Garden Update

Our garden is doing great, but Jeff says our neighbor's looks better. But it's only because theirs has been in longer. My beans are vining, my tomato plants have tomatoes on them and I got my first banana pepper. I'm so excited! Pictures are coming soon.

Also, I would like to share about my grocery adventure. I managed to spend only $129.00 on groceries to last us for the next two weeks! And that is to feed a family of five, which three are teenage boys with bottomless pits for stomachs! That breaks down to be about $65.00 per week! It took some time. I had to go to four different places. Now I know what you are thinking. With gas at $4.00 a gallon I probably didn't save that much. But the stores were all within 6 miles. I usually spend about $180.00 every time I go to the grocery store. But my husband wanted to try to budget our groceries for two weeks on the least amount of money we could. I was so proud of myself. So I thought I would share my menu for the next week with you.

Monday- Homemade pizzas
Tuesday-Chicken Fried Rice w/Cream potatoes, corn on the cob and cornbread
Wednesday-Grilled Pork Chops, salad
Thursday-Homemade burritos, salsa and chips
Friday-Meatloaf, pinto beans, potatoes with cornbread salad
Saturday-Hamburgers, potato salad, chips

Hope this gives you some ideas!

More Birthday Surprises

So much has happened since my last post. Which is why I haven't had a post. One of the many things that has happened, was another birthday surprise! We had a surprise birthday party for one of the families from DHR, that we work with. The Artis' came and we had a great time with Samantha's mom and brothers. Samantha turned 13 years old. And she was so excited to receive a new eighteen speed bicycle! We were excited just seeing her face light up when she saw it. We had grilled burgers and hot dogs, cake, ice cream and lots of birthday food. We are so thankful that God has given us the opportunity to reach out to these families. And special thanks to the Artis family for helping make the party a big success.

My Birthday Surprise!

I unknowingly went with my husband, Brother Ken, and Sister Holly over to Sister Von De Leigh and Brother Jeremy's house just to spend some time with a few friends and lo and behold I was met with a total shocker! These friends of mine put together a surprise birthday bash and the funny thing that was I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. I even told my husband to bring the camera so could get some pictures of my friends for this blog. Here is me with the brains behind the whole operation!

Below are some of the accomplices involved in the great birthday caper. The only one missing is Sister Heather who stayed in the other room while we were having this picture taken but not to worry as I went into the other room and captured her for a picture.




Sister Kimi, me, Sister Holly, and Sister Von De Leigh







And here is me and Heather with Sister Wilbanks, Jud and Sister Von De Leigh in the background.





















I had such a great time and I am so thankful to have such great friends even though they all got together and conspired this party without me knowing it. Here is me with my Husband who by the way allowed this all to happen without my knowledge.







I am also very glad that Sister Camille, Brother Austin, and sister Micaylah came and surprised me too! Remember guys that you have birthdays too and maybe I will be able to pay you back for surprising me. Ha Ha.

Thanks also to Brother Ken for rushing us out the door at our house almost spoiling the whole thing. Sister Von De Leigh and Heather had to rush to get the cake off the table before I came in the house and Sister Kimi wasn't even there yet. (She and the kids snuck in through the garage...see how sneaky they were)





Brother Ken taking it easy!










Here is Chase and Tanner waiting for Brother Jeremy to bring in the pizza. Thank you very much!










Here is me with my buddy Noah!








Chas and me. I am glad she got to come by and surprise me too!







I want to thank everybody for all their hard work and for making this such a special and memorable birthday! I love you guys!!!