Most EXCITING day!!!

This morning I received the most wonderful visitors.  Several (3 - 4) American Goldfinches were at my feeder fluttering about in the most beautiful way.  My children thought I was being ridiculous with my words of joy and the excitement shown on my face.  It IS exciting!  They are the first goldfinches to visit our new feeder.  Next weekend I am putting out a hummingbird feeder.  Didn't God do an amazing job 'hand painting' each bird?  They are beautiful in every way.

I am on a quest to save more money.  I'm getting more frugal as I age (and I'm actually enjoying it)! :)  Food is expensive.  Imagine if we didn't have food bills!  We'd all have extra spending money. :)  I'm attempting to cut back in the grocery category but don't think it can be done with my weekly shopping habits.  For one month I am going to cook more from scratch (I already do but will do extra) and plan a monthly menu using the Menu Planning Ebook (mentioned below).

I acquired a fantastic!!! book, Amish Cooking, which I HIGHLY recommend to anyone who likes to cook from scratch or would like to learn.  The recipes range from bread, soups, one dish meals, cookies, cakes, drinks, leftovers, canning tips, sewing tips all the way to making jellies and jams.  There are even recipes for making your own pancake syrup, miracle whip, grape nuts and more.  This is definitely a cookbook I will keep!
Some time ago I downloaded a free Homemaking Booklet titled Menu Planning...How to plan menus for a whole month...and enjoy it!  I believe it is still available for free download.  In the back of the book I found a most delicious recipe for Yummy Homemade Granola and whipped up a batch for breakfast.  The girls LOVED it.  I made my own version so will share it with you here.

Homemade Granola
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 - 1 cup maple syrup (or syrup)
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1/8 cup tahini (expensive so no need to buy unless you already have on hand - pb will do just as well or you can do without this all together)
1 cup wheat germ
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
8 cups quick oats

In a large pan melt butter, brown sugar and maple syrup - simmer for 2-3 mins.  Add salt and cinnamon, mix in tahini (or little peanut butter), then wheat germ and oatmeal.  Stir till oatmeal is coated.  You can add a little extra maple syrup if it's too dry.  Spread into 2 cookie sheets.  Bake at 375 for 20 mins.

This was very, very tasty and curbed my children's appetite for a bit.  It's healthy too!

I will do my best to let you know if having a menu plan for a full month helps save grocery money.  If it does I will be sure to tell you all about it.

The sun is said to be in the afternoon forecast.  We have yet to see it.  Enjoy your families this afternoon.

Thank you Lord for the uniqueness of each and every bird.  The are beautifully 'painted'.  Thank you for bringing new birds to my feeders.  I enjoy watching them.  You are so good!!!