Book: “Bob Books Sight Words Collection” by Bobby Lynn Maslen
My parents gave the girls this set of books “Bob Books Sight Words Collection – Kindergarten and First Grade” by Bobby Lynn Maslen when they were just starting to read. What I really enjoyed about these books is that they were “simple” from the words to the pictures. The words were easy for them to sound out as they were beginning to read and the pictures were captivating enough to get their attention but were not so amazing that they couldn’t focus on the words. As the girls were learning to read it was great pulling out the books and having them read because they were so excited to read a big book all by themselves. This set of books are for Kindergarten and First Grade. The first few books are pretty easy and gradually get harder as they go through them. I think our girls have gone through them several times now. If you have a child who is just learning how to read these books are short, easy, and give them a quick reading accomplishment victory.
Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4
It was a fun week with the whole family home, traveling is fun but sometimes it is just as nice to have everyone home for a week too. Our family has been going through more milk lately so you’ll notice an increase in my milk purchases this week. Here is my weekly update on our Groceries $40 for 4.
Groceries from Ingles and CVS Ingles Groceries:
- $13.21 at Ingles for 1 bag Laura Lynn Bread, 1 jar Skippy Peanut Butter, 1 package Flour Tortillas, 1 container Vanilla Yogurt, 1 container Fresh Shrimp, 1 bag Oranges, 1 bag Bananas, 1 bag Potatoes, 1 head Cauliflower, and 1 container Lettuce. (Everything I bought this week at Ingles was on sale, marked down, or on clearance including the produce, seafood and diary!)
CVS Groceries:
- $18.17 at CVS for 2 A&W Rootbeer (12 packs), 1 Sunkist (12 pack), 1 bag Candy Corn, 1 Mountain Dew (2 liter) and 4 cans Progresso Chicken Noodle Soup (I received $10.00 in ECB’s back on this purchase so if you count that into the savings it is like I paid $8.17 for everything purchased. The ECB’s I received were $1.00 on the Candy Corn making it free, $3.00 on the 12 packs making them $2.67 each, $1.00 on the Progresso Soup making them $1.00 each, and $5.00 for Beauty Club Reward. I have not bought soda for several months because we are trying to cut back on how much we drink it in our house, however, we do host family, friends, Community Group and other activities in our home so when we see a good sale we buy a few to stock up on them.
Groceries from Save A Lot | RiteAid Save A Lot| RiteAid Groceries:
- $7.88 at Save A Lot | RiteAid for 2 gallons of milk and 1 half gallon of milk on clearance. (We go through a lot more milk now that the girls are a little older, Save A Lot had the best price I could find for milk this week!)
This week I spent $39.26 on groceries. Even though I was barely under on my budgeted amount for the week I was able to stock up on several items. I hope that next week is an even better week and we can come under budget. Thankful for an opportunity to stock up on several items even though I was cutting it really close this week again!
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: Mom’s Baked Steak
Layered and ready to go in the oven for our Baked Steak dinner! A few weeks ago Jake asked me if I could make my “Mom’s Baked Steak” recipe for dinner. Unfortunately I couldn’t find her recipe. She was at a conference that day and was unable to call me until later so we pulled one from online that seemed similar, it was good but not like Moms. I wrote it down this time so the next time I pick up Cube Steak I can make it for him without scrambling around trying to get the recipe! It is a great Fall / Winter Recipe because it cooks for awhile. She does it from memory so it was fun putting together the recipe.
Mom’s Baked Steak:
- 1 pound of Cube Steaks (about 4)
- 1 cup Flour
- Dash of Salt
- Dash of Pepper
- 1 to 3 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom
- 1 can Mushrooms or slice Fresh Mushrooms (optional)
1. Put half a can of the Cream of Mushroom and Mushrooms on the bottom of a 9 x 13 pyrex dish.
2. Put Olive Oil in a pan heat on medium heat. Mix the flour with a dash of salt and pepper. Coat both side of the Cube Steaks with the flour mixture and place in oil for about 30 seconds on each side. (The point is to sear the juices into the cube steak not to cook it).
3. Place the seared Cube Steaks on top of the cream of mushroom sauce in the pyrex. Add the remaining can of Cream of Mushroom and Mushrooms on top of the cube steaks.
4. Cover and Bake at 350 for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the steaks are tender.
Mom’s Baked Steaks make a great meal for a cooler day! Plus you can have a delicious steak with a less expensive cut of meat. If you want a more hearty meal you can add rice.
Raising Twins: Multiples Party at Shipwreck Cove
As I was going back through some of the pictures the last several months I realized I never posted anything about this great event (better late than never right!?). I have the privilege of being a part of the Upstate Mother’s of Multiples Club. It is a great group of Moms and families that have been supportive from the days when I was on bedrest and beyond. Once a season we get together with the families (Moms, Dads, and all the kids) and enjoy some fun activities. Here is a little taste of our adventure at Shipwreck Cove in Duncan, South Carolina:
Karlie ready to go down the slide. The girls love pools, water parks, and the beach (really anything with water, including splashing around in the tub). They had a blast swimming, sliding and tubing at Shipwreck Cove.
Mommy had a blast too! Honestly I am not sure had more fun….the little kids or the big kids! I enjoyed the many trips down the big slides, catching up with friends, floating along on the lazy river and swimming just as much as the girls did.
View from the top of the big slides (part of Shipwreck Cove Waterpark). When we first arrived at the water park it was pretty quiet other than our groups munchkins running and swimming around. As the day got later more people arrived, but we still had a blast.
Karlie going down the big slide all by herself. So proud of the girls for going down the big kid slides. I had a mixture of excitement and sadness to see how much they had grown up over the last few years. It was a wonderful day of memories for the whole family.
Brina going down the red slide again. Glad to see them having a blast at the water park! Brina’s favorite slide was the big red one that was open at the top, but she did try both slides.
Karlie getting sprayed by a water canon while floating on the lazy river. Karlie thought it was hilarious when she got sprayed by the canons as she was floating by. We went around the lazy river several times that day.
Brina waiting to go down the slide. This slide was on the “palm tree island” and a favorite to play on in between going down the big slides and floating along on the lazy river.
Karlie waiting for another turn on the big slides. The slides were a HUGE hit with Karlie girl! She didn’t mind standing in line to go down the slides again and again and again and again.
Brina enjoying the water jets. The water park was really nice. It did surprise us to find out the that water was “salt” water not fresh water.
Having fun in the water. Brina enjoying her time at the water park.
Pausing for a moment to let me take a picture. Glad for those quick pauses to take pictures.
Thankful for a great time playing with my family!
Heart Reflections: Gifts from Above
A few weeks ago I was speaking to a friend who received a gift anonymously. As we were talking I mentioned to her that we have been recipients of such gifts in our lives as well. I can think of several times God used someone in our lives to deliver special gift from above. During those times I had been praying for something specific and it came through a completely mysterious giver.
A desire to show appreciation.
After receiving the gift I would often find myself racking my brain thinking…..who could have given such an amazing gift? Did they know that I have been praying specifically about this particular item? Most of the times I never even shared the need with anyone other than God. In these situations I often find myself really wanting to know who it was that delivered the gift so I could say thank you in person or write a thank you note to them. I want to express my deep gratitude for what they did and the impact they made on my life. However, it is during those times that I realize that they don’t want me to know who it was because they didn’t do it for their glory or praise, they did it for God’s glory. It provides an opportunity for me to give God ALL the glory because only He could have instrumented such an amazing answer to my prayer. He really does hear our prayers. Whether you are going through a financial, physical, emotional time or other need, he hears and cares for you.
Directing my praise to the one who holds my life in his hands.
What do you do when you receive an mysterious answer to your prayer? Give all the thanks and credit to God. He worked through another person to directly answer your prayer. Glory in the goodness and blessings he continually bestows on us even in the midst of a difficult situation. We don’t deserve anything yet he longs for us to have a personal and ongoing relationship with him. Pray for that person who was used by God to meet your need at the time. You may never know who it was on this side of heaven but there may come a time when they have a need that God allows you to help answer.
What am I doing to help others?
On the flip side of the coin how often to I get those nudges from God to help someone or call or write or do something completely anonymous but don’t follow through with it. God can use you and me to deliver these amazing gifts to others. The gifts come in all shapes, sizes and varieties from an encouraging note, listening, phone calls, financial, physical help, and so much more (there really is no limit to the width and depth of these gifts). We may not know what is going on in their hearts and lives. They may be asking God for something specific or need to hear a word of encouragement and he gives you the opportunity to deliver His gift to them. I cannot tell you how large of a blessing and encouragement these gifts from God are to people. When you have a nudge or feel called to do something for someone take a moment and do it. You may be a tremendous blessing to a specific need that they have in their lives.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:3-4
Photo by JD Hancock
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of October 26 – November 1, 2011
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. Save-A-Lot is continuing their 10 for $10 sale so if you haven’t already go ahead and stock up on these products. You can mix and match any number of the 10 for $10 items and you are not required to buy 10 items in order to get the products for $1. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Chicken Drums or Thighs – $0.88 per lb
Fresh Chicken Wings – $1.49 per lb
Pork Chops – $2.79 per lb
Ground Chuck – $2.49 per lb
Primo Brats & Italian Sausage (19 oz) – $2.99
Sugardale Sausage Links, Smoked & Polish (3 pounds) – $3.99
Eckrich Franks (16 oz) – $1.00
Butterball Turkey Bacon (6 oz) – $1.00
Ocean Market Fish Fillets (4 oz) – $1.00
Gwaltney Rolled Sausage (12 oz) – $1.00
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
Take & Bake Pepperoni or Supreme Pizza (33 to 36 oz) – $5.99
Take & Bake Cheese Pizza (33 oz) – $5.49
Shaner’s Chicken Wings, Spicy or Honey BBQ (16 oz) – $2.99
Dairy Fresh Aerosol Whipped Topping (7 oz) – $1.00
Parkway Quarters Margarine (16 oz) – $1.00
Eckrich Bologna (16 oz) – $1.00
Budding Deli Cut Lunch Meat (3 to 4 oz) – $1.00
Fisher Boy Fish Sticks (6 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Fisher Boy
$0.25 each after couponOscar Mayer Lunchables – $1.00
Use $0.55/1 coupon from tearpad found in stores
$0.45 each after couponHormel Sandwich Sliced Pepperoni (3.5 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.55/2 printable coupon from Hormel
$0.73 each after couponSchooner Imitation Crab (8 oz) – $1.00
Tony’s Crispy Crust Pizza (Pepperoni or Supreme) – $1.00
Pillsbury Grands Flakey or Buttermilk Biscuits (16.3 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
Use $0.30/1 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mills (Expires 12/3/11)
Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
Use $0.40/2 coupon from insert 10/2 Smart Source (Expires 12/24/11)
Use $0.30/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
Use $0.30/2 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mills (Expires 12/3/11)
Use $0.40/3 coupon from insert 10/2 Smart Source (Expires 12/24/11)
As low as $0.67 each after couponBanquet Brown & Serve Sausage (6.4 oz) – $1.00
Tropicana Fruit or Berry Punch (64 oz) – $1.00
Mr. P’s Pepperoni Pizza Bites (9 oz) – $1.00
Banquet Dinners (4 to 10 oz) – $1.00
Produce
Avocados – $1.00
3 Pack Peppers – $1.00
Dole Salad Mix (12 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.50/2 coupon from Blinkie found in stores (Expires 10/31/11)
$0.25 each after couponGreen Cabbage – $0.39 per lb
Red or Green Grapes – $1.29 per lb
Gala or Fuji Apples (3 pounds) – $1.99
Caramel and Candy Apples – $1.00
Household
Pert Bath Tissue (24 rolls) – $4.99
Save A Lot Today Paper Towels (8 count) – $3.99
Triumph Quilted Paper Towels (1 count) – $1.29
Save A Lot Today Paper Towels (1 count) – $0.50
Ultra Soft Bath Tissue (4 rolls) – $1.99
Puffs Facial Tissue (100 count) – $1.00
Use $0.25/3 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
$0.92 each after couponAngel Soft Bath Tissue (4 count) – $1.00
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
$0.50 each after couponLuster Facial Tissues (160 count) – $0.99
Angel Soft Bath Tissue (12 rolls) – $3.39
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
$2.89 each after couponSave A Lot Today Bath Tissue (4 rolls) – $0.89
Grocery
Malt O’ Meal Cereal, Berry Colossal Crunch and Golden Puffs (10 to 12 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.00/3 printable coupon from Malt O’ Meal
Use $0.50/1 coupon from tearpad found in some stores (Expires 1/31/12)
As low as $0.50 each after couponBumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna (5 oz) – $0.69
Use $1.00/2 printable coupon from Recycle Bank
Use $1.00/5 coupon from peelie found in some stores (Expires 12/31/11)
As low as $0.19 each after couponCheez It Baked Snack Crackers (7 to 9 oz) – $1.69
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 9/18 Red Plum (Expires 11/13/11)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from “Score Big Savings” Booklet (Expires 10/31/11)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from tearpad found in some stores (Expires 11/30/11)
$1.19 each after couponMountain Holler Avalanche Soda (2 liter) – $0.75
Bay Mist Berry Splash (64 oz) – $1.89
Save A Lot Today Chocolate Chip Pancakes (5.5 oz) – $0.59
Save A Lot Today Homestyle Mashed Potatoes (4 oz) – $0.79
Hampton Farms Roasted and Salted Peanuts (10 oz) – $1.00
Sundia Fruit Cups (8 oz) – $1.00
Kaskey’s Family Size Condensed Chicken or Tomato Soup (26 oz) – $1.00
Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta (14.5 to 15 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.50/2 coupon found in package (Expires 5/31/12)
Use $0.50/2 coupon from September 2011 All You Magazine (Expires 11/15/11)
$0.75 each after couponToast Em’s Toaster Pastries (14.7 oz) – $1.00
Mrs. Freshley’s Sugar Mini Donuts or Brownies (6 to 16 count) – $1.00
Very Fine Juice Drinks (Fruit Punch or Pineapple Orange) (32 oz) – $1.00
Chex Mix (8 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.50/2 coupon from peelie found in some store (Expires 1/30/12)
$0.75 each after couponM&M and Mars Candy (3 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.50/2 coupon from September 2011 All You Magazine (10/31/11)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from 8/28 Red Plum (Expires 10/31/11)
As low as $0.25 each after couponPasta Roni (Assorted Varieties) (4 to 6 oz) – $1.00
Rice A Roni (Assorted Varieties) (6 to 7 oz) – $1.00
Betty Crocker Seasoned Mashed Potatoes (4 to 6 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.00/3 printable coupon from Betty Crocker
Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mill (Expires 11/5/11)
Use $0.50/3 coupon peelie found on package (Expires 3/1/12)
As Low As $0.67 each after couponHeinz Gravy (Beef or Turkey) (12 oz) – $1.00
Red Gold Ketchup (32 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.00/4 printable coupon from Red Gold
$0.75 each after couponKraft Marshmallow Creme (7 oz) – $1.00
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.
Travel & Vacation: Fun Day at Isle of Palms Beach
Beach day with my three favorite people! I love my family and am thankful for the amazing opportunities we had the past few months. It was wonderful sharing so many great memories together at home, the beach and traveling! One of our favorite spots to visit was the beach at Isle of Palms near Charleston, South Carolina.
Crazy crew at the beach. The girls have such different personalities! Karlie has to wear her goggles in the ocean where Brina prefers not having anything on her face in the water.
Swimming in the ocean. It always amazes me how long the girls want to stay at the beach. Usually Jake and I end up decided to go because we are exhausted not because the girls are asking to go. It is not uncommon for us to stay for 6 to 8 hours swimming, building sand castles, collecting sea shells and eating our picnic lunch. Although, the girls typically crash on the way back to the hotel or home.
Karlie Kool Kat having a blast Enjoying her time swimming in the ocean. Thinking she is pretty cool swimming on her own (at least until the next big wave comes)!
Mommy and her girls Swimming together at Isle of Palms. Love spending extra time with the family at the beach.
Brina Bee swimming in the big ocean by herself. Brina all smiles swimming on her own in the big ocean.
Digging around in the sand Sometimes just digging around in the sand is the most entertaining. We typically do a sand castle and just let them play to their hearts content. One of those times playing in the mud is just plain fun!
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!
Song: “Give You Peace” by Echoing Angels
Over a year ago I did a Bible Study with some women in our church on Esther and one of the phrases that stood out to me during that study was “such a time as this”. I was placed on this earth for a purpose, to share the good news with those around me. Even though I may not know all the answers, at times I struggle with seeing my passion, and often I stumble through life I have peace in knowing the one who] holds my life in his hands put me here on this earth at this place and time to bring him glory. Isn’t comforting to know that He has a perfect plan for my life. Below is the verse that really stood out to me in this song:
For such a time as this I have you here
Chosen for the lost to show I’m near
Through your brokenness my glory shines
And through your frailty my strength will riseWhat’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
I am excited that Jake is back at home again! It is wonderful that he has the opportunity to travel with work even though we miss him. Right now, it looks like we have a few normal weeks together as a family again. Yay! The girls enjoyed the fun meals last week while Daddy was away and spending some extra time with Mommy. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef Entree): Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Bread
- Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree): Stuffed Clams, Baked Acorn Squash
- Wednesday (Chicken Entree): Mediterranean Herb Chicken, Cheesy Couscous
- Thursday (Pasta or Vegetarian Entree): Creamy Fettuccine, Fresh Vegetables
- 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 entree, Tuesday a seafood or pork 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
Recipe: Seasoned Pumpkin Seeds
Fresh pumpkin seeds.
I shared this recipe last year and since it was a big hit I am re-posting it again this year. Jake made some amazing roasted pumpkin seeds during our time carving the pumpkins. Here is a super easy and great recipe for roasting pumpkins seeds:
- 2 c pumpkin seeds
- 2 T butter
- Sprinkle Seasoned Salt (or substitute a 1/2 package ranch package mix)
Rinse the pumpkin seeds. Saute pumpkin seeds in the butter for about 5 minutes (until they start to turn brown). Sprinkle the Seasoned Salt or Ranch Mix on the seeds. Spread seeds into a shallow baking pan and baked at 250 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until crispy. Stirring every 10 minutes.
We made half with the sprinkled Seasoned Salt and half with the Hidden Valley Ranch Dill Seasoning mix this year. Delicious snacks for the whole family!
