If you want to be frugal try these! A.K.A. "Save a Buck Sunday"

One of my favorite books is the Tightwad Gazette. If you don't own it and you are striving to be frugal you must own this book. It is awesome! One suggestion that it has is using TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) as a meat substitute. I have wanted to try it for some time but have not had the courage to do so, until tonight! My SIL was over and we were trying the Millet I had made and then I brought out the TVP. We soaked it and then she so bravely tasted it first, it was not bad at all! We both agreed that it could easily serve as a meat sub in many dishes. Not that I am against using meat, I'm just always looking for ways to save a buck. It is about a dollar a pound and it is much healthier than actual meat. Less fat more fiber etc... I must add that she has texture issues and still liked it! We were trying it with a little seasonings etc... I think it will be much better in an actual recipe. If anyone would like to share your experiences I'd love to hear!


Now on to the Millet. This is a grain that is similar to wheat, yet is gluten free! Yipee! It reminds me of cous cous. It is prepared like you would prepare rice. Tonight I tried it with butter. Thats as far as I got. I am going to look for some good recipes to use it in. Once again very cheap. One bag cost $.99 at Cao Nguyen (Asian food store off Classen). I know it is possible to make a flat bread with it so I will be researching that. I'm starting to get tired of corn tortillas! I have yet to make a good gluten-free bread, even though I have a great recipe for one. I have a strange fear of making bread for some reason???

By the way, I have an idea of starting a "Save a Buck Sunday" post. Basically you would post a frugal idea that you have and use, on Sundays. Similar to the "Random Thoughts Thursday", "Flashback Friday", etc... join in if you'd like!

So blessed

Today was a great day! It all started with me actually being on time and leaving the house to be on time to church. We had a wonderful lesson focusing on reaching out to others. Oh, how I need to do this more. I often have great intentions of reaching out but do not always follow through... fear of rejection I presume. One more thing to add to my prayer list.

The service ended with my 10 year old nephew going forward to be baptized. What a special day for this Brown family. It seems like only yesterday he was born...just five days after my own son.

The afternoon was spent doing a few household chores and a nap of course. Following dinner we played several rounds of Apples to Apples with the family. Then welcomed David's family over for some Wii/Guitar Hero action. David did not get up from those drums for a couple of hours. He can really rock out! We keep telling him to join a band and relive his glory days :) Anyone needing a drummer let me know...

As I sit here yawning I am feeling so blessed to have such a wonderful family. Good night.

They say , "There is a special place in heaven for the mother of three boys"

But what about the mother of one boy? I have to assume that there will be a special place for me too. ;) My little boy can sure give me a run for my money to say the least. But God never fails me. As I reflected on the the challenges that can come with parenting, I picked up a kids devo book sitting next to me and opened to the page "When you face a trial".

You will face all kinds of trouble. When you do, think of it as pure joy. Your faith will be put to the test. You know that when that happens it will produce in you the strength to continue.~James 1:2-3.

This scripture came at the perfect time. After a few rough days I needed this encouragement.

Although he can be a challenge at times he can also be a blessing in sooooo many ways. This little guy, getting bigger by the day, is very quick witted when least expected. He loves his little sister dearly and often calls her "honey", while trying to help her with something. He still likes to be "put to bed" with a prayer and a late night "talk". He does his chores. He loves to go to Bible class and school. Not to mention he has done very well academically. He has patience beyond measure, like his dad. :) He is honest and reliable. We love him very much!!!!

One other exciting tidbit that we are so thrilled about is his ability to mow the grass :). I know dad was elated that this day arrived so I included a pic of him in action! We love you Davis!

Schools Out for Summer

Oh how I have longed for this day!!! I had a pretty good year at Crooked Oak, but it was short lived. I will be teaching in Mustang next year. Turns out Crooked Oak did not have it in the budget to keep a few Sped teachers, so... last hired first to go. I am so grateful to have a position in Mustang. Once again God never fails me.

I have been away from blogging for the last month or so. I'm looking forward to catching up. I've enjoyed reading blogs just haven't had much time to do my own writing.

I am looking forward to spending much needed time with my kids this summer. We are also hosting a new student from Japan. So far she is great! No big trips planned, except a few camps and camping trips. Oh and we will be preparing our house to sell sometime this summer, more on that later...