  *insert evil laugh here*

And all this talk of food (thanks M) has made me hungry.  Hubby still has 1 1/2hrs before lunch.  I wonder if he wants to go early????

The children have a homeschool program to perform this evening so we will spend the day at the park.  I can't wait to check out a lot of books from the library so I can sit and read while they go exploring!

Well off to visit my homsechool blog and up date there:

www.homeschoolblogger.com/toraanne

and if you are bored you can also visit my blog:

www.xanga.com/toraanne

Today the children and I did some work around the house.  Near our home is a cement slab apparently where a building used to stand.  It is not in the best of shape, however it will make a great basketball court one day.  We started cleaning it off.  There are several little plants that are growing up every where.  After pulling today, I will say there is something to be said for summer time.  Roots are not near as long and much easier to pull.  These little boogers have adhered themselves pretty well to the cracks in that foundation.

While I was plucking these little plants up, I kept thinking about the scripture of the seed sower.  I was pulling up those little plants and I continued to think of the seed sewn in the stones.  Amazing how nature can remind me so much of God's word.

I planted some potatoes and carrots last week to grow this fall.  The carrots are dead. I am not sure how the potatoes will do, only time will tell.  I planted them in tires.  I have yet to till up my garden spot.  Waiting on my dad to bring the tiller down.  I suppose I could go out and "double dig" my garden, but something tells me, that is a LOT of work. 

On my other blog www.xanga.com/toraanne  I blogged about the children swimming today.  I enjoyed watching them from my blanket.  I could hear the birds making all their different calls.  We have some blue herons and some big huge white birds who live here at the lake.  I enjoy listening to them talk to one another. 

We now have a cleaning schedule and we started it today.  I am so thankful to have a small house that is easy to keep clean.  My schedule is as follows:

Monday--Living room, my room

Tuesday--Lynsie's room and the bathrooms

Wednesday--The kitchen

Thursday--The boys room and the small hall area between the second bathroom and their room.

Friday--go over.  Just a nice pick up. 

Having a clean home really motivates me to do a lot more here at the house.

I told my friend online today--If I look to the left the house is so pleasant and clean and if I look to the right I am faced with a huge kitchen mess!  She said, "look to the left"

I am looking left!!  LOL

I have done very well this week not spending money.  Today was payday.  I spent $3 at the movies (Monster House) and broke down and gave into a craving and bought a $3 candy and shared with two I had with me---I NEVER do this!!  After the movie went to Mardel and I bought two little goodies for my secret pal--$5 (less than really)  Then we cruised to Burlington Coat Factory.  Drake spent his $$ and bought a pocket watch.  Then I headed to Doller Tree--and well I spent more than intended, but I was out of so many things such as trash bags, ziplocs, aluminum foil, ceramic pumpkins, freezer containers, coupon holders---okay well a few things were wants---however  using the Pumpkin as an example-----I saw a pumpkin at Mardel that was ceramic and had a scripture (partial) on it.  It was $8.99.  This pumpkin has no scripture--but I can make a little card to go with my new "centerpiece" and this pumpkin cost $1.  (we don't decorate for Halloween but we do for fall!)  So even though I bought a not needed pumpkin---I saved $7.99 on it!! 

That is all the update for now!!

Well so far --so good on the challenge.  I have not been able to keep it down as low as I would like.  Several things I did not expect popped up, however I did spend less money than I would normally spend.  And that is good!

I have been sick and my house shows it!  *sigh* 

Tomorrow the two children I have here (two are in Florida) and my sweetie and my dad are going to head to Inner Space Caverns (a cave) and possible down to a museum in Austin.  The two I have will love it!

I will keep this post short, as it is 12:09 am and I need to get to bed soon!

Here is the house with the table and chairs and rockers out front.  You can also see the view to the lake in the background (off to the left)

Here is another view of the house.  The first set of windows goes into the kitchen. 
Where the electric box is, is where the first bathroom is.  The next window is the 2nd bathroom room/laundry room and the rest of the house off to the rigtht is the boys' room.

Here are the out buildings across from the house.  Currently it is not all over grown like that as between the horses and the drought, most things have either been eaten or died off. 

Here is a picture of the 10 acres where my Dad's horses now live and eat and trample down.  The fence line is about 1-20 feet in the tree stand there.  You have to walk out into there to find the fencing.

This is our driveway---well one part of it.  I have a few more pics to share of our driveway.  It is nice and long and bumpy!

Another drive way view!

Some one's idea of filling in the drive way we assume!  The ones to the left kept coming out so the children took them out and now the drive is a lot smoother.

On the drive way looking back towards the house (on the right--dark smudge)

When you come to my house and turn by the mailbox, you can either go left to my house or two the right.   Then off the little trail to the right (I dare not call it a road! LOL)   This pic is of that little road and you can see the inlet that is behind my house actually.  Also notice the road off to the left--that takes you closer behind my home and still on the inlet.  This is actually lake property, not ours. 

This is in my kitchen.  My mom is in the black, Lynsie is in the red, my cousin Marc is behind Lynsie and my uncle Tom is in front of the fridge, our house guest James is in our bedroom doorway!

Another kitchen pic, now with me in it.  Behind me though you can see the Yellow Ware canisters my friend P gave me.  Well you can't see them too well---scroll up a pic and you can see them better there!

Here is another kitchen pic.  You can see my pretty island top here.  And you can see the kitchen curtains I made in the back ground.  That material was 50 cents a yard and I bought a bolt.  It is not really what I would have picked for my kitchen, but it works well----bought and paid for before we even moved in!! LOL 

Here is a living room pic.  Lynsie is holding Jacob's ferret, Susan.  We have a small living room, as the pics coming up will show!

Here is my full sized couch and the doorway to my bedroom.  To the other side of the door way is just one bookshelf--and that is all the wall there is.

Here are my parents sitting at the table.  The pic is from my doorway (to my room) They are on the side where the bookshelf is.  If you notice the tv...in the next pic you will see a tv tray--that tv tray is on the other side of the tv. 

Okay here is the pic with the tv tray. 

Okay, I think I have bombarded you with enough pics!!  I will have more soon though!! 

I have been doing great with the challenge and not spending.  However, today becomes the day of reckoning around here.  Two of my children are leaving for an unplanned trip to Florida which means I have to buy some items for them such as pants, undies and socks.  I will be in Waco for two days in order to take advantage of sales, thrift stores and garage sales.  I will let you know how this goes!