we have about run out of punishments

this school year has started out much in the same way the transition to intermediate school did so we are to the point just shy of waterboarding the kid..please those with DHS on speed dial put your phone down we wouldn't waterboard...I could only imagine the utility bill that would create for the month. We have run thin on the punishments you can only take away so much and quite frankly grounding becomes just as much a punishment for the parents as the kid. So we have moved onto the book report scenario, over Thanksgiving break C is going to read & write me a book report on Animal Farm heck I think I might just re-read it myself it has been nearly a zillion years since I read it. It will also tie into some extra credit offered by his reading teacher so win win and more productive than limiting gaming time....although he still has not earned that back yet at all

it's not the trip to the gas pumps

that have me up in arms it's the trip to the grocery store! I blogged about this several years back but it has gotten so much worse over time. I coupon (in a reasonable fashion not like the nut jobs on tv), have forsaken most name brands for their generic counter parts and largely base our weekly menu on what is on sale at the grocery store but that weekly trek to the store is just painful on the bank account, and heaven forbid we need to stock up on paper goods, cleaning materials or laundry detergent. And it's not like we are eating filet mignon & lobster on a weekly basis far from it I do not know how larger families manage there are only 3 of us although C eats like 2 quite frankly and let's not forget the dog with his vegetarian kibble. There are several blogs & web sites I have become fans of for decent recipe ideas:
http://www.5dollardinners.com/
http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/budget/budget-dinners.aspx
http://brokeassgourmet.com/