Loving Life
Dear Lord, Please Put Your Arm Around My Shoulder….
Oh…..this one hits home…..far more often than I want to admit…..ouch!
If I could only could rewind those times I’ve opened my mouth and said something that I instantly or later regretted saying. Please Lord give me wisdom when I speak and to know when I should keep my mouth shut.
Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4
Groceries from Ingles
Now that I am home again and school is in full swing I am trying to do better at posting my weekly grocery update. Thanks for hanging in there with me as I traveled, spent time with my family over summer vacation, and transitioned in the new school schedule. It is nice to get back in to the routine and giving you regular updates (they really do help me stay on target). I was super excited to score some great fresh produce on clearance at Ingles this week (our garden is almost done producing). Here is my weekly update on our Groceries $40 for 4.
Ingles Groceries:
- $16.83 at Ingles for 1 container of Mushrooms (clearance), 1 loaf Laura Lynn Sandwich Bread (sale), 2 packs Vegan Gourmet Cheese (clearance), 1 bag fresh Brussel Sprouts (clearance), 1 bag fresh Broccoli (clearance), 1 gallon Milk (sale), 2 pack Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough (clearance), 1 tray Apple Slices & Cheese (clearance), 1 pack fresh Snow Peas (clearance), 1 pack fresh Sugar Snap Beans (clearance), 1 bag Chipotle Coleslaw (clearance), and 1 bag fresh Cauliflower, Carrots, & Broccoli (clearance). Everything was marked down, on sale, or on clearance including the non-dairy cheese because we have a family member who is not currently eating dairy (all produce was $0.99 or less) at Ingles.
This week I spent $16.83 on groceries. I went under on the budget this week, but only because I had a few weeks that I wasn’t tracking the spending well and went way over! Thankfully we are stocked up on most items so I could save a little from this week to spread out over the rest of the month . I was happy to find some cheese deals and some fresh produce on clearance that should last us for quite awhile especially with the girls taking lunches to school everyday. Hopefully next week we can come under budget and September will be a better month for us!
It is my goal to give you regular updates on this budget section so you can celebrate the good weeks with me and thump me on the bad weeks! As always you are welcomed to join the journey with me. I would love to hear your story and how you are doing too. The purpose of our family doing this it to watch our grocery spending while allowing us to feed our family, enjoy life, share with others, and yet stay on track with our budget.
Living on a Budget is a series of ways our family uses a budget to help keep us accountable with our finances. Life doesn’t always go as planned. We have used some of the ideas I will be sharing for years while others are ones we are just starting to implement as we continue finding ways to be creative and have fun with what we have been given. Having a plan in place allows us the freedom to be smart with what we have been given, get more creative when it is a tight (week, month, year or a season) and when necessary live a much more simplified life. A budget helps us stay on track so we have more opportunities to enjoy the many blessings we have been given as well as share what we have with others. There is so much more to life than having all the stuff. We may not have the newest or greatest items in our house, we drive used cars, and wear hand-me-down clothing…..however, if our family is taken care of and have love for each other and others we have more than all the riches in the world.
Fresh & Healthy: Lunch Box Meals
Karlie and Brina’s lunches all packed and ready to go for school.
With the school year in full bloom we have once again started the lunch box routine. Every evening before going to bed we put together all the lunches for the following day including school and work lunches. After everything is all packed the lunch boxes are put into the refrigerator so in the morning all that we need to do it pull them out, stick in an ice pack, and go. The mornings are busy enough with activity so prepping the night before saves us a lot of time. We try to pack a protein (sandwich / meat), fruit, vegetable, diary (yogurt or cheese stick), drink, and snack in each lunch. Everyday is a little different to add more variety to their lunches.
Fresh plums, garden tomatoes, and other goodies
Lunch Box Meal:
- Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jam Sandwich
- Fresh Red Plums
- Blueberry or Mixed Berry Yogurt Tubes
- Garden Red Cherry Tomatoes
- Ritz Cheese Crackers
- Strawberry Fruit Rollup
- Honey Ham Stick
- Mini M&M’s
- Reduced Sugar Cherry or Pineapple Juice
The cupcake sandwich container and princess baggie add a little more excitement to the lunch.
While it may look like a lot of food the items packed in their lunch boxes have to get them through the majority of the day including school lunch and an afternoon snack. We have activities after school every day of the week so whatever they don’t eat for lunch they will eat as a snack on the way to the activity for the day. Since we have started doing the school lunch boxes they have had more energy because they are eating a more balanced meal and snack plus we know exactly what they are eating. Do you pack lunches everyday for your kids? How do you keep it exciting for them?
Travel & Vacation: Traveling to Orange County Kabini, India
Our fancy ride in the “Scooby Doo Mobile” arrived early to pick us up. It only took us a few minutes to load up our bags before blasting off to Kabini! We made a 7 hour trip from Bangalore to Orange County Kabini with Jake’s cousin Matt and his family. It was a fun adventure traveling together. We were able to see a lot of the countryside of India which both shocked and amazed me. Makes me appreciate the many blessings in my life.
Rachel all ready for the road trip, wearing her panda bear just in case she decides to sleep.
Sweet Erica!
The reason why we couldn’t watch a DVD was because it was the WRONG REGION! The funny thing is we had a DVD from India and it still wouldn’t play, but the driver’s pirated version played fine.
There’s even a McDonalds on the way to Orange County
A lot of trucks full sand
We listened to the drivers music on the way to Orange County
Rickshaw full of people and a donkey pulling a cart…..always something interesting on the streets of India.
Traveling on the roads with the livestock.
Homes in India
Not only are there people hanging off the bus it might be a little off balance!
Beautiful church
Wagon full goods going down the street
Laundry hanging out to dry. You see a lot of colorful laundry drying on lines as you go through small villages.
Leading his cattle down the road
Small village, notice the tent homes in the front. You see these often along the sides of the roads in India.
A home made out of tarp and various items on the side of the road. Sad to think that this is the only home people may have.
Traveling through the countryside of India. Love the thatch roofs.
I saw a lot of really amazing sights while trying through India, however, I also saw things that brought tears to my eyes. So many people…some who are living in small tents with dirt floors. It makes me realize how blessed I really am. I have so much to be thankful for in my life yet often I find myself being selfish and ungrateful. Most of the people we met along the were extremely kind, generous, and hospitable. I don’t know if I will ever be the same after traveling through the country of India. Most of these pictures were taken through the van window so I apologize for some of the glares. I hope that some day I will get another opportunity to visit India, it was an experience that I will never forget.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Little Notes of Love
Hidden I love you notes on the DVD shelf
I love my girls to pieces…..and then a little more. It is important to me that they know how much they are loved and treasured. One of the ways I spread the love is by writing surprise notes for them. When I go on a trip or at random times throughout the week I put a note someplace that they will be sure to see. It is worth investing a little extra time each week to show my family that I am thinking about them. Several of these notes were from a trip I took earlier this year. Here are a few other little notes of love I have shared with my kids. Although most of the notes are simple they have a huge positive ripple effect on my kids making it worth every second I spend doing it.
Love note to my girls.
This particular note is posted on the hallway wall outside their bedroom door.
Little Love Note to Karlie on the inside of her new notebook
Brina’s Little Love Note on her new notebook
Just in case she forgot this was on the wall next to her bed!
Note to Brina posted right next to her bed!
Little Love Note written on the inside of a white box and sat on the ping pong table (with a little treat for each kid.)
There are those days when we all could use a bear hug! When “Mom’s” not there to give a hug a sister is a great substitute! This sign was posted on their bedroom door.
Song: “Rest in the Hope” by Karyn Williams
Recently I heard another one of Karyn’s songs but when I went to look it up I came across this one. It was perfect the one for me to listen to at the time. These last few months have been a whirlwind. So many specific situations and people have been on my heart and mind. I have so many things to be grateful for in my life yet when a stressful situation arises often I find myself trying to fix and manipulate the circumstances rather than resting in the Lord. He put me on this earth with these specific challenges for a reason and I pray that I will bring glory to Him through each situation because when I rely on my knowledge and strength I end up making everything a bigger mess. I am thankful that He is the “truth that never changes”.
You are the truth that never changes
You are the love that came to save us I am Yours
Even through all my fear and sorrow
Facing a new unknown tomorrow I am sure
That I’m gonna rest in the hope that I’m YoursI’ve spent so much time looking for You
When You were here all along
Reaching for me to carry me through
Even when I would fall
You were waiting patiently
For me to find the faith to just believeIntentional Living: Weekly Goals
The girls did great on their first full week of school. Everyone is doing well but still adjusting to the school schedule (Mom included). On top for all the school fun we had doctor appointments, after school activities, and surgery keeping us busy this past week. The good news is we have today off of school and work to catch up on items around the house and to spend some extra time together as a family.
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
Read regularly to the girls and have them read to meGreenville Drive Baseball Game with Family– the girls earned their tickets from the library by reading books this summerDaily School Activities & Homework Completed– homework is more time consuming with them being in different classes but we managed it pretty well this week.Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDoctor AppointmentsAfter School ActivitiesENT Surgery & Recovery
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week – didn’t stay on top of this one
- Finish reading Our Boys by Joe Drape – I started this one a couple years ago and never finished so starting over. It’s about the Smith Center, Kansas football team (it has been interesting reading the book so far because I know some of the people in it since my parents live near Smith Center) – I started it again! 🙂
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Prep for my Fall Organizational Schedule – hoping to get to this next week
Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Get caught up on blog items – getting started
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Alms & Legs Team Meeting Notes
Financial Goals
Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4– only got a few items this week- Payoff the Van – working on it
My goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Attend After School Activities
- Go to the Upper South Carolina State Fair
- Work on items around the house & yard together on Labor Day
- Spend quality time together on Labor Day since everyone is off work and school
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Finish reading Our Boys by Joe Drape – I started this one a couple years ago and never finished so starting over. It’s about the Smith Center, Kansas football team (it has been interesting reading the book so far because I know some of the people in it since my parents live near Smith Center)
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Prep for my Fall Organizational Schedule
- Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Get caught up on blog items
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Payoff the Van
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
What You Do Speaks So Loud……
Book – “Charleston, SC: Cool Stuff Every Kid Should Know” by Kate Boehm Jerome
On our last trip to Charleston, South Carolina we picked up a fun book to read with the kids during our stay called Charleston, SC: Cool Stuff Every Kid Should Know by Kate Boehm Jerome. The book is short, sweet, and entertaining. The first section of the book is on Charleston, but the rest of the book talks about the state of South Carolina. We enjoyed it because it highlighted one of our favorite places to visit Charleston and it gave even more details about our state. The only drawback is if you are looking for a book only on Charleston this has parts that cover other areas of South Carolina as well. The book is only 30 pages long but it does have some neat tidbits about Charleston and South Carolina with colorful pictures.
Another awesome book that I highly recommend on Charleston is the Very Charleston: A Celebration of History, Culture, and Lowcountry Charm by Diana Hollingsworth Gessler.
Travel & Vacation: Little Gifts of Love (part 2)
A package of candy buttons for each girl hanging up on the towel rack
Two Cabbage Patch Kids Books
I left two Cabbage Patch books standing up on our dresser for the kids to find. The note says:
Be good!
Have Fun!
Obey Grandma!
I love you so very much!
Love,
Mom
Writing books for the kids
On the computer desk I left two writing books so the girls could take the time to practice writing their letters neater. The note read:
Brina (or Karlie) – Work on your letters! Love you, Mommy
Two surprise books waiting for the girls in the storage room
In the storage room I left two books for the girls to read:
- I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt
- I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas
Note reads: Brina and Karlie, These books are to remind you that your Dad & I love you very much. We look forward to seeing you soon. Love, Mom
Heart and flower shaped marshmallows
I left the girls a package of pink and white hearts and flower marshmallows. They loved eating these delicious treats.
A couple new books for the kids
Note reads: Brina Bee! have fun and enjoy your time with Grandma! Look out for Karlie, Skipper, Shipwreck and OverBoard! – Mom (Karlie had one as well but it fell off the book.)
I Wonder Why Books little gifts for the girls
Note reads: Karlie & Brina, I saw these books and thought of you. Hope you learn lots and do well in school! Hugs and Kisses coming your way. – Mom
Left these books for the girls. They love them and enjoy learning about various facts. Books are one of the girls favorite goodies!
