Do mint oreoes count as essential produce?

Maybe not, but I think they may qualify as MEDICALLY NECESSARY!

30 Days = No Spending

30 Days!!! What was I thinking? $100 for milk and the essential fresh produce. The rest comes from my pantry and food storage. Anything else can wait or be forgotten. I got this great idea from a Readers Digest (kind of nerdy, but true). But now Anna is begging to take that extra dance class that is soooo fun! I am going through Target withdrawals. And I am wondering, "Do I have enough candy for Halloween."

We lived very tight while Chris finished school, especially during his masters program, but this is different. The kids are older and want things. I am use to a little freedom, and I have a car to get me to the store. (Something I did not have for a long time.) So, why are we doing this you ask? Has anyone felt the pinch of the hurting economy? Have you felt a little of the anxiety that I have felt for the future? I read an article that suggested cutting all spending will help me find the things I may be missing in my food storage. It will also help me again become aware of needs vs. wants. (Something I think I have forgotten in recent years.)

I have only been doing this for a week and I am finding so many things that I did not realize would come into question. ...the kid's book orders (I love new books each month--especially the $1 ones)... Cafe Rio (missing you)...a new bottle for Zac (lost one on vacation a couple of weeks ago, before we started this 'game', but I forgot to replace it until it was too late...a new spray bottle (mine broke)...make up (my powder is gone!)... Red box...Baby sitter (except for temple night)... None of these things are allowed...

We did find a fun free pumpkin walk for Saturday night with the kids. I have made an extra batch of bread this week for sandwiches on the run. I resisted taking the kids out for lunch. I have avoided Target at all costs (I love that store).

I am wondering what my friends (and other readers) have done to cut costs or plan for future hardships. This economy is scaring me, so I want ideas!!!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I am a little late in posting this, but this is a reminder for all my friends. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month...do your exams!!! I will remind you again in May (my own five year mark!!!), but please do them!!! I don't care if you think you are to young (I was 23). I don't care if it is not in your family (I was the first in mine)! I was lucky that although mine was malignant all I had to experience was a partial mastectomy. Two surgeries is a very easy treatment considering what so many others have to go through, but that was enough of a wake up call for me, and I hope enough for ALL of my friends.

My Knees Are Grey!

This happens to be Anna's favorite song as of late. Any guesses?
Hint: We sing it for Family Home Evening nearly every week.






Emily is right, it is "I am a Child of God." second verse.
Got to love the things the kids think we are trying to say. You should hear Preston and Anna's memorized version of the 11th Article of Faith. (I guess I did not explain the meaning of translated very well.)

Happy Birthday to Chris

Happy Birthday to my number one. I won't say how old he is, but last year the big 3 0 was tough. :) The kids and I are busy preparing the chocolate bread (in place of cake at his request). I only hope it turns out--guessing how much flour made it into the bowl and not onto the floor (thanks to Chloe), fishing out egg shells (thanks to Anna), and a few extra chocolate chips (thanks to Preston--no problem with that one).

How did he get this old? I guess that may explain some of the gray hair. (I hope I am not to blame for the rest).

Annoyed...

i just want to complain for a moment as I sit on hold for the twelfth time. I hate insurance companies, and billing departments. I know they are only human, but how many mistakes can they make? I don't know how many times I have been told I am wrong. "I am sorry I don't know my own address. " "No, I don't think that is my child's birth date." "Yes, of course I wanted to make a payment on somebody else's account." UGHHHH!!! I hope all of you watch your medical bills, because chances are they are wrong--and not to your favor!!! How do you politely say, "You are an idiot!!!" sorry for the bad language, but seriously?