M-NOW!!!

I am not on any youth committee at church but this year I was asked to help with M-now. At, first I was a little like not wanted to do it, but when we got there I was so pumped up and ready to worship my Jesus!!

We didn't have a lot of you from our church to participate but the two that we did have really seemed to enjoy it.

Mara and Rayan.. On the way to Walkerville Baptist.

Me..I was letting Rayan take pictures.

Avis....I love her smile

Millie.. She is such a great representation of Christ.

We needed to be at the chruch by 6:00 because they were going to feed us. I love free food. M-Now lasted Friday night and Saturday.

My niece Annabeth. This was the first time she was able to go to M-Now.!! She is all smiles and ready for the night to begin or she is just as excited about free food LIKE me.!!

As a matter of fact, I think we are all pretty happy about eating..!

I see you !!!!  the guy in the black shirt

Teenagers on the phone. How rare!!!

Now before all seriousness gets started why don't we play a little game.

Uh Toilet paper and a broom.. I am not so sure about this one!!

Okay now I could totally do this.. We had to unwrap the toilet paper with one hand.

On your mark

Get Set

GO!!!

  GO MARA GO!!!!

Okay so after worship Walkerville hosted a mess load of games..

Volley Ball, STING (like dodge ball), and Kick Ball (one of my favorite games).

Of couse I picked kick ball. I played in my long skirt and no shoes. I just have to say that Avis and I dominated that ball field..

Yeah That's right DOMINATED...

Age aint nothing when it comes to kickball..

   My feet after..

I also have some battle wounds and so does Avis..

TOTAL DOMINATION!!!!

Grocery Day

I usually don't go grocery shopping on Sunday only because they are always so packed. Plus, Sundays are my nap days and I really enjoy my naps. I was going to skip my nap time but, I thought that wouldn't be fair to everyone else. So, the kids and I went after church this evening. And, I must say that is the first time I have ever seen Wal*mart that empty... I was very thankful.

I was a little disappointed with my spending this week..

For Food I spent

115.75

Not too bad, until I had to get extra stuff like toilet paper, ink for computer ( it is so expensive), soap, and deodorant.. And, as many of you know these things sure can add up real fast.

93.80..

Grand Total is !!!!!!

Drum roll.....baddddaaadadadadada

209.55...

I went way over my 120.00 a week. So, that means I will need to go real skimpy on my next 4 weeks.. Wish me luck..

Menu Plans

I had a hard time this week trying to figure out what to do about next weeks meals. My kids are wanting to go out of town before school starts back. They want to visit my Aunt Vicki down in Fernandina for a few day as do I. So, what I have listed for Thursday and Friday is really up in the air.

But, without further ado My Menu for July30- August 4

Menu

30-4

　

Monday

Baked French Toast

Steak finger, French Fries

Chicken Linguine,

Tuesday

Pancakes, Bacon

Pizza

The Hughes

Wednesday

Eggs, Grits, Toast

Chik-fil-a

Church (Bacon Cheddar Biscuits, Chocolate Moose)

Thursday

Clone of Cinna bon

Sub Sandwiches

Fajita Night

Friday

Cereal, Toast

Sandwiches, (tuna, or P.B.&J)

Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes, C.O.C

Saturday

Omelets, Toast

Chicken Alfredo, Salad, Biscuits,

                                                                                                                           Leftover Lunch


Okay so the Menu looks really mess up that copy and paste for ya.. But, oh well, you get the picture. Some of these days are new recipes I will be posting on so stay tuned.

Short River Day

Tuesdays and Wednesday are my husbands off days. So, I guess you could say this is our weekend. At first it was difficult because we have school and other things that go on during the middle of the week, but we have adapted and survived.

Every now and then my husband will ask me what I would like to do. I suggested that we go down to the river kinda on whim, just by the seat of our pants. We got up, we loaded up, and off we went.

I love going to the river, but let me first tell you this. My husband is a planner. If we are going to do something that requires to pack and get for then he likes to be prepared the day before. So, this little "fun" trip for him was a little stressful.

He was even more "excited" when we got there to see how low the river was. I didn't even think we were going to be able to get on the river in the boat. We did!!!! 

Off we go

I love the hat!!!! Very Becoming!!!

We are headed up stream to finda little pool to go fishing in. I love to fish. I find it very relaxing. About 10 mins into the trip our motor quits working. So, now we have to float down stream while trolling along little by little. We finally reach the boat ramp only to load it back up and head back to the house.

It is so beautiful out there. Whether we are out there for hours or just mins. The river always seems to speak to me. (not literally of course).

I look at the roots of the trees and I see how weathered they look, how old, and mangled, but yet they still survive. I trust in the the roots of trees. They handle whatever God gives them. Flood, Drought, Erosion. Yet they seem to never complain always relying on God for support, love, and care. They adapt to every situation that God lays before them.

I admire the trees on the river. They are so strong and beautiful.

Back the story. So, now we are on our way back home and my husband like we are going fishing today. Off to another place we can fish without the boat. WE WERE THERE FOR 1 1/2 AND CAUGHT ONE LITTLE BABY FISH!!!!

I had another one biting on my line and an ant bites on the eye. Bro is holler you gotta bite mama, you gotta bite! My husband speaking quietly to reel it in and all I can do is dig out the ant.

The good news is the ant really only bit me just below the eye and I never got the fish.

But, we did get to spend time together even if things didn't always go the way we wanted. Just like the river trees.

Recipe Thursday

Boy! Oh! Boy! Have I been busy in the kitchen. I have so enjoyed making my menus. They have given me many opportunities to make new and tasty things. I am having trouble this week trying to figure out which one I want to use.

Which one? Which one?

I have done cakes, meatballs, lasagna, and doughnuts..


I loved them all.. So good and delicious.  It's so hard to decide.


Meatballs..

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef or chuck
1 lb. seasoned bread crumbs -or-
1 loaf bread soaked in 1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup fresh parsley, minced
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon each onion powder, garlic powder
1 teaspoon each salt, pepper
2 tablespoons finely minced garlic (fresh)
4 whole cloves garlic
olive oil, to fill a skillet 1/2" deep

 Combine ground meat, bread or bread crumbs, grated cheese, minced parsley and lightly beaten eggs (add eggs one at a time while stirring ingredients together). Sprinkle with minced garlic, olive oil and seasonings, then mix well until everything is combined. A chopped onion or chopped and seeded sweet bell pepper may be optionally added in for a variation.

Form meat mixture into meatballs, using an ice cream scoop or your hands, pressing lightly, just enough so that meat holds together, but not so much that the meat is very compressed or the meatballs will be tough and dry.

In a heavy skillet, heat olive oil over medium low heat. Add whole garlic cloves. Turn the garlic cloves to color them on all sides, then when lightly roasted, press them into the oil; as they brown, remove them (more can be added). This is done while the meatballs are being browned.

As soon as the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet, leaving about 1 1/2" between them so that they can be easily turned. Turn them often using a spatula or large spoon so that they don't stick. Make sure there is enough oil in the pan (about 1/2"). You don't need extra virgin olive oil for this, any good quality Italian olive oil will do. When the meatballs are browned well on all sides, remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. Then add the next batch to the pan and continue until all are cooked.

If you're impatient, the meatballs may be transferred to a cookie sheet in a 375°F degree oven after they've browned but before they are fully cooked inside, to finish off cooking in the oven. While the half finished meatballs are baking, you can continue using the skillet to start browning the next batch.

We ate these beautiful meatballs on subs and in spaghetti... Very Good!!!

How High?

I just love it when my husband is home. We  all seem to have lots of fun but, mostly Bro and my husband enjoy each other.

I walked outside and I hear chuckling and laughter and, this is what I saw.

What a great Dad!

\

Jump Bro... Great moves if you ask me?

Watch out Bro he's gonna getcha!!!!

I tolda!!!!

And the WINNER IS?

Family Fun!!

Yesterday the other Griner's, Nana, and Bro and I went to Saint Simo*s Island.

Nana had a dentist appt to go to first but, wanted to know if we would all like to join her and take a trip up the light house. Which is something Bro and I have never done. I was so looking forward to it.

As we got closer I got to thinking WOW~!!! That sure is tall. Upon our entry we were informed that we would be climbing 129 steps..

WHAT?!?!?!?

I really had to prep myself up for this. I had to steady my breathing really focus on mastering the task at hand..

After so many step there were windows you could look out. It was a strong reminder that I had not yet mad it to the top. But, alas I was persevering.

Once we did make it to the top it was breath taking.

You could see for miles... Literally I believe I have heard the farthest you can see on open sea is 12 miles..

It's amazing how these little black rail can make you feel so safe while up there.!!!  Hold little Bro!!

The wind was whipping my hair all around. I do however love this pic..

Wait!!! I thought you were innocent until proven guilty..

Then off to the pier to walk around. What a great day..

Summer Fun

Remember a while back when I posted about our free pool? Well we are still in the process of trying to get some trees cleared down and level the ground. But, while we are in waiting my kids are finding other ways to stay cool this very hot summer..

It maybe hard to see here but, if you look real close you can see not 1 but 2 sprinklers going. One on the ground the other on the trampoline..

You can't tell me that doesn't look like fun!

WATCH OUT...! HERE IT COMES!!!

I know if I were younger and well, had more energy. I too would have loved to been on there with them. But, I am not sure this old body can take it.

So, I just walked around the house setting up more sprinklers when all of the sudden I heard this faint sound in the back ground. I stopped and listened real close. And, I noticed it was coming from the eaves of the house.

I go and get a ladder because that was the only way I was going to be able to investigate. When, I got up there this is what I saw.

TWEET TWEET..

You can't see it in these two photos but, one had it's mouth open. I guess it was waiting on mom.

I love living in the country. I know birds nest just about anywhere, but how often do you see a deer 30 feet from your yard. I wish I could have gotten a picture of it but, it was way to fast for me. Just living out here and being surrounded by all this wildlife is great.

Update on previous Post!!

I made my way to the grocery store but, not before I stopped off at my ma-in-law's store Remedies. They have organic supplies there. Syd needed some vitamins, Ty needed some nose spray, I needed toothpaste and dry eye relief.  Off to Piggly Wiggl* where they have cut their prices. Me likie!!! Got all on my list with the exception of two things whipping cream and salad mix. After, that I stopped by Mr. Nelson's for some shrimp and peanuts.

21.00 Remedies
104.54 Piggly Wiggl*
24.50 Mr. Nelson

I was 38.00 under budget for the month... Yay!!! SAVINGS!!!!!!

Now, I need to work on my gas bill.  Possibly nothing I can do. I may call the government just to see if they can help me out just a little....hehehe.

Menu for 23-28

Now if you are looking at the dates you maybe wondering why I only make a menu for Monday through Saturday. That is because Sunday's are the days we eat with Nana. Yay!! I don't have to cook. 

My days are spent mostly in the kitchen now. I prepare one meal. Wash dishes and work on the next. Of course I have wonderful little helpers all through this. So, it kinda is like family time. We laugh and cut up.

I must admit that making menus takes more time sometime than I thought it would, but I have really been trying to make sure that I stick with it.

I also have made a budget for the month. I use to spend just gobs and gobs of money on things I might need or  may use. Then they end up sitting in my pantry or fridge until I finally say ok. I AM NEVER GOING TO USE THIS. ARRGGG WHAT WASTE.

It makes me plum mad to waste money like that. So, like I have said making these menus have helped me stick to my guns only buying what I need for the week.

At first, I wanted only to spend 120.00 a week in groceries, but I have learned that I can spend more one week and less the next as long as I don't go over my 480.00 a month budget. And, if I don't spend 480.00 a month then yay!!! I have saved.. Which is really my ultimate goal.

Menu

Monday

Omelet, Toast

Cube Steak, Mashed Potatoes, C.O.C

Left over lunch

Tuesday

Eggs, Bacon, Toast

Tuna or P.B & J

Lasagna, Garlic Bread

Wednesday

Biscuits and Gravy

Salmon Patties, Green Beans, toast

Tuna melts, French Fries

Thursday

Pancakes

Meatloaf, Rice and Gravy, Cream Corn

Leftover lunch

Friday

Cereal, Cinnamon Toast

Pizza, Salad

Leftover, Lunch

Saturday

Pop Tarts

Steak, Garlic Bread, Green Beans

Sandwiches

More Good Food!!

Monday night we had Homemade Corn dogs.  I really liked them but, looked terrible.

I got this recipe from The Heavenly Homemaker.


Homemade Healthier Corn Dogs
10 hot dogs ( I only used eight)
1 cup whole wheat flour
2/3 cup cornmeal
2 T. honey
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. dry mustard
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
2 T. oil
Oil for frying (I use Palm Shortening)
10 lollipop sticks

Stick the Stick in  the hot dog. does that even make sense??

Mix all your ingredients except for the hot dogs and oil.

Dip your stickied hot dog in the batter and place in frying pan.

When all is said and done my corn dogs looked more like corn dog pancakes. I feel like they could have used a little something extra. I could hardly get the batter to stay on the hot dog. I am thinking more honey.

Recipe Thursday

This Weeks recipes have well made me very busy. If you can remember in my last post I told you guys about my new menu.. So far so good. I have purtty much stuck to it. I have changed some breakfast items due to my lazies to make the dough. But, alas I have done very well for the family.

I often try to cook something that is healthy. But, not this recipe this one was a Cowboy up. I got it from a blog I read called the The Pioneer Women.

Steak Fingers

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Tenderized Round Steak Or Cube Steak, Cut Into 1-inch Strips
• 1 cup Flour
• 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne
• 3 whole Eggs
• 1 cup Milk
• Canola Oil And Butter For Frying
• 2 cups Milk (additional)
• Salt And Pepper, to taste

Preparation Instructions

Combine flour, seasoned salt, pepper, and cayenne in a dish.
Whisk together milk and eggs in a separate dish.
To bread the meat, first dredge in flour, then dip quickly in egg mixture, then put back into the flour to coat on both sides. Continue until all the meat is breaded.
Heat canola oil with 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Fry steak strips 4 or 5 at a time, turning midway through. When golden brown, remove from the pan to a paper towel-lined plate. Continue until all the meat is done. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
To make the gravy, pour off all the grease from the pan. Add 1/4 cup of the grease back in, then sprinkle on 2 to 4 tablespoons of the flour mixture (or you can use fresh flour.) Whisk mixture till it becomes a paste (add more flour if you need to) and cook the paste over medium-low heat until it's deep golden brown. Pour in milk, whisking constantly. Allow the gravy to cook and thicken, whisking regularly and adding more milk if it seems too thick right off the bat.
Season gravy with salt and pepper.

You can click on the link and find the recipe there. My family liked them very much. I was even able to make gravy which is something I am not usually good at making gravy. But, with The Pioneer Woman's recipe I was able to.

Don't they look yummy..These will stick to your ribs so to speak.

Here is the white brown gravy... It had a little spice to it but, it was delicious.

Once again!!

Here I go once again to make a menu and stick to it. So, please pray with me that I will be diligent in sticking with it. I have also started making a budget where I only spend 120.00 at the grocery store. Now, today that didn't go as planned only because I ended up remembering that the dogs needed food and well that is 20.00 bucks right there and we also ended up needing paper towels, Syd had to get a new toothbrush and Ty also mentioned that he needed deo a major commodity for a teenage boy..

So, my total in grocery for the week with some extras came to 170.48.

It was very different for me today to go grocery shopping at an actual grocery store. I had been doing most of my shopping at our co-op. But, we have decided to take a break and see how things go as far as cost goes. I know in my checkbook it will be cheaper, but I am also afraid of how much cheaper it will be in our bodies. I just have to do my best to get what I can. I am a little leery of the meats I will be purchasing at the grocery store..

　

　

Monday

Cereal, toast

Steak Fingers, Green Bean, corn bread

Corn dogs, French Fries

Tuesday

Donuts, Orange Juice

Sub sandwiches

The Hughes

Wednesday

Grits, Eggs, Bacon

Fried Chicken, Garlic Cheese Biscuits

Pizza

Thursday

Pop tarts, bananas,

Barbara’s

Chicken Fajitas

Friday

Oatmeal, Peaches, toast

Chicken Nuggets, Broccoli

Spaghetti, Garlic Toast

Saturday

Breakfast Cake, Grapes

Sandwiches

Left over night

Recipe Thursday

I really love recipe Thursday! I know I don't always have a recipe ready, but here lately we are trying to cut back on some costs and so I am having to be more inventive with our food.

This week I have made several different things which we have all enjoyed but, the one I will be posting about is one I will be making again and again.

Sub sandwiches.

I often wonder why the subs at Fire*ouse and Sub*ay were always so GOOD.!!! Earlier this week I planned out some different kind of sandwiches we could eat rather than your old regular ham and cheese or P.B.& J.

So, I searched and searched through my bread books to find a type of hoagie bread recipe I could use. I didn't find one but, I did come across a french bread recipe that I thought might work really well and it did.. I spit the recipe into four different slices. Rolled each one up to look like a small loaf of bread. Let it rise and back. They looked great.

We each picked which size we wanted and then I let everyone decided what kind of sub they wanted

Pizza
Italian
Ham and Turkey

We also had different kinds of cheeses.

Bro picked a pizza sub

This is what it looked like before I put it in the oven

My husband and I  had an Italian sub.

I added lettuce and deli mustard and Italian dressing. Boy were they Yummy!!!

I know this is a sophisticated recipe to make but, it was a big hit with our family. Because we all love to eat at Fire*ouse Subs..