Boards of Smorgs

One of my biggest downfalls is spending. Alright, alright...my biggest. I love to shop.

My boy's clothing is probably at the top of my happy shopping list. It makes me so giddy to see them dressed cute. Anyone who knows me in real life knows how Tanner is being taught how to spell his name and initials by wearing them on everything he carries or owns. It's a southern thing. As everyone has always said, I should have a girl. The thoughts of ruffles, bloomers, English lace, bows (and not just a bow but a 'big as your head' bow), monograms in wispy fonts...

my heart is fluttering at the thought. Rewind...back to the matter at hand. With my eyes being open to my "problem", I have really started looking into what I spend and how I can cut back. You wouldn't believe the money I spend at the grocery store! I've tried couponing and it takes waaaaayyy too much time. This might be another problem of mine...patience. I'm not going there. Not going to do it.

So, my goal....cutting the grocery bill!

Over the next week or so, I'm going to clear the pantry and fridge out. I will only go to the store for the staples. With that said, I hope to only spend $50 over the next 2 weeks on grocery neccessities. (If the hubs reads this he's going to die out of sheer delight). I will try to post everyday with what I came up with for dinner. My mom is the ultimate guru at putting stuff together out of nothing. Maybe her creativity in the kitchen will shower me.

Day one was pretty easy as I went to the grocery store 3 times last week. I had grilled some chicken out the other night so I fine chopped it (only one breast) and heated it in a saucepan

with a can of enchilada sauce and some green chilis.

Add a teaspoon of fat free sour cream for a little added taste.

Take a can of regular old canned biscuits and line a muffin tin. Use the bottom of a cup or a fancy

"cup" maker to press them out.
Top the biscuits with the chicken mixture and top with shredded cheese.


Bake at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes or until bubbly.

For my side I had some left over rice to which I added about 3/4 cup frozen corn
and a can of drained and rinsed black beans. To zest it up some I seasoned with cumin,
chili powder, and garlic salt. Throw it in the microwave for 3-4 minutes and stir it all together.

Top rice and enchilada cups with chopped cilantro and a dab of fat free sour cream.

Viola...dinner in less than 20 minutes.

This is going to be interesting but hopefully I'll be able to pay a huge chunk on a credit card

with what I've saved in groceries.

It's totally worth eating a smorgasboard of food to be debt free!!!!

k-i-s-s-i-n-g

So it's here...the first official girlfriend. As a mom of boys I knew this day was coming. I knew one day I'd have to let my boys go and here it sits like a wounded solider. Another girl has stolen his heart and mommy won't be marrying her son anymore. It was fun while it lasted. Tristan came home with a dedicated story all to him...from a girl. His eyes lit up and sugarplums were dancing all around his angelic face as he spoke of his new flame. He was so excited as it was typed in a whimsy font, laminated, and even told tales of his trip to the pet store to get a monkey. It was the most precious thing in the world! If I can admit...it brought a tear to my eye. This sweet, little gal took the time to write a story about Tristan and knew one of his favorite animals was a monkey. What a kind spirit she is! I will be happy to lose my son's heart to a precious gal like that. He wrote her a thank you note adorned with his name and a dinosaur. He thanked her and told her how much he loved the picture. He even went to tell her how he hung it in his art portfolio on the wall. Ahhh, young love... full of creativity and sparks!

**click on the picture to read the full tale**

Wordless Wednesday

Not Me! Monday

It's Munday...and yes, I've got a case of it.

Today while in the grocery store, I most certainly did not turn into a cupcake mom. I mean, whoever would let their child bully them into buying 2 boxes of fruit snacks, Golden Grahams, and the most expensive, decadent, organic granola bars known to man? I never bribe when trying to get said child dressed to go run errands all the while chasing him around the house to only get a pair of pants on. Never would I! No, not me!

I could never bring myself to practice child labor. Putting my 8 yr old to work would be insane and I would surely feel so much guilt for making him unload the dishwasher instead of playing outside in the wet, cold snow. Nevah, evah...not me!

I never put rainboots on the littlest one because they are easy to slip on and blame it on the fact that he loves wearing boots everywhere. I would think that mom is lazy and doesn't want to take the time to tie those shoelaces. I wouldn't, couldn't.

Head over to http://mycharmingkids.net for more Not Me! Monday fun!

You mean I'm not perfect? Are you sure?

Dear Father,

You've recently brought to my attention that I may be falling short of my perfectionism. Why, at 30, are you just now bringing this up? Can't I keep pretending that I can juggle it all? That I can handle anything that is thrown at me? I'm guessing those things of the past have brought me to the place I am today. Worried, scared, anxious, let down but at the same time free, comforted, calm, and thankful. It was a rude awakening. I guess you thought that laying it on my heart would do me some good....and you are right. Your always right but I'm too stubborn to see it sometimes. For that, I'm sorry...really, really sorry.

I can't stop getting caught up in all the thoughts of what will people think or I could've done better. I'm not a perfect mother or wife or nearly as good a friend and heaven knows my house isn't always perfect. You've told me over and over that this is okay. You love me just the same. It's good to know that no matter what shortcomings I have you are there to tell me you love me unconditionally, without fail. How can you do this? I wish I had a sweet spirit to forgive and let live. You already know I'm working on this. I have found such freedom in the things I have laid down at the cross. It's so hard for me to realize that you'll carry it all. Don't you ever feel so burdened with all my problems, demands, and concerns? We both know I have a lot! Speaking of concerns, when will the little men in my life learn to put the seat down and flush? Wait, don't tell me if it's going to be a long time or never ever. I'm really get sick of seeing pee in a toliet (I won't even burden you with the smell). I'm afraid to ask for patience in this matter so I guess I will ask for guidance. Yes, that sounds much better than patience. We both know what happened last time I prayed for patience.

I need your help with a few things. Some of them I need alot of help with but I'm ready to start where ever you might lead me.
~ I haven't a clue how to really reach Tristan. Did you make him like me? I see so much of my stubborn self in him. He's always got to be right! Hmm, where oh where did he get that from?
~ Help me love myself again for who I am and not what I want to be. I know I've got to be easier on myself for not reaching those expectations of perfectionsim. I'm NOT PERFECT! I'm NOT PERFECT! IT'S OKAY, IT'S OKAY! It's liberating to say it out loud.
~ Show me that having it all is empty and things fade away. I have so many wants of material things. This is something I've struggled with since I can remember. Ok, let me get this off my chest real quick....I might, MIGHT, have a little problem with shopping. I am trying to get it under wraps or at least with a budget in mind. I can't help myself when it comes to all things southern..you know-the monograms, smocking, etc. I am giving this budget thing a try. I know, it's about time. You've been telling me this for years now and I know I haven't listened but to you I give. All I ask for is wisdom and maybe a bit of patience....geez, there I go again. I'm in for it...aren't I?
~ Give me strength to mend relationships that are broken and finally forgive. I know, I know...I'm one for saying I forgive but not meaning it. I tend to make those that hurt me pay dearly. I push and I push. Help me to find the words to say I'm sorry and mean it for not truly forgiving. To help and not judge. To love and not just like.
~ Teach me to slow down and hold on to what matters. You've really helped me say no. It's kinda nice not having a full plate all the time. Thanks for showing me that I matter and taking time for myself is much deserved.
~ Help me not be ashamed of all my skeletons, shortcomings, failures, and insecurities. You've forgiven me and that is all that matters.

With the deepest love and admiration,
a not so perfect gal

Do you have imperfections? I was recently told that "there is no healing in hiding". Take the chance to let all your wounds be healed and find forever freedom in letting it out. You'll be happier you did. There is always Someone there to wipe those tears, heal a broken heart, and be your FOREVER FRIEND.

a new obsession

It's Monday....right?

I had such a great weekend....besides the growth of our home pharmacy. Will there ever be a week that goes by without a dr's visit or antibiotics? I just got off a z-pac about 2 weeks ago only to find out a week later that I have a double ear infection along with an ear that is missing a tube, that I just had put in less than a year ago. To top it all off, Tristan has an ear infection too and now Tanner has got the gunk and is only getting worse. Another ped visit in my near future? I'm sure.

So, weekend projects. Who knew decorating an older boys room was so flipping difficult! I've literally searched for months, ask any of my friends and family as this is all I ever talk about, for bedding for my oldest son who is 8. Half my problem is the fact that I vow not to paint the room. It's a golden, butter color and finding bedding has been a real test. I guess I should say, bedding that I can afford and won't cost as much as a house payment before it's all said and done. I finally settled on some PB Kids bedding that I found at the outlet for 75% off. It's simple and cute...and predominately white. Whatever am I thinking. Oh, I know...they were only $30 something a piece and since we have bunkbeds I settled. My next task...sheets. Again, am I too outrageously picky or is there nothing out there?!?! I will say I found some cute ones from Pamela Kline's line but with a price tag of $159 for a twin sheet set my better instinct says I'll pass and instead buy groceries for a week. I joined the bandwagon that all you crafty people call decoupaging. For year and years I've called the stuff modge podge until my husband, yes I said husband, informed me that it is mod podge. What??? Why has no one corrected me? Thanks friends. I would ultimately love it if someone commented and said...oh no Breanne, there is a brand called modge podge. Humor me people! I went crazy with this stuff...how addicting is it? Every one now has their initials coming to a room near them.

I hit the "Big One" Saturday. Our local flea market has such a catchy name, eh? There wasn't much but I did find a set of bullhorns for Tanner's cowboy room. Yet again, another work in progress. I can't wait to post pictures of the finished project. My little ole' brain is cooking up so many thoughts on decorating lately. Problem is my checkbook hasn't caught on the bandwagon. It takes so much! I also scored a cute little iron planter for my bathroom, another (hubby was oh so excited about this) smocked outfit for Tanner, and a picture frame and lampshade for said little one's room. Then with a little visit to Hobby Lobby for some 80% off home accents my heart was content and my account didn't go into cardiac arrest. Pictures coming soon!

Somewhat on the subject...can someone inform me on how to add pictures after you type your post out? Or can you only post them from the get go and type around them. I've typed all this out and now realized that I didn't add any pictures!