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Do I Have A Black Thumb, Or What?

Summer is almost here, the kids have eleven days of school left. I have been worrying about what I will do with the kids this summer, wondering how I am going to stay cool, and the most important question of all, what in the world am I going to watch on television? Grey's, Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters all aired their finales last week. Speaking of all of those shows, what did you think?

American Idol is all but over, and I don't even care who wins at this point. I was pretty shocked when Melinda was voted off, and now it isn't even a huge deal to me who wins at all. I think Jordin and Blake are both great, but I have no overwhelming feelings either way.

I have been reduced to watching the last few episodes of this years The Bachelor. I have watched the last...three or four shows. I was pretty much bored with it, anyway, but it is off now, too.

I am a Days of Our Lives fan, and since summer is almost here, they will probably stop showing new episodes.

I have no clue what to watch now. Any ideas?

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I have been really interested in local eating for awhile. I ran across a blog called "100 Mile Diet: Local Eating for Global Change."  It is a wonderful site, and it is full of information for those of us that are interested in eating locally. From the site:

The 100-Mile Diet is simple. It’s a living experiment in local eating that will reconnect you with your food, your local farmers, the seasons, and the landscape you live in. The idea has caught on in a way that no one could have predicted. Since we started writing about our year of local eating, we’ve heard from individuals, families, and organized groups working to bring eating home in places as wide-ranging as Australia, northern Canada, and mid-winter Minnesota. It’s the next frontier of food.

I have been looking into my 100 miles, and I am not coming up with a whole lot, and it is frustrating. I live very close to a pretty big city (Cincinnati). The most well known farmers market is downtown. I never go downtown. It is about 30 minutes from me, and the area containing the farmers market is a little...sketchy. I have tried to find smaller markets, and I just am not coming up with any ideas.

Are you a local eater? How important is eating locally to you? I would love to hear your thoughts!

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I bought four Knock Out Roses for my front garden. Have you seen these? They are so pretty, and are supposed to be the hardiest rose bush out there.

Two of the four are growing well, looking pretty good. But the other two? Not so much.  It is driving me crazy. This is the first time I  have  tried to have a garden, and I don't even know if I am doing it right. Am I watering them too much or too little?  And then I have a few ground covering plants (I cannot remember the name of them to save my life) and they started out beautiful, and now? My goodness, the flowers have all fallen off, and they are looking mighty scraggly!

I am hoping that all of these plants make it. If not, I am spreading grass seed, hoping all kinds of pretty weeds grow there, and calling it own version of an English garden.

OOPS! I Did It Again...

(I KNEW that that Britney Spears song would come in handy one day...I just knew it.)

I seem to have become one of the worst bloggers ever. I pretty much fell off of the face of the earth for awhile there. Sorry! If anyone is still hanging around, bless you!

I don't even know where to start. My husband cracked two ribs three weeks ago, while he was playing baseball. (You better believe he milked that one for all it was worth!) Then he got sick, upper respiratory, and then stomach virus. Two weeks later, his ribs were still causing him such pain that he couldn't lay down, and back to the doctor he went. They did a few ultrasounds, but everything looked alright.

He is fine now. But remember that stomach virus? In the last three weeks it had made the rounds through my husband and all of the kids. Me? Nope. I was feeling all confident, telling everyone that I came into contact with how amazing it was, everyone had this nasty stomach virus and I never got it! That never happens. (I have the worst immune system ever, if I get something, I get it bad and keep it longer than anyone else in the house.)

I should have kept my big mouth shut. (I never learn...)

Friday I got it. I felt awful, and I really wanted to kick myself for saying the things I had said, but I didn't have the strength to lift my leg. Thankfully, I am feeling better now, and I hope that it is over with, for good.

Other than that, I have been doing major Spring cleaning. I have finished the kitchen and dining/living room areas. Now all I have left is....well, the whole house. Hey! No big deal. Except that the weather has been amazing, and the last thing I want to do is stay cooped up in this house all day long cleaning.

What else...what else? Budget wise we are getting on track. I will probably do another post on that soon, but for those of you that were worried, just know this. We will be fine. We have got ourselves to a place that if we stick very strictly to this new budget-things will work out.  I am still learning,  and it has been a long hard process, but  I have complete faith we can make it work.

I hope to get around to a few blogs today, and hope to catch up on emails as well, so I will be around to visit with you as soon as I can!!

(More) Thoughts On The Budget

We are still working on our budget. I wish it wasn't driving me as crazy as it is, but in working it out, we realized something. We are spending more than we are making. CNN Money says that it is very common in many families today. I think that we knew it already, but seeing it in writing makes one thing very clear--we need to do something about this-and fast.

We have been sitting down together every night after the kids are in bed, discussing where we are, how we allowed ourselves to get here, and how in the heck we are going to turn it around. When I tell you that we are sitting down (every night) and talking about this, you cannot see how happy (and shocked!!) I am. For many many (many) years, anytime the money subject would come up, it would always end in an argument. It never failed, we would both start out defensive I think, and that just isn't a recipe for success at all. So, I am really proud of both of us, and it shows that we are both willing to do what it takes to change things, and are both pretty much on the same track.

We saw, after a few very long, tedious discussions, that we are spending way too much eating out. If we weren't eating out we were overspending by running to the store to get a few things for that nights meals. I think this is one of our biggest mistakes. I didn't realize it at the time, but the more numbers we have crunched, the more obvious it has become.

We also realized we need more income coming in, plain and simple. At least until we get things where they need to be. We have bills that need to be paid just like everyone else (Mortgage, Electric, Gas, etc.). At the same time, we have older bills that we need to take care of (Hospital, back due amounts from some other bills, money we owe family, etc).

Another thing is savings. Short and sweet--we have none. Not even a dime. If we have an emergency right now, then one of the previous mentioned bills isn't getting paid. And we are living in an older house, and anyone that lives in an older house knows one thing for certain--there is always an emergency lurking around the corner.

So with all of that said, we have decisions to make, goals in mind, and we just need to start making them happen. Here is where we stand as of tonight.

• We need to stop eating out. We have decided to limit that to once a month. It is going to take a whole lot of buckling down, but if things are going to change-it must be done. Then, we need to cut the food budget. I would like to get it down as low as possible. We are shooting for $450.00/month right now. After we get it down to that amount, I am going to see how much farther down I can get it.
• My husband is working overtime, and also called his old boss to see if he could work there twice a week. All money that comes from overtime/his second job will be going to past due amounts.
• I feel that I should be helping out financially, and that is the only disagreement we are having. For me to work, I would have to put Thing4 in daycare. Until I go back to school, I would only be making minimum wage. Is it worth me going out and working? He doesn't think so, and I am torn. This is still up for debate. Thoughts?
• We need to find some money, somewhere, to start putting into the bank. Right now it looks like minimal amounts will be able to go to that, until we get a whole lot of these bills taken way down.

I will write more about this subject in the coming weeks. We are still trying to get a grand total of our debt, and after I have that I am going to start a running tab here on what we have in debt, what we put towards it that pay period or month, so maybe a biweekly or monthly update. Several people mentioned they would like to start a challenge on this subject. I am really liking that idea, and if you have any ideas or would like to participate, I would love to hear from you! You can find an email button on my about me page.

CircusDad is playing softball, so I need to get dinner dishes finished so I can spend some time with the birthday boy man when he gets in, so I will stop here. I cannot wait to hear your feedback!

A Little Fun

First of all--today is my husbands birthday! I love you, CircusDad!

Today is one of the nicest days, the sun is shining, the kids are out playing, the dogs are laying in the sun, and I thought I would do a few meme's, just because they are fun!

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I was tagged by Carrie for this meme on March 21st. EEK! I kept meaning to get to it, and always forgot. I'm sorry, Carrie!

The object of this meme is to list 7 songs you are really into right now. That's it! So, here are mine:

1. Then They Do by Toby Keith

2. Anything by Fleetwood Mac

3. Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae

4. Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani

5. Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay  by Otis Redding

6. This One's For The Girls by Martina McBride

7. You Save Me by Kenny Chesney

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This one comes from Carrie, too.

1~ Look around!! Describe to me the very first handmade *gift* your eyes run by that was made for YOU from one of your children. Then, tell me why you have it displayed where you do.

I have a bookcase in my hallway with all of my kids homemade gifts. There are so many, it is so hard to pick. They have all made me little clay pots that are displayed front and center. I love being able to see them every day, and they love that their art is displayed where everyone can see it.

2~ Looking back on our childhood, we all can remember something we *always* wanted as a kid, but just never got. What is the one thing you can still remember to this day that you never had the *joy* of receiving?

I always wanted a new bicycle. New, not a hand me down. I know, a little selfish. My sister's both always got new bikes, and I was always given my older sisters old bike.

3~ What is one phobia that you have that others may find silly? I'm not talking fear of snakes. I mean *silly*, as in, others just don't get why on earth you're scared of *that*?

I am scared to death of chickens!

4~ Name one saying that you made up out of the blue. Nobody in the general public would know what you meant by it but your family is all too aware of exactly what you mean when the words spout out.

I have tried so hard to come up with something, but there is nothing coming to mind. I will come back to this when I know!

5~ You have the power to grant one miracle to someone outside of your own family. This miracle can not be frivolous. Who would you grant this miracle to. What would the miracle be? How would you go about granting it?

I would find a way to help my very best friend, S, get a house. She is so unhappy where she is, and wants the best for her kids, and the neighborhood she lives in isn't what she wants/needs. I would give her a house. I don't know, I would have someone donate it to her. Hey, you said "miracle"!

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ABC's of Me...(yep, Carrie again! LOL!)

1. A is for age: 28

2. B is for beer of choice: I don't drink beer.

3. C is for career right now: Mom and Wife

4. D is for your dog's name: Bella and Palmer

5. E is for essential item you use everyday: Shower

6. F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Grey's Anatomy/October Road/Brothers and Sisters/American Idol...I cannot just pick one!

7. G is for favorite game: Skip Bo and Risk

8. H is for Home town: A very small town in West Virginia

9. I is for instruments you play: None

10. J is for favorite juice: Pom. And occasionally OJ.

11. K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: Suprisingly, today--noone.

12. L is for last place you ate: Home

13. M is for marriage: Happily married. Although sometimes...

14. N is for your full name: Jill CircusMom. Haha, not telling the rest, sorry!

15. O is for overnight hospital stays: 4 times for childbirth, and numerous others (kidney stint, rehab, appendix removed)

16. P is for people you were with today: My husband and kids.

17. Q is for quote: "Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day, saying, “I will try again tomorrow"

18. R is for Biggest Regret: No regrets

19. S is for status: Happily Married

20. T is for time you woke up today: 10:00 am (What? It's the only day I can sleep in!)

21. U is for underwear you have on now: Chocolate with pink polka dots.

22. V is for vegetable you love: Broccoli

23. W is for worst habit: Drinking Diet Coke...all day, every day (I know how you feel Carrie!)
24. X is for x-rays you've had: Sinus and Dental

25. Y is for yummy food you ate today: I haven't eaten anything today!

26. Z is for the zodiac sign: Scorpio baby!

My Visual DNA

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Tasty Thursday 4/19/07

It's time for Tasty Thursday again, and I have two excellent recipes to share this week.

We are huge pasta eaters around here, so the first recipe, Baked Ziti, is one of my favorite meals--to cook and to eat.

The second recipe, Cheddar BBQ Chicken Breasts is so delicious. I had found this recipe somewhere a few years ago, and last night I was trying to decide what  chicken recipe to add to next weeks menu, and this recipe came to mind. After digging through all of the recipes I have written down, I found it, so thought I would share it today.

Baked Ziti

1 lb   lean ground beef
1 cup onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (32 ounce) jar meatless sauce
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta, cooked and drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onions, and garlic over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until beef is browned; stirring frequently. Stir in spaghetti sauce, chicken broth, and oregano. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir 1 cup of the sauce into the cooked ziti noodles. Spoon 1/2 of the ziti mixture into a 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Top with 2 cups sauce, then remaining ziti mixture and remaining sauce. Cover and bake 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Return to oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Cheddar BBQ Chicken Breasts

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 strips bacon--cooked
shredded cheddar cheese
green onions
barbecue sauce
chopped tomatoes

Cover Chicken breasts with bar-b-q sauce and bake until done, usually about 15-30 minutes in a 350 degree oven (I don't pay attention to the time to much). (we have also cooked this on the grill, and it is sooo good!)

When chicken is done pour on more sauce, add bacon strips to cover the breasts and cover with cheddar cheese, return to oven until cheese melts. Add sliced green onions and tomatoes. Serve immediately.

For more Tasty Thursday posts, or to add your own, visit Trista  at The Pumkin Patch!

Birthday, New Baby, Sorrow and Giving

What a title, right? Let me just get right to it, then...

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Today is Thing 2's 10th birthday! She is growing up so fast. She has had so many problems. She suffered from seizures for over a year. She has ADD and Dyslexia. Her father was killed in a car accident a year ago. But let me tell you something--you would never know it. Of course she has her bad days (and some really bad days), but she is so happy with life, and she is so strong. She amazes me with her strength, and I am so proud to have her as my daughter. I love you, C!!

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NO! I am not pregnant, we are not having another baby. Some of you may remember that we have a female Boxer named Bella. Before we brought her home, we went back and forth, and really researched the different breeds. We fell in love with her the moment we saw her, and have been so glad we chose a Boxer. A few months ago, we decided to look for another Boxer. We always knew we wanted two dogs, a boy and a girl.

We have looked and looked. We wanted to get a male that was a little older, because there are so many out there that are being abandoned. Finally we found the right fit for our family. Last night, we picked up our new "baby", an 11 month old male Boxer named Palmer. Y'all! He is a horse! Bella is 13 months old, and Palmer towers over her, and has to have 30 pounds on her. And he snores, which...what can you do? He is a beautiful dog, and I am so glad we finally found the right fit. Pictures coming soon!

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I have been following the news about the Virginia Tech shootings, and my heart goes out to all the families, the students, teachers--the whole community. This is nothing less than a tragedy, and I am so sorry that everyone there is suffering so much.

I also have heard that the President is getting quite a bit of flak for the fact that he showed up so quickly in Virginia, but didn't do the same during Hurricane Katrina. I hope that everyone takes time to respect what the people in Virginia are going through. This isn't about the President right now. Let time heal a few wounds and then voice your concerns, as you have every right to do.

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Last but not least. Tomorrow, Boomama is loving on Heather, and I hope that you all join in. If you cannot afford to give at this time, please join in with us by sending Heather and her family your thoughts and prayers. She is a great woman, who has been through so much.

Also, Beth at I Should Be Folding Laundry is holding a prize drawing for the people who have promoted For Heather on their blogs. What a great idea! Have you checked out how many wonderful people have linked up? It is so amazing. I hope that you will share the link to For Heather with everyone, and stop by tomorrow and love on Heather in your own way.
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I am just now getting to sit down and watch American Idol. I will try to be back later tonight with my AI post, but it may not be until tomorrow. I hope everyone has had a great Tuesday!

Missing You

Today is a hard day for everyone in my family. It is the anniversary of the day my father took his life.

My father was a good person who took the wrong path. Do you have anyone like that in your life? If you do, I am asking you to take today to reach out to them. Let them know they are not alone. Love them. Be there for them. Fight for them, because they may not be able to fight for themselves.

Just for today, look past your frustration, your pain and anger. Know that the person you see today has the chance to change, they just may not believe they can overcome it.They may see no hope.

There is hope! You have no clue what you may be able to accomplish. Today turns into tomorrow, tomorrow turns into next week. It is worth it.

I love and miss you, dad.

Where's That Money Tree When You Need It?

I have spent the last few days watching way too much Food Network, and nursing this cold. It is kicking my butt, and I am sick of it. Heck, I was sick of it after about five minutes. A week or so later, and it is still hanging on.

Mornings are the worst. I wake up feeling like I have been run over by a truck, my nose all stuffed up and a huge headache. (This morning I woke up with insane heartburn, with burps that tasted oddly like Twizzlers)

I have tried all of your wonderful suggestions. All of them. Thank you all, by the way. I have also tried Emergen C. Hooo-boy. After that last glass, I was reminded of how much I cannot stand to drink all of that water. My body doesn't handle it well, and for hours after I drank the last glass, I could hear and feel all of that water sloshing around in there, and I was so sick to my stomach. (It reminded me of the times when I was pregnant, when I had to drink way too much water for an ultrasound. I never made it to my appointment without throwing up. I was so glad during my last pregnancy when they told me they no longer required you to drink so much water. I digress...)

In between watching Food Network and coughing up my lungs, I have been doing something I dread, something I am so bad at.

I have been working on a budget. Just writing the word budget makes me sweat. I am going to tell you something about myself that I don't tell anyone. I have never used a budget. That's right--never. For the longest time, when it was just me and the kids, I was broke, poor even. There was no need for a budget. I had enough money to pay the most necessary bills, buy food, diapers, and formula. That was it. There were no extras, no eating out, nothing.

After my husband and I met, we moved to the Cincinnati area, he got a pretty good job, I was working at a local daycare, and for the first time we had money. We got into trouble, big time. As it happens with so many people in our situation, we got a credit card, and we were living beyond our means. At first, it was fine. Then, I had to quit my job at the daycare, and didn't have another job lined up. Stupid move. And then my husband switched jobs, to a better job (the job he is at now)  and there was a period of about a month where he didn't get paid. That's right. Didn't get paid. Not one red cent.

Long story short, that was four years ago and we still haven't fixed that problem. We eat out way too much, I don't make a list for the grocery store like I should, and we just spend way too much on things that aren't necessary. I have realized the money isn't the problem. If I was to dig out of this mess, I would still have a problem.

The problem is us. You have no clue how hard it is to admit that, but it is high time we do admit it.  So, times? They are a'changin'.

I have looked into Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover, and I am really leaning towards using his book to begin with. Does anyone have any experience with this program? It seems very straight forward, and that is what I need. I am not good with numbers, I am a simple gal. He promotes the all cash, no credit (or even debit, I believe?) method. We don't have any credit card debt. We paid that off a few years ago, and have never used a credit card since.

So, what do you think, Internet? Have you tried Dave Ramsey's book? What, if anything, has worked best for you? And, most importantly, how do you stop the impulse buys? I don't spend money on huge things. No coach purses or Jimmy Choos for me. More like cookbooks and magazines, books and chocolate.

I know it is going to be hard, but I have to start somewhere. Right? Right. So, back to the budget. And Food Network (Nigella is on right now. Love her!).

FYI: Ice Cream makes this so much easier. It was on sale, of course.