I know your all dying to know why I haven’t been posting or commenting on blogs much lately.  LOL  Besides the kitchen remodel, I’m building a website.  Well and the other usual stuff like laundry, schooling, housework, and so on.  I’ve been feeling stretched a little thin with the different groups and blogs, so I decided to consolidate.  My hope is by concentrating my energy on one project, I’ll have more free time.  My heart’s desire is to help other people be able to afford to homeschool.  With the way the education system is I’m sure there are people out there that would like an alternative but think it will cost too much.  Of course, I want to help current homeschoolers too.

It took me awhile to find a free host that didn’t have a ton of pop-ups and other ads all over it.  My hope is to eventually move it to a better domain that has more bandwidth and better features.  Unfortunately that cost money.  As I was contemplating what to do about that, I had a few companies contact me about becoming an affiliate.  After looking through what products they offer and the price of those products, I’ve chosen a few that I feel are good.  I also declined a few.  I don’t want to advertise something I wouldn’t use myself.  I feel by placing there ad on my site I’m giving it a stamp of approval.  So that is one way I’m going to help finance the move.

Another way is by offering some products I make for a small fee.  I’m thinking $10 or less depending on the size and amount of work I put into it.  Of course these will be better than the free stuff I make as they will be paid for.  I bought a really cool program to help with this.  All the funds generated will be to help maintain and upgrade the site.  My hope is to make it a fantastic resource for homeschoolers by providing an array of services and materials.  I guess I’m telling you this because I don’t want you to think I’m doing it to just make money.

Well there you have it.  That is what I’ve been doing.  I’ll post the link to the site as soon as I’m satisfied with it and I’ve finished putting all the pages together. 

Have a blessed day!

JoAnn

First before I show you pictures of the progress.   Here is what the kitchen looked like before.  I remembered to take pictures after we had started clearing it out.

The view from the dining room doorway

From the back door

And this is the wonderful floor I had

Now this is the progress.  We still have things to do but dh had to go back to work today.  So we'll finish the rest this weekend.  Right now I'm in the mist of putting things back in the kitchen, hence the mess.

From the dining room doorway

from the back door

from the dining room doorway looking at the back door.  As you can see we still need to add some trim.

and my new floor!

Now obviously we still have a ways to go.  When we get all finished, I'll post those pictures.  But it all ready feels like such a huge change.

Here is the pictures of the puppet theater.  I tried to take a full length one but it kept coming out dark no matter where I stood to take it.  I think it is because it is in a doorway.

And yep that is ply wood across the bottom of the window because it is the playroom and I don't want to worry about it getting broke.

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm alive and that I'll get to the comments and tags soon.  I've been pretty much bedridden this week due to my RA.  I'm starting to be able to move around now but sitting for too long is quite painful.  Unfortunately I don't have a laptop to work on so I've been slow in getting computer stuff done.  On the bright side I am getting a lot of reading done. LOL  My first priority is to get the house back under control, so it may be several more days before you see another post from me.  You'd be amazed at how quickly things turn to chaos when mom isn't overseeing everything.  At least they are getting their schoolwork done.  I'm just thankful the older boys have been helping out this week.  Hope you are all doing well!

Have a blessed day!

JoAnn

I know I haven't posted in a week and I've been neglected my group and blogs but sometimes life gets in the way. LOL  We had been fighting colds around here.  Everyone is finally healthy.  Praise God!  I don't know how much more I could've handled.  Pumpkin has been averaging 2 to 3 basketball games a week plus practices.  This of course is on top of our usual stuff so we haven't been around home much lately.  Though I have  had time to check in on a couple of message boards, I haven't had time for much else.  Things are finally starting to find a routine though, so that is good.  I did have a RA flare up last week which made things seem worse I think.  I have also come to the conclusion that metal bleachers are a form of torture that was probably invented by some disgruntled child. LOL

Dh is taking classes again this semester.  He signed up for 1 class that he has to attend and one internet class hoping to spend more time at home.  The suprise is the 1 class he has to attend meets everyday in the morning and it don't make sense to drive the hour home after class.  So we are actually seeing less of him this semester.  On a positive note mandatory overtime at his job has finally quit.  Now we at least have him home on the weekends.  His new schedule is making it hard to get the kids to bed.  They want to stay up to see dad.  I can't say I blame them but with their activities if we don't get up by 9am there is not enough time in the day to get it all done.   So they can't wait up till 1am for dad.

Now that things are finally finding a groove, hopefully I'll be able to get back to things here on the net.  It probably won't be as regular as it was but at least better than I've been doing.

On a happy note dh bought me a couple of books.  Yeah!  I just love books!  He bought me my first study Bible.  I'm thrilled I've been wanting one for a long time just never could bring myself to spend the money.  I had been using resources online along with my well worn Bible.  He also bought me the book "Culture Warrior" by Bill O'Reilly.  I'm on chapter 7 right now.  Let me just say it is a very interesting read.  I don't know if I agree with everything but a lot of it does make perfect sense to me.  There are a few people he mentions that I will have to do some research on and a book he mentions that I want to read just to verify.  Well because I'm that kind of person, I like to see for myself.  There is one thing I do definitely agree with and that is that America is in the midst of culture war.  Just look at what the ACLU has been up to.  I really don't like them.  There all about protecting your freedom as long as your not a Christian.  I'm not intolerant but I do have beliefs of what is right and what is wrong.  And I will not apologize for them.  There was an interesting artice today on the Home Where They Belong blog about tolerance, she explained it beautifully.  Ok I'm going to stop because I can feel my blood pressure rising just thinking about this stuff. LOL 

Have a blessed day!

So are you ready to see what I bought today.  It’s a long list of stuff but on the up side I won’t have to go shopping again for a loooong time. LOL  Well I may need to go get milk and some fresh produce.  So here we go.

From Meijer’s

(2) 1.5 liter bottles of Listerine for $5.97

8 lbs. of ground beef for $12.92

7.86 lb ham for $7.78

3.86 lbs. boneless round steak $7.68

3.96 lbs. boneless round steak $7.78

dish soap $1.00

2 lbs. thin sliced bologna $2.00

6 gallons of milk @ $2.77 each

4 lbs. Tilapia fish fillets for $9.98

48 bottles of spring water for $8.31

Total = $80.04

From Sam’s Club

6.25 lb. Box of mini pretzels $4.88

4.46 lbs of pork for $7.35

7.5 dozen eggs $13.66

5 lbs. of carrots $2.46

3 lbs. of bananas $1.14

28 oz of fresh bell peppers $4.88

5 lbs. of shredded cheddar $13.84

5 lbs. of shredded mozz $13.57

60 oz miracle whip $4.18

4 lbs. of real butter $7.88

6 lbs. of apples $4.88

24 oz parmesan cheese $7.52

5 lbs. sweet onions $3.47

10 lbs. naval oranges $6.58

3 lbs. hotdogs $2.82

64 oz. grape jelly $3.12

5 lbs. honey $8.88

(2) 34.5 oz coffee @ $4.88 each

2 gallons of syrup $5.87

25 lbs. of sugar $10.43

Clorox clean up $8.74

48 cans of cat food $15.78

180 oz. cascade dishwasher detergent powder $7.47

250 dixie paper plates $12.78

Total = $192.99

Krogers

1.04 lbs. chuck steak $4.98

1.14 lbs. chuck steak $5.46

1.07 lbs. chuck steak $0

1 lbs. chuck steak $0

2.76 lbs. chuck roast $12.67

2.30 lbs. chuck roast $10.56

2.47 lbs. chuck roast $0

2.24 lbs. chuck roast $0

sesame oil $2.69

1 lb beef dinner sausage $3.39

1 lb beef dinner sausage $0

5 lbs. of imitation crab meat $5.99

4 bars of fels naptha @ $1.29 each

Washing soda $2.19

Borax $2.99

Tax $.70

Total = $56.78

Aldi’s

24 cans of cream soups $11.28

6 can lt. fruit cocktail $5.10

6 cans mandarin oranges $2.70

12 cans green beans $4.68

4 bags of frozen medley blend vegetables $3.96

12 cans corn $4.68

4 cans peas $1.56

2 cans cream corn $.78

4 cans rings with meatballs $2.68

20 lbs. russet potatoes $4.38

4 bags of frozen broccoli cuts $3.96

3 bags of wide egg noodles $2.25

2 boxes of cheese spread $7.58

4 rolls of paper towels $2.36

2 bags of chocolate chips $1.98

ham cubes $2.49

4 cans frozen orange juice $5.16

4 cans frozen juice $4.36

sour cream $.99

celery $.79

3 tubes of ground sausage $4.47

4 loaves of bread $2.36

2 packs tortillas $1.98

2 bottles steak sauce $1.98

2 boxes of saltines $1.58

2 boxes of corn muffin mix $.58

4 cans of lt. peaches $4.76

kool aid $.69

sweet relish $1.19

sliced pepperoni $ 1.79

tax $.24

Total = $96.63

So all that for a grand total of $426.44

Now in case you’re wondering why there seems to be a lack of fresh vegetables, I already have a couple heads of lettuce and fresh spinach in the fridge.  Plus I still have a bunch of things frozen and canned from the garden this summer.  I have bell peppers in the freezer but I cut them up before I froze them.  Dh requested stuffed peppers so I broke down and bought some fresh ones.  I probably could have saved some money by buying a generic mayo and paper plates but I’m sorry there is nothing like the tangy zip of miracle whip J  As for the paper plates, I don’t want to use foam but the cheaper ones just don’t make it from the counter to the table with anything on them.    Oh I also have the basic staples already in the pantry like flour, cornmeal, and so on.

I'll post a menu plan for all this soon. 

Well after looking over the budget and looking at some things we want to do around here.  I decided it was time to tighten the belt on the grocery budget.  We are also cutting cost in other areas but this is the one I want to concentrate on here.  I thought it would be fun to make it a meme but I'm having a hard time coming up with a suitable title.  Once I think of a name I'll get a Mr. Linky.  So does anyone have any suggestions?

Here's my goal for January $450.  I haven't gone grocery shopping this month yet.  My first trip to the store will be on Friday.  I'd really like to come in under that, but considering I have to go to Sam's this week to stock up on a few things, I highly doubt it.  I'll post what I spend when I go to the store.  Oh by the way this is for all paper products, food, and cat supplies.  Wish me luck.

Well I've been busy sewing my little fingers to the bone. LOL  I have finally finished the puppets.  I made 3 of each one.  So that all the younger kids will have their own set.  I stitched them all by hand in an old fashioned kind of way.  I thought it would look cute.  That and my sewing machine has decided to puke and dh hasn't had a chance to look at it.  I also made the crayons.  I think they turned out pretty cute.  I picked up some Christmas coloring books from the Dollar Tree to go with them.  I plan on putting them in the stockings. 

Here's some picks of the puppets and crayons.

Last night I finished up the last blanket and I made Christmas cards.  Finishing up the last blanket turned out to be harder than I expected due to this.

Zac kept jumping up on the material and rolling around trying to get my attention.  When I finally finished the blanket I moved onto the cards.  Here's some pics of them.

Here's the inside of a couple.  I had to cover the names because I already signed them.

They are made from recycled Christmas cards.  I like to add a Bible verse to each.  This year I picked Luke 2:11.  I have some Christmas stamps I use to jazz it up a bit.

This morning my sis stopped by and saw the blankets I had made for the kids.  She asked if I was making her one for Christmas because she sure would like one.  I guess I'll be making her one too.  At least I don't have to try and guess what to get her. LOL

My sister knows me so well.  She stopped over to give me my Christmas gift because she couldn't wait to Christmas.  She bought me a cookbook entitled "Depression Era Recipes".  There is all kinds of recipes in it from your basics to making soap.  I can't wait to dig into it.  I love getting practical gifts.  Thanks sis.

Last night I stayed up and finished three of the kids' blankets.  I still have one more to do.  I used a print on one side and a solid on the other side.  Peanut's and Princess' is 1 1/2 yards long and Peewee's is 2 yards long.  I simple layered the fleece and then trimmed off the rough edges.  I then cut a 3x3 inch square out of each corner.  Then I made 3 inch cuts about 1 inch wide all around the edges.  Next I simply tied them together.  I think they turned out really cute.  Here's some photos of the ones I have done.  They aren't the greatest as I took them in my room which is poorly lit.  After all I can't let them see them yet. LOL

Princess' blanket

Peanut's blanket

Peewee's blanket

And here is a photo of one of the aprons.  I've wrapped the other ones already.

As you can see I deviated from the original pattern.  I thought it be cute to make them more like little chef aprons.  These were actually very easy to make and cheap.  I spent about $3.00 on each. 

Here's the link if you'd like to make one - dishtowel apron

I just had to peek before I left to see if my nominations made it to the finals.  All but one of my picks made it.  Congratulations to you all!  I also found out that this blog has been nominated for Best Crafts, Plans, & Projects category!  So now I know at least 3 people find my blog useful. LOL    Thank You!!!  I'm really surprised and honored!

Now I better get off the computer so I can leave.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We are going on vacation!!  We were suppose to leave Tuesday but dh ended up having to work.  So we'll be leaving in a few hours.  I'll see you all next week.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Now I usually don't buy myself much.  You know how it is being a mom, you always buy for the kids and forget about yourself.  Well Friday when I was at Sam's I saw this really cool scrapbooking kit and it was only $18.  Now if your a scrapbooker you know you can easily spend that on one scrapbook, so I considered it a good buy.  Besides doesn't mom deserved to be splurged on once in awhile.  Here's what I got.

They had one in another color that I'd love to have honey.  *wink *wink

Well I don't have much to report this week.  Why?  Because we played hookey all week.  Shhh don't tell anyone.  LOL  Well we did do some art and we did some reading.  I decided to just take the week and regroup.  I'm feeling better now. 

Peanut had his first soccer game on Tues.   Apparently it is more fun to pretend to be an airplane and fly around the court than to actually play soccer. LOL  I tell ya that coach is a saint!  I don't think I could coach 4yr. olds.  His big brother is now working with him so maybe he'll play next game.  It warms my heart to see my 14yr. old out there trying to teach his little brother to play soccer.  He's so patient with him.  That has to be one of the best benefits of homeschooling!

Today I got to go grocery shopping by myself!  Can you believe it?  My sister kindly offered to watch the kids for me while I went.  Isn't she so sweet.  Love ya sis!  The best part I actually stuck to the grocery list and only spent $200 for 2 weeks worth of groceries.  So I had a little money left over to buy some Christmas gifts.  Of course you have to hit the cheaper stores first to see what they have.  I found some really cute baby doll clothes at Dollar Tree.  Now Princess will get 3 new outfits for her baby and it only cost me $3.  Can't beat that.  I then hit Dollar General.  There I got a Barbie jeep for $5 and a set of tinker toys for $10.  I'm going to give the tinker toys to Peanut.  I found a few things at Big Lots for the older boys but I can't tell you what they are because silly me just had to teach them how to read. LOL  It was nice to go shopping by myself.  It's a rare treat.