Month: June 2010

  • Weekend Update: 6/28/10

    grilling

    OUR WEEKEND

    Another Monday morning, leaving me wondering where has the weekend gone???  Time at home is so wonderful and the weekends pass so quickly. 

    Since the college daycare is closed on Fridays, I was home with Tommy.   He had his last day of Vacation Bible School.   While he was at VBS for the morning, I cleaned up the house.   What a great way to start the weekend....the chores done!

    After VBS, my friend Michelle came over to see if she could use any of the left over homeschool stuff for her preschool class.   I was so happy she was able to use some of the things we have left from our garage sale.  After she left, Josh and I packed up the remaining things in the garage to take it to Goodwill.   I am glad he got me started on this, even though I didn't want to do it.   If I had procrastinated, who knows when the garage would be completely done!  There is still alot of work to do....but progress is being made. 

    I ran to church to pick up our "Fare For All" items.   Fare for all is a cooperative food buying program, that really helps to stretch our grocery budget.  Next month, I hope to post about what we received from Fare for All and how we incorperated the items into our menu. 

    Friday Evening, we watched a movie, but ended up watching it in the basement since the tornado sirens went off again.   So we spent the evening in Josh's room watching the original "Karate Kid" movie. 

    We also have started our summer schooling with Tommy.  He is enjoying it and being very good.   He is hoping to earn an outing to Valley Fair.  He has never been there so he is very excited.  This last week he put together a big IMG_1940mosquito puzzle and worked on various workbooks.  I really like the Summer Bridge Activities workbooks so are now focusing on those.   It gives him variety and the activities are short.   We sit outside and spend about 30 minutes to an hour brushing up on academic skills.  

    SATURDAY - I was up early and working on my Menu Plan for the week.  I really needed to get groceries and have not been paying much attention to our budget lately.  I decided I better get on track again, since we have added expenses in the summer with full time daycare for Tommy.  It took me most of the day to get the list and shopping done.   I was happy with my efforts on staying on budget.  You can read more about it in my Grocery Budget Post.

    While I was out shopping at the various grocery stores, my hubby, son and brother in law IMG_1953were busy in the garage.  They cut the wire racks to fit under the loft and took 2 big loads of stuff to goodwill.   Our garage is a bit messy again as they brought down everything that I need to go through and decide what we need to keep. I will be able to have over 30 bins on the new shelves.  It is going to be great!  The best part is that when reading Michelle Duggar's book, I discovered a wonderful organizing technic she uses to store things in bins.   It will change our lives ...we will be able to find things very quickly once I have it all set up.  This will be a topic that will need to have a blog all to it's self......

     We had a late supper of Grilled Whiskey Ham Steaks.  These steaks were part of our Fare For All items.  I have never bought them before, but they sure were great marinated and grilled.  And of course, my 22 year old son had whiskey in his room.  Always there to help his mom with her cooking!

    SUNDAY  -  

    I worked the info desk at the church in the morning.   The VBS kids sang in church.  

    After church we were going to take Tommy to the movie Toy Story 3, but he decided he didn't want to go.  He wanted to stay home and play with his friends.  So that is what he did.   He went off to play and I decided it is time to reconcile my checkbook.  I had left it go for a couple of months and really needed to get things done.   That was a nightmare.....I made a math error back about 2 months ago...I added a deduction what should have been subtracted.  NOT GOOD!   So once I sort of got that all figured out....I paid the bills.  

    For supper I made the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls.  Very good!   Since it was hot outside, I didn't want to turn the oven on in the house.   So we set up a table on the deck and brought the Roaster Oven out.  I baked the casserole in there...it works just like a oven, but doesn't heat up the house.   I try not to turn on the oven in the house in the summer.  This is a great alternative and works wonderfully.  Thank you to the blogger, CoopersWife for teaching me about this years ago! 

    IMG_1943The guys cleaned up and did dishes after supper and Tommy and I went outside to work on his workbooks for a bit.  I was determined to finish my book, June Bug by Jess Laurey, before I went to bed!   Tommy works pretty independently so I can read and run and do a couple of chores while he works. 

    After the guys were done with kitchen clean up, hubby started a fire and we all spent the evening outside.   My BIL and Tommy played catch (VIDEO COMING) and hubby enjoyed his fire.  

    We made smores with the giant marshmallows and enjoyed a wonderful evening in our backyard. 

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    We called our smores, "Pig Nose Sandwiches" as the huge pink marshmallows looked like a pig snout after they were cooked over the fire. They were a tasty mess!!    I stayed outside as late as possible reading and enjoying the evening. 

    MONDAY - the rude realization that the weekend is over!!   I was up and made Chicken and Rice Casserole for the family.  It is in the fridge and ready for hubby to cook tonight.  I will be working late, so am going in a bit later too.  

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    I used to feel very guilty working late, but now I try to prepare supper before hand and I leave a note how to cook it.  I feel less guilty knowing my family has a good meal even though I am not at home. 

    Lunches are made. Tommy and Daddy are off to work and I am heading there myself.    Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I know I did!  I love Summer and the simple pleasures in life, such as a relaxing evening with family and a good book in the backyard.!

    Happy Monday!!

  • Grocery Budget Update......

    dbet  I am trying harder to tighten up our budget here at home.   We have a number of projects we would like to save money up to complete.   I have also borrrowed from my Christmas fund and need to pay that back too.   I made my menu for the next 16 days.  My goal is to keep my budget at approximately $100/week to feed my family. 

    I stretched the period of time between grocery shopping trips.  I started this weekend with 422.34 in the grocery budget.   I am saving up some money to buy a case of ground beef at Sam's soon.  That usually costs over $100.00.  

    I bought the regular pack, mega meat pack and small ham at Fare For All.  Fare For All is a cooperative food buying program open to everyone.  Our Church is a Fare For All Express distributor, so I try to participate monthly in this program. 

    Grocery Shopping for 6/26/10

    Fare For All  -        $42.00
    Bread Thrift Store - $ 6.00
    Aldi -                   $ 103.75
    Cub Foods           $  52.52

    Total Spent for 16 days -  $204.27/16 = 12.77/day or 89.39/week 

    Happy Savings!!

     

     

  • Menu2

    June 26th - July 11th

    Saturday 26th - Grilled Whiskey Ham Steak (good add to Site), Skillet Garlic New Potatoes (did not crispy up very well) Glazed Carrots

    Skillet Garlic New Potatoes

    • 2 Lb small red (or white) new  potatoes, scrubbed, peeled, and quartered
    • 1 Tbsp olive oil
    • 6 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 Tsp garlic salt

    Place potatoes in a large, non-stick skillet. Add cold water to cover the potatoes. Add the oil, garlic, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and cook until water evaporates, turning potatoes occasionally, about 25 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until potatoes are crispy and brown, turning frequently, about 10-15 minutes.

    Sunday - Cabbage Rolls  (Good Add to Site)

    Monday - Chicken & Rice Casserole/ Corn  ( Very Good Add to Site)

    • 2 cups cooked brown rice
    • 2 cups cubed chicken, cooked (from freezer)
    • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • Worcestershire sauce (to taste)
    • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
    • 1 cup buttered bread crumbs

    Combine all ingredients except bread crumbs and cheese. Top with bread crumbs then cheese and bake at 350°F for 30 min.

    Tuesday - Turkey Fajitias/ Spanish Rice

    Wednesday - Spaghetti/Garlic Bread

    Thursday - Easy Baked Chicken/ Bake Potato/ Salad
    Serves 8

    4 large chicken breasts, with skin and bones
    kosher salt
    pepper
    garlic powder

    Preheat oven to 375°. Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels. Place in large, rimmed baking sheet. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until juices run clear and skin is crispy and golden brown. Remove from heat and rest for 10 minutes. Cut each breast in half and serve with baked potato and a side salad.

    Friday - Pizza

    Saturday - Slow Cooked Ham  Mac and Cheese/ Carrots

    Sunday -  Hamburgers, Chip/Dip

    Monday - Grilled BBQ Chicken, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Brownies

    Grilled BBQ Chicken

    Yield: 8 Servings

    4 Lb chicken parts (we like 2 cups favorite BBQ sauce* or favorite

    boneless, skinless) BBQ sauce recipe

    Place chicken in container and pour BBQ sauce over your chicken, reserving some of the BBQ sauce for basting. Turn chicken over to coat well. Let marinade at least 30 minutes.

    Preheat outdoor grill for medium-low heat. Spray rack lightly with oil spray to prevent sticking. Place chicken on grill rack and grill about 5-10 minutes, basting with remaining BBQ sauce as you desire. Turn chicken over and cook on other side about 5-10 minutes more or until juices run clear

    Tuesday -  LEFTOVERS

    Wednesday - BISCUITS  AND GRAVY (Family Fav)/ Scrambled Eggs

    Thursday - Chicken Risotto - Peas

    Friday - Hotdogs

    Saturday- Pork Tenderloin (Grill),  Quick Seasoned Rice , Veggie

    Sunday - Picante Chicken and Rice

    For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie and participate in Menu Plan Monday.  Weekly over 400 bloggers share what they have on their menu. 

     

    Happy Eating!!

     

     

  • Recipe to try....

    Olive Garden Fettucine Alfredo

    8 ounces Cream cheese -- cut in bits
    3/4 cup Parmesan cheese -- grated
    1/2 cup Butter or margarine
    1/2 cup Milk
    8 ounces Fettuccine; cook -- drain | In large saucepan combine cream cheese, Parmesan, butter and
    milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Toss pasta lightly with
    sauce, coating well. Leftovers freeze well.

  • The Great Garage Clean: End of Day 3

    Well, it is the end of day three of the great garage clean.   I am very happy with our progress today and I even left to a Dr's appointment this afternoon that took way too long.   I am so very blessed to have such a wonderful hubby and kids.  Grateful they are willing to help me!  I don't know what I would do without them. 

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    Josh thought this would help sell the pool....I think the slide is a better option!  LOL!

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    We took a little break and rode the scooter up and down the street.  It was great way to too cool off.

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    Yep, that is right I am in the garage and can put my arms out and not touch anything!!!  WOO HOOO!

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    This is our sell pile - two rows deep.   We are only doing a one day sale, but I don't know if I have room to get it all out at once.  We will see!

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    Take a good look at this one.  This is not a trick photo that is actually a car in the garage.  I can't remember the last time that happened.  Could be years ago.......

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    Relaxing after a long, but very productive day!!!!  It feels so good to have it all sorted and priced! 

    Tomorrow - we will go through some things in the house and price them.   Should be a much shorter day. 

    Friday - set up for the sale.....hopefully particpate in the Manitou Days Parade.

    Saturday....the big sale - hope a majority of the things find a new home!

    Blessings,

  • Our Vacation: The Great Garage Clean Out - Day 2

    Hello, my friends!   Yep, you are not getting much more than garage chat this week.  I am doing nothing else.  I woke up sore and tired this morning, but this is worth it.   I am going to be so happy to have things leaving my house. 

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    What the garage looked like at the beginning of Day 2!  (Left Side)

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    What the garage looked like at the beginning of day 2!  (Right Side)

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    The Coke Machine we were storing for a friend.  I can't believe my hubby decide he was taking it to his friend yesterday.   I think he just needed a break from cleaning the garage!!  LOL!!

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    The sorting and pricing area. 

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    What the garage looked like at the end of day 2!  (Left Side)

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    What the garage looked like at the end of day 2!  (Right Side)

    Today, I need to make sure I figure out supper and do the prep this morning before i get busy in the garage.  Yesterday, I was too tired by the time for supper and didn't really want to cook.  I threw together a taco salad, but I was not motivated to do it. 

    We are trying to save money this week, but not eating out.  When you get busy it is so easy to just say, "let's run through McDonald's", but so expensive.  

    Tommy slept over at the neighbors last night so I don't anticipate I will see him until noon.   He stayed busy yesterday playing "dictectiv" ( that is how he spelt it).  He had his notebook to write clues and give tickets to family members.  He also had a digital camera to document his evidence.   Last night I took a look at his camera and he must have wanted to make bloody hand prints or something.  He must have gotten into the ketchup while we were busy outside to make some clues.     he might be doing a guest blog later in the week as he wanted to share his pictures.  You have been warned!  

    Blessings,

  • OUR VACATION........

    Well, I am on vacation with my family.  Where are we going, you ask???  This is a working vacation.  Do you have a list of projects that you need to complete and no time to get them done?  We are trying to tame that list a bit.   The first few days of the vacation only I was off so I took care of some projects of my own....I have been staying very busy.

    Thursday - First day of my vacation - to Tommy's school to pick up stuff and figure out what is left to do for the "End of the Year Picnic" for the school.   Lost my car keys in the church that morning..GRRR.   Snuck in my dental cleaning since I was off for the day.   My Dr canceled my appointment so only had to sneak in the dentist.   Then off to Sam's to pick up the last of the supplies for the picnic.   Delivered to the church and home to take care of some treasurer business for the parent organization and make a deposit to the bank.  Still have one more to do.  Back to help set up for and enjoy the "End of the Year Picnic" for Magnuson School.

    Friday - Volunteered in Tommy's classroom.  Stayed to watch the 2nd grade talent Show.   Home to relax a bit and then took kids to the movie Karate Kid 2 to celebrate the beginning of summer vacation!  Made Tommy's requested meal of beef Enchiladas and Spanish Rice. Stayed up and watch "Dear John" with hubby. 

    Saturday - tried to sleep in a bit....rain, rain, rain.....went to Sam's graduation party. Stayed up late and watched a 1972 movie filmed in Duluth at Glensheen mansion called "You'll Like My Mother". 

    Sunday -  Tommy's Piano Recital (see video in post below). - watched "You'll Like my Mother" again with family.  

    Monday the real working vacation starts.  Project  #1 is to clean out the garage and have a sale on Saturday.  When we added the 5th bedroom to our house, we simply took everything out of the basement and stored it in the garage.  We needed move it all quickly so the contractor could start on the bedroom quickly.   We were on a bit of a time crunch as Josh needed to move back home.   So we didn't go through a single box, just piled it into the garage.   

    Now we are spending all week going through and sort all the boxes and pricing what we no longer need.   

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    These are the before pictures of our garage.  I will take a picture at the end of each day to share.  It feels good to be working on this as it has been a project that really overwhelmed me. 

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    Project # 2 for our working vacation -  I need to finish planting my garden if it ever stops raining.   I need to plant peas and green beans still.  I need to start weeding as well.

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    Project #3 - finish Tommy's mural in his bedroom.  I have worked on it a bit and finished the pirate ship.  There isn't too much left.  It is just a matter of finding time to paint.  I love painting, so I will be a bit sad when it is done. 

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    While it does feel very good to get some work done on these projects, I would rather sick in the outdoor porch and read with the kitty.   He is enjoying the weather and being out side. 

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    Project #4 - all proceed from the garage sale will be going to FINALLY finishing the treehouse.  We will buy the wood to add the steps.  This is a project that was started nearly 10 years ago when Josh was little.  

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    Project #5 - complete the deck addition to extend our current deck to the garage. 

    As you can see we have grand plans.   I will be happy to have Project #1 - 4 done by the end of the summer.   I remind myself how blessed I am to have men in my family that are willing to help me with projects like that.  I would never get to any of this with out my wonderful hubby and son. 

    Hope everyone is having a great summer so far!  It feels good to be back to blogging again.  I am still trying to catch up on all your blogs. 

    Well time for me to get outside and get busy on the garage. 

    Blessings,

  • Library Loot: June 12, 2010

    library loot
    June 12, 2010
     
     Library Loot Event is a weekly event hosted by Eva at A Striped Armchair and Marg at Reading Adventures.  that encourages bloggers to share the books they have checked out from the library. I always find many new books to add to my reserve list!
     
    I have not been making time to blog in the last few months.  I miss blogging so very much.   I thought  I would share my recent Library Loot to get started blogging again.   I started a second book club, Wine, Women and Words, which I have really been enjoying.  Being in two book clubs each month does limit my ability to read what I want.  Our outdoor living room is set up so I spent alot of time outside reading.  It has been raining alot this week so that has been limited. 
     
    I also have been looking at the Kindle, now that it is for sale at Target.  I am thinking about taking the plunge and buying on in the near future.   I have to save up some money first. 
     
     

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    The following book found their way home with me from our local Library:
     
      I have been a on bit of a kick on reading local authors.  A few of these books were checked out because they either are set in Minnesota or written by Minnesota authors.
     
    Choc Chip Chocolate Chip Cookie Murders - Joanne Fluke (born and raised in a small rural MN town) 
     
    dressed to keel Dressed to Keel - Candy Calvert - A Darcy Cavanaugh Mystery
     
    June bug June Bug - Jess Lourey  - Murder By Month Mystery, No 2.  (book set in Battle Lake, MN - author from Alexandria, MN)
     
    whiskey heart  Whiskey Heart - Rachel L Coyne - (set in Comfort Lake, MN -Author from Lindstrom, MN)
     
    funeral food Funeral Food - Kathleen Taylor - Tory Bauer Mystery - (set in Delphi, South Dakota - author from my hometown, Redfield, SD - went to school with the author's children)
     
     
     
     
     
    Happy Reading!!

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