A Day at the Races!

Money Lost to the Horses: $9

Money Lost to the Concession Stand: $40

Money Lost to new outfit in an attempt to look cute for the Horses: $45

Good times with Great Friends: PRICELESS

Deal Alert!

This is one HOT deal if you ask me. Pop on over to thethriftymama to learn how to get some FREE paper and Quickbooks at Staples. I am all over some FREE Paper! Us couponers go through A LOT!

Familytime Friday

TGIF!
Well nothing official on the agenda for familytime today. We have several errands to run today (didn't I say I was going to do better with this?....) If we do anything post worthy I'll be sure to let you know. How about you? Got any neat ideas to do with your family you want to share?




I'm predicting a low post kind of day... But I'll surf the web real quick to see if there are any deals you should know about. Have a great day!

Good Night!

Me vs House

I have hit a Wall! I just can't get motivated to get my house in order. My laundry is piling up, I have not touched a zone since Tuesday and I'm sitting here looking at my empty bowl of pork chili (yummy! by the way!!!) that has been sitting on my cluttered kitchen table since 6:30 tonight thinking "I just don't think I have the energy to walk the bowl 12 paces to the kitchen sink, much less the dishwasher tonight." Anyone with me on this one?

Of course, I did seem to find the energy to locate my camera, snap a picture of the empty bowl of chili, upload the picture, and then write about my lack of energy to do housework.......... DARN! Guess I'd better get off this thing and clean the kitchen. Thanks for setting me straight!

Annual Budget Countdown

Last week and so far this week I have shopped a total of 5 times. 2 times at Kroger and 3 times at Walgreens

First Kroger (and this was my favorite trip!)
Total Spent: 91.98 on 76 items
Total Saved: 85.24

Second Kroger Trip (cheese run)
Total Spent: $8.18 for 10 items
Total Saved: $29.34

Walgreens first Transaction:
Total Spent: $3.32 for Softsoap Bodywash
Total Saved: $1.50

Second Walgreens Transaction:
Total Spent: $0.33 (used the FREE Bodywash coupon from above deal so just paid tax)
Total Saved: $4.49

Third Walgreens Transaction:
Total Spent: $5.86 (plus got $3 RR)
Total Saved: $22.04

Side Note: I was really hoping to keep getting FREE bodywash coupons over and over and over but when I used my FREE bodywash coupon it would not spit another FREE bodywash catalina so I am a little bummed over this deal. Because I am plenty stocked in bodywash $3.65 for 2 bodywashes is a little more then I am wanting to spend at this time SoOoOoOo I am planning on taking back Walgreens Transaction #1 and #2 tomorrow. Therefore I am not going to include them in my totals for the week.

Second Side Note: I got my February Rebate Gift Card in the mail this week.... $62.09!! Woo Hoo!!! So although I won't add this back into my budget I will start using this to pay for future Walgreens purchases so I won't have to deduct from the budget for a while- does that make sense?

Total week 13 Spent: $106.02
Total Saved: $136.62
Total Spent for year: $1296.69
Total Saved for year: $1144.68
Total Left for year: $3703.31

Deal Alert

Sorry so late getting these out to you. But here are my favorite Target Deals for this week. But first make sure to go here to check out all of the Target Printables.

Market Pantry Fruit Snacks Trial Size for $0.89

Use $1 off 1 Target Printable (use link above)

Final Price: FREE

Johnson's Safety Cotton Swabs for $1.38

Use $0.75 off 1 Target Printable PLUS $1 off 1 from 3/8 RP

Final Price: FREE after both coupons

Johnson's Baby Lotion at $2.18

Use $0.75 off 1 Target Printable PLUS $1 off 1 from 3/8 RP

Final Price: $0.43

Gillete Shampoos, Conditioners, and Body Washes are supposedly on sale for $2
Use $2 off 1 from 3/1 PG
Final Price: FREE

Renu Contact Solution- trial size for $0.99
Go to the coupons.com sidebar to print off a $1 off 1 coupon
Final Price: FREE

Pledge Aerosol Furniture Polish or Multi-Surface on sale for $2.50ish
Use $2 off 1 printable AND $1 off 1 Target Printable (use link above)
Final Price: FREE

Deal Alert- Walmart

I have not posted Walmart deals in a while because I can not find any deal match-ups for our region. Regardless, here is a link for current Walmart Deals- just remember the prices listed might not match our prices.

PS If you do indeed find Kraft Dressings for $0.08 please let us know! That could be worth a trip to Walmart!

Deal Alert- Kroger

Not too many great deals this week at Kroger (or at least not at first glance).

My favorite deal is the Sanderson Farm Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast on sale for $1.79/lb.
Time to stock up!

Wrigleys Doublement, Juicy Fruit, Spearmint, Big Red, or Winterfresh new slim pack at $1.19
Use FREE coupon in 3/15 SS
Final Price: FREE

Coffeemate Creamer is on sale for $2.50
Use recent $1.50 off 1 or $1 off 1 printables
Final Price: $1 to $1.50

Eggs are on sale for $1
stock up for Easter eggs!)

Del Monte Fruit 14.5-15.25 oz cans on sale for $1
Use $1 off when you buy 12 (is that ridiculous or what!)
Final Price: $0.92 per can

Dole Pineapple 20 oz can on sale for $1
Use $0.75 off 2 from 2/1 SS
Final Price: $0.63 each

Fresh Strawberries and Blueberries are on sale for $2.50

Cucumber and Green Onions are on sale for $0.50

Fuji Apples on sale for $0.99 per lb.

Skim or 1% Milk on sale $2.39 per Gallon!

Kroger Sour Cream on sale $1

There is also a P&G Promotion- Buy any 3 participating products and get $3 off instantly.
I have not done the match-ups but make sure to load Kroger card with P&Gesaver coupons and I think P&G inserts are scheduled to go out in this Sunday's paper so there is probably some good deals to be had.

Check back this weekend to see if I ran across any other great deals while shopping.

Deal Alert

In my experience, whether nursing OR formula feeding- NEVER Turn down FREE Formula!

Deal Alert- Walgreens

It's a new month, so that means it's time to pick up your new Easy Saver Catalog! Remember the coupons found at the front of the catalog can stack with manufacturer coupons for double the savings. Then your final Rebate Deals.... EVER sniff sniff ... are found near the back of the catalog.

The following are my favorite deals of the week with thanks to thethriftymama for providing the match-ups!

Equal Sweetener on sale 2 for $5
Use $1.50 off 1 from 1/4 SS
Final Price: $1

Reynolds Foil on sale for $0.89 with Walgreens Flyer coupon
Use $1 off 1 from 2/8 SS (other coupons available but they exclude this size)
Final Price: FREE

Mentos Gum on sale 2 for $2
Use 2 $1 off 1 from 3/1 SS
Final Price: FREE

Buy a 20 oz Coke Product Get a FREE Candy bar!
Use the B1G1 coupon I told you about last week here.
Final Price: $1.39 for 2 cokes and 2 candy bars

Register Reward Deals (RR)

Buy 1 Softsoap Bodywash at $3.99, Get a coupon for a FREE Softsoap Bodywash
Use $1 off 1 coupon from March ALL You magazine or from recent mailer
Final Price: $2.99 for 2 (after coupons) or $1.99 for 2 if have 2 $1 coupons (I think you could stack the RR coupon with another $1 off manufacturer coupon as long as you had at least 2 items in your purchase)

Chapstick 100% Natural or True Shimmer on sale for $1.99, Get $1.99 RR when you buy 1
Final Price: FREE after RR

Skintimate and Edge Shave Gels on sale for $2.99, Get $3 RR
Final Price: FREE after RR

APRIL FREE after Rebate Deals

One a Day Multi-Vitamin Drink Mix 2 ct at $1.49
Submit for ES Rebate #1
Final Price: FREE after rebate

Other Rebate Deals

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Origin Tinted Moisturizer at $12.99
Submit ESR #6 to get $10 Rebate PLUS $1 off 1 from 2/22 SS
Final Price: $1.99 after coupon and rebate.

Printer Cartridge Refill on sale for $7.50
Submit ESR #28 to get $7.50 Rebate
Final Price: FREE after rebate

Wal-ltin Allergy Relief 30 ct on sale for $6.99
Submit ESR #10, get back $6.99
Final Price: FREE

You can also go here to learn how to get a free glucometer and toothpaste.

Walgreens News

Well it has been confirmed... this truly is the last month for Walgreens Rebate Program! Still no word on what the new program will look like but I have heard rumors (or maybe it was just wishful thinking) that maybe they are going to start a reward program similar to CVS Pharmacy. Oh My! This gets my heart racing just thinking about it..... I have not shared this with you but it has been a life-long (or at least 15 month long) dream of mine to one day get to coupon at a CVS. I long to be a CVSer (yes people who coupon at CVS have their own pronoun!) I have even written CVS corporate to ask them to please consider putting a store in our area. They wrote me back and politely said "no." So now I just carry my coupon boxes with me when we travel out of town- just in case our final destination is home to a CVS Pharmacy. I think I'll log onto CVS.com and use the "store locater" to plan our next family vacation.... why didn't I think of that before!
Anyways, Back to the topic at hand.......... I am sad to see Walgreens Rebate program go. This has been a very rough year for us couponers.... first the toilet paper and now the rebate program.......what's next, FULL price toothpaste?!?!?!

Your weekly Walgreens Deals are coming soon.......

Thrifty Thursday

Welcome to Thrifty Thursday! I got a late start in compiling your lists last night so I apologize if they are a little rough. If you know of a deal that I didn't catch please pass on the wealth. How did you guys do last/this week? As promised I have left you a regular Mr. Linky as well as another Mr. Linky that you can link up to your blog. Have a good day!

Can I just tell you I have been sitting here looking at a blank screen trying to figure out what to say as I wrap up this fingerless Wednesday.

First let me say, a big THANK YOU to Jamie, within 30 minutes of my original post this morning she had called to check on me.... uh huh.... and where was all my other phone calls..... I guess I know who my true friend is! Just kidding- I know the rest of you were just too clever to be tricked. Poor Jamie already new about my missing finger and was just so sad to think I had lost another one!!!!

Second- today was a record comment day for DRS! To me that is totally worth the missing appendage and I am not beyond getting rid of at least 2 more if it means I could get to hear from more of you.

Third- This was a HUGE day for me. In fact, when word got back to my brother that I had chopped off my finger he really thought it was true because he NEVER thought I would share my real finger on the WWW. Big Step!

Fourth- WELCOME! All those new to the site today. Today was a record hit day. To all you newbies- I don't usually post pictures of freaky fingers.... lint- absolutely, dirty kitchen- you can count on it, but fingers that was a first, and probably a last.

Fifth- I end with one more finger story..... When I was in sixth grade my friend and I decided to play a joke on this other girl. Soooo before class started the three of us were standing around and here is what happened:
Friend: Hey Niki, what's wrong with your finger?
Niki: Nothing
Friend: No really Niki, I think somethings wrong with your finger.
Niki: What are you talking about? Nothings wrong with my finger (then Niki looks down at her finger to see what friend is talking about)
Niki: SCREAM!!! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY FINGER!!!!!! WHERE DID IT GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
Other girl: SCREAM!!!!!! Almost faints!

good times, good times!

April Fools!!!!

I DID NOT chop my finger off!!!! Ahhh what a relief right?!?! Sorry for the drama BUT I had been looking for a way to tell you.... and then about a month ago the whole April Fools idea came to me.... and well, the rest is history. Soooo many of you are probably wondering "How did she make her finger LOOK like it was missing? Was her finger bent back? Some type of clever optical illusion?" NO! The reason my finger looked like it was really missing is because..... IT IS!! Unfortunately I don't have a cool story to go along with the missing appendage (like I chopped it off while making a fruit salad, or I lost it in a bowling ball, or it got caught in a fan, etc...) I simply was born that way. Yep, lucky me!

Mom says that I was very fortunate because the bands that wrapped around my right ring finger while swimming in her womb typically result in missing limbs sooo I feel very blessed to just be missing a finger. The finger.. I get; But what's up with my fat middle finger and the head on my pinkie? Sorry, but I'm going to show you another picture so you know what I'm talking about....

Forgive me while I take a minute to pretend like my finger deformities are the most fascinating thing you have run across today on the World Wide Web and answer some questions that I might want to know about a girl with a missing finger:

Question: What was it like growing up without a finger?

Answer: Great Question... First let me just tell you that I was painfully shy as a child- so naturally anything that would make me stand out in a crowd was not only embarrassing but also terrifying. So I got real good about hiding it. I knew how to hold my hand just right so that no one would notice. I can remember one time, however, that a girl in my class noticed my finger and backed away from me like she was scared of me..... Yeah, that'll scar a kid! No really, I'm over it!... Really! However, that isolated incident did contribute to my fear of boys. I can remember being scared to death of "going out" with a boy because he might want to hold my hand....oh don't feel too bad for me, my fear of boys had a whole lot more to do with my fear of kissing then hand holding. (More on my kissing woes in February 2010).

Question: What did your husband say when he first noticed your finger?

Answer: Oh that's a funny story... I'll tell you my FULL love story in February 2010

Question: Does your missing finger affect (or effect, whatever..) your activities of daily living?

Answer: Not at all. I write with my missing finger hand, I type with my missing finger hand, and luckily my wedding ring goes on the other hand... so it's all good. The only thing is I stink at throwing a football, but luckily the NFL does not recruit women so again, It's all good.

Question: What do your kids think about your missing finger?

Answer: Well this is where I am at a real advantage. Whenever my boys start to do anything the least bit dangerous I just tell them.... "Don't _____, (fill in the blank: run with scissors, climb on the lawn mower, play with knifes, cross the street without holding mommy's hand, etc.) How do you think Mommy lost her finger?" (Technically this question is not a lie, however, I agree it is a questionable parenting tactic). Unfortunately, my almost 5 year old is getting a little too smart. A couple of weeks ago I told him to "stop playing with Daddy's drill gun because he could really get hurt. Just look at what happened to Mommy." Colby just looked at me and said "I thought you lost your finger when you fell off the trampoline" BUSTED!!

Comment: Niki, I can't believe I never noticed your finger before!

Answer: That's what they all say.

Question: Why did you decide to blog about your finger?...

Answer: Well, it is a part of my life so I knew it would eventually come up on DRS so I thought April Fools would be a fun way to do it. Plus, with so many oh so cute blogs out there, I thought maybe just maybe a missing finger could make mine stand out just for today... what do you think? PLUS! I'm always looking for ways to get comments........ Just kidding! (kind of- I really do love comments!)

Comment: Niki, You are AWFUL! You scared me so bad when I thought you cut your finger off- I did not stop praying for you all morning.

Answer: I truly am sorry for any stress I caused anyone over my April Fools Joke-but prayers on my behalf are always appreciated and never go to waste.

Ok, I am going to stop having this pretend interview with myself now.

You never know what your going to get on Wildcard Wednesday.... Maybe next week I'll show you my 6th toe!

DRS Accident!

Wel;l ladies last night while cho[pping up my fruit for our fruit sa;lad, I had a bit of an accident...... Everything was going just fine... the strawberries, grapes, and bananas were a;ll nice;ly sliced into choke [proof bite sizes and the on;ly fruit ;left to add was the A[pp;le! Whi;le I washed the a[pple and sat it on the cutting board, Colby told me a;ll about his day. Well I guess I was rea;lly into his story because the next thing I knew the apple sli[pped and my finger was laying beside the cutting board! At that point I fainted, and thank goodness DH was home to take me and my finger to the Emergency Room...........


Unfortunate[ly my finger didn't make it....


P[;lease don't worry! I have made [peace with my missing finger AND the medication is contro;lling the [pain for the most [part. The hardest thing is trying to type! I am struggling the most with the Ps and Ls.


Do you want to see my finger, oh... excuse me- lack there of? I asked myself- "would I want to see a picture of a missing finger?" In the end I decided my curiosity would definet;ly make me want a [peak. So.... here it is...............................

At ;least I didn't show you "the finger"!

Make sure to check in later for u[pdates on life without a finger!!!!

Deal Alert

Shortcuts.com has some new coupons available to load onto your Kroger Card. My favorite coupon is the $1 off 1 4-pack of Yoplait Yo Plus Yogurt. That will stack nicely with the $0.50 off 1 from 3/29 SS for some possibly FREE Yogurt. Gotta Love it!

Tidy Tuesday Tip

Can I just tell you that when I clean my shower curtain, I don't bother removing the curtain from the rings. I toss the curtain and the rings into the washing machine!! Yep, sure do! I then just hang it back on the rod to drip dry over the tub. Try at your own risk!

Zone 3- Bathroom, Living Room, Entryway

Day 1- Tuesday

• Clean Tub and Showers
• Wash Rugs
• Wash Shower Curtains

Day 2- Wednesday

• Clean Mirrors
• Clean Toilets
• Clean Sinks and Counters

Day 3- Thursday

• Organize and Clean Bathroom Cabinets and Drawers (inside and out)
• Dust Living Room Furniture
• Dust Entryway Furniture

Day 4- Friday

• Dust Bathroom, Living Room and Entryway Baseboards
• Vacuum/Swiffer Bathroom, Living Room and Entryway Floors
• Clean all Windows and Fans in this Zone

Day 5- Saturday

• Organize Bookshelf
• Update Pictures in Frames

Tidy Tuesday

You ready to clean some toilets?!?!?! My favorite thing about Bathroom week is I get to see how much toothpaste waste has accumulated in the boys bathroom drawer. By the time bathroom week rolls around the boys don't even need to squirt any paste on their toothbrush they can just dip their brushes into the drawer. NICE

Anyone out there doing any cleaning this week?

Deal Alert

If you haven't already got a 2009 Entertainment Book- it's not too late! In fact right now you can get yours 50% off!!!
I have TWO Books! My all time favorite coupon found in this book is the $5 off $75 purchase EVERY month KROGER Coupon. With my TWO books I am guaranteed at least a $10 savings every month. I used my book this weekend to get FREE admission into the Museum of Discovery AND I have used my book for discounts to many restaurants and even got additional savings on my flight to Colorado back in February. Needless to say it has been well worth the purchase price!
Click on the banner above to order yours- sorry I just found this deal- it expires TODAY- March 31!!!

PS How fancy is that- my banner is animated. I'm catching on to this blog world....... slowly!

The Free Monday rental redbox code is: 89ZQJ3 Remember this code is good until midnight tonight. And you must return your rental by 9pm on Tuesday or you will be charged $1 each additional night.

Pork Chili

I was soo excited to get this recipe from Carri at last week's recipe exchange party. It is the ideal recipe to help use up some of the leftover pork and beans from the previous recipe. Uneaten food stresses me!

Pork Chili

2 cups cooked shredded pork loin (or 1 lb pork loin)
2 cups Salsa
1 can pinto beans (or leftover pinto beans from Mexican Pork Roast)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1-2 TBS chili powder
4 green onions
Water

Combine all ingredients. Stir. Add enough water to your desired consistency.
Simmer 20-30 minutes.

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
Meal Plan: ~190 Calories, 3 lean meats, 1/2 starch

I am going to sprinkle 2% cheese and light sour cream on chili and serve with cornbread!

Crockpot Mexican Pork Roast

This is a super easy recipe AND it makes a ton! We will be using the leftovers from this meal to make the Pork Chili. Way to use our resources, huh!

Mexican Pork Roast

1 lb. dry pinto beans
1 tsp. salt
1.5 tsp Oregano
1/2 tsp Chili Powder
1 Jalapeno Pepper
3 lb Pork Loin Roast
1/2 tsp Pepper
1 tsp Cumin
2 cloves garlic

Rinse and soak beans 8 hours or overnight in water. Drain water and place beans in the bottom of a slow cooker. Season pork on all sides with seasoning. Place pork roast on top of beans and put enough water in crockpot to cover the beans only. Add jalapeno pepper. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Remove pork roast and shred.

Side Note: When I have made this before I did not presoak my beans but just added more water to the crockpot (at least 1.5 inches above beans). It turned our fine for me but if your not sure about your crockpot go ahead and presoak.

Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 4 oz Pork Loin and 1/2 cup pinto beans
Meal Plan: 300 Calories, 5 lean meats, 1 starch

I am going to serve this with a side salad
Could also serve this with tortillas, 2% cheese, and light sour cream!

Poppyseed Chicken

Although I have made poppy seed chicken many a time in the past- this is a new, slightly different version of the recipe. This recipe is brought to us by Stacy from last week's recipe exchange party. Her recipe calls for the Ritz Crackers to be in the chicken mixture as well as on top- sounds pretty yummy!

Poppy Seed Chicken

4-6 chicken breasts
2 cans healthy request cream of chicken soup
4 oz light sour cream
1 tube of reduced fat Ritz Crackers, crushed
1 TBS poppy seed

Topping
1/2 tube Ritz Crackers (my modification, original had another whole tube)
2 TBS light butter, melted
Poppy Seed for garnish

In large bowl combine chicken, soup, sour cream, crackers, and poppy seed; mix well. Turn into 12 inch casserole dish. Top with Ritz Cracker, Butter, and Poppy Seed. Bake at 325 for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
Meal Plan: ~250 Calories, 2 lean meats, 2 Starches

I am serving this with Green Beans (I am not using the ham bouillon for a while in my green beans because the Kroger Green Beans I bought in that case sale a couple of months back taste like a gallon of salt was dumped in them and when I add the extra sodium from the ham bouillon WOW talk about major bloating!)

Whole Wheat Overnight Pancakes

I'll admit I have never made pancakes from scratch BUT when I ran across this recipe I just had to try it. The whole "yeast" thing has got me intrigued. I am picturing extra fluffy pancakes. I'll let you know what we think.


On a side note: I would love to think one day I would be the type of Mom who gets up extra early to prepare a hearty breakfast for her family. I'm sure Alex, Mary and Jeff Stone never got cold cereal served to them by Donna Reed. Oh, I have so far to go!


Whole Wheat Overnight Pancakes


Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe (I have no idea how much this makes but I'm sure 8 is a minimum)
Meal Plan: ~180 Calories, 2 starches

I am going to serve this with Low Sugar Syrup.

Fish with Blackbean and Avacado Relish

I know this recipe looks pretty similar to the fish taco recipe BUT this one called for avocado! I love me some avocado and it is on sale this week at Kroger ($1). The recipe calls for catfish but I went ahead and used the tilapia I already had. Remember talipia and catfish are very low in the heart healthy Omega 3s soooo if you are going to try this recipe and will need to purchase fish I recommend trying halibut, orange roughy, or even cod.

Go here for the recipe.

Fish with Black Bean and Avocado Relish

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
Meal Plan: 273 Calories, 3 lean meats, 3/4 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 1.5 fat

I am going to serve this with corn tortillas and maybe a side salad.

Mealtime Monday

I forgot to look at the clock when I finished up the meals but my best guess would be somewhere around 1 hour 12 minutes and 42 seconds (time included lots of interruptions and distractions). In that time I prepared the following:

2 Fish with Black Bean and Avocado Relish Dishes

3 Poppy Seed Chickens

2 Mexican Pork Roasts

2 Pork Chilis

1 Whole Wheat Pancake Mix

3 Green Beans

2 Cornbreads

I am excited about this week's menu because it really stretches the buck. I love the fact that the Pork Chili is made from the Mexican Pork Roast leftovers. NO starving children in Africa on my account! (Did that make sense to anyone besides me.... anyways...) The whole wheat pancakes, pork roast, and pork chili could have easily been assembled the day of BUT I went ahead and did some prep work simply for the sake of the blog. Here is a description of my prep work as well as my storage plan for this week's meals:

Monday Night: Fish with Black Bean and Avocado Relish. I seasoned the fish and wrapped them in foil and prepared the relish according to recipe but left out the avocado. The fish and relish are stored in the fridge. Tonight I will Grill the fish and add avocado to relish.

Tuesday Night: Whole Wheat Pancakes. The only prep I did for this dish was to mix all dry ingredients into a ziplock bag. Tuesday morning I will mix liquid ingredients and add yeast according to recipe. The pancake batter will then go back into the fridge for at least 8 hours before I fire up the electric griddle for cooking.

Wednesday Night: Mexican Pork Roast. To prep for this dish I simply rubbed all spices onto pork and then wrapped it in foil and stored in fridge. Wednesday morning I will add pinto beans to crockpot along with pork to cook on low all day.

Thursday Night: Pork Chili. I dumped all ingredients except pork and beans (which will come from Wednesday's meal) into a ziplock bag. I stored bag in fridge. This chili can easily be heated on stove top BUT if my crockpot is clean from the night before I will probably cook on low all day with a little extra water.

Friday and Saturday- Out or leftovers

Sunday: Poppy Seed Chicken. I fully prepped this dish up until final baking and stored in freezer. Saturday morning I will transfer from freezer to fridge to begin thawing. I will then bake this dish up Sunday afternoon.

Mealtime Monday- accountability

What's on the menu at your house this week? Tell Mr. Linky. If you have blogged about your mealtime Monday feel free to leave a link.

Kroger Brags!

What a Kroger Run!!! Can I just tell you that this week I spent $100.16 on 86 items and saved... are you ready for this.......... $114.58 Cha Ching!!! The above is the mountain of plastic bags that grew on my floor as I put away groceries last night. For all you Earthy people- I do have reusable bags I just keep forgetting to bring the darn things, but never fear plastic bags are recyclable.

PS Make sure to get to Kroger before midnight tonight to take advantage of the Kraft 2% cheese deal- Kraft cheese is B1G1 Free this week. Buy 4 Kraft 2% Cheese and get a $3 Catalina. Final Price: $5 for 4 bags of 2% Cheese! I love a good cheese deal! ($3 Catalina deal expires 3/29- that's Today!!!!)

Prayer Request

I spoke with Sara this morning and got permission to share Bradon's caringbridge site with all of you. I ask that you please spend some time reading Bradon's story and then commit to putting this family on your daily prayer list. After visiting with Sara and Donny this morning I can not imagine how one family has experienced so much and manages to still have a smile on their face, let alone simply stand to face another day. BUT they will be the first to tell you it is only by the GRACE, STRENGTH, COMFORT, PROTECTION, PEACE, PROVISION, Etc, Etc, Etc. of their God and Father. He is truly their All in All and Great I AM. Thank you for your prayers.

Sonday Sunday- Guest Post

“Be true to yourself”…boy that’s one statement we hear over and over in Hollywood. The question is, can you be true to just yourself and experience the peace and joy you long for…the kind of peace and joy God intends for us to experience?
Growing up I was always told that the acronym for JOY is Jesus, others, yourself. And that if you prioritize this way, you will experience peace and joy through and through. Well, as minute and simple as it sounds, the World has convinced us much the contrary. They are selling us this “lemon” if you will, that it’s all about “me”.
Through the many experiences in my life I have learned that without Jesus joy is absolutely impossible. Through the loss of my sister’s physical movement (quadriplegia), the death of my dear aunt and all 4 grandparents, infertility, my son’s health issues, and recently my mom’s lymphoma diagnosis, I have managed to find peace and joy in the midst of these trials…with Jesus by my side. Yet those times that seem almost perfect (except my walk with the Lord), my peace and joy is non-existent and anxiety seems to overwhelm me. Looking back it’s crazy how I have had just as much anxiety from tasks unaccomplished and worrying about the future as I did walking with God in the midst of true hardships.
My question for you today is…Are you anxious and joyless? If so, you may need to check and see who your being most true to…You? or Our Heavenly Father? No matter where you look to find that Peace and Joy, unless it’s upward you will be searching a very long time. Stay focused on God and you too will have that Peace Like a River, and you can say “It is well!”