Joy in the Journey

For nearly the last month now my husband has been working 80 hour weeks.  I feel badly that he hasn't seen much of our family.   And then sometimes I shamefully feel badly for myself, even though I would never wish to switch him positions.  My place is here.  It may be the most challenging job I've ever had, but it's raising my people.  Therefore, there is much rewarding and satisfying that comes from my occupation.

Lately, I have been trying to prepare myself and my family better for the Holy Sabbath.  A couple weekends ago I prepared almost everything we would need for the Sabbath day the night before.  Our meetings begin at 1130 on Sunday.  That morning we had some spare time and the kids and I (husband at work) wandered down a trail nearby.  We brought bread for the fish and turtles, a school backpack?, and Perry the Platypus.  We collected rocks along the way.  Boys are so funny.  I always find rocks in the washing machine after I wash a load of their clothing.  So now we have lots of clean, shiny rocks.  ;-) 

The previous week and weekend had been stressful and this little trip into Nature was just what we all needed.  It was quiet and peaceful.  We passed by only one other on the trail. We heard nothing other than our own voices and the birds singing.

We don't like to be uncomfortable, pushed out of our normal schedules, do we?  For some, when the pressure is on we find ourselves performing our best.  Trials, and even simply, change stretch us and provide opportunity to grow spiritually.  I have prayed for increased patience and endurance to make it through these last few weeks and I've felt that added strength.  I didn't want to simply make it through the week - frazzled, disorganized, or angry with my children.  I wanted to make it the best I could for them.  They miss their Dad.  The house remained in decent enough shape, homework completed, Valentines made, and peace (for the most part) was kept - sometimes strictly enforced. Until last night.  I think I suddenly hit my breaking point.  Right before bedtime.  Urgh - hate when I lose it!  I apologized and they did what children do so well: immediately dismissing their hurt feelings and forgiving me without further thought.  They are amazing.  I love them.  
 
"If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly."

President Thomas S. Monson (President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

Cheap way to eat healthy

Thanks for your responses to my last post, Christy and Emily.  At first I began making a comment in the comment box, but it was a very LOOOOOOOOOONG comment, so here we are.

Em, thanks for sharing!  I'm glad to know which types of coupons you use.  I'll keep an eye out for those healthier coupon options.  When I heard about Bountiful Basket a year or so ago I was so excited.  Then, I went to the website and saw that it wasn't here in Florida.  :(  Bummer!   You know how you mentioned you wanted me to share when I found the answer to eating totally healthy for cheap.  I think I may know the answer!!  But I am not in the position yet to make it happen.  I think I  have to grow the food myself!  It's a huge undertaking, but I'm beginning to do it, starting out small.  I try to incorporate my garden goods into dinner two to three times a week.  I figure it's a start.  And it's not cheap in the beginning.  There are materials, seeds, tools, etc. to buy.  But once you get it going, the cost goes down.  I think I could eventually get to the point where we are able to sustain ourselves (produce-wise) with the food from our backyard.  This point is a ways off though.  Side note: Have you seen this blog?

For now, every year I try to do a little more.  And typically, each growing season I experience a little more success than the previous year.  That's where I'm headed, anyway.  It's my dream.  Am I being realistic?

Christy, thanks for the information!  I have been searching for a co-op here.  Dave has a facebook account, so I will look into that.  There is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm nearby.  There is a membership fee and then a lump sum depending on how long and how often we bring home their produce.  It's very beneficial -- for us and for the farmer.  Essentially, we are paying for their seeds, equipment, maintenance, labor, etc.  And in return, we make a personal connection with the people growing the food that goes into our bodies!  We receive food which is organic, local, less expensive, and it's an educational experience.  I suppose I just need to make the jump!  It's difficult for me to want to pay that much up front, and yet I know it is truly worth it.  First though, I'll check into that co-op that the sisters from church are trying to start up.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and knowledge, Christy and Em.  Keep it coming!

Couponing to save money, but not my health?

I recently attended a budgeting and couponing class.  It motivated me to be wiser with our money.

My grocery shopping is done almost entirely at Publix.  Publix is based in Florida, but spreads throughout the southeastern states.  The customer service is excellent.  They are quick to help, walking me to the items I cannot find.  They are always able to answer my questions, and in general, are very courteous.  They employ a number of less-abled {I know that's not a word, but I think it fits better than disabled} people.  Their employees are not only helpful, but seem happy to help.  My kids enjoy their trips to Publix -- always a balloon in hand when we leave.

However, I'd like to cut back on our monthly food allowance.  But Publix is not Walmart.  And I have this vendetta against Walmart.  I really try to not shop there.  I won't go into my reasons, unless you'd like to hear them...  :)

So, how can I continue to shop at Publix and spend less?  For one, Publix has weekly BOGO's and plenty of them-- buy one get one free.  Second, IheartPublix is a great website where someone else has already done the work in locating coupons that apply to Publix's weekly deals.  Publix accepts store coupons and manufacturing coupons.  Sweet!  It's so easy.  You simply go down the list of BOGO items, sale items, and printable coupons.  I am not one to pour hours into couponing.  I never will be.  It does not give me a high.  But, I will do some work to save.  And at IheartPublix someone has done all the research already!  I just have to put my list together for the week and print the coupons.

I was really excited when I learned about this website and decided that I was going to use it diligently to save.  But here is my problem.  So much of it is processed junk -- something in a neat package that has a shelf life of forever.  Much of it comes from the frozen foods section.  Don't get me wrong, we are not perfectly healthy and organic eaters here.  However, I do strongly believe our bodies are meant to eat meat sparingly, which to me, cannot be on a daily basis.  Whole grains are the way to go.  And things like high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners are to be avoided as much as possible!  I did see deals on pasta, rice, yogurt, household products, and diapers too.  So, there are some things I can buy, but not many coupons for me to plan my meals around.  I want whole grain items.  I want fresh produce.  Any suggestions as to where I can find coupons for those things?  Does such a thing even exist?