Fresh & Healthy: Lunch Box Meals
1 Cool Kid + 1 Yummy Lunch = 2 Much Fun
The chalk board on the inside of the lunch boxes has been a huge hit with the girls. Most days when they take these lunch boxes to school they cannot wait until lunch time to check out their chalk drawing or message. Every once in awhile the girls will get a special treat in their lunch boxes. Today they got a Lunchable and a variety of vegetables with ranch dip.
Something “special” in the lunch today!
Lunch Box Meal:
- Chicken Nugget Lunchable
- Fresh Banana
- Fresh Carrots
- Fresh Cherry Tomatoes
- Fresh Celery
- Ranch Veggie Dip
- Mozzarella Cheesestick
- Fresh Popcorn
- Chocolate Mint Swirl Marshmallows
- Sunrise Juice Bag
Lunch is packed and ready to go!
The girls love taking their lunches to school. I like that the girls get a few extra minutes at lunch to eat since they take their lunches to school. It is nice having not only their lunch but a snack already packed so they can eat on the way to the after school activities.
Travel & Vacation: Traveling through MySore, India (and a Couple Small Villages)
Sometimes the only home and shelter people had was under a tarp with several other family members.
Earlier this year Jake was in India working for a few weeks and I had the opportunity of traveling over there to meet him. After his final week of work we went to spend some time with his cousin and took a road trip with them. Over the next few weeks I will sharing more snapshots of our time in India. India left a special mark on my heart. It was an amazing experience!
Sign in MySore, India showing the way to the local places – MySore Palace, Zoo, Chamundi Hills, Airport, and MySore City Corporation
Houses in a small village that we passed through, even those these are a step up from a tent shelter it still breaks my heart seeing these homes. Our driver stopped briefly to ask for directions. It was during this brief stop I realized that India has many different dialects even from town to town and even though we were only a short distance from where we were going it took awhile to find someone who knew which direction to point us.
I was really surprised at the amount of trash that littered the sides of the roads in India. Some times you would see piles of trash that with people and animals digging through it to find food, supplies, or items they could use or sell.
Fresh Pineapple anyone….only 5 rupees (approximately 9 cents in US currency). Some of the pineapples I saw were a little smaller then the ones we see in our grocery store but for 9 cents you could get quite a few for the price of one pineapple in the United States.
Can you see the bicycle underneath all the fresh coconuts?! Pretty sure he is going to push that bike because it would be impossible to ride with all the coconuts. Behind the bike you can see coconuts that he has cracked open and the shells laying on the ground. It is very fascinating to watch them break open a coconut, they basically take a huge mashedy knife and chop open the coconut. It’s hard to see with the window glare but the ground all around that area is covered with dry coconut pieces…wonder how expensive it would be to buy “coconut mulch” in the United States?
Guy carrying a mattress on his head. It amazes me the amount of stuff they carry on their heads. You would think their necks would be so stiff.
Cows walking along the side of the road. These are not your typical Kansas grass and corn fed beef cattle. In India there are not always large grassy areas for the cows to graze so it is common to see their ribs. You will often find cattle looking for small patches of grass and occasionally you will see them rummaging through the trash on the side of the road looking for food.
Families from the local village washing their laundry in the river.
After washing all the clothes in the river they lay them out to dry on the rocks.
It was fascinating to see a lot of the countryside of India. We passed through towns and small villages. There was always something interesting to see as we drove through the area. Their fresh fruit looked delicious but I am not sure how much I would like washing my clothes in the river and drying them on the rocks, the wash machine is more efficient. These pictures bring back a lot of memories. I am thankful for the opportunity to see India and already looking forward to the next visit.
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!
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of September 12 – 18, 2012
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. It is a great time to stock up on some Save A Lot deals. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meat and Seafood
Ground Beef – $1.99 lb
Stew Meat – $2.99 lb
Pork Sirloin Roast – $1.69 lb
Boneless Beef Chuck Roast – $2.49 lb
Pork Sirloin Chops – $1.99 lb
Sugardale Jumbo Hotdogs (3 pounds) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Chicken Drums or Thighs – $0.99 lb
*Pick 5 for $19.99 promotion on going! Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts or types of meats, vegetables and more.
Fridge and Freezer
Banquet Frozen Dinner, Assorted Varieties – $0.99
Totino’s Party Pizza (9 – 10 oz) – $1.29
Redi-Serve Chicken Nibblers (30 – 36 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Onion Rings (2 pounds) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Redi-Serve Chicken Strips (36 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Shrimp Poppers (24 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Redi-Serve Charbroiled Rib Patties (26 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Pizza (26 – 28 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Corn Dogs (25 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Redi-Serve Chicken Patties (35 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Seasoned Potato Wedges (2.5 pounds) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Produce
Carrots (1 pound) – $0.39
Celery – $0.59 each
Russet Potatoes (8 pounds) – $2.29
Green Cabbage – $0.25 lb
Sweet Potatoes – $0.39 lb
Apples, Assorted Varieties – $0.99 lb
Household
Save A Lot Today Paper Towels (1 roll) – $0.50
Save A Lot Today Glass Cleaner – $1.00
Save A Lot Today Pine Cleaner – $1.00
Save A Lot Today All Purpose with Bleach Cleaner – $1.00
Save A Lot Today Soap Scum Remover Cleaner – $1.00
Grocery
Save A Lot Toaster Pastries, Assorted Varieties (11 0z) – $0.99
Save A Lot Today Apple Juice Cocktail (64 oz) – $1.49
Save A Lot Today Mash Potatoes (4 oz) – $0.79
Save A Lot Today Buttermilk Complete Pancake Mix (5.5 oz) – $0.49
Save A Lot Today Cereal, Assorted Varieties (7 oz) – $1.00
Westcott Vegetable Oil (48 oz) – $2.69
Sunny Delight (48 oz) – $0.99
Lucky’s Pinto Beans (15 oz) – $0.69
Chase & Sanborn Coffee (23 oz) – $4.99
Ginger Evans Sugar (4 pounds) – $1.99
Save A Lot Soft Drinks, Assorted Varieties (2 liter) – $0.69
Golden Flake Chips, Assorted Varieties (10 oz) – $1.50
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. Please make sure to check with your local Save A Lot store, the ads do vary per region.
Travel & Vacation: Notes on Display
Brina and Karlie hung all their notes from me on the wall outside their door.
Earlier this year I went on a trip and left the girls several notes to read while I was away. They had a note for about every other day that I was away from home. When I came back from my trip they had all their notes hanging next to their bedroom door so they could see and read them often. Writing the little notes to the girls has been a huge help as everyone transitions during our few days apart.
Brina line of notes
Karlie’s notes hanging up on the wall
One of Karlie’s sticky notes on the wall
Brina had a line of sticky notes that I had given her up on the wall too.
It was so cute to see that they treasured all the notes that I had written to them. The wall by their door was covered in cards and sticky notes. I was actually surprised at how many there were. Thankful for the sweet girls that I have been given and I pray that they know how much they mean to me.
Song: “Hiding Place” by Steven Curtis Chapman
With all of the technology outreaches these days (blogging, Facebook, Twitter, etc…) we have a lot of “pieces of ourselves” out on display for people to see and “critique.” Sometimes people make painful comments whether directly or indirectly pointed towards you that hurt.
- Am I perfect….oh no far from it.
- Do I try to do what’s my best for my family……most days.
It is painfully obvious of how far I fall short in so many areas in my life yet:
- Will everyone like you all the time….no.
- Will you make mistakes and say or do stuff that you wish you could take back…..absolutely.
The other day I was digesting some comments made pretty blatantly in my direction. My first emotion was disappointment and before long I was discouraged, but in the middle of my frustration I came across this song “Hiding Place” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Only God knows the true intent of my heart. I believe Satan allows those comments to hit with a hard sting to make us more distracted.
I need to learn to trust in God’s promises for my life. When I mess up He knows and when I do something right He knows that too. That should be all that matters to me. I need to place the value of my worth on Him not on some comment that only brings heartache. Once again He reminds me of the blessing it is to have people who do love, appreciate me, pray alongside me, and are there to pick me up when I fall. Hopefully the next time when I encounter a harsh word and the storm clouds come my way I will run to Him first.
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
There those days you take one step forward and two steps back. I am trying to experiment a little with our dinner menu since we still have one that is not eating eggs, dairy, or peanuts. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree): Crockpot Roast, Fresh Vegetables
- Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Kids in the Kitchen – Hamburgers
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Chicken Taco Casserole, Steamed Vegetables
- Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree): Poor Man’s Pasta, Fresh Fruit
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Our family is getting into the school routine schedule. Jake had a little bit of traveling last week so I had to manage the house, kids, and animals on my own but everyone did great. Thankfully he is back home for quite awhile now. I had half a day last week when my phone, internet, and email decided it wasn’t going to work (which was a mixed blessing) because I was able to get some cleaning and other items tackled around the house. I did well in some areas this week but not so hot in others. Hopefully this week will be a little better because I am falling behind with some of my goals.
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
Read to the girls and have them read to me dailyLunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School ActivitiesGo to the Upper South Carolina State FairWork on items around the house & yard together on Labor Day– got the yard mowed thanks to the help of my sweet brother and some of the garage cleaned outSpend quality time together on Labor Day since everyone is off work and school
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week – didn’t happen this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day – one day I had back to back appointments and forgot to bring a water bottle with me
- 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) – working on it
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – had to split it up into 2 days with the Holiday weekend and spending extra time with my family
Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekPrep for my Fall Organizational SchedulePay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attentionGet caught up on blog items
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Community Group Email
Financial Goals
Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4- Payoff the Van – working on it
- 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.) – 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
- Plan one special Activity with the Family
- Go on a Date Night with my Handsome Man
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
- Start tackling 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.
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.
Book: “The Grasshopper Trap” by Patrick McManus
The girls love it when we have a few extra minutes in the evening to read to them. This past year we started reading more “chapter” books to them, however, sometimes Jake reads to them and other nights I am the one reading to them. We each picked out the book that we are currently reading to the girls. I am reading a horse book but Jake picked out The Grasshopper Trap by Patrick McManus. The nice part about Patrick McManus’s books is each chapter is a short story and they are hilarious. Many times all four of us are laughing at the silliness. It is a great way to wind down, laugh a little, and relax together after a busy day.
This book is also perfect to read on camping trips. A few of the stories the girls really enjoyed were “The Skunk Ladder”, “The Grasshopper Trap”, “The Human Fuel Pump”, and “Mean Tents”. The book we have is the older version with the red cover but the contents are still the same. If you like outdoor adventures and funny short stories this is a great book to check out.
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.
