It seems like I've been repeating the meals that were on my menu.  It feels really good every time I start a new menu and I have a new plan.  I'm adding a bit of fruit to my "strict" diet - so my husband doesn't feel so restricted.  I'm doing really good not to eat the "extras" that I cook for the family and I'm still losing inches and pounds!  Today I took a bike ride with the little boys in the trailer to get some bread at the grocery store.  Don't you wonder at people who ride their bike to the grocery store?  I'm doing it more often!!  I can't load up the bike trailer too much because the trip home is mostly uphill - and those boys weigh more going up hill.  It's too bad our society is so dependant on vehicles for transportation - maybe we'd all be a little thinner if we biked or walked where we need to go.  Just Sayin'!!

Link to my menu:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuuzR8_sNxx8dGpkNlNVRDlDbXdEZlp4TVBITEVmbXc#gid=0

New Products to try!

I made some really delicious pancakes this morning with my THRIVE 6 grain pancake mix.  The first time I made them - I got some really strange looks from my kids.  They are used to unhealthy Krusteaz white pancakes!  But they all LOVED THEM!  I got the same looks this morning, until I reminded them that they are THRIVE - and they got all excited.  I love that they are loving eating healthy and supporting my business.  :)  Shelf Reliance just released their new 10 grain pancake mix and I can't wait to try it!   Here are all the new products:

Quick Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potato Fries have always been my favorite!  One of the greatest things about my new "eating plan" is that I should be eating sweet potatoes 2 xs a DAY!  Check out this great recipe I found!
Quick Sweet Potato Fries

April Menu Plan

I did it!! I figured out a great way to plan my menu on the computer and share it with you. This week I'm going to figure out a way to include the link to recipes that I've found online. I'd like to share the recipes I have on my computer too. . . embed them somehow into the menu plan. Anyone techy can send me suggestions. For now, just email me and I can send you the recipe. Thanks for looking! And please comment if you've tried any of the recipes and love them (or hate them!)

Just click on the link below and it will take you to the menu plan:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuuzR8_sNxx8dGxqV1FSSEdKbU8xbC15Sm1PckVZcGc

Starting the THRIVE journey

My journey to THRIVE began almost 13 years ago when my first son was born and suddenly I felt the responsibility of caring for someone besides myself. Now, after adding another 6 children to our home . . . the responsibility is even greater. There have been many times during my motherhood journey that I realized having a food supply available is important. Illness, job loss, budget mistakes, etc. - call them "RAMEN" menus - because 20 cents a serving was all we could afford.

The reasons that I have NOT prepared my home store for emergencies are silly but REAL. I didn't know where to start!! How could I create a plan for my family and be sure that I would have all the ingredients I need. Just yesterday I had to run to get the one ingredient that I forgot when I was doing my bi-weekly shopping trip. What was I going to do when that wasn't possible? I guess having something is better than nothing, so I tried the method of picking up an extra can of this or an few more of that. Have you really ever tried to make a meal out of those "extra" supplies? NOT my favorite recipes.

When we lived with my parents, I tried to help my mom create a rotation plan for the food she stores. This may be another reason I've put off preparing for so long. Creating a spreadsheet and then remembering to update it EVERY TIME you take something out of the pantry is not my idea of fun. Plus: what do you DO with ALL THAT WHEAT!

So my journey is continuing . . . and I've learned a lot about cooking and shopping and saving money. I'm using all that info in my brain to create a home store to be proud of. I'm grateful to Heather and Chris for introducing me to Shelf Reliance and their fabulous food line: THRIVE. Now I can include every food group in my home store and cook the recipes that I've been making for 13 years. I don't have to run to the grocery store for eggs and butter . . . they are in my basement! I'm saving time eating healthy . . . all the prep work is done for me.

I'm so excited to share my journey right here on my blog - recipes, successes, gardening tips and more! Let the THRIVEing begin!