"To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring — these are some of the rewards of the simple life." - John Burroughs

So true, the simple life is rewarding. We continue to learn daily how to remove distractions and wasteful things; it is a process, at least for us. We are learning to find more pleasure in the things of nature and home.
It requires one to slow down and observe; gratification isn't instant as in the technological world. But the payoff is larger because it is lasting, not temporary like purchasing the latest this or that.
The world and its stuff doesn't have the hold on us it once did and for that we are thankful!

Blessed Momma!

I do not know if a momma could be more proud than this momma. Really. Have I mentioned that I think I have incredible kids?! I know we all have great kids, but these are mine, ok?!!

Hannah has been working on the Etsy store, planning for the Farmers Market in the Spring and has been asked to have her photography featured on a food blog. She is a blessing to our family in so many ways. She cares about the environment, her family, and those less fortunate. We have great discussions on the church, scripture and how we in America have wasted so much money glorifying ourselves.

Sarah is sewing away on an apron for Hannah. It is adorable!! She is planning to make rag quilts for the Etsy store. She also is such a blessing to us. She is a deep thinker with a servants heart. She takes care of the laundry for us and rarely complains.

Hayden just finished the dishes while singing away. He turned around and said, "you know, I like doing this". Ok, the kid could just be crazy. He is now working on drawings for our chicken coop; front, back, side and inside. Yes, we are getting chickens. He is learning that hard work is enjoyable and a blessing. And he is a blessing to all of us.

We continue to look for ways to be more self-sufficent. Finances are less than FABULOUS, but God continues to be faithful. We are getting jobs set up for the Spring and the girls and I continue to look for ways to bring in income.

To be able to work together as a family in an area (finances) that can be so difficult is amazingly wonderful. Everyone understands that we have to cut back and each finds ways to be creative with their needs and wants.

To be a blessed momma is more than enough for this momma.

He has given food and provision to those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever and imprint it [on His mind]. Psalms 111:5

Because my heart does not condemn me, I have confidence toward God; and whatever I ask, I receive from him, because I keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight. 1 John 3:21-22

Frugal Update

The economy continues to limp along as does our business. William is looking for employment and I am cutting back! We were able to drop two cell phones and drop extra services on our existing ones. We are canceling our billboard as it hasn't really brought us business and it is 350.00 a month. I also reduced the insurance on an older vehicle we own. So, I feel productive!! I will continue to look for other ways to reduce our outgo.

We went to Goodwill yesterday and found a old desk chair which we needed. It is great, probably 30 yrs. old and heavy. I'll have to add a picture. I love Goodwill!


Job 9:27 I will forget my complaint, I will put off my'sad countenance, and be of good cheer;

Update on Living Frugually

We are doing well over all, but I struggle when our schedule is disrupted. Like this week, we have VBS, I am spending more on gas, but we trying to eat at home. I haven't had time to make bread though, which I could do right now instead of blogging. hehe Guess I better get busy!
In spite of having no mortgage and only 1 car note, our expenses are still too high overall. We need to cut some cell phones, cut back on driving more, work on a stricter food budget, etc. I guess the cost of living is just out the roof now. Good grief!

How Did Our Grandparents Manage?

Looking at this chart one can see how many have gotten into tough financial situations. Our grandparents raised healthy, well adjusted children in small homes. Today the family is more fractured than ever, but hey, they have a bigger house. We continue to strive toward bigger and better at the expense of our children, our credit and our sanity. We need to stop and think about what is really important, it isn't more, and it isn't a bigger house, that is for sure.

Update on Cutting Back

We are suppose to be spending less, cutting back, etc. Overall it is going well, but if I leave this house; not so good. Just gotta stay home. Stay home, try not to run the air and sweat! This is going downhill fast! It has been 90 degrees here this week, so I have compromised and turned the air down a little in the evening before we go to bed since there is absolutely NOTHING like sweating in your bed. Nuf' said. One of my sister-in-laws did give us a window AC unit for our family room upstairs, so that should help some.
The garden is coming along well; hopefully I'll have pictures soon. Hoeing is great exercise! And takes out any frustrations. Bread making is good. Cooking at home is good. Line drying towels, not so good. They are so stiff I think we are removing top layer of skin; working on this.
So, overall not bad. Could be better. Note to self: STAY home.

Reusable Bags

We began using reusable bags a couple of months ago in an effort to reduce our use of plastic. It is incredible how long it takes for a plastic bag to decompose. Reusable bags are inexpensive and it does not require as many for our groceries as it does plastic bags. You can purchase them online or in many grocery stores. This is an easy thing to do and a good place to start reducing. We are addicted to them now and use them in every store we go in.
greenbag.info
Plastic bags consumed this year:

The Clothes Line.

Another ‘going green’ idea we’ve decided to implement is using a clothesline instead of the dryer, it uses less energy and supposed to save us money too. Our first attempt was a mess. My husband (the Boy Scout! Haha) decided to use rope, which of course couldn’t take the weight of the towels, plus they got rained on twice, thanks to our unpredictable Georgia weather. I suggested the plastic coated wire, but what do I know! Hehe. Finally he went and got a cable, which makes it look like we are going to hang meat, but it does hold the towels. Now all we have to do is keep our rain dances to a minimum!

Making Tough Changes

Gas is 4.00 a gallon for unleaded and almost 5.00 a gallon for diesel; we have both kinds of vehicles. Last year our business took a nosedive and we had no jobs for 5 months. We lived off our savings and we are fortunate we do not have a mortgage. Now we have a child going off to college. All this has necessitated big changes in the Queen household. We do not eat out like we use to, we do not buy something 'just because, and we aren't planning any vacations. We are changing how we shop for groceries, what we do for entertainment, and how much we drive. But it's all good. It has challenged us to work together as a family and trust our heavenly Father. I choose to view this as a positive for us.