Friday, September 18, 2015

Non-Frugal Week

Chuck and I are not big spenders, but last week it felt like money was pouring out. So much so that I am dreading balancing the checkbook today for our weekly budget meeting. I am scared to see how much the balance dropped!

First we had a repair on the refrigerator. Thankful for a repair and not a replacement.
Then there was an issue with the septic. Thankfully once 1,000 gallons was pumped out of it things were good. The septic is original to the house (1950) so there is always the concern that it will need to have a major repair or replacement. Also thankful for minimal digging.
I also needed to order new glasses due to a prescription change.
Too much spending in one week for this girl! One of those weeks when you think "oh my! Why does it all have to happen at once?!" Through it all God is faithful and meets our needs. Chuck received notice of a bonus last week and it was in this weeks check. It didn't cover all of our expenses, but it made a dent in it.

I did earn a little extra by selling some books.
I have a box of clothes waiting to be sold.
The grocery budget was widdled way down to $20.00.  Two stops. One at Aldi and the other at Kroger and I spent $19.72.
No worries as I have plenty of food at home. That my friends is why I keep a well stocked freezer and pantry!

It would be easy to be super discouraged by all of this as we have been making progress in our debt reduction.  Although we aren't thrilled, we give thanks that we had the funds to cover all of these expenses. In the scheme of things this is just a minor bump. Tomorrow is a new day and we will just keep moving forward.

Now I am off to take something for my sore throat and to take a deep breath and tackle the checkbook!

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!  

Monday, September 14, 2015

Joy in the Ordinary

Look around, really look around and you will find joy... joy in the everyday... joy in the ordinary things.
The sight of stuff in the frig makes me happy, happy! Sunday morning we woke up to a non working frig. Thankfully the repair man could come out this morning and we are back in business. It wasn't a cheap fix, but certainly less then a new refrigerator. 
Saturday Chuck announced he and Megan were going to do something to make me happy. Oh yes, a clean van makes me happy!


May your day be filled with joy and contentment!  

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Apple Orchard

Saturday morning started out slightly cool so we headed to the orchard before the heat set in.
It is a beautiful place. On a country road nestled between a corn field and soybean field. 
It has a cute red barn that has a little store and a concession stand.
How cute is this sign that you see as you drive out!?
I don't need to make applesauce this year so we only picked a small bag for snacking. More then anything this was a memory making trip!

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!  

Wednesday, September 09, 2015

Knock Off Lemonade

The calendar might say September, but the themometer feels more like early August. We have been topping 90* for almost the last week. That means we need plenty to drink. One of those drinks that is refreshing on a hot day is lemonade.
Not just any lemonade, but knock off Chick-fil-* lemonade! (My trusty assistant was in the garage pretending she was in a cave before I asked her to squeeze lemons. ;))
1 1/2 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 cup sugar
43 oz cold water
While whisking the juice mix in the sugar. 
Continue to whisk until the sugar is disolved.
While adding the water, whisk away. Have you noticed a theme with the whisking?! That is the key to be sure that your sugar doesn't settle at the bottom. Trust me, I know. I use to work for this restaurant and each batch of lemonade made was 12 quarts. You could always tell when it was poured in the dispenser if it had been whisked well while making. The better it was whisked the less sugar you found settled at the bottom.
As a special treat I put sugar on the rim of the glass. 
Yum!
May your day be filled with joy and contentment!  

Tuesday, September 08, 2015

A Slow Weekend

Want to know how to enjoy a long weekend?
Enjoy a leisurely, homemade breakfast.
Drive down a country road.
Take a long walk with a view.
Enjoy the last swim of the season.
Read a book.
Spend some time baking.
Tackle a project.
Have daddy help you build a blanket tent. 
Play games.
Most importantly spend it with those you love!

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!