How Frugal can I be?

My mom was in town this weekend and she asked me if I was interested in trying a 6 month frugal challenge. I agreed, and we are going to be putting any spare cash in a savings fund. Why do this? Well, we, like most Americans spend wayyy too much on food and other "necessities". No, this doesn't mean we can't do anything anymore, it just means we are going to try and do it a little more imaginatively. So, the challenge begins. The ticker to the right will show how we are doing. Hey mom, I think I want to start saving up for our property:)
Let the savings begin!

Welcome, Big Gary!

Big Gary has come back to see us...ok, well not really us, more like the Shot Show. However, being that we are in the great city of Orlando where lots of fun stuff happens, we get company. My kids love company! Be prepared if you ever come to visit us for lots of climbing & hanging (did I mention you, the guest would be the tree?!). My middle son Bryce is usually the most vocal about it. Last night, we left Big Gary here to relax in peace while the kids and I went to church. On the way home there was some talk if Big Gary would still be there. I did answer yes every time the question was brought up, however, I guess the kids didn't believe me. Bryce came running in first from the garage and I could hear him yelling from the living room "he's here, he's here, he didn't weave!" I love their sweet spirit and love for others. By the way, for all of you that pass my house on the way to whereever, and don't stop, you are missin' the love:)

Another post

All is quiet, at least for the moment, on the homefront. Kids are unloading dishwasher, baby's sleeping, and husband is still in bed (prima donna). The kids and will be starting a new unit study this afternoon on the galaxies. Hopefully I can keep up on this. I'm a good starter and a lousy finisher....
The squash muffins went over well. My hubby, who says he doesn't like squash (I don't think he's ever tried it), enjoyed several of them. The kids scarfed them down, although I've not found much they won't eat. The real test for their tastebuds will be when I make Leftover Oatmeal muffins. Ok, I know it doesn't sound great, maybe I'll come up with a new name for it! I typed leftover oatmeal recipes on my handy dandy computer and of course a recipe for oatmeal popped up. Gotta love the web. Whatever I'm looking for is right at my fingertips:)
So, I have no camera (if you've seen it would you let me know?) Until then, I guess I can't post any pictures. I do have a camcorder now, so when (or if) I figure out how to load them on here, maybe I'll put up a video or two. Cross your fingrs for me!

Squash Muffins

OK, with the money we spend on groceries (and most of our children are little), I am really trying hard not to throw anything away. Unfortunately I usually don't remember to eat the leftovers in the fridge. So, I try to recycle my food-wait---it's not as bad as you think!
Tonight we had butternut squash. Not my favorite, mind you, but I know it's healthier than that pizza I really wanted to order:) My family doesn't quite finish one large squash, usually I have about a 1/4 of the squash left over. Publix's winter magazine had several recipes for squash. So I tried one of their recipes and made Squash muffins. They really aren't too bad--- although I probably will add a little more brown sugar and spices next time. Breakfast is served!!!
Try it for yourself:

2 c. all purpose flour
1/3 c. sugar
(I added 1/4 c. brown sugar as well, next time I will add about 1/3 c. brown)
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. ginger (more next time)
1/2 t. ground cinnamon (more next time)
1 egg, beaten
3/4 c. soymilk (I don't keep soymilk, so I used reg milk)
1 c. mashed cooked squash (butternut or acorn)
1/4. c canola oil
1/2 c. cranberries (I love cranberries, will probably add more next time)

Lightly coat muffin pans or use liners.
Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and spices.
In separate bowl, mix remaining ingredients except for cranberries. Add wet mixture & cranberries to flour mixture; stir just until moistened.
Bake @400 degrees about 15 min or until golden brown.

Almost Christmas!

Ok, it's not like I just don't have anything to talk about (I ALWAYS have something to talk about!) it's just that we've been so busy! This past weekend my son competed in his first public speech (Go Garry), Saturday brought our annual Christmas party, thank goodness my good friend held it at her house this year, Sunday was my husband's Christmas party for the kids, and another friend who's husband works with mine decided that we might as well go see the parade downtown Sunday eve. And Monday found us at Universal Studios to see the Macy's parade. Whew...I'm tired and we still have 8 more days til Christmas! Still, even though we were very busy, we had fun at each and every event.

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Santa's Tree Forest

Well today was the day for that we went out to get our tree. I totally get the whole fake tree thing, easy set up, no needles or sap, and those pre-lit ones, wow! However, I still love that real tree. Pine needles and all. So, for the 2nd year, we headed up to Santa's Tree Forest in Eustis. (Target was our tree farm, previously). My husband, who probably would much rather be home watching tv, dutifully went with us to share in the experience. Ok, not share in the experience, actually doing all the work. We hopped on the tractor's trailer, and headed out into the back lot where we let the kids pick out their favorite. Then he and Garry sawed down said tree. It is a little trunk, it really doesn't take that long. I'm sure he always wonders how our family traditions end up him doing all the work, and the rest of us cheering him on. That's what he gets for marrying me, ha ha. We played in the haystack, and the kids rode the ponies. All in all a great day!