Paring Down

We are entering the final stages of relocation as we prepare for our move home to Michigan. Less than three weeks! So much to do!

Finding boxes for packing, purchasing packing materials, gathering items for garage sale.

It's a big job...an even bigger job this time around because we are doing all the packing and loading ourselves. We are looking at everything we own and asking ourselves "Do we really need that chair? Those rugs? That desk?" If we don't have to pack it, then we don't have to unpack it either!

Consequently, we also have to control any spending that brings an unnecessary item into the house. So, for example, if the family runs out of ketchup, we cannot go out and buy a 24 ounce container of ketchup now because we will never finish it before the move. We're starting to look a little desperate in the condiments category.

Chick-fil-A drive thru: "Would you like any sauce or ketchup with your order?'

"Yes, please. Two dozen of each!"

Cleaning out the pantry is part of the process.

I've been doing my best to pare it all down. I cleaned out the spices cupboard, emptying out anything that was expired. I took an inventory of canned goods and staples. Anything that I was not likely to use soon had to go.

Lucky for me, the post office was having their Stamp Out Hunger drive this weekend, and I was able to fill a bag with pantry items that will not get packed.

Dinners are becoming more and more creative.

What can I make with a bag of lentils, a can of diced tomatoes, and some green chilies? Sounds like a Mexican casserole night!

Which brings me to these pink cookies. I found a box of Pink Lemonade cookie mix in the pantry and decided to make them this weekend. Pink, for Moms.

How did they taste? Pink. Very, very pink. So sweet it hurt your teeth just to eat them. Oh well, at least they looked pretty! Another item that won't need packing. Small victory.