FHE: Extended Valentine

Last night was a great dinner, but as often what happens with holidays, Mr. Man and I end up having an "extension" to our celebratin's!

With the leftovers from the giftcards we got last Christmas, we hit Olive Garden for lunch! Can't beat a FREE lunch (Again, thanks, Mom and Dad!)
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We both had the "Tour of Italy" (Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna and Fettucine Alfredo) fare and what a choice it was! The soup that came with it, "Potato with Sausage" became one of my instant faves!
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Then we went home and gathered the kids to the next phase our extended Valentine's Day celebration- to see this movie we've been waiting for:
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It was worth the wait though justifiably, we were disappointed that the movie's creative license condensed much of the back story that made the book series, "hard to put down".

It's a rare opportunity for us to have Monday FHE (Family Home Evening) because of Mr. Man's current work schedule, but having an FHE is what's important to us. Family time is very important to us and we savor each week we get to put that FHE stamp on it, helping to infuse its blessings and divine importance to each of our children...

How do you keep up with FHE in your home?

FHE: Extremes

Last week, we've established that FHE will now be on Thursdays.

Tonight, our lesson was on extremes. Both good and bad extremes and why...

Good Extreme: Being able to buy what we needed in one store and for way under our budget.

L-Infinity's competing with her AC/DEC team tomorrow and she needed a suit. I-Dude's shoes and socks are so worn out that his feet were stinking so bad and toes are beginning to itch in Kohl's where we went tonight. Poor kid!

I was silently and mentally screaming my head off as to how I'm going to afford all these instant "needs". But with luck and knowing we've been paying tithing, I hoped for the best. Both kids NEEDED something.

So, after much browsing, L found not one but two great suits! One 60% off and the other 80% off. Total price, $38 with tax.

We all ended in the shoes department and "voila!", as if the heavens knew I won't be able to afford shoes by his birthday in March, I-Dude and I found not one but three great looking shoes were in clearance for 70% off! All in his size with room to grow! To top it off, Mr. Man noticed that the socks in I-Dude's size were on sale for B1G1F and we were able to grab the last four of the promotional 7 pair/pk, with the money left over from our budget! Woohoo!!! Total price, $66 with tax.

Bad Extreme: Getting our money's worth, but ended with a belly ache... (ooh!)

Right after, we headed to our storage to pick up one of L's suitcases for her trip tomorrow. And since it was already dinner time and we were far from home, we opted to use some coupons and chose a nearby Chinese buffet called, China King Buffet. Albeit, we were able to save two sets of 50% off, but... we ended up overeating from the seemingly endless selection of delicious dishes, from appetizers to dessert!
J-Pony was the only one who I was able to snap up for a photo-op, but you can clearly see how big this place is! We all piled on our plates in the name of sampling each dish, but in the end we were not happy. The kiddos all had stomachaches, I couldn't stop burping and I-Dude even ended up throwing up from too much food! Only Mr. Man was able to keep it all in.

All of us learned that moderation is the key to avoiding BAD extremes. And to respect GOOD extremes as divine help for our righteous efforts.

It's utterly amazing how one day can show you both your strengths and weaknesses. But with faith, you at least realize which ones you can change...

I'm Grateful For... #15

Family Home Evenings!!! Spending time with my family is just the best time, every time, especially during the silly times! (Pardon the mess on the table; we are in the sorting phase of our "storage packing" projects.)
My new VT sent us this "Pilgrim Hat" Cookie kit and we put them together tonight for FHE.
We also used the message by Elder David Bednar; "More Diligent & Concerned at Home" from the October General Conference. Look at all these fun ideas the kids had:

Turkey by L-Infinity, Flower by I-Dude, Person by J-Pony, and Frog by Kila.

Of course, since Halloween was just a couple of weeks ago, the kids were all "sweets" out. But the orange Tic Tacs didn't make the grade either. Oh, well... At least they take cute pics!

FHE: First Day of School Fun!!!

It's our turn to sound the trumpet of joy! It's the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

Of course, the following smiles were made possible by a great breakfast of Toaster Strudle (flavor, your choice), bacon, melon bites and milk. Of course, you can't forget the multivitamin! Gotta keep up that enthusiasm you know! For lunch, a sandwich, chips, juice and extra snacks. We dropped them off this morning since their backpacks are loaded with supplies.

Here's I-Dude, the first one out the door...
Then it's J-Pony with a tight pony tail and a semi wavy hair from last night's braids.

Last but not least, L-Infinity, starting her senior year as Ac/Dec Co-Captain, Laurel President and very fashion forward with her classic ensemble.

Yesterday, Mr. Man noticed that our van's battery was faltering, so we waited until after midnight, then hit Walmart for a new battery! Here he is, undoing the old one after the kiddos were off to school... He's so darn cute when he's being all self-sufficient. *sigh*
And this is the close-up of our almost dead *spluttering* battery.

After 8 hours, here are the two smallish kiddos, fresh from the bus stop! As for L-Infinity, she had too much to report to take a picture. LOL
We still had more than a handful of school supplies, mainly art related, to still buy so for FHE, we treated them to dinner at a new nearby bbq place called Cobb Switch! It is so good there! You have to try their Potato Casserole- to die for!

The two little ones just couldn't pass up a photo-op when they saw this sign. Of course, didn't have the real cam, so the cell had to do.
As we were entering, we noticed the bricks, in the shape of Texas! Cool beans! ;-) (whoops, my toes sneaked in)
Here are the kiddos, enjoying their meal. See the size of that glass? Wowie, it's like sipping a Route 44!
After dinner (yes there were leftovers even though we only shared 1 1/4 lb. brisket and a few sides), we managed to hunt down the art supplies in Hobby Lobby, then we headed towards the sunset to the mall and use up a great coupon in Pac Sun for L-Infinity. We also found great pair of pants and a belt for I-Dude!

Got back well after 9PM and scrambled to get everyone bathed, calmed and ready for prayer, but we did it!

Hope your Monday was as tiring as ours... ;-)

FHE: Readers and Writers

So we're really doing great in having Family Home Evening every Monday night, though I noticed that I don't necessarily post about them EVERY Monday.

But before we talk about what we did for tonight's FHE, let me tell you how the rest of the day went.

I've been feeling off all day today despite all the errands (Library returns & BN Summer Reading Program Redemption) we had to do plus my rather pointless PTA Audit Report presentation that I went to. (It's a "grrrr" story for another day) We decided to also get Coraline and 17 Again to watch while Mr. Man is home. Mr. Man and I-Dude also got their haircuts today while the girls and I hung out at Ross, gleaning ideas for Fall. (Nothing jumped out at me; I want to use what I have-buried in the storage!) L-Infinity didn't find anything special either. Just our luck...

Anyway, I wanted to eat some authentic Filipino comfort food that gets me feeling great in no time. You know, a dish that I can honestly say I don't make often. That would be "Sinigang na Baboy, Gabi at Kang-kong" (Water Spinach, Taro Root and Pork in Sour Broth- reverse order translation)
It was quite a treat to see these water spinach at our local Asian market this evening. They grow like water lilies. Often, the Filipinos grow them in the same waters that mudfish live in during the rainy season.

Even the rice is freshly bought as we ran out just two days before. We also had a great watermelon we found for only $2.99!

This authentic dish is so good as well as economical. I cooked all that I bought for it, but because we had leftovers, we only ate half of what I cooked! And including 3/4 of the watermelon we ate, each plate only cost us, $1.26! (Can't complain about that for"somethin' special from home...")

Then, J-Pony spearheaded our FHE. We were "readers and writers" like those in the time of King Benjamin and learned the simple meanings of certain scriptures in the Book of Mormon. It was fun reading, writing and guessing if we "matched" the original scroll. Between Primary and AD, she comes home full of great FHE ideas! (Oh, you see my boys, aren't they handsome in their new do's?)
Our treat, more of that mouth-watering watermelon!

Hope you all had a great Family Home Evening!

FHE: Twice A Year...

We've all heard of daily, weekly, bi-weekly and even the often forgotten monthly chores. I have those, too. But I'm sure most of us also have those "would rather not but very helpful "TWICE A YEAR" rituals. (don't deny it, you know it's key to your sanity; especially if you are *whispering* a M-O-M, MOM!)

Tonight, our FHE was making sure that the kiddos know we're back to "back to school" mode which meant that there are certain errands to be done like buying and portioning our meat for the first few weeks of school. Their treat, "Race to Witch Mountain" movie and a bowl of ice cream for enduring our other errands today. We also treated them to Wendy's for lunch (saved $10!)

So here are mine: (indulge me, plz...)
- Wash and sort my children's clothes according to size and wear damage. (Aug & Apr)
- Change out bedroom sheets and curtains completely for seasonal purpose (Apr & Oct)
- Sort through the children's library for books to donate or continue to collect
- Reassess our family's budget (yes folks, spending is seasonal, too!)
- Go to Costco for pantry refill (except the last 4 years in AZ, I had Coupon Sense) (Sep & Mar)
- Arrange a reading list for each of my children (Oct & May)
- Rearrange or "refresh" all my main living spaces (Mar & Oct)
- Get a lot of meat, cut and portion them for upcoming meals (Aug & Mar)

So, that means, I'm almost done with my August errands. *fingers crossed* I was so proud of myself, between the B1G1F and B1G2F deals on meat at Albertson's this week, I was able to get 15 lbs of steak, roast and chops for only $37.00! And... and... I was able to cut and portion them into 31 different meal ideas! That's a whole month baby! And since you can't eat red meat everyday, I also have chicken and tilapia fillets to further stretch our meal selection! *woot woot*

My friend Heather dropped off something for me and so she got to witness this ritual. She said, looking at the big pieces of meat, it doesn't seem like it can feed a family of five for a month. But I showed her different small cuts and simple recipes and she realized that it works. It helps that my fam was there to vouch for me. (hee hee)

Sample Meal:
Dinner:
1.25 lb of Beef Sirloin Tip Steak- 3 steaks bbq'd
Steamed rice
Tossed salad with grapes
Grapes
Ice Water

When Mr. Man cut meat for everyone, he started out with about 5-6 bite sized cubes. By the time we were all done, we still had a whole steak left and salad for leftovers.

Lunch:
BBQ Steak- cut into thin strips
Bread
Salad
Lemonade

or (if no bread):
Bbq beef fried rice with peas and carrots /bananas/ice water

I have been feeding my FAMILY OF FIVE this way since March 2002, when I-Dude was born. Most of my recipes, even the ones I get online, I reduce the meat to only about 1/2 or 1/3 lb; and just be generous on veggies/fruits, starches, grains and beverage! And they're still alive... ;-)

Don't get me wrong, because of our crazy schedule, I indulge up to 1 lb of meat for the fam when Mr. Man wants to grill so I don't have to cook anything the next day or have cooked meat to whip up a quick dish. I also, do often fumble and resort to deli fried chicken or Panda; and get the occasional run to McD's or BK. But most of the year, I cook 3x a day and even all day during the major feasting holidays. (We never really eat a whole pound of meat between the five of us. It just works out like that. Thank goodness the fam loves leftovers or "redos".) Now that I also know how to bake sandwich and french breads, I will start making one every three days for this school year. (wish me luck, I can sooooo use it!)

Ok, what are some of your "twice a year" errands? Do you even have any? (I hope so, I don't want to find that I'm odd or anything.)

FHE: Being flexible

Another Monday, another opportunity to do something together. As with any plans, the key is flexibility. That's how our FHE evolved tonight. We had planned swimming in the morning and some park and bookstore time, but...

I barely remembered that I had a Dental appointment in the afternoon. I was distracted with these beautiful glasses I found at Krogers, made by Libbey. Went to Kroger, but though 4th has come and gone, the glasses, still at full price! So I was told to call again tomorrow...

Afterwards, lunch then the dentist. Even with a numb half mouth, we headed to another, take note, another Half Price Books! (Adventure lady over here, yeah! LOL) We normally go just 15 minutes away, but this time, 25 minutes away, scenic route and all! *woot woot* (Cabin fever breaking!) ;-)

Didn't bring the ol' Power Shot so the LG EnV-2 had to do, but the incandescent lights were torture to whatever flash the cell cam had. Sorry if you had to put on shades now...

But look at this selection! Impressive! The whole store is much more organized and well labeled. The staff knew practically where each and every book was! Wow!
Doesn't that remind you of a great bookstore? Most of the books are new, too!
Here's I-Dude looking for another chapter book, but decided on a comp game instead. J-Pony was with Mr. Man and I didn't find time (ok, I forgot...) to take her picture while in the store.

Then, we hit Kroger's again in this new city we were in- for some ice cream since I couldn't eat anything worth chewing for a while!

But, the dinner got postponed until late and the moon didn't help either- looking like a big bright yellow light bulb in the sky! Your eyes are not playing tricks on you, those are the tree branches in front of our unit! Creepy cool photo, huh? I took that! (Given, by multiple trial and error) But I took it! Yeah, baby! LOL
Then, when I turned around to go back in, this little guy, or "Jimmy" according to my teen, L-Infinity, was calmly sitting on the front left of the walkway! Didn't budge at all and I took three pictures!
Then into the patio to join the brood for a very late dinner (don't like those much...) and couldn't help but admire my Sambac or "Sampaguita" Jasmine flowers. This plant has been with me since Arizona and it is such a thrill to see it bloom as some annoying bug eats its leaves every year and slowly kills it just before the Fall cold spell hits and I had to cut it down to a mere nub.
But this year, it's more lush, about twice from last year! Yay!!!
After, some Facebook time and nighttime prayer. Then Cece decided to lie down like a human with stretched legs and on her side with one paw under her head! How cute!

The kiddos had to give up the rootbeer float and swimming until tomorrow morning and we have to head back to the same Half Price Books and return a cracked CD game.

Lesson learned; Plans change and it's up to each of us to make the best of what's available without contention or bad attitude.

How was your Monday?

FHE: Night Swimming

It's July again tomorrow and that means... L-Infinity is headed for Michigan! Since her normal stop is in Chicago, then she gets to travel with Mr. Man. But before all the packing, errands and chores must be done!

We had a difficult time today; no one did their chores unless I was practically breathing down their necks. Everytime I turned, they were about to start another race on the Wii! Boy was I stressed out today! Whatever it was, I was irritated and could feel myself getting more and more frustrated! Let's just say I was eager to start the day and be distracted!

We first went to return all the library books since we just couldn't find any other time to return them with all the things lined up. Then, we went inside to turn in the kids' Summer Reading forms and they received certificates and a free book each! L-Infinity will get a free book for each book review she adds on the library's teen review website! As she would say, "that's pretty legit, Mommy!" She read 11 books in 4 days! I say she deserves what she gets! ;-)

J-Pony is really into thrillers lately and I-Dude is just having fun exploring chapter books. He loves "multi-stories" books.
Then again off to Half-Price Books and turn in their "Feed Your Brain" weekly reading forms for $3 off coupons. J-Pony chose a multiple story Goosebumps hardcover for less than $4 and I-Dude found the two chapter books on the bottom. I even found the newest Artemis Fowl book for over than half the listed price! Cool!

We grabbed some more luggage out of the storage then hit the store for some chicken. While my version of "Shake and Bake" oven fried chicken were in the oven working on becoming delish, I remembered to water the plants.

The herb seedlings are starting to come out more and my coleus are doing great on our living room window sill! See that green shoot at the top? It's a flower! I am so excited! I've killed a few pots before and it totally traumatized me for a while... These ones are so important for me to keep alive because they are deep purple and the pots are an indulgence... (I've been wanting them forever!)

Then we went night swimming at the pool of our family friend we were "yard sitting" for. Yes, we did get their permission. LOL

We invited "D-Boy" to tag along the whole day so he and L-Infinity can have a long "farewell".

And there they go!

Our lesson for tonight is making the best of our time together and not worrying about having money or thinking of things we do not have or wish to have because others have it.

Have a great week! I miss my teen baby already...

FHE: A Full Day Out!

Since Mr. Man and L-Infinity are both home, we took advantage of the beautiful day and took the rest of the day to do Family Home Evening!

The kiddos had a simple breakfast of cereal, and we all finished our chores. But for lunch, we treated them to...

That restaurant combo of Long John Silvers & Taco Bell! J-Pony ordered something from LJS and the rest of us, enjoyed some Taco Bell delish! Cost, $19.00 ($10 less than we normally spend)

Then we surprised them by stopping by at Petland, the pet store that allows petting of each animal except for fish, literally! Here's L enjoying the company of a guinea pig... Cost, FREE.That came from this cage..
The next stop was to watch some stinky ferrets sleep it off. Mr. Man and L had a hoot picking up several of them, looking like jello blobs and would barely wake up. The moment you put them down, they curl back up into a sleeping position. LOL
I wanted to take home the parakeet on the bottom of that green and yellow one. I actually got to hold it but it kept flying down. I think that green one is his lady friend. So cute!
But I was able to pull away enough to enjoy some of these brightly plumed parrots. The red and purple one almost didn't want me to leave, it wouldn't get off my arm! There are four of them in this unit and the gray one is too shy, but the colorful baby one and these two are very comfortable going up to anyone's arm.

I also got to snuggle with the red/purple one; it even nipped on L-Infinity and locked on her finger for about 10 seconds because it was so comfy! I had to nudge it rather hard to shock it into letting go. L said, "Mommy, this one doesn't like me, you must smell more bird-like than I do." (Is that good?) ;-)
Here's Mr. Man with a Boston Terrier. That smile is of pure giddiness, trust me. He wants a pug himself...

While the kids and I want a Husky. This is a snow white American Husky. They don't shed as bad as the Alaskan breed I heard. Looook at that faaaace...Of course there's no way that we could've left without checking out the bunnies! Look how darling! Awww... There was an albino one with red eyes and pink inside ears, and Mr. Man labeled it, the most "Easter" bunny like of all. LOL

After, we sneaked into Half Price Books to see their current selection and to use the restroom. J and me, we had to wait unti Mr. Man and I-Dude had to come out since there are about 4 girl employees who decided that the best time to hang a picture above the toilet, is during the busiest time of their business day. I was rather annoyed and declared to Mr. Man that we needed to use the Men's because "they are playing around in the Women's bathroom." Cost, FREE.

Then on to the freeway across Dallas and into...
Into Mesquite, Texas! Why travel for almost an hour? Because The Merry Berry Farms, have the only...
... organic and "oh so" juicy blackberries up here in north Texas! That's why! Here are the kiddos starting the picking. See all the weeds, it's from the lack of any "outside" help. Just grown with careful planning, sun, irrigation and the occasional rain from the storms in the Spring time.

We were there last year, too with a family friend, Michelle, who visited us from AZ. The berry patches are situated in just a couple of acres in between the owner's home and since he's been a farmer for 30 years, his choice was a good one. We're talking you can taste test from the bush! That's the best kind, especially when you're with curious children who eats with their eyes like mine do! The picking experience is something that they love. We all want a small edible garden when we get our own house someday.
After that photo-op, the girls got bit by ants so we had to cross over to the other patch. This is the gravel driveway to the owner's house. Here they are at the other patch... Less bugs and not much ants. Thank goodness! Mr. Man and I dove into the middle of the thorny bushes carefully to get the huge, plump ones! LOL, you'd know where I was everytime, I was the one that kept yelling, "Ouch!", "Ow!" or "Ow, ow, ow!"
After an hour later, here we are drinking some cool water. I was the photographer the whole time, so my mug's not available. It's better that way. ;-)

Here are SOME of the berries... They are sweet, juicy and delicious! There are already requests for muffins, smoothies and shakes. Tomorrow is sure to be a yummy day! We actually have enough for two weeks worth of recipes. Cost, $20.00.Before we paid for the berries, we noticed the owner's chickens with the sole rooster "picking out" his next "hen". It was rather an impromptu lesson on nature's wild side- farm edition! LOL (The rooster's white...)

We promised ice cream and what a better place than Braum's Ice Cream Store and Restaurant! My German Chocolate Double Dip was worth every lick! L-Infinity had to hold it for me so I can take their happy mugs over their "cool" treats... ;-) Cost, $8.16.

What a wonderful, and again, inexpensive day we had. I look forward to tomorrow! Love my fam! Our FHE Lesson, "You don't need a lot of money to have a great day."

Total Cost: $47.16 for a whole day of fun and togetherness! Can't beat that!