Songberries, you are right. Sometimes you just have to spend some money to save a lot of money. And some times you have to spend a lot of money....
Still working on that freezer, pantry and fridge. I told DH what I was doing (trying to use up what we have), and he agrees it's a good idea. I took some chicken breasts out of the freezer yesterday, and we had Italian style chicken cutlets. Had leftovers tonight, and still have one breast left. If he doesn't take it for lunch tomorrow, I will.
I put the bones in the freezer for chicken soup. I may save them for cooler weather, though!