Freezer Cooking Day

Since we've been Eating from the Pantry for the past month, it's time, again, to stock it back up!! Money Saving Mom and Fish Mama are hosting another Freezer Cooking Day(s) and I'm joining in! This time, though, with a bit more restraint.

Here's my plan for the next few days:

• Taco Meat x6


• Spaghetti Sauce x2


• Chili


• Barbeque Meatballs

(Hmmmmm......do you see a Ground Beef theme here?! Wonder why??!!! Read below.) :-)

• Boil and Shred 12 pounds of bone-in Chicken


• Make Stock


• Chicken Rice Casserole x2


• Chop 8 lbs Bananas to freeze (the kids love helping with this!)

I think I'll start with this plan and see how far we get! I'm hoping to spread this out over the next few days, so we shall see how this goes!! I'll be back tomorrow for progress report and update!!

Pantry Challenge--Finished!! (and our Menu Plan for the week)

We made it!!

This challenge was so eye-opening, encouraging, challenging and down-right fun to do!!  It really has made me look at food differently, our budget differently and myself differently.  What a joy is was to start something and finish it with pretty darn good results!!

Our goal for the month was to shrink our usual $400/month grocery budget to just $100.

And I got OH. SO. CLOSE.

Here's what it looked like:

Week 1:  $29.05

Week 2:  $39.94

Week 3:  $21.84

Week 4:  $32.17

Total:  $123.00

$23 over---Boooooooo

But.....


As much as I DID NOT want to go look at that Clearance meat that was beckoning me, I gave in.  That is what set me over the top.  It was absolutely the deal of the century, though, so I really COULD NOT pass it up.  You wanna know the deal???  You know you do!  I got:

20 pounds of ground beef for:  $6.45!!!

32 cents/pound!!

Yes, folks, you read that right---TWENTY!!!  Now, I know you're probably thinking, ahem, that does not equal the entire $23 you were over!  True.  So true.  I also got sucked in to some amazing produce deals, as well, that I just couldn't pass up either.  ( I seem a theme, here!!)

But, take a look at this.  This is my actual program that I use to track all of our finances.  (It's quite an amazing, handy tool----www.quickenonline.intuit.com----it's totally free, totally easy to use, and totally awesome!!  This page show my goals for the month that I set for myself:  $100 for groceries and $100 for eating out. If you'll notice, it shows I went $23 over on our grocery budget, but take a look at that Eating Out goal, we were $62 UNDER budget!!  It just goes to show that MENU PLANNING really does make a difference all around!



All in all, the challenge was so great, and has made me really take a closer look at what we spend on groceries!!  Goodbye $400/month, hello......a LOT less!!!  :-)

I can't believe we're already into February, but here we go!!!!  It's time for our Once-a-month-Freezer-Cooking-Day!  I'll have a post on that soon.  But, for now, here's our Menu Plan for the week:

Monday-  Homemade BBQ Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes (freezer), Corn

Tuesday-  Hamburger Patties (freezer), homemade Sweet Potato Fries, Smoothies

Wednesday-  Spaghetti w/homemade Spaghetti Sauce, Green Salad, Cheesy Garlic Bread

Thursday-  Shredded Pork Tostadas w/all the fixins

Friday-  Homemade Pizza

Have a blessed week, everyone!!!  And, stay tuned for my plan for our Once-a-month-Cooking Day!!

Turn off the lights!!

My husband and I joke a lot about this all the time:

He's a "light-turner-onner"

I'm a "light-turner-offer."

It never fails.  Any room of the house that he's in, has been in, was in a few hours ago, was kind-of in a few minutes a go--you name it---the light is bound to be on!!

Now, don't get me wrong, I love my husband dearly.   I'm definitely not trying to call my husband out, because, you know, me harping on him to turn the lights off, is probably more annoying than him leaving them on in the first place!!!!!  I'm just a big stickler for turning lights off in a room after you leave it!  It was ingrained in me from my childhood!

So, that led me to research it a bit, and I found this next bit of information from The Simple Dollar that I thought would be great to share:

If you spend one minute turning off lights before a two hour trip, that’s the equivalent of earning $50/hour. That’s some impressive savings, particularly if you do it before longer trips. The key is to use less energy, particularly when you’re not using the device.

Let's look into this a little closer:

First of all, it takes two minutes to walk through the house and ensure all the lights are shut off.

Second, electricity costs $0.10 per kilowatt hour. This is roughly what the nationwide average is, and roughly what we use.

Third, the average bulb eats about 30 watts. This is a rough estimate.

Fourth, doing that walk-through causes me to turn off four light bulbs. This is just on average, sometimes more, sometimes less.

Taking those assumptions, let’s say we’re going to leave on a two hour trip. I turn off four 20 watt bulbs that would have run for two hours, so that’s a total of 160 watt hours of energy, or 0.32 kilowatt hours. The effort in that walkthrough, which takes two minutes, is 1.6 cents.

Let’s do the same for an average work day, where the house will be empty for nine hours. Turning off four 20 watt bulbs that would have run for nine hours saves 720 watt hours of energy. That two minute walkthrough here saves 7.2 cents. This is getting better, but still not very cost effective.

Now, let’s look at a weekend trip, where, we’re typically gone for about 52 hours. Thus, if we turn off those same four 20 watt bulbs, we save 4,160 watt hours of energy. That’s 41.6 cents, which is getting to be worthwhile for two minutes of effort.

This is assuming only lights, of course. What about the potential for other electronic devices to be turned on? If you find a television on, which sucks down roughly 150 watts on average. Over two hours, that’s only 3 cents. Over that 52 hour trip, that’s 7.8 kilowatt hours, or $0.78.

Here’s what I concluded from running the numbers.

First, a walkthrough gets more and more cost effective the longer your trip is going to be. For very short trips, it’s probably not worth the time investment – with just the lightbulbs and a two minute walkthrough before a two hour trip, your hourly wage for that effort is 48 cents. However, if you do a two minute walkthrough for a two day trip and find the four lights and the television on, your hourly wage for that effort is $35.88.

Second, the more devices you turn off, the more worthwhile the walkthrough is. On longer trips, I do things like unplugging devices, powering off everything on my entertainment center, unplugging my laptop’s power supply, and so on. This cuts down on a lot of drain and can be done pretty quickly, not adding much at all to the time of the walkthrough.

It’s simple things like these that really make the difference. Taking just a few minutes to look at your behavior and realize when a frugal tactic is cost-effective or not can tell you a lot about whether that behavior is really right for you. For me, I often try to look at it as an hourly wage – if that hourly wage looks nice to me (or there’s some other appeal to it), I’ll do it!!

The Home Stretch!

This week has been a little "topsy-turvy," but I haven't forgotten that we're still EATING FROM THE PANTRY!  I can't believe that January is just about over and this challenge is coming to a close.

Here is what is on our Meal Plan for the rest of the week.  It's a little changed up from my original Monthly Plan, because I've scoured the freezer and found more food we need to eat!!

Thurs 1/28:  Tuna Noodle Casserole (freezer), Buttery Rolls (freezer), Jello w/mandarin oranges

Fri 1/29:  Chili (freezer), Corn Muffins (freezer), Smoothies

Sat 1/30:  Meatloaf (freezer), Baked Potatoes, raw veggies and dip

Sun 1/31:  Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes (freezer), Asparagus

Here's where we stand, as far as trying to make our $100 grocery budget for the month:

Week 1: $29.05

Week 2: $39.94

Week 3: $21.84

Total:  $90.83

$9.17 left for the next 4 days!!! *bites nails*  Can I do it?!?!?!  We're already to Thursday of week 4, so there's hope!!!  I have not even stepped in a grocery store this week, due to all the busy-ness surrounding Anna's surgery, but we are running low on a few staple items, so I HOPE that I can spend less than $10 in the next few days!!  But, if I can't, I want to get as close as possible.  It will be a small victory!!!

How are YOU doing on the challenge???

What a blessing!

Our little Anna came through surgery like a champ!!!!  God is soooooo good.

There were a few little mishaps along the way, but she came out of it with flying colors!!  It was a long day, and an even longer night, but we are so pleased that God brought her (and us!) through this!!!  PTL!!!

Anna's test results also came back NEGATIVE, so praises all around!!

Thank you----ALL OF YOU----for your thoughts, your prayers, your concern and your encouragement.  You don't know how much we felt it and appreciated it!!

THANK YOU!!!!

Surgery

Tomorrow is the day.

Our sweet, little, 5-month old, Anna, goes into surgery.

Mark and I are, undoubtedly, nervous.  Very nervous.

No one wants their precious little baby to have to go to surgery---no one.  But, when it's needed, it's needed.

A mass was discovered in Anna's bladder.  She has had an ongoing fever and infection for about a month, now, that she just can't seem to kick.  The doctors are almost positive that this mass is harboring much bacteria, and, possibly more, that is making her body sick.  If this isn't taken care of soon, terrible things could happen to her.

So, we weighed all our options, and decided, along with the doctors, that the very best decision is to go forward with the surgery.

The surgery begins around 7:30 tomorrow morning and consists of general anesthesia (yikes) and the doctors going through the urethra and into the bladder.  They are going to puncture the mass, drain it, check for any abnormalities, reflux, etc, etc.  Along with checking everything else.  I will have to stay overnight with her and hopefully, if all goes well, we can come home on Tuesday.

Depending on how things go, I might be off the blog for a couple days, but I will update you as soon as I can!

We would so appreciate your prayers!!!

Steals!!

Got a GREAT tip from one of my readers, Anna C.  She told me about these two great sites:

www.babysteals.com

www.kidsteals.com

They sell products from one hot brand each day at 50%-80% off until it sells out. One amazing STEAL a day at 9am MST and when it's gone, it's gone!! It's not just a deal, it's a STEAL!!

Check it out!

Movin' up!

Anna is moving up in the world!!

She's now facing out in the bjorn carrier!

Oh, my, she LOVED it!

Here's a shot, from my phone, of us getting ready to head out for a walk yesterday:

The sounds and squeals coming out of this little chick-a-dee on our walk even set Lukie into giggles!!  (Ava was at school)  He kept saying, "Anna's soooo silly!"

And,

While we were in Seattle today, I couldn't resist, but, take a couple more shots of her:

Oh.  The cuteness.

Pampers

I can't help but pass this on from Money Saving Mom!!

Starting now, you can become a fan of Pampers on FACEBOOK, and have a chance to win 1-year's worth of FREE diapers! Pampers will choose one winner each day for the next 25 days, so you have 25 chances to win.

Go here to become a fan and enter the giveaway!

Let me know if you win!!!

City on our Knees

I came across this video and just couldn't help but pass it on.

The song is by Tobymac--"City on our Knees."

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Pantry Challenge: Week 2 Done....On to the next!

Sooooooo, the Pantry Challenge is going great........the sticking-to-the-menu-plan:  not so much.

My grand plan of making a month-long menu plan seemed like a great idea at the time, although, I'm not sure I thought it through as well as I should have.  It was only week 2 of the month-long plan, last week, but, we only stuck to 3 of the 7 meals planned!!  Yikes!!  That being said, though, we didn't spend any extra money on eating out, and we still ate from the pantry/freezer---just not what I had planned!!  Life sometimes gets in the way of plans, so we just rolled with it.  No one went hungry, so that's always a good thing!!

I still wholeheartedly believe in Meal Planning.  There are just gonna be those days when all you can muster is the strength to stick in a frozen pizza, or have some cold cereal and toast---and call it good!  :-)

Our goal of spending $100 this month on groceries looks like it might be a reality.....hopefully!!

Last week, we spent: $29.05

This week, we spent:  $39.94

Total:  $68.99

14 days left in the challenge and $31.01 left!  A little less to spend these next two weeks, but I'm hopeful that I can make it happen!

I truly believe that we don't have to go back to our $400/month budget for groceries.  Not sure we can stay at $100 each month, but I'm going to seriously reconsider our goal and shoot for something in between!!

So, now, on to our Menu Plan for the week---(A tiny bit revised!):

Monday 1/18:  Crock Pot Ragout, (I'm going to make this one with slices of hot dogs, potatoes, corn, carrots, and green beans) Jello Salad, homemade Buttery Rolls (freezer)

Tuesday 1/19:  Honey Baked Chicken, White Rice (make extra), Veggie

Wednesday 1/20:  Crockpot Fried Rice with Chicken (Using last night’s leftover Rice), Peanut Butter Noodles


Thursday 1/21:  Italian Beef Sandwiches, homemade oven fries, Fruit Salad

Friday 1/22:  Shredded Beef (from the freezer) Soft Tacos with homemade Guacamole

Saturday 1/23:  Meatloaf (freezer), Mashed Potatoes (freezer), Cream-style Corn

For more menu planning inspiration, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Have a great Week 3 of Eating from the Pantry!!!

Paper Towels

I'm almost misty-eyed over this one, but, alas, it's time for me to start, yet, another challenge----

*cue the dramatic music*

I'm going to try to live without paper towels.  *tear*

I do love a paper towel.  So handy, so convenient, so disposable.  I know it's clean, it's the right size and will absorb some tough messes.

Oh, how I love thee.

But, then I started thinking......yes, thinking about paper towels.......and realizing that not using them might just be one of the most painless money-saving moves I could make---AND, it helps the environment, to boot!

I kind of poked around looking for statistics on paper towel usage, cost, etc, and really couldn't find anything too definitive.  But, let's just say you buy a roll of paper towels for $2.00 and you use about a roll a week, (which, around here, isn't too unusual!!), that equals, about, $104/year.  Yes, that's not a horrific amount of money, but it's used on something you throw away!!  Couldn't you use that money more wisely???

So, even though I'm in love with the paper towel----I must set it free......at least, TRY to!

Here's how I'm hoping to do that:

• For starters, I am just going to STOP buying them.  (Concept, huh?!)


• Next, I'm going to accumulate semi-nice towels, cloths, etc and stack them in a basket next to the kitchen sink.  These are going to be used for wiping down counters, the stove, the sink, and anything else that needs to be wiped!  Any time I would have gone to grab for a paper towel, I'll grab one of these ACTUAL towels!  This sort of cloth can get smelly quickly, though, so I have to remember to change it out daily.


• For bigger spills and messes, I'll keep another basket of "rattier" towels under the sink for quick clean-up.


• I'll use old t-shirts, burp cloths, onesies, etc, for other clean-up projects, such as:  windows, shining appliances, dusting, etc.

Now, obviously this will add to my laundry load, but it really won't add much---I have to do laundry anyway, so I might as well throw them in with the rest!

That's a pretty simple plan, but one I think will work!  (We'll see......)

It's worth a hefty try!!!

Do you think you could live without paper towels?????

Why not give it a try......

5 months??!!!

Pssst......

Would you like to get this in the mail????

The friendly, giving folks at pssst.generalmills.com sent them to me!!

A new product from Yoplait has recently hit the shelves---Yoplait Frozen Smoothie, and they sent me:

1 coupon for 1 free Frozen Smoothie

10 coupons for $1.25/1

This was a lovely, lovely surprise in the mail today!!

To learn more about this program, click HERE and sign up today!!!

Pantry Challenge: Week One Update and Menu Plan

Week One of the challenge has officially passed, and I have to admit---we're doing great!  (Although, why do I feel like it's been longer than a week?!)  We stuck to our Menu Plan and only went to Grocery store for fresh fruit, veggies, dairy, and some amazing (almost!) free deals:  We scored 2 boxes of Cheerios, 2 bagged salads, a 10 1b bag of potatoes and 2 pounds of Bananas for 35 CENTS!! Yes, folks, you heard me right!!  A whopping 35 cents for ALL OF IT!!!  THAT was a great deal!  :-)

Since I'm trying to keep our usual $400 budget/month down to just $100 this month, we need all the deals we can get!!  I have to say, it's really quite enjoyable and a great learning experience----I like being creative with our meals, and I am also enjoying being smart with every penny I spend!

So, week 1 Grocery spendings:  $29.05 (Woohoo!)

It's also been a great relief to have our Menu Plan done for the entire month; I just might continue this!   Here's our plan for week 2 of the challenge:

Monday 1/11:  Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Tuesday 1/12:  Spaghetti Carbonara,  Garlic Bread Fantastique, Green Salad

Wednesday 1/13:  Turkey Enchilada Casserole (freezer),  homemade refried Beans, Tortilla Chips

Thursday 1/14:  Chicken Curry over steamed white rice, Broccoli

Friday 1/15:  Meatloaf (freezer), Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Corn

Saturday 1/16:  Homemade Turkey Dinner:  Turkey, Stuffing, Marbled Mashed Potatoes (freezer), Green Beans

Hope everyone had a great week 1 of the Challenge!!  And, for a plethora of more menu ideas, check out: I'M AN ORGANIZING JUNKIE

101 in 1001

I am a BIG list maker, and the best part about making lists:  crossing things off when you complete them.

Love it.

So, on a bigger scale,  I recently read about a project where you make a list of specific goals to be completed in a specific amount of time.  These can be any goals that you want to set for yourself, but they must be specific with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined.  This idea, as well as the person's list that I was reading, was VERY, VERY inspiring!  I thought it was time to make my own 101 in 1001 and see where it leads me!

I had planned to have this post ready by Jan 1, but it was quite a bit harder to come up with 101 things than I thought it would be!!!

Do I think I'll accomplish all of these goals?  No.  Probably not.  But, is it something worth striving for?  Absolutely.  I wholeheartedly believe in setting goals for yourself, working towards them, but not being disappointed if you don't complete them all in the time you give yourself.  There's always another 101!!!  But, with that said, I'm still going to work hard to achieve these goals and I thought it might inspire you, just like it has inspired me!!

These goals are in no particular order or in any sort of category.  I simply wrote in the order they came to me.  I will show an update of this list, every so often, showing what I have accomplished and what I am in the process of working on.

Here's to Day 1 of 1001!

Sarah's 101 goals in 1001 days:

1.  Go Make-up Free for an entire week

2.  Let the kids have dessert BEFORE dinner

3.  Teach Ava and Luke how, why, and when to dial 9-1-1

4.  Get a massage once a month for 3 months in a row

5.  Floss every day for one month straight

6.  Give my husband one compliment every day for a week

7.  Offer to watch someone else's kids

8.  Arrange a "gift-wrapping" station in the basement

9.  Learn how to can fruit and veggies

10.  Give up candy for one week (Ugggh!)

11.  Be up and dressed before the kids get up for two weeks in a row

12.  Pray with my husband every day

13.  Pray with my kids every day

14.  Lose the baby weight in 9 months

15.  Make a Will

16.  Live on our one week's Grocery budget for an entire month

17.  Organize all my 'bookmarks' on the computer

18.  Finish Ava and Luke's Baby books

19.  Start on Anna's Baby Book

20.  Finish Anna's Birth Story

21.  Buy a new Vacuum Cleaner

22.  Take down wallpaper on the stairway and landing walls

23.  Get a Bike

24.  Teach Lukie how to go potty on his own

25.  Get to bed by 10pm every night for a month

26.  Go on a Date Night with my husband once a month

27.  Re-organize all the cupboards and drawers in the kitchen

28.  Paint the landing and the stairway walls once wallpaper is down

29.  Get a new, amazing digital camera

30.  Organize pictures in my drawers and actually put them in albums

31.  Purge all clothes in my closest that I haven't worn in a year

32.  Take a mini-vacay, just the hubby and me!

32.  Go camping

33.  Send someone flowers

34.  Sell our house  (our other house)

35.  Get a Vita-Mix

36.  Do the "cash-only" system for groceries for a month

37.  Buy a new wardrobe if I meet my "baby weight" loss goal  (I'm not telling you what it is, though!)

38.  Volunteer at Ava/Luke School

39.  Take wallpaper down in the living room

40.  Paint the living room

41.  Paint the TV room

42.  Take my vitamins everyday for 30 days straight

43.  Stop drinking Pop for 2 weeks straight

44.  Take each of my kids out on a "date", alone, at least once a month (errands not allowed!)

45.  Find at least 10 minutes everyday for alone/quiet time with God

46.  No Hairspray for an entire week (wearing a hat doesn't count)

47.  Organize kids' toys in bins and label with pictures and words

48.  Learn all there is to know about Dahlias and start to build a business selling the flowers and tubers

49.  Educate myself to the nth degree on Vaccines and make a decision

50.  Read a book---A REAL book. (Us Weekly doesn't count)

51.  "Camp out" with the kids by the Christmas tree

52.  Sleep in a tent in the yard with the kids

53.  Be completely debt-free (except for our house)

54.  Plant an herb garden

55.  Prune Apple Trees

56.  Give a monetary donation to someone-anonymously

57.  Make a Cheesecake

58.  Create a fire escape plan and practice it with the kids

59.  Teach Ava and Luke about strangers

60.  Build stairs on our deck

61.  Build a flat, cemented area for the kids to play, ride their bikes, play ball, etc

62.  Double, even triple the amount of veggies we plant in the garden

63.  New curtains for every bedroom

64.  Go to a coffee shop and enjoy the afternoon---solo

65.  Cook and host a Holiday Meal at home

66.  Have a party!!  (just because!)

67.  Host a cookie swap

68.  Set up multiple play dates for my kiddos

69.  Use re-usable shopping bags when grocery shopping

70.  Keep our eating out budget at or below $100/month

71.  Buy a Christmas gift for a needy child

72.  Pay for the person behind me in a Drive-thru

73.  Get back to selling on Ebay

74.  Let the kiddos take a small portion of their Birthday money to buy an item that THEY pick out

75.  Start the tradition of letting the kids pick out their favorite cereal for their Birthday morning breakfast

76.  Have a Girl's Weekend with my SISTERS!

77.  Take a trip to Disneyland

78.  Plan a surprise Birthday party

79.  Fast for 24 hours

80.  Save up to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a really, really great pair of shoes (or an amazing handbag!)

81.  Let my hubby take a Saturday all to himself

82.  Let myself take a Saturday all to myself

83.  Pray before dinner every night---whether in public, or not

84.  Teach Anna sign language

85.  Have a family devotional time at least once a week

86.  Start on the addition to our house

87.  Take a class---(photography would be my first choice, hence the need for #29!)

88.   Write a letter to each of my kids, to be opened on their 16th birthday

89.  Read my Bible at least twice a week (if not MORE!)

90.  Take 10 Internet Breaks (an entire day)

91.  Have a family dinner by candlelight

92.  Re-do kids' chore charts and stick to them

93.  Kiss my husband when he comes home from work*everyday*whether I feel like it, or not

94.  Do 10 "real" push-ups in a row

95.  Spend an entire day playing on the beach with my family

96.  Get over my insecurity of been videotaped, and start a video diary to my children

97.  Go to a concert (NKOTB, again?!)

98.  Take the kids to a play/live theatre

99.  Come up with a better laundry organizing system

100.  Expand my vocabulary--Learn 50 new words and their definitions

101.  Donate $5 for every goal I don't meet

Safeway

I am SO excited----Safeway has rolled out a new Ecoupon service called Coupon Link. It looks like this program works the same as Cellfire and Shortcuts (load the Ecoupon to your Club Card & savings will be deducted at the register), though the difference, and the VERY COOL thing, is that many of them are SAFEWAY coupons, not manufacturer's coupons!  You should be able to stack these Ecoupons with paper manufacturer's coupons!!

Rock on!!

Head over HERE to check it out!!

A Biblical Perspective

I'm so glad my sister, Amy, asked me about the research that I've done on the Biblical perspective, pertaining to vaccines. I have actually been compiling and researching information on this topic for weeks! I think it's extremely important that I have sought out, researched and found many truths and facts about vaccines, but, I, too, was feeling it was important to look at the Biblical view, as well.

Obviously there were no vaccinations in biblical times, but there were several references on what should and should NOT be put into the body.

Here are my findings:

• Vaccines are made with known toxic chemicals that are injected into the bloodstream by vaccination. All vaccines are made with foreign proteins (viruses and bacteria), and some vaccines are made with genetically engineered viral and bacterial materials. The Bible teaches that the body is "The temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
  

• There is no scriptural support for injecting poisons or any virus into the bloodstream to cure or prevent disease. The Old and New Testaments, however, are replete with references to keeping the body blemish-free so that we may have abundant life.

• A conflict arises if you accept God's warning not to mix the blood of man with the blood of animals. Many vaccines are produced in animal tissues. Luke 13: 1-5 states that those who mix human blood with the blood of sacrificed animals are 'sinners.' This is precisely what pharmaceutical industrialists do to many vaccines.
  

• The Bible teaches us that children are a gift from God (1 Timonty 5:8), yet, many vaccines contain ABORTED human fetal tissue.

• Animal DNA, aborted human fetal tissue and foreign animal viruses are suspended in a cocktail of the most toxic substances known to man and injected into the body so it can find its way into the bloodstream. There are 446 references to "the blood" in the Bible. Throughout the Bible, God refers to the sanctity of the blood and the importance of keeping it pure. Would God consider presence of live and dead viruses, foreign human and animal DNA, mercury, aluminum and formaldehyde in our blood---keeping it pure?

• The Bible teaches us that PARENTS are entrusted with the care and welfare of a child. (1 Tim 5:8) PARENTS, not the state, are responsible to make healthcare decisions on behalf of their children.

A personal side note on this point, not pertaining particularly to vaccines, but to parents being responsible for the care and welfare of their child:

I was diagnosed with Cancer at the age of 2. To make a long story extremely short, my parents turned down Chemotherapy and Radiation and put me on a strict Vitamin/Nutrition program. Doctors very much didn't like their decision, and neither did the state. There were threats of turning my parents in to Child Protective Services. That never happened, but it was an extremely stressful time for my parents.

Here I am---29 years later, still living and Cancer-free. My parents did their research and found out that at such a young age, Radiation could have caused much harm to my body, including sterilization. Also, Chemotherapy is a general term for treatments that use chemical agents to kill cancer cells. My parents just didn't want me or my body to have to go through all of that, and they didn't want to inject my little 2 year old body with all those chemicals. I am not saying that anyone is wrong for doing any of these procedures---absolutely not---what I am saying, is, that the Bible teaches us that the PARENTS are entrusted for the care and well-being of their children.

What my parents did "went against the grain," just as not vaccinating can very much be looked at as going "against the grain." And, I want to applaud them for "rocking the boat," looking at things differently, and standing up for what they believed.

I found this next bit of GREAT perspective from: Making An Informed Decision

Let's recall Philippians 4:8 where we are, again, advised to ponder on everything. Finally, my brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think on these things.

"Whatever things are true": As previously described, the safety in vaccinations are purely by the stroke of a pen. The numerous adverse reactions experienced by healthy children during prelicensure experimentation are grossly disregarded. The increase risks for the targeted infection brought on by vaccinations during these "trials" are also grossly disregarded. This website references numerous efficacy failures followed by unsupported higher dosage recommendations.

"Whatever things are honest": Dishonesty for each vaccine begins with the unscientific dismissals during prelicensure experimentations. Honest practice requires nothing less than honest behavior with honest words. A deceitful practice requires nothing more than deceitful words and behavior. There is clearly something deceitful in the immunization program.

"Whatever things are right": What is right about allowing the injection of aborted fetal cell tissue into the human body? We Christians are known for our stand against taking the life of an unborn child. Do we not have a responsibility to Him with this information? You've heard the saying, "Two wrongs do not make a right."

"Whatever things are lovely": Vaccine bacteria and viruses are cultured on animal tissue, cells from aborted fetal tissue and other growth media. One example is the Mueller-Hinton Agar. Agar is a polysaccharide found in the cell walls of red algae and contain sulfated glactose monomers. The purpose of the Agar is to gel growth media into a solid form. To further ensure growth of "designated" microorganisms, such things as sheep blood and horse blood are added. This is what's used to grow the viruses for the Meningococcal vaccine. Similar vile procedures are used in the manufacturing of other routine childhood vaccines. What about this is lovely? God created our blood stream as our life line. Would He consider these things "lovely", thus worthy for His creation (of our bodies)?

"Whatever things are of good report": The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 mandated physician reporting of certain vaccine adverse events to the Secretary of the department of Health and Human Services which led to the creation of VAERS. The primary function of VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) is to detect early warning signals and generate hypotheses about possible new vaccine adverse events or changes in frequency of known ones. It relies on physicians to VOLUNTARILY report adverse events. However, there are some limitations according to CDC and the FDA:

· variability in report quality

· biased reporting

· underreporting

· inability to determine whether a vaccine caused the adverse even in any individual report

The FDA stated that less than 10% of adverse reactions from vaccines are ever reported. It is even possible that LESS than 1% of adverse reactions are reported and taken seriously. CDC put a publication on vaccine induced injuries from 1990-1995. They stated that there were 45,000 vaccine injured individuals. More alarming is the statement that this figure represents less than 1% "due to gross under reporting." Using CDC's own data, at minimum, 45,000 x 100=4.5 million vaccine induced injuries. This calculates to 900,000 vaccine induced injuries each year from 1990-1995 minimum.

Is this good reporting?

"If there is any virtue" (moral excellence): Christ is clear on His desires for us to strive for virtue. I ask the body of Christ, what virtue is there in the dishonest vaccination program? What virtue is in the fatally flawed history of vaccines? What virtue is there in schools deceitfully informing parents that vaccines are a mandate without the first option of informed consent? What virtue is there in enforcing parents to inoculate their children with known neurotoxins and claim that their autism, diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis...etc have nothing to do with the vaccines? There are contaminates from the animals (i.e monkeys) used in vaccine manufacturing. (i.e. polio) The number of simian viruses (sv) documented in this vaccine goes up to SV59. Bound by an agreement with the pharmaceutical companies, the FDA must turn a blind eye to up to 100 viral contaminates per dose. Where is the virtue in that?

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I am not saying I have all the answers. I certainly don't. And, frankly, I don't think any of us will ever have all the answers on this issue.

But, God does.

He tells us to go to HIM in everything. EVERYTHING. I encourage you to do that.

And, whatever your feelings are, I also encourage you not to be scared by it all---no matter what opinion or viewpoint you're coming from. Do not be fearful.

"Do not be afraid of sudden terror
or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,
for the Lord will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being caught."

—Proverbs 3:25-26

Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

For I, the Lord your God,
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
I am the one who helps you.”

—Isaiah 41:10,13

“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”

-Hebrews 13:6

Truth

The many, many, many hours of research that I have given to vaccines has been both amazingly eye-opening and amazingly scary all at the same time.  As I have delved further and further into this topic, it's amazing how much I've learned---that I would have NEVER known had I not jumped in with both feet.

Many people might wonder, "Sarah, why are you embarking on this controversial topic?  Why even bother??   Just let it be....don't rock the boat."

I've thought about that question a lot.  And, mind you, as I've stated many times before----YOU have to make the decision about vaccines that is right for your family.  But, as I've thought more about the above question, the same answer keeps coming to mind.  I'm not sure if this is a quote, or just a saying that has been made popular, but this is my answer:

If we don't stand up for something----we will fall for anything.

The truth will set us free.

How many times have we been involved in a conversation, and, even if we wholeheartedly disagree, feel differently, or have an opposing viewpoint---we just keep our mouths closed and don't say anything.  We don't stand up for it.  What do the people involved in the conversation probably think????

THAT WE AGREE WITH THEM.

Maybe you don't want to rock the boat.   Maybe you're scared of speaking your mind.  Maybe you feel like you don't have enough facts or information to stand on.  Maybe you are just plain intimidated.

That's OK.

I'm pretty sure we all feel that way at times.  I think there is definitely something to be said about restraint, self-control and the like, when it comes to many things.  I am too often one to speak my mind, stand up for what I believe in, and, as a result of that, have often stuck my foot in my mouth by saying too much.  At times, I have WANTED more self-control in this category, and, I do think there is merit in the saying, "Actions speak louder than words."  I really do.

But, I also think that there is a time and a place to SPEAK.  To rock the boat.  To say you don't agree.  To question things.  To look at them differently.

So........I have spoken.

And, I will continue to SPEAK.

I know many of you probably don't share my views and opinions on this, or other topics I have blogged about, and trust me, I don't expect you to.  But, I hope one thing that we can share the same view on, is that, we want the TRUTH.

THE TRUTH.

Here are some awesome quotes about TRUTH that have really struck a cord with me:

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  "Those who seek the truth, seek GOD, whether they realize it or not."   ---Edith Stein

  
  


• 
  

  "The Truth is more important than the facts."  ---Frank Lloyd Wright

  
  


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  "And then she understood the devilish cunning of the enemies' plan.  By mixing a little truth with it, they had made their lie far stronger."  ---C.S. Lewis

  
  


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  "The first reaction to truth is hatred."  ---Tertullian

  
  


• Jesus answered him,

"I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life......"  ---John 14:6

I  urge, Urge, URGE you, as we embark on a New Year----make it a point to seek the TRUTH.

Not just in vaccines--------In EVERYTHING.

Menu Plan for the month of January, 2010

To achieve my "Eating from the Pantry Challenge" goals, I have decided to do a Menu Plan for the entire month, based on what I have on hand.  Whew!!  This was harder than I thought, but, it feels so great to be planned for the month, weekends and all!!

Let the fun begin........

Jan 3 - Jan 31

Sunday 1/3:  Turkey (Chicken) Delight Casserole, Sweet Peas, Homemade Raspberry Muffins (freezer)

Monday 1/4:  BLT's, Chips, Pickles, Smoothies

Tuesday 1/5:  Potato Soup (freezer), Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Fruit

Wednesday 1/6:  Homemade Mac and Cheese, Smoked Sausage, Green Beans


Thursday 1/7:  Slow Cooker Pot Roast with roasted Potatoes and veggies, homemade Applesauce (freezer)

Friday 1/8:  Eat Out

Saturday 1/9:  Hot Dogs, Tater Tots, homemade Macaroni Salad

Sunday 1/10:  Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Tomato Soup, Crackers, Fruit

Monday 1/11:  Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Tuesday 1/12:  Spaghetti Carbonara,  Garlic Bread Fantastique, Green Salad

Wednesday 1/13:  Turkey Enchilada Casserole (freezer),  Refried Beans, Tortilla Chips

Thursday 1/14:  Chicken Curry over steamed white rice, Broccoli

Friday 1/15:  Meatloaf (freezer), Cream Cheese smashed Potatoes, Corn

Saturday 1/16:  Homemade Turkey Dinner:  Turkey, Stuffing, Marbled Mashed Potatoes (freezer), Green Beans

Sunday 1/17:  Shepherd's Pie, Green Salad, Raspberry Muffins (Freezer)

Monday 1/18:  Shredded Beef Taco Salad, Fruit

Tuesday 1/19:  Honey Baked Chicken, White Rice (make extra), Veggie

Wednesday 1/20:  Crockpot Fried Rice with Chicken (Using last night's leftover Rice), Peanut Butter Noodles


Thursday 1/21:  Italian Beef Sandwiches, homemade Sweet Potato fries, Fruit Salad

Friday 1/22:  Beef and Bean Chimichangas with all the fixins'

Saturday 1/23:  Eat Out

Sunday 1/24:  Amish Baked Oatmeal, Fruit, Smoothies

Monday 1/25:  Baked Chicken Breasts, Spoon Bread, veggie (whatever's on sale!)

Tuesday 1/26:  Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, homemade Hash Browns, Bacon, Toast

Wednesday 1/27:  Grilled Rib Eye Steaks, Baked Potatoes, Corn

Thursday 1/28:  Tuna Noodle Casserole (Freezer), Garlic Toast, Jello with Mandarin Oranges

Friday 1/29:  Trader Joe's Carrot Ginger Soup, Garlic Cheese Bread, Mandarin Oranges

Saturday 1/30:  Crockpot BBQ Chicken, Rice-a-Roni, Green Salad

Sunday 1/31:  Eat out

If you're wondering....I don't plan "leftover nights" as part of my Menu Plan, because leftovers usually go to Mark in his lunches, or to the kids and me for our lunches.  But, if we do end up piling up on leftovers, I'll throw a leftover night in, here and there!

I'm so excited to see how this challenge pans out!  Here's to a great, hefty try!!!

2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

May God bless you and your family in the coming year!