Menu Plan Monday

Chris did the grocery shopping this week. Total - $40.98!
Here is The Down and Dirty and Inexpensive menu for the week --

Monday - Tuna Helper, Greenbeans
Tuesday - Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Mashed Potatos
Wednesday - Hot Dogs, Mac and Cheese
Thursday - Chicken Helper, Lima Beans
Friday - Pizza, Chips
Saturday - Meatloaf, Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Sunday - Sandwiches, Leftovers

To see other's menu plans check out Org Junkie! (There are lots of ideas there!)

Our Sunday Pictures

We were at our family gathering this Sunday for my side of the family. We did worship this morning but we did a family worship time and so we dressed a little more casual.

I have no idea why my camera is doing these grainy pictures - - - sorry!

Betrothed

Remember that I said Hannah was also betrothed? Well, here they are!Cole and Hannah!
Yes, they are holding hands behind Cole's back.
I can prove it. LOOK!!

Don't they just look like they are having the best little conversation?

I think, just as Layne and Justus are seeing it, Hannah and Cole are starting to see it too!

How Cute!
Once again, yes, I am the only parent involved that has openly and verbally agreed to this betrothal and yes, I do realize this doesn't really work.
Remember - Just let me dream, please!

I actually did not claim Cole before he was born since he was born first and Hannah was not being thought about at that time. However, I do have something more here....

Cole's sister gives her stamp of approval!!
Thank You, Savannah, for supporting this cause!

New Book

SO, As Sure As the Dawn was great! Just like the others. I really really think everyone should read this series. It is meaningful. Here are a few things to know about it first...

1. The frist 100 pages of the first book are a little hard to get thru. Trust me when I say that getting thru them is worth it. When you decide to read this series, commit to 100 pages and then .... don't worry .... you won't stop!
2. The first book is about a woman, a man, and a family. The second book continues from the first about 2 of these and then the third book continues from the first about the other.
   
3. They are fiction even though there are a lot of very scriptural things in the books. Remember they are fiction!
4. Be ready to think. These are not light. Your life could change from reading them.

Alright, so my next book is a book a friend let me borrow. I will be reading The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus. It looks fun. I am excited about reading it! As always, I will let you know how it goes.

Jesus, Hold My Hand

As I traveled thru this pilgrim land
There is a Friend who walks with me,
Leads me safely thru the sinking sand
It is the Christ of Calvary;
This would be my prayer dear Lord, each day
To help me do the best I can,
For I need They light to guide me day and night,
Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.

Blessed Jesus
Hold my hand,
Yes, I need Thee every hour,
Thru this land, this pilgrim land,
Protect me by They saving power;
Hear my plea, my feeble plea,
O Lord dear Lord look down on me,
When I kneel in prayer I hope to meet you there,
Blessed Jesus,
Hold my hand.


One of the things I love about the song book that I have is that there is a scripture with each song. This is the one that was with this song:

Psalm 73:23-28
Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; you have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works.

Role Reversal

Look What I Can Do.

On my 11 Month Birthday!

Menu Plan Monday

I did a little research again this week on some good buys and coupons. We got a few items (like meal helpers and lots of cereal) that were just for stocking purposes this week. We also have a CRAZY week (not even sure I could describe it to you) and we will be with family at the end of the week and won't need to plan for meals. Also, we were sick at the beginning of the week and so there are a couple of meals from last week that we were not able to have.

SO, all that said, our grocery bill was $31.20 this week. We did have a wonderful blessing gift of a Kroger Gift Card from an anonymous friend (Thank You Thank You, whoever you are) and so the final bill we actually paid this week for groceries was $8.90.

Confession Time - - - - I forgot butter so we do have to go back and get butter. So it will be a little more. Also, I did mess up on one of the sale items and we paid $2.75 more than we should have.

Now for the Very-Very-Simple-No-Frills Menu.
Monday - Hamburger Helper, Green Beans
Tuesday - One Dish Chicken Skillet
Wednesday - Hormel Roast, Mashed Potatoes
Thursday - Pizza, Chips
Friday - Supper with Family
Saturday - Supper with Family
Sunday - Sandwiches

To see other's menu plans check out Org Junkie! (There are lots of ideas there!)

Our Sunday Pictures

Food Food Food

What exactly is this meant to be a picture of?
Look at it closely.
No, the answer is not too much rice in my pantry.
Look in front of the rice.
What do you see?

NOTHING!!!

This is where the baby food use to be. There is now NONE in my home and .... guess what .... we are loving all the extra space!! Yippppeeeeee! Baby Layne now has all the baby food we had left and Justus can eat anything that is cut into small bites except peanuts/peanut butter and shellfish. (Our pediatrician suggests to wait until they are 2 for those things because of possible allergies.)

We. Can. Handle. It.

So a possible day in the life of Justus food-wise would be:

Breakfast: Cheerios, cut up grapes, and formula
Snack: Puff Snacks and Juice
Lunch: Vienna sausages, green beans, and formula
Snack: Banana or popsicle, and formula
Supper: cut up whatever we are having

AND, we are almost done with bottles too. YAYAYAYAY!

YES, this is from the mother who, with her first child, forgot about trying to go to sippys until the Day Care Teacher mentioned it, way past time to start trying. I was so afraid it was too late and she would be on a bottle until college.

WHEW! Started a little quicker with this second one, thankfully!

What Type of Learner are you?

My cousin Mollie just started high school this year and she took a test to see what kind of learner she was. I thought it sounded pretty interesting so I found a quiz on line to tell me what kind of learner I was. This was the result:

788 other people got this result! That's 21%

Your Result

Visual learners like to arrange their space and their work; remember what they see rather than what they hear and don't rely on verbal messages. Write them down. Visual learners respond to color, art, and mapping; and may know what to say but have difficulty coming up with the right words. Visual learners like to have to have plan, are good organizers, and would rather show you than tell you. Visual learners usually don't mind outside noise, and doodle during phone conversations, classes, and meetings. Visual learners are often good spellers, and usually need to have verbal instructions repeated. They enjoy reading and would rather read than to be read to; need to see the 'whole picture' before they have a clear idea. For making decisions you might list out the pros and cons. For asking directions you might prefer a map or landmarks. And for learning skills you'll probably respond better to diagrams or watching someone else do it.

Does that sound like me to you? I know one thing - I am NOT a good speller. That is for sure!!!

If you want to know what type learner you are go HERE! Have Fun!

Hannah Funny

One Saturday morning Chris is hanging out with the kids without his shirt on. No big deal. Happens all the time.

Well, Chris was sitting down on the floor and Hannah wanted him to get up and do something or see something or play something or ..... something. Well, Chris said that he would come but she has to pick him up off the floor.

Hannah just looked at him and said "Yuck. No Daddy. I can't pick you up. You have lots of hair under there!"

(You know we pick Hannah and Justus up under their arms!)

He He He He Ha Ha Ha

That just cracked me up!

2 Peter

Mr Danny had some wonderful lessons on Sunday and these are a couple of scriptures that have been on my heart from 2 Peter since then.

1:18-21
And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

3:15-18
... consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation - as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Something's Different

Noticing anything different about our sweet boy?Anything about these pictures seem kinda strange?


Yes, he is wearing shoes. I think this was the 4th time he had worn them.
He is wearing them because he is doing this ..........................




....... more and more and more and more.
What Fun!

Menu Plan Monday

This week - grocery shopping with the fam. :-)
It actually went pretty well. I did a little research this week to find some sales. We went to dollar tree, food lion, and kroger and only spent $43.42. Wooooo! Hoooooo!

Monday - Hamburger Helper, Green Beans
Tuesday - Hormel Roast, Mashed Potatoes
Wednesday - Crunchy Onion Chicken, Mac-n-cheese
Thursday - Turkey Tetrazzini, Zesty Bean Salad
Friday - Chicken Lo Mein, Corn
Saturday - Eating supper with the Humphrey family
Sunday - Salsa Chicken

To see other's menu plans check out Org Junkie! (There are lots of ideas there!)

Our Sunday Pictures

Learning Technology & Ps 106:1

Proverbs

Before Chris and I went to sleep the other night I was looking thru my Bible and I started reading all the Proverbs out loud that I had underlined. Here are some of our favorites.

1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

2:6 For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths.

6:16-19 These six things the lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

7:4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your nearest kin,

10:3 The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish,

12:1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

12:4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

13:24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

15:3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

16:31 The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.

18:24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

19:15 Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.

20:13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty;

21:23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

22:2 The rich and the poor have this in common, the Lord is the maker of them all.

22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

27:4 Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy?

29:17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul.

31:30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she will be praised.

Seriously Sleepy

One morning I took the kids to the Rec Center and they played while I exercised. Afterwards I took them to the park to play. Needless to say they were pretty tired when we got home. Justus had actually fallen asleep in the car.

I really really like for them to have lunch before their nap so they both lay down at the same time and the routine stays in tact, if you know what I mean.

Well, Justus' eyes were open by the time he was in the house and I was telling him we still needed to eat lunch before he went down for his nap. I sat him up in the living room, with his eyes open. He simply just leaned forward and fell right back to sleep - literally!!!!

Yes, after I took the pictures I moved him. No need to worry!

Battle Hymn!

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on.

Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never sound retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat.
O be swift, my soul, to answer Him, be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.

Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in the bosom that transfigures you and me;
As he dies to make men holy, let us teach to make men free;
While God is marching on.

Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
While God is marching on.

Betrothed

No need to call them Justus and Layne.

Just refer to them as Simba and Nala.

Betrothed.

I have claimed her for him since before she was born. And I think they are starting to see it already. Very early on! She is only 8 months younger than he is. It could work.

2 things you do need to know about this betrothal..

#1
I am the only parent involved that has openly and verbally agreed to this betrothal.

#2
I do realize this doesn't really work. Just let me dream, please!

Yes, Hannah is also betrothed and, yes, the previous two points apply to that betrothal also!

Menu Plan Monday

I got a little carried away this week and spent $70!! What?? If my family keeps on choosing cereal for snack I might have to get another job just to pay our milk bill!! Crazy!? :-)

Monday - Tuna Helper, Green Beans
Tuesday - Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Mac-n-cheese
Wednesday - Pizza, Chips, Fruit
Thursday - BBQ Meatloaf, Baked Zucchini
Friday - Chicken Tetrazzini, Steamed Veggies
Saturday - Sandwiches, Leftovers
Sunday - Hormel Roast, Mashed Potatoes

To see other's menu plans check out Org Junkie! (There are lots of ideas there!)

Our Sunday Pictures

Cute?

Well, take a look at our real Sunday Morning.
Drama Drama Everywhere!

I Love Sunday Pictures!

Cousins

I stole this picture from my sister-in-law's blog. Melissa got this picture of Landon, Hannah, and Justus all looking in the same general direction and all smiling. What are the chances?

One of the down sides to us choosing to go to the beach during our fourth of July trip was that we did not get to hang out in Chris' home town at all. (Trying to go all places was just too much for us.) SO, we didn't get to hang out with Chris' sister's family much but we were able to meet them for a quick supper on our way back towards home.

While we were together Chris' mom gave us all one assignment. Get a picture of all 3 of the kids together. Mission Accomplished. Thanks Melissa!! This is the background on my cell and Chris' cell. And it may be the background to Maw Maw and Poppa's cell too!??

Daddy's Girl

This girl!

Hannah!

Well, let me just say, I should have seen something like this coming.

Let me rewind for a moment and tell you a little story. True Story! I was dating Chris in college. He was a pool manager which meant he did take some shifts on lifeguarding. He was at a pool. Obviously not a lot of people there. He was trying to find something to do so ..... he decided to see what would happen if he put his cell phone in the pool.

He really put his cell phone in the pool just to see what would happen. Really. Guess what! The phone never worked again. Interesting huh? Never could have guessed that ending - huh?

Well Well Well. If Hannah didn't ask me if she could take her play Aerial cell phone out side. I told her she could but that if she got sand or water in it or if she left it outside then it may not work and could ruin the phone. She said OK. I explained a second time the dangers of breaking it and that I was not at all responsible for it. She said OK.

Guess what she did. She dumped it in her water table. Guess why she said she dumped it in the water. Yep. Just to see what it would do. Guess what! The phone will never work again. Interesting huh? Never could have guessed that ending - huh?

Crazy thing about both stories.
They both knew their possible consequences.
They both took the same risk - knowingly.
They both got the same bad result.
They were both OK with it.
Acceptance of the outcome was had by all.

Oh my, I love those two!!

Uh Oh!!

Officially, this Saturday morning, Justus had "Dennis-the-Menace" hair.

It would not go down!

Uh Oh!

Is this a sign?

Not Good!