A Few Things I Have Learned This Week

1. Doctors don't always know what they are talking about. For instance, just because he has never heard of someone having an allergic reaction to a certain medication that you have had a mild reaction to twice does not mean that you should take his advice and try it just one more time to be sure because you might have a really, really severe reaction this time that leaves your lips swollen and face blistered and makes you look like you have a communicable disease of some sort. Just saying.



2. Sometimes cats leave. And they don't come back. Even if you have had them for 13 years. Even if you hand out fliers all over the neighborhood and go on "search and rescue missions" (aka walks around the neighborhood) all week. Even if you and your kids are heartbroken. It's sad, I know. :(



3. The Columbia Fire Department responds really, really fast when you have locked your 20-month-old in the car. Like if you apparently hit the automatic lock button while you are getting your mother-in-law out of the car and into her wheelchair after her doctors appointment. And you realize that your baby boy is locked inside the car, fortunately, buckled safely in his car seat with the a/c on but, unfortunately, with your pocketbook and phone inside as well. A 911 call by grandma and just a few minutes later four very nice firemen have stuck a long yellow metal thingy in the driver's side window and freed your baby boy from peril. And they don't even make you feel like a bad mom for locking him in the car in the first place.



4. God wants to use me to make a difference in the lives of those around me. Despite all my faults. Despite my immaturity and inconsistency. In the midst of a week full of tough "life lessons" I am grateful to hear the whisper of God saying that he loves me and cares about me and he wants me to be a part of what he is doing.

Grocery Cart Challenge - Week 5 and Why I Should Never Shop Alone

I'm feeling the need to detox our (*my*) diet this week so the menu is pretty simple. We are having some type of chicken, veggie and potato most nights with turkey chili thrown in for a little variety.

So, my mom volunteered to come over and watch the kids so I could grocery shop all by myself. This was completely unsolicited and such a nice treat. I was able to take my time shopping without having to break up any arguments or make the dreaded stop at a public restroom. It was absolutely glorious I tell you!

Total for this week $200.19. Yeah. Next week I'm definitely taking the kids.

A New Sunday Tradition - ABC Scriptures

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." -Deuteronomy 10:16


Thanks to Amanda at http://impressyourkids.org we have a new Sunday tradition. We started with our "A" verse this week, writing the verse on a poster, and decorating it with things that start with A.

My 10-year-old thought the crafty part was a little "5-year-oldish" so I may let him take on more of a teaching role next week. He also looked up the Bible verse and read it to us.

We hung our poster on the wall in the breakfast area where we can see it throughout the day. The kids had the verse memorized by Monday! It has been a great reminder to all of us this week to practice giving a each other a gentle answer.....Mom included!

Grocery Cart Challenge - Week 4 and My New Secret Weapon

The menu this week includes:

Spaghetti casserole
Tacos
Chicken pot pie
Crock pot BBQ chicken


I have a new secret weapon that I have been using over the past few weeks and it's working great! This veggie tray is a great way to get more raw vegetable into our diet. I prepare it on the weekend and we have healthy, convenient snack options at our fingertips all week long. And the best part is...my kids are actually loving it!

Total for this week was $100.78.

Grocery Cart Challenge - Week 3

Do you ever have those weeks where the kids eat you out of house and home? Well, it was one of those weeks at our house and the grocery bill reflects that! On the menu this week:

Chicken and broccoli alfredo

Make-Your-Own pizza

Chicken Tacos

Turkey dogs and green smoothies

BBQ chicken w/ baked potatoes and steamed veggies

Total for this week was $131.22

Do you have any quick and easy stand-by meals that your family loves? Will you share them with me? I'm looking for some new inspiration!

Grocery Cart Challenge - Week 2

Okay, here it is (forgot to take a picture this week so here a cute pic of Ben instead)....the menu for this week includes:

Quesadillas
Spaghetti casserole
Greek chicken and potatoes
Breakfast for dinner (a Eubanks family favorite)
Banana pudding to bring to a get-together we will be attending

Budget for this week also included hosting a group of 19! The kids had hot dogs and the ladies had chicken salad (made with chicken breast from the freezer not used from last week).

Total spent was $90.44.

How are you doing with the Grocery Cart Challenge? What have your obstacles and/or successes been?

Grocery Cart Challenge - Feeding a Family of Five on $100/Week or Less

Let's face it. Feeding a family is expensive. Lately, I have challenged myself to feed my family on a budget of $100/week or less. It has actually been going pretty good. I don't coupon, mainly because of the time involved, but kudos to those who do! I have accomplished this mainly by planning simple, healthy meals and doing the majority of my shopping at Aldi. Never tried it? You definitely should!

Anyway, I thought I would post this grocery cart challenge for accountability and for fun! Please join in if you would like and add any comments about how you keep your grocery bill in check. I can use all the help I can get!

The menu this week includes:

• Turkey chili
• Teriyaki meatballs & rice
• BBQ chicken w/ veggies and baked potato
• Quesadillas
• Our "feast" for the 4th of July will be turkey hot dogs, veggie platter and fruit smoothies

Oh, I almost forgot...my total for the week was $88.41.