We travelled almost every weekend to see him and then I drove to Montana with the kids for two weeks in July. While in Cali, we got to go to the zoo, aquarium, Legoland, Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, and the beach. The per diem Ryan received helped fund our fun. We researched coupons and deals and packed our own snacks and lunches where we could to save money.
We found out in late July that I am having another girl. Due date January 4, but for me, that means around Christmas! I saved all of Amilia's baby things, so we are mostly set for our needs.
One thing I did accomplish this summer was making more homemade bath products. I successfully mastered homemade body wash, deodorant, and lotion! I attempted shampoo but it was not good for my hair. It works well for the kids, so it won't go to waste. I will just have to splurge on store shampoo. I was able to do a few classes for my little side business and I am excited to start my first Stamp club in a few weeks!
I have continued to struggle with trying to get rid of Austin's recurring wart on his thumb. After 4 dermatologist visits, it is still there. I also had to file a complaint with my insurance due to the Dr trying to charge me for both a dr visit and surgical procedures (apparently putting two drops of blister beetle juice on a wart is a surgical procedure)! Thankfully, they resolved it, but even with the $20 copay per visit, I paid way too much for a problem that could be treated with a $5 remedy! After researching remedies and trying oregano/melaleuca with no result, we found that apple cider vinegar was the answer! Simply dip a small piece of cotton in the ACV, place over wart, cover with a small bandage and secure with duct tape. Do this each night for a few weeks, the wart will turn black and can gradually be scraped off.
In August, we welcomed Annie into our family. She is a Yorkie-Maltese mix puppy. The kids just love her and we have been working on training her and establishing a routine to get ready for the new school year.
For the first time in my career, I did not go in to work before my contracted start date. I am also going to try very hard to get out on time at the end of the day. I will need this time to run home and let the dog out and take care of a few chores before picking the kids up.
I spent all last week making mixes and meals to have on hand:
*Baked 8 small loaves of French bread to freeze
*Baked two loaves of whole wheat bread, one for this week, one to freeze for next week
*Made brownie and chocolate pudding mix to have desserts on hand
*Made pancake mix along with a large batch of pancakes to freeze for breakfasts
*Made 2 large pans of lasagna and enchiladas for freezer meals
*Made homemade pasta sauce and froze in pint size mason jars
*Made homemade chocolate sauce for making chocolate milk
*Made a double batch of laundry soap and dishwasher soap
I also stocked up at Costco on good snacks/lunch box items on coupon. Great deals on Gogurts, Snack Packs, Capri Suns, Rice Krispies treats, and fruit by the foot!
What's for dinner this week?
Monday: we ate out to celebrate Amilia's birthday and surviving the first day of school
Tuesday: freezer enchiladas
Wednesday: chicken stir fry
Thursday: freezer lasagna with French bread and salad
Friday: pizza and movie family night
Saturday: crockpot chicken and dumplings
Sunday: Crockpot beef stew (I made a roast last week and shredded the leftover meat and saved the liquid from the pot to freeze and use for another meal)
