New Year's Blessings.......

to you and yours! I hope you have a safe and joyous night! We are home and safe together and alone (the boys are tucked in bed) and ready to ring in the New Year. WE might try to stay up......we'll see!

Blessings Always!!!

Why Are You Getting Rid Of That?

I gave it to you. Yes, Mom you have given me a lot. That was just part of the conversation. My Mom has given me a lot of Christmasy things. things that she bought and not heirlooms passed down. Yet, I have way too much and no where to store it all. She is very upset with me. I don't know what to do. She is a pack rat and I am not.

Our 4 bedroom manufactured home is full and I am ready to simplify! She and my Daddy have a 5 bedroom with lots of space and a full basement and it is full to the brim, all 5500 sq. ft. of it.

So, what do you do? Most of the time if I put something in the yard sale she will just buy it and if I do not use something one year (because I gave it to the Salvations Army) she says you better not have gotten rid of such and such. If you tell her you don't need or want a particular item, she'll say something like just be that way and see if you get anything else. Heavens to Betsy!!! What's this girl to do????

I love my Mom and do not want to hurt or offend her..............BUT!!!!

Suggestions?????? Please!!!

I'm Back and The Wrapping Paper is Gone!

Well, it's almost gone. I still have 9 more gifts to wrap for Saturday's get together with hubby's family. The unwrapped gifts are put together , the batteries are in, the toys are old now to the kiddos and all of the boxes have been burned.

Christmas was wonderful! Just being with family and friends. The gifts were nice too, especially the ring hubby gave me, but it's not about what you get. It's about the gift the Lord sent, right?! Thank you Jesus!

Hubby was off Christmas day only out of the 5 day work week and it will be that way for New's Year's too. That is fine, as we can use the income. I am so thankful he even has a job!

I am going to start taking the decorations down today. I also have a bunch to go through that we've had for 10 years or so, that are never used. I am going to make a large donation to the Salvation Army tomorrow, of clothes, shpoes, toiletries and Christmas decorations.

I have had several people ask about the taxes on the truck he won at work. They is something about an employer cannot give an employee something of that magnitude. So, the value of the truck was added on to his W-2. Normally it is the employee's responsibility to pay his part of the FICA and SS, but his employer cut us a check for that amount. We only have to pay the income taxes on that cut check. It will be about $2500 rounded around. So, his safety bonus will take care of that. We are blessed beyond words!

I am feeling better with the anemia. I am taking iron once again. It has helped a lot. I had a dental appointment yesterday. I had the porcelain crowns on my front two teeth taken off. I am going to have to have new ones, the old ones were cracking and debris had gotten to the nubs and caused decay. I did NOT know I was also going to have to have posts put in through the nubs. They are like small metal screws. OUCH!!! My gum line is supper sore......hurting like crazy is more like it. I has some loose tissue and they removed that. Then they made and put on the temporaries. I am still not myself from the anesthesia. Thankfully they did not give me a lot, because being supper woman I drove myself (40 minutes one way). Did I mention that my nose is even sore? I am bruised as well. My lip cracked and busted too.

I have a few things I am working on this week........2009's budget (more so just January's), tax stuff, January's menu planner, putting together a weight loss program and resolutions.

My Mom is coming to get the boys about 9am or so. I am so thankful.

I will be around now, so here goes!

There is not much more to write other than I have missed you all! What are you working on at this time of the year?

One Weak Momma

First and foremost thank you Lord for your Son and our blessings! You are so, so good!

Today, it all has caught up with me. since I wrote last on the 18th, I have..........

• made and delivered 24 fruit baskets
• finished up my mixes and shipped all orders out
• fixed food and been to 5 get togethers (have 5 more to go)
• had boys portraits made
• framed portraits for gifts
• taken care of tax and title and tag stuff for new truck (talk about in another post)
• baked 192 chocolate chip cookies
• baked 14 loaves of bread
• made 19 containers full of sweet chex mix
• bought the rest of Christmas from my fil to the boys and from my parents to us 4
• I also have wrapped way too many gifts (176 to be exact)
• we have visited santa and his village (at Bass pro Shops)
• cooked more meals than I care to count
• taken care of daily household things
• bought groceries
• bathed, read and tucked in tired little boys
• drove around and looked at too many Christmas lights
• each night we read the real Christmas story and another book of their choosing
• we have built a gingerbread house and decorated the cookies from that kit
• we have been out to eat with friends and had company way too late some nights
• I have stamped and finally gotten all of the Christmas cards mailed out (way more than 100 of them)
• we have listened to beautiful Christmas music and been to plays at our church
• we have watched the classic Christmas movies and cartoons
• we have had a truly blessed season

It has been way to full though. The only thing I have left to do is bake Jesus a birthday cake......we shall see. Also the get togethers. I will be doing little or no cooking for those. The anemia is back and has knocked me on my hiney, royally!

I am so weak today I can barley stand. I called the doctor and they started me back on my meds. I could see the doctor, but not mine and it would be an ER visit, so I will deal with it until next week and hope and pray it is better!

I am ready to simplify things a bit.......at least at Christmas time. For another time.......

Hope you all are well and happy!

I will be away for a bit, not sure how long but I need a break.I will visit each of your blogs from time to time, but may not be up to commenting, so please forgive me ahead of time.

So here's to you..........Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Please remember that little baby, born so long ago that God gave to each of us, to save us. What a sacrifice, what a true gift! Have you received him as yours? How blessed we are!

Blessings!

The Going On's Around Here

The last few days have been harried and hectic. Yesterday we went (my Mom and I) and had the boys Christmas pictures made. Hubby went to Mobile and got his new truck. Mom needed to go to Penny's and to K Mart as well. We also had lunch. It was a nerve racking kind of day.

Hubby's recliner broke, after 10 years. We received a new medical bill to the tune of $559 and when I checked with insurance I found out it is ours to pay.

I have two more orders to get shipped today (Nikki and Julie). Then that's ALL! Yay! I am so excited to get my tubs of supplies put away for a few days.

Tonight I am cooking a hashbrown breakfast casserole with ham for supper. We have to finalize everything with insurance and the accountant on the truck, too.

Tomorrow I am doing household things. Things like, dishes, laundry, cleaning out the fridges, sweeping, mopping, wiping counters, changing linens, etc. I and the boys are going to make a gingerbread house too.

I also will go to the newspaper interview with hubby at work and drive the extra (our old truck) back home. Tomorrow night we have ours mother's helper coming to babysit while we finish the shopping and go out to eat.

Saturday we are going to pick up Angel Food and later that night we are taking the boys to ZooLight Safari. We have a season pass to the zoo. We may meet up with some friends there.

Sunday is church and we have company coming afterwards for lunch. Then that night we are taking the boys to look at Christmas lights close to the house.

Monday I will finish the wrapping and the baking and extra cooking. I will start delivering gifts to the postmaster, my stylist, the pharmacist, the eye doctor, the........well, you get the picture.

Tuesday I will wrap my Mom's gifts for her and just relax that evening. I may try to get my hair appointment for that day. I oh so need a cut! It has grown almost 3 inches since the last cut, in September.

Wednesday I am doing nothing!!! Well, we are going to bake Jesus a birthday cake. A day of relaxing around the fire and tree reading and curled up with my little boys (hubby has to work). what a day that will be!

Thursday is Christmas! Lots of plans.......I will detail all of that later.

Right now I am off to make about 5 #'s of seasoning salt and unload the dw. Then it's on to laundry and getting the boys dressed. I need to get dressed too!

I hope you all have a great day and many blessings!

Can Ya Believe This?

I need advice. Our accountant is on vacation and we are in a crisis!

I am going to try and explain this the best way I know how.

Hubby's companies accountant told him that instant of gifting the truck to us, they are adding it as income. It will show as extra income on our taxes, to the tune of roughly $30,000.00!!!!!!!!!

Then they will cut us a check for their part of the taxes and then we will pay them.

Does this sound legit to you? I know nothing of this type of thing, so we need help.

NOW, a friend of hubby's told him instead of doing the above...........

have his comapny make him a bill of sale and sale him the truck for $1.00.

Is that legit?

HELP!

Taking a Break!

I just wanted to let you know that if you are interested in ordering anything from my store, please email me by Thursday morning at the latest. I will be closing the store and taking a break until after the first of the new year.

Thank you for your past orders and I hope to see you again soon!

Blessings!

Wow.......Again!

Thank you all for the great comments! You know when you think it just can't get any better, God shows you again.

Last night I found out that my mother's helper (KK) and my other helper (for my business) were sick. Oh, heavens I thought! I had another order to come in yesterday and I've got 15-$100 baskets to get mixes made for, packaged and packed in the baskets and then packaged in boxes and shipped out by tomorrow. CRUD!!

So, this morning at 4am I got every basket put together and filled, not packaged. I needed to see how many more mixes I liked having enough. Guess what! I had exactly enough for each one!
Not one mix was duplicated! Yay! All I have to do is get the filling in each one, the products arranged and them wrapped and to the shipper! Yay! it may be tomorrow, but that's okay.

My Mom is going to watch the boys today and maybe in the morning. Thank you Lord!

I have all but a handful for the order I got yesterday! Thank you Julie!

I also have a ton of errands to do today. I need to call our accountant about the taxes on the truck hubby won. I have NO idea how all of that works. If any of you would know, I would appreciate some insight. I need to gas up my Durango, go to the post office, run to CVS and Wal-Mart, as well as the bank.

I have gifts to wrap, gifts to buy, food to cook and oh so many things!

I hope to relax soon......We have family pictures Wednesday morning and then the newspapers will be doing a write up and taking pix that afternoon about the new truck.

Maybe Thursday would be a good day to ...........do NOTHING! ;) LOL!

What's on your agenda for today? Are all of your gifts wrapped and under the tree?

I hope you all have a wonderful day! Many blessings!

Speechless

I guess, that's okay since I am typing it all out anyhow. We have been so blessed, I don't even know how to say this. Hubby got the $3000 safety bonus today. His company surprised the drivers by also giving a $500 Christmas bonus to everyone.

There was only 23 drivers out of 120 in four terminals to earn the safety bonus. Well, there was then a grand prize. They put each driver's name (only the ones that earned the safety bonus) in a box and had a drawing and hubby won!

He won a new.......................................................................................











TRUCK!!!!!!!! (click on truck)

The only difference is it is white. Can I get an AMEN!?!

Praise the Lord! thank you Lord! You are so, so good!

Hubby should receive it mid week. It is at another terminal right now. We are sooooo excited!

Hubby has a 1999 Chevy that has almost 114,000 miles on it. It is a single cab and you cannot get 2 adults and 2 carseats in it, but we can in the new one!

Blessings!!!

Craziness!

The last few days have been so tiring! Hubby has had to work over and had a blowout as well as break down on the big truck. Oh and did i mention that you just cannot parka tanker truck anywhere when it is loaded with reminents of destroyed chemical weapons in waste water?!

He has not seen the boys in two days and they are not happy campers! It was suppose to snow yesterday, instead it was COLD rain that froze into ice last night. Most of the bridges and overpasses are iced this morning and schools are opening 2 hours later than normal.

I have had the boys and working on the mixes by myself this week and that has been quite challenging. I turned out about 100 or so bags and jars! Yeah! I also cooked a couple meals for close friends that have been sick and made 8 dozen cookies and froze some. Laundry is an ongoing process as the washer and dryer are both humming now.

The next few days are going to be dozies!

Today I have to get food out of the freezer to cook for tomorrow's family reunion. I also need to go to the courthouse, grocery store and post office. We have a bb game at the school to go to tonight.

Tomorrow we need to go to the bank, go to Kohl's, K-Mart, New Balance, Penny's, Target, Michael's, Bath and Body Works, Bed Bath and Beyond as well as the Christian bookstore. It's kind of like each place has sent a coupon or gift card and we need maybe one item or two from each place. The cost should be very little! LOL! I hope, anyhow. The main thing will be time. The drive is about 45 minutes to the big city!

When we get back, the boys will need a nap and I will need to cook and get clothes ready for the reunion. i am making a green tomato casserole, a honey apple cake, rolls and a couple of gallons of sweet tea. Hubby will be going to get my uncle and the boys and I with the food in tow will leave here and arrive at the reunion around 5pm. The reunion is over about 9pm. Thankfully it is being held close to home!

Sunday is church and hopefully a day of rest!

I need to check my list and see what all I like before Christmas. How are you doing with your "list"? Have you already "checked it twice"?

Have a great weekend!

Blessings!!!!

Boy, Did I Get Mine!

I do not even know where to start, my heart is so very full! I thought it would be heavy with disappointment but I let him lead me and look what he gave me in return! I have a dear friend that is having a hard time.....a very hard time. Her hubby lost his job 3 days after they closed on their very first house. I have known her since I was expecting the boys. She has been so very good to me and my family, even though we have never met. I love you sweet friend and I wish for you not to be mad at me.......please!


A few weeks back after learning of her situation, the message at church was on giving and letting the spirit lead you. The verse was Luke 6:38. I felt it on my heart right there in the church building. I knew I had to do something to help her, but what? We are strapped ourselves, so I petitioned some of you. I sent 20 or so an email asking to send her a gift card to Wal-Mart (for groceries and gifts for her kids). I was not asking anyone to anything I was not willing to do myself. Only two responded, one could help and the other did not feel led to help. I am not mad or hurt, perhaps a little disappointed but God works wonderful things out.


My gift card was returned because I had the wrong zip and I resent it today with some essential items.

Fast forward to last Monday.


The one that said she could help had emailed me and said her children had "something small" coming for my boys. I didn't think anymore about it.


I went to buy groceries at Wal-Mart and saw these darling little Handy Manny trucks. I knew my boys would love them but we could not afford one of them much less two. So, I put it out of my head. On Friday I went to check the mail and the postmaster said I had two big packages and I thought what in the world is that (and from toys r us)? We already had the boys presents bought. I got them home and realized it was the same exact trucks that I wanted for the boys. God was in that. MY friend didn't know a thing about this until now.


But wait, that's not all! Then on Saturday I checked the mail again. The night before i had looked to see how many dvd's we had for the boys stockings, we have 5, not an even number. I wanted 6 but needed the money for other things. Well, in the mail that day was a Handy Manny dvd. God is here.

But wait, that's not all! My hubby's company is not doing well and we knew a Christmas bonus was probably a thing of the past.........but according to a little bird, it will be more than ever. IT should be here Friday.....to the tune of $2500.00! Praise the Lord!

UPDATE!!!! Make that $3000 instead of $2500! Hubby just called and he had just found out!

But wait, that's not all.........an out of state customer called and confirmed his order for baskets from my mixes.....all 15 of them at $100 each to be shipped out next week! I also had an order over $100 go out this week and another one for $100 going out next week.

I was certainly not expecting ANY of this but God is good and true to his promises. Check out Luke 6:38! Thank you to my dear blogging friend as well. I love you sweet friend and God has something special in store for you!

I am not bragging, but God is so true to his word. Please don't think I am, I just wanted to show his works........... THANK YOU LORD, YOU ARE SO GOOD, ALL OF THE TIME!

Christmas Blessings!

1 Year Was When?!

I've been a little preoccupied lately.......make that a lot preoccupied! Anyhoo, December 5th was my 1 year anniversary here in blog world and I missed it. I thought I might give you a few of my favorite things, 25 to be exact.

1. Seeing my kiddos smile and hearing them laugh
2. Smelling their freshly bathed bodies lathered in baby lotion, how long can I use that on them anyway?
3. The Fall of the year.....I love everything about it!
4. A good book or magazine
5. A long hot bath
6. Bath and Body Works, their scents are the best! Winter Candy Apple specifically!
7. Talking to my parents every night at 9pm to tell them I love them and good night.
8. Yankee candles (Christmas Eve)
9. Waking up to my hubby every morning
10. Hubby brushing my hair and rubbing my neck (almost every night)
11. Being frugal and getting that sale
12. God supplying every need and just when you need it most!
13. My parents
14. Hearing my boys say Amen! Praise Shesus! I uv ew momma!
15. Having every piece of my laundry washed, Ironed (if needed) and put away
16. The smell and feel of my house just after my cleaning lady has left
17. I cup of hot cider
18. Canning and seeing each jar safely tucked away for the cold winter
19. Growing most all of our fruits and veggies
20. Pecan Logs
21. Fresh linens on the bed, the smell and the feel
22. Christmas cards coming in the mail
23. A clean vehicle
24. Good Italian food
25. Sleeping, a precious commodity!

What are some of your favorite things?

Christmas Blessings!!!!

Mornin'

There is a little known fact about living in a manufactured home.......you have to get out during tornados. Now, many of you will ask, why we don't live in a site built home. Well, to be honest, brutally honest.......... my parents as well as us and my brother and his family live on one farm. My bro and my parents each have site built homes. We all decided that hubby and I would just have a manufactured home and when/if something happened to my parents they wanted us to have their house. It would be simplier to move the manufactured home out, than try to do something with an extra site built home. We could live here forever if we so desired! We love our house!

Some perks of our house.

• It's paid for!
• We love it......other than when tornados approach!
• It is so pretty!

There have been tornados and strong storms allllllllllllllll night long here. One funnel cloud came with a mile of us. I had slept from 10:30pm until 12am. The weather radio woke me up then. I then in turn woke hubby......he had come to bed at 11pm.

We stayed at my parents until almost 3am. We went to the basement once. The boys got no rest and hubby had to leave for work at 3am! My Mom is the wrold's worst to ge the boys wound up and you cannnot get her to leave them alone and try to be quiet. No wonder they couldn't go to sleep over there.

We finally got home and got to sleep around 3:10am. Hubby slept a little over and left at 4:30am. I was sleeping good until 6:30am, when a little boy named Mmonkey woke his Mommy and his brother...........calling..........I want out!

So, we have had breakfast and I have some clothes washing. We are having a mandatory nap time in one hour!!!!

Oh, did I mention that our appointment at 9:30am, one hour away at Portrait Innovations will now be rescheduled. With these two ill boys and one grumpy mommy, it is a no go!

So, for now I am goin to ge the boys ready for their, make that my nap!

Blessings and hope you are safe!

Finally........The Store is Open

I just wanted to let you know that the store is now open! Please check it out! http://marvasmixes.blogspot.com/

Thanks and Blessings!!!!!

Sickness Update

I am better this morning but very weak. We ate at Lonestar yesterday afternoon (after the open house. We each had a lunch special and the Amarillo Cheese Fries. We ate there because we had a $10 off coupon and some $ left on a gift card. It was yummy.........going down. I got so sick after a couple, maybe three hours. The chills, headache, and the other two yuckies. I never had the stomach cramps, so I figure it wasn't food poisoning. The food just did not settle......at ALL! The good news is that we were only out $2 and some change for our meal! LOL!

I also got a new cell phone finally (hubby too). We both had had ours for 2 years and mine died in the summer. I had to get a refurbished one and it broke almost into two. I had used it this way for two months or so. It was very fruustrating to say the least. However, we wach got a new phone and the boys got some "toy" phones all for $4.50! Yay!

Then we went to Kohl's I had a 15% off coupon on total purchase and $20 in Kohl's cash to spend yesterday. I got a pair of Levi's for $7.40! They were regular $31.74 if I had paid full price, with tax!

We also hit Winn Dixie and got several Pilsbury products and free eggs! They were also doubling coupons up to $.50. The deal was buy 4 Pilsbury products and get a dozen large eggs free.
WE got 16 Pilsbury products and 4 dozen eggs for $16! Yay!

Then onto K-Mart. My Mom wanted the 48 inch animated deer. They were regular $29.99 each and were reduced to $14.99 each. She gave us the money to buy 4. When we got back, she said 2 of them were for us! How sweet! I have such a great Mom! thanks Momma!

Then we started back home, by then I thought I was getting a migraine but started getting sick at my tummy. We finally were home and hubby and KK got the boys down for the night, while I went to bed. I was up and down and all the yuckies to go with it. Like I said, I feel better but weak. I am staying home from church and hope to feel well enough to get the store up today.

I did not sale as much product as I would have liked and we sold the least I ever have at an open house BUT I did get several orders! We did well all in all and are very blessed!

I am off to get some toast and gatorade. Yum! LOL!

I hope you all have a great Sunday! I will post when the store is open for business!

Christmas Blessings!

Sick, Very Sick

For now the store is on hold........Sunday sometime....maybe. I am very sick and cannot fuction right now. Please pray.

Blessings!

A Wittle Behins

That is what Monkey says (A Little Behind).......so cute!

We are running behind. Hubby and I just finally got the boys down for the night. My brain seems fried. My Microsoft Word went down this afternoon. That is where all and I mean ALL of my labels are. I could not retrieve any for more than 2 hours. I worked at the computer and then decided to pray over it. Within 5 minutes I had labels. Some had to be modified. It worked though! Yay!

We got everything packaged and labeled.......about 600 jars and bags. Then we started gift baskets, while my bff was here cleaning. KK had the boys. Hubby took my Dad to my nephew's bb game 1 1/2 hours away.

I also cut my thumb very badly. WE finally got the bleeding to stop....we thought. I have been through two big gauze and now am on my second band-aid. It hurts!!! Ouch, it hurts!

I just went to take my pix for the store and would you believe my camera is almost dead?! It is charging! I am so very tired and my eyes ache. I will get the store finished and open on Sunday. I know, it is one day later, but I promise it will be worth the wait! Please bear with us. Thank you all!

I will see you at the store on Sunday! Many blessings and say a little prayer for the open house tomorrow.

Thirteen Years Ago

I was given another chance at life. I bet you didn't know that did you? Okay, so some of you did. This made me carrying a child or two at the same time that much more special and scary!

I had open heart surgery at the ripe ole age of 19. I had birth defects that had all but went away, or so we thought. I had seen a cardiologist at UAB for a very long time (thirteen years to be exact). I was told I probably would never have anymore problems. Except one of the holes didn't close completely. And then when they did the surgery at 19......they found another. The one they found had never been detected before.

I will save the story for another time. Just know that God was with me and my 8 hour surgery. I am walking and talking and fat and sassy and a MOMMY! Thank you Lord! All the glory goes to you!

To the Rest of You

I am sorry for the rant. I really wonder about folks sometimes though. I share not to be insulted. Okay, I'll hush.

It is raining here this morning and my kiddos are ALREADY up. I am staying tired. Wonder why? Could it be because I have made over 600 bag and jars of mixes in the last 36 hours (with the exception of help on 200 or so)? Hubby was home yesterday but I did not get as much done as I had wanted.

I also had an eye doctor's appointment and got another prescription. Some of the glands in my right eye are starting to die. My eyes hurt so badly and are so inflamed. The new drop is an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory in one. It was $60 for 35 drops, that was after insurance. So, that make $190 on eye medications alone in the last 2 weeks. I am happy we have prescription coverage but man that is still a lot!

I have run out of labels, so I need to send someone for those. I am not getting the boys out in this mess. I hope it lets off soon, so we can go to the parade tonight. The Christmas parade starts at 6pm.

I am so excited about Christmas this year! The boys are really beginning to understand so much and it is wonderful. I finally got a few decorations out and the tree finished (except for the bows on the top). I also have all of the mess of store containers and boxes left in my sitting room to be gotten up today.

I have a couple more mixes to get done (only about 30 or so jars), so I hope to get that taken care of as well. Then I need to get the paper bag mixes packaged. Laundry is still waiting my attention as well. We shall see how far I get.

Tomorrow may be easier with 3 ladies coming to help with the kiddos, clean and help me with mixes and gift baskets. I will be glad to see their faces! I am not sure that hubby is happy to come home with so much estrogen flying around, but it will be a good thing. I am off to get the day started with a shower.

I hope you all have a wonderful day and many Christmas Blessings for you!

Correction!

I have received a couple of negative emails about having a cleaning lady. So, I just wanted to straighten this out for those of you that think I "cannot afford anything" and I hire a cleaning lady and "take milk from my children's mouths"! We choose a frugal lifestyle for a reason. I do not go to the salon every week or even every month. I do my own manicures and pedicures as needed. Having a clean home is my gift to myself!

First and foremost my "cleaning lady" is my bff C.T. We have been friends for over 12 years now. She comes every 2-3 weeks to do heavy cleaning that I cannot do while I have 2 year old twins......boys at that under my feet. I know there is one of you that does not have children and does not understand......so be it.

This is really none of your business.......BUT to help you better understand the fact that "I do not take milk from my children's mouths".........

Usually her payment is more of a barter. Fresh fruits, some veggies, canned goods, meals, mixes. It depends on what I have on hand and what she wants. Sometimes I pay here cash or check or a combination.

FEAR NOT! My children are not doing without.......anything! We cut a lot of corner's but our bills are paid. We owe not much to anyone....some dental expenses and that is all. We sacrifice a lot so I can be home with the boys and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I am so blessed!

I hope you are as blessed this Christmas season!

Oh Goodness! Look What's Happening This Week

This week is crazy! I am so busy with the business and getting enough product made for the open house on Saturday. I so wished you all lived closer so you could come and enjoy some of my goodies with me by the fire on Saturday! Holly, I would love it if you could come (and bring friends!)

Yesterday one of the girls works for me (she's been with me for 6 years now....part time) came and we mixed and mixed. My Mom kept the boys. We made Momma's Roll mix, Granny's Cobbler, Heartside Coffee, MallowChip Cocoa, Crockpot Bean Soup, Onyon Dip, Orchard Cider, Cake in a Cup, Peachy Tea, Snowman Cookie Bar and Cheezee Country Muffin mixes. We filled over 250 jars and bags. I was totally exhausted! I also had appointments to make, calls to return about orders and the usual household tasks.

Today, I hope to get the usual household things done as well as run errands (CVS, Wal-Mart, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, gas up Durango, bank and post office). I need to get the tree fluffed and decorated and get all of the other decorations out. I will need to figure out how many of what labels to make and get them done as well. MY mother's helper will be here after school........thank goodness! I also need hubby to get more jars from storage, so I can get them in the dishwasher.

Wednesday:make Harvest Soup, Cake in a Cup frosting packs, more cocoa and get labels on all jars. I also have an eye doctor's appointment at 2 pm.

Thursday: deliver orders, p.o., make more bean soup mix and dilly dill dip mix. I also need to get all mixes in Christmas bags with labels attached. The Christmas parade is tonight! Also, a basketball game!

Friday: Deb will be here. I need to get the front porch cleaned off and decorated. Deb will be making baskets. I will be taking pictures for the store and getting it up and going. It will be ready for you guys on Saturday! YAY! I also need to make the demos that will be needed for sampling at the open house on Saturday. The cleaning lady and my mother's helper will be here after school too. Thank you sweet Jesus!

Saturday we will set up and have the open house from 10-2. Hubby will take the boys somewhere. Probably my parents or his Dad's.

I will collapse after that! Absolutely collapse!

If you don't see much of me this week that is why. Many Christmas Blessings!

Decorating For The Season

I positively love this season! Christmas is wonderful! I love to decorate and usually we put up the tree and decorate the day after Black Friday. This year the Iron Bowl (ROLL TIDE!) came of that particular day and I needed to buy supplies to make mixes this week, so it was postponed.

I hope to maybe get it done today. We shall see. My open house is on Saturday (for my mixes) so it has to be done by then.

I think I am keeping it simple this year. I collect angels as well as nativity scenes, but I think most of it will stay up this year. The boys are into exploring these days (as most 2 1/2 year olds are) and I see it being safer that way! LoL! I also hope to get lights up on the house this year. I think the boys would really enjoy them.

So, is your decorating done? Do you decorate outdoors? When do you usually do your decorating?

Merry Christmas!

Home Today

There is much going on today in our church, but without me and the boys. They both feel kind of bad today. Tiger has a runny nose and cough and monkey has that sick "look" in his eyes.

It is cold and windy and rainy and we are suppose to see snow showers here soon. Too damp for us to get out today.

Daddy has went to late service. Our ground breaking for the new church building is at 2:30pm. The Thanksgiving dinner to feed the county's hungry is at 4pm and I am suppose to sing with the choir for that, but i will not be going. Then the county wide church singing starts at 5pm and I will be home by the fire singing carols to my babies, anticipating the season ahead.

So, what is your Sunday holding? is it cold and rainy where you live? Have you seen snow yet?

Sunday blessings!!!

We Are BIG Boys Now!

Thanksgiving Night I was pouring over the Black Friday ads ans saw it. Hubby I were going to redo the boys rooms in John Deere and buy them bedroom suites for their third birthdays in March. Then we got to thinking maybe they are a litle too small for twin beds just yet and the furiture too. They are big climbers and I can just see them sitting on top of chest of drawers and jumping. Not funny. So when we saw it Thursday night we just knew it was right for the boys.

We wanted the CARS set but they only had one, so we settled for Backyardigans. We got them set up and the crib/toddler beds taken down. The boys are so proud of their new beds and bedding. They seem to really like them and I am so glad. They were almost too big for the crib beds.

The best thing was that the beds were bogo 50% off. so we paid $90 for both. Yay!

Have a great Sunday!

Spa Day For Me Saturday

I have a heated/vibration foot spa that I've had for about 4 years (hubby gave it to me for Christmas back then). I've used it a total of 4 times until yesterday.

Hubby has been after me to take more time for me. Yesterday was the perfect time. The boys went down for a nap, hubby crashed in front of a football game and told me to lock the bathroom door.

I grabbed some green tea, some favorite magazines, a candle and had a few hours to myself. First I washed and massaged my head and hair. Then I gave myself a facial. Then I had a long hot soak in the garden tub with bubbles galore. Then I filled up my foot spa and put in some special foot soak. I then used my new Winter Candy Apple body cream and massaged my arms and legs. I had a wonderful foot soak and spa treatment on my feet. While my feet were being pampered I read my magazines, drank my wonderful tea and took in the aroma of the winter cranberry candle. Then I massaged my feet with my favorite foot rub and put on a pair of moisturizing socks.

Then I fixed my face, styled my hair and got dressed. I felt like a new woman. My hubby commented that was the first time the bathroom had smelled like me since we had the boys.He said I acted like a new woman. He said he was going to make sure I had time for me from now on. How sweet is that?

Do you find that you don't take time for yourself like you should? I have neglected myself for too long and Marva is back! My spa day was just what I needed!

Blessings!!!

Black Friday Scores

What a day! My bff C.T. and I left about 4am and headed off to the big city (about 45 minutes away). We scored some great deals and had a blast!

We first stopped at Wal-Mart. It was crazy, absolutely crazy. They were out of a lot of things on my list, even 20 minutes after the doors opened but that was okay.

At Wal-Mart I got:
WINDSUIT (ME) $8.00
2 SET OF PJ'S (BOYS) $9.42 EACH
90 PC. ORNAMENT SET $10
RUBBERMAID PLASTIC SET $7
SHOP VAC $15

Next stop was KOHL"S
I got:
2 APRON AND OVEN MIT SETS $6.99 EACH, REG. $24.99 EACH
WINTER SWEATSHIRT $13.99, REG. $40
LEVI JEANS $27.99 (REG. $45)
CHUTES & LADDERS $3.99
HI HO CHEERY-O$3.99
DON'T BREAK THE ICE $3.99
CANDYLAND $3.99
2 PLUSH ELMOS $8.98
2 BATH TOWELS $2.49 EACH
2 HOODED BATH TOWELS $7.99 EACH (REG. $24.99)

I ALSO GOT $20 IN KOHL'S CASH TO SPEND LATER.

Next stop K-MART
I got:

2 TODDLER BEDS (BACKYARDIGANS) BOGO 50%OFF $90 FOR BOTH
2 BEDDING SETS TO MATCH $60 FOR BOTH
2 PAIRS OF SUPERMAN PJ'S BOGO $14.99 FOR BOTH
2 JOHN DEERE POP-CORN TINS $5.99 EACH
MAGNAVOX DVD/VCR PLAYER $59.99-$10 MAIL IN REBATE

We then pulled through Arby's drive through for a quick biscuit.

Then on to Target:
SHARK TWO IN ONE VAC $10
ANNIE DVD $3.99
MADAGASCAR DVD $5.99
2- 4 PACKS BALLS $9.99 EACH
2 SPIN AND LIGHT UP TOYS $1.99 EACH
2 THOMAS V-TECH PHONES $17.99 EACH

Then we hit BED BATH and BEYOND. They were out of two of the three items I went after.
I did get:
PIE CRUST SAVER $4.35

Then we ran in Bath and Body Works. I was armed with coupons, lots of coupons. This is what I left with:
WALL FLOWERS DIFFUSER $5
WALL FLOWERS REFILL $5
WINTER CANDY APPLE HAND SOAP $4.50
HONEYSUCKLE BUBBLE BATH$9.50
MOONLIGHT BATH BODY BUTTER$14
MOONLIGHT PATH BODY CREAM$11
MOONLIGHT PATH BUBBLE BATH$9.50
VIP BAG$15
WINTER CANDY APPLE FRAGRANCE STICK $5
CUCUMBER MELON BODY SPLASH $10.50
KID'S BLUEBERRY HAND SOAP $5
WINTER CANDY APPLE BODY CREAM $11

I PAID $56.70 AFTER ALL OF THE COUPONS.

Then we started on our way home. We stopped for lunch at Applebee's and were home by 12:30pm. We had a blast and I got a lot of things out of the way.

All I like now is:
2 pr. Wrangler jeans for hubby
2 boxes chocolate covered cherries
2 pr. shoes (tennis) for the boys
2 pr. jenas for the boys
2 shirts for the boys
plush barneys and dvds for the boys
Thomas dvd for the boys
Chanel *5 for my Mom (from my dad)
Jon and Kate book for me
cd for hubby
pantry organizer for me
belts for the boys
work station for my laptop
a John Deere tractor/truck set for the boys
a photo calendar for my parents

Almost done! How about you? Did you hit Black Friday? How's your shopping coming?

Blessings!!!!

Thanksgiving Day

I am a little (okay, a lot) late with this. Better late than never, right?! We had such a blessed Thanksgiving. We had lunch with my family. Thankfully, I had almost all of my cooking done the day before. I made a run to CVS about 10am and got a camera and a memory game for each of the boys. The toys were buy one get one free. I also got in on the all of the free goodies. I made in back in time to help hubby get the boys ready. WE were loaded up and at my parents before 12.

We had a terrific lunch at 12 and then my parents played with the boys while hubby watched a ballgame (or two) and I fell asleep on the couch. My Mom took the boys out to ride the BEEP BEEP (golf cart), when their other PawPaw drove up. Hubby went out and he and the boys had some quality time with his Dad. I slept.......I know.......I'm awful. About 3pm we headed home and put the boys down for a nap, I plotted my papers, coupons and lists for Black Friday. I then slept some more. WE got up, got ready yet again and back to my parents we were at 5:45pm to meet my brother and his family. We had a blast! The food and the company was great.

My parents let the boys sleep over (except there was only 2 hours or so of sleep ALL night long), so I could shop Black Friday. Thank you so much Mom and Daddy!

WE headed home from my parents about 8pm or so and crashed. Hubby got to work. YAY! I went shopping.

What a wonderful Thanksgiving! I hope yours was wonderful, as well!

Blessings!

Coming Soon!

We'll I have several posts coming soon. I am a bit behind and have a sick little one. The Iron Bowl is just now over and I still have to get the kiddos bathes and such. The features are......

• Thanksgiving
• Spa Day for ME
• Black Friday Scores
• We are BIG boys Now
• December Menu planner
• Decorating For the Season
• Oh, Look What's Happening This Week

I hope to get some of them up tonight after the kiddos are tucked in tight.

Blessings!!!

Black Friday

I am one of the crazy folks that heads out at 4am to catch some great sales. I love crowds and knowing that I am saving a bundle. This morning I and my bff are heading out with the boys in tow. No, I am not crazy! Smile! They are staying in the suv with her and I will do our shopping. They will sleep most of the time. I have packed lots of books and dvds as well as breakfast and plenty of snacks. So we are off.

Here's what we're hunting for and the plan.
Wal-Mart 5am - clothes, toys, ornaments, towels, bedding, shop vac
Target 6am- dvd's, games (board), pull-ups
Bed Bath and Beyond- pie crust saver, organizers for my pantry
Bath and Body Works -body stuff
Family Christian Bookstore -cd and book
Kohl's - apron sets, hooded towels
New Balance Store boys shoes
Academy- wrangler jeans

I also am looking for a fog less shower mirror (for hubby's shaving needs) and a dvd/vcr combo.

I think that is all. I do my parents shopping for my family, so there is a lot to do. I hope to get it all done today!

Are you shopping today or just staying in? What's on your list today?
Blessings!!!!

Thanksgiving Blessings

I just wanted to wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving! Have a wonderful day!

Here are a few of my blessings.

1. MY Savior
2. My husband
3. My children and their health (we've come a long way babies!)
4. My parents and family
5. My health
6. Freedom
7. Hubby's job
8. Health and Dental insurance
9. A warm home, stocked with food
10. Power and water
11. My appliances that help make my life a little easier each day
12. A dependable vehicle
13. Wonderful friends (all around)
14. The ability to use my talent (making mixes) to help suppliment extra income
15. The main things paid off and most of the bills paid
16. Living on our farm

What are you blessed with this year? What are you most thankful for?

Thanksgiving Blessings!!!

A little More than I Bargained For

I shall not complain anymore. I really put my foot in my mouth this time! the same day I hollered and shouted about the strain on (money wise) the Lord showed me otherwise. I got my Christmas bonus and a spiral sliced ham! Yippee! Praise the Lord! I am so glad he is in control and not me!

Thanksgicving will be at my parents (there would have eaten by themselves). Also, hubby's siters all wanted to have Thanksgiving at their own homes. We were invited to each but declined. We may go for a visit later, we'll see. His Dad is probably coming with us to my parents.

Hubby is really missing his Mom right now. He wanted some of her chicken and dressing so bad. So, I found her recipe and made it for him. It was NOT without a lot of effort though. I have never made dressing before and her recipe is a little different than my Mom's. I decided than hubby, the boys and I are going to have our own little family Thanksgiving tonight.

I have our ham just out of the oven (turkey and ham at my parents tomorrow), sweet tea made, gravy made, working on potato salad, need to make the skillet cream corn and green beans as well as the sweet potato casserole. I have the honey apple cake in the oven now.

Yum! I will take some of the above to my parents tomorrow. The dressing will stay here and our ham.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a great day before!

Blessings!!

Mix Winner

I am so sorry that I did not get this posted last night. I was absolutely exhausted. The winner is Steph at Problem Solvin' Mom. Steph please email me and let me know which mix (orchard cider, bean soup or onyon dip) you would like, also your address. Congrats Steph!

Thank each of you for your participation. You all have wonderful ideas and suggestions.

We are still debating on some things, but I will let you know which way we go. Thanks again and BLESSINGS!!!!

Feeling The Strain

I seriously need to vent for a moment! I love being home with my boys!!! Love it! I will not change that for the world. They did go to preschool for four months so I could work on the farm and that was NOT a mistake. Their speech and social awareness are so, so much better.

We have blown through the savings from the summer of farm work.

However, things are getting tight........well, tighter! Sometimes, I wonder how large families make ends meet?! We have had some astronomical medical bills. Like over $35,000.00 out of pocket in the last 2 1/2 years (after insurance). Then hubby have knee surgery and all of the pt.....that was suppose to be covered by insurance but wasn't. GRRRRRR!

I was thinking, I'm not sure if i have ever told you or written here, but we did NOT qualify for WIC because hubby made too much. $13 a month too much. The boys formula when we had to pay full price was $120 or so a week. This did not include diapers. Tiger went through a pack a day some days because of the c. diff.

Yes, I know that I say God is good and he is, but I am human. I looked at our bills for this month and next and it stinks, just plain stinks. Can you smell it?

We have asked my parents to let us handle the dental bills (all $6600) of them. Yes, we have lost our minds. That will be on a dental card. Right now we are paying them still out of pocket. Yesterday was $279. Ouch. Hubby is not bringing home much more than that most weeks. There is little work in his company for him. You would be surprised at the companies that will not hire a wonderful 32 year hard worker that just had knee surgery 2 1/2 months ago.

Someone asked me what he does. He hauls hazardous waste. Right now he works out of a army depot and hauls waste water from the incineration plant. It could contain anything from mustard gas agents to other chemical agents. His pay stinks but this is how his company won the contract (with a low figure).
You would think that hauling this stuff the 2 hours to the only place in Alabama that accepts this type of waste would pay a little more than $195 per load (one load per day), wouldn't you?!!

Some drivers in his company haven't seen a paycheck in two weeks or so. He just happened to be on this run as a regular. Praise the Lord for that!

I really am not looking forward to budgeting for 2009! We owe little cc debt. Our vehicles and home are paid for. There is so much to be thankful for! Thanks for listening (reading) I feel so much better now.

How is the economy effecting your family? Many blessings!

Mexican Chili Casserole

3 c. chili
1 pk. taco seasoning
1/3 c. water
8 oz. tomato sauce
1 - 10 oz. can cheddar cheese soup
1 - 12 oz. bag of tortilla chips, crushed

Combine all ingredients. Mix well. Line 9x13 baking dish with crushed chips. Pour chili mixture over chips. Bake at 350* for 30 minutes. Garnish with sour cream and taco sauce if desired.

Blessings!!! ENJOY!

Opinions Are Needed and a Giveaway!

Hi all! I am looking for some ideas. I have a few ideas for my twin boys for presents but it gets difficult when I also have my parents shopping to do as well (I purchase the boys things from them). So, I need lots of ideas. They have several toys, blocks, puzzles, ride-ons, etc., but they have outgrown some toys and we will began purging soon.

Tell me what you are going to buy your kiddos this season (if your sare about mines age....the boys will be three in March). If you have older children, what did yours enjoy at that age?

Now, tell me what the worst toy you ever purchased for your children was OR what the worst toy you ever received as a child! Just leave a comment about that!

I will draw a name by random on Tuesday night about 8pm and announce the winner then.

Oh, the winner will receive........their choice of one of these mixes (bean soup mix or onyon dip mix or orchard cider mix). All of these are from my line at Marva's Marvelous Mixes.

So, tell me about your topys ideas or bad toy experiences!

Blessings!!!!

It's a Rainy One Here Today

I have so much to do today. I have s sitter for the boys, so they can stay in out of the weather. It is raining and cold, not too cold but the rain makes it seem even colder. Here's my to do for the day.

1. Laundry (I've gotten a good start- 4 loads down)
2. Strip and remake beds
3. dentist appt. 11am
4. Target
5. Aldi
6. CVS
7. Post office
8. Bank?
9. Wal-Mart?
10. IGA
11. cook supper
12. make tea
13. Call Deb
14. Call Leah
15. Call portrait innovations
16. pay bills and balance checkbook
17. call ccc
18. call Dr. K
19. call U. D.
20. clean kitchen
21. do invites for open house and mail out
22. finish Christmas card list and addresses in laptop
23. go by and see my parents

I think that's all, at least I hope that's all!!!!

What's on your to do today? Are you playing catch up too?

Many blessings!!

And It Was Born

Some of you know, some of you don't and some of you have asked about my little business. I think it was 8 years ago we were broke, I mean we didn't have a pot to tee tee in broke. It was the Christmas season but what could we give anyone with very very little to buy anything with.

I always save my Christmas magazines each year. I started scanning them for ideas of something (anything) homemade. I was desperate! I am not a crafty person by nature, but I can cook and I love to do stuff in the kitchen. I finally found a bean soup recipe and a hot cocoa recipe that I liked (at least most of it). I tweaked them and tried them out on hubby and he loved them. He said maybe you should do this for a living (half way kidding around). I told him I couldn't ever come up with enough recipes to make that many mixes (at least for a business). Boy, was I wrong. After Christmas had come and gone that year several friends and relatives asked if they could buy more of the cocoa and the soup mix. Well, yeah!

I spent that winter trying out recipes I had come up with on my hubby and to my delight he loved most all of them. I would add several more over the next 2 or 3 years. Now, Marva's marvelous Mixes has over 100 different mixes that I make and sale. We have anything from drink (cocoa, teas, coffee), soups, breads, muffins, cookies, dips, seasonings, brownies and even pie crusts. I do all types of gift sets and baskets for all occasions. My busiest time is at Christmas though.

Up until I had the boys I did arts and craft shows all over the southeast. I hope to do a couple next year here locally. I still have several regular customers and ship as far away as Australia. I also have a Christmas open house each year.

We had a website and took it down since it did not do well a few year back. I am happy to report that I will have another one up by the end of the first week of December. It will be through blogger and be more like a little store. I will do exact shipping prices, not just guesstimates.

I hope to see you at Marva's Marvelous Mixes. I will let you know when I get it up and going. I am so excited about this new venture to market my mixes through this great avenue!

Many blessings!

How Many Meals Can You Get Out of a Ham?

I bought an 8 pound spiral sliced ham a the 29th of October. I paid $14.91 for it. Let's see what all I did with it.

16 sandwiches for hubby's lunch
2 fried ham dinners for us
2 ham and cheese omlettes
1 breakfast casserole
ham in one pot of navy bean soup
and finally...........

Wednesday of this week......the 19th I think I finally finished it up in a pot of bean soup. i used the ham bone, onion, carrotts, 5 kinds of dry beans, cumin, garlic, water and chciken boullion. it was delicious. We had enough for us and my parents for 2 meals and lunch for me today. It makes the house smell so yummy!

I thought that was a great stretch of the buck! Many blessings!

Feeling A Little Better

I am feeling some better and can get around better too! That is a relief. I amtaking Tyneol and Relafen (sp?).

The chiropractors around here (3 of them) all have suits againist them or have had in the past 3 years. That makes me a little skiddish.

There is a really good one 45 minutes away that some of our friends use, but our insurance does not cover that expense. I don't like taking so many meds but if it helps, it helps.

Thank you all for your well wishes!

Blessings!!

Ouch!

Yesterday I had a ton of things to get accomplished. You know, like paying bills, running errands, making beds, laundry, cooking, cleaning and making myself look presentable for later when hubby gets in from work.

I admit it, I am one of the ladies of the world that take a few minutes to freshly powder my face, apply a day of listick and run a brush trough my hair before hubby arrives home for the evening. This is not always possible, but most nights it is.

Last night we ate supper, all got ready and went and picked up my Daddy. We went to my 10 year old nephew's first bb game of the season (his Dad, my my borther is the coach). They lost but played well. the other team was huge and kept stealing the ball. About half way through the game I noticed my hip and leg and back were uncomfortable. I was actually in pain.

The more i thought about it, I recongized this pain. It's my sciatic nerve. The only other time I experienced this was during my pregnancy with the boys. Boy, am I miserable.

It eases up when I lay a certain way and that is the only time I find relief. We have some Celebrex here at home, but I had a hives type reaction to it a few years back, so that is out of the question. I am going to call my friend K, the pharmacist and see if any of hubby's anti-inflamitories will work for me.

This wife and Mommy is in sweats this morning with out her make-up. I couldn't get in the shower this morning and barely got my face washed and teeth brushed.

I have a ginorous to-do list but it may hvae to wait. I have the boys in front of the tv and they are liking it. They watch very little tv, but this Mommy needed a helper this am They are watching public television with a spelling/abc/word cartoon on. I don't know the name but they love this show.

Have a great day. I hope to feel some better soon and will post more later.

Blessings!!!!!!

The Longest Day

Today seemed to take forever to get to the part that we were needing to know about. My Daddy had the tests run this morning and then a 2pm appointment with the neurosurgeon. We finally saw the doctor at 3:45pm! MY head was hurting from a migraine due to low blood sugar and the stress of the unknown. To say we were scared is a true statement..........we are RELIEVED though!!!!!

Yes, I said relieved! The spot had NO change! YES! YES! YES! Thank you Jesus! Praise the Lord! We could have hugged the doctor's neck! This is such an answer to prayer and just goes to show me again how good God is! What a wonderful Father I serve!

Thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, emails, comments, calls and concern!

Blessings always!

Thanksgiving Menu

The traditional menu for this feast at my parents is as follows.

Pecan smoked turkey
Pineapple glazed spiral sliced ham
Brown and serve rolls
My Mom's chicken and dressing
Gravy
Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping
Homemade green beans
Homemade cream corn
Mac & cheese
Potato salad
Pickled crabapples
Cranberry sauce
Honey apple cake
Sweet potato pie

What do you have on your menu? Is it always the same or does it differ from year to year?

Blessings!!!!!!!

Thanksgiving Update

I finally got hubby to talk to me last night. We would have liked to have his family here as well as my parents. However, when i have (or he has) asked in the past they wanted it at his parents or one of the girls (he has three sisters) houses'. So, we stopped asking. Our house would accommodate them all a lot better. It is almost twice as big (ours is 2200 sq. ft.) as most of their houses. There is 23 of them and they are rather large folks. One of them plays college ball and is 6'4" tall and weighs 330#.

So, hubby and I are making a compromise. If my Daddy gets a bad report tomorrow (praying it is good!) then we will eat with my parents at lunch and visit with his family late afternoon. Then eat with my bro and sil later.

If the report is good then we will stick with hubby's plan and eat with his family at lunch and my parents (and bro and sil) at supper.

Thank you all for your advice and suggestions!!!

Blessings!!!!!!

Glorious Food

Yesterday was hectic, very hectic. I cooked and cooked and cooked and so did the littles (with MY parents came over and played with the boys and had supper with us. We all enjoyed that.

Here's what we cooked.....

• BBQ meatballs
• venison chili (2 gallons)
• homemade creamed corn
• homemade green beans
• chicken rice
• candied pork chops with apples
• wheat bread with sorghum
• peph peas
• buttermilk biscuits

There is leftovers for us and my parents. I am making buffalo and honey bbq wings to go with it. Also fried green tomatoes, brocolli salad and whole kernal corn.

I am taking supper to my sick aunt and uncle as well. They are having the sorghum bread, bbq meatballs, peph peas, fried green tomatoes and whole kernal corn. I am also taking some chili for them to have for later.

What's on your menu for today? What goodies are you making these days?

Blessings!!!!

Sickness All Around

After weeks and weeks of having the sinus ickies, it is still lingering. I feel all yucky this morning. My eyes are still bothering me a good bit as well.

The boys still have a slight cough and runny nose and I know if they were in daycare/pre-school it would be much worse!

Hubby threw his back out yesterday somehow.

My Uncle V and his wife, Aunt B have been in the hospital. He has lung problems (from dealing with asbestos) and now pneumonia. She has no use in her right hand or arm due to nerve damage. Her arm just hangs. She now has cancer in that shoulder. They will be testing her to see if it has spread.

My Mom went to the lung specialist yesterday and is doing much better (I am happy to report!).

My Daddy will see the neurosurgeon tomorrow (he will have tests in the am) afternoon to finally have a diagnosis of what the spot is on his brain. We are praying that it has disappeared altogether!!! Hubby's sister, Ronda is coming to stay with the boys so I can go with them. A big thank you to Aunt Ronda!


Thank you all for your praying and uplifting. I hope you are all well! Many blessings!!!

Contentment Winner

Well, the results are in. First, I want to thank you all for partciapting in my contentment quest.

The one thing i know and have known is that God is so good......all the time. I am content in him!

Now, the winner is..........................Holly at Southern Seven!!! Congrats Holly!

Blessings!!!!!!

Thanksgiving At Our House

Thanksgiving morning the guys all go deer hunting and then are back by 11am to help the ladies finish the last minute touches for our feast. We usually eat at 12pm, with my parents and some other family. Then we eat at my in-laws at 3pm. Then we meet up with my bro and sil at my parents at 6pm or so for another meal. There is lots of football in between as well.

This year things will be different. My mil passed in March and Hubby insists we change tradition. So we will be going to my hubby's sisters house and meet with his family at lunch and my parents and family at supper. That is all fine and dandy except my parents have no one eating with them at lunch and it will not even feel like Thanksgiving if they are by themselves. MY Daddy sees the neurosurgeon on Wednesday of this week and I told hubby that was fine as long as my Dad did NOT receive bad news. He was not very happy with me.

We may each have to do our own thing.....I don't know what's going to happen.

So, what do you think? I know he is my hubby and head of the household. BUT!!! I want to be with my parents too (at lunch).

Suggestions please! How do you manage all of the madness this time of year?

Blessings!!!!

What Does Contentment Mean to You?

Does it mean you have to have your hair and nails done very week, the perfect tan, the designer clothes and live in a mac mansion? Does it mean that you have to find the right bargains and live frugally on a set budget? Does it mean you have to have the latest gizmo to keep up with the Jones's? Does it mean to have this and do this and have a certain type friend and go to church with certain type people? Does it mean balance and organization? Does it mean knowing that you're raising your kids in the admonition of the Lord? Does it mean that your hubby and you are still married and have been through _ _ _ _ together and still love each other? Does it mean to know where you are in the Lord Jesus Christ and where you're going when you depart this earthly home? Is it knowing that your children are healthy after a rough start?

Where is your contentment? What does it mean to you?

I ask these questions of you, not to preach to you, but to help me find out for myself. What does it mean to me?


It seems like I get every catalog and sales paper know to man. When I go shopping I always want more. I always see something I think I need. Why is it along as I am home and have my mind on the right things what I have is fine. It is enough. As soon as I flip through magazines, catatlogs or even go get groceries I "need" that or that.


Thre are many things that I want, but not because I actually need them. I think if I cut down my trips to the stores (even to Wal-Mart) that would help. Do you ever feel this way?

I am so confused though, about how people define contentment. In this uncertain world we live in, I am finding more and more contentment in the Lord. He's always there and had never forsaken me. The clothes fade and tear. Friends fail you. Homes burn (sometimes) and deterorate. He is there......always.

I find contentment in being organized. I love my lists and things nice and neat. I love clothes washed, dried, folded neatly/ironed and put away. I love knowing what is on my to-do list for the day. My calendars and planners are looked at everyday.

I find contmentment in knowing my bills are paid. I love knowing that our ahome and vehicles are paid for. I love paying cash for things. I love being a saver (that is not happening right now though).

I love growinf my own food and living on the farm.

I also find contentment in my my family. I have swesome parents, wonderful children and a terrific hubby.


We live in a double wide manufactured home and I love it. I mainly love it because it is ours and paid for. You can go to the home tour label for pics.

Everyone defines contentment differently. What makes you content? Where does your lie? Please comment on this even if you never have left a comment here before.

I am having A RANDOM drawing for a book called Find More Time by Laura Stack. It is a great read. Please leave a comment on the subject above and I will let one of the twins draw a name on Monday (8:01pm). Comments will be closed at 8pm (central time) Monday night.

Blessings!!!!!

Answers to Comments

Thank you all for your comments! I love comments!

Southerner had asked about hubby working another job. It is no doable. The nearest UPS would be about an hours drive one way. Besides he leaves the house for his regular job at 4am. He does not return home usually until after 4pm. Sometimes it's 5 or even 6pm. His job might take longer, it depends on the Army depot and the haz mat landfill he hauls the hazardous waste to. Thank you for the suggestion though.

Mrs. D.....we actually thought we were expecting a third in the last few weeks and I still am not sure that we aren't. God's plans are so much bigger (and better) than our own. No, I am not "late" in that way just yet. Sorry to disappoint you! ;)

Melissa, I am so excited for you about the house. I know this is something you've waited for your whole life. God is good and he will hold you in his loving arms always.
I am so sorry that hubby lost his job. I imagine we are not far from that at the rate the company is going. We are cracking down on the extras around here too. Our savings has went down the drain lately. I hope things get better for you. Is hubby look for work or maybe going back to school? I will be praying for you!

Blessings to you all!

Update on My Eyes and My Daddy

First and foremost my Dad is doing well, after a bleeding incidence last night from the incision.
They will not know anything until the pathology report comes back. Please continue to pray for his healing and a good report.

On to me now. My eyes hurt, I mean they ache like noboody's business. The eye doc suggested refraining from computer and tv time to rest my eyes. They are inflammed, irriatated and have cold and infection in them. Also, she said there is some signs where the pink eye had been. Lovely! Also, I have severe dry eye issues. After the co-pay for the doc and then the $60 eye drops ($190 without insurance). I also had to get some magic mouthwash ($12) for the thrush (from the antibiotics a few weeks ago). They feel some better but not much this morning.

I am still reading blogs and keeping abrest of the latest developments but not commenting. I hope to be back to my old seeing self ina few days.

Blessings!!!

Late

Wow, it's 6:30am and I'm just rolling out of bed and the boys (all three of them) are still asleep. Hubby is home again today, not by choice though. There is not any work for him today. There are men in his company that have not worked any days in over two weeks, so we are blessed that he is getting to work at least three days a week. It is still difficult to pay the bills that way though.

Please say a prayer for my Daddy this morning. He is going back and have another surgery done on his face. They did not get all of the skin cancer the first time. Thank you for your prayers!

I have several things on the agenda today since hubby is home. I am going to the eye doctor today. I also need to get breakfast going and grab a quick bath. i hope the doctor can give me some relief. I am miserable!

I also intend (I promise!!!) to get the giveaway up with the contentment post. I have a couple of recipes to post too.

The house is in some order this morning and most of the laundry is caught up (or close enough), so I am oh so happy about that. The cleaning lady came yesterday and we bartered. That was wonderful. I gave her some homemade canned goodies and some mixes as well. She did a terrific job as usual!
The house was inn some kind of need of a deep cleaning.

What are you doing on this wonderful Wednesday? Whatever it is, I hope you are blessed!

Blessings!!!!!!

Not As Planned

Isn't that how life goes? Well, it was in my neck of the woods today. I cannot go into details as my eyes are hurting way too badly. They are still red and irritated, maybe from the pink eye a couple of weeks ago. It did NOT help that one of the twins chose to scream for me during his nap time and did NOT have a nap at all today.

I hope to get my post about contentment up tomorrow or tomorrow night.......maybe Wednesday.

Please remember all of our military and the freedom they provide for you! Pray for them and their families......

Happy Veteran's Day!

Blessings!!!

Good Monday Morning

I am way to chipper to have gotten in the bed after 10pm and up and stayed by 4am.
Today looks like a great day. After I finish here I am off to get ready for the day.

Keep thinking about the question. What does contentment mean to you? I hope to get my post on that subject done today, tomorrow for sure.

I am running errands today, paying bills, headed to the post office, CVS, bank and Wal-Mart. I also need to strip the beds, catch up the laundry and get started on supper prep.

I am so excited that Christmas is around the corner (and Thanksgiving too)! I updated my address book last night and started putting my card list in my rusty laptop for easier access.

I had been wanting to get the boys a Little People's nativity set for over a year now and never could find one on sale or at a yard sale or thrift store. We broke down and just bought one from Family Christian Bookstores a few weeks ago. Yes, of course I had a coupon and $.99 shipping! lol! It came last week and I was so tickled! The boys love it. They have just played and played with it.

This week we are going to work on shoe boxes for operation Christmas child. The boys will have such a good time. I want them to learn from early on that Christmas is about Christ and giving, not what Santa brings Christmas morning.

So, what is going on in your neck of the woods for the day? What ever it is I hope it is a great day!

Blessings!!!!!

Getting Down to Business

Today has been quite a day already. What am I saying this week has been plain crazy?!

Hubby was off on Wednesday (not by choice.....but because there was no work for him), so we decided since we have a pass to the zoo we would go. The boys had a wonderful time and we enjoyed getting out and a bout with them. The weather was absolutely gorgeous! The boys favorite part of the zoo is the train, so we had to ride it. They had a blast. then we were off to eat lunch......it was yummy as well, although the prices were steep. I always have brought our lunch and we would make use of the picnic area. We will be doing that anytime when we come back from now on.

After the zoo the boys got their flu vaccinations and saw Dr. H. Tiger has eczema. It is on his chin and cheek and upper lip. We got the prescription filled and changed his moisturizer. He nor Monkey can use regular baby lotion any more.........so I may be doing a baby item giveaway here before long. thankfully the boys are old enough for the Flu mist and did NOT have to get shots!YAY!

Hubby worked yesterday but got bad news about his job. We are praying about things, please be in prayer with us. I will post about this at a later time. The boys and I hung out at home and played.......ALLLLLLLLL day!

Today hubby had a doctor's appointment and with his work, if you cannot work all day then you don't work at all. They do not have personal or sick days either. So, he was at home earlier with the boys while I went to the post office and to the store. Now, he is at the doctor and trying to get his radio (for the big rig) fixed. He is going to a play off high school game tonight and i suppose i will stay home with the boys since it is raining.

I have unloaded the dw, loaded the dw, cleaned out both fridges, done 2 loads of laundry, cooked breakfast, got myself ready and showered, made sweet tea, made muffins and cookies, laid out meat to thaw for supper, made the bed and cleaned the kitchen.

I need to use the Delphin and clean all of the carpet. Our machine is kind of like a Rainbow vac. It is awesome! I also need to get supper done and make a broccoli salad for my parents and make a couple of calls when hubby returns home. I think the list is never ending.......... There is plenty more i could add, but it will keep until later.

I think I might start my Christmas cards tonight. We send out a lot of Christmas cards. Sometimes with such big families this is our only form of communication......sad I know. I am the youngest of 36 grandchildren, just on my Daddy's side. Hubby comes from a big family too.

Well, I need to get busy before the kiddos wake up........have a blessed Friday!

One more thing.......please think about this question. What does contentment mean to you?

I will be asking you to comment on that in the near future and there will be a giveaway as well! I hope you are as excited as I am!

Blessings!!!!!

Christmas List 2008 Completed

Thank you all for your great comments!!!! You all had wonderful ideas and many I had never thought of. Monkey drew the random winner and it was DITARAE !


Email me your mailing address and I will get your book and gift out to you. The "gift" is a surprise!


Here is the updated Christmas list and how we make it work. We have a budget for gifts of about $700. Now, that does not include stamps, cards and food things that are for meals.


1. Daddy- fav lotion (free from CVS), pop-corn tin ($5), Brita water pitcher (clearance at CVS $2.99), framed 8x10 picture of my little family ($5), photo calendar ($10)

2. Mother- fav lotion (free from CVS), pop-corn tin ($5) Brita water filters on close out ($11), framed 8x10 picture of the boys ($5),

3. bro & sil- lg. box of chocolate covered cherries ($3), framed picture of the boys ($3)

4. nephew 1- homemade cocoa mix($2) , smores camping set ($4 clearance at CVS), $25 Team Fever gift cert. ($14.19 w/ online code)

5. nephew 2- homemade cocoa mix ($2), smores camping set ($4 clearance at CVS), $25 Team fever gift cert. ($14.19 w/ online code)

6. cousin-B framed pic of the boys ($3), Yankee candle (free......re-gifting it)

7. Aunt P.-B&BW Rice Shea and Flower body spray ($3.75 on sale w/ coupon)

8. Uncle J.- 2 crossword puzzle books ($2 Dollar Tree)

9. A.G.-NBA coloring book ($1 Dollar Tree), Tow Mater Crayons ($.25 part of 4 pk. from Dollar Tree)

10. Aunt M.- framed pic of boys ($3), Fresh vanilla body splash (onsale w/ coupons @ B&BW, $3.75), eyeshadow (free CVS)

11. cousin D.- doggy gloves ($3.00), Mulberry candle (on sale $2.50), eyeshadow (free CVS)

12. D's hubby S.- smores camping kit (CVS clearance $4)

13. GMS &GDS- photo calendar of boys ($10), 5# oranges ($3)

14. C.T.-serling silver NIP snowman charm pin/brooch ($1 yard sale), magnolia bath set (Wal-Mart clearance $2.50), book ($1 Dollar Tree)

15. Miss J.J.-scarf ($1 Dolllar Tree), photo ablum (Target clearance $2), 3 pc. bath gels ($1.50, Wal-Mart clearance)

16. hubby's Dad- 1/2 gal sorghum syrup ($3), $20 cash

17. Ronda-lipstick (free CVS) brag book w/ pics ($3)

18. Matt- smores camping kit ($4)

19. J.J.-smores kit ($4)

20. Amanda-Victoria Secret rush lipgloss set (free from last year)

21. Dakota- smores campfire kit ($4)

22. Kayla-liggloss ($.50 clearance from CVS), coconit lime gift set ($2.50) clearance from Wal-mart, wild eyes shadow (free from CVS)

23. Sharon-lipstick (free from CVS), brag book w/ pics ($3)

24. Richard-smores campfire set ($4)

25. Abby- High school musical pencil case ($1 clearance from Wal-Mart), 3pc. lip balm set ($1.50), Lip Smacker's nail and lip set ($1 clearance from CVS)

26. Andrew-smores campfire set ($4)

27. Melissa-Victoria Secret glove and hat set (free from last year), Burt's Bees lotion (free-re-gifting)

28. Sandra-lipstick (free from CVS), brag book w/ pics ($3)

29. Kerry-smores campfire set ($4)

30. Anthony-smores campfire set ($4)

31. Nicole-candle (yard sale find $2), monogramed pillow ($1 yard sale find)

32. Gavin- Hot Wheels bath set ($2 clearance at Wal-mart)

33. Ava-My little pony coloring book ($.50 clearance CVS), coloring set ($.75 Wal-Mart clearance), crayola toothbrush set (free from CVS)

34. Deb & Rocky- $50 gift cert. to Shula's steakhouse (online find for $28.75)

35. Sky-leather purse (Target clearance $4), lipgloss (free from CVS), hair set (Wal-Mart clearance $5)

36. Uncle J.- Stetson gift set (Wal-Mart clearance $3)

37. N.- bird house kitchen towel ($1 yard sale)

38. Miss KK-peddy set (clearance at Rite-Aid $7), $25 Chevron gas card (online deal $12.75), photo ablum ($3 clearance at Target), $25 Team Fever gift cert. ($14.19, online deal)

39. B.J.- moonlight path lotion ($3.75 sale and coupon B&BW), Steve Martin book (free-re-gifting)

40. C.J.-smores campfire set ($4)

41. D.J.-smores campfire set ($4)

42. Carter-crayola toothbrush set (free from CVS), Cars key set ($2), Coloring book (CVS clearance $.50), coloring set ($.75 clearance from Wal-Mart)

(for both Cater and Clarie) musical bubble bath elephant ($5 Wal-Mart clearance)

43. Claire-coloring book (CVS clearance $.50), coloring set ($.75 Wal-mart clearance), Care Bears dvd (Dollar General clearance $4)

44. Leah-
$50 Melting Pot gift cert. (online deal $28.75)
45. Kevin-

46. post lady- homemade bread, jam and coffee mix fixed in a gift basket ($5)

47. hairstylist & hubby- hm salsa, chips, soup mix and brownie mix in gift basket ($6)

48. Pastor & wife- various mixes in gift basket $9)

49. friend K.- same as above ($9)

50. Ms. K. same a s above ($4)

51. Pharmacy- hm apple cake ($3)

52. Tiger- $100 (for gifts and stocking)

53. Monkey-$100 (for gifts and stocking)

The boys get the same things. I will go into detail more about their Christmas later, as I have not finished their shopping.

Grand Total: $580.06

The key is to shop all year long and always be on the lookout for a good deal. Most of the Wal-Mart clearance items were bought after Christmas last year. Also, the frames for all of the pictures were bought the same way. I also will be shopping black friday!

Hubby and I bought a television ealier this year, since ours went out when I was pregnant with the boys 3 years ago. That will be our Christmas as it was our anniversary and next anniversary and Christmas. LOL!

Thank you all for your input and many blessing for a frugal and fun Christmas season!

Christmas List 2008

Our Christmas list rarely changes, but I still need to get it on paper since there is so many on it. This year my mother-in-law is not here to celebrate with us, nor is my husband's dear Aunt Linda. You both are missed!

I wanted to list everyone for you and then in a later post I will describe our budget and outline it for you. It seems as though we would go into debt buying for all of those on this list, but not so.

The good thing is that most of our shopping is done. I will do my parents shopping for them (to us) on Black Friday. My Mom dislikes shopping, so she lets me do it.

Here goes......
1. Daddy
2. Mother
3. my bro and sil (age 40's)
4. nephew 1 (age 16)
5. nephew 2 (age 10)
6. Cousin B. (woman, 50's)
7. Aunt P.
8. Uncle J.
9. A.G. (cousin age 6)
10. Aunt M.
11.cousin D. (age 40's)
12. D's hubby S. (same as above)
13. GMS & GDS (90's)
14. CT (50's)
15. Miss JJ (early 20's)
16. hubby's Dad (80)
17. Ronda (40's)
18. Matt (40ish)
19. J.J. (early 20's)
20. Amanda (same as above)
21. Dakota (same as above)
22.Kayla (17)
23. Sharon (40's)
24. Richard (same as above)
25. Abby (11)
26. Andrew (early 20's)
27. Melissa (same as above)
28. Sandra (40's)
29. Kerry (same as above)
30. Anthony (early 20's)
31. Nicole (same as above)
32. Gavin (5)
33. Ava (2)
34. Deb & Rocky (50's)
35. Sky (15)
36. Uncle J. (70's)
37. N. (late 20's)
38. Miss. KK (16)
39. B.J. (50's)
40. C.J. (14)
41. D.J.(50's)
42.Carter (2)
43. Claire (2)
44. Leah mid 30's)
45. Kevin (same as above)
46. post lady
47. hairstylist and hubby
48. Pastor and his wife
49. friend k. (30's)
50. Ms. K (boys teacher)
51. the pharmacy
52. Tiger (son......age 2)
53. Monkey (son.....age 2)

That is quite a list! Leave me a comment how you would shop for my list. Your budget is $700. You may include homemade gifts for only 10. Now, I will leave the comments open for 36 hours, through Wednesday. Thank about it and leave your comment. I will randomly select a winner on Wednesday night at 8pm. The winner will receive Dawn Hall's, Fun, Fast, Festive Christmas Cookbook, along with a Christmas present (that part is a surprise). So, what are waiting for .......get a thinkin'!

Blessings!!!!!

New Day

I was hoping to feel my very best today, but not so. At least it is not YET! Hey, it's only 5am though!

Southerner hit the nail on the head in the comments the other day when she said something along the lines of my hormones being out of whack.........boy are they ever!

The pink eye is now in both eyes (I am using antibiotic drops) and both of the eyes get so matted us at night I have to leave a wet washcloth at my bedside to use before I even get out of the bed. My eyes are running (green stuff) and are both so bloodshot.

Then, to top it all off I woke up to a chesty cough, sorethroat, earache, headache, stuffy nose and yucky stuff coming from my head and chest. Lovely! Just lovely!

I am calling the doctor and geting a steroid pack and an antibiotic this morning and I am already taking Mucinex (as of 4am) and Tyneol.

My grand plan of serious potty training and school with a nice schedule has went out the door today. I will play by ear and just do the best I can. The sitter is coming at 3ish so I can do my shopping and all.

Today's Goals:

Feel Better
Get ready
Call doctor
Get the boys meals prepared and them dressed
Do one load of laundry
Entertain and love on my boys
Run dw
Cook supper
Make CVS and grocery list and get coupons together
Make bed



I hope you all have a healthy day and enjoy it to it's fullest! Everyday is a gift from God! Blessings!!!!

November Supper Plan

Here in the south it's supper, not dinner. Usually lunch is called dinner......at least the south I'm from. Anyhow..........here's how's I hope November plans out! Have a great month!


1.cube steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, gravy, biscuits and apple butter
2. boston butt, baked beans, potato salad
3. hamburgers, fries, salad
4. roast, potatoes and carrots, cornbread, stewed cabbage
5.brunswick stew, pasta salad
6. meatloaf, turnip greens, fried potatoes and pinto beans
7. pork enchiladas, refried beans, chips, salsa and cheese dip
8. potato soup, broccoli salad, fresh wheat bread
9. chicken fingers, fried okra, peas and mac and cheese
10. bacon wrapped steaks, cheesy garlic mashed potatoes, salad, rolls
11. ham and cheese omelets, toast, apple butter, fresh fruit
12. chicken patties, sweet potato casserole, broccoli and cheese
13. grilled shrimp salad, fresh wheat bread
14. seven layer salad, chicken wings, garlic cheese bread
15. venison chili, cornbread, whole kernel corn
16.candied pork chops w/ apples, green beans, rice
17.bean soup cooked with ham hock, fresh wheat bread
18. oven baked tilipia, corn on cob, salad, mashed potatoes
19. tater tot casserole
20. cheesy veggie soup, fresh bread
21. chicken and dumplings, fried okra and cream corn
22. bacon cheeseburgers, hm oven fries and carrots w/ dip
23. potato soup, fresh bread
24. chicken fingers, cream corn, peas
25. tuna salad sandwiches (grilled cheese for the boys)
26. chili and rice, corn on cob
27. THANKSGIVING (more on that later)
28. leftovers
29. OUT.......pizza
30. Mexican chili casserole

DESSERTS: fried apple pies, apple cake, brownies, hm peach ice cream, apple dump cake, cupcakes, chocolate oatmeal cookies

What are you having this month?
Share it with us!

Blessings!!!!!!

Whatcha Got In There?

I have had a couple of readers to email and ask what I have in my pantry and freezer. I also had one reader to email and ask what I stockpile. Thank you Ella, Jen and Teri for your questions!

I stockpile everything that we might need if we could not get to the store for weeks or even months. look over the following lists and you will see. The only things that I did not list was health and beauty aides (toiletries), cleaning supplies and over the counter medications. However, I stockpile all of those as well.

I am not going to list all of the extracts, spices and herbs I keep on hand. I know there is over 100 different ones though.

Some of the numbers below is just what I happen to have on hand at the moment. This changes frequently.


PANTRY

7 bottles of various salad dressings

chips, bugels, oatmeal creme pies, granola bars, pretzels

3 jars instant coffee

4 quarts of honey

2 - 1/2 gal. buckets sorghum

5 bottles worchestshire sauce

2 jars mayo

dill relish (store bought)

5 jars peanut butter

12 boxes Cheerios

4 boxes other cereals

ice cream salt

2 boxes graham crackers

3 boxes vanilla wafers

3 boxes Wheat Thins

3 boxes saltines

baked cheddar cracklers

10 #baking mix

50# sugar

20# cornmeal

50# various flour (wheat, all purpose and self rising)

20# various pasta (spaghetti, elbow, penne and rotini)

shortening, cooking spray and oil

pancake syrup

animal crackers

baking soda

1 gal ketchup

1/2 gal. ketchup

2 gal. apple cider vinegar

3 gal. white distilled vinegar

bacon bits

2 bottles lemon juice

4 bottles hot sauce

2 cases bottled water

4 quarts shelf stable milk

6 - 12 pk. sodas

6 - 2L drinks

14 family size boxes tea

40# fresh potates (red and yukon gold)

10# sweet potatoes

various baggies, wraps, foils and disposable pans

napkins, paper plates, plastic utensils

5 boxes kleenex

7 rolls paper towels


WHAT I HAVE CANNED (some last year ...leftover and some this year)

over 200 quarts green beans

100 pints pink eyed purple hull peas

20 qt. tomatoes

20 pt. peach salsa

crabapple jelly

crabapple pickles

blackberry jelly

apple jelly

fig jam

strawberry jam

strawberry fig jam

peach jelly

peach pie filling

peach/pineapple jam

grape jelly

pepper jelly

pepper sauce

pepper pickles

tomaot soup

vegetable soup

pear preserves

apple butter

peach butter

pickled beets

plum jelly

bbq sauce

dill slices

dill spears

bread and butter slices

spaghetti sauce

okra and tomato mix

october beans

crowder peas

squash pickles

squash relish

corn relish

I know i probably fogot some things........this is just from memory.


OTHER FRESH FRUITS AND VEGGIES
20# green tomatoes (for the freezer)

50# apples (for more apple butter)

ripe tomatoes

15# onions

lemons

brocolli

lettuce

cabbage

baby and regualr carotts

Pears

pineapple



CUPBOARDS

8 boxes hb helper

mac and cheese

white, brown and flavored rices

taco seasoning

gravy mix

cornstarch

baking soda

baking powder

baking cocoa

baking chips

soup mixes

confectioner's sugar

5# brown sugar

jello and pudding mixes

cake and brownie mixes

instant potatoes

spaghetti sauce

cranberry sauce

mixed fruit

manwich

canned tomatoes

Ro-Tel

spinach

sweet peas

refried beans

enchilida sauce

pork n beans

various broths

chili beans

20# dried beans

mushrooms

tuna and salmon

chciken noodle soup

tomato paste and sauce

Hormel chili

muffin and cornbread mixes

FREEZER

okra (for frying)

corn on cob

cream corn

blueberries

peaches

strawberries

green tomatoes (for frying)

chopped bell pepper

peas

pecans

strawberry fig jam

apple butterhm peach ice cream

brocolli

spinach

veggie mixes

whole kernal corn

fries, tater tots

waffles and french toast sticks

2 N.Y. strips

fish sticks

18 hb patties

4 pk. turkey dogs

3 pk. cooked hb meat

chicken nuggets

2# ground venison

10 # chicken fingers

chicken patties

chicken wings (4 #)

4 1/2 # spilt chicken breasts

4 # chicken chunks2 pk. bacon

meatloaf and gravy

buffalo shrimp

2 shrimp rings

8 bacon wrapped steaks

1 # salmon

1 # tilapia

1 # meatballs

8 center cut pork chops

FRIDGE

sand. meat

a spiral sliced ham

boston butt

eggs

margaine

cheeses (sliced, blocks and shredded)

milk

oj

YooHoo's

PowerAde

condiments

water

apple juice

canned biscuits

cubed steak

soft drinks

leftovers

I hope this answered your questions and thank you for asking!

What's in your stockpile and cupboards (and everywhere else)?

Blessings!!!!!!

Misery

Misery is when your eye is swollen shut from the green gook that pour forth. I have pink eye and it hurts and it's yucky and really, is this necessary?

A dear family friend and a cousin passed away Thursday night. The viewings (visitations) are both tonight at different funeral homes. I have to go and order flowers this morning and go to the pharmacy to get SOMETHING (anything!) for this eye issue. Hubby is working, so I will have the boys in tow. Then I need to get some food fixed for the families and delivered before lunch.

The sitter will be here at 4pm. I also have a few other things to get done, like cook supper, make some more apple butter (already in crock-pot) and laundry of course (couldn't leave that out!).

I hope you all have a blessed and funfilled Saturday and don't get the pink eye from me! LOL!
This is when you can be glad we are bloggy friends and not neighbors! ;)

Crock-Pot Apple Butter

I made this yesterday. I have always done it on the stove and cooked it for hours while I stir and stir and stir ir. This was much simplier and it tasted so yummy too. I did several batches at once and then froze it. I have one batch left in a crock-pot to finish after the kiddos are in bed tonight. You could can it as well. Just ladle it into hot jars and put a hot flat on the jar. Seal tight with your ring and put in hot water bath.


8 c. apples (peeled, cored and chopped) I prefer Rome and Golden Delicious
4 c. granulated sugar
4t. cinnamon
1/2 t. nutmeg

Put all ingregients in crock. Cook on high for 6 hours. Then reduce heat to low for 12 more hours or so. I then used my hand mixer to get the smooth consistency. Put in freezer cups or jars. Leave 1/2 inch headspace for expansion during freezing (or if you are using the canning directions above, you will still need to do this). Makes 4-5 pints

ENJOY!!!!

Blessings!!!!!