Happy Birthday Grandma Nickell

Mike's Grandma Nickell is the same age as my Granny. She turns 80 this weekend. She is a wonderful woman who lives alone now since her husband, Grandpa, died a couple of years ago. I'll never forget, the very first time Mike introduced me to them, Grandpa walked right up to me on their big porch, gave me a hug and a scratchy kiss on my cheek and said "Michael I can tell why you love her, she's looks sweet enough to eat!"
Grandma still lives in an old "company" house they had moved to a piece of property on the outskirts of Seguin Texas. It has those seams in the walls you see on a mobile home except it isn't a mobile home. I am quite certain that nothing has changed significantly in that house in at least 20 years. She lives the epitomy of the simple life. Whenever we are at her house we feel the peace of not having to rush around. The food is often homegrown and homestyle, the entertainment is conversation for the grown ups and exploration for the kids, bedtime is a fun time in her huge old tub (no shower) and then bunking up all together in one room with the window unit. You would think our girls would mind but they love Grandma Nickell's because she loves them. It is all that matters. We wish we could be there to help honor her 80 years of loving.

A favorite picture

This is Sarah in August 05 - she was just three. Her teacher sent a wonderful mid-term progress report home today. Her teacher recognizes some of Sarah's best traits - "I love Sarah's sweet heart. She will raise her hand in class just to say "I love you, Mrs. B" She is an excellent student, diligent in her school work. When we play games she does very well." This describes Sarah at home as well.

We are praying for some answers related to her tummy troubles and feel we have a direction to go now, but we are continuing to pray as well that the Lord would heal her and not have her feel any discomfort anymore.

By the way, the bran flax muffins were awesome but next time I'm going to make the carrot shreds smaller - Anna wasn't so crazy about the idea of eating carrots in muffins so I'm hoping to hide them in there better.

Menu Monday

Taking an idea from Living to Tell the Story Blog here is my menu plan for the week:

Monday - shrimp scampi over linguine with green salad
Tuesday - pot roast with carrots and potatoes
Wednesday - picnic with turkey sandwiches on italian bread, chips, fruit
Thursday - kung pao chicken on lo mein noodles
Friday - homemade pizzas with olives, italian sausage, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms
Saturday - Kindergarten fellowship potluck - not sure what I need to bring for that yet...
Sunday - grilled chicken over green salad

I also plan to make Bran Flax Muffins as an alternative to store bought granola bars for breakfast, as well as apple breakfast bread for a snack, and maybe a flourless chocolate cake (if I find the time).

My grocery gaming is going fairly well so far. I've saved about $250 this month compared to the average of the last 12 months for us. My per trip percentages are at about 30% off shelf price but I think I am shopping smarter too which is helping. I'd love to get my percent savings even lower but we may go gluten-free soon for Sarah so I don't know if that will be possible with needing to buy some specialty foods. I think at the very least I should be able to save in other areas to help off-set the cost of gluten free foods and even more produce.