Note from Michelle... Spring 2008

Hi All! Where in the world did the month of April GO!!! I hope everyone is doing well and still managing to feed your families no matter how high the price of gas or groceries continue to climb.

About 6 months ago I gave up on trying to feed the birds in our backyard because of the crazy squirrels we have in our area. Over the last year and a half since we've lived here I've tried using numerous different bird feeders that were supposedly "squirrel proof," HA! Not for THESE squirrels! They not only come from all over our back woods and consume all of the fresh bird seed I put out within just a few days, but then they have the nerve to attack the bird feeders trying to get at every last bit of bird seed that might be left. So, finally, I gave up and stopped putting bird seed out and the squirrels eventually realized the free Jones outdoor kitchen was closed for good!

Then later, about 3-4 months ago, I put out a new little bird house really just for looks. I figured no birds would come since there was no food, but I missed seeing all the pretty cardinals, bluebirds, hummingbirds and finches in our yard so much. I thought at least having a pretty little house hanging off of our deck would be better than nothing at all. Maybe I could at least remember how pretty the birds used to look when they came and enjoyed the food we kept TRYING to feed them!

Well, I am happy to report there is a beautiful little black and white finch family nesting there now and we are able to watch them fly in and out of that pretty little birdhouse from our kitchen window all throughout the week. With no threat of squirrels, because there is NO FOOD! They fly in and out all day bringing tiny fresh green leaves and itty bitty worms in for food. I don't know if the eggs have hatched and they are feeding baby birds yet or if the daddy bird is just taking good care of the mom. Whatever they are doing, it is the sweetest thing ever!!!

Last night I was thinking, "Oh you poor little things, I wish I could FEED you!" And that's probably the MOM in ME!!! But of course we all know what could happen if I did! Yes, those attack squirrels would come BACK!!! And more importantly than all the problems we had before, now the little family that we are providing a home for could be in danger.

Then God gently reminded me of one of my favorite bible verses...

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" - Matt 6:26-27 (NIV)

He comforted me about the little family of birds and I know they will be okay (just as He has always provided for our family), they will find the food they need. I have helped give them a home, and that is good too!

Praying that all of you have a warm dry place to live and plenty of GOOD FOOD to eat... with no attack squirrels on your back porch!!! :o)

Hugs,
Michelle


P.S. Here are the frugal recipes we featured in our current issue of Living a Better Life...

Deviled Eggs
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/frugalrecipes/deviledeggs.htm

Easy French Bread
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/frugalrecipes/easyfrenchbread.htm

Hot Dogs and Baked Beans
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/frugalrecipes/hotdogsbakedbeans.htm

Crock Pot London Broil
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/frugalrecipes/crockpotlondonbroil.htm