Homemade vs. Convience

In my last blog, I admitted that I am poor.  And, I am...to a  point.  Today just happens to be my 2nd wedding anniversary.  My husband and I didn't do a lot this weekend.  Okay, we did. We went food shopping Saturday...that took 4 hours, because I wanted to make sure we would NOT run outta food before the end of the month.  I think I did fairly good.  I spent 169.00 and almost could not fit it all in the car. My pantry is stocked, my freezer is full.  I'm happy...but still poor.  When we got home and got the food divided and put away, we began the task of moving rooms.  We moved our bedroom out of the living room, and the living room back where it belongs.  WHY I thought (originally) having the bedroom in the living room was a good idea, I have no clue.  Everyone, including my, hated it.  It took all afternoon, but it is done.  In the process, though, I had to stop.  I have a home that is paid for,  car that is paid for.  I have a wonderful husband and great children.  I'm in college, getting that long awaited degree, I have food, water, electric, gas, a TV, a shelf full of movies, both great and horrible.  Am I really that poor?  No, I'm not.  I'm a mom, wife, daughter, aunt, sister trying to make it day by day, but that does not make me poor.  Yes, we're behind on bills, yes, we struggle, but who doesn't in today's economy?
I made homemade chicken stock and froze it for future uses such as chicken soup, casseroles, chicken and dumpling, etc. I made a huge pot of pinto beans with ham hock and a huge pan of homemade cornbread.  I even got adventurous and made 2 loaves of homemade bread!  I must say that I was not impressed with the bread.  I will have to do more research on that one.
However, today is special.  As I said, it's my wedding anniversary.  My husband has to work tonight and won't be home till 10:30 pm.  :(  I was wondering to myself, what can I make that is fast, easy and tastes great?  Mexican casserole?  Meat loaf?  Salisbury steak?  Do I use a box of Mexican rice mix with the casserole or go homemade?  The truth of the matter is that homemade food taste better, looks better and is better for you.  Yet, sometimes you just have to go with convenience.  So, for today, I will set aside the homemade version and go with boxed items for dinner tonight.  I will let you know what I make, how I made it and if it is worth it or not.