I don’t know about you, but sometimes we have a hard time using up all of our leftovers. They tend to get lost in the back of the fridge and never seen again until they have turned into some kind of science experiment. YUCK! Not only is that wasted food, but it’s wasted money, too. You’ve already paid for the food so why not use it up and get your money’s worth out of it?

So, here’s an easy tip to help make sure that those leftovers do not go to waste. First, start with a clean fridge. Just dive right in and give your fridge a really good cleaning. Now, before you start putting things back, go through EVERYTHING. If you have open jars/containers that have been in there for who know how long, get rid of them. If it’s not growing any mold and doesn’t smell bad, I’ll give it to my chickens.

Now, designate a shelf for everything: drinks, condiments, dairy (i.e. cheese, yogurt, etc.), and last, but not least, a shelf for leftovers. In my fridge, that’s the top shelf. Everyone knows that what’s on the top shelf needs to be used up first. They also know that it’s up for grabs for lunches, snacks, etc. I’m not saying that the system is perfect, but it sure does help to know what needs to be used up first.

You can also do the same thing in your freezer. Designate a shelf in there for your leftovers that are frozen, whether it’s meals that you’ve frozen, or partial bags of frozen fruits/veggies, or your pre chopped veggies that are waiting to be used. Hope this helps you use up those leftovers!

For more great ideas, check out We Are THAT Family!

I wanted to wish all the father’s a Happy Father’s Day!

“He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. If anyone does not know how to manage his own family how can he take care of God’s Church.” – 1 Timothy 3:4-5

I thank God every day for giving me such a wonderful God-fearing husband and loving father of my children. I am so blessed. Happy Father’s Day, sweetheart! I really cannot begin to tell you what you mean to me. Thank you for all that you do for me and for our children. Through you, I am very blessed. I love you!

I’m also very thankful to have a loving father. Thank you, Daddy, for always being there for me! God has also blessed me with a Father-In-Law who loves me like a daughter. God has truly blessed me.

I’ve loved reading “7 Quick Takes” for a while now and thought that I would join in this week.  These are definitely 7 random thoughts quick takes. 

1.

I’ve loved the time I’ve had this week to able to read God’s word.  It really uplifts my spirit and starts my day off right!

2.

I’m taking my daughter, Katie, to AWANA camp tomorrow.  She has never been to a camp before, and I’m not sure how I feel about her going.  It means she’s growing up and I don’t know that I’m ready for that yet.  It was hard enough sending Melia on the 8th grade Washington, D.C. trip earlier this year, but now this?  How much can my mommy heart take?  My babies are growing up.  At least Michael’s not going off this year!

3.

Melia is growing into a lovely young lady whom I’m very proud of, but boy do I hate the hormones that come with it! 

4.

Why is that we moved here almost 2 years ago and there are still boxes of stuff that we have yet to go through?  I think it’s time to get rid of some stuff.

5.

My chickens are so silly.  They think that every time I walk out the back door I’m supposed to have a treat for them.  LOL  I guess I’ve really spoiled them!

6.

I really enjoy watching my kids play nice together.  I love watching their imaginations soar!

7.

Last, but definitely not least, I want to say a special “thank you” to my hubby!  Thank you for being such a wonderful husband, and thank you for being an awesome dad to our children.  I am so blessed that God saw fit to join us together and give us 3 beautiful children.  I love  you!  Happy Father’s Day!

If you would like to read more Quick Takes, check out Jen’s site, Conversion Diary.