Our 13th Anniversary

Pantry organization

Last week I organized my computer center, but that wasn't all that I organized. I also did a little organization in my pantry. On the bottom of the pantry I already had a plastic bin that was holding teas, individual flavoring packets for water, hot cocoa packets and Crystal Light. There also is a bin that holds baggies, plastic wrap, aluminum foil.

Well, after looking at this website, I decided to add to and label my bins.

To the Beverage Bin I added:

Empty water bottles

Can coozies

Disposable cups

To the Lunch Bin I added:

Napkins

Plastic utensils

Straws

A few sheets of jokes I printed out for the kids to add to their lunch to share with friends.

Then I labeled the bins...because I love to label! Have you organized anything lately?

Weigh Wednesday

Is there ever a time when nothing is better than something?
Today is that time....nothing gained is better than something gained.
I made the mistake of taking a peek at the scale earlier in the week and was down 1.5 lbs....so I was a little disappointed when I weighed in this morning. Oh well...maybe next week I'll be surprised, pleasantly surprised.

It's been a while...

I know.

It's been busy around here.

Today I started working part time in the office. My friend, Kim, has been trying to convince me for a little while that I would like it and be good at it. I only worked 3 hours today, and I must admit, I did enjoy it. Of course, I'm well aware how quickly the 'newness' wears off...so I'll just enjoy it while it lasts.

Over the weekend Michael and I cleaned out our computer center. It was a 'hot mess' Really, it was....wanna see how it looked? I thought you would....I took before and after photos! I can actually find things without digging through piles and stacks. Again, I'm well aware how quickly the 'newness' wears off....so I'll just enjoy it while it lasts.

I started 2 bible studies last week. One with my accountability group, called Women of Worth. It is wonderful. My interest was peeked at the very beginning of the introduction. "Women often define themselves based on what is expected of them...This study will help you see who you are - not as the world sees you but as God sees you." Yep, I'm ready for this study.

The other bible study I started is at church on Sunday evenings while Hannah is in youth group. I must admit, the main reason I decided to take it was because I didn't have anything to do while Hannah was in youth for 2 hours. We live almost 15 miles from church, so in an attempt to save money on gas, I thought "why not take a class." Well, 'coincidentially' the women's class that was offered is called Conversation Peace. Well, what do you know....need help here too, so I'm ready for this study also!

Weekly Sale Ads

How do you do your grocery shopping? Do you go with a list or without a list? I almost always try to go with a list and have been known to type up my list and then rearrange it on the computer to match the aisles in the store. Lately, I have been checking out the weekly sale ads online for the 3 grocery stores in town. Sure glad I did yesterday!

Albertson's is having a huge sale...10 boxes of various Kellogg's cereal for $10. They also have the package of individual boxes - 10 for $10. Hannah and Jacob go through cereal quickly. I have tried lots of ways to 'ration' out the cereal. I've put a measuring cup in with the cereal to remind them of serving size...they just add more. I've put the serving size in individual baggies....they just add more. In the past I have purchased the case of individual boxes of cereal from Sam's and that is what seems to work; there is something about opening 2 boxes of cereal, especially since it would be 2 different kinds. I probably should go back for more! Also, their 1/2 gallons of milk are on sale, 2 for $3.00

Of course, I also picked up a few of the buy one, get ones at Publix.

Anyway, just wanted to share my deals of the week! Did you find any good deals this week?

Weigh Wednesday -.5 lb.

It's Weigh Wednesday and I'm down .5 lbs. I suppose it is better than nothing and better than gaining!

A little something....

I had an old pair of denim capris that were in my Goodwill box. A while ago I saw an idea in a book about making shoe bags out of old pants. Saturday afternoon I decided to dust my sewing machine off and make a drawstring bag out of a pant leg.

I machine appliqued an 'R' onto the bag. When I went to sew it all together, I realized that the 'R' was not centered. If you know me, you know this was a problem for me. I quickly improvised and decided to hand embroider the rest of my name. My first attempt is not perfection, but it certainly is cute. This was the 1st time I've appliqued something and I had to go around the 'R' again because I didn't have the zig-zag set right the first time.....

Something new....

for us!

Let me preface this with....I really loved my Honda!

Last week we were driving through the credit union's parking lot; there is a small dealership that is part of the bank. Michael has been looking for a different truck, one that will seat the 4 of us. When we go camping we have to take both vehicles because we have sooooo many camping items. That's not the only reason, but you get the idea.

Anyway, while driving through the parking lot I spotted this van. 2006, low miles and a great price - I said, maybe we should test drive it, half joking....remember, I loved my Honda. Anyway, Michael, Hannah and Jacob all got very excited at the thought of a van; they have been talking about getting another van since we got the Honda.

The next day we did go and test drive it. We all liked it. It drives more like a car and actually is not that much bigger than my Honda. Since we didn't really need a new (newer) vehicle, we decided against it.

For some reason the thought of purchasing the van began to appeal to me. Maybe it was because my Honda was ready to flip 100,000 miles. Maybe it was the fact that after our test drive I began to have problems shifting out of park, even with the brake firmly pressed.

Anyhow, we are now the proud owners of a minivan again. Hannah did say that she wanted a minivan before Sept. 9th. Why you ask? To bring a bunch of friends to youth group with her. Guess she'd better get busy calling her friends tomorrow!

I really did enjoy driving my Honda. I wonder how many times I can type Honda in this post??? I think that I will like my Mazda just as much, I know my family will!

Shirley...Surely?

Pause my playlist on the sidebar before watching

Weigh Wednesday - I lost 1.5 lbs.

I'm down 1.5 pounds!

DeeDee's B-Day Dinner

Today is my mother's birthday. She and PaPa came over for dinner tonight. I made Pecan Crusted Tilapia, Red Potatoes and Green Beans. Very yummy! For dessert, instead of a cake, I made Dessert Crepes, with lemon and raspberry filling. Delish!


Dessert Crepes

4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/3 c. milk
2 T. butter, melted
1 c. all-purpose flour
2 T. white sugar
1/2 t. salt

Whisk eggs, milk, butter, flour, sugar & salt until smooth. It may be necessary to use a sieve to remove the lumps. Heat small pan or crepe pan over medium heat. Grease pan. Ladle about 3 T of batter into hot pan, tilting to evenly coat. Cook 1-2 minutes each side.

Ironing Sheets

Last night I washed sheets and put them in our 'new' dryer and then went to bed. It was so nice to know that the dryer was going to turn off. Our old dryer's timer was broken, among other things, so we always had to remember to turn it off. I cannot tell you how many times we were out and remembered that the dryer was still running. Oops!

The only problem with having a timer is when clothes are left in the dryer they get wrinkled! Our timer has been broken for years, so I haven't really had to worry about wrinkles.

Hannah's sheets were in the load and came out very wrinkled. Since she likes to fold down her top sheet, wrinkled sheets are a major 'no-no'. I told her this would be a perfect time to learn how to iron. She got the ironing board and iron out and ironed her first items. After she was done with the flat and fitted sheet she then ironed 2 of her shirts.

I laughed when I read Emily's post today...she was ironing sheets today also.

A Good Wife....

Click on picture to enlarge it...this way you can read the print.