Did I Mention I'm An Arachnophobe?

Well, I am.

Do you remember last summer's little adventure with the black widow? If you're new you can find the posts on the sidebar under 'itsy, bitsy spider.'

Our new eye doctor here in Michigan — she's one of our sub neighbors. She doesn't kill spiders. I found that out when I was in the office to pick up my glasses and order the girls' contacts.

I spotted the spider. I thought I did my civic duty. Presumably the girls who worked there were trying to figure out who was going to kill it, and nobody wanted to use their own shoe.

Then they flicked it halfway across the little waiting area toward the door with a postcard with a bad aim towards me. Thank God it only made it halfway.

I moved.

My sub neighbor, the doctor, happened to walk out from the back, picks it up with a napkin and carries it outside to the grassy area. She seemed a little creeped out by how big it was, but it didn't stop her.

So last Friday morning when one of our smoke detectors on the third floor started going off, we changed the battery.

Through the course of the day, multiple false alarms, multiple resets, we find out that the battery is only the back-up power source. It's electrically powered. And of course every smoke detector from the basement to the third floor goes off every time that one does.

The online user's manual said that if you continue to get false alarms you should move it.

Excuse me, but the builder put this in about a year ago, and I'm thinking that moving a smoke detector attached electrically to who knows how many others is not really an option.

It gave us no other option.

So about 1 a.m. on Saturday morning when it went off again, I'd really had it. Hubby had already blown on it at my request, in case it was dusty. Because really, who's going to dust a smoke detector.

This time he takes a washcloth and wipes off the sensor. He finds nothing, except a spider walking around on the ceiling a couple feet away.

We kill spiders in our house.

And the alarm never went off again.

Menu Plan Monday — May 18th

Last week I didn't ever make the Farmer's Breakfast I had on the menu, but since I have everything I need to make it, I'll have it early this week. I ended up making chili on Saturday (the day I had no plan) since Chatty had been asking for it for a long time. It's her favorite meal, and even though it wasn't really chili weather, it made my decision easy.

Monday — Leftover Chili and macaroni & cheese as an extra side for the pickies. The kids will actually get to eat at their end-of-year Awana skating party, but it's just one piece of pizza, and my kids aren't always big pizza eaters anyway, so I figure I'll feed them first.

Tuesday — Farmer's Breakfast.

Wednesday — Baked Potatoes.

Thursday — Country-Style Pork Loin.

Friday — Spaghetti (or maybe another pasta dish if I find a new one I like).

Saturday — I'm blank again. Maybe one of the kids will be begging for something and make it easy this week too.

Sunday — Eat out since we ate in all week!

For more great menu ideas, visit The Organizing Junkie.

Blog Tour: Learning to Live Financially Free

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: March 2009
ISBN-10: 0825441889
ISBN-13: 978-0825441882
Retail: $12.99

About the Book:

(North Carolina) - The fear and reality of tough economic times, foreclosures, bailouts, bankruptcies and falling stocks strike fear in the hearts of many Americans today. With investors, newscasters and bankers giving advice, who can you trust? Marybeth and Curt Whalen share their financial successes and failures in their new book, Learning to Live Financially Free: Hard-Earned Wisdom for Saving Your Marriage & Your Money. If a family parenting six children can get out of debt and live financially free, anyone can. The Whalens readily admit they made their share of mistakes the first ten years of marriage. Becoming more disciplined and intentional in spending and saving helped them learn valuable lessons for better financial stewardship--lessons you'll want to learn too.

Learning to Live Financially Free not only focuses on building a stronger financial understanding in the home, but also encourages couples to communicate, thus building better, stronger marriages. The Whalens clearly comprehend the need for careful money management and commitment in marriage. Money-strapped families will find peace of mind as they begin the process of becoming financially responsible and debt-free.

Marybeth and Curt Whalen know what it's

like to juggle marriage, kids and money.

Their new book will encourage readers to

manage their money and marriage more

effectively.

About the Authors:

Marybeth Whalen is a speaker and contributing writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The author of For the Write Reason, Marybeth has also written for Parent Life, Money Matters newsletter, The Old Schoolhouse, Hearts at Home magazine, and Homeschooling Today. She contributes regularly to the daily online devotions of Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Curt Whalen is a trained financial counselor through Crown Financial Concepts. He has years of experience helping couples establish budgets, solve financial problems, and learn to communicate more effectively. He has written articles for TEACH Magazine and Money Matters Newsletter and has contributed to books by authors Lysa TerKeurst and Melanie Chitwood.

Are You A Financially Focused Couple?

Instructions: Give yourself 1 point for every "yes" answer, 0 points for every "no."
1.Do you have regular budget meetings?
2.Do you communicate about daily expenses?
3.Do you discuss large purchases before they're made?
4.Does each spouse have an equal vote about money decisions?
5.Have you planned for your future through life insurance and a will?
6.Do you agree about tithing and giving?
7.Can you both list out your debts, including the amounts and monthly payment for each account?
8.Do you have a plan that was written together for paying off debt and saving money?
9.Do you encourage each other to save money?
10.Have you discussed the spending habits and attitudes about money that you carried into the marriage?

Tally up your score and use the guide to the right to see what category you fall into.
0-2 points: Don't get discouraged. There's nowhere to go from here except up!
3-5 points: You are taking steps towards being a financially focused couple.. Keep working together and you will get there.
6-8 points: You are almost 100% financially focused. Keep up the good work and get intentional about those trouble spots.
9-10 points: You are a financially focused couple and could show us all a thing or two! Consider sharing your wisdom with other couples who are struggling in today's uncertain times.

Top Ten Tips For Saving Money In Tough Times

1. Make a budget (and stick to it). A budget overwhelms many people but it is really nothing more than devising a plan for every dollar you bring in. Having a budget helps you spend smarter and think more. It also helps to improve your buying power. The best way to make a budget is to start by sitting down with your spouse and deciding how much you spend on regular categories like groceries, gas, medical, etc. each month. Talk through these things and get them down on paper. Then spend accordingly. An article that goes into step by step detail about making a budget can be found at:

http://www.christianpf.com/how-to-make-a-budget/

2. Stop using credit cards. Studies show that people who use credit cards buy more and think less about their purchases. By learning to spend cash and limiting your purchases, you make your money work for you rather than against you. Credit card companies are getting craftier as the economy struggles. 25% of all credit card users in this country will have their rates raised this year, or their monthly payment raised. When you are in debt, you are at the mercy of the company you owe. Don’t let yourself get bogged down by credit card debt.

3. Cook at home. It sounds so basic and yet how many of us resort to eating out because we just can’t deal with dinner? By taking a few moments once a week to devise a menu plan, shopping for the needed ingredients for that menu plan, and cooking the meals in your home, you can save lots of money and have more time to gather as a family and enjoy a slow evening at home. Eating at home not only saves money, it saves valuable family time.

4. Buy clothes at thrift or consignment stores. This is especially true with children’s clothes. When you are in a department store, always shop the clearance racks and avoid the other racks so you aren’t tempted. It’s also an income generator if you consign your own clothing. You can then take the money you earn on consignment and buy clothes for a new season without being out of pocket any money!

5. If you must eat out, only go to places you have coupons for. Keep a small photo album and arrange restaurant coupons so they are easy to find as you are heading out the door. It’s also a great idea to look for “kids eat free” nights and frequent those. Other ways to save on eating out include ordering water (big savings on this), share meals, order a kids’ portion if the restaurant allows it, and go out for lunch instead of dinner. For people who work, it’s always a good idea to pack your lunch regularly instead of running out to eat. A jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread will go a long way.

6. Learn to play the coupon game. Many people devote themselves to clipping and organizing coupons—and reap great savings from doing so. There are many frugal websites and blogs that detail exactly how to save a lot of money with coupons. A great one to start with is http://www.couponmom.com/. And here is a great tutorial video you can watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcAUZvGS6L8.

7. If you have children, limit the number of activities they do to one per child, per year. If you are struggling to pay for even one activity, consider asking for the activity as a gift from grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, etc. Instead of another toy that will end up broken or lost, your child can receive a gift that truly keeps on giving as well as one that invests in their future.

8. Think about the things you regularly spend money on like gas or utilities and research ways to save money on those things. For instance, http://www.gasbuddy.com/ tells you where to buy the cheapest gas according to your area code. Bundling services with your cable provider can save money each month. Calling your energy company to find out when their off-peak hours are and doing your laundry or dishes during those times can save on your monthly bill as well.

9. Don’t shop as a recreational activity. If you can’t see it, you won’t feel a need to have it. Use time you used to spend shopping to go for a walk, visit a park, exercise, read a book, or spend time researching money-saving sites on the internet! If you have a friend you used to enjoy shopping with, sit down and list out other alternatives for your time together.

10. Look for ways to generate additional income. Whether it be an additional part-time job or a way to make money from home using a skill or talent you possess, get creative, get motivated, and get excited about the potential you have to generate income that you didn’t have before. Every little bit helps, so put on your thinking cap and don’t be shy about stepping out and trying something!

I haven't read this book yet either, but I'm looking forward to it. I'll let you know how this one is too when I'm done, but don't look for it in the next week or two. I have too many other books ahead of it!

Blog Tour: Mothers of the Bibles Speak to Mothers of Today

I haven't had a chance to read this book yet, but I did enjoy her other book, How Can I Run a Tight Ship When I'm Surrounded by Loose Cannons? As soon as I read this I will be putting up a review and I'll have a giveaway, but in the meantime, here are the details in case you can't wait.

(Homeland, CA) - If you've ever wished for a real live interview from an experienced mother found in God's Word, you'll be thrilled with the message of Kathi Macias' new book, Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today. Thankfully the trials, heartaches and transitions mothers face are not new to this generation. Traveling back in time with Eve, Hannah, Sarah, Mary and others, readers will recognize the common struggles that still plague our world today.

This hardback gift book gently calls women to study the lives of biblical moms who were challenged with their own set of circumstances. From fear to insecurities, heartbreak to disappointments -- Kathi's words capture the heart of every woman with hope and encouragement to become the mother God wants them to be. After studying these fifteen biblical mothers, readers will have a solid example of biblical parenting. At the end of each chapter, mothers will find a special place for prayer and application.

Award-winning author Kathi Macias has written almost 30 books, including Beyond Me, How Can I Run a Tight Ship When I'm Surrounded by Loose Cannons?, the best-selling devotional A Moment a Day, and the popular "Matthews" mystery novels. She has written commentary for Thomas Nelson's Spirit-Filled Life Bible (Student Edition) and was part of the devotional writing team for Zondervan's New Women's Devotional Bible. She has ghostwritten for several prominent individuals including Josh McDowell. Kathi has won many awards, including the Angel Award from Excellence in Media, fiction awards from the San Diego Christian Writers Guild, and the grand prize in an international writing contest. A mother and grandmother, Kathi and her husband, Al, call California home.

Mothers of the Bible
Speak to the Author

As a wife, mother, grandmother--and yes, even a great-grandmother to two-year-old Isaiah--you'd think I'd have this "mom" thing wired by now, wouldn't you? Surprise! We never get too old to learn, and what I learned in my study of Mothers of the Bible has enriched nearly every area and relationship of my life. God loves mothers. We were His idea, after all! And His purpose for our lives as mothers unfolds in beauty and meaning as we listen to the words of the mothers of the Bible....

~author Kathi Macias

Book Excerpt:

I can think of no more awesome an experience than the birth of my first child. At the young and naïve age of eighteen, it was the most joyous, as well as the most terrifying thing that had ever happened to me. It was as if I were experiencing love for the very first time as I gazed at that precious little life that had been entrusted to me by God. And I thought, What in the world do I do now? How do I care for him? How do I make sure I'm doing everything right? What if--God forbid--I do something wrong?

Now, two more sons, nine grandchildren, and nearly four decades later, I smile at the memory, knowing those babies weren't quite as fragile as I'd once imagined. But I can't help but wonder how much more challenging and overwhelming motherhood must have been for Eve, who was not only the first woman but also the first mother. What can women today learn about mothering from studying the life of this exiled Garden dweller who had no role model to imitate, no how-to-be-a-good-mom books to read? Quite a bit, I believe. Let's take a look.

Eve, whose name means "life giver," was the only woman ever to become a mother without first having had a mother of her own. In fact, not only did Eve not have a mother, she also had no sisters, aunts, grandmothers, or girlfriends to turn to for advice. In short, she had no role models and no one with whom to compare notes.

She had Adam, of course, who, like her, had been made in the image of God. She had the greatest assortment of pets anyone could ever imagine. And, of course, she had her relationship with God. But as we know from the creation account in Genesis, all of Eve's relationships changed because of sin.

How alone she must have felt once those relationships were no longer perfect. And how frightened and overwhelmed she must have been when her two oldest sons, Cain and Abel, were born, thrusting her into an entirely new realm of responsibility. I am quite sure that more than once throughout the ensuing years she heard God's words echoing in her mind: "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children" (Genesis 3:16). By the time Eve's children were grown and she had experienced the horror of her oldest son murdering his younger brother, she must have realized that the truth of God's words tying together pain and motherhood didn't stop at childbirth. The same is true for mothers today, as we will see as we look at Eve's life...as well as the lives of other mothers of the Bible, who will speak to us from centuries past.

Don't Let Me Confuse You

It really is spring here in Michigan, although many of our high temps are only in the 60's and occasionally in the low 70's. See, some of our trees even have leaves, although some are still only buds.


That said, sitting out at the kids' baseball games and softball practices gets a little chilly, especially when the wind is blowing, which it does a lot here. I'm still wearing long sleeves. Have been all except for I think one day this year.

So it seemed appropriate to share a picture of my little treasure I got in the mail today from my mom. I asked her if she could crochet some scarflets for me after Bobbi's mom made one for her and her daughter.

She got the idea and directions here and here. Since my mom was using a nubby yarn, she only used two strands, and the biggest hook she could find was an N.

The brown one I have on is my favorite, and then she also made these two, all of which were with Homespun yarn.

She made two others with Vanna (as in White) yarn, but they were itchy on my neck, so when my mom comes to visit I'll give her those back.

Now I get to try my hand at them. My mom lives in a small town with Wal-Mart, so her yarn selection isn't as good. Of course I have lots of choices around here, so I want to see if I can find some fuschia and orange to combine together!

If it goes well, you'll see the results.

If it doesn't, you'll probably see more gray hairs in pictures.

Friendly Baseball Rivalries in the Workplace

Yesterday Hubby's boss told him to come to work an hour late since he was going to have to stay late for a meeting. Usually he's one of the first people in the parking lot. Yesterday, he got to park by the resident Chicago Cubs's fan. (Now I just had a ten-minute stress break over how exactly to type Cubs. Apostrophe-s, apostrophe only? If I were a newspaper, apparently I would have done only an apostrophe from what I read. But I'm not. So determining that the Chicago Cubs is a singular noun since they are a team and not plural as a group, I would apostrophe-s. Maybe it's the homeschool mom in me that felt the need to share all that with you. Otherwise it was the digressing, talking, blogging chick.)

Just in case you aren't a baseball fan and don't know, the Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals are rivals. And we love the Cardinals. Also a singular team.

Today Hubby got an email of their vehicles parked next to each other.

Hope you can see it better up close.

Buttermilk Biscuits — 10 Thumbs Up From My Pickiest!

A few weeks ago, Amy at The Finer Things in Life posted a buttermilk biscuit recipe link on her Menu Plan Monday from Learning the Frugal Life. I've been looking for a good biscuit recipe for more than a year, and I wanted something that didn't use a baking mix and preferably didn't use shortening.

I'm going to reprint the recipe here from Learning the Frugal Life rather than just giving you the link (if you do pop over there, hers are more brown than mine, but I like a lightly browned biscuit that is not hard on the bottom). Let me just say that I will no longer have to look for a biscuit recipe. And my pickiest, Caboose, gave it 10 thumbs up. Since we were eating them for lunch, yes, lunch, the four kids and me had to all put our thumbs up around the table.

Buttermilk Biscuits
from Learning the Frugal Life

2 cups all purpose flour
1 T baking powder
2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup butter, shortening or margarine
(of course I used butter, softened in the microwave until it was the consistency of shortening)
3/4 cup buttermilk

In a bowl stir together all dry ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center. Add buttermilk and stir just till dough clings together.

On a lightly floured surface knead dough gently for 10-12 strokes. Roll or pat dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with biscuit cutter (I used a glass) dipping in flour between cuts (I didn't do). I'm also lazy and only try to do one dough re-roll, so sometimes the edges aren't perfectly circular when I get close to the dough edge.

Place biscuits on greased baking sheet (I used my Pampered Chef stone so I didn't have to). Bake at 450 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes 10-12

I made two batches so I'd have leftovers. Oddly enough, the first batch made 11 and the second batch made 12. Next time I'll make it all together, but for the first time I wanted to make it just like the recipe was written so I could see exactly how it was supposed to be.

And if you don't have buttermilk on hand, which I don't a lot of times, you can put a tablespoon of lemon juice in a one cup measuring cup and then add milk to equal one cup. Since this calls for 3/4 cup, I suppose you could just use 3/4 T lemon juice in a 3/4 cup measuring cup and add milk to equal 3/4 cup. I see no reason why not. No need to throw away perfectly good milk. I think you're supposed to let it sit for a few minutes to let it activate or something, too. Don't really know why I think that, but I usually do because it seems like I read it once.

If you like a good biscuit or two, or like me, five, make these. Or if you have a big family, more than one batch so you can have five.