How have those who took the pantry challenge doing?

[ranae_aka_mom]

Last week I spent $28 for food for my family (there are 8 of us 2 adults and 6 kiddos ranging in age from 3 to 13). This week I spent $44. This week was more as yesterday was dd's birthday, and I cooked her the dinner of her choice (she wanted chocolate chip pancakes with whipped topping). Even with the extras I wouldn't normally have bought I think that is good. Especially when you consider I have been spending closer to $150 each week.

I am doing a lot of baking which the family loves (but I still want to know how they can eat 5 dozen cookies in 24 hours!!). I am planning better and sticking to the lists. We actually are eating better even though on a tighter budget. I am real proud of me!

So how are you doing?

[trainlady]

Hi Ranae,
I don't think I have met you yet! Welcome to the Family Corner! We are glad you are here! So, where exactly among the cornfileds do you live? I live in California now but used to live in the cornfields of Indiana!

I do a pantry challenge every few months to get rid of the old stuff! It's a good feeling to me to clean out the pantry, get in all "lysoled" and restocked! Admittedly, it's onlly my husband and I so I can do this easier, but money is still tight so I try to shop for bargains at the canned food outlet, dollar store........... etc........
My pantry stays pretty well stocked. It is my freezer that gets empty quicker. I shop every two weeks and almost always run out of meat. THIS month though, I shopped a big meat sale and I think we have enough for a month now!!

Tell me more about your family! You are blessed , indeed, to have all those dear children! My sister has four girls and hoping for one or two more!!

A big welcome to you!

peace, train

[ranae_aka_mom]

I live about 20 minutes from Peoria is where I live... We are a rather boring family is you can believe that with all these personalities. LOL! I am 32 yo SAHM to a dd (13), ds (11), dd (9), ds (7), dd (5) & dd (3). I just finished potty-training my baby. It was bittersweet for me but ended 13 1/2 years of diapers.

I am rather dull and a throw-back as I tell dh with my lifestyle, but I love it. I am living the life I always dreamed about. That is what counts anyway.

[trainlady]

Oh, so you're in Illinois! I used to live there too, in Springfield! I've lived in 8 states!!

My life is really quiet most of the time, but I am content!!

hugs, train

[lauraleah]

Hi my name is Lauraleah . I will join you in the pantry challenge I live on a farm in SW Missouri and I cook for a family of 6. Myself , my hubby, our youngest son and his 2 children a boy of 17 , and can he eat !!!, and a girl that is 13,
I shopped today and spent 30.47 cents at the grocery store, I also spent 11.25 cents for some fresh veggies and farm fresh eggs. for a total of $41.62. This is going to last me for a week. I bought some veggies that our garden hasn't started producing yet. So far from our garden we are getting tomatoes, and all kinds of peppers. Can hardly wait fot the rest of the garden to start giving me some more goodies to cook. I love to cook and also to bake home made rolls, buns , and bread of all kinds. We can, freeze and dry all of the extra bounty from the garden,
Lauraleah