Family
Song: “You Love Me Anyway” by Sidewalk Prophets
“You Love Me Anyway” is an encouraging song because nothing I do is good enough to earn salvation yet He chooses to love me despite all the mistakes I make . My attempts to do well are a far cry from perfection and some days I fail more then succeed at following Him. The following phrases of the song really stood out to me:
I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas’ kiss
But You love me anywayMagazine: “Family Fun” Magazine
We have been receiving the “Family Fun” Magazine for awhile now and love it! The girls have enjoyed picking out a variety of crafts and fun activities from the magazines. Each issue contains information and “how-to” demonstrations on crafts, recipes, activities, parties, family friendly articles and much more. If you are looking for a great family magazine packed full of ideas for the kids check this one out.
Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4
We had a blast with all our guests and are now back to a more normal routine. This is the last week the before the girls go back to school so we are trying to make it a fun week for them. Here is my weekly update on our Groceries $40 for 4.
Groceries from Ingles and BiLo Ingles Groceries:
- $11.40 at Ingles for 3 containers of Organic Strawberries, 1 bag of sliced Apples, 1 head of Broccoflower, 1 bag of Bananas, 2 containers of Seafood Dip, and 1 bottle Lemon Juice (all the items were marked down on clearance or on sale except for the Lemon Juice which I was restocking)
BiLo Groceries:
- $5.00 at BiLo for 2 gallons of Milk (They had a Bonus Card Coupon for milk where you could by 2 gallons for $5.00 making them $2.50 each, which is a great deal around our area. I had to watch the prices because my Bonus Card Coupons didn’t work so make sure to stay on top of those coupons until they work out the kinks. I brought a reusable bag but they didn’t take it off so I was unable to get a 5 cent discount at BiLo).
There were several items (Curry, Naan, and a variety of other things) that I or my husband picked up while we had guests staying with us that I did not have a chance to get a picture of over the weekend. Based on the cash remaining in the grocery budget I believe it totaled just over $21 so I am adding that amount to total this week even though it is not itemized or part of a picture (sorry, with house guests and entertaining several days we have to make exceptions in some areas).
This week I spent $37.40 on groceries. Even though I was only a little under on my budgeted amount for the week I was able to fed between 9 to 15 people 3 meals a day for several days. I was thrilled to have my parents, grandparents, brother staying with us and a number of additional family and friends visiting throughout the week. I hope that next week is an even better week and we can come under budget for the week.
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.
Family Recipe: Never Fail Flaky Pie Crust
Many years ago my Great Aunt Naomi gave me this recipe for her “Never Fail Flaky Pie Crust”. It has been a great flaky pie crust recipe that is easy to make. I have made this pie crust multiple recipes over the years for a variety of pies. As the fall season approaches and we prepare to make delicious pies from fresh picked berries, apples and other great fruits this pie crust will come in handy.
Never Fail Flaky Pie Crust:
- 3 cups Flour
- 1 cup Shortening
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 Egg, well beaten
- 5 tablespoon Water
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
Mix flour, shortening, salt with pastry blender. Combine egg, water, and vinegar then combine with flour mixture. Mold into 4 balls chill awhile then roll out for pie. Balls will keep up to 2 weeks in refrigerator for additional pies. Yields: 2 double pie crusts
If you want to just do enough for 1 complete pie crust (top and bottom) cut the recipe in half.
Photo by Joe Beone
Free Audio Book: “Prayers: A Personal Selection” by Michael York
FREE Audio Book Download
For the month of September Christian Audio is offering a free download of their audio book . This month the audio book is “Prayers: A Personal Selection“ chosen and narrated by Michael York. Michael has chosen a variety of popular Christian prayers to be part of this audio book. If you have been wanting to listen to prayers during your devotionals or while driving then this is a great opportunity to listen to the book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in September. Make sure to submit your order by August 31, 2011 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!
Giveaway: $10 Walmart Gift Card
I am doing another giveaway on Blessings Multiplied!!! The winner of this giveaway will receive a $10 Walmart Gift Card! As a Mom of twin daughters I am always looking for ways to save a little extra when buying groceries, school items, household supplies and more for the family.
- Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied.
- You can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing one of your favorite supplies you like to get at Walmart!
All comments must be made by September 30th at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing. On September 30th, I will randomly draw a winner from those who have entered the giveaway.
Summer Activities – A Hammock Full of Memories
Swinging and relaxing for a few minutes in the Hammock! A few months ago for Mother’s Day Jake gave me a hammock! It wasn’t until this Summer that I realized how much the gift meant to me. As a family we have spent some wonderful time together talking, laughing, reading, and just relaxing together in the hammock. Jake hung the hammock in the shady part of our yard near the jungle gym, swimming pool, and where I can see the majority of the yard, house and driveway.
Karlie hanging out with us on the hammock! Once Karlie was done swimming she ran inside the house to change so she could have some relaxing time on the hammock with Mom and Dad. I cannot count the number of times she has fallen asleep on the hammock as we enjoy time together.
Brina loving the extra time talking and relaxing with Mom, Dad and Karlie. The girls love getting a chance to swing on the hammock with Mom and Dad. They have a blast talking about anything and everything. It is a great location to have some heart to heart as well as reminisce about all the fun memories we have together as a family.
Skipper, our faithful guard dog while the family enjoys time on the hammock. After Skipper has made a complete loop around the entire property she will settle down at a spot right next to the hammock. She occasionally will look at us but for the most part she is checking out all the activity in the woods and creek area. Although she has never been on the hammock she seems to enjoy it when the entire family is outside nearby.
A moment of rest. Every once in awhile when we are on the hammock the girls will fall asleep. It is such a great place to spend a few moments together. Life has a way of getting so busy that we need some time to stop, focus on each family member, enjoy being outside and relax.
A peaceful view of nature! This is the view looking up from the hammock. You can enjoy the beautiful trees, baby blue sky, and white puffy clouds floating by. Just looking up and watching the leaves rustle in the breeze and the clouds drifting by makes the time relaxing even better.
I have gone out many times over the last few months to relax, read, think, pray, do my devotions, write, brain storm, or hang out with Jake and / or the girls. I am thankful for a thoughtful husband who gave me a gift that not only helps me relax but to slow down and enjoy a few precious moments with him and the girls. Our hammock is so much more then just a hammock it is full of relaxing moments sharing memories together as a family. Sometimes it is the simple things in life that make the most treasured memories for our children. I am already looking forward to watching the leaves change colors as we move closer to the Fall season.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of August 31 – September 6, 2011
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. You do not need any coupons to get the Save A Lot Today prices. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Sugardale Shank Portion Bone In Ham – $1.29 per lb
Pork Country Style Ribs – $2.99 per lb
Fresh Split Chicken Breast – $0.99 per lb
Beef Country Style Ribs – $3.99 per lb
Sugardale Super Dogs (5 lbs) – $4.99
Ground Beef (3 lbs or 5 lbs) – $1.99 per lb
Sugardale Bone In Center Sliced Ham – $2.99 per lb
Sugardale Sliced Bacon – $1.99
Farmington Roll Pork Sausage – $1.99
Holten Quarter Pound Beef Patties (2 lbs) – $3.99
Schooner Cod, Pollock, Tilapia Fillets – $2.99
Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).
Fridge and Freezer
Fast Fixin Breaded Chicken (31 to 43 oz) – $3.99
Tombstone Pizza – $2.50
Use $1.00/1 coupon from insert 8/14 Smart Source (Expires 9/17/11)
Use $1.50/3 printable coupon from Nestle Family
As low as $1.50 each after couponTotino’s Pizza Roll (40 count / 19.8 oz) – $2.50
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
Use $0.40/2 printable coupon from Coupon Web
Use $0.40/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
Use $0.60/3 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
As low as $2.00 each after couponSnack-A-Tizers Pepperoni Pizza Bagels – $4.99
Peak’s Pick Orange Juice – $3.99
Morning Delight Sausage Breakfast Bowl – $1.99
Mantia’s Deep Dish Mini Pizza’s – $3.99
White Castle Cheeseburgers – $3.99
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/28 Smart Source (Expires 11/26/11)
$3.49 each after couponWylwood Mixed Vegetables – $1.19
Wylwood Potato Puffs – $1.89
Produce
Red, White or Black Grapes – $0.99 per lb
Peaches, Plums or Nectarines – $0.99 per lb
Tomatoes (6 pack) – $1.99
Ginger Gold 0r Paula Red Apples (3 lbs) – $2.49
Household
Wrightware Foam Plates – $1.19
Luster Facial Tissue (160 count) – $0.99
Grocery
Malt-O-Meal Cereal (Coco Dyno Bites or Frosted Flakes) – $1.88
Use $1.00/3 printable coupon from Malt-O-Meal
$1.50 each after couponMaxwell House Wake Up Roast Coffee (11.5 oz) – $2.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon booklet from Kraft Food & Family (found at Food Lion & BiLo) Expires 12/31/11
$1.99 each after couponSo Cheezy Family Size Shells & Cheddar (24 oz) – $1.99
Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail (64 oz) – $1.88
Campbell’s Chunky Soup – $1.50
Use $1.00/4 coupon from insert 8/14 Smart Source (Expires 9/25/11)
Use $0.50/4 coupon from insert 8/14 Smart Source (Expires 9/25/11)
As low as $1.25 each after couponMaruchan Ramon Noodle Cups – $1.88
Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce – $0.99
Hunt’s Snack Pack Pudding Cups – $0.99
Long Grain White Rice – $1.69
Wescott Canola Cooking Spray – $1.49
Ginger Evans Deluxe Fudge Brownies – $1.49
J Higgs Potato Chips – $1.19
J Higgs Microwave Popcorn – $1.79
LeCour’s Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies – $2.39
J Higgs Oyster Crackers – $1.19
Morning Delight Buttermilk Pancake Mix – $1.59
Morning Delight Syrup – $1.49
McDaniel’s Enhance Coffee Creamer – $1.69
Morning Delight Toaster Pastriess – $1.89
Mountain Holler Avalanche Soda – $0.75
Splash Out Juice Drink Boxes (8 Pack) – $1.49
Ginger Evans Chocolate Chip Cookie Muffin Mix – $0.79
Spam (12 oz) – $2.49
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats – $2.19
Use $0.50/1 coupon from tearpad (Expires 12/31/11) (May be doubled up to $1.00 at some stores)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 8/7 Red Plum (Expires 10/2/11)
As low as $1.19 each after couponLittle Hug Assorted Fruit Drinks (160 oz) – $2.99
Baby
Being Well Baby Tickles Diapers (Size 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6) – $5.99
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.
For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.
Summer Activities: Cleaning the Pool
The girls have a blast “helping” Jake clean out the pool. I am not sure how they can stand the ice cold water but they enjoy splashing around as the pool is cleaned and refilled. It has been fun having a small pool for the girls to play in at home. Here are some of the pictures from our last pool cleaning process:
Brina getting ready to spray Daddy as he is cleaning the pool while Karlie is jumping over the hose! Karlie thought it was so cool to jump over the hose during the cleaning process while Brina got a kick out of spraying Daddy when he wasn’t looking her way.
Lounging in the pool as it fills up. Aw…..what a great life it is having the opportunity to relax in the pool as it fills. They were laying there like this chatting back and forth about summer, trips, and life in general. I enjoy seeing them relax and have fun together.
You never know what friends you'll find while cleaning out the pool. Karlie spotted this eight legged spider in the pool as we were cleaning it out and filling it up. A black widow spider is not the type of friend I like to swim around with in the pool. Thankful he was discovered right away when we are cleaning out!
I am truly thankful for the time I was able to spend at home with my girls. It is a blessing to have many memories of our summer together. The summer has been packed full of travel, crafts, parks, picnics, and many other great adventures. I am treasuring the last few days we have together before school starts again (only a few days left)!
Book: “Who Do You Love?” by Margaret Wang
Several years ago my parents gave the girls Who Do You Love? by Margaret Wang and they still love it. I have read the book to them many times and now they can read it on their own. The book is encouraging for the kids because it goes through the variety of people in their lives that love them. This is a terrific book especially for younger kids as they are learning about the family members, (including siblings, parents, and grandparents). When the girls were little after reading the book we would talk about their grandparents and share memories. It is now great seeing them read it together and share memories with each other.
