tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40456986680014064182024-03-05T03:51:22.917-06:00And that's all I have to say about thatI'm a wife, mother, and I work full-time out of the home. This is my way of figuring out how to live life the best I possibly can without losing all my marbles! I have found this to be cheap therapy!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-19014505231303003712011-02-15T09:45:00.001-06:002011-02-15T09:45:32.675-06:00I've said it once and I'll say it again......I wanna move to Arizona! <br />
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While teetering on the black ice wearing stiletto boots walking in to Wal-Mart to buy the 50% off Valentine's candy for my office I grumbled about the cold, damp, icy conditions of Illinois. <br />
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That's all.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-91829382976220166952011-02-14T11:04:00.001-06:002011-02-14T11:04:29.066-06:00Technology Is Creating So Many IssuesThis weekend I was behind a van at a stoplight and I could clearly see the movie "Nemo" and I wondered.......what if I rear-ended the van because the movie was at one of my favorite parts and I wasn't paying attention? What would I tell the officer? Wouldn't it be the fault of the car in front of me for playing one of my favorite movies? Does my insurance cover that? Do they now have to write tickets for "following too closely due to moving viewing"? Technology has created so many issues. <br />
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Another issue, well not really an issue, but a loss of a freedom - is the fact that we have almost completely lost the ability to prank call someone. I mean....cell phones give the number right there, most home phones now have caller ID, and the internet has the reverse telephone number look-up abilities to give your "victim" all of your contact information and totally gives you up right then and there. I mean.....when I was a kid it was so fun to call random people and tell them that they won a radio contest, or give them a false name and have a funny conversation with them.....all good clean fun really and totally harmless. My kids will never have the ability to do that due to technology and if one night I have too much wine and feel a little silly, I will be unable to do that too. <br />
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And another thing.....social networking sites like Facebook have the ability to ruin playing hooky. I mean if you are a student or work and you "call in sick" and then you have friends post pictures of you laying out, having lunch, shopping, OR you update your location from your phone not thinking that someone at work or school will rat you out. Playing hooky occasionally is completely harmless and sometimes is necessary for mental health purposes. If you are going to do this - DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT get online or on your phone for that entire day. When you play hooky from work, school, etc., play hooky from technology that day too. <br />
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That's all.....just a few random observations from me. Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-24688278686755175122011-02-12T10:19:00.000-06:002011-02-12T10:19:46.767-06:00I'm having one of those days...weeks....months....lives!I am not feeling like myself lately - I am pale when I want to be tan, I cut all my hair off and I hate it, I colored my hair dark which makes me feel even more pale, I hate my weight and am not close to where I want to be, and I am having one of those blah weeks where I feel like a big blob of blobbiness....if that's not a word, it is now. <br />
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Why is it when I am super blessed with so many things that I feel this way? As a wife and mother I find myself sacrificing so many things for the happiness of my husband and children. I mean, I can't remember the last time that someone made me breakfast or that I even had a pizza with the toppings I like! In addition to that I work full-time and am helping others all day long - I walked into the office the other day only to hear "Angela, when you get a chance I need your help", "Angela, when you have a chance I need to see you", "Angela, I need you to update this document for my meeting in 5 minutes"......I hadn't even taken my coat off! That is my life and I think after awhile I get lost in all of it and lose my true sense of self. When I finally take the time to look I am not happy with who I am. <br />
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As wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, etc. we cannot forget to take care of ourselves. I know what I need to do to make myself feel better - continue working out with my friend in the morning, eat well, my hair will grow, a little sunshine (and tan towels) will help give me a little color, and when we order pizza I am going to fight for the canadian bacon, green pepper, and mushroom toppings that I like......I don't like sausage and onion. And when I walk into work I will take my coat off, sit at my desk and get ready for my day, and everyone else's "emergencies" will have to wait a second because in order to be the best person I can be I need to take a moment to myself.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-55726844233322243492011-02-10T15:21:00.001-06:002011-02-10T15:21:16.581-06:00I am obviously terrible at keeping up with my blog!I have nothing else to say, but that I have failed at blogging.....I get a big fat F in blogging......I cannot claim to have a blog as I don't tend to it like I should.......I should be ashamed of myself! Eh, I'm not gonna beat myself up over this, obviously I am super busy with family, work, life, that I just never have time to blog! But that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy it. I enjoy putting my thoughts out there for complete strangers to <strike>judge analyze</strike> <strike>ridicule</strike> read.....I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's cheap therapy! <br />
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I'm here today with no promises tomorrow....but I will leave you with the last 7 months of blog topics I've thought of posting:<br />
<ol><li>Things that June Cleaver wanted to say but never did.</li>
<li>Please stop touching that.</li>
<li>Please stop picking that.</li>
<li>Please stop itching there in public.</li>
<li>STREAKS STREAKS STREAKS - one females journey in doing laundry for the three males in her home. </li>
<li>I'm going to lose it right here in the middle of a superstore.</li>
<li>The Battle of the Bulge - blood, sweat, and tears - the war continues. </li>
</ol>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-50744029091860774622010-07-20T17:00:00.000-05:002010-07-20T17:00:00.612-05:00Jock Straps and Tackle BoxesI have to laugh being the only girl in a male-dominated household - there are many first for me on a daily basis and there are a lot of things that just make me scratch my head. <br />
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Here is an actual conversation between my husband and I yesterday - <br />
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DH: Oops, I forgot to stop by the store and pick up a jock strap for Logan.<br />
Me: Do you want me to do that on my way home from work?<br />
DH: Can you please?<br />
(long pause)<br />
Me: What do I look for? I've never had to buy one of these before! <br />
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First time buying one of those, certainly not the last! And the even more funny story comes from our 9 year old son trying one on the first time! Let me just say we were all giggling and it was a hilarious family moment! <br />
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On the same day as this whole jock strap experience, me, the mother to boys that I don't completely understand why they do the things they do, or smell the way they smell (ha!) was cleaning the bathroom when I found a small tackle box in the magazine rack next to the toilet. Really? A tackle box? I guess that's just good time management on my sons part, but just another thing that baffles my female mind. <br />
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Boys are so fun and I enjoy being the princess of the house.......sometimes! Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-81941051353987384742010-07-19T11:33:00.001-05:002010-07-19T11:49:18.414-05:00Life Lesson #5 - Money does not grow on treesI have heard myself say this numerous times throughout the summer - my kids are bombarded with television ads for new toys, their friends get something new and they just have to have it or they will die, or they look through the Sunday ads and the bright colored Toys R Us ad screams "YOU NEED ALL OF THESE TOYS". Aaaaahhhh!!!!! <br />
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My children see me clipping coupons, watching our pennies, and being as frugal as possible because we do have some debt, we are paying for full-time childcare through the summer and we are living in this poor economy right now doing the very best we can. So when they ask for "stuff" it just drives me nutty......I have tried and tried and tried to teach them about giving and appreciating what they have and waiting until holidays and birthdays for gifts, etc. - but the lesson just isn't sticking. <br />
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We talk about chores and allowance so that they can earn their own money, but that really hasn't taken very well - it probably has something to do with parental consistency - of which, Randy and I falter on a little! My type A personality probably has a little to do with that.....the mind set of "Oh, just let me do that" gets in the way sometimes! I need to have a talk with myself about that! ha! <br />
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I have been very proud of Logan for putting much of his birthday money, well, in fact all of his birthday money into savings. He says he is saving up for an X-Box......mmmmmkkkkkkaaaaayyyyyy......the Nintendo DS, Playstation 2, and Wii apparently aren't enough to satisfy him. I remember my parents buying an Atari set for me from a garage sale when Atari was soooooo over and then I remember having Nintendo 64 video game system when I was in the 5th grade and I think I had all of 4 games TOTAL. There is seriously something wrong with this picture......but what can I do about it??? <br />
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I feel a little overloaded with technology sometimes.....something I've discussed before. I mean you can call anyone at any time, text them, download music anywhere, reach your Facebook friends whenever/wherever, GPS a location with the touch of a button, Skype someone who lives in Guam, Twitter where you are eating lunch, and there is soooooo much more - the iPads, iPhones, etc., etc., etc. On Sunday I told the children to turn the television off, turn off all video games, and we sat at our kitchen table snapping green beans. I loved it, it made me remember doing that very same thing with my grandmother at her kitchen table.....the kids hated it and Noah acted as if I had sentenced him to jail. <br />
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As much as I want to simplify, I just don't see it happening.......how to I turn my technology reliant family into a self-reliant, technology occasionally family? And I have to chuckle that I'm blogging this.....from my computer, with my cell-phone sitting next to me notifying me that I've just received a text......ha! ha! Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-61214232939715194892010-07-16T11:45:00.001-05:002010-07-16T12:20:03.527-05:00New beginningsI should really blog more because I feel like I have a lot of things going on that others can relate to and if I can help one parent feel as though they are not alone in the struggles of having a child with anxiety, ADHD, ODD, etc., then I think it's worth it to take a few minutes to just type out my story. <br />
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My last post was in March and a lot has gone on since then - both of the boys ended their school years successfully, the boys played on the same baseball team for the first time ever (and probably the last), we have gone on a family vacation, there have been lots of celebrations, and tons of summer fun! There have also been moments of sheer frustration, tears, temper tantrums, calls to apologize to people that Logan wasn't kind to, and times when I have talk myself off of the "parenting ledge". Logan's diagnoses and treatments have certainly helped ease the frustrations of parenting a child with Logan's "quirks", however it doesn't mean that there aren't those moments that I haven't prepared myself for when Logan has a meltdown. <br />
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We are getting ready to go into a new school year and I feel like we are armed this year with everything we need to have a successful year. We met with Logan's teacher at the end of the school year and talked to her a bit so that she and Logan are both prepared for what is in store. I think back to last summer and it was about this time when some unusual behaviors began to surface in Logan and knowing what I know now, I know it was from anxiety. This year we are armed with a few counseling appointments before school begins and I know that will help him walk into school on that first day with less anxiety than he would normally have. <br />
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The baseball season was a rough one - whew! Having both boys on the same team worked out great schedule-wise, however the boys struggle to really get along because of Logan's anxious/worry-wart/slightly Type-A nature and Noah's free-spirit/go with the flow/laid back nature. And we had a real contrast in ball-players this year - a few with lots of experience and a lot with little experience. The boys had fun.....but there were moments when Logan who is ultra-competitive lost it and I found myself using all of the things I learned in counseling to calm him down. <br />
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What I find a lot of the time is that when he is getting upset he can calm himself down, however, when a coach or a parent or even a teammate says something harsh - he loses it. I see it happening and it's like the moment before I can stop it from happening a word/a phrase/a negative comment is made and "BAM" - he's spiraling downward. The thing I noticed this year is that when those break-downs happened I was more prepared and so calm about it, where as in the past I was embarrassed, frustrated, angry, etc. Counseling has really been good for all of us.....it helps Logan calm himself down and it helps us to be the best parents we can be for Logan and Noah. <br />
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There is a stigma of parenting a child with a personality like Logan's - I'm learning to have tougher skin, but when he has a melt-down and says something to a coach or a teammate that isn't kind and others look at you like it's your fault, that is tough to take. But I'm finding out that no parent/child/marriage/friendship/etc., is perfect and you should never judge others when you yourself are not perfect. This year has definitely been one where I've learned so much about relationships and about why other people do things they do. And I've learned a lot about living your life out loud and not living your life for others.<br />
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I find that Logan and I have a wonderfully functional relationship amongst all of the dysfunction. I understand him more now than ever, and I look back at the years of frustration, tears, pain and wish I had known how to calm both he and I down in those moments of sheer anxiety. But I know now and we're moving forward. Please note that not every day is perfection - one minute he's telling me that I'm such a wonderful mommy and the next minute he "hates" me.....we're a work in progress!! ha! <br />
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This new school year brings new beginnings for our children and I'm looking forward to them. Logan is going to play football and was told that he will wear his dad's number (#33) this season and he is really proud of that. My brother will be one of his coaches and I know that he's going to look out for Logan's best interests and all of the coaches in the football program are really positive and the kids learn a lot about life/teamwork/being the best you as well as football. I can't wait to see what this year brings for our little family.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-71398698446761974792010-03-02T09:42:00.002-06:002010-03-02T09:59:47.150-06:00We were on a breakI have taken a break on blogging, partially because my crazy life hasn't allowed for much down time. Kids, work, remodeling our home, marriage, helping others, finding out I'm allergic to chocolate.....I'M ALLERGIC TO WHAT?!! Anyway, life has taken me away from writing down the goings on in our little life and here is a recap of our events in the past month.<br /><ul><li>Logan is doing well, he was asked to participate in two days of intense psychological evaluations that will give us insight into how to counsel, parent, and educate him. Those results should be in soon......I can't wait; but I'm a little scared to see it all on paper. </li><li>There have been really good days and some really bad days. Let's just say I've cried more in this past month as a mother than I ever have. Parenting a child with challenges takes a lot out of you and there are moments when you want to scream "why can't my life be normal", but then I look at my life in that very next moment and feel incredibly blessed! </li><li>Randy and I are re-carpeting our bedrooms, closets, and hallway in our house and so once again, our house is a disaster - BUT, it looks really good and I told him the other day that our house is not new, but I love it and I love the location and we take one major project a year to complete and have updated it so much - so we're making it our own. </li><li>Last Wednesday I found out that I'm allergic to quite a few things - soy, tree nuts, cocoa nut (which includes chocolate and cola), and something in the carrot family. So I am scurrying trying to figure out what I can/can't eat. AND I'm seriously thinking about starting a food blog to help others with these weird allergies. When I find the time of course! </li></ul><p>So there, in a nutshell are some of the things that have been preventing me from sharing with you my life stories. Hope life has been treating you well! </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-30340646181069346262010-01-26T10:41:00.002-06:002010-01-26T11:04:46.213-06:00Today has been a good day....baby stepsMy husband and I quietly picked up our children from their after-school program yesterday - fingers crossed that it had been a good day. They both survived the day - minor infractions for misbehavior, but they both survived - so far so good. As we drove home a little 8 year old hand was on my shoulder with a very quiet voice saying "I'm sorry for my behavior this morning mommy, I hope you didn't cry all day".....well, I hadn't cried <em>all </em>day, but I was definitely crying then. <br /><br />Homework was done without incident, dinner was typical - family banter, discussions of how everyone felt their day went, and afterwards my husband and my oldest son played Connect Four and my youngest and I played Super Mario on his DS (my secret addiction). The evening was quiet and the issue came at bedtime, like it always does.....one child can't sleep for one reason or another and they end up in our bed. <br /><br />This morning our oldest son did everything without incident, the youngest was a bit of a pill - not wanting to wake up - no biggie, and the only time I raised my voice was when the boys argued for the millionth time about who was getting out of the car first. As I type this I just came up with my solution.....one can sit in the passenger seat and they can both get out first. Now, however, the argument will be who is going to sit in the passenger seat! Oy vey! <br /><br />So far today has been a good day and we take our baby steps into the rest of the day with hopes and prayers of continued peace for our family. I feel completely wiped out by the stresses, but I hold hope that the future will bring us answers, tools for success in raising our children to the best of our abilities, and ideas on how to handle mornings like yesterday morning. I am actively searching for a support group of some sort for my husband and I....the few that I have found in this area don't quite meet our needs. However, there are some options for us. <br /><br />Living with children who have ADHD, ODD, anxiety issues, or any other out of the ordinary behaviors is difficult and you really do have to take it day by day with little to no expectations of what you are going to get from them every day. The element of surprise is something that could trigger anger in a parent - if something sets your child off that you weren't expecting you have to just go with it and not try and force it. I'm a little bit of a Type A.....so I am trying to re-train myself not to be so controlling. Our children are learning, we are learning......it's not easy, but we will get there. We <em>will</em> get there right? <br /><div align="center"><br /><em>The same boiling water that hardens the egg will soften the carrot. So it is with children. Everything depends on the individual’s particular reaction to stressful circumstances. ~ Hide or Seek </em></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-52094026030593404982010-01-25T10:13:00.002-06:002010-01-25T11:25:33.048-06:00What is to become of me?When I started my blog I never really pinpointed what exactly my purpose was for blogging - frugal living, advice on life, a look at my journey in everyday ordinary life......when people find out I blog they want to know what it's about - well, it's a little bit of everything. I think at the time, whatever my focus is is what I blog about. Well, right now my focus is my family and the challenges that we are facing raising a child with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ADHD</span>, anxiety issues, and ODD. In addition to that, there is the thought that our youngest child has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ADHD</span> as well, not so much anger driven, but hyperactivity driven. So many challenges as parents right now and I think that I'm going to document our journey here because that is my focus right now. <br /><br />What I know so far.......I'm tired, I'm tired of looking at my son and not knowing what kind of reaction I will get from him if I ask him to do something. I'm tired of walking on eggshells for fear that one word, one movement, one statement will send him into a rage that will impact our morning, afternoon, and/or evening. And most of all I'm tired of being tested as a mother and I often wonder where the love comes from within me because there are days when I'm getting nothing but hate in return. <br /><br />We have more psychological evaluations coming up that will give us more of a sense on how to counsel our oldest child, how to parent him, and how his education should be structured. I'm excited, but apprehensive about this - I always fear they are going to come out and say something like "Well, the reason he has these issues are completely and totally your fault". However, the knowing is what's important and what I look forward to the most - I look forward to knowing how we move forward, not so much the "why" of it all. <br /><br />The challenges of our youngest child are more just being <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ornery</span> in class, not listening, running around like he's powered by a motor, and I feel like having dealt with the many <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">idiosyncrasies</span> of our oldest have prepared us for these "minor" issues and we can deal with them. However, it doesn't make it any easier to hear a teacher say that she feels there is something wrong with him. That's my baby and I think he's perfect no matter what, I think both of my children are....but it's the judgement of others that I fear the most in this entire situation. <br /><br />Today I'm refocusing on my life and what each day brings. This morning was difficult and emotional and challenged every being in my body - it challenged our marriage, my relationship between my oldest son and I, and at one point I was crying so hard that I threw up. Not a good way to start my day......but I got through it and I'll get through the evening with my children once I get there. And I'm searching for support groups in our area for parents dealing with similar issues to figure out how my husband and I can get through this. <br /><br />Day by day as a family we will face these issues and meet them as they come. I know there are good days and bad days with variables of how good and/or how bad.....so in knowing that I feel prepared. I just hope and pray that my children both know that my husband and I love them dearly and will do anything for them - that's how it's always been and how it will always be. <br /><br /><div align="center">"Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body." Elizabeth Stone</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-79834962951335118802010-01-20T21:13:00.003-06:002010-01-27T10:17:34.355-06:00Never give up. Never ever give up.Sometimes in life you have a goal that nags you - it's one of those goals that you set but it's easy to set aside when life comes your way.......pay off all your debt, finish school, lose 10 pounds, run a marathon. Run a marathon? WHAT? Who wants to do that and WHY?<br /><br /><br />Well, I have always wanted to complete a marathon, not because I'm a super runner and could totally blow everyone out of the water, it's something that I personally would like to accomplish. I just have always said I would like to run one. I watched the documentary "The Spirit of the Marathon" and one of my favorite quotes was "There are people that are competing and there are people that are completing" - and I am in it to complete it and my only competition is myself.<br /><br /><br />Running has always been a good release for stress.....and if you have read my posts lately, you know that our little family is incredibly stressed at times - so I should be a really GOOD runner! ha! Last year I started training for it and got half-way through and my Lupus flared up and knocked me down for months. I had declared I was running for someone else and felt disappointed when I couldn't complete it.....this year I'm running for myself. I'm running to prove to myself that I have the ability to face a challenge head on and the discipline to prepare for it.<br /><br /><br />I have in the past run a half-marathon - I did not train for it properly and I was terribly, terribly overweight. I finished it and that's about all I can say - it wasn't pretty and I know that given the opportunity to do it again, I would have prepared my body better for that race. So right now I am registered for the marathon and am going through the training to complete it - given that my Lupus stays quiet I will be able to put a check mark next to "run a marathon" on my "To Do Eventually List". Now....gotta go, gotta get those miles in!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-74955903419766714572010-01-11T11:27:00.002-06:002010-01-11T11:48:42.802-06:00On the road againI'm trying to play catch up again....I was gone for a few days celebrating my sister's birthday in Arizona and the kids had snow days and I haven't been feeling well.....so I'm playing catch up with life AGAIN! And we are leaving late Wednesday night to drive to Alabama to visit my parents who are "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">snow birding</span>" for the first time this year. On the road again.....and this my friends will be the second longest road trip for my little family and I'm a little stressed because the first one was not so fun! <br /><br />I'm going to take you back to the summer of 2005.....life was very stressful back then with two little ones (2 and 4 years old to be exact), I was running a home daycare business, Randy was terribly busy at his job as a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sheet metal</span> worker, and on the side he competed in archery - 3-D Bow Shooting. He qualified for nationals in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and decided that the entire family should go out on this trip - we would drive and it would be fun! <br /><br />Our road trip was a 19 hour nightmare due to construction, we left bright and early in the morning - even though I suggested leaving at night so the kiddos would sleep, it rained almost the entire time we were out there - so I was stuck in the hotel room with toddlers, I was in a strange city and would take the children on walks when I could - but was scared I would end up in a bad neighborhood, we barely saw Randy because it's not like you can go into a building and watch their shoots - they are actually walking through the woods, and I believe our marriage was a little shaky upon returning from that trip. We survived and the children have no recollection of their mother having melt downs, trying desperately to entertain them over the long weekend, and I actually think they don't remember the trip at all. My husband remembers competing, because that's what he did majority of the time and has very little memory of the "other" stuff. I however, remember it all.......like it was yesterday! ha! <br /><br />Now, I believe that we are given challenges and that we take from them things that we're supposed to learn. I was supposed to learn patience and compassion and it taught me that as a mother I was capable of driving my children around in a strange city and finding ways to entertain them and making it seem like an adventure! The highlight was going to Hershey, Pennsylvania and I believe the chocolate is in fact what saved me. ha! Again, we all survived and there are little to no scars in the memories of my husband and children in regards to that trip - and I grew up a little bit as a mother, a wife, and a woman. <br /><br />So, in looking ahead at our up and coming road trip - we are going to drive mostly through the night, the boys both have handheld games, we have a DVD player, a GPS, and the boys who are now almost 5 years older will be able to handle the stresses that come with travelling a little better than they did when they were so young. I am looking forward to my children seeing the ocean, spending time with my parents, sweet tea, fresh seafood, and having a chance to learn from the challenges that might be hidden in our little road trip.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-26544217323950423212010-01-06T14:03:00.002-06:002010-01-06T14:12:47.700-06:00Patience Is A VirtueMy patience was tested on January 2nd while trying to travel to Phoenix with my niece and nephew for my sister's surprise 40th birthday party. We were scheduled to leave Bloomington on Air Tran at 5:46 a.m. through Atlanta and arrive in Phoenix at 12:35 p.m. Unfortunately that did not happen and we ended up in Phoenix at 11:30 a.m. on January 3rd. Long story short, I was tested and I believe I handled it all very well and can say that I have been to Phoenix long enough to know that I'm going back there SOON! <br /><br />In all of the travel madness, I finally got a chance to read almost all of "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert - I am in the homestretch of the book, but have SO many pages marked with quotes for my life that just fit me so well. This was the perfect read for the new year and I am going to leave you with this little snapshot of what I believe to be my mantra for this year. This goes along well with my "I am only going to put my time and energy into the things that matter" goal for this year. <br /><br />Happy New Year all! <br /><br />"There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under the jurisdiction. I can decide how I spend my time, whom I interact with, whom I share my body and life and money and energy with. I can select what I can read and eat and study. I can choose how I'm going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life-whether I will see them as curses or opportunities. I can choose my words and the tone of voice in which I speak to others. And most of all, I can choose my thoughts."Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-2584823035907241172009-12-29T15:17:00.002-06:002009-12-29T15:35:55.874-06:00I'm here....just trying to organize life a little!The whirlwind of Christmas brought lots of gatherings, late nights of wrapping presents, and the hustle and bustle of making sure we were where we needed to be with everything we needed. And with that, I am taking the week off of work to organize things in our home. I get so overwhelmed sometimes with the amount of "stuff" we have in the house and I tend to put it up on a shelf, shut it in a closet, and simply forget about it until I become aware that I could possibly end up on an episode of "Hoarders". ha! Well, it's not that bad, but it could get that way if I don't take time to address issue at least once every few months! <br /><br />I hope that you and yours had an amazing Christmas season and that the magic of Santa and the blessed birth of Christ gave you a chance to reflect on your life and that you are where you are supposed to be and that you are surrounded by positive family and friends that make you better people. Most of all, my wish for you is that the new year brings you great things in your life. I have a few personal goals that I'm determined to meet this year and I have been overwhelmed with support from my family and friends.....so I'm looking forward to sharing those with you as I meet them. <br /><br />One of my goals (not mentioned above) for this year is to read a little more. And in starting that already, I read something yesterday that is going to be my quote for this year and I think it's something we can all use to start the new year with - best wishes to you in all that you wish to accomplish this year. <br /><br />"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." Maria RobinsonAngelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-25031918510737236502009-12-17T10:23:00.003-06:002009-12-17T10:45:41.665-06:00Living Within Your MeansThis time of year it seems as though every where you turn you are spending money on one thing or another. With much planning and saving we usually do okay and this year is no exception. The bigger the children get, the bigger and more expensive their toys are - so I watch sales very closely, set a budget, and you can always find me out on Black Friday snagging those deals and like this year, I got the shopping done for our children in one day. <br /><br />I was feeling good about the gifts I purchased for everyone this year, including our children until a friend presented the question yesterday of "How many gifts do you give your children each year?" and in reading the responses I felt a little pang of guilt because some people responded "two" or "a few small gifts and then candy in their stocking".....our children will have several gifts under the tree.....several. Now, I enforce throughout the year and especially this time of year giving to others in need. My children know about the Crisis Nursery in our area and how we donate money to them to help children in need, they go to the Humane Society with me to walk dogs, and they know that the toys and clothes that I frequently package up are going to children that might not be able to have those things otherwise. And during the Christmas season, they are actively involved in church activities and we know that Jesus is the reason for the season. Should I feel guilty about in addition to teaching them giving and compassion for others, that my husband and I spoil them just a little bit with an abundance of gifts? <br /><br />My husband and I live within our means - our home is nearly 30 years old, our car is a '98, we shop sales, and I'm a little fanatical about being frugal. But when it comes to our kids and Christmas - it's so fun to spoil them just a little bit! And it's not like I go all out and buy them whatever they want at full price.....no way, not me! ha! ha! But in reading the responses I felt a bit of guilt - are we giving them too much? <br /><br />This morning during my prayers I thought about the phrase "living within your means" and I think that it can be applied to all aspects of life - are you living within your means not only financially, but spiritually, physically, within your relationships, etc. And I think that if you aren't excessive in your life as a whole and you work hard, do for others, and live your life within your means - then at Christmas it's okay to spoil your children just a little.....because nothing gives me more joy than to see the sparkle in their eye and the happiness in their voices when they see that Santa has come to our home and given them gifts. The season is magical because of all aspects and I get sucked into it because it's for my children. <br /><br />Are you living within your means? Are you meeting the needs of every point in your life? If you are, then you are doing well. If you find there is excess in some areas and a need in others, make a point to make changes. There is nothing that says it's too late to make changes in your life. And after typing all of this out I feel good about how Randy and I are raising our children and on Christmas morning - whether they are getting one present or 100 presents (which, by the way, they're not....not even close) - they will be excited, happy, and full of joy and they will appreciate whatever it is they receive.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-90905518448647784232009-12-16T12:40:00.003-06:002009-12-16T13:29:33.494-06:00What I have learned in my 33rd yearI'm slowly approaching the age of 34......8 days to be exact......and while I had some time for reflection yesterday I realized that I learned a lot about relationships this year. Ever since I started really looking at my life as a journey each year has taught me a lot about one particular thing - one year it was a year of self-discovery, one year focused a lot on my marriage, another year focused on being healthy, etc. And this year has been all about the ins and outs of relationships as a whole. <br /><br />Here are some recaps of the life lessons I have learned this year:<br /><ul><li>Always give everyone the benefit of the doubt. There is a saying that I love and it's "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle" and it's so true. </li><li>Don't give up too much of yourself for someone else's happiness. This is a little tricky and I often find myself taking on too much for others and some times I spread myself a little too thin and as result I get stressed and overwhelmed. </li><li>Learn to say no.</li><li>When someone challenges your character, while it might feel necessary to respond, goodness, kindness, and true friendship will shine through all the time. Hold your head up high and carry yourself with dignity and grace. </li><li>Adversity builds character. </li><li>Friendships should be the least stressful relationship in your life - nothing is better than sitting around with your true friends and laughing, talking, venting, crying, and figuring out that everyones lives are crazy and that you're normal! </li><li>There is a huge difference when someone is creating their life story vs. living their life story. Don't create your life story, live your life story every day - living the life you were meant to live means that you are living every day with honesty. </li><li>Change can be good, letting go is hard, and the truth does hurt. </li><li>Being a good friend means following this.....the more you see, the less you should speak; the less you speak, the more you hear. </li><li>When someone threatens your character, their character is threatened. </li></ul><p>As you can see.....I have learned some tough lessons in regards to relationships and I know that in my life journey I will learn so much more. However, in this new year, my goal is to pay less attention to the people/things that don't mean as much to me and more attention to the people/things that mean the most to me. The white noise that sometimes inflicts our lives shouldn't affect our life - if you don't pay any attention to it, eventually it will blend in to the background. </p><p>I am looking forward to the wisdom, the challenges, the moments that will define me, and oh so much happiness in my life this year. I never really thought about where I was going to be at the age of 34 and I think that I was meant to be right where I am at this moment. </p>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-10153964867162061082009-12-03T13:20:00.002-06:002009-12-03T15:01:36.563-06:00God Rest Ye Merry GentlemenOne of my favorite songs during the holiday season - the mentions of comfort and joy; and the mention of true love and brotherhood always bring me to the true meaning of Christmas. In our community we have a place called the <a href="http://www.crisisnursery.net/index.htm">Crisis Nursery </a>where children can find a safety net during times of strife in their lives. Single parents have a partner in childcare, home visits by counselors to assist with making sure their child/children are developing in the manner they are supposed to, and the Crisis Nursery meets the needs of children by helping to supply diapers, formula, etc. <br /><br />In an effort to support the Crisis Nursery our family makes it an annual tradition to shop at the holiday shop where our children go in with their list and their money and they buy for us. They get to choose from donated gifts and it's sometimes very interesting when you open your gifts on Christmas day.....my husband got a toy golf set from Noah last year and it was just something that Noah had actually wanted for himself! ha! Logan, our oldest child, puts more thought into it than Noah and is very sweet with the gifts he chooses. <br /><br />I am happy to report that Logan's 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nd</span> grade class has decided to give gifts to the Crisis Nursery this year in lieu of doing a gift exchange. Logan was familiar with their holiday shop and the concept behind it, so he was really excited about this. And as a mother I am really happy that the concept of the "season of giving" is being taught in other places in my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">children's</span> lives because there is a better chance of the message getting through! ha! <br /><br />I urge you to find places in your area that do similar things - there are always bell ringers, the angel tree at the mall, serving food at shelters - whatever is appropriate for your children and family. Find a way to bring the message of true love and brotherhood into your traditions during the holiday season. I know that it's not always easy and if you have fallen on hard times yourself, don't forget that these resources are out there if you need them. Just don't forget to pay it forward when you get back on your feet. ; )Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-19054692710314747462009-12-02T11:13:00.002-06:002009-12-02T11:56:38.427-06:00Recipe For JoyI am a firm believer in giving your time and efforts to charities all the time, however, around Christmas I think it's especially important because I simply cannot imagine my children waking up Christmas morning and having nothing under the tree and no food in the pantry. The thought of any child having to live through that is painful. <br /><br />We have always made due and had a rough spot in our lives where I didn't know if we would be able to afford much for the children at Christmas. At that time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wal</span>-Mart still did layaway and I don't think we could have managed if I hadn't been able to do that. Our children never knew how stretched we were and how we scrimped and saved to put those gifts under the tree - all they know is that they had a great Christmas that year. <br /><br />With that I have been inspired by another blogger, Dawn at <a href="http://mom2my6pack.blogspot.com/">Because I Said So</a>, to participate in “Recipe for Joy” through Kraft. Kraft Foods has teamed up with Feeding America to donate up to one million meals to needy families this holiday season. For every free e-card sent, Kraft Foods will donate 10 meals to Feeding America. Which is very cool and would be a blessing to many families. <br /><br />All you have to do is go <a href="http://www.americangreetings.com/channel/kraft/">HERE</a> and send a free holiday greetings e-card to your friends, family, coworkers, etc. and they will get a nice personalized greeting from you. PLUS, for every e-card sent, Kraft will donate 10 meals to Feeding America - so send as many as you can because they are donating up to one million meals. <br /><br />Feeding America directly supports 205 member food banks and Kraft Foods is a long standing partner of Feeding America. Over the last 25 years, Kraft Foods has contributed $770 million in funding and food to support Feeding America and other hunger relief initiatives worldwide. By partnering with organizations, such as Feeding America, Kraft Foods provides much-needed food to hungry people throughout the United States. For more information about Feeding America, log on to <a title="http://www.feedingamerica.org/" href="http://www.feedingamerica.org/">http://www.feedingamerica.org/</a>.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-90860961523702102842009-12-01T17:52:00.002-06:002009-12-01T18:13:15.379-06:00Living your life outloudI have nothing to hide, I am an open book and I heard the term "Living Your Life Outloud" today and I think it describes me very well. I don't mind telling you what I think, feel, am going through.....like I said, I have nothing to hide. My marriage isn't perfect, my kids are sometimes a little nutty, I make mistakes, etc. - I'm normal - at least that's what one of my voices has told me! ha! But I live my life outloud and I don't feel bad about it. <br /><br />My husband on the other hand, feels that I should be less open with putting out there that our child has ADHD with anxiety tendencies, or that our marriage isn't perfect, or that I'm even having a bad day. I don't know if this is because he's a guy who burps when he's happy, farts when his tummy is full, and grunts as a form of communication. I'm just kidding, he talks sometimes! ; ) He is technically challenged and he doesn't fully understand social networks or blogging - he just doesn't get why anyone would care that I'm hungry and looking for lunch ideas. <br /><br />And I have to wonder, am I putting myself or my family at risk by living my life outloud? This goes back to my question of are we making ourselves too available to the masses and revealing personal information about ourselves that we might not otherwise reveal to others? I think that the extent of information you reveal is indicative of the kind of person you are in real life, not just virtually. If I wasn't on social networks or blogging and we were standing next to each other in line at the grocery store, I just might reveal to you that I'm hungry for a cheeseburger or that my son has ADHD.....I live my life that way - I have nothing to hide and I feel like in sharing the stories of my life might help others who are feeling the same way. <br /><br />I have a friend who follows politics closely and has strong opinions about how things are run in the United States and she's not afraid to tell you how she feels. I have another friend who is very Christian and is not afraid to tell you if you are not following the word of God or offers you a bible verse to get you through a tough spot. These friends live their lives outloud and I don't think it's harming anyone, if anything I've learned so much from these women. But others that choose not to voice their opinions on politics or religion might take offense to what these women reveal. <br /><br />I think that if you are active in an organization, or there is something that you are passionate about that you should voice this to others. If you have nothing to hide in your life and are proud of everything, including all of your flaws, you should share your stories so that people around you can look to you as a source of information or support. I love my husband and sons and am so proud of them all - are they flawed? Yes. Should they be judged for that? Absolutely not. But I do think that sometimes one can reveal too much about themselves and maybe live a little too outloud. And I do hope that I don't do that, I hope that the volume of information that I provide is not too loud - because I would never want to jeopardize my family, I've done that before and it's not a moment that I'm proud of.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-41822055794910662932009-11-29T08:00:00.000-06:002009-11-29T08:00:05.666-06:00Technology OverloadI have been thinking about this a lot lately....how does technology influence your life? Is it a positive or a negative or a little of both? I feel a little overwhelmed sometimes by e-mails, texting, social networks, blogging and everything that comes with it. Because of technology we are accessible to our family, friends, and world wide web acquaintances literally 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Is that healthy? Does that leave us with any time for our life outside of technology? Don't we need at least the commute home to unwind, shut out the world, and quiet our minds?<br /><br />And in addition to being completely accessible to everyone, how do we handle "tech rejection"? You know what I'm talking about - someone deletes you from a social network, someone you send a text or e-mail to doesn't respond, and a person you know that has their phone with them all the time doesn't answer your call. This is a new form of rejection and I had a difficult enough time dealing with rejection in real life and now I have to deal with this? How do you respond to this new type of rejection? Is there a "Living Your Life Through Technology For Dummies".<br /><br />Technology allows people to be more candid and ruthless than they might otherwise be in person. People feel less inhibited with their words and I think because the person isn't standing in front of you its easier to be brutally honest and forget that the words on the screen are creating an emotional reaction. Social networks are rampant with teenage angst and bullying and this goes for adults too.....people put themselves out there and sometimes the reactions aren't kind.<br /><br />I do feel like technology has helped me stay connected to people that I might not otherwise hear from unless it was through the mail or over the phone and for that I am thankful. But on the negative side I have to wonder if I have made myself too accessible to others? Have I enabled others to affect me in a negative way because they have deleted me from a social network site, or never answer my texts/e-mails/phone calls? Have I revealed too much about my life, my family, my dysfunctions and put more judgement on myself or my family?<br /><br />Are you on technology overload? In our efforts to simplify our lives can we live without technology? And if so, how do we manage these types of relationships if they can disappear as quickly as you hit the delete button?Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-3680782470951573892009-11-26T08:26:00.002-06:002009-11-26T08:42:51.588-06:00Set your goals and just go<div align="center">"Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: 'I'm with you kid. Let's go.'" Maya Angelou</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I know that New Year's Eve is the time for people to make resolutions for the new year with hopes to change the events in their life that they didn't like and make it all better. But I believe that at any time you can set a goal for yourself and "just do it". I dabble in eating right and exercising, it's one of those things that if I have time for it I do it and but it's not consistent. I notice this mainly when I go to put on something that could show off toned arms I want to scream because my arms are not tone and are creeping up slowly to the dreaded "Hello Mary Arms". **sound the Psycho shower scene music here**</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I am a working mother and a wife and I am busy with everyone <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">else's</span> life it seems and I am making it a goal from this day forward to schedule time for me. I am going to take time to take care of myself and to eat right and exercise regularly. Now....I am having this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">epiphany</span> on Thanksgiving Day - a day when I will attend two family celebrations and eat so much crap that Randy will roll me home. AND I am doing this during the cold months which is when my Lupus flares up the most. But I am determined to take control of this desire to be fit and follow through with it. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Now, in doing this I have documented that I am making this pact with myself to make an effort to workout religiously and to eat right. I am so inspired by my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> friends that workout religiously and they are just as busy, if not busier than me......so for that I am thankful. Today before I eat all of the great food at each family celebration I am going to workout and I will let the kids know that during that 45-60 minute time period it's my time and unless they are bleeding, leave me alone! ha! </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">So if you have had some goals in mind start them today....take charge of your life and make something happen for yourself. You can do it and I will support you 100% of the way. </div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-87624741385165785002009-11-25T11:42:00.003-06:002009-11-25T14:20:02.309-06:00What I am thankful forI know, it sounds like a cheesy grade school essay, but in thinking about my life today I realized how much I have to be thankful for. Life is so hectic and crazy sometimes and we just forget about how blessed we really are. We become so wrapped up in the chaos of marriage, parenting, work, extra-curricular activities that some times it is so important to stop and look around at the life around you and appreciate each and every moment.<br /><br />I feel like every person in my life makes me a better person and I am so thankful with everything that I've been given in my life - life gives you what you give it and because of my solid foundation and the great people that I've surrounded myself with that I have been given a great life. This year on Thanksgiving Day and every day following tell the people around you how thankful you are to have them in your life. Nobody is perfect, but if you surround yourself with goodness that's what you will get in return. Happy Thanksgiving everyone - I wish you many blessings today, tomorrow, and always. <br /><br /><div align="center">"In every person who comes near you look for what is good and strong; honor that; try to imitate it, and your faults will drop off like dead leaves when their time comes." John Ruskin</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-54952025843749059392009-11-20T15:57:00.004-06:002009-11-20T16:37:07.157-06:00Before you point your finger, stop and look at how many fingers are pointing back at you.Sound advice from the Christian radio station that I frequently listen to. I have found myself in situations recently where there has been a lot of finger pointing and I've had to stop myself from pointing back because I know that I am not perfect and I'm willing to accept myself for who I am. I look at the individuals who have done the finger pointing and know that deep down I am the scapegoat for their life issues - does it bother me? A little. Does it change me? Not anymore. I am a grown woman, a wife, a mother.....I have the weight of my own life on my shoulders and refuse to carry anyone else's. <br /><br />When you point your finger at someone think about the real reason you are doing it. Are you just really unhappy in your own life and it's easier than facing your own problems? I know I'm guilty of doing that - it's easier to point out someone else's flaws rather than really looking at your own. Nobody is perfect and I have found in my journey through life that sometimes it's so much easier to laugh at yourself and say "I'm an idiot, I'm so sorry for what I said/did, etc." and everyone can move on. Accepting yourself, flaws and all is not a simple life lesson and can some times be a very difficult pill to swallow - but it means your human. <br /><br />I recently had someone tell me something that was being said about me and I didn't react to it like they thought I should - I just took it all in and said "If that's what they think, that's fine, but I know the truth" and they acted as if I should create a scene, a confrontation, clear the air.....but like I said, I know the truth and the truth is what will carry me through any situation. Would I feel better screaming and yelling and carrying on? Not really, maybe for a moment, but screaming at someone at my age just makes me look crazy - ha! <br /><br />So if you are in a situation right now where fingers are being pointed at you, terrible things are being said, and your character is being challenged - look at the source, look at the real reason they are doing what they are doing. Are they so incredibly unhappy and miserable in their own life that they are willing to put you out there so nobody will really look at them? Probably. Stand strong, be your own person, and be comfortable with the truth. <br /><br />Some things don't warrant a response and I have had to bite my tongue many many times this past year in different situations - and it's for the best. I am comfortable with myself, my flawed, imperfect self, that is in a marriage that at times seems so dysfunctional, with children that are far from Peter and Bobby Brady, and family that is just sometimes laughably insane. <br /><br />Don't you look at me so smug<br />And say I'm going bad.<br />Who are you to judge me<br />And the life that I live?<br /><br />I know that I'm not perfect<br />And that I don't claim to be.<br />So before you point your fingers,<br />Be sure your hands are clean.<br /><br />Judge not<br />Before you judge yourself.<br />Judge not<br />If you're not ready for judgement. Woah oh oh!<br /><br />The road of life is rocking<br />And you may stumble too.<br />So while you talk about me,<br />someone else is judging you.<br /><br />**Bob Marley**Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-38906921200397093802009-11-18T10:48:00.002-06:002009-11-18T11:54:02.470-06:00Wholey Chicken BatmanI have to admit, I've been a chicken snob for many years - if it wasn't boneless/skinless chicken breast I wanted no part of it. Well, along my journey to frugalness, I have found that you can have chicken without the major hit on your pocket book! When I see bone-in chicken breasts on sale for $0.88/lb. I get super excited! I know now how to remove the skin, cut the meat of the bone and package it up in the freezer for another day......woo hoo! AND if you are like I was and you're buying those bags of chicken breasts.....they are full of sodium because they're frozen in basically a salt water bath - just a side note for those of you trying to lose weight.<br /><br />More recently I have discovered whole chickens.....initially I thought - what the heck am I going to do with a whole chicken? Well, at $0.49/lb. I was willing to learn! I have made several meals out of a whole chicken along with chicken stock. <br /><br />Here is what I have learned from SO many of the great blogs that I rely on - <br /><br />Step #1 - place the whole chicken in the crock pot with celery, onions, carrots, salt, pepper, a little pat of butter and about 1/2 cup of water. Let cook 8 -10 hours.<br /><br />Step #2 - remove the chicken from the crock pot and let cool - remove skin and bones and return all of that to the crock pot (instructions for that will follow). With the meat you have from the chicken, shred it up and package it into 1lb. packages (or whatever you like). The last time I did this I ended up with four little baggies of chicken. Go through this really well with your fingers - chicken bones can be little. Put in the freezer and save for future use.<br /><br />Step #3 - all of the stuff in the crock pot will now be made into a rich, beautiful chicken stock! Just fill the crock pot with water - leaving all the skin, bones, left over veggies in there and leave it on low for 8 - 10 hours. After it cools a bit, you can strain out all of the garbage and package up the chicken broth into whatever portion size you would like and stick in the freezer for a rainy day. <br /><br />A 5lb. chicken that cost me $2.45 can go a really long way - 4 packages of shredded meat and 8 containers of chicken stock. I think that's a great bargain and it's so healthy for all of us! <br /><br />Why am I talking about whole chickens today....I got a call from my child's school that our youngest was running a fever. In addition to that he is stuffed up and has a bit of a cough. So, in a victorious "planning ahead, best mommy in the world" moment - after I made him a bed on the couch and got him settled, I was able to whip up a batch of homemade chicken noodle soup using two packages of broth, two cups of water, some sauteed garlic/onion/carrot, a package of shredded chicken, and a bag of egg noodles. I know I feel better.....and I'm hoping that he will too. <br /><br />So far I have used the chicken to make white bean chicken chili and the homemade chicken noodle soup, but it can be used in enchiladas, a casserole, etc. - just like I learned with a small chuck roast that I found way back in my freezer.....alone it's not enough to feed my family, but mixed with things it can make a meal. (You might have already known that, but I am still on my journey to frugalness! ha!) <br /><br />I hope you have a happy and healthy day and remember to not be so snotty when it comes to cooking, branch out - sometimes you might surprise yourself!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4045698668001406418.post-52748591341100222772009-11-16T15:36:00.003-06:002009-11-16T15:57:53.018-06:00Frugal Christmas Shopping ContinuedI am trying to be very conscious of the fact that I have gifts to buy for Christmas.....I would love to spend on myself with all of the sales going on now, but I just can't justify it.....well, maybe I can a little! ha! <br /><br />I received a coupon last week that I could use at any Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic store, including outlet stores - it was 30% off your entire purchase with 5% going to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. I nearly fell over with joy given that I had come to terms with the fact that I needed to really go out and try on jeans. Not that I've changed sizes, I WISH WISH WISH I would go down just one little, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">teensy</span>, bitty size....but I haven't shopped for jeans in forever and many times I find myself just grabbing the size I need from wherever and get home to find that they are Ultra Skinny, Low Waist, Not Meant For Mommies That Have Hips and Bend Over A lot Picking Up Whatnot From The Floor Jeans that don't provide me with the fit that I need. <br /><br />So after I worked the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Illini</span> football game on Saturday I found myself with a few hours before I was scheduled to meet some girls out and about and I took advantage of the beautiful weather to travel to the local outlet mall. Armed with my coupon my first stop was Gap.....this is my style, I love their clothes and have for a long time and they were having decent sales on Saturday. I tried on 6 pair of jeans total and ended up buying 3 pair for around $25 each!<br /><br />My next mission was Old Navy....this time not for me, but for my boys for Christmas! I wanted to get them each robes and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">jammies</span> - no luck in that department. However, all fleece was Buy One Get One Free and I got them each fleece pullovers, waffle shirts and boxers for under the tree and in their stockings, I'm sure they will be thrilled - but the pullovers ended up being about $5.00 each and I like them, so there! ; ) <br /><br />I ended up going back to Gap and bought them robes originally priced at $29.99 for $15.00 - they have a skull on it, which seems to be on EVERYTHING for boys - so they'll be excited!<br /><br />I also got a chance to go to a Pampered Chef party on Friday and actually bought a great gift for a family gift exchange that I'm in.....I won't list the contents just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">in case</span> my family reads this! BUT, if you get invited to a home party like Tastefully Simple, Lia Sophia, Pampered Chef, etc., figure out who is on your list that might enjoy something from those companies and you can give your friend the benefit of purchasing from his/her party and mark someone off your list! <br /><br />If you are looking for any bargains this week - Gap Outlet has their fleece marked 50% off and I know that hats, scarves, and gloves/mittens are great gifts for any teenage girls you might have on your list? And sweatshirts are always a great gift for boys. <br /><br />I haven't officially made my shopping list for this year, I've done a rundown in my head of who I know we have to buy for, etc., but I need to really get that done or else I will overbuy and that's just not very frugal! ha! Happy shopping!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00216852738149278717noreply@blogger.com1