Tackle it Tuesday

Tackle it Tuesday

This morning I was thinking about what a wonderful Blessing my Children are..I must admit things are pretty stressful right now and I did not awake yesterday to a great birthday but by the time my day ended it was full of much love and joy. Amazing how children can truly give unconditional love (when they want to). :-)
My tackle it Tuesday project was to get my nephew's quilt top sewn together. I had cut the blocks yesterday. I wanted to be able to take it into town today to find fabric to match the front- for the border and the back for the backing. I did actually accomplish just that. I hope that I can get this quilt finished up tonight and tomorrow but it will just depend on how things go, as I have a field trip to attend tomorrow for the younger two. This will be their last one. A little bittersweet. Thursday is my interview and then Friday they have character dress up day at school. Might be a little rush but every little bit will count.
Here is some scripture I read this morning on Blessings of The Lord and Children...

Psalm 127

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

¹ Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
² It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.

³ Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
⁴ Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
⁵ Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Have a very blessed Tuesday

My 35th Birthday

First off this is my Yummy Birthday dinner. I admit I cooked the chili myself- I love chili. Wish I had some meat for it but it has homemade salsa from our garden this year, then stewed tomatoes we put up from our garden. Peppers- red, yellow and green from our garden, onion, cilantro, garlic and spices. Then we always put fresh tomato, onion and cilantro right on top. Oh and I made these place mats for our table. I didn't have enough material to make 6 but have the five we needed. I hope to buy some more from Walmart to make some potholders and one more place mat, but will have to wait a little while for that.

You know my husband did really well for my birthday this year. Since I lost my job we agreed that we would not do gifts, since we need the money for food and gas. I was very happy that he stuck to that. He did however get me a little something that meant more than any gift he could have bought. A Card. When we were dating he wrote me letters often, even though we lived on campus together and spent a ton of time together. He used to get me cards pretty often in the first five years or so, then every once in a blue moon since then. This card was very sweet and really touched my heart as we seem to fight a little more lately which is very frustrating. See I am the one that is very practical, tries to plan ahead, does not assume I will get a job etc. While he more says he trusts that God will provide enough that he doesn't seem to be so concerned with the real dollar amount. Difference between men and women I am sure..more than faith.


The card read

Having you to love is reason enough to celebrate but now that its your birthday there's all the more reason.
I could wish all kind of happy things and you'd deserve them all.. but since you're so special.
I want to wish you all the happiness you've given me.
You're a very warm and caring person, and you've made such a difference in my life.
No matter where we go or what we do, you're the one who makes those times wonderful.
That's why I hope your birthday celebration is especially wonderful for you...
After all, your birthday only happens once a year.. and someone like you only happens once in a lifetime.

He then just simply wrote Happy Birthday, I know things with money stink right now but all will get better.
I love you...

Simply put by a man..

The kids did awesome. Mekenzei helped make a pumpkin pie last night- 2 of them. And Zekaryah made meatloaf for me, well added the ingredients, mushed it and then put it in the pan. I ate the pie and meatloaf last night, then had pie this morning for breakfast and meatloaf for lunch. All very very yummy.
Tonight the kids ate nuggets and fries. They are not fans of chili or cornbread- their loss not mine. While they were eating they had come up with the idea for Zekaryah to give me $20 cash so I could go purchase a Old Navy sweatshirt. It really brought tears to my eyes. However, I returned the cash as I know it will be a while before they can earn allowance and he may need his money for something. Mekenzei wrote up a card and then sang it to the sound of Alvin and the Chimpmunks it said
Happy Birthday to You
Your not a 100 and two
Happy Birthday Mommy
Happy Birthday to you.
Very cute..

I had many friends and family email, post to Facebook, phone etc to wish me a happy birthday. That was wonderful too. It rained all day so my scheduled lunch with my friend Melissa fell through because she has a baby boy and its not good to take them out when its all rainy like this. I do remember those days. So we will reschedule.

This has been a very great start to Year 35.

Menu Monday

This week we are splitting meals. I have some boxed and frozen foods from sales that we will use up for the kids and Paul and I will eat a crockpot meal of Green Chili Pork all week.

Monday
Tuna Helper
Green Chili Pork and Chili

Tuesday
Chicken Nuggets and Fries
Green Chili Pork over Rice

Wednesday
Frozen Pizza
Green Chili Pork Enchiladas and beans

Thursday
Hotdogs
Left over Green Chili Pork Enchiladas and beans/rice

Friday
Rice, Beans and Cornbread
Kids eat rice and milk

Saturday
Tacos

Sunday
On your Own

I was given a bag of rice this week, so I will buy a bag of beans, eggs, tortillas and milk for the week, so that we don't spend too much on food this week.

Reduced Prices on Baby Quilts and Things

I have reduced all prices on my quilts. Panel Quilts at $15 and other quilts at $25. This is nearly half off the original asking price on all quilts. If you need a baby gift for a shower or maybe you are shopping early for Christmas for a little one- please feel free to stop by and see if one of these quilts suits your needs. Thank you for looking.

• sunshineofautumn.etsy.com

Babies are Blessings

You know I think most women and some men would agree that, there is not much in the world as precious as a baby. I had the honor tonight to watch my two cousins. I really enjoyed rocking the baby to sleep and just holding her forever. Even after her parents returned she remained very content in my arms. Its a wonderful feeling. They have no real cares in the world, no stress just unconditional love. Its amazing.
The older B had a great time with Mekenzei, they played and played. It was great. We watched a cute little movie about a pumpkin that was square. It was really cute and had a great moral to it. She was so tired after we left that we barely made it 5 minutes down the road and she was fast asleep. I had Paul carry her in tonight.
Paul told me a funny story tonight. A guy he worked with had a delivery to make tonight. When he got there he realized he needed some help, so he called on Paul. They had to remove this old display case out which they say weighed about 700 lbs, then move a new one in. It took a long time. Then the guys 18 wheeler would not start so Paul had to hook our truck up to it and try and pull start it. Took them three times, they were running out of road way to make this possible. Sounded kind of scary to me. A huge blessing came from it, as the lady paid Paul for his time and invited him and his family for free lunch and dessert at her restaurant here in town. Pretty nice as my birthday is Monday and we had not planned to do anything. He asked if I would like him to make reservations for Sunday.
I also was given a huge bag of rice tonight. Ever so thankful as even though I have done good to start a food pantry we had just used the last of our rice and beans week before last. So between the money I made and the rice I can once again plan some staple meals to help out until I have a job again.
What amazes me is even though Paul and I see this situation very differently we are probably closer now then we ever have been. People always say that stress and finances pull you apart but I find more and more that we have to lean on one another. Even the kids do. More importantly it reinforces our Faith in our Heavenly Father because you see the good in people, you see how he works through such small situations to provide for us. You see that our trust and faith in Him prevails and in the midst of darkness there really is light.
I held a baby today and left with such a renewed spirit, left with my cup overflowing and just a refreshed mindset to face the weeks ahead. I am ever so thankful for tonight and the many blessings it has provided.

Silver Lining

You know today I find myself more discouraged then ever. I think partially because lately I live in a real sense of reality. Being unemployed is more difficult then ever. When the children were little I never really worked and we made it just fine. However, I think bills were a little different too. Its funny I think of all the things we do not pay for like cable orsatellite tv , a house phone, sports for the kids.. I am so so Thankful that is the case. We really don't miss those things anyway. When I processed our bills today I found that after tithing we have $63 to last until our payday of Nov 13th. That is because what is left now and the next check covers our house note. That $63 has to pay for any gas and food and since my husband works 45 min away I am betting gas. Hopefully after I take a list tomorrow of all our food in the entire house I will feel a lot better. I also will be collecting all cash from the kids that they have saved to try and buy a bag of beans and a bag of rice as I feel hungry a lot the last two weeks.
It made me think of the depression. I never thought I would have to ration our food like this. Allowing for 2 pancakes for the kids for dinner etc. Yet I realize how much more fortunate we are then so many others.
I imagine some of my discouragement comes from not hearing a single response on the teachers aide position, nor any quilt sales this week. We are having to make some real decisions, like letting go of one or two of the dogs, which really would cut some cost every month. I have even thought of letting go of my cell phone and Jakobs (which only accounts for $20 a month) but that is food money right now.
I did see another job come up on the district site. It is for a different Elementary School then the kids go to, but I think I could still make it work.
The Lord does provide what we Need so I know that even though we may feel hungry we have enough to sustain us.

Anyway I guess just writing helps break Satan's hold on me emotionally, so therefore that is my silver lining in all this today. That Our Heavenly Father knows our needs, he cares for us and He will provide even when things seem so very impossible, because there is nothing to big for Our Father..

WordFilled Wednesday

I love OLD things, saw this today when taking the kids to the library to drop off their books.
Exodus 15:2

² The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Hope everyone is having a great Wednesday. My prayer is release of my headache. Fabric came in for my nephews quilt today, so I will be doing that for tomorrow. Can't wait. I love new projects

Menu Monday

This week we had to be creative. I explained to the kids that money was still extremely tight
so we decided the cheapest route for this week is BREAKFAST for DINNER. Not too bad of a plan really. We bought 5 dozen eggs. A package of bacon, package of sausage, couple gallons of milk and some syrup. We have some wonderful Blueberry jam left from this summer so it will go great with this weeks meals.

Monday-
French Toast and bacon
Tuesday-
Pancakes and eggs
Wednesday-
Waffles with homemade blueberry jam
Thursday-
Biscuits, sausage gravy and eggs
Friday-
on your own- mommy babysitting
Saturday-
Spaghetti and Broccoli
Sunday-
BBQ Hamburgers and Hot dogs.

What I am Learning Friday

I learned a great deal this week. First that it might be easier to keep all my coupons in some kind of binder with card type holders in it. Second that my husband really will use a FREE item coupon, and that Gallon of milk really helped us out this week. Three that I can make my own laundry soap and dishwasher soap.
A friend of mine at Following 31, Rita, mentioned yesterday that she makes her own Laundry Soap. That is very intriguing to me as we roughly pay $20 a month to wash clothes. I wrote her privately and she explained to me that it is very simple.

Mix 1 box of Borax, 1 box of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (not baking soda), and 1 grated bar of Fels Naptha or any other laundry bar. When I use it, I use 3 TBSP per load of laundry.
I had never heard of Fels Naptha before. I did see it when I ran various searches through Amazon and other sites online to purchase these products hopefully at a discounted price. She said I could use 1 1/2 bars of Ivory Soap too, which I know is cheap at Walmart. She uses a site called Alice.Com to purchase some of her items. This time I don't have any extra money to spare so it didn't work for me, as you have to purchase 6 items. I did notice the cost on some of my normal items is cheaper, and they offer free shipping. So maybe in a few months.

Another thing I learned is that I can make my own Dishwasher Soap. I had run a search this morning. After reading feedback after feedback, I decided I would try the method that calls for 1 box of Borax, 1 Lrg Box of Baking Soda and then my normal box of Cascade powder. Most reviews stated they did not like just the first two ingredients. Time and time again I read they mixed their regular cascade with these items. One lady says you only need 2 TBSP per load of dishes and that the mix will last her an entire year. I also read that people are using White Vinegar as their cleansing liquid, such as a Jet Dry. I admit, I never buy that but that did sound good.

We do already use Vinegar to do cleaning on windows and glass. We do dilute it down with water and just purchased a simple water bottle from Walmart for our mixture.
I am impressed that in one week I was able to find a couple of things to help us cut down bill wise. Next weeks menu might have to be Breakfast Items most of the week as we have an event at the kids school where the pumpkins cost $5 and then pizza and a drink is $2 each. I have warned my younger two they will need to share a pumpkin for the painting part. There are also pictures for $1. We did these last year and then I printed them for our Christmas Card. I would love to do this again this year, as it is a great way to get a family photo. SO once again I will be trying to get a weeks worth of food for under $20. Honestly it would be nice to do it for $10 in case something incidental comes up again this coming week.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for so much this week. I feel like we have gotten a lot done, even though there is so much more to do. I think the one thing I am the most thankful for this week is my husband. He has been very supportive with the house, cooking, cleaning and my quilting. He is very understanding that I have some low spots not having a job and being a tad stressed over bills and how we will eat.
He has been open minded about the coupons too. He even went personally to the store to get our free milk from Food Basket right here by us. He did buy a bag of chips, but we needed them. He said he felt weird just going in for the one item and having a coupon for it free. I had to laugh, but I understand completely. He did take the coupon from Purina for Dog Food, and didn't seem bothered at all that I wanted him to use it. It was $2 off, he thought that was a great coupon. Even discovered that the cheese coupon he used yesterday was not a good deal at Food Basket because their cheese costs more than Walmart orginally. Its okay though. I will print another one..
I wanted to share a verse/selection from the bible today too. In case you find yourself a little discouraged but yet ever so thankful to our Heavenly Father.

A psalm. For giving thanks.

¹ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

² Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

³ Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

⁵ For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

A Clean Heart and Desire

Today I feel so encouraged by our Heavenly Father. Yesterday was an amazing day as I patiently went through so many pages online for coupons and such to help stretch the money the Lord has provided for us to meet our needs. I felt unbelievably blessed as sales poured in for burp cloths. A teacher, who shall remain nameless, happened to think of me- she said and went to my site and found the burp cloths online. She purchased a few and wrote to let me know she also needed some boy burp rags too. I sent her the link to some I had online that she had missed. Meanwhile we headed to the store in search for these Dogs for my son's project on Call of the Wild. I was in a little dismay as I saw the price was $15 and some change (with tax), however I remembered the blessing of the burp rags and realized - He already knew that we would NEED these and already knew the cost.

I came back home to find that indeed she not only wanted the burp rags online but three more that I could make for her. What a true blessings and testament that our Heavenly Father provides a way when we can see none before us.

I then noticed a conversation on my ETSY account for one of my Baby Genius Quilts. I have responded to the question of the price and am awaiting to hear if the person would still like to purchase this quilt.

Meanwhile, today I went to the school to help count cookie dough. Honestly when I woke up this morning everything inside me said to not go because my head was pounding. The Lord once again had a plan. Another volunteer, also to be nameless, was asking a question about subbing and how to fill out the paperwork. While a mutual friend looked this info up for her, she noticed a Job opening. To be honest by heart screamed with desire when I thought of subbing. It is something that I truly would love to do. I have prayed that the Lord would soften my husbands heart toward me teaching. Today after nearly 15 years, he opened up those gateways for me.

I am happy to say that I have applied for the position of ESL Teacher Aide at our local school. I am not sure if I will get the job but I am sure that if the Lord has this in his path for me at this time, then he will continue to make a way. It was encouraging to me as this fellow parent passed on this job in order to give me the opportunity. She said, let Mrs Wells apply for this, she needs it more than I do right now. How awesome, to have support among fellow women I work beside in the PTO.

I am saddened often throughout the day as I miss Anne dearly. I am unsure if the Lord will call her home soon. I do pray that he would, as her life here is finished. She provided me so much healing over the death and separation of my mother in law. The guilt that I had over a job that I felt I did not fully do 100% all the time. I came to realize that my heart had its best intent with both jobs. That the Lord used me in both cases to provide some spiritual light to them. Some sunshine... as I like to see it. It was an honor to care for both women and I would be more than grateful if it is now time to open the doors to teach. A job that would truly work well alongside the schedules of my children. Then one day if it is the Lords Will, I might finish out my degree and become a full time teacher. If not I will be content with what He provides for my path.

I think we have many talents in life and I am so blessed to be able to use the variety He has given to me through the last few years. I am also so grateful for the loss of this job. I feel my family is closer than ever. We have been reminded to rely on Him more completely and get to the basics again. I researched some bible verses today, that really spoke to my heart. Which I find has been renewed this week. It is truly wonderful to see Him grant the desires of my heart!

(Psalms 37:4-6 NKJV) Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. {5} Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. {6} He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Ezekiel 36:26 . . . I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new, obedient heart.

Ephesians 3:17 . . . I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.

John 16:33 . . . I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.


Psalm 86:11 . . . Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, that I may honor you.
Matthew 5:8 . . . God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

(Matthew 6:21 NKJV) "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

(Psalms 143:8 NKJV) Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.

(Psalms 62:5-8 NKJV) My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. {6} He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. {7} In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. {8} Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

I pray that I in turn have inspired you today and helped fill your cup.

Menu Monday

Well we are finally back and running with the Blog. I had been so overwhelmed this summer I stopped writing for a while.
Here is our weeks menu. We spent $20 this week roughly on groceries. I am having to send hubby today to get some frozen veggies, printer ink, white bread, and some filling for a project Jakob has to do for school. So won't add to much.

Monday Dinner
mac n cheese- homeade and some veggies
Tuesday Tostadas
(basically beans and cheese)
Wednesday
Kids will eat Tuna Helper.
Paul and I will eat beans and cornbread
Thursday-
Crockpot Night-
Pork Loin with Green Enchilada Sauce
(great alone or as tacquitos/enchiladas)
Friday
Make Tacquitos with the Green Chili Pork
Saturday
Breakfast Pancakes
Lunch Tuna Sandwiches
Dinner Soup and sandwiches

It might be a little tricky to dinners for a while, so having a menu will be essential. Thankfully we had bought meat while it was on sale the last month so we have a few packages in the freezer and I also have lots of Tuna and Tuna Helper for the kids, along with some other boxed and frozen items. So some nights we will make beans and cornbread for whoever wants that and a boxed meal item for the kids. This hopefully will help as there is no Money at all in the budget for food. Crazy... but for now I know we will rely on whatever extra job Paul or I can pick up to change that.
I will spend some time each day researching coupons and also seeing if I can come up with a good white bread recipe the kids will eat.

"The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs...and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11