So, I have been working real hard to dig us out of debt. My husband had been out of work for a while, and had landed a job at Macy's (not his dream job, but still a paycheck). Slowly bills have been getting paid off, and when I think my spoon has changed from a teaspoon to a tablespoon--bam, a bill hits that turns my spoon into a 1/4 teaspoon. All well, so is life.

On the up side--I almost have most of my Christmas presents made. I am soo grateful that my grandmothers and mother taught me how to knit, crochet, sew, and cook. And that my mother seems to have friends who give her yarn that "they can't use" and then my mother shares it with me. Really helps on the cost!!!!!

And, I have been experimenting with the popcorn flavorings too. If you remove the salt for the microwave popcorn and add some to that after it is cooked--tastes awesome. If you keep the salt in for the Dill Seasoning--great in different recipes as a flavor salt. Used it last night in a casserole and it was wonderful!!!

Thanks so much for this site, and I hope everyone has a great day/week/month/life!!!!!

bamo72

Hope everyone had a great Halloween. I agree with the idea that Thanksgiving seems to slide by so fast before Christmas comes, so I hope everyone takes a moment to be thankful for everything they have. This clan is chugging along, and having a good week. Just had all the parent/teacher conferences for all the boys (3 boys, 3 schools). My two oldest are in special programs here is Virginia for advance placement (one in 6th and one in 4th). I just have to brag a little (mother's pride). My oldest is going to get mostly A's and the rest B's on his report card (teachers are impressed) and my middle one will get mostly B's and a few A's (hard to do first year in this school). My youngest will be getting the equal to straight A's on his report card as well. Trying to think of an inexpensive way to celebrate this accomplishment when report cards come. No clue yet.

Well, I hope everyone will vote today to help shape our and our kids future today. No matter who you vote for or who wins, please make sure your voice is heard today. My 11 yo is so excited about this, I will probably have him come into the booth with me and "help" me vote. And I have been discussing the importance of voting with my cub scouts during our meetings as well. No better way to get the next generation excited to help run our country. Just think, one of us might be raising the next president--what a thought.

Well, gotta go--0400 and raining here. WHAT A LOVELY DAY!!!!

bamo72

Just something I thought I would pass on to everyone. I am the Den Leader (use to be called den mother) of three groups of kids from first grade to third grade. Every October we visit a local fire station to learn about the trucks and station. I always invite younger siblings along as well. The kids absolutely love this and it is a free and educational thing to do. I also know that some stations allow birthday parties there for a donation. This is a great low cost to no cost activity.

This time we had a 22 month old who loves trucks, but was completely in awe when he actually got near the truck. Then, since the boys were allowed to actually sit in the truck, when he got up there (with an older scout) he almost burst into tears. Guess it was a little TOO big for him.

Hope this helps everyone and......

Not only change your clocks, change the battery in your smoke detector too!!!!!!

bamo72

I keep trying and trying to get ends meet, and sometimes I feel like there is a light, and then sometimes it looks like someone flicked a switch and turned it off. But I keep on going like the little train that could. I guess it helps that I work in an ER and sometimes see things that make me thankful for what I have. It is tiring to hardly ever see my husband because we pass each other either to or from work, but I know I will look back later, and realize that what we did was for the best!!!

Sorry for the downer, but I needed to air some negative vibes to continue on the good.

Now it is all better!!!!

bamo72

So, I am looking for some good, easy to make lunch time snacks for my kids. I have an 11 yo, 9 yo, and 7 yo--all go to different schools with different tastes. Homemade cookies are great, and my oldest loves the Chewy Granola recipe he on this site (esp. with chocolate chops and/or butterscotch). But the other two like goldfish type crackers and I haven't found a decide recipe yet. (Those darn things cost so much and last for a short time). Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks!!!

bamo72