Vickilynn, I sometimes use those goblets as decorations. I fill them with those little red satin Christmas balls, or candy canes, or "Hershey Kisses."
That was great luck on the new-to-you clothes for Ethan! Luke has been quite fortunate to have a big brother, a slightly older cousin, and a neighbor all passing on clothes to him. He hasn't needed MUCH in the way of new stuff. The Big Kids, OTOH, are not so lucky. And so far, they have enjoyed wearing clothes from their cousins or friends. It won't be "cool" forever but I'll take it as long as it lasts!
Thats great that the mom gave you all those clothes free, every little bit helps that's for sure.
My sister is lucky that way with her little girl. She has 2 girlfriends iwth daughters a little older than Erica and also a cousin, so Erica has more clothes than she can possibly use. Tonya has started passing them on to me as Erica outgrows them as I have a co worker here whose wife is due to have baby #2 in a week or so and her first daughter is a little younger than Erica, so these clothes are definitely getting used alot. Little Leif on the other hand doesn't have any male cousins nor does Tonya has any friends with little boys, so everything has to be bought new or at the thrift store for him.
Anna
__________________ We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
Anna,
I hope your nephew is okay, please keep us updated! I was thankful Joshs surgery was so early in the morning! Its hard not being able to feed the little ones.
I think Evan may have a tummy virus so putting him on the BRAT diet today. Has went to the potty 3x already today. Just lucky he has made it every time! Making sure he is drinking plenty of water if I let him have out of a water bottle he thinks its a treat hee hee!
I have to buy Josh some more clothes, trying to make it a point to go thrifting this weekend. I have him in 12 to 18 months stuff now, its crazy all of Evans 12 to 18 are spring summer stuff.
I feel like dh and I are under a black cloud right now or at the least dark grey. Last night he had a flat tire, soaking his WHITE shirt right now...He will take the tire in to see if it can be fixed for the first time in a long time we have to wait till next payday. Luckily the spare is a regular tire and not just a donut. I paid our car insurance policy for 6 months so at least thats covered. Plus we had to pay the quarterly for our city tax...I feel like lots of money going out and lately not enough coming in. I really keep putting off advertising for more kids. I just want to wait till Josh is older. Hoping my regular girl gets a job soon as well. Basicaly nothing frugal happening here!
Leighann
Thanks for the wine jelly recipe. Have never heard of that! I am going to try it--another great homemade gift idea. I'm comfortable with trying paraffin (never have used it)--since it can also be frozen or refrigerated.
Vickilynn: That game sure turned out to be a nail-biter! I bet it was a ton of fun.
I also feel like money is flowing wildly out of our house. Auto ins. and property taxes are due in Dec. (nice timing), Christmas, we're hosting Thanksgiving (as usual), kids' things (lessons, book orders, etc.), etc. etc. etc! There are also many worthy causes that could use some financial help--but who has any spare money?
Have been doing NO eating out whatsoever, and hubby and I haven't gone out together in a long time. Would like to go to "woman's day out" this Sat.--deer hunting opener--there are always alot of sales, craft events, etc., but can't really afford a sitter. Oh well. Maybe I'll take ds2 with me for little while...
OK--this is weird--my computer CD player just went out---came back on and went out again! Guess I'd better check out the computer trouble shooting thread.....
Anna I hope your nephew will be alright. I will keep him in my prayers. I have to take my Mom to the doctor today. She is not feeling well. And she wants to go and see if anything is wrong. Since it is hard to get her to go to the doctor inthe first place I am a little worried about this.
SO my staying home streak will be broken today when I take Momma to the doctor.
Barbzy, I like the idea of putting candy in the goblets. That would make a pretty (yet frugal) gift! I also thought of putting candles in them, but not sure if that would be safe.
Rivermom, I forgot about the start of deer hunting. Maybe I won't go shopping. I really hate the crowds.
I know what you mean about money going out faster than it comes in. My husband just got home from the dentist and is looking at some major gum repair work in the up coming months. Hopefully when the new company takes over in 30-60 days he will still have a job and dental insurance.
This year is going to be a frugal Christmas with family gifts and small purchases for the kids. I've bought 3 family gifts valued at $30 for $8 each (Pasta pots, 2lb spagetti, jar of sauce, and 8 oz pump anti-bacterial hand soap). I bought 4 hand soaps from Bath & Body Works on sale for 4/$10 and picked up 2 candles using a free candle coupon and $20 gift certificate we earned through a school fundraiser so I ended up getting the 4 hand soaps & 2 candles for $6. The candles will go to my in-laws & step-mom/Dad along with resturant certificates purchased through the PTA.
I've been trying to cut costs where I can by shopping around for gas prices instead of being loyal to one brand of gas and cutting back on what I buy at the grocery that isn't necessary.
Dh's mother worries us to no end. The doctor will give her meds, she'll take them like once or twice and decide she doesn't like them and stop taking them. She had a severe inner ear infection and because the antibiotics upset her stomach she stopped taking them. She also didn't get her flu shot this year because she didn't want to bother going to the doctor. She is 76 and starting to get a bit eccentric although age doesn't have so much to do with it I think as just some people age faster than others.
Anna
__________________ We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
Anna, your MIL sounds like my FIL. According to him, the doctors don't know anything and the medicine is no good! It gets so frustrating when we have to become the "parents" to them.
It seems as if everyone is having a lot of expenditure lately, and I sympathise.
My hubby and I have had a lot of expenditure this last month too, so we have asked the family if they mind if we cut back on the christmas presents this year and they have been very understanding.
This year I really wish to get back to the true meaning of christmas that seems to be being lost over the years. It's so easy to get swept along on the treadmill isn't it? I am aiming to have a day off in December where I can be quiet & reflective.
I have just started to read a book which includes the writings of a home economist who worked for the Ministry of Food during the years 1942-1945 when there was food rationing in place. It gives lot of recipes, and tips on preserving of foods etc.
