Humbled

the other day, i took the "back roads" to get to a store. i went thru the "underbelly" of Fort Worth, near downtown. it was about 20 degrees. the streets were lined with men standing , waiting for passers-by to pick them up for any job that would pay. some were just wandering around under the highways. some were just sleeping in a sitting position up against a building. then i saw a family. mom, dad, and 5 children. why weren't they in school, i thought. and were their jackets warm enough? were they hungry? there were so many people i saw while i was warm in my car with my sweet baby sleeping in his car seat. i was conflicted. so many people. i couldn't give change to them all. i couldn't feed or clothe any of them. i don't know their stories or where they came from or where they are going. i had a full-on conversation with God. prayed for their safety, comfort and warmth. prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude for all He has given me. it was humbling.

Coupons

OK all you coupon divas out there! I need some coupon motivation.

See, here's my problem: how can i really save beaucoup $$ when the stuff we use as a family is either a) not something we would stockpile or b)an item that normally doesn't have coupons? Because of all of our food restrictions (for mainly little miss E), it is next to impossible to buy a ton of the cheaper foods such as many of the prepackaged ones. AND the off-brands tend to either be processed in a peanut making facility or may contain peanuts. We of course avoid those products because really, I don't ever want to see another anaphylactic reaction in my child.

So, I guess I need a good couponing kick in the rear. I cut them regularly - thanks to my sweet mother-in-law who saves them from her Sunday paper for me. I read the circulars. I watch for sales. I definitely pick up things that I CAN stockpile but the list is short. I am back on my meal planning wagon...we'll see if I can keep it up! Instead of a 2 week plan, I am going with a 1 week plan. 1 week at a time is better for my mind I guess! Also, we are sticking to our grocery budget like good budget people. Thank goodness for spreadsheets!!

Is there such a thing as a frugal, organic, allergy-free grocery shopper??? I guess I have found another mission in life...hello, my name is Mindy and I am on a mission... a mission to find organic, allergy-free products for a family of 6 on a budget. To be continued...

Hello 2010!!

It's gonna be a great year! Really 2009 was good too. I have a terrific family and life is good.

So what should I concentrate on? Still, so much. Seriously, there is much to be done.

Thoughts run thru my little brain all of the time. And here are some.

*Need to keep a notebook within reach to jot down things; ideas, lists, just things.
*Need to be more patient. I am pretty good at this one but good can always improve.
*Need to let the people that I love know that I love them...everyday.
*Focus on being healthy. Healthier food, exercising. And I dislike exercising.
*Work with what I got. Paint can go a long way instead of buying all new things!
*Beware: I am armed with a new camera. Ahhhhhh...life is as it should be!

Also, I am addicted to blogs. Especially those that offer recipes and tips for the food allergy moms such as myself. Who knew there was a whole community of bloggers out there with a vast knowledge on the subject of food allergies? It's fabulous! And most of them have terrific senses of humor which is right up my alley.

Finally, along with reading blogs (and Facebook for that matter), I am increasingly envious of other people's writing skills. Some of these bloggers (as well as some of my "friends" on FB) have the gift. You know, they can REALLY write. Things always sound great in my head and I can imagine that I am a good writer/blogger but who am I kidding really? Oh well. At least I try right?? RIGHT???

Maybe I will just post pics!

Happy New Year everyone!