I’ve Moved

For those of you who haven’t heard. I moved my blog to the following link.  http://kslmyjoy.blogspot.com/
So hop on over and take a look

Monthly Grocery Shopping

 

Lately I have had lots of question about how I do once-a-month grocery shopping.  So, instead of answering individual emails I thought I would post what has worked for me on my blog. Before I start I should let you know that through some research you could probably find endless ideas on the Internet. 

1.  About a week before my Grocery shopping day I start making a list of meals that I would like to cook for the month. I list about 10 different dinners, 5 lunches, 5 breakfasts, and a few snacks. I make a notation next to any item that is found in a cookbook, with the name of the cook book and page number.

2. After this is done I start making a list of all items needed for cooking the meals. I then write all the meals on a blank calendar. Repeating the meals until everyday is filled with a meal or “leftovers.” Now, Jimmy works shift work so I mark his schedule on the same calendar and plan our meals accordingly. For example, if he is working days, I know I need to cook something he can take to work the next day for lunch, and if he is working nights I need to cook something fairly quick as he needs to eat before he leaves and take a lunch. On days that he is off we tend to have fun food that he wouldn’t normally want to take as a lunch. Such as pizza, hamburgers, and things like that.  While making my list I will write amounts needed or how many meals I need the item for. For example if I have ground beef on my list I will put the number of pounds I need for my month of meals.  If I need canned tomatoes I will notate how many I will need. (  I buy diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and a few other things by the case at Sam’s)

3.  I then check my pantry to see if I have any ingredients on hand needed to make the meals on my plan, and mark them off the list. I continue adding things to my list that are needed for the household also.  Don’t forget the staples: flour, oil, sugar, etc.

4.  I then make a copy of my calendar and post one on the fridge, and the other goes in a binder for future reference.

I usually make one trip to Sam’s and a trip to Wal-Mart. We do have to go back to the store throughout the month for milk, bread, and eggs. This is a huge time saver and works for us. I sometimes will prepare part of my meals and freeze them,but that’s a whole other topic.  At this stage in our life this is what is working for us, and I am forever looking for new ways to simplify and save in this area. I hope this has been helpful, and if you have any questions or suggestions feel free to leave a comment.

We have been enjoying our summer so much this year.  One day last week we met a friend at the water park and had a blast. However, I did get quite fried. I can never seem to remember to put sunblock on myself. I lather the kiddos up good and by the time they are all done I have forgotten that I might need to take care of myself. Isn’t that how it always goes. Anyway, here are a few pictures.

Grace wasn’t too sure about the water.

These two are so much alike its not funny.

As you can see Luke has come a long way with the water. This was the first year he really enjoyed himself.

And Grace did loosen up and enjoy the water.

Faith

Sydney and Abby making fishy faces.

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I havn’t updated in while, and I am still at a loss for words, but here are some pictures I’ve taken around the house.

Hodges Gardens

We recentlly took the kids to Hodges Gardens for a camping trip. We had never been before, and we had such a good time.

This is one of the first pictures we took when we arrived. As the kids gathered together to take the picture, I found my self counting them over and over. Each time I counted six, and thought is that it, that doesn’t look like a lot of  kids. I looked at Jimmy and said, ” that’s it, that’s all the kids we have? Awww we could have another one.” Now I was about 20 feet awayfrom them and they were all standing still and smilling.

This was our cabin. It was very nice, and I can’t wait to go back.

Jimmy and the older children stayed in a tent by the lake, while the babies and I slept in the cabin. That is the way to camp if you ask me!

We rented a boat for the day and the kids went fishing with thier daddy.

And for those who have camped with us before (you know who you areUncle Terry and Meme)We collected porcupine eggs in your honor.

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Delight yourself in the LORD
       and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4 (New International Version)

This verse has been on my mind a lot lately. Often times I have quoted it to justify what I was praying for at the time. The prayer may have been a good thing and seem to be the most logical thing to happen. However, innocent as it may have been, “WAS IT GOD’S WILL FOR MY LIFE??”  I have seen many children’s programs in good churches use this verse with focus on, ” he will give you the desires of your heart.” What about the ” delight yourself in the Lord” part. What does it mean to delight yourself in the lord? I’m still trying to wrap my mind around that part. I have been wondering what the desires of my heart are. Yes I desire lots of things some earthly and some eternal, but what I desire most is a meek and quiet spirit. To me that is a beautiful thing to be content with not being heard. Not having to get my point across, and being content. Knowing that if I don’t make others see it my way it is ok. It is about planting the seed and letting the holy spirit do the rest.

Last Friday we went to Grandma Dear’s family reunion in Alexandria. It was a beautiful day!!!! Jimmy and Grace were like two peas in a pod. He is such a good daddy!

Here We Go Again

I tried posting last night and it just did not work out. So, here I go again. This post is picture heavy. I don’t post pictures of my sweet little boy much. Luke seems to be under the radar most of the time. He is very sweet and giving, and realy does love all the crazy girls he lives with. Here are a few snap shots of him from the last few weeks.

Luke and Faith dancing in Brookshire Bro. while we wait for our fried chicken.

Luke building a Lego City.

I may only have one so far, but isn’t he the cutest boy!

Luke doing what he likes best, playing the PlayStation.  ( OH look at that face)

I can’t believe Lily is almost 3 weeks old already. She is such a joy.  I love watching the other children with her. Kayla’s face just lights up when she gets to hold and cuddle her, and Sydney is always wanting to give her some love.  It amazes me how much love everyone gives her. Lily has to be one of the most loved babies I know. Anyway, here are a few pictures of the past week and a half.

look at those cheeks! all children are sweet when they are sleeping.

I thought I would do a little fashion show of some the cute dressed Lily recieved at our shower. However, this is as far as we got. I don’t think she is into changing her clothes yet.

As you can see, Luke has come around to another sister. He loves her too, and thinks she is oh so cute!

Grace is into everything.

As you can see she has gotten herself  into quite a pickle, and if  you look close enough you can see the pacifier that she swiped from Lily.

This is the most recent picture. I took it tonight just before I uploaded pictures. It is amazing how quickly babies change. I think she is just perfect, but I am kinda partial.

“I Am The Richest Woman On Earth”

On Sunday morning Kayla brought me a cup of coffee in bed while I was nursing the baby. Instantly I thought, “ I am the richest woman on earth.” My life is filled with so much love and peace. I have a husband who is my best friend, and loves me unconditionally. My children respect and honor me. I have the greatest friends and family a person could ask for. Why??? I have asked myself “why” a hundred times this week. I do not deserve to be so blessed. I am humbled and in awe of  how much My heavenly father loves me. I have always considered each one of my children a blessing, but for some reason when we brought Lilly home from the hospital I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude to my heavenly father for allowing me to have so much. For trusting the lives of these precious people to me and Jimmy. What a big responsibility!! WHOA, that thought could be scary, but he  always gives us the grace to walk through whatever comes our way. He is our source and supplies our every need, if we fully rely on Him. There is so much in my life to be thankful for.  I am overwhelmed with joy and that gives me strength to do what is required of me to manage this family. That is the answer for those who have asked, “How do you do it?” None of it is me, and I can take no credit for how my children have turned out or how things get done. It is only by the grace of God that my life amounts to anything.