Lesson planning and financial wisdom

I am working hard on my lesson plans.  My goal is to have all/most of them done by the end of the month.  I pretty much write my own history, literature, and science lessons; so it takes me a while.  This year I also have to work on my preschool stuff.  I've got that outlined, just getting it all set takes a little time.  I'm gathering binders, books, and other stuff and piling it on the table.  This will be my work space for a while. 

Long ago I figured out how much money we would save if we didn't order out for pizza every week.  Pizza is a family favorite and easy to make, however, costs a bundle to buy.  At $20 per week, we were spending $1040 a year on pizza, and that's if we only spent $20.  Usually it was more.  Now, I stock up on pizza making supplies and make our pizza night really fun for the kids.

We don't often eat out, its just too expensive.  We did once this week because daddy was leaving and it was a huge bill.  I felt guilty for asking to go out to eat when we could have spent the money somewhere else.  I guess its alright if you only go once in a blue moon, but I doubt we'll be eating out any time soon.

Our other big luxury is dairy queen.  The kids love to go for ice cream.  Most of the time its too cold here to go out to have any, but we go on several occassions.  I've seen that bill go up and up too.  My kids love when we make ice cream at home, so I think that will be our plan from now on.  I plan on stocking up on fun sundae materials and of course, straws for milkshakes (another favorite).

We enjoy donuts too, however, we don't have a donut shop on the island.  I'm toying with making my own.  I've done it once and it wasn't too hard.  I just need to find a good recipe.  Anyone got one to share?

How does your family save money food wise?  Do you go out to eat often?  Splurge on donuts or ice cream?

Are we hungry?

The tough part about being a growing one year old, is that you're always hungry.  I often find Monkey in the pantry.  Here she is with the pancake mix.  I should have just added syrup and she would have been all set.

Here she is inside the pantry.  She's sitting on the bag of potatoes.  She's brought her doll and stroller with her and both are snacking on pretzels. 

Here's our favorite dessert.  Rainbow Ribbon Jello.  It doesn't last long around here.