Blessings Abundant

NEW BLOG

2009-10-06T20:38:00.000-04:00

Had to open a new blog here's the link WelcomeToHappyHomemaking come on over and send me a comment!!!

Making your own cleaning schedule Introduction

2009-10-06T08:46:00.007-04:00

As many of you may have read my cleaning schedule then you know it's pretty comprehensive. Some find it to detailed while others may find it's not enough. I have told others that going by someone else's cleaning list is like wearing another person's shoes,they may fit but not like if they were yours. They may be a bit to wide or the heel is worn a bit to much. Once you get a pair of your own shoes on then you feel so much more comfortable. That is the same principle with making your own cleaning schedule and I'm going to break it all down for you this week. Show you what to do step by step and once we are all finished you will have your own personalized cleaning schedule. One that fits only you with your specific needs in mind.

So stay tuned tomorrow when I go over part one of making your own cleaning schedule!!!

Productive Day

2009-10-01T15:10:00.002-04:00

I have been a busy bee today. After taking Carissa to school I came home and started working. I got all my deep cleaning done within a couple of hours and all but a little laundry have finished all my daily cleaning as well. Yes,I love days like this!!!!!

Free Starbucks coffee

2009-09-30T11:01:00.003-04:00

Stop into your local starbucks Friday thru Monday and participate in the taste the difference challenge and get yourself a free coffee!!!!!!

Win up tp 5200 in free groceries!

2009-09-29T12:49:00.004-04:00

Enter and you could win a year of free groceries! You can enter daily to increase your chances.

If you had a 1,000 dollars

2009-09-29T08:48:00.003-04:00

I know that's not a lot of money but lets just pretend for a minute that you all of a sudden have an extra 1,000 dollars. Maybe you found it on the street or maybe you received it as a gift or an advance.

Now that you have the 1,000 what are you going to do with it. That's the question!

A. save it
B.pay off bills
C.spend it
D give it away

We all know we should pick A or a portion of A and B and D but how many of us really would save it or give a portion of it away say like 10%.

My first thought would be to tithe and then pay off bills. One of my biggest flaws is that I don't think to save like I should.

Soon I am going to share with you a story well it's the story of our life and in it you will see my struggle with our finances. But until then what would you do with the money?

Is it Friday

2009-09-04T10:38:00.003-04:00

I am so ready for this week to be over. We have been so busy this week that we have been on the go and hardly at home. Me,being a homebody hates those types of weeks. Besides from our busyness of the week my days didn't of course stop when we finally arrived home for the evening. I still had to cook and clean up and tend to laundry. Help with home and direct the children. My dear husband was equally busy doing a remodeling project the boys room.

Tomorrow we head back to Parkersburg to help John's parent finish moving. That will be an all day event but a good one.Hard work but good company. I won't be able to help do much but maybe unpack some dishes or odds and ends if my dear mil will allow me to. She's so protective. : )

We are still not sure what we are going to do for Monday. I normally have a get together here at our home and I cook for everyone. But this year we have some family issues going on with our immediate family and I am not sure what would be appropriate for me to do. I have never been in this type of situation before so I'm praying about it and let God do the leading.

Thinking of moving my blog

2009-09-02T08:41:00.002-04:00

I have been thinking about it for a while now but I am not sure yet. I am having some problems with blogger and that would be the reason for moving my blog to another server.

I have one in mind but I'm taking the time to check it all out first. It seems to have a lot more options and seems easy enough to navigate.

But I'm not sure yet but I will let ya'll know when and if I do decide and of course where my new blog where be and the address.

Clutter Cutter Session

2009-09-01T08:17:00.003-04:00

I have talked to my daughter about cleaning up her room (yes she knows how) and she kept avoiding it. Soooooo yesterday I dropped her off at school and went into her room and started.

I got a stool to sit on so I wouldn't have to stop due to pain in my back or leg. I stared with her toy box. Geesh that was scary. Once I got it all cleaned out I used the vacuum and swept it,sound weird well it was really dirty. I couldn't believe it. I went through all her toys and threw out the broken ones and got rid of the things she never plays with.

Then I organized all her toys. Put all her polly pocket stuff together. Little pet shop things together. Barbie and bratz stuff together. And her baby dolls and their things together. Her pencils,markers and crayons were put in the homes as well as her books and coloring books.

Then I cleaned out her closet and organized it. Dresses,skirts,shirts in that order. I took everything out of the bottom and went through it all. Anything she doesn't wear and or doesn't fit (shoes) they went,same with clothes. After the floor of her closet was cleaned out I vacuumed it. Then put it all back in minus a few. : )

Then I polished her bedroom furniture and swept her whole floor. The room looked a million times better.

When she got home from school she was so happy her room looked so nice and she could still find all her stuff. She didn't even miss that other stuff.

Later she comes up to me and says "Mom,since I cleaned my room" I said "Oh since You cleaned it,huh" She started laughing and said "You know what I mean." LOL

Now to keep her on her toes and keep it looking like this,that's the trick.

Wow it's Saturday!!!!

2009-08-29T09:27:00.002-04:00

Where did the week go! School began Wednesday for the boys and Thursday for our daughter. All love it,they all like school anyway,but our daughter started her first year at ACA the Christian academy at our church. Awesome school and she really like it. The Lord is blessing our church is so many ways,from new members,the youth groups and the school. Oh God is good!

The spa was so nice. The message was very relaxing although I was in a lot of pain from it in my back and leg but I finished. I figured I may never get the opportunity to do something like this again. It's pricey and well we are not into using our money on things such as this but it was a nice treat. The facial was awesome by far my favorite treatment and if I ever went back for anything it would be that. Both women that worked on me were super nice people and made me as comfortable as they could. I give it all a thumbs up! : )

John was out of town this week on a job and I was left here holding down the fort. What a week,man I missed him and hate him being gone like that but I understand he is doing what he has to do for his family and I respect that in him. God has blessed me with a good man. It was weird being just me and the kids but it seemed like we were so busy the week went by fairly quickly.

We all have moments where we want time to stand still. A time when we just want to enjoy every aspect of life,when things are so good that we are afraid to blink in fear that it will be gone. Life is full of moments like this,life is not about being stuck in one moment but rather living your life and loving all the precious moments that make it up.

Princess for the day

2009-08-25T07:03:00.004-04:00

I am getting ready to head out to get this the spa. My dear husband and my sons got a gift card for me for a local spa at Christmas. But due to my surgeries I have not gotten to use it unitl today. YEAH!!! I get the works today,message,facial,pedicure,manicure. YIPPPEEE!!!!

I'll let ya'll know how it all went.

Menu Monday

2009-08-24T09:16:00.002-04:00

Monday - Roasted Chicken,mash potatoes,gravy,green beans,salad

Tuesday - cream of chicken,leftovers,salad,buttermilk biscuits

Wednesday - chicken n noodles,salad

Thursday - fried pork chops,mac & cheese,apple sauce,salad

Friday - pepperoni rolls,chips (Jason's first football game,it's away)

Saturday - spaghetti,garlic bread,salad

Sunday - Pork Roast,cheesy mash potatoes,green beans.

Silent Sunday

2009-08-23T08:54:00.001-04:00

C-ya tomorrow! A new week and a new outlook!

Being ok with who I am....

2009-08-19T09:17:00.002-04:00

Growing up I always wanted to be a nurse. And not just a nurse but I wanted to work with children,help them. When I was 15 years old my younger brother then age 9 was hit by a truck. He died 3 times and was in a coma for a while,when he finally came out (thank God) he was moved to the Pediatrics unit. We spent a lot of time at the hospital with him and I got to see and talk with a lot of the nurses there. It was then that I decided that I was the be a pediatric nurse that specializes in nicu. Now lets move forward a few years.........

I am a young woman and marry my husband we are pregnant with our first child. My whole outlook on life changed. I no longer wanted to be a nurse but I wanted to be a momma and a wife. I felt that was the calling that God wanted for me.

Feeling that God's calling for my life was the be a mom and homemaker was ok until I got around career women. Talk about feeling inadequate,oh did I ever. They were so educated and so successful and from where I was sitting it seemed like they had it all. It was hard for me to talk to them because we really didn't have much in common. They had their careers and family and well I just had my family. They would kind of look down on me for my choices in life. Like I was choosing beneath me. But when I would tell them my desire to be a mom and wife and stay home to take care of my home and children and not the day care down the street. Well that didn't go over well at all to say the least. I suppose you could look at it like I struck a nerve. Some would even admit that they wish they could stay home with their children but they just couldn't live on one income.

I have my moments where I feel less than another woman because she helps provide for her family and is educated. Maybe a small part of me wishes that I would have continued my education and got my nursing degree. But then I ask myself at what degree,when do I set the happiness of my family aside to stroke my ego or finish a dream. No that's ok.

I may not be the most educated woman out there and I may not bring in a 6 figure income but I am doing what I love and what the Lord planned for me and my life. And that's ok by me,my worth will not be measured in my degree or how much I make but rather in the time I invest in my children and having a happy healthy marriage. There is so much more to life than chasing the buck or buying the best or running after that dream at the expense of your family. I know that there are women out there that may read this and think I'm nuts or so far behind in the times, that I sound more like a 1950's housewife than a modern strong woman. If that is what you want to think then that's ok, I know what I stand for and I will not back down from it.

Quiet Tuesday

2009-08-18T09:35:00.002-04:00

I got up this morning before anyone else and took that time to read my bible and pray. There is just something about getting up when the house is quiet and taking that time to be with my Jesus. In the warmer months I like to go out on the deck or our front porch and read and pray. It's awesome being out and watching the humming birds coming in for a snack or to see all the varieties of birds we have here fly by,perch and then fly off. And then a calming breeze go by awwww relaxing.

My days have been so busy either that or I have just not been in the blogging mood. Bad yeah I know but I have had a lot going on in my life lately. To much to talk about right now but maybe one day I will. I will just say that my family is in a spiritual warfare with the devil and leave it at that.

Our day started a bit early as my oldest son Jason had to be at practice bright and early. I am posting this thinking of all the things I need and want to get accomplished today if my body holds up. I am trying hard to overcome my disability but it's been very difficult and painful. But I am determined to live as much of a normal life as I can.

On my agenda for today is to go and pay our property taxes and personal property taxes (yuck). It just amazes me how you buy a car or house and pay it off but still "have" to pay the government for owning your own property. Just doesn't make sense to me. But such is life I guess.

I also need to get the living room deep cleaned and my daily cleaning done. Yes I get behind nowadays but it's ok. There is some laundry to do as well. I have not been using my clothes line like I would like to because it hurts to much to bend and hang and I can't carry the heavy baskets out to the line. So I have opted for the drier : ( This is really hurting since I heard our electric company is trying to pass for a 14% rate increase! YIKES! When are we gonna get a break!

This evening I am hoping to get the family together for a family bible study and prayer. Then it's just relax time and well for me sleep. LOL

God Bless,

Tip

2009-08-12T10:06:00.003-04:00

Ok I know this is not a new tip but it's new to me so I thought I would share it with you. I thought it was the neatest thing.

I take my drier sheets as they are taken from the drier (used) and use them to wipe off my lent catcher. It does such a good job,I love it!!! Then I just throw out the dirty used drier sheet and toss it in the trash.

One product,two uses,I love it!

Do you have any homemaking tips you would like to share with us to help make our live just a little easier?

Menu Monday

2009-08-10T10:10:00.002-04:00

Monday - Chicken fingers,mac & cheese,chicken n noodles (using up leftovers),and sliced peaches

Tuesday - homemade hamburger helper,bread slices,green beans

Wednesday - hotdogs,chips,cucumber tomato salad

Thursday - bbq chicken,french fries,applesauce

Friday - Italian bean soup,dinner rolls,salad

Saturday - pork chops w/cream sauce,mash potatoes,salad

Sunday - crockpot vegetable beef soup,buttermilk biscuits

Does this make any sense at all.,....

2009-08-08T14:46:00.003-04:00

ok I was watching our local news and they started talking about the economy and how it was going to be harder for people to get what they need for their children for school. They talk about it is like this because of the large amount of people that have lost their jobs or have been laid off.

They went on to interview some and ask how they are going to get by this year. Some told they are looking for sales to get things at the rock bottom prices. Some were shopping at thrift stores this year. Others were going through what has been given to them. All these are great ways to get by not only this year but any time. Shop smart and use what you have on hand. Makes perfect sense to me!!!!

I was totally agreeing with the reporter and the people that she interviewed. I mean we all know how tough it is out there now and if you don't watch your finances you can really get into some trouble. With all the tricks that credit card companies are doing and all the scams out there it pays to be on top of your finances.

But that's not what I am blogging about it was what the reporter said next that just floored me. She said that our Governor was helping us out starting in September through to November if you buy a qualifying energy star appliance then you can get this tax free. Now if you are looking for to buy new appliances then this is great for you.

But here's what I don't get. How on earth is this going to help those that are struggling (us included) to get what they need for their children this year. How can this be the answer for them. How can going out and spending 2 or more thousands of dollars help us when we can shop sales,buy from thrift stores and make do with what we have and spend hundreds less than we were before.

This concept just makes no sense at all to me.

Spend more to save a few dollars or shop smart and save hundreds! You choose!!!

Declutter Sessions

2009-08-06T11:41:00.002-04:00

I have the itch to go through things and declutter my home lately. I'm not sure why I have been feeling like this but hey why not go with the flow!!!! Get your supplies ready and get to decluttering you know how to do it. If you need help I have step by step instructions here Decluttering:step by step instructions.

I love the feeling of a clean,organized,clutter free home. It's a refreshing feeling, I know where all my things are. If I need something I know right where to go to. It's much better than running around searching all over the place and getting irritated because I can't find what I am looking for. All this is absolutely avoidable,just by keeping your home clean and organized and clutter free. But doesn't the words organized and clutter free go hand and hand.

Why is that? Well when you are decluttering your home you will naturally be organizing it. So it goes hand and hand. When you are just beginning and your home is less than organized or maybe you are a total pack rat and just one look at your home makes you feel over whelmed.

Take a deep breathe and know it's ok,that you can do this. Yes it's going to take some time and hard work but oh what the reward will be. A clean and organized home. Free of clutter and chaos!!!

Here is a deep cleaning schedule I have on my blog: Deep Cleaning

If you need a schedule broken down by the day I have that as well:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Once a home is organized,keeping it clean is easy. It takes a bit of work to get there but once it's all said and done and you are looking around your home and it smells nice and looks so good and is ready for guests at a moments notice. Ahhhh you can relax a bit.

How Much Money Could You Be Saving.....

2009-08-04T09:52:00.003-04:00

in the Kitchen if you would only plan better and use up leftovers and here's a big one shop at home first.

If we would implement these 3 steps we could all save a lot more money. And now a days that is a much needed plan for most of us.

Here are a few tips to get you started on your path to saving more in the kitchen.

1. make a menu,make it as detailed as you can.

2. when making your menu start using leftovers in your menu plans and make a it a habit.

3. see how many meals you can make out of a chicken,ham,roast,ect to make those food dollars streeettccchhhh.

4. Don't let those leftovers sit in the refrigerator and become a science experiment. Use them up,you have already paid for that food,went through the time to make it and serve it,don't waste your time and money by letting it go to waste.

5. When making your menu and shopping list,SHOP AT HOME FIRST!!!! Start with day one,if you keep your inventory up to day this is a very simple job if not it may take a little more time but it's worth it. Hint:keep your inventory up to date and accurate to save you more time and money. I like to get my lists and my menu notebook with the sale adds and coupons,sit down and take the needed time to get a good detailed menu and shopping list. If you need any help on how to do this check out this article I wrote with details broken down just how to do a detailed menu and shopping list.

By first shopping at home and using up leftovers when making making your menu. You will save so much more money. Then when making your shopping list you will only need to add what you need or of course if the grocer is having an awesome deal on an item your family uses then by all means add it to your list, if it fits within your grocery budget. Now if you find an awesome sale and you have coupons to go with that item,you can get an even bigger deal and can use this strategy to stock up until the next sale.

Now all these tips and tricks will do you no good if you go over your grocery budget or don't set one. Figure out how much you have to spend at the store,if you are spending to much cut it back some until it's at a low enough rate that is still comfortable for your family size but not as much as you spending. Use your savings to save up for bulk buying or to pay off debt or put into savings.

Here is another article I wrote that you may enjoy and find helpful. What I've been doing to keep food costs down.

I would love to hear what you all are doing to cut back or streeetttcccchhhh those food dollars!!!!

Menu Monday

2009-08-03T10:03:00.003-04:00

Monday - sals steak,mash potatoes,green beans

Tuesday - smoked sausage,mac & cheese,apple sauce

Wednesday - pancakes and eggs

Thursday - Crockpot Roasted chicken,mash potatoes,gravy,corn

Friday - Cream of chicken,buttermilk biscuits,leftovers

Saturday - Chicken casserole,left biscuits

Sunday - Leftovers

What a quiet week!

2009-07-30T14:39:00.003-04:00

Since the boys have been gone at church camp,our home was so quiet. It's not something we are use to and boy do I miss them. Not just the house being quiet but I don't have as much laundry (at least not until Saturday when they are home),not using up our food as quickly,not as many dishes to clean. LOL

You would think by reading all of that,that I love them not being here. But it's just the opposite I miss all that and so much more about them being around. I miss hearing "Hey mom,whats up" or "Mom I need to talk to you about something" those things I miss so much when they are not hear.

We will be going up to the camp to go to church with them and then bring them home tomorrow night. I can't wait to them again!!!!

Then they will be home for a few days and then packing up again to leave for a few more days and go to youth congress. Before coming home and moving on with the busy schedule we have before us. LOL Such is life!

I know it's been a while since I have blogged,there has been so much going on in my personal life and then with the kids being gone. Well to be honest I needed to take this time to get myself together. Do a lot of praying and time with God before I could really blog about anything.LOL

Thank you for your patience.

Happy Birthday Brandon!!!

2009-07-28T09:37:00.003-04:00

Our boy turned 14 on Sunday. He's growing up so fast!!!!

I love you! C-ya when you get home from Camp!!! Miss you!

I'm On Facebook!

2009-07-25T11:04:00.002-04:00

Add me as a friend ...... http://www.facebook.com/tammy.channel

A week of ups and downs

2009-07-24T09:48:00.002-04:00

Normally I like to get my blogging done in the morning and then get my day started. Or I have taken a couple of hours and got a few blog posts done and set them to be released over the next however many days it may be. But there are the times when life catches up to me or completely throws me off track. And I had one of those moments this past week.

Between my family's demands (that I must day I have fallen a bit behind on as well),we have had some person family problems,not with ours but with immediate family,that has hit us hard. Then with the injury and death of our baby cousin this week it was more than I could personally take. I couldn't concentrate enough to blog. I'm leaning on my saviour to get through everything that Satan has thrown on our family. So if I am off on my updates or blog posts please keep this in mind and know that I'm doing my best right now. Prayers would be wonderful and oh so helpful.

No Time To Blog!?!

2009-07-20T15:58:00.003-04:00

I have been super busy and have had no time to blog. Please bare with me! Yack at ya'll soon!

Don't fall asleep!

2009-07-17T13:03:00.000-04:00

Don't be the one to fall asleep on the couch in the living room,when dad is around! Or this may happen to you!!!! LOL

Getting Ready for my first ever yard sale

2009-07-16T07:25:00.000-04:00

and boy is it a lot of work. I didn't know it would be so much work and organizing. Wow! But I do have to admit that I am rather enjoying it.

I am going through everything and setting things aside that I no longer use or want and if they are in good shape they go in the yard sale and if not they go in the trash.

I have gone through most of Carissa's drawers and closet as well as mine. But I am still going about it. I use to sort through our stuff 2 times a year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall but since my back and leg have been out and since my spine surgeries I have not done very much decluttering sad to say but so true. I am moving slow but still moving,Carissa is a great help and John and the boys will do something if I ask them to.

All in all I'm hoping to make enough money to set it aside for school clothing and to boot I will be decluttered and what doesn't sell will go to charity. A win on all sides!!!

Our anniversary weekend getaway!

2009-07-14T12:59:00.003-04:00

It was so nice getting away with my hubby. I love spending time with him and it's so important to have that one on one time with each other.

We went to North Bend State Park and stayed in the lodge there. We spent most of our time out doors and on the many trails they have there. We seen some wild life and some other odd but wonderful things of nature. There were many of the trails I couldn't go on due to my physical limitations,oh how I would have loved to but with my back condition it makes it nearly impossible to climb and explore. But such is life,I still had a great time!

Here's the Lodge were we stayed......

This is just one of the many,many fishiing spots there. This is a large pond where many go out on their boats to fish,the park also offers boat rentals.

John turned the cameral on me after taking pictures of the lake. It never turns out well for me when he has that camera in his hands. LOL

We were going to the castle rock trail and as we were going to it,we passed the damn. If you look really close you may be to see John standing in front of it.

Now here's a closer one of him in the same spot.....

Now on our way to the castle rock trail. John leading the way......

You can hardly make out the big rock that is the cause of the name of this trail Castle Rock. Due the the trees it was hard to see but I did get one closer up. John says that the reason for the name is He thinks it's because of the large part of the rock that is set up higher than the rest of the rock,he said it's where the Princess would be in the tower. LOL Silly Guy!

Here's the one closer up....

A few more pictures of castle rock....

This was the coolest thing, a tree growing out of the rock and grew in an L shape. How neat is that!

My dear hubby acting silly.....

John snapped this one when I had to sit down and rest my back......

Finally as we were walking back to our suv,we noticed a group of deer eating on the hillside not far from the path we were walking.

It was so awesome to be that close to them and one looked right at the camera as I was snapping the picture.

Sadly we didn't get pictures from the first day and evening,it rained most the day and evening. So when we went out I left my camera behind. I wish I would have had it though we seen a big 8 point buck walking and eating pretty as you please.

Menu Monday

2009-07-13T10:26:00.004-04:00

Monday - cream of chicken over buttermilk biscuits,leftover mash potatoes,green beans

Tuesday - Chicken and noodles (using the leftover cream of chicken),cucumber salad,Italian bread

Wednesday - Taco salad

Thursday - BLT's, mac & cheese,sliced strawberries

Friday - meatloaf,mash potatoes,gravy,green beans

Saturday - grilled chicken breasts,chicken N cornbread casserole,sliced peaches

Sunday - fried pork chops,mac & cheese,cucumber salad

Tune in tomorrow I'm posting about our weekend getaway and sharing some pictures

God Bless,

Confessions of a messy

2009-07-10T08:50:00.000-04:00

Even when I was a child my mom use to complain because I was a clutter bug. Not to bad just my clothes. I would get changed and drop my clothing onto the floor in the corner by my bed with every intention of picking them up and taking them to the laundry. But well that just never seemed to happen. I got so busy with things I would honestly forget. Then my mom would see them and well lets just say not be too happy.

Then I thought it would be smart to outsmart my mom (like I ever could,mom's are superhuman and know when their kids are hiding something). I would hurry up when she was doing room inspections and shove all my "stuff " under my bed. Yea that's a great place,she will never find them there I thought. Then I won't have to hear my mom yelling at me about my room. Or so I thought.

I went on my way doing things. When my mom came to my room, I stopped and watched with my fingers crossed. Hoping that she doesn't look under my bed and knowing that if she does I'm toast. As she walked in my room she looked around and found nothing. She looked at me pleasantly surprised and I gave her a nervous smile. She walk around looking at things checking things out and I thought I was in the clear. See I wasn't going to keep the things under my bed I was going to take them to laundry just as soon as the coast was clear. And I wasn't doing this to save myself but to save my mom the aggravation of dealing with me. See how much of a loving and understanding child I was (not). Just before she walked out of my room I turned to see her getting down onto the floor. I thought oh no please don't look there. She bent down and lifted up my bed spread. I stood there terrified of what she would do when she saw what I have done.

When she finally got up to her knees she turned and looked at me. And said " Do you think I'm stupid,like I wouldn't look under here." " Get it cleaned up NOW!" And then she walked out of my room. Me well what do you think I did. Of course I cleaned it. Well for the most part.

After I thought I was finished I called to my mom. " Mom I'm finished can I go play now" My mom would reply with " Hold on a minute let me check your room real quick first" I would say with a somber "ok" Why so down,I knew I had not cleaned very well and I knew I would not be able to go and play for a while yet if at all that day.

She comes into my room,I'm standing waiting for her response. She looks immediately under my bed and turns her head and looks at me with that you can't be serious look on her face. She gets up and gives me that Get it done right look and walks out of my room. I being the insane child I asked her as she was walking out of my room "can I go play now" in a not so sure voice. She looked at me like I had two heads and purple spots all over my face and said "NO,Get it done."

Knowing that if I didn't clean it right I would be stuck in that room for eternity. I decided to give in and get it done,not because I was being nice,not because it was my responsibility but because I wanted to go play. When I was done I called to her again and she came. She looked and smiled and said "See now that wasn't so hard was it" I asked "Can I go play" She replied "yes"

I ran out of that house so fast it would make speed racer look slow. Finally I was free and I could run and play.

Part 2 coming soon!

Chapter 2. You would think I got the picture,but nope!

Yes as I grew I knew how to clean but did I do it,nope. I can't tell you how many battles my mom and I had just because I didn't do what I was told to do or I didn't do it right. I hated to wash dishes (still do to this day),I hated to sweep and mop and clean the bathroom and do laundry. I hate to sort through things and get rid of them. Some could say I was a lazy girl and yes I was to a point,but I had the thought of why clean it,it will just get messed up again.

Well that way of thinking didn't roll over to well with my mom. She was very good at cleaning and organizing things and just wanted to teach me the same way of living. And I do have to say she did her job and did it very well. I was just so stubborn that I didn't want to listen to her and was so determined to do it my way.

That way of thinking caused me more trouble than you want to know. Not just from my mom but also my dad. Because when my mom couldn't get through to me then that's when my dad would take over. And let me tell you I really didn't want that. Sooner or later after redoing and job I was assigned to do,the job was done correctly.

I can remember hearing so many times,"if you would just do it right the first time,then you would save yourself so much time and frustration" Oh if I only listened to my momma then.

Witnessing to others

2009-07-09T09:19:00.002-04:00

Witnessing to others was the topic for last nights youth group,the older group called Fish ,First I Seek Him, I had the opportunity to share my personal testimony and we talked about being a witness for the Lord.

We all know that Jesus tells us to be a witness,but how do we do that. Many times we hear to be a witness but have no idea how to go about it. So what do we do to witness for Jesus Christ?

It's really rather simple,you don't need any fancy words or even a ton of scripture. Sometimes the best witness is your story. Yes that's right your story. What has Jesus done for you in your life. My personal testimony is my way of witnessing to others. What Jesus has done for me is beyond words but I finally told my story last night. I hope to have touched someone or even spoke to someone of the power of Jesus and what he can do in your life to if you only let him.

It doesn't have to be something as big as what I talked about but if you share your personal story or testimony with other of what Jesus has and/or is doing for you in your life then my friend you are being a witness to others.

And sometimes we don't have to say a word,but our actions and the way we conduct ourselves is a way of being a witness. There are way to many people out there that say they are a Christian but don't live their lives as a Christian,so in other words they talk the talk but they don't walk the walk. So when non Christians see them that is how they judge all Christians. Yes sad but oh so true. So when someone comes along and daily lives what they talk about and truly shows the world they are a Christian this speaks volumes to them. The sad thing is if you think about all the people that could have been saved if only they had a true Christian to witness to them. It breaks my heart to think about it.

Please don't let the next time the opportunity arises to witness to someone pass you by!

God Bless,

My grocery trip yesterday....

2009-07-08T11:00:00.002-04:00

went really well. I do have to admit that it was a bit overwhelming to buy for a whole month at a time but I'm sure that the more I do it the easier it will be. But the really cool news is that I was able to shop for the whole month and I saved so much money so far. I was really surprised, I thought going into this adventure that I would be spending more. But I didn't. I couldn't believe how much more of our grocery budget I have left for the month.

I set our new grocery budget at 500.00 it was previously 600.00. I wasn't sure how I was going to keep it at 500.00 when I had a hard time keeping it at 600.00,but to my surprise I have been able to do and still have a little leftover. It has taken a lot of diligent work,keeping track of what I have on hand at all times to make meals from and that meant keeping my inventory sheets up to date and current,keeping a menu and using what I have on hand to make a menu,using leftovers as much as possible. All these things have helped me keep our grocery budget under our monthly goal. But to do this for a whole month that was a whole new thing for me and I wasn't sure how it was going to go.

But I went on as I normally do making my menu one meal at a time. I do have to admit it was harder than I thought to come up with a months worth of meals in one sitting. Once I had it the grocery list was the next challenge,it wasn't difficult the only thing was making sure I had enough of the little things like butter,salt,pepper and other spices for cooking/baking. But I think over all I did ok. I'm sure there will be things I forgot as this is my first time doing this and it's a learning curve for me.

I may or may not continue to shop this way always we will have to wait and see about that. But so far it was not as bad as I thought it would be. And to boot I have 302.00 left of our month grocery budget of 500.00!!! wooohooo!!!!

God Bless,

Going Shopping

2009-07-07T08:32:00.004-04:00

My goal this month is to make a menu out for a month and then make a grocery list with it. So I sat down yesterday with paper and pen in hand,a printable monthly menu calendar and my inventory list.

Remember I shop at home first so that's where I started. Making as many meals as I could from home first then adding stuff that I didn't have to my list. I did really well as I am stocked up very well. I actually only needed to add a few freezer items to my grocery list for the whole month. The rest came from my freezer stock. I was happy at the end to have 1 pork loin,1 whole chicken,1 package of chicken thighs and drumsticks,and one bag of skinless boneless chicken breast left for next month.

If this works well for me I could cut my shopping trips down tremendously and with our given financial situation (that I will talk about more at a later date) it is a very good thing for us. Now I know I will have to go a couple times to get milk,eggs and fresh fruits and vegetables but the bulk of my shopping Lord willing with be done in one trip. Just think of all the time I will have to do something I have been wanting to do for a while like practice sewing. Yes I know shame on me I'm well into my 30's and I can't sew,well not very well anyway. But I'm learning and that's the important thing. Ok back on topic,I was able to with my menu in hand schedule in 3 times a month for our family to go out to dinner. Twice to a sit down restaurant and once to a fast food joint. This way we are not going over board but still not going cold turkey so to speak.

With any luck I will be successful with this goal and save my family more money that we can put toward something else like vacation money or home improvements.

God Bless,

It's Monday!

2009-07-06T10:32:00.002-04:00

The holiday is now over and we are recovering from a constant state of being tired. LOL It's a wonderful fund raiser for our church but with only a handful of our members volunteering their time and helping out it makes it harder on those that have to be there more and more. But there are the good things that come from this,we all become so close and great friends.

Now I sit here and look around at my neglected home and sigh. There is so much that needs to be done and oh how I hate getting behind and having to play catch up. And trust me there's a lot that needs to be done. So what to do...... well first make a list and then gather my supplies and get to work. I often pick the room or task that is less time consuming,I don't know what I do that, I suppose you could say it's to have an instant sense of accomplishment.

I will also go around and spray my counters and stove,bathroom counters and toilet and sprinkle the tub with comet,then I do a run through and get all the odds and ends of things that just seem to be out of place or that needs to be tossed into the trash. Already my house will look so much better. While I'm working I try to work with a smoothness so that I work as efficiently as I can,that way I am not cleaning all day long. My goal is to get as much done in as little time as I can without sacrificing the quality of my work.

Ok speaking of time I'm out of it for today.

God Bless,

Happy 4Th of July!

2009-07-04T10:11:00.004-04:00

I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July with friends and families. Be safe and be happy!

Don't forget our troops this 4th of July holiday! Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

God Bless

Working working non stop!!!!

2009-07-03T09:12:00.002-04:00

It has been so busy around here that it has been hard for me to find the time to blog. Our church has two fire works tents this year one for our youth group and one for the church. And boy let me tell you it's been busy. We have been working both tents,our sons at the youth tent and we would help out when needed but mostly we have been at the larger tent for our church. It's getting busier as you would imagine the closer we have gotten to the 4th.

I have found it difficult to divide my time properly from my home with our volunteering for our church. It has been a big learning curve for us this year as this is our first summer there together. I have been trying to stay on top of things here but there are times when it all just seems to get behind here. But I'm lucky it doesn't take long to get caught up,see that's the beauty of keeping it up so when you get behind it doesn't take long to get caught up.

We took yesterday off and worked on our front porch roof. John tour it off the day before and my in laws came in and helped us. I am so tickled to have a nice new porch roof. Our old one was so bad and truly needed to be replaced. Now I can sit our there when it rains and still enjoy the outdoors. I took the small round patio table we had sitting on the deck and two chairs that went with it and put them on the front porch. It looks so nice out there now. I want to get a nice potted flower of some type and put in the center of that table just to put some color out there.

Well I have rambled long enough.

God Bless,

Body Scrub

2009-06-30T10:04:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine posted a recipe for a homemade body scrub that not only moisturised your skin it also helped with cellulite. Sadly she no longer has her site up and running but I am going to try to post it on here by memory. I'm planning on trying it out and if any of you have already let me know.

Cat if I mess this up please let me know!!!!

leftover coffee grounds
olive oil
Epsom salts

Mix together and scrub your legs and anywhere else you want to get rid of nasty cellulite.

Note: Don't forget to wash the tub and/or shower really well after use,the oil makes it very slippery and can result in a fall or injury.

Menu Monday!

2009-06-29T11:11:00.003-04:00

Monday - roasted turkey breast,mash potatoes,gravy,green beans,cucumber salad and apple sauce.

Tuesday - Chicken fingers,mac & cheese,and a veggie ( I won't be home for dinner will be working at one of our firework tents for our church)

Wednesday- Turkey and gravy over buttermilk biscuits and leftovers

Thursday - hotdogs, chicken noodles and fruit (again I will be working the tent so not home for dinner)

Friday - beans and franks,mac & cheese, buttery corn

Saturday - Not sure yet for this day.

Sunday

2009-06-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

Will be back to blogging Monday! God Bless!!!

Took a short break

2009-06-27T22:45:00.002-04:00

from blogging this week. It was not intentional but I was so busy I didn't have them to do it and when I did have some free time blogging was the last thing I on my mind. We have been setting up our fireworks tents for our church,it's our biggest fund raiser and this is the first year that we are having two,one for our church and one for our youth group to go to Youth Congress in Tennessee next month. We are praying it does well and we raise enough money to pay for all the youth to go so the parents won't be burdened with the bill. God will see us through.

Well I hope to be back in the land of blogging Monday. I will be scheduling some posts to be posted so I can ensure I am updating my blog so that when I get busy it's already done for me. Thanks to technology!!!

Until then stay happy,stay safe and
GOD BLESS!!!!

Little C's Birthday Party!

2009-06-24T09:40:00.000-04:00

It was really nice,we had a couple of big down pours that morning but it turned out to be nice the rest of the day. The only down side was the grass was soggy and muddy,but we had a great time nontheless.

Little C with pappaw.

Little A our cousin

these are all just some random pictures I took trying to get pictures of everyone that came. It didn't work out well as we were all so spread out. There was 30+ people there to celebrate with us.

It was a good day! Friends and family what could be better!

God Bless,

Coopers Rock

2009-06-23T10:13:00.000-04:00

We took a trip to Coopers Rock about a week ago and I wanted to share some of the pictures we took from there with you. They are breath taking.

This is where Brandon was standing when we took his picture.

God Bless,

Menu Monday

2009-06-22T12:35:00.003-04:00

Monday - burgers from the grill,chips and some kind of vegetable

Tuesday - spaghetti,garlic toast,salad

Wednesday - smoked sausage,mac & cheese,green beans

Thursday - grilled pork chops,mash potatoes,cucumber salad

Friday - baked chicken,noodles,corn

Saturday - not sure yet

God Bless,

Happy Fathers Day!

2009-06-21T08:48:00.000-04:00

Happy Fathers Day to the best daddy in the whole world! We love you so very much!

Party today!

2009-06-20T08:56:00.002-04:00

We are having a little party for Little C today at a local park. We are praying the rain holds off for just a while so we can get it in today. God is on our side!!! Will post pics and more about the party later.

God Bless,

,

Happy Birthday Little C!

2009-06-19T08:45:00.004-04:00

Our baby girl is turns 7 years old today! Happy Birtday my princess,momma and dadda love you with all our hearts!

Tomorrow we will be having a small party for her just a few friends and family,nothing big. But she's so excited she can barely stand it. LOL I love it!

She will have the honor of being Princess for two days but our little Princess for life!

God Bless,

The Happy Housewife on the news!!!

2009-06-18T09:16:00.002-04:00

You have to read her interview she did a great job. I know you have all heard me talk about The Happy Housewife from the www.thehappyhousewife.com well abc interviewed her about her frugal lifestyle. It's a great article! Great Job Toni!!!!

To read her interview click here. The Happy Housewife Interview

God Bless,

,

Busy weekend!

2009-06-17T10:19:00.003-04:00

We had such a busy weekend. Thank the Lord for advance blogging. LOL We had two graduation parties to attend. They were so nice and it was great being there celebrating with our friends. So like I said we were busy all weekend and I have pictures so be warned now you are about to get a lot of pictures to view. LOL

Little C playing ball with a dear friend Whitley.

You get a bunch of guys together and what do they do. Of course play football! LOL

Jason and his buddy

After football we all got the together and played some volley ball or at least attempted it. LOL I actually was able to play a little before the pain got to much and I had to set it out and then took pictures!!!

Check out Little C! LOL I have no idea what she was doing.

More pictures coming!!!!! So stayed tuned!

God Bless,

Swag Bucks

2009-06-15T08:29:00.001-04:00

Scroll to the bottom of my blog and you will see this..... You can now search the internet right here on my blog from the new swagbox. You can also sign up for swagbucks right there as well by clicking the sign up icon.

What is swag bucks you ask? It's a search engine that you can earn swag bucks and that you can then turn in for prizes or gift cards for things like amazon and others. It's a great way to earn a little extra income to help out with things like birthday gifts or even christmast if you wanted to. I am going to save my bucks and Lord willing use them for Christmas this year.

Take a look,use it to search the internet,or sign up if you like. It's free and it's very easy.

God Bless,

Sunday

2009-06-14T07:46:00.000-04:00

I will be back on Monday!

God Bless,

Weekly Update!

2009-06-13T10:22:00.000-04:00

This week has just flown by. It seems like we have been doing nothing but running around and it's tiring at times. Jason got a seasonal job cutting grass and he's doing so well. We are talking with him of the value of saving his money and only spendng a small portion of it and of course above all pay your tithes. God blesses those that are faithful. I think our biggest thing is getting him to not spend all his earnings. This is his first paying job and well he is 16 and well you go from there.

My mom is still in the hospital. I thought she was going to get out on Wednesday but she didn't. We will be going to visit with her again this evening. I do hope that she will be home soon.

We have a graduation party to attend today and we got a phone call from his dad and they are on their way up our way for the day. So we will be visiting with them to. A very full day in deed.

We have been working on the house a bit this week. We finally got the temporary storage room finished. John my dear husband has moved most of the things for our yard sale in there for me. We are aiming to get the storage room cleaned out so we can gut the room and be on our way to making our dining hutch. I can't wait!

My doctor started me on a new medication Gabepentin and well it's only been a few days so we will have to see how it goes. I'm praying that it works,I still have alot of nerve pain in my leg and my left foot still tingles and goes numb alot but I don't think the medicine will help with that. I think it's going to be something that I will have to live with. My biggest things is getting the pain under control. And I think this medicine may do the trick it's just a matter of getting the dosage right.

Well it looks like I'm out of time.

God Bless,

Frugal Friday!

2009-06-12T16:52:00.000-04:00

Join hotdog on a stick for a free hotdog June 15th from 5 - 8 pm,only one per person.

New Email

2009-06-12T07:20:00.000-04:00

I got a new email address for my blog and things that go with it to promote it and things like that. My new email address is Blessings_Abundant@yahoo.com please make a note of it. If you want to contact me you may do so at this email address or of course you can always leave a comment!!!! : )

God Bless,
Tammy

Freebies!

2009-06-10T08:47:00.002-04:00

I'm a fan of getting something for free. I love getting samples and trying new products and getting coupons for those samples are just awesome. I found a website that post free offers daily,the list is updated every 24 hours so your not looking at the same old stuff over and over again. It's pretty darn neat!

http://www.shop4freebies.com/

God Bless,
Tammy

Tasty Tuesday-Buttermilk Biscuits

2009-06-09T09:46:00.000-04:00

Buttermilk Biscuits
Tammy Channel

3 C whole wheat pastry flour (or unbleached white flour)
1 tbs salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
2/3 C. butter
1 C buttermilk ( I use just a bit more maybe like 1/8 C more)

Set butter out to soften.

Preheat oven to 400*F

Add all dry ingredients as listed above. Then add butter and chop up into dry mix and stir. Add buttermilk and mix well. Dump out on a lightly floured counter. Knead with your hands by folding the dough into itself while pushing in with your fists,keeping to this for a few minutes (I try to knead for about 5 min).Roll the dough out to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, using a biscuit cutter or coffee cup cut your biscuits. Now if you may need to rub some flour on the cutter as well as your roller to prevent it from sticking to the dough. Place on an a lightly greased pan. I have even not greased the pan before and had really good results. Place in oven for 12 - 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown and nice and fluffy.

Let cool a little before handling them.

Menu Monday

2009-06-08T09:37:00.000-04:00

I heard that quote from thehappyhousewife and thought it was cute.

Sunday- nuggets,mac & cheese,green beans

Monday - quick been strog. homemade rolls,salad

Tuesday - crockpot roasted chicken,mash potatoes,gravy,carrots

Wednesday - Steak burgers,french fries,cucumber salad

Thursday - crockpot chicken and potatoes , salad, buttermilk biscuits

Friday - Pork chops,fried potatoes,sliced peaches

Saturday - grilled chicken breast,french fries,green beans,cucumber salad

I am using up as much as I can in our freezer. I'm really trying to use up the older stuff first.

Sunday

2009-06-07T08:34:00.000-04:00

Will be back blogging tomorrow!

God Bless,

Tammy

Weekly update post

2009-06-06T10:30:00.000-04:00

This has been a crazy week that's for sure. Emotionally it's been difficult and continues to be so. But I know with God's help he will give me strength and help me through this. I am going through a battle and sure could use your prayers.

This was also the last week of school. So now we are all here and well it's been rainy out and cold so we have all been stuck in the house. The boys are fighting a little and getting on each others nerves but over all it's not so bad.

Wednesday evening at church the Guppies,the younger children in our church. This is the youth class that I and my dearest friend Cheri run together. They sang Wednesday evening,it's so cute to see them up there,even though we only see it from one spot as we are up there helping them and encouraging them to keep going. They get so nervous but this is good for them as they will be doing the same as they move onto the older youth class. Still yet it's cute to know that the whole church singing and doing this little dance that goes with the song we were singing with the youth. It really helps them along.

I have been able to visit with my mom twice this week as the visiting days and hours are few. I miss her terriably and can't wait until the day she's out of the hospital and back home.

We had another Youth Service last night at a sister church. Of course a great service. It makes me so happy to see my children serving the Lord.

Well I'm going to close this for now.

God Bless,
Tammy

I have been doing GREAT!

2009-06-05T09:31:00.001-04:00

One of my goals for saving money and living frugally was to get a cap on our grocery bill. I was spending from 170.00 to 215.00 a week on groceries for our household. Now this did include household items and pet supplies but still it was much much to high and it was my goal to get it down.

So I thought I'll go a little at a time. I thought I'll get it to 150.00 a week, this was the budget that I was planning on anyway and I was over this each week. So I thought this was a good place to start. I had no plans to go any lower as I thought this was a good limit for my family of 5,2 dogs and a cat. Thinking that was fair and that I could swing this easily.

Well now lets fast forward a month and a half and I'm proud to tell ya'll that I have met that goal. As a matter of fact I met that goal and well I thought why not keep going. I wanted to see how low I could get that grocery budget without going to tight. Now I am going to tell you I am far from perfect with this and I'm still getting the hang of all this but I'm really doing well.

I have surprised myself with how well I am doing. For the past 3 weeks I have spent less than 100.00 dollars for all that we need here. Now given that I am well stocked here at home. I buy things when they are the lowest I can get them for and if I have coupons to go with that oh so sweet deal that makes that deal even sweeter!!!!

Stocking up this way,we have stocked up on meat for our deep freeze,can foods,boxed foods,dish detergents,shampoos,deodorants,mouth wash,toothpaste,soap,ect. You get the picture! I find that stocking up this way is saving us hundreds of dollars.

Why didn't I get the hang of this a long time ago! All the money we could have saved!!!! Well no sense in crying over spilt milk,just pick up and move on with my new sense of empowerment as I stock my shelves with rock bottom sale items! Just the thought of it makes me happy and want to jump for joy (if I could actually jump ).

I'll close this for now with thoughts of rock bottom line sale prices dancing in my head!!!! Oh how I love saving money.

God Bless,
Tammy

Summer Reading Begins!!!

2009-06-04T11:48:00.000-04:00

Today Little C started the summer reading schedule I have for her. She was so excited about it,she loves reading.

In the picture she's reading a scholastic book entitled Sam at the beach.

God Bless,

Tammy

Prayers Please!

2009-06-03T08:27:00.000-04:00

I spent most of yesterday evening with my mom at the hospital. She was admitted with some problems that I am not going to go into on here. But if you would please keep her in your prayers I would be so grateful.

I'm sorry this post is so short but I need to take time today to clear my head and pray.

God Bless,
Tammy

Quilt Of Holes

2009-06-01T08:44:00.000-04:00

I got this in an email and it brought tears to my eyes.

Quilt of Holes

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lordalong with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt inmany piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares togetherinto a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticedhow ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled withwith giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that hadbeen difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with inevery day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were thelargest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares.Other than atiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with richcolor and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my ownlife and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together,threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held upto the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn,holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all theearthly fortunes. I had love in my life,=2 0 and laughter. But there hadalso been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations thattook from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times.I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow musterthe strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on myknees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had oftenbeen held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each timeoffering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within myskin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and Ihad to accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted thecombined squares of my life to the light.

An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the otherswho stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the manyholes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stoodbefore me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time yougave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped asid e and letMe shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ toshine through!

God determines who walks into your life ...it's up to you todecide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuseto let go.'

When there is nothing left but God that is when you find outthat God is all you need.

Well I think that says it all!

God Bless,
Tammy

Sunday

2009-05-31T08:39:00.000-04:00

I'll be back in the Blogging world tomorrow!!!!

Happy Pentecost Sunday!!!!

God Bless,

Tammy

Pentecost Sunday

2009-05-30T08:36:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is Pentecost Sunday and our church is holding a special service for the Holy Day!!!! For those that do not know what Pentecost Sunday is here's the formal answer to that question....

Question: "What is Pentecost Sunday?"

Answer: Pentecost Sunday is a commemoration and celebration of the receiving of the Holy Spirit by the early church. John the Baptist prophesied of the first Pentecost where Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11). Jesus confirmed this prophesy with the promise of the Holy Spirit to the disciples in John 14:26. He showed Himself to these men after His death on the cross and His Resurrection, giving convincing proofs that He was alive. Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Father’s gift of the Holy Spirit, from whom they would receive power to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:3-8). After Jesus’ ascension to heaven, the men returned to Jerusalem and joined together in prayer in an upper room. On the Day of Pentecost, just as promised, a violent wind filled the house and tongues of fire came to rest on each of them and all were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were given the power of communication which Peter used to begin the ministry for which Jesus had prepared him. After the coming of the Holy Spirit, the disciples did not stay in the room basking in God’s glory but burst out to tell the world. This was the beginning of the Church as we know it.Today, in many Christian churches, Pentecost Sunday is celebrated to recognize the gift of the Holy Spirit, realizing that God’s very life, breath and energy lives in believers. During this service, John 20:19-23 may be the core of the message about our risen Savior supernaturally appearing to the fear-laden disciples. Their fear gave way to joy when the Lord showed them His hands and side. He assured them peace and repeated the command given in Matthew 28:19-20 saying; “as the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Then He breathed on them and they received the Holy Spirit (John 20:21-23).The celebration of Pentecost Sunday reminds us of the reality that we are all have the unifying Spirit that was poured out upon the first century church in Acts 2:1-4. It is a reminder that we are co-heirs with Christ, to suffer with Him that we may also be glorified with Him; that the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7); that we are all baptized by one Spirit into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13); and that the Spirit which raised Jesus from the dead lives inside believers (Romans 8:9-11). This gift of the Holy Spirit that was promised and given to all believers on the first Pentecost is promised for you and your children and for all who are far off whom the Lord our God will call (Acts 2:39).

In my terms One awesome Holy powerful service!!!! WOOOOOHOOOO!!!!!!

God Bless,
Tammy

HomeMaker?!~

2009-05-29T08:09:00.000-04:00

Why don't you just get a job? I couldn't stay home,I would be bored to death! But your children are all in school,why are you still staying home?

Do these questions all look familiar? I bet most of you that are homemakers have had one of these question thrown to you at some point or another. Maybe not in these exact words but close to it.

Why does society believe they can tell us how we should live?! Why is it so "bad" to be a homemaker? Why is it viewed and a thing of the past? Why do people have a hard time believe that you can raise a moderate family on one income and do it just fine?

Yes I have asked myself those questions and I bet most of you have to and then some.

In a world that is striving to push us out of our home and into the work force,I am proud to say I am a HOMEMAKER! I work at home, I care for my family,I care for my home. When my children need me I'm here. When my husband needs me I'm here. When my friends or family need me I'm here. They don't have to call my job to get a hold of me. My family is not next in line for me they are first (after God),not some job. When my children look back long after I'm gone they will know momma was there for us. I take pride in that fact!

God Bless,
Tammy

Summer School

2009-05-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

To keep my 6 year old daughter on track and to keep her from losing some of what she had learned while school was in session. I will be doing some light schooling for her over the summer.

Things on my list to work with her is......

Reading
Addition
Subtraction
some spelling
Counting money
Telling time

It's not going to be sit down work for a few hours schooling it will be more fun. I'll make games of the learning so it's not so daunting on her and on me.

I have puzzles set for the mathematics

A computer game for the money and telling time. I will also be working with her on this one on one

Spelling we make it fun by making mock spelling bees

With any luck I can avoid the reteach part of the first month of school.

She will be taking her placement test for our christian school the first of August,this should also help her place where she's should be rather than behind.

God Bless,
Tammy

BBQ Lil Smokies

2009-05-27T07:54:00.000-04:00

I got this recipe from our church discussion group site. This is the recipe John used last week when we had then listed on the menu.

COCKTAIL WEENIES
1/4 c. Honey
1 Bottle BBQ sauce
1/2 Can of Coke
2 Little Pkgs. Little Smokies

Directions:Put it in a little crockpot for a couple of hours, on high. (Stir it a few times).

Busy Weekend

2009-05-26T12:22:00.002-04:00

Good afternoon! We had such a busy weekend I am taking time today to just relax a little. We had a Youth Fire meeting at a sister church,Riverside Apostolic Church and wow was that an awesome meeting. We didn't get home from there until after midnight.

Saturday John's parents came in and we spent the day with them. Church on Sunday was great! Another late night for Sunday evening as the Lords Holy Spirit was so awesome and many were touched and healed. It was great!

Monday a few friends from church came over and we had a nice cookout and fellowship together. It was so nice having them over and we plan on doing this type of thing more often.

So my agenda for today is chill out a little. I'm feeling so much better too. God healed the crushing feeling I had in my back so I'm now able to move about doing things around the house more. My leg is still hurting but less than it was so I think the medicine is starting to work.TTL!

Dinner tonight will be leftovers from yesterday.

God Bless,
Tammy

I'm making strives!

2009-05-22T07:48:00.002-04:00

I have had the conviction to change how my family eats. I use to make our bread,buttermilk,spreadable butter,yogurt. On top of eating more fruits and veggies and whole grains. Well since being down with my back for so long,I opted for the quick convenience of prepackaged convenience foods. As a result we don't feel as well as we normally do.

So in my quest to change my families eating,I'm making small steps. I can't make our bread just yet as I can't be on my feet for very long before pain sets in,but that doesn't mean I can't make a difference in the small steps I take.

Last night's dinner was something my husband wanted to fix all week and was not on the menu until Saturday but being the flexible gal I am,I switched my menu days. No biggie.

So we had BBQ LiL Smokies,grilled smoked sausage,fried potatoes,and as our vegetable I feel and sliced a couple of cucumbers and added just enough Italian dressing so you taste it but not so much that it gets messy on our plates.

A little history here,my kids have never really liked cucumbers but last night was a new page in the Channel Family healthy eating adventures. They loved them! While my pickiest eater in the house Little C was leery of even trying them. She finally gave in once she realized she couldn't leave the table until she at least tried them. Sooooo she did and I heard.... Hmmmm. I asked her so you like them. She looks at me and said NO! Then at the rest of it. She didn't eat all I put on her plate but she tried them (big step for her) and she liked them ok enough to finish the slice she started on.

Baby steps will get you there!!!!

God Bless,
Tammy

Guess what we got in the mail yesterday

2009-05-21T11:29:00.004-04:00

John ran to check the mail yesterday evening and told me we got a notice from Capital One about our credit card. As many of you know we are paying off our cards and car loan and want to become and live debt free. Well this notice we received yesterday was a shock to me.

It states that penalty rate on their cards meaning if you are late on your payment three or more days two times within any 12 month billing period you will be socked with this penalty rate that is A LOT higher than your normal APR.

Then it goes on to talk about the penalty rate amount your going be as shocked as I was when I read this one here goes....... 29.4% WHEW!

Now as you read on they give you two choices,except these terms or call and decline these changes and they will close your account. But you still pay off your balance they just can't sock a rate increase to your account.

Where I was irritated with them because we are not late on any of our payments and once we payed it off to a zero balance we were going to close the account anyway so that's ok. So then last night John read online about the new bill congress passed.

If you would like to read about this bill click here Credit Card Bill. This just affirms to me that we are making the right choice by getting out debt,not acquiring any new debt and living below our means.

God Bless,
Tammy

The sun is out and it's a great day!

2009-05-20T11:26:00.002-04:00

I'm happy to say that I'm now able to do some laundry. Not carry any baskets and John doesn't have the patience to stand by me as I hang our laundry on the lines to dry outside so I have to use the dryer. But in do time. I'm cooking all of our meals now and was able to go to the store with him this week. That turned out to be a bit to much as I was in a lot of pain afterward,then to make it worse. We went to a baseball game of a dear friend of ours. After that I was done.

Still sore and still unable to do all I want to do but baby steps right.

Well the school year is winding down and soon the kids will all be relaxing and not worry about school. Well for a little while anyway.

Me,no rest here,I still have to start gathering up school supplies and clothes for them now to ensure I have what they need when the time comes.

Little C is going to the school at our church starting this year. It will be different for her but John and I are both so happy to have her to go there. She will get God's word and school work given to her at school and at home. A winning combination!

Well I do believe my washer just beeped so I'm off to tend the laundry.

P.S. I never thought I would see the day that I was giddy to do laundry. LOL

God Bless,
Tammy

Menu 5/18 - 5/23

2009-05-18T11:46:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the short break, I have a lot on my plate right now but that's for another post. LOL Here's the menu for this week.

Monday - Spaghetti (we will have some kind of veggie with it and a bread,just not sure what yet)

Tuesday - Baked brown sugar baked ham,cheesy mash potatoes,green beans

Wednesday - beans and franks,mac & cheese,corn

Thursday - pinto beans and buttermilk biscuits

Friday - still open,we have a big youth fire service going on with a sister church in our sector we are hoping to make it there.

Saturday - Crockpot BBQ smokies,grilled brats,fried potatoes,veggies

That's it,I will be serving more fruits and veggies than listed I'm just not sure what yet as we have not gone to the store yet (that's tomorrow),I know I'm a bit unorganized right now please bare with me,I'm on some medications that are making me scattered brained. Hopefully it will all be better soon.

God Bless,
Tammy

Feel A But Down

2009-05-15T11:00:00.002-04:00

I had my 2 wk post op appointment yesterday and it didn't go as I was hoping it would,but it did go as I thought it would. Does that make sense?

Since the surgery has had no effect on the pain level in my left leg,he put me on Lyrica but it will take at least a week before I feel any relief from it. ~Sigh~ Before that I have to take the pain meds he prescribed me,I cannot express how much I hate taking these things but I have no choice in the matter right now.

I still cannot do much around the house so it looks like hubby is still going to be helping me out a lot.

I know this is a down post and I hate posting things like this,but I had to get this off my chest so to speak. I pray that I am soon back to myself and posting uplifting and positive posts for all to read.

I have so many ideas for my bog. There are many things I was to post about and such. But first things first my health is on the front burner right now. Good things to come for Blessings Abundant.

God Bless,
Tammy

How Has The Current Economy.....

2009-05-13T18:26:00.003-04:00

How has the poor economy effected you? What have you done to accommodate the poor economy? Trying to get out of debt as quickly as you can? Have you seen that since the downturn in the economy you have gotten into more debt? What changes have you made to your and your families lifestyle during this downturn in the economy? Or does it not effect you at all? Let us know!

I'm looking forward to see what ya'll are doing during these hard times.

God Bless,
Tammy

Menu 5/12 - 5/16

2009-05-12T07:38:00.002-04:00

I know I'm a couple of days late on this so it's not a full weeks menu. LOL

Tuesday - Roast (made in the crockpot),mash potatoes,cream corn,green beans

Wednesday - leftover night,chili and what ever else I have in there that needs to be eaten

Thursday- Nacho mania- using the bit of leftover chili I set aside,sliced cucumbers w/Italian dressings

Friday - Crockpot chicken N potatoes,buttermilk biscuits,a veggie not sure what yet.

Saturday- hotdogs,mac & cheese,sliced peaches

Ladies Banquet

2009-05-11T15:38:00.003-04:00

Saturday was our Ladies Banquet at church. We had such a wonderful time. The first couple of pictures are of the wonderful ladies that put this whole thing together.

The next is of our first lady of our church Sis. Joseph,she's a wonderful lady and dear friend.

Sis. Godwin,she and her husband Bro. Godwin are our youth leaders and they are just awesome and dearly loved by us all.

Sis. Charolette,she blessed us with song.

Sis. Parsons gave a really nice message.

The next few pictures are some random room pictures. If you look closely at the picture below you can see my mom and Little C.

Little C with one of her friends from church at the kids table.

2009-05-11T15:28:00.002-04:00

Little C got up yesterday and was waiting outside the bathroom door with this beautiful little flower that she planted for me and the planter she created for it.
The cup (planter that she made for me is so cute that I couldn't resist post more pictures of it!

and this one,not sure what all the drawings are but its so cute!!!

The smallest things can bring a smile to a momma face and make her heart happy.

Before I Was A Mom

2009-05-10T15:33:00.002-04:00

Before I was a Mom -I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom -I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom -I had never been puked on - Pooped on - Spit on - Chewed on, or Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and My thoughts. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom -I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom -I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Mom -I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-10T07:40:00.002-04:00

To all the wonderul women out there!!! Happy Mothers Day! I hope your day is full of love and new memories.

God Bless,

Tammy

The Black Bird Saga

2009-05-08T11:07:00.005-04:00

I have sometimes gone overboard with things in my life. Yes I know this may come to a total shock to some of you,I don't have it all together! I have been known to do some of the dumbest things and at the time I do them I think I am doing the right thing when in fact I'm messing up. OY!

A few years ago I decided to tear out the ceiling of our back porch. I thought it was the ugliest thing I had ever seen and I knew would just redo it right away. So one day while my dear husband was at work, I stepped onto the back porch and went to work making a big ole mess!

When he got home that evening he arrived to a messy back yard,wood pieces laying about and he looks up and oh boy there was no ceiling. He knew it was there when he left. He turns only to have me there with a big smile on my face proud of what I accomplished that day. I really thought I was helping. NOT! He said "What did you do?" I replied in a cheerful self assured tone "I tore the ceiling out" Yes he could see that much. Why did I was the reply coming back at me. Because we are going to replace it soon and it was ugly so I went ahead and tore it out.

Yes it's true we were going to replace it IN A FEW YEARS! We didn't have the money nor the time to replace it at that time. So now lets fast forward to the present.........

The ceiling on our back porch is still gone! We are still going to redo it but now it's soon for sure. I promise this came from my husband not me. Why did we finally get it in gear to get it done,I'll tell you why.

We cannot step out our back door without a big black bird swooping passed our heads on it's way out from an apparent nest it's build in the cubbies on our back porch ceiling. This bird is crazy! It will fly right by you. In and out of it's nest all day long.

My dear husband in all his glory has grown very tired of this bird and has shoved a piece of board in the place the bird keeps going in and out of. Problem solved! NOPE!

Now the bird is angry with us, I don't have to tell you not to mess with a momma! She's stocking us. Hanging out in the trees near our house in the back. Swooping in and out of the back porch trying to get in to what I assume is her babies. Its mean yes I know but this bird is nuts! To be totally honest I'm not sure if it has eggs or babies in there yet. All we have seen her carry in there are bits and pieces of wood,straw and things to build a nest. Sad thing she now has to build a nest somewhere else,all that work for nothing.

So long story short we are replacing the ceiling to the back porch asap no thanks to me! LOL

Lesson learned from this ordeal,don't jump before I know all the details!

Do I still get ahead of myself,yep I still do but I do try not to.

God Bless,
Tammy

The Upside of recovery!

2009-05-07T11:14:00.004-04:00

Well you know there's always a bright side to most every situation and you know I just have to find the bright side of my slow recovery. While I am feeling out of it and missing my work here at home (can you believe I just said that) but it's true I do miss it. I guess you could say that you never know what you will miss until you can't do it any longer,yes that sums it up just right. I set and look and see things that really do need my attention but I'm unable to do them at this time so they are waiting patiently for me to be up and moving and I in turn waiting to be up and moving better so I can once again start working on the things that are being neglected here.

But this post is not about what I can or cannot do and it's not a pity party for me,this is a post of the bright side of my situation. My husband,my dear husband the love of my life,my best friend oh how I love this man. He has not only taken on the role of tending to me and helping me,but he's also taken on the role of tending to our daughter,giving her a bath at night,helping me get her ready for school in the mornings. He has been working with her in the evenings with her school work. He has cooked and cleaned and earned his way to the HEROS HALL OF FAME! He has not complained about his work load and has been such a wonderful person. I could not have ever asked for a better man! Thank You God for bringing us together!

Yes I wish I was recovered enough to contribute more to the house but seeing the bright side of things sure does being a light to what could feel like a very dim part of my life right now.

P.S. Did I mention he also went grocery shopping for us this week.

God Bless,
Tammy

Rainy Days Are Here!

2009-05-06T17:58:00.002-04:00

Boy do I hate rainy days,especially when they seem to be endless. We have been fortunate to have a few hours of sunshine to enjoy before the line of showers set in. Sadly we have had one death here locally due to the weather. A young woman was sitting on her couch watching tv and a tree uprooted in her yard and fell on her mobile home and killed her. Our prayers are with her family.

Tonight will be my first night back at church since my surgery, I can't do much and have to move slowly but I miss it and look forward to going. I am doing better,moving better but still slowly and I still get sore if I'm on my feet to long (like today,ouch!). But I'm thankful to be able to move about and do little things around here and not feel like I'm so out of the loop.

Can you believe that the school is almost over,just a few more weeks to go and summer begins?! My oldest son Jason will be done in 2 short years,sniff,sniff! Time flies!

John and I will be getting some things planted on our deck in containers soon. I'm eager to get started. I walked out to my old strawberry patch and found out that I still have strawberries in there,yeah!!! I have a lot of work to in there and I'm not looking forward to that,it seems like that even though it's a small garden it's so difficult to weed,the soil is so compacted it's very difficult to work with. But all in do time first get 100% better before working in the gardens, LOL

We are having problems with my suv and had it at the dealers for over a week and of course they could not find a thing wrong. Now we are stuck! Praying we find out what it is and can get it fixed or John can fix it.

I am almost out of blogging time,I have to get ready to leave for church.

So I'll close this for now.

God Bless,
Tammy

Still Recovering

2009-05-05T12:36:00.002-04:00

I'm doing good. But still recovering. This surgery has been much harder on me than the last. My doctor told me it would be and that I would be in a lot more pain and it would take longer to recover this time around. Boy was he right.

Thanks for the prayers they mean so much to me. Without God where would I be!

I hope to be more and more active on here soon,please bare with me.

God Bless,
Tammy

Will be offline for a few days

2009-04-27T10:57:00.002-04:00

I am going into the hospital Wednesday morning. I have to another surgery on my spine. My pre op. appt. is tomorrow morning and I have to be at the hospital by 6 am on Wednesday and my surgery is scheduled for 7:30 am. I will be off line for a few days and when I'm able to I will update you all.

God Bless,
Tammy

Update at my house

2009-04-22T07:55:00.003-04:00

I have a few quiet minutes here this morning and thought it was the perfect time to blog and update everyone on what's been going on at my house.

Here John is painting up the ceiling,we had a leaky roof a while back and had put on a new roof and had to replace a couple places in the ceiling with new drywall. He is putting the texture design on here.

John teaching B how to apply the texture onto the ceiling. B really loves construction type work.

After a quick lesson from dad,B was ready to give it a try,with dad watching over him. He did a really great job.

So now we have part of the living room finished,I will post pictures as we go.

Jason is doing ok. He's still in a lot of pain and he had to start doing some exercises yesterday and I think that's why he was so much more pain and he was before.

Well I'm now officially out of computer time for this morning.

God Bless,

Tammy

How we spent our Sunday evening

2009-04-20T08:28:00.001-04:00

Jason came home from a friend from church playing football and he came down on his right shoulder and heard several cracks. Well we took him to the emergency room and they took some xrays and found out that he fractured his clavicle.

Right now he's in a sling and on some strong pain meds. I have to call the ortho doctor this morning.

The meds are messing with him a little. Making him a bit loopy.

God Bless,
Tammy

Ok I have a confession to make

2009-04-18T14:31:00.002-04:00

I have to confess that I have not been trying as hard as I know I could be to be living more frugally. I know I have done a few things on a regular basis but in other areas I have been way to soft. Like eating out,spending money. Things like that. For example I want to get our grocery bill down and I have not even attempted this during this challenge,even though I had every intention of doing it.

Well low and behold we have to pay a large amount of money to get my suv fixed. We went to Home Depot to get some more of the things to work on our living room. We are redoing it. Well on the way home,my suv shut off and wouldn't start. We managed to get it off the road and tried to get it started and it did but then shut off as soon as John put it in gear. We knew this was going to happen sooner or later,we just wished it didn't happen right there. So we called and made an appointment with the dealer to have it fixed. And called for a tow. Thank God we belong to AAA, and our tow didn't cost a thing and it had to be towed 40 minutes away from where we broke down. Long story short we are looking at a 700.00 bill for fixing our vehicle. GULP!

Talk about a slap in the face,with all else that is going on in our lives, I will tell you all about this one day but for now I'm just not ready to open that chapter.

So no more playing around, I'm doing what I have to do to live more frugally not cheap but frugal.

God Bless,
Tammy

Easter Pictures

2009-04-16T21:42:00.004-04:00

I took some pictures on Easter,here are a few of them.

Little C,looking like the pretty princess she is.

The boys with a friend of theirs from church.

A picture of all of us. Look at how handsome my guys look!

We had a nice Easter. I put the ham in early that morning and when we came home from morning church it didn't take long at all for me to complete our feast.

I hope that you had a great holiday too!!!

God Bless,

Tammy

Frugal Challenge:Day 15,Thursday

2009-04-16T21:18:00.002-04:00

Had a crazy day. Little C had her first ever sleep over and we took her and her friend to the movies to see Monsters V Aliens and to lunch.

So not to much was accomplished today just a nice day with our children and a friend.

Frugal Challenge:Day 14,Wednesday

2009-04-15T21:28:00.002-04:00

All laundry done with cold water only,using the quick cycle,less detergent,and extra high spin cycle.

Lights and appliances were off and/or unplugged (kids weren't home)

All meals were made at home

No money was spent today ( I love days like that)

Frugal Challenge:Day 13,Tuesday

2009-04-15T09:03:00.004-04:00

We tried hard to keep the lights and things off when not in use but the kids were no working so well with us. I kept running around the house turning off lights. I finally got tired of it and took out a light bulb. That got their attention.

All laundry washed in cold water cycle,short cycle,less detergent,extra high spin and dry timer on dryer was used.

Went to the grocery store today and save about 81.00.

Then we picked up some pizzas for lunch,will explane why the eating out in a bit,and spent 22.00 with tip.

Frugal Challenge:Day 12,Monday

2009-04-13T20:20:00.003-04:00

All laundry was washed using the quick cycle,cold water only,1/2 the detergent and extra high spin cycle,then dried in the drier because the weather was not suitable for hanging them out to dry.

We bought the stuff to paint our living room and fix the ceiling so we had to spend that today so abit over 100.00 was spent today.

The Lord's Day

2009-04-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

I will not be post today.

I hope you have a wonderful Easter and don't forget to take some time out to remember Jesus.

God Bless,
Tammy

Easter

2009-04-11T18:37:00.002-04:00

Let us not forget the True Meaning for Easter. It's not the Easter Bunny or candy and hunting eggs. It's so much more than that.

Our Savior gave his life for our sins and was put to rest in a tomb where he remained for 3 days and on the Third Day our savior rose again. And so on Easter let us not forget what our savior The Lord Jesus Christ has done for us. For without him where we would we be!

God Bless,
Tammy

Frugal Challenge:Day 11,Saturday

2009-04-11T18:36:00.002-04:00

Sabbath Day,no work done.

No money spent

Frugal Challenge:Day 10,Friday

2009-04-10T08:15:00.002-04:00

Didn't do to much today,just had a nice day and relaxed.

Used no appliances and all lights were off when not in use.

Frugal Challenge:Day 9,Thursday

2009-04-09T09:17:00.003-04:00

all appliances and such uplugged and lights off in room we are using anything in.

Laundry all quick cycle,using 1/2 the detergent,cold water cycle only and extra high spin.

Hanging all laundry on the line to dry so not using the dryer at all. YIPPIEE!!!!

all meals made at home. Used up most of our leftovers.

No money spent today!!!!

A turn in the weather

2009-04-08T08:01:00.002-04:00

I can't believe how drastic our weather has been this week. I should not be surprised it's not out of the norm here but it doesn't happen as often anymore as it once did. Sunday we had a lovely day,the sun was out,the wind was warm and it felt just great out. Then it rained Monday and Tuesday we woke up to snow! Can you believe that! It's cold and snowy out but I think it's passing us by now,TTL! I'm not a snow person.

Plus I miss utilizing my clothes line on days like this. This frugal challenge really has me thinking of new ways to save money. Even the little things can really add up. If anyone is doing this with me if you would be so kind as to add your link to my blog via a comment either to this post or to a frugal challenge post,I would like to put together a list and post it so others can be directed to your site or blog for inspiration and ideas.

Yesterday John and I sat cutting lambs out for my youth group class,I waited until the last minute to do this and then had to recruit help from my wonderful husband. I really look forward to working with the young ones. Myself and another lady from church run the class and the kids just love it. There's something about that age,where they are so eager to learn as much as they can about God and are not to old or to cool to do the fun stuff.

Well my computer time is about up for this morning. I have to get breakfast started and laundry going.

God Bless,
Tammy

Frugal Challenge:Day 8,Wednesday

2009-04-08T07:16:00.003-04:00

all lights off when not needing them

appliances unplugged or power strip off when not using them

hand washing all dishes to save on electricity and using less water and detergent,I'm using my double sink,one side for washing and one side for rinsing.

I don't know what it is called but I'm I guess you can say recycling my coffee grounds,first use the normal amount and then 1/2 off that until the cup is full. I'm saving so much on coffee doing it this way it's awesome!

Went to Lowes and got something for the bathroom that we needed we spent a little over 6 dollars there.

Went to the video store and got 4 dvd's for 20. If we do buy dvd's most often we try to do this way paying only 5.00 per dvd or lower.

all meals made at home.