Wow, have I ever fell way behind in my blogging or what?

I thought that since I’m on here now, playing Netwinner that I’d get busy and write something to post!

It’s been awhile since I’ve been here so I guess that first, I’ll try to catch up on things a bit.

The major thing that has changed since I’ve last posted is that ...

I am finally divorced and got my papers in the mail this past week.

This is something I’m definitely happy about and I’m the one who filed and paid for it.

Glad that chapter in my life is over with!

What have I been working on? I’m still working on crosses like those in the picture above.

I’ve made pink ones, blue ones along with ones that are white, yellow, green and also variegated ones as well.

I’m making these for Operation Christmas Child boxes that will go to children all over the world.

Operation Christmas Child is a program that is run by Samaritan’s Purse which is run by Billy Graham’s son, Franklin Graham.

Also, I’m still crocheting afghans for local homeless shelters as well ...

Doing both of these things gives me a tremendous feeling of satisfaction because I know that I’m helping others,

And, after all ... isn’t that what living the Christian life is all about?

Boy have I had a real problem lately with keeping myself from spending money.

I don’t know what’s gotten into me but I for some reason am seeming to get worse with it and it’s got to stop!

I do have an EF [emergency fund] that I’ve started but I could and would have had a lot more in it if ...

Well, if I hadn’t decided to spend the money on things that I did not need at all but just thought that I had to have them.

Anyone have any tips and tricks to keep yourself from spending any EF that you do get put away?

I seem to do really good until I get $200 to $300 or so put into my savings account and then ...

It seems like all common sense just flies out the window and I find something that I just have to have ...

These aren’t things I need, ya understand ... they’re just things that I find that I want.

Ugh ... I have no self-control at times and it’s so frustrating!

For the time being, I don’t really have a goal as to anything that I’m really saving for ...

Maybe if I figured that out, it would help some ... what do you all think?

I’m open to all suggestions ’cuz I really do want [and need!] help!

Guess I ought to go since I’ve already blabbed enough for now ...

Hopefully now that I’ve gotten one post written, I’ll get back to posting again on a regular basis!

Love,

We all know that money doesn't grow on trees, but sometimes it's good to have a reminder.

I took some time off blogging, but have been keeping my financial journal now at an online journal which is really helping me stay on track.  For some reason I have been feeling the need to spend; I think it's because of stress, so I'm trying to keep that under control.

I am reaching some of my financial goals but have a long way to go.  It will probably be sometime next year before my outstanding debts are paid.  I had too many medical expenses to contend with; plus I just haven't been as diligent as I should be.   I haven't fallen off the frugal wagon but I could feel myself slipping; so I am renewing my dedication to my frugality.

I plan on blogging often as this really helps me stay on track.  I hope you all have been doing well with your finances and your lives.

Back to the blogs!!!!! 

If you haven't done so yet, please be sure and watch the movie, Miss Potter.  It was a wonderful movie.  The scenery was beautiful and the artwork was gorgeous. 

It will make you laugh, make you cry and definitely leaves  you feeling great.  Please don't miss out on this wonderful movie!!

Whoo-hoo! After a lot of cursing   tweaking,

my new cooking blog, Too Many Recipes,

is finally up and running.  

Today's Menu Plan Monday post is below this one... after today, I'll be doing my cooking blogging over on the new site.

I've enjoyed using Village Blogger, but in my quest to simplify my life, it's just easier for me to have both of my blogs in one place. 

I hope you'll come and visit my new site! 

This menu is shorter than usual in terms of detailed menus, WW points, and recipe links for two reasons: one, it's going to be a very busy week at my house after today; and two, I'm busy working on the new home for this blog!    Hopefully by the end of the day I will have a new site, on a new server, up and running.    See you soon at the new address!  Edited later to add:  OK, it's working:  Too Many Recipes is up and running!

• SUNDAY: new recipe: Easy Crockpot Chili (6pts)
• MONDAY: new recipe: Forgotten Chicken (with rice) , steamed broccoli, rolls.   As written, that chicken recipe would be 13 points!  I'm using much less chicken and cutting down on points.
• TUESDAY: beef enchiladas and mexicorn
• WEDNESDAY:   Dinner out with friends!  
• THURSDAY:  BBQ Ribs in the crockpot, scalloped potatoes, peas
• FRIDAY:  Pasta Bake-- one of the frozen casseroles I have waiting in the freezer-- with garlic bread and green beans
• SATURDAY: ?? - I always leave Saturdays open.  
• SUNDAY: Jolene's Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole peas & onions, biscuits
   I'm doubling this meal and taking half to my parents, who will just be coming home from vacation.  :

Head on over to I'm An Organizing Junkie to share your menu

or see what others are eating this week!

Have you ever had one of those days when you feel like doing this to someone?  I know it's not nice, but I think we've all felt like this!!!

Or since this is a cooking blog, should I say I'm  "steaking" a claim?     I know, I know, I am just too funny for words, right? 

At any rate, this is just a required post so I can set up Technorati here.  If you're looking for my Menu Plan Monday post, scroll down to the post after this!

I've been meaning to do this for months, but I never seem to get around to it.   Once I get Technorati & Feedburner  up and running here, there will (hopefully) be a handy-dandy search feature available for all my zillions of readers.  OK, yes, it's quite possible that nobody but me will use it, but, hey, that's ok... it will save me scanning through pages of my blog because I'm just sure that  I posted a certain recipe for XYZ here somewhere.    

 My other blog, Tiny Blessings, is already set up with Technorati, Feedburner, and several other features... I just need to take a few minutes and catch up on this blog!

Technorati Profile

I have several new recipes on our supper menu this week... I'm trying to find low-points recipes that don't seem any different from how we'd usually eat.  The problem is, I'm in the mood this week to just get Taco Bell or call for a pizza every night!  ::sigh::  But, since that wouldn't be good for our budget or our waistlines, I'm trying to plan out some good & easy meals instead.    There's also more red meat on this week's menu than usual, but that's just because I'm trying to mix things up a little.  Weight Watchers points are included when available.

• MONDAY: new recipe: WW Beef and Broccoli (3pts) over white rice (4pts)
• TUESDAY: new recipe, but very similar to the recipe I've always done on the stovetop- my version just had veggies mixed in, so that's what I'll do with this  Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings (5pts) with peas & onions (2pts)
• WEDNESDAY: steak or chicken fajitas We'll see what we're in the mood for that night!
• THURSDAY: new recipe: Crockpot Melt in Your Mouth Cube Steak and Gravy (includes potatoes) (7pts) and green beans (0pts)
• FRIDAY:  BBQ Ribettes (pts?) & Corn (2pts)  We didn't get to this meal last week!

Head on over to I'm An Organizing Junkie to share your menu

or see what others are eating this week!

I love journaling.  I find it very relaxing and enjoyable.  I keep two journals; one is a financial journal and the other is a personal journal.

My financial journal has a puppy dog in an airplane on the cover and in glittered letters it reads, "Reach For The Stars".

My financial journal is pink with red cherries on the cover.  I got both of these journals at Walgreens.

First I will tell you about my financial journal.  I keep a list of my financial goals.  Then I have a page with sub-steps to reaching these goals.  I have a page for each month to chart my progress.  In this journal, I keep pictures relating to my financial goals and several magazine articles I have cut out.  I have some really pretty envelopes and I keep my $1s that I save each month, rebates and any extra money to put in savings or for debt reduction.  I tie that envelope with a pretty ribbon.  I keep this with my financial journal.

My personal journal is filled with everyday happenings, quotes, inspirational articles, etc.  I use scrapbooking stickers in my journal as well as pictures I  cut out and paste into my journal using a glue stick.  I am a very visual person, and like to use colorful stickers pertaining to each month.  I also have cute sunflower recipe cards and I keep a copy of some special recipes in my journal.  I also keep a weekly to-do list in my journal.

I really find journaling very fulfilling and would ask each of you to give it a try.  I''m sure you'll love it!!