Intentional Living

  • 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 Yours

    I’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 believe

  • Intentional 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

    1. Read regularly to the girls and have them read to me
    2. Greenville Drive Baseball Game with Family – the girls earned their tickets from the library by reading books this summer
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed – homework is more time consuming with them being in different classes but we managed it pretty well this week.
    4. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    5. Doctor Appointments
    6. After School Activities
    7. ENT Surgery & Recovery

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week – didn’t stay on top of this one
    2. 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

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Prep for my Fall Organizational Schedule – hoping to get to this next week
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Get caught up on blog items – getting started

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out  Alms & Legs Team Meeting Notes

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – only got a few items this week
    2. Payoff the Van – working on it

    My goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Go to the Upper South Carolina State Fair
    6. Work on items around the house & yard together on Labor Day
    7. Spend quality time together on Labor Day since everyone is off work and school

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. 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

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Prep for my Fall Organizational Schedule
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Get caught up on blog items

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out  Community Group Email

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van
    3. 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.

  • I Love You Sweet Girls!

    I love you Brina & Karlie

    Before I traveled to India earlier this year I left a few goodies for the girls including this sign.  They were so excited to see this sign hanging up when they came home from school that day.  They treasured it so much that the sign is still in their room!

    This is a great reminder of how doing something simple like a spray painting a poster board can mean the world to our kids.  It is important to tell our kids that we love them in various ways including writing it down for them to read and showing them by our actions.  How have you shown your kids love today?

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

     This past week the girls started school again and yes Mommy shed a few tears.  I had a blast with the girls this summer, it went by too fast (my babies are growing up).  They both were excited about starting school and had a great first week.  I was able to go on a “big” girls weekend away trip to hear Beth Moore speak in Charleston.  Thankful for the opportunity to get away with friends and be refreshed spiritually.  Thank you Jake for watching the girls while I was away this weekend, your the best.

    Last week’s goals:

    Family Goals

    1. Read regularly to the girls and have them read to me
    2. Participate in at least 2 fun Summer Activities with the Kids – we squeezed in a couple more before school began
    3. Girls Packed and Ready to Start School on Tuesday
    4. Get into the School Routine – its started but not sure if we are completely adjusted yet, ha

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Attend a Beth Moore Conference with friends – great weekend trip!

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu & Schedule planned out for the week – got it planned out but had a make a couple alterations during the week
    3. Prep for my Fall Organizational Schedule – it was a crazy busy week didn’t get it done
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Prep for upcoming Alms & Legs Meeting

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – went over budget as I stocked up on school lunch food
    2. Emergency Fund – save 6 months worth of living expenses – on hold
    3. Car Fund – save money for another vehicle to replace the one that was totaled – we found a car! WooHoo!!!!
    4. College Fund – put cash aside for 1 year of Jake’s College Classes – on hold temporarily

    My goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Read regularly to the girls and have them read to me
    2. Greenville Drive Baseball Game with Family
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    5. Doctor Appointments
    6. After School Activities
    7. ENT Surgery & Recovery

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. 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

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Prep for my Fall Organizational Schedule
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Get caught up on blog items

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out  Alms & Legs Team Meeting Notes

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van

    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.

  • First Day of School 2012

    Karlie and Brina ready for their first day of school 2012

    How is it possible that school is already starting again?!  It seems like summer vacation just started and in a blink of my eye it is now gone.  The girls started school this Tuesday.  They were sad to say goodbye to summer and all the fun adventures that we had together but at the same time they were excited to start school again too.

    They each picked out their own backpacks, school supplies, and clothes that they wanted to wear on the first day of school.  This is the first year that they have separate teachers.  So far they have been thrilled with having different classrooms.  It has been more work for Mom and Dad because even though they are in the same grade the teacher policies, homework, and many other activities are different.

     

    Karlie’s all ready to go!

    Brina is ready for me to finish taking pictures so she can go to school!

    I am praying that this school year is an amazing time of growth for both of the girls.  It is hard to see my baby girls growing up so quickly.  They are an amazing blessing in my life and I love them dearly.   I look forward to seeing all the awesome things they will learn this year!