Confessions of a Working Momma

Well, you know how they say when it rains it pours.... Well it's been pouring for my family since the end of March. Hence, my absense after my big announcement. Both DD have been diagnosised with chronic medical illnesses, one is medical, the other is a mental health issue. Well needless to say its been a whirlwind of doctors, discussions, decisions, and more disscussions, and then even more decisions. There have been many nights that have been spent crying but I keep trusting in the Lord my God. I recent song has really hit home for me in the last couple of months has been Blessing by Laura Story. "'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops What if your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights Are what it take to know You're near? What if the trails in this life Are Your mercies in disguise?" I promise you that I will be back it may take me a couple more weeks to get everything together to be able to pick ...

Well after a LONG LONG vacation, and a new outlook on life and blogging, I'm back. I'm back with a renewed spirit and dedicaton to showing you me and my families lifestyle. We will be talking about working outside the home, the kids, the hubby, crafts, saving money and whatever else should spark my interest. I will have lots of things coming up over the next couple of weeks.

As some of you have been reading, I was in charge of purchasing all of the food to feed 11 people 5 meals and snacks over the course of 3 days. Here is how I did. Also head over to the Grocery Cart Challenge and see how Gayle and the others did this week. Pathmark 2 Utz Pretzels 6.00 (sale -$1.00) 5.00 2 Hunts Ketchup 3.38 (sale -$1.84) 1.54 2 Mustards 3.00 (sale -$1.46) 1.54 Lays Chips 3.99 (sale -$1.49) 2.50 2 Large Lipton Ice Tea Mix 16.00 (-$6.04 sale -$1.00 MFR coupon) 8.96 2 Country Time Lemonade Mix 6.00 (-$2.00 sale) 4.00 8pk Bounty Basic Paper Towels 7.50 (-$1.62 sale -$1.00 MFR coupon) 4.88 Aluminum Foil 1.39 (-$0.62 sale) 0.77 2 Trash Bags 2.00 (-$0.46 sale) 1.54 3 Softsoap 8.40 (-$6.09 sale -$1.00 MFR coupon) 1.31 3 Strip Steaks 38.66 (-$19.68 sale) 18.98 Total before Savings 96.32 Total OOP 51.02 Target 2 Jet Puffed Marshmallows 2.04 ( 2 -$1 Target coupon 1/1) 0.04 2 Graham Crackers 6.58 (-$1.58 sale) 5.00 Total before Savings 8.62 Employee Discount -10% = 0.50 Total OOP 4...

So we are back from our fabulous family vacation. Have you ever come home from vacation and needed one to rest from it. That's how I feel. I did some shopping before we left and then picked up some other things when I got back. Also check out HERE to see how I did buying all the food for 11 people. Then head over to the Grocery Cart Challenge and see how Gayle and the others did this week. Giant 9 Box of Jello 6.75 -0.36 sale -(3) $1 MFR -(3) $1 doubler = 0.39 6 Pk of ready Jello 16.14 - 1.14 -(3) $1MFR -(1) $1 doubler = 11.00 10 Powerade 10.90 - 0.90 sale = 10.00 Organic Hummus 3.59 - 1.00 MFR =2.59 - should have rang up 2.50 to start So refunded my total cost (So FREE!! plus $1) Hummus 2.99- 0.49 sale - 1.00 MFR= 1.50 2 Breyers Ice Cream 8.98 - 3.80 sale -$1 MFR = 4.18 -5/50 coupon (bought stuff in this trip for vacation) TOTAL OOP 21.07 Target 22 pk Frito Lay Snack Packs 6.99 3 Quaker Granola Bars 6.00 15 pk Gatorade 8.99 Jif PB 4.54 Gallon Whole Milk 3.34 Gallon 1% Milk 3.09 Cr...

I didn't do to bad this week. Really didn't need a whole lot since we are leaving for vacation on Friday. I am in charge of gathering all of the food this week to feed 11 people (2 teen boys and 3 grown men that eat like teenagers!) So check back next week and see how I do. Target 2 Flat Earth Chips 5.38 -$1 MFR 1/1 -$1 MFR 1/1 = 3.38 Smartfood Popcorn 3.33 -$1MFR -$1 Target = 1.33 Smartfood Popcorn 3.33 -$1 Target = 2.33 5 Quaker Rice Cakes 8.35 -(5) $1 Target 1/1 = 3.35 100 Calorie Snacks 2.04 -$1 MRF -$1 Target = 0.04 100 Calorie Snacks 2.04 -$1MFR -$1 Target = 0.04 3 Crystal Light 11.97 -$1 MFR -$2 MFR 1/2 -(3)$1 Target = 2.97 Whole Grain Goldfish 6.49 4 Lean Cuisines 10.66 -$2.66 sale = 8.00 (not pictured) 4 Kraft Natural Cheese 7.96 -(2) $1 MFR 1/2 -(2) $1 Target 1/2 = 3.96 (not pictured) Triscuits 2.04 -$1 MFR -$1 Target 1/2 = 0.04 Wheat Thins 2.04 -$1 MFR = 1.04 2 Kraft Dressings 3.98 -(2)$1 MFR 1/1 -$1 Target 1/2 = 0.98 Total before coupons 69.61 Employee Discount -10...

This is our meal plan for our family vacation. We are going with a total of 11 people. Thank god there is not anymore, because I am not sure I could handle it. I have agreed to do all the planning and all of the shopping for the major food. With everyone else pitching in and bringing personal food and snacks to share. To check out what other ladies are making for the holiday weekend, head over the Organizing Junkie . Check back next week, to see how the weekend went and how much I spent to feed all of these people. Friday - Dinner is on your own. (We and my parents will be eating steaks on the grill, potatoes & Salad.) Saturday Breakfast – Fruit cup, muffins, OJ, coffee, milk Lunch – Sandwiches, chips, pretzels, snacks & drinks Dinner – Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Rolls, Fruit, Snack and S’mores Sunday Breakfast - Eggs, Bacon, Toast, OJ, Coffee, milk Lunch – on your own Dinner – In Town Monday Breakfast – Cinnamon Buns, Cereal, OJ, Coffee, milk My Shopping List for the weekend: Fruit...

So this week is the week before vacation, so you know what this means... it's crazy here. My to do list is longer than there are hours in the day. Daddy and I both have meeting on different nights this week plus, I have taken off a couple of extra days to pack, cook and get it all together. Here is the plan up until we leave for vacation. Check out HERE to see what we will be eating and feeding 11 people on vacation. To check out what other ladies are making for the holiday weekend, head over the Organizing Junkie . Monday: Soft Tacos with Beef, Black Beans, Tomatoes, Cheese, Sour Cream Tuesday: Eggplant Parm & Salad Wednesday: Super nachos made with refried beans, black beans, lettuce, tomato & sour cream Thursday: Steaks on the Grill, Sweet Potatoes & Salad Friday: Vacation Saturday: Vacation Sunday: Vacation