One Wife's Journey

Stampin Up Fall Contest

2007-09-05T12:43:00.001-05:00

As we step into fall, I wanted to give a little something to my blog readers. As most of us pull out our craft supplies to make some great fall and winter crafts, Why not get free stuff in the process!!

For the month of September, everyone that places an order for Stampin Up products through me will be put in a drawing for $30 worth of free Stampin Up merchandise!!

If you do not have a catalog, you can go to www.stampinup.com and look at the catalog online.
Then email me here with your order, and I will send you a Paypal invoice.

On October 1st I will announce the winner!

No order is too small to be placed in the drawing.

*****As a special thank you...everyone that places an order will get a special gift from me!!*****

I will place orders on the 15th, 22nd, and 29th. Don't miss out!!

Happy Stampin !!

Menu Plan Monday

2007-08-20T10:37:00.001-05:00

Monday: Roasted Herb Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans

Tuesday: Spaghetti with Meatballs

Wednesday: Meat Loaf, Herb Potatoes, and Peas

Thursday: BBQ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and Corn Bread with Corn in it

Friday: Pizza Night

Saturday: Chili and Corn Bread

Sunday: Eat Out

Lap Book Show and Tell Giveaway

2007-08-15T10:29:00.000-05:00

I posted a giveaway on my homeschool blog. The prize has lots of goodies!! Click here to check it out!

Biblical Womanhood Giveaway: $25 Vision Forum Gift Certificate

2007-08-09T18:57:00.000-05:00

Crystal over at Biblical Womanhood is giving away a $25 Vision Forum Gift Certificate! If you would like to enter for a chance to win click here to read her post. Good Luck!!

Sunday Zoo Pictures

2007-08-07T07:10:00.001-05:00

Ant Eater...Swimming!!

American Black Bear

Bonobo

Capybara

Cheetah

African Elephant

American Flamingo

Reticulated Giraffe

Amur Leopard

African Lion

Macaw

Ogouti

Red Wolf

White Rhino & Ostrich

Silverback Gorilla

Grevys Zebra

First Day of First Grade

2007-08-06T06:45:00.001-05:00

Today is the day!!!! And of course...I woke up late! Only a half hour though. I will have to skip walking this morning. I am so excited!!! I will be posting my homeschool journey on a new blog. I have named it One Mom's Homeschool Journey. You can find it here. I will still post on this blog, I have just decided to keep the homeschool stuff separate.

Enjoy your day!!

American Heart Association Heart Walk

2007-08-05T15:32:00.000-05:00

For the last 3 years my husband and I have participated in the AHA Heart Walk. For those that do not know about my husband, he has had a stroke, two open heart surgeries, and a pacemaker/defibrillator surgery. He was sick for 4 years out of our 7 years of marriage! For our story click here.

I know what it is like to feel helpless and alone. Thanks to the American Heart Association, I was able to get the information needed to help me learn about and handle our new lives. That is why I support this cause with all of my heart.

I have set a personal goal to raise $300 for the American Heart Association.

What I would like to do is find 60 people willing to donate at least $5 to the AHA.

Please, step out against heart disease and stroke by supporting my efforts. Your donation helps keep the information on the web, television, and the community. It was there when I needed it. Now help keep it there when you or someone you know needs it.

You can help me reach my goal by making a donation. If you would like to make a donation of $25 or more you can click here for my AHA donation page.

If you prefer to donate less please do. No donation is too small. If you would like to send a donation of $1 to $24 please send a check or Postal Money Order made out to 'The American Heart Association' and send it in the mail. I will update the AHA site when I receive it. Please comment on this post, and I will send you my mailing address.

All Donations must be received by September 4th, 2007.

Your donation will help fight our nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers—heart disease and stroke. You can make a difference.

God Bless,
Melinda

Zoo

2007-08-05T15:09:00.001-05:00

We went to the zoo today and boy was it hot!!! It was 97° today!!! We had to stop for shaved ice and ice cream half way through. We can usually make it on just water, but it was a scorcher today.

My husband and I both took our cameras. He usually takes pictures of the big animals, and I like the small ones. I think we got pictures of every animal in the zoo today!

The best part was the Red Wolf. We have been going to this zoo for 7 years and the wolf was always hiding in the brush. Today I told my husband to just keep walking when we got to the exhibit. Then my husband pointed and said 'there it is'. I couldn't believe my eyes. This had to be the most beautiful wolf I had ever seen. It made my day!

After my husband and I share our pictures I will share with you!!

I am off to take a much needed nap!

Melinda

Summer School.....DONE!!!!!

2007-08-03T06:48:00.000-05:00

We finally finished our 2nd Summer Bridge book!!! I am happy to say our summer school is over!! YYAAAHHHH!!! The first book ( K-1) was very easy for him. We flew right through that book in June. I am happy though because it was all review work from last year. We just finished the second book (1-2) which was a little more challenging. I wasn't too concerned because that was all the stuff I will be teaching him this year. I decided to do the second book to see how easy or hard the curriculum would be for him this year. I think it will be challenging, but not hard. He picked it up after one or 2 problems. I am not too concerned. I still need to work with him on focusing. He tends to play around when I leave the room instead finishing his work. I started using a kitchen timer and it works most of the time.

We only have 3 days left! We start 1st grade on August 6th!!

Homeschool Open House!!

2007-08-01T06:33:00.000-05:00

For anyone new to my blog...my name is Melinda.
I am a wife of 7 years to a loving husband, and a mom of 1 six year old boy.
I am home schooling my son for the very first time starting August 6, 2007

I tell my son we are both going into the 1st grade!!

We chose to homeschool after my husbands second open heart surgery when we found out he had a low immune system.
It was a no brainer for me! My son attended public Kindergarten last year. He was sick more last year than the first 5 years of his life!!
The heart surgeon told us that if my husband gets another heart infection (he has already had 3 in 4 years!) he will have to have another heart surgery. I am just not prepared to let that happen. Two heart surgeries in 4 years is enough for me!

So, after a lot of convincing, my husband said yes. He used to be a public school teacher, so I know it was a hard decision for him to make. I know the good Lord was backing me up!!

I looked up our school systems standards and curriculum choices and planned our year with the same subjects and a few of the same books.
I purchased a lot of my books on Ebay and Amazon dot com for a total of $200. I could have purchased them through the school board, but would have paid about $500.

I am using Scott Foresman Science, Saxon Math, McGraw Hill Social Studies, In Celebration Christian Education, Dolch Wordlists for Vocabulary, Scholastic Phonics, and book store History books for History. We will be reading the boatload of books he already has for 'Reading Time'.

I made a chalk board for about $9. We have an artist desk for him to sit at for Math and written work. The desk faces the chalkboard so I can write out math problems he is having trouble with. He loves the chalkboard, and even likes to read me the things I need to write on it! We will do reading and vocabulary on the couch or wherever we happen to be. There are some things like Math, where will need to be structured, and others like reading that we will be more relaxed with.

We have been doing the Summer Bridge books with him ( June- k to 1, July 1 to 2 ) to see what his style of learning is. I have found that the subjects that interest him can be taught anywhere, and the subjects he doesn't like need to be at a desk where he can focus.

I have scheduled our mornings for school. Each subject is 1/2 an hour, any more than that and he losses interest, and then it is hard to get his complete attention back. We have Handwriting, Phonics, Reading, and Math Monday - Friday. We have History, Science, Social Studies, Art, Health, and Music 1 day a week. If we need to use more than 1/2 an hour for a subject we will. It is not set in stone. We may even continue what isn't completed in the afternoon. I am really just playing it by ear.

And what about that one question everyone has asked me?????? What about Socialization??? Well, I observed his socialization last year in Public School. I was not real happy with it! Some of the kids he was 'forced' to socialize with would hit him, call him names, teach him bad words, as well as bad attitudes! Do I want him to continue to socialize in Public School???? No!!! I am not saying all kids are bad influences, but you can't pick and choose who is in your child's class. So....what about socialization???? We are members of a wonderful church that has great activities for kids. The parents have the same parenting views as we do, and my son knows most of the kids from Sunday School. So, he will be joining 2 groups at church that meet during the week.

I have to say that I know the Lord wants me to homeschool. That is how strong I feel about it. I am nervous though. Not about teaching him, but about him taking it all in. Our county requires a test at the end of the year. He is a smart kid, and did well in Public K, so there is no real reason to be nervous.....but I am!!! I will take it one day at a time and pray to God to let it all sink into my sons head!!

Wish me luck....better yet.....pray for me!

Melinda

To read more homeschool mom stories, or to join the Open House go to Tiany's blog by clicking here

What I do all day!

2007-07-31T07:07:00.000-05:00

This is what I did Monday!

6:36 Out of bed
6:38 Let big dogs out/start garden misters
6:40 Feed dogs
6:41 Let little dog out
6:50 Dress to go walking
6:54 Walk little dog (1 lap)
7:05 Return home
7:11 Walk big dogs (2 Laps)
7:30 Return home
7:44 Son woke himself up (have to change plans for blogging!!)
7:45 Make son breakfast (Cereal - milk will expire soon)
7:49 Eat with son...at his request!!
8:03 Shower & dress
8:14 Iron shirt
8:15 Go online & check husbands schedule
8:22 Wake husband for work
8:25 Cook husband breakfast ( 2 eggs & 2 sausage )
8:35 Wipe down kitchen counters & load dishwasher
8:40 Vacuum kitchen carpets
8:50 Sort & wash dog sheets & blankets
8:55 Move sons desk so he can see chalkboard
9:00 Start page 1 with son
10:20 Start Page 2 with son
11:00 Start Page 3 with son
11:50 Make hot dogs for lunch
11:55 Go next door and tell the kids to be ready for the pool by 12:30
12:00 Eat lunch
12:10 spot cleaned kitchen
12:15 sorted laundry & washed dark clothes
12:20 put bag together for pool
12:30 picked up kids for pool
12:35 Pool (I worked on the rest of the Summer Bridge lessons for this week)
1:35 Left pool & took kids home
1:40 Unpacked bag / let little dog outside
1:50 Got EIN in the mail. Read through.
2:00 Sit down to do Page 4 with son. Husband decided to do it!!!
2:05 Type this up!!
2:10 Fold dog blankets
2:25 Back to Page 4 with son
2:30 Start Page 5 with son
2:50 Put sons chore cards together
2:55 Explain chores to son and supervise
3:05 Vacuum LR, DR, K, H, GB
3:12 Hang clothes from dryer
3:18 Fold clothes from dryer
3:20 Load and start dishwasher
3:25 SIT DOWN AND RELAX!!!!!(watch a little TV!!)
4:20 Make grilled cheese sandwiches
4:45 Help Husband unpack car
5:10 Answer phone call from MOM
5:20 Unload dishwasher
5:30 Vacuum MB
5:40 Go next door
5:58 Answer phone call from neighbor
6:15 Called MOM to confirm me driving her to Dr Apt.
6:20 Type some more of this!!
6:29 Took a Bike ride with son
6:38 Started raining!!! Came home
6:40 Helped son clean room
6:50 Started cleaning office
7:30 Husband came home and wanted to talk about day
8:00 Continued cleaning office
8:24 Check email's
8:30 Put little dog outside for the last time tonight
8:34 Put PJ's on
8:38 Write updated schedule for this week
8:45 Work on grocery list for Friday
9:00 Get son ready for bed
9:15 Sat with husband & Son and watched TV
9:45 Put son to bed & said prayers
9:55 Gathered kitchen & bath towels & started washer
10:00 To bed!!!!!!

Steel-Cut Oatmeal

2007-07-24T16:22:00.000-05:00

After watching the Oprah show with Dr. Oz Monday, I discovered that the oatmeal I am making isn't as healthy as I thought it was. They kept talking about "Steel-Cut Oatmeal". After much research, I have found that the steel cut is healthier than the rolled (most grocery store brands are rolled). So, no that I know this, where do I get it? I have not seen this at the grocery store, and would not know where to begin searching. I did a Google search and found lots of on line brands pop up.

If anyone can recommend a brand of Steel-Cut Oatmeal, please add a comment about it at the end of this post. Thanks!

Monday's To Do's

2007-07-23T18:09:00.000-05:00

~~Wash & Fold Dark Clothes~~
~~Wash & Fold White Clothes~~
~~Wash & Fold Dog Blankets~~
~~Unload Last Nights Dishes~~
~~Load & Wash Today's Dishes~~
~~Unload & Wash Dinner Dishes~~
~~4 Workbook Pages with Son~~
~~Clear Off & Clean Son's Desk~~
~~Vacuum Kitchen~~
~~Vacuum Living Room~~
~~Wipe Down Kitchen Counters~~
~~Clean Litter Boxes~~
~~Cut Fabric For Pot Holders~~
Start Sewing Pot Holders (Tuesdays To Do)

Fall Chore List

2007-07-23T07:42:00.001-05:00

I am still working on the fall chore list. It is a lot more detailed than I would have made mine. But it is a good way to ensure all the chores get completed. It sorts all the chores into daily, weekly, and monthly lists. There's a reason I never get around to washing my car!! I forget. But, now it's on the list.

I have been reading and using the 'Managers of Their Chores' book to create a chore list for my son. I'm amazed at all the chores a 6 year old can do, but didn't think of until I read this book! It even comes with the little chore holders that clip onto their shirt or pants. You place all their chores in the holder and they are reminded to do them when they see that holder on their clothes! This has really helped my son remember to feed the cats every day!

You can find it on the Titus2 website here.

Cold Front In July?!?!

2007-07-23T07:33:00.000-05:00

When I let the dogs out this morning I quickly realized it
wasn't hot and muggy. It was much cooler than the 85 to 90 degree
mornings we have been graced with this year. I checked and it said
68!! I even double checked since this is not normal for Florida in
July! Yep it is a lovely 68 degrees and I wish I could bottle it up
and save it for a really hot day! Sadly, I will just have to enjoy the
cold front while it lasts.

Have a great day!

Husbands & Diets

2007-07-20T07:54:00.000-05:00

So...my husband started a diet yesterday and I suggested he should blog his daily ups and downs. I know he will struggle with this diet(as we all do on diets) but I told him not to let the devil tempt him. He is trying to lose 48 pounds and it will take a lot of strength and support to do it. You can read his blog here.

Fall Schedule : Complete

2007-07-18T05:56:00.000-05:00

I finally finished the daily Fall schedule. It includes the school schedule, church activities, chores time, and fun outings. I even included time for me to blog & sew!! I sometimes loose track of my day and forget to do them. It took about 2 hours to complete, but I am SOOO glad I finished it.

A few posts back I mentioned a book called 'Managers of Their Homes'. This is what I have been using to schedule. It's a sanity saver! My son actually looks at the schedule to see what to do next during the day! He especially likes the 'free time' I schedule for him!! I highly recommend the book! I comes with a huge schedule to put on the wall or door. It also comes with the color coded paper pieces to put on the schedule. Here is the link http://titus2.com.

Now...on to the Fall Chore List!!!!! That is from another book 'Managers of their Chores' from the same author.

Freezing Blueberries

2007-07-17T19:43:00.000-05:00

One of the 3 grocery stores I shop at had a GREAT price on Blueberries last week. I purchased about 10 pints and decided to freeze 6 of them. My son loves blueberries, so I am trying to get a good supply going for winter. I found a great site that gives instructions on freezing and canning. Here is the link http://www.pickyourown.org/freezingblueberries.htm.

Here are my pictures!!

Do not wash the berries!! Make sure they are completely dry.

Lay them flat (1 layer) on a pan or baking sheet

Place in freezer overnight

Place in zip bag or storage container for long term freezing

Our Garden Babies

2007-07-16T16:38:00.000-05:00

We have a fresh crop of lizards and frogs!! They are the tiniest ones I have ever seen. They like to hang out in our garden and eat all the flying bugs that want to eat our plants! I love looking for them in the morning when I turn the misters on. Enjoy the pictures!

Lizard Stand Off

2007-07-16T15:25:00.001-05:00

Ever have a stand off with a garden lizard? I had the opportunity on Sunday!

I like to leave buckets on our porch to catch rain water ( to help save on the water bill!) for some of our plants. I happened to look in one of the buckets and found a lizard in it. After several minutes of trying to coax him out of the bucket, I grabbed his tail and put him on some lumber we have next to the house. When I saw that my dog was sizing him up for her next snack, I decided to nudge him to get him to run away. This is when it all started! He didn't budge. He even began hissing at me. I felt like I was in an old western wondering who will shoot first! I nudged him again, and nothing! Just more hissing and standing proud that he was a big tough lizard. So finally after about 5 minutes I said "OK, let the dog eat you!" And I walked away. About 2o minutes later I noticed he was gone. I am pretty sure that one day he will be eaten by something he should have run away from!!

Friday Pictures..3 weeks worth!!

2007-07-15T08:33:00.000-05:00

My son's first tooth came out yesterday while eating fruit in the car! We have been waiting for this tooth to fall out for about a month now. We were not sure if it would be a dramatic event or not. We were glad it came out all by itself with no pain or blood!!

The tooth fairy came to our house while everyone was sleeping and left this under his pillow!!

These are the shorts and sleep pants I made for my son last week.

God has blessed us with abundant fruits & vegetables!
He gave us 1 green pepper last month, and has 3 more growing this month!!

Tomato's! This is what I picked in one day!

I believe the final count was 42!!!

Cucumbers. He has blessed us with 2 already, and more to come!!

This is what my son got for us for his birthday.

Batman sent this to him from Gotham City (AKA Ebay!!)

He also got a big boy bike!

I'm Back!

2007-07-15T07:52:00.000-05:00

I am back to blogging!

It has been about 3 weeks since I have regularly blogged. I have thought about it almost every day, but had so much to do. So....what have I been doing?

I started the Summer Bridge book (for K going into 1) with my son. He surprisingly completed it in 2 weeks. It seemed fairly easy for him. We still need to work on time and money. This week we will start the Summer Bridge book for the next grade level up to see how far ahead he is. This will give me an indication of how easy these subjects will be when we have school in the fall.
I spent a week with my in-laws. I packed up my son (and his summer bridge books) and we took a trip south to help my mother in law with her 90 year old mom. We were busy packing her things to be moved into my mother in laws house. I was amazed at how much she has saved over the years. She had items dating back to the 1930' & 1940's! And if you ask her about a certain piece she can tell you a whole story about it. That's a pretty good memory for someone in her 90's! It was nice to see a part of history for a change. I also had the chance to see my nieces and nephews. They grow up so fast. My young teenage nieces are almost as tall as me! I feel shorter every time I see them! It was a great trip, and my son had fun with his cousins.
My house was some what of a mess when I got back from my trip. My husband had cleaned out most of my sons toys and put them in storage ( to be sold at the next kids sale ). In the process he left a lot of baby and toddler clothing around the house for me to go through. Keep in mind we live in a small 980sf 2bed 2 bath house. It can look quite cluttered if things are left out!
And, I have been sewing. I made my son a pair of shorts and a pair of sleep pants. His legs are so long, it is hard to find clothes long enough in the legs that will also fit his tiny waist. And since children's clothing is so expensive, it makes more sense to me to make him what I can. I usually purchase clothing for him when school clothes go on clearance. Then I can purchase shorts and tops for $2 -$5 a piece, instead of $10 to $15 a piece!

I have lots of pictures to share in my next post! Have a great Sunday!

Custom Blog Template & Graphics Contest

2007-07-12T00:42:00.000-05:00

Those who have been here before have seen Susan Godfrey's name in my list of favorite blogs. Well, I just read about her contest for a free Blog template and graphics. She has created some cute graphics that anyone would like! So, pop on over before the 13th and enter the contest!! Here is the link...http://susangodfrey.blogspot.com/search/label/contest

Good Luck!

Great Fonts!!

2007-06-22T15:59:00.000-05:00

My husband found a great site with free fonts this morning. He is not usually this excited about fonts, but it had all the fonts used in the science fiction movies and TV series he has seen over the years. I looked it up and found some great ones to use for scrapbooking and my very slow business. Just follow this link!! http://acidfonts.com

Enjoy!

Birthday Boy!!

2007-06-19T16:32:00.001-05:00

Today is my son birthday! My husband and I sang the 'Happy Birthday' song to him this morning as his wake up call. His first words were 'where's my cake?'!!!!! We couldn't help but laugh!

I have had our day planned for a week. I was so excited!

Morning Movie - Veggie Tales Jonah and the Whale (free at local theatre)
Swimming at the Pool - Until the clouds rolled in
Afternoon Cartoons - Tom & Jerry (his favorite!!)
Open 1 Present - His official party is on Saturday!!
Pizza for Dinner - His new favorite food
Cake - He was so excited to blow the candles out!
Lots of Hugs & Kisses from Mommy!!

We are spending the rest of the evening coloring and playing.

It is hard to believe that I gave birth to him 6 years ago! All the hard work trying to conceive, and all the prayers for God to give us a child worked!! He is the best gift I have ever been given!! And I am so proud of the way he has turned out. He is a such a loving and helpful child. As I have watched him grow, I am reminded every day that he is a gift from God not to be taken for granted. So, today has been as much fun for me as it was for him!!

Kindergarten Graduation

2007-05-29T17:03:00.000-05:00

Friday was a bit emotional for me, as it was my sons last day of school. He officially graduated his first year (and last) of public school. I was emotional thinking of all we had been through since the school year began, and how brave he was to go to school despite his daddy's hospitalizations. I always gave him a choice, and he always wanted to go to school.

I was also emotional because it is now my turn to take the rains and educate my son. For those who have not read my previous posts, I am homeschooling my son in the fall. My husbands low immune system causes us to be very cautious when it comes to infections. My son brought home 4 colds, 1 flu, 2 ear infections, 1 sinus infection, and a fungal infection in the 10 months he was in school. That was more than he had his first 5 years on earth! If my husband gets another heart infection ( he has already had 3 in 4 years!) he will have to have a 3rd open heart surgery. And I am not willing to risk that! So, my husbands health comes first.

On Friday I bought a cake, balloons, some ribbons, and a small trophy! We celebrated with my parents (who were his surrogate parents while I was at the hospital). The best part for him was the $3 plastic trophy that said 'Kindergarten Grad 2007'!! How cool is that!

We are all so proud of him!

Now...on to SUMMER BREAK!!!!!!!

The Importance of Scheduling

2007-05-20T08:22:00.000-05:00

I received my books from Titus2.com and I am so excited to share one of them with you. It is called Managers of Their Homes. I highly recommend it to anyone who has trouble getting tasks finished throughout the day. It comes with a 11" x 17" schedule to hang on the wall so everyone knows what their schedule is for the day. It is a great tool to use for those children who are always asking for something to do. You can put their activities on the schedule and encourage them to read it every day! Now that I am homeschooling my son, I can schedule our day and know I will not miss anything that needs to be done.

Home School Planning

2007-05-16T11:08:00.000-05:00

I anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new home school books I ordered from Titus2.com. I have read so many great things about them on Christian blogs and websites. I will be using these books as my monthly reading over the summer.

I am also working on my sons fall school schedule. I have decided to home school through most of the days public school would be taking off during the year. We will be taking Thanksgiving day off, as well as the week of Christmas. This allows us the time to spread out the curriculum to allow for shorter days. So far I have scheduled 3 hours per day( 9am - 12pm). Public School is 6.5 hours(8:30 am - 3:00pm).

This is our tentative Schedule:

9:00-9:30 Handwriting (M-Sat) Saturdays are until his handwriting becomes legible
9:30-10:00 Reading (M-Sat) Saturdays are until he can read more fluently
10:00-10:30 Phonics (M-F)
10:30-11:00Math (M-F)
11:30-12:00 Various Subjects by day
History(M), Science(T), Social Studies(W), Art(TH), Health(F)

Church Activities:
Wed: RA's & Children's Choir (Choir qualifies as Music class)
Thurs: Basketball (This qualifies as Gym class)
Sat: Tai Kwon Do (They have to memorize a new Bible verse every week)
Sun: Sunday School

And if gas prices go down in the fall, we will drive 30 minutes to the zoo every Saturday with our yearly pass.

We also plan to travel to my in laws more now that we can just pack his books in a bag and have school at their house. I love the concept of being able to teach wherever we are!

Happy Mothers Day!!

2007-05-13T18:22:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 31:10-31

image by: digi scrap kits

The Holy Spirit & Christina

2007-05-10T05:46:00.000-05:00

About 3 weeks ago I was heading into the church sanctuary when I saw one of our members setting up a table. I saw the banner and knew it was for sponsoring children in other countries. I asked him for a brochure and continued into church. As I was reading the brochure I felt the Lord moving my heart to sponsor a child. The more I tried to fight the feeling the stronger it became. And out of nowhere I said to myself 'I have to do this'. This is so unlike me! I know it was the holy spirit guiding my heart to help a young child. So I got up and went back to the table. I was amazed at all the pictures of children that needed help. As I combed through the pictures I saw a little girl from Peru that just hit my heart. I knew she was the one I needed to help. I filled out the paperwork and went back into Church. As we were singing the fellowship songs at the beginning of the service I couldn't help but cry. I felt the holy spirit touch my heart telling me I did the right thing. When my husband came to sit next to me, he looked at the information and was proud of me for doing it! I did not expect that kind of reaction! But he said when he went to Peru many years ago he saw the conditions children were living in, and how poor parts of the country are.

So, for $1 a day we are sponsoring a 3 year old girl from Peru who lives with her mother and grandfather. With the money we send every month she will be able to go to Bible centered activities, learn about God, and hopefully in the years to come become a Christian. Something most children in her country don't have the opportunity to do.

Lesson Learned: Don't fight the holy spirit! Go with it, and learn from it!

I'm Back!!

2007-05-08T08:42:00.000-05:00

Hello all!

I am back from my blogging hiatus. It has been a while since I have posted and I have lots of exciting things to tell you!

1. Our tomato's are red!!! Well, we have 3 red ones and about 60 green ones! We are patiently waiting! If you have never had a fresh off the vine tomato, you are missing out on the most wonderful taste. They are sweeter then the 3-10 day old ones you get at the market or grocery store.

2. We have added to our garden! We have tomato's, blueberries, green peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, green onions, and chives. We have all been working hard to get these planted and growing.

3. I am almost finished with the textbook hunt for next school year. This was no easy task! Researching different curriculum's and books takes up a lot of time. I have social studies and history to find and then we will start collecting supplies. I am thinking of purchasing the majority of supplies after the public school rush. That way everything will be on sale or clearance and I can stock up and save more money!!

4. I broke the $200 mark in coupon savings for April!!!!!!!!!!! What a joy it is to know I am saving my family money!

5. We are now sponsoring a little girl in Peru. I will write more in a future post.

Update

2007-04-24T19:14:00.000-05:00

It has been a while since I have posted. I have been busy in the yard and the garden. I am happy to report that the good Lord has blessed us with lots of tomato's! Every morning I check them only to find more have popped up!! We are still waiting for them to turn red. That will be a great day!! We have also purchased some Blueberry plants, Onion plants, Strawberry plants, and a Green Pepper plant. I have been very busy working on my summer tan!!

I am almost finished with my sons school books for 1st grade. I am still looking for Social Studies and History. Once I have these he will be set for school in the fall. Then I have to start planning the curriculum!!

I have more great news that I will post in it's own message.

Wishing you all a great evening!

We Have Tomato's!!!!!!!!

2007-04-12T08:11:00.000-05:00

I am happy to report that we have about 30 tomato's on each plant!!!
They are still green, but growing very fast.
We are so excited that the upside down method works.
We are thinking of growing strawberries upside down next year!!

Behind on Everything!

2007-04-12T08:01:00.000-05:00

For the last 2 weeks I have been researching and purchasing my sons textbooks for next school year. While I have been doing this, my chores and extra projects I had hoped to do this year have been pushed to the side. My main priority has been family time. I would rather put off washing the dishes or folding the laundry to spend quality time with my family. So, I am behind on chores, and the things I wanted to accomplish this year. I knew going into homeschooling that it would be an adjustment, so I have expected the amount of time it is taking. In a few more weeks I should have all of his curriculum purchased and return to normal life!

He is risen!!

2007-04-08T16:21:00.000-05:00

graphic by: digi scrap kits

Happy Easter!

2007-04-08T15:36:00.000-05:00

I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Easter holiday.

What a great time it is to give thanks to the Lord for sending his son to die for our sin.

My husband and I have been explaining to our 5 year this week that Easter is not about the bunny, or candy filled eggs. But, that it is about the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Retailers have taken advantage of a day we should be celebrating Jesus's resurrection, and instead they are making money on the celebration of baskets, bunnies, and plastic eggs.

For Easter I purchased a small treasure chest like box. I placed a bag of M&M's, a Veggie Tales movie (keeping with the theme of God), and a book on the story of Jesus / Easter. When I handed it to my son, he thought he was just getting the chest. He was so happy. When he opened it he was happy with everything he received. We then read the book to him and watched the movie.

It is our job as parents to teach our children about God and Jesus. And Easter is a great time to teach!

God Bless

Coupon Binder....Done!!!!!

2007-03-30T17:50:00.000-05:00

I finally finished my coupon binder!!!!!!!!!

I had been stuffing coupons into my tiny accordion folder and quickly ran out of room.

Here it is!

It's a dark denim 12 x 12 scrapbook binder I found for $7.48 (50% off!!) at Target.

The clear pocket pages were $2 per pack(60% off!!) at the craft store.

I used the same size card stock(I already had this) to place in each page.

I gave each category a different color.

The first page of pockets has my savings cards, notes, and restaurant coupons.

Next is the Expire section. All of these will expire within the next week.

Then we start the food coupons. They are all categorized.

Then I have the non food coupons categorized.

Then I have the misc. section of items like candy and vitamins

And the last page is for rebate forms and grocery fliers.

I still have to cut and put these in the binder!

For The Love of Band-Aids!!!!

2007-03-29T15:45:00.000-05:00

I went to purchase some Band-Aids today with my stack of coupons thinking I would save 55 cents per box if that. WRONG!! I came across a special 'Rewards Card' 1/2 off price on NexCare Band-Aids. I have a rewards card and thought it was a great deal. Then I looked in my stash of coupons and found 4 $1 off ones! So, I got 4 boxes that are regularly $3.49 each for 75 cents each! Plus.......they each had 55 cent coupons attached (for future use), and I got a register receipt for $10 off my next $75 purchase! I was so shocked to get all of this for spending $3 on Band-Aids!!!

Home Schooling...The Saga Begins

2007-03-28T16:03:00.000-05:00

I contacted the school board to find out the best time to send the Notice of Intent to Home School form. I was told to wait until the school year ends. Then she told me it would be a great time to choose a curriculum. She gave me the web address to the school boards book depository to choose books that the public school students use. I thought it would be a great idea for him to learn what his peers were learning. But, when I opened the 22o page catalog, I was soooooo overwhelmed! There are like 3 or 4 different authors for the same subject. So then I was thinking, who do I choose?????? Is author A better then author B? And why are there so many for one grade level???? UGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!

So, I gave myself a headache and stopped looking!! I have 4 months to figure it out, and I refuse to stress over this. I am also looking into some Christian curriculum's as well. So, I know there are lots of choices, I just don't know which choice to pick!!!

Good Morning All!

2007-03-26T06:36:00.000-05:00

This is the last week of March! I am hoping to get all my ironing done this week.

Here is today's TO DO list....

1. Call in husbands prescription refills
2. Unload dishwasher & wash another load
3. Vacuum house
4. Clean ceiling fans
5. Iron for at least half an hour
6. Clip coupons from Sundays paper
7. Make after school snack for son
8.Vacuum Car
9. Wash bed linens
10. Defrost whole chicken
11. Gather grocery bags to recycle at grocery store
12. If I have time after 1 -11, bathe all 3 dogs!!!

Spring Break Ending

2007-03-24T15:13:00.000-05:00

As my sons spring break comes to an end, I am kind of sad. I genuinely enjoy spending time with him. We laugh, wrestle, and make fun of each other. He has always been a happy well balanced child. Don't get me wrong, he has those 'brain fart' moments, but 95% of the time he is great kid!

I am actually looking forward to home schooling him in the fall. We have purchased workbooks together for the summer. I am so glad he enjoys learning!

A child is a GIFT from God!!

Minister to others

2007-03-22T16:42:00.000-05:00

Today I had the chance to minister to a woman who's husband just had heart surgery. She is one of my husbands clients. I do not know her well, but felt the need to help her. I have experienced my husband having 2 heart surgeries in the last 4 years and felt the need to share my knowledge with her.

It started yesterday when we went to the hospital to sit with her through the surgery. When we couldn't find her we asked a nurse if she had been there. The nurse said she was too nervous to wait through the 7 hour surgery. We called her at home, and basically invited ourselves to her house to help comfort her. After about an hour I offered to drive her to the hospital Thursday morning and stay with her as long as she needed me.

So this morning she called and said she definitely wanted me to go with her. I picked her up and told her it was completely normal to be nervous, and scared. I also tried to prepare her for how her husband might look right after surgery with all the tubes.

We got to the hospital and I could tell she was getting more nervous. I just kept telling her it was ok, and that he will be fine. I went over some post surgical info with her while the nurses were taking his breathing tube out, and tried to reassure her he will be ok. She went in to see him and spent about 45 minutes in his room. I got caught up on phone calls in the waiting area, and didn't even notice how much time had gone by.

After we left the hospital, she thanked me for going with her and for helping to prepare her to see her husband after surgery. It was such a good feeling and a huge relief knowing that I could share what I had gone through to help her.

I have often wondered why God had me endure 2 heart surgeries with my husband. It's an emotional roller coaster, and not something I want to do again. I have also wondered what I would do with the knowledge I had. Today I found out! And I am happy for it! I have been waiting for God to use me, and today he did! What a great feeling!!

Lesson learned: That God will use you in all areas of life. It doesn't have to be about quoting scripture, or bringing someone to know Jesus. It can just be about being there when someone needs you. God put me there today, and I thank him for it!

Giving Food To Those In Need

2007-03-19T09:06:00.000-05:00

My sister in law gave me a book around Valentines Day called 'Greatest Secrets of the Coupon Mom'. I have chosen this as my March book. There are a lot of great ideas about how to use coupons to save the most money. But, there is also a chapter on giving food to the needy. The author shows ways to use coupons to purchase food for pennies or free to give to the needy.

Last August, when my husband had his 2nd heart surgery, money was very tight. We lived on what we had in our savings account and tried to live by the bare minimum. By November my husband was in the hospital again having a pacemaker implanted to keep his heart pumping, and we were broke. Thanks to our church, we had food for Thanksgiving and beyond.

I think it is important to help those in need. There are people that are hard working, but have something tragic happen that changes everything. There are single parents working to keep a roof over their children's heads, and there just isn't enough money for food at the end of the week. There are elderly people who just aren't getting enough social security to help pay all their bills.

So, I have chosen to place the items I purchase at ridiculously low prices or free in a box for the needy. There is a food mission about 10 minutes from my house that it will go to when I fill it with much needed items.

Our church helped us in our time of need, and now I can help someone in their time of need. It's a good feeling passing on the favor!

I encourage everyone who reads this to do the same!!

Friday Pictures!!

2007-03-16T18:20:00.000-05:00

This yellow daisy has been on my mind for a whole year!

My husband planted it 2 years ago for our anniversary.

Last spring I thought for sure it would bloom. NOT!

It has finally bloomed and is absolutely beautiful!

Good things come to those who wait!
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We purchased a new fryer from a coworker for $25!!

They are expensive, so we couldn't pass it up at that price.

I however should have passed up offering to cook the chicken!!

This is my feeble attempt at frying chicken! It was way over done.
I never said I could cook! I just said I do cook! There is a difference!!
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My little 4 x 6 coupon binder just can't hold any more!

I just purchased these scrapbook pocket pages.

I am making a 12 x 12 scrapbook type holder.

I will post pictures when I have it all together!
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More Coupon Savings!!

2007-03-15T10:46:00.000-05:00

I went to my favorite store today(Target) looking for bargains, and I scored again!! With my coupon binder in the cart, I looked up and down the aisles for bargains. I found deodorant on clearance! Not the brand I usually use, but not the cheapest brand either. I checked my binder for a coupon, and found 4 of them for $1.00 off! So, here are the totals:

Regular price each: $2.24
Clearance price each: $1.12
Less $1.00 Coupon each: $0.12 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got 4 deodorants for a total of $0.48 plus tax!

Dollars Saved: $8.48
Percentage Saved: 94% !

What a thrill it is to save money on these every day things!

Get $3 at Office Depot

2007-03-14T08:55:00.000-05:00

I found out that Office Depot will give you a $3 coupon for every empty printer ink cartridge you turn in to them. You don't have to fill anything out either! You just walk up the the register and give them the cartridges. They scan a little UPC code and the register pops out a $3 coupon for each one!!! You can us 1 coupon per purchase per day. And they don't expire!

I turned in 5 yesterday and used one of the coupons today. I purchased a box of envelope and a box of paperclips. Price before coupon was $3.51. After coupon I paid $0.30!!! What a deal! I knew I was holding on to the cartridges for a reason!! I have 2 more to turn in this weekend!!

The Coupon Strategy

2007-03-13T16:18:00.000-05:00

The art of couponing is being taught all over the web. Of course grocery store checkout clerks are stunned when someone purchases hundreds of dollars worth of food and only pays fifty bucks!! I have been fortunate enough to find a great group of online women that use coupon strategies to save 40% to 90% off their regular grocery bills.

I tried their strategy and this is how it went:

I gathered my grocery store fliers for the 3 local competing stores and found items I usually purchase. I looked in my coupon folder for coupons to use with the items on sale. I actually found all at 1 store and saved big time!

I purchased 6 items totaling $16.49 before coupons. With my rewards card savings and coupons I saved a total of $15.75! So, my purchase price for the 6 items... $0.56!!!! Yes, you read that right, 56 cents!! And they are all items I will use. Some are brands I usually don't buy, but at about 9 cents per item, I am willing to try them! So, percent saved on this trip to store....96%!!!!!!! I can live with that!!

I was kind of a skeptic when I was reading how these moms were saving lots of money on groceries. So, I have proven to myself that with some research it can be done! I will gather the new fliers this week and try it again on Friday! I will post my results this weekend!

Good Morning!

2007-03-12T10:52:00.000-05:00

It has been a rough couple of weeks and I know I have been behind on posting. I have been busy with the newest member of our family! She needed a home and my heart just couldn't say no!

She is an almost 2 year old Chihuahua with lots of energy! We have had her for 2 weeks now, and have had to 'potty' train her and get out the little quirks that made her undesirable to her 2 previous families.

I am back to my regular schedule, so I will post again tomorrow. I am know going to tackle that pile of never ending shirts that need to be ironed!!

Good Morning!!

2007-03-06T07:39:00.000-05:00

Good morning all! We have been working on the house the last few days, and I haven't had the time to post. We put a new bathroom counter and sink in the master bath, a new faucet in the kitchen, and cleaned up our porch for the new patio set we purchased. I think we are done for a while. It is very exhausting lifting these heavy things! Who new a bathroom sink weighed so much!!!

I am back to my daily chores! I am behind again, as usual!! My biggest pile is the Iron pile! I think I'm about 3 weeks behind! I have been frantically ironing the pieces needed on a daily basis. I hope to cut the stack in half by the end of the day. The key word being hope!!!

I will post pictures later in the week.

Friday Pictures on Saturday...again!!

2007-03-03T10:04:00.000-05:00

While I was at my parents house last week, I stumbled upon these two beautiful creatures in the backyard!
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This lizard watched us finish the fence on Sunday. He watched for several hours!!
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I have been looking for a chalkboard for homeschooling in the fall.

I have been shocked by the prices. So, I decided to make my own!

I purchased the board and paint at Home Depot for about $9.

(The paint cost more than the board!!)

It only took 10 minutes to do 2 coats of paint.

The cheapest large chalkboard I could find in a store was $25!!!

$16 dollars saved!!! Oh....and my son loves it!!

It's March!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-03-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy March!! I can't believe 2 months of the year have past.

I am sorry I have been away for a few days. There was an emergency with one of my family members and I had to devote my time to my family. I also got behind on my chores...big time!

Today I am going to attempt to get caught up, I am fairly certain there will still be lots to accomplish tomorrow!

Today's To Do:
Wash Dishes
Wash Linens
Dust Appliances
Mop Kitchen & Bathroom Floor
Vacuum House
Clean Bathrooms
Iron Clothes

Upside Down Tomato Plants

2007-02-25T10:12:00.000-05:00

Ok, ok, I know what you are thinking! Upside down tomato's ?!?!?!?

We have 2 of the most mischievous dogs when it comes to our yard and garden. They manage to dig holes everywhere we don't want them to. I found out by watching them one day that they are in search of frogs and lizards. They love to catch and eat them. I know...gross! I did not want to risk them digging up the tomato plants, and so I was searching for ways to plant then and keep them safe.

I was flipping through the channels a few weeks ago and saw a show about things to use to make your gardening simple. They featured a man who used the upside down method with tomato's and green peppers. He said they were low maintenance and easy to use. He had loads and loads of tomato's growing on them!

They are called Topsy Turvy™ Upside-down Tomato Planters . Follow the link here http://www.topsyturvys.com/10001b.html

They came in the mail Friday and I planted them Saturday. But first, I had to dig a hole for the pole we were using to hang them. Who says you can't dig a hole in a skirt?!?!?!

Then I put the pole in, put the plants in the planters, and hung them.

Other then the pole, it took about 10 minutes to put both plants in the planters and fill them. It was very easy! Digging and putting in the pole....not so easy when it's just you and a 5 year old!

Oh, the plastic folding gate you see behind the pole is to keep the dogs from digging to the neighbors house. Sad to say, they have already done it twice!!

Try a Third!

2007-02-25T09:14:00.000-05:00

The cost of dryer sheets is going up, and I struggle with the thought of spending so much money every year on thin little sheets that take the static from my clothes. In January I went cold turkey and stopped using them. This did not work well! My skirts had static and would creep up as I walked. Not a pretty site! So, I have decided to challenge myself and see how much is necessary to use, and how much it would cost me a year.

Some may call me cheap. But with my husbands many cardiologist appointments, and 8 prescriptions to fill every month, money can be tight. I try to find simple ways to save a little money. Dryer sheets are definitely on the top of the list! I have to wash all bedding, blankets, and towels weekly to keep the house clean for my husbands low immune system.

So, here we go! I purchased 1 box of dryer sheets. They are a pack of 4o Target brand for $1.99. They smell just like Bounce, and are about $ .85 less. I cut each sheet into thirds and use 1 per load. I found that the third did just fine in removing the static, and the clothes don't smell flowery(my husbands request!). That gives me enough for 120 loads! About 3 months worth.

If I used 1 box per month(usual amount) I would spend $25.68 per year on dryer sheets. Using the third method, I will spend $8.56 per year. That's $17.12 a year saved! That's enough for the 3 of us to have lunch at our sons favorite restaurant! Or, enough for my husband and son to go see a movie! Or, enough for my son and I to purchase popcorn, and ride the train at the zoo! You get the picture! I can live with using a third so I can enjoy happy moments with my family!

Can you????? I challenge you to try a third!! Let me know if it works for you, and how much money you save!

Happy Saving!!

Friday Pictures...on Saturday!!

2007-02-24T18:07:00.000-05:00

My parents have 3 ponds in their neighborhood.
I love to drive by and look at all the birds that stop by!
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Our tomato plants!! We are going to start with 2 and see how we do!
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My husband bought me a new dyer with our tax refund.
To my surprise, it has a light inside!
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I made pancakes the other day and topped them with strawberries!
I was in heaven eating these!!
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Our cat loves to lay in the sun.

I guess the sun was in her eyes while she was trying to sleep!

How cute is this!!

What a day!!!!!

2007-02-24T17:53:00.000-05:00

Today was a long one! I woke up and met my new Upline to become a Stampin' Up Demonstrator. I was a 'Demo' 4 years ago, but resigned when my husband had his 1st heart surgery. I love to stamp and make cards. It is such a stress reliever for me. I am happy to be back showing people how to save money by making their own cards!!

Then I went to pick up my son from his sleep over at grandmas house. He enjoys his Friday nights at her house watching cartoons and eating popcorn together! What a joy it is to see him grow up with his grandparents!

Then I began planting our tomato's. They are not the traditionally planted kind. They are going to grow upside down! I saw it on the FINE LIVING channel several weeks ago, and just had to do it. We have 2 dogs that manage to dig our flowers up every year, so it was a relief to find these.

And, we have been working on finishing our fence all week. We add little by little as time allows. We should have it finished Sunday evening.

I did not get my Mexican Daisies planted. I will try to find time during the day next week.

I will post pictures soon!

Kindred Spirits Journal

2007-02-22T11:57:00.001-05:00

Here is one from the other day that I just loved reading. Wanted to share!
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The Low-Maintenance Wife By Shari McMinn

We recently were at a friend’s home for dinner after church. While the children played, the adults solved all the world’s problems. Then the subject came up as to why we were homeschooling. That testimony became a discussion of why we were led to live in the middle of nowhere and adopt five children in addition to the six we bore ourselves. That testimony developed into a discussion of how we could possibly do all this. After the standard (but true) answers of "obedience to the Lord," becoming "Abraham and Sarah," and "laying everything at our Savior’s feet," my husband remarked it could be done because he had a "low-maintenance wife."Now, I say all this with humility, because I think I am a very demanding wife and mother when it comes to organizing my family, home, and our homeschool. I am quick to judge, quicker with my tongue, take on too much, am slow to get everything done I should, and am rarely pleased with my own actions, let alone those of the ones I love most. That sounds pretty high-maintenance to me. So what did this remark really mean, coming from the one who knows me better than anyone except my Creator?

Well, in mulling over his comment this week, I have come to the conclusion that my beloved husband meant I am willing to try anything as long as it involves him and obeying the Lord’s direction. Now, why is this such a big deal? Well, in a world full of career moms, wives running corporations, and girls overachieving at everything, I find very few women willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish their husband’s vision and the Lord’s will. In simplistic terms, I would like to say that we moms need to make sure we are demonstrating our ability to put our husband and the Lord first in everything we do. Next, we need to make sure we homeschool moms are training our daughters to be willing to try anything (at least once), live anywhere, function contentedly without any of the modern world’s conveniences, and give up all sense of control in order to be the perfect helpmeet for either the husband the Lord brings along in His time, or for our Lord and Savior if they remain single. Sounds simple doesn’t it? Well, let’s look closer at what this might entail.

As a single woman, then later as a working mom with two little boys, I was able to afford the time and money for my list of "essentials" to do for me: get my hair and nails done once a month, eat out five or six meals a week, buy what home accessories I wanted when I wanted, shop at the mall for clothing and home furnishings, help the needy at church without being needy myself, belong to several women’s groups, play golf occasionally, vacation at resorts annually, and pretty much run my life the way I wanted it run. I could count on many friends and close relationships with my siblings. I had a good marriage and a successful business with my husband.

I had grown up in an upper-middle class Christian family, had a college education, and had traveled the world as a student and the country for my career. My lifestyle was simply an extension of how I was raised and what was expected of someone from my background.
Well, times have changed, and the easy affluence of the baby boomer parents is not the reality of the baby boomer children. The high cost of materialistic living, immorality of school environments, crime in the city, and the threat of terrorism everywhere have put so much stress on families, marriages, and communities that it is not our parents’ lives we are living anymore. I think we as homeschooling parents understand this, even though our families, neighbors, and well-meaning Christian friends who are not home educators may not get it at all.

So it has become ironic that for all the women like me who grew up in a fairy tale life can expect to live far from a fairy tale now, nor can we pass on a fairy tale to our daughters. Even more so, our sons cannot expect it for their future wives and daughters. So, we have to be more realistic both in how we live as women and how we raise our daughters (and sons) for the Lord.

First, we have to teach our children (girls so they can, boys so they don’t expect otherwise) to be Christ-like in their serving, loving, giving, forgiving. You all knew that already. Second, we and our children need to have a strong foundation in Christian principles, then academics. You knew that, too. Third, we and our children need to be flexible and resilient. You probably already knew that as a fact of life for homeschooling families. Fourth, we and our children need to live frugally. Now, some of you already know this, because you have a lot of children and have learned to be frugal. But I challenge you who are still enjoying my list of "essentials" above (or your own version of it), to start teaching your kids to do their own nails, cut your family’s hair (and bravely letting your husband cut yours), cook every meal from scratch, consider school work on the wall "home decor," wear hand-me-downs (that includes we parents, too) eliminate most, if not all, women’s and personal activities (sports included) because of gas prices and lack of free time, consider a family trip to the State Fair your annual vacation, be willing to give up friends and family who are opposed to your new lifestyle, accept that you can help the needy at church and be needy yourselves (ie: it is okay to receive from the food bank) and give everything over to the Lord.

A friend of mine who has a frugal existence yet is always smiling often remarks "Lord willing." If I say, "See you tomorrow," she’ll say, "Lord willing." If I ask her what she is doing next week, she’ll say, "Lord willing." If there is an event to do with area homeschoolers, she’ll commit with "Lord willing." It didn't used to sink in what she was really saying – now I get it. She will only do, say, think, and plan what the Lord has her to do. This is a big challenge for me. Talk about a low-maintenance wife; she shames me!

Just think of where our country would be today if all women, underneath the wings of our Lord-serving husbands, were so low-maintenance that we would go anywhere, do anything, be anyone our husband would ask us to be, "Lord willing." And thrive without all the creature comforts that are so taken for granted. We all no doubt have missionary friends who go without electricity, cars, proper nutrition, medical care, and school materials, and do so with joy in their hearts. Can we in the day-to-day modern world consider doing the same? Even if we can financially afford these things, if we cut back and live frugally, simply, how much more time and resources can we allocate to the Lord’s work by contributing directly to what others are doing for Him, instead of spending it on ourselves? Can we demonstrate to our children that when they have their families and times are even tougher, that they can be resilient enough, tough enough, perseverant enough, simple enough to continue on the battle for Christianity that we must pass on to them as our days are numbered?

It takes a low-maintenance wife to be the best helpmeet for a high-powered man of God. If we want our husbands to rise up and do their job, how much more so must we rise up first to our calling of total submission to Christ? Are we ladies doing our job in our homes to perform this great task now? I know I am convicted by my husband’s remark to live up to his belief in me of being his low-maintenance wife. I think I’ll start the year off right by re-reading Marriage to a Difficult Man (story of godly wife Sarah Edwards and her impact on generations after her) to be reminded of what low-maintenance wives can do for their family, community, nation, and world. I humbly encourage you to do the same.

(Article found on www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com)

Kindred SpiritsA ministry of Kindred Spirits Journal & www.biblicalwomanhood.org
...teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:4,5

Beautiful Day!

2007-02-21T17:18:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful day! The sun was out, and the birds were chirping. I opened the windows to let the cool spring breeze into the house. I also saw the first bee of the year. You know, the big fat round fuzzy ones! They are so cute!

graphic by:graphic garden

I worked on my website today and got some laundry folded. I also straightened my office since I invited my father to come over Thursday morning. I will add the new pages to the website in the morning!

Have a great day!

Today's To Do's

2007-02-20T16:00:00.000-05:00

I spent most of the day with my husband. He needed some signs and office supplies for work. After his errands we went to purchase our tomato plants. I have wanted to grow tomato's for several years now. We will plant them when our containers come in the mail ( should be any day now!!!!). I am so excited!! I am also going to plant my Mexican Daisies again! We planted them 2 years ago and had the most beautiful flowers. My son loved the butterflies that would come by to eat!! I will post pictures on Friday!

I did get 2 loads of laundry done today. I feel good knowing I got at least one chore done!

graphic by: Cute Colors

Grocery Total

2007-02-19T17:47:00.000-05:00

Well, since we had the money I decided to purchase 2 weeks worth of groceries. Here are the totals:

Store #1: $125.62 Store Specials: $2.54 Coupons: $6.25
Store #2: $13.01 Store Specials: $1.98 Coupons: 0
Store #3: $20.32 Store Specials: 0 Coupons: 0

Total= $158.95 Store Specials $ 4.52 Coupons $6.25

Price per week: $79.48 for the 3 of us. This includes a pizza and chips for game day!!

A little more than I intended, but still a good price! I purchased a lot of meat this time to help keep us going in case of hardship. We will have plenty of chicken to go around!!!

Tax Refund Goodies

2007-02-19T10:01:00.000-05:00

Well, we received our tax refund on Friday and my husband said I could splurge a little. I didn't spend a lot. I have known hard times and my thinking has changed a lot after my husbands 2 heart surgeries. The word splurge has taken on a new meaning for me! I really wanted some things I could share with others! This is what I purchased!

Ok, this one was for me! I absolutely love this movie!

I saw it on BBC years ago and have waited for the right time to buy it!

$29.99 at Target

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My son loves blueberry bread, and I didn't have any loaf pans.

I purchased 2 of these for bread and other small things I bake.

$5.27 each at Walmart

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My son loves the Gators!! Every time I look for the fabric the stores are sold out.

I decided to purchase it now even though I am not sure what I will make from it.

I might make a blanket or bag. He doesn't know I have it! I might surprise him!

$17.52 for 3 yards at Walmart

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And....a website! I have purchased the website name to match this blog! I wanted to share what I have learned as a wife and mom with others! I am currently working on it, but have the front page and 1 of the many other pages loaded. You can check it out if you like! http://www.onewifesjourney.com/

$10.22 for address and 2 months of hosting

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Total splurge price.....$72

Good Monday Morning To Ya!!

2007-02-19T08:13:00.000-05:00

I had the wonderful opportunity of sleeping in this morning! My son has the day off from school and I slept until 6:50. I would have liked to have slept until 8:50, but the dogs just couldn't hold it in!!!

Today I am going to try (with the good Lords help!) to get caught up on my chores. I am several weeks behind on Ironing, a week behind on dusting, and 1 load of dishes behind. I desperately want an empty sink today!

I went grocery shopping Sunday and will list my totals on a later post.

Have a great day!!

Friday Pictures

2007-02-16T16:24:00.000-05:00

I worked at the kids sale today so I could get a pass to the 1/2 price sale day. It was only two hours of my time and it will save me lots of money on my sons clothes! Workers get to shop the 1/2 price sale before anyone else, so I will get first pick at the loot! I did purchase some items today though. These were things I was sure would be snatched up before the 1/2 price sale. And....they took it off my profit from my items that already sold! How cool is that?!?!?! I didn't even have to open my wallet, and I got to take these things home!!

This is a NEW WITH TAGS bathing suit I got for $2.00!!!!

A Children's Place shirt for $4.00!!! This will be a great church shirt!

We are teaching our son about money right now and I found this stamp set with bills and coins for $5.00!!

Last but not least, these 2 Leapfrog books for $6.00! That is less then the price of 1 at Target! I couldn't pass them up since they focus on learning how to read!

Total= $18.45 taken from my sales profit and not my wallet!!!

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Certain Jars of Peter Pan Peanut Butter

2007-02-15T16:40:00.000-05:00

Please read if you or someone you love uses this brand

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FDA News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE P07-21 February 14, 2007

Media Inquiries: 301-827-6242Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Certain Jars of Peter Pan Peanut Butter and Great Value Peanut ButterProduct May be Contaminated With Salmonella

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to eat certain jars of Peter Pan peanut butter or Great Value peanut butter due to risk of contamination with Salmonella Tennessee (a bacterium that causes foodborne illness). The affected jars of Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter have a product code located on the lid of the jar that begins with the number "2111." Both the Peter Pan and Great Value brands are manufactured in a single facility in Georgia by ConAgra. Great Value peanut butter made by other manufacturers is not affected.

If consumers have any of this Peter Pan or Great Value brand peanut butter in their home that has been purchased since May 2006, they should discard it.

Symptoms of foodborne illness caused by Salmonella include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In persons with poor underlying health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections. Individuals who have recently eaten Peter Pan and Great Value brand peanut butter beginning with product code 2111 and have experienced any of these symptoms should contact their doctor or health care provider immediately. Any such illnesses should be reported to state or local health authorities.
FDA's warning is based on a just-completed epidemiological study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the states and local health agencies, which links 288 cases of foodborne illness in 39 states to consumption of varying types of Peter Pan peanut butter. This report was provided to FDA on February 13.

The outbreak appears to be ongoing and the first consumer may have become ill in August 2006. The cause of foodborne illnesses can be difficult to identify. As a result of extensive epidemiological testing and recent case control studies, CDC was recently able to identify Peter Pan peanut butter as the likely cause of illness. Great Value brand peanut butter beginning with product code 2111 is manufactured in the same plant as Peter Pan peanut butter and, thus, is believed to be at similar risk of contamination.

ConAgra is recalling all Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter beginning with product code 2111 that already was distributed. The company also is destroying all affected products in their possession. The company will cease production until the exact cause of contamination can be identified and eliminated. ConAgra will advise consumers to destroy any Peter Pan and Great Value brand peanut butter beginning with product code 2111 in their possession. To assist in this endeavor, FDA has sent investigators to ConAgra's processing plant in Sylvester, Georgia where the products are made to review records, collect product samples and conduct tests for Salmonella Tennessee.

FDA will provide regular updates as more information becomes available.

Consumers who have questions should contact ConAgra at 866-344-6970.

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01563.html

Happy Valentines Day!!!!

2007-02-14T15:49:00.000-05:00

graphic by: Country Patch Collections

I hope everyone is having a Happy Valentines Day!!

I finished my sons room around 1 this afternoon. He had a special surprise at school today. I called Grandma and had her pick him up. He just loves it when she does that! His Valentine surprise is his favorite snack(Goldfish), a paper fire truck filled with his favorite candy(m&m's), and a bouquet of lollipops! I also cut out about 60 hearts and taped them all over his room! My husband says I'm weird. I say I love showing my son how much I love him!!

I'm Back!!!

2007-02-13T17:11:00.000-05:00

I know I have been MIA the last few days, but there has been so much going on.

I finally finished putting the kids clothes together for the area kids sale. I packed the car and took it all to the sale site today. I had over 100 pieces! I am hoping to make over $100 this time.

I also had to make something for my sons class for Valentines day. Money has been tight the last 2 weeks, so I had to come up with something I already had. I checked out the Martha Stewart website and found a great idea for lollipop flowers. I had all the materials needed so I decided to do it! I traced and cut out 80 hearts to make 20 flowers. I even added green straws for the stems!

The only problem I came across was trying to do these and get the kids clothes ready all at the same time. There were never enough hours in the day to get it all done!!

Now I am ready to make my sons Valentines present. It is a big surprise that will be waiting for him when he gets home from school. I will post pictures tomorrow!!

February's Book

2007-02-10T09:10:00.000-05:00

My husband has a client that purchases real estate and rents the property out for a profit. He makes very good money doing this. My husband is now excited about the idea! His client gave him a book to read, and he in turn gave me the book to read. I know that my husband is very busy with work, so I will gladly read it for him! ( This goes right back to what I read in the January book about putting my husbands needs before mine!) I have chosen to make it February's book. Not the kind of book I normally read, but I will give it a chance! The guy that wrote this book has been on Oprah, and I was impressed by his ideas on the how the average person can save money for retirement. I am hoping this book has some great ideas for the real estate world. We will see!!! I will list my notes at the end of the month!

January Book.....Done

2007-02-10T06:18:00.000-05:00

OK, I have finally finished the book! I should have read 2 chapters a day to make sure I would finish in time. Anyway, the book was amazing!! I learned so much about men, and my God given wifely role. I recommend this book to anyone that wants to improve their marriage. Below I have written little snippets that went to heart while reading. It is not the whole book. There is much more than what I list. I recommend reading the whole thing. It is heart changing!!

Making Your Husband Feel Loved

Chapter 1: Accept the Challenge Admit that you are not perfect, and admit that your husband is not perfect.

Chapter2 : Little Things Mean a Lot Learn to stop, look, and listen to your husband.

Chapter 3: Loving Him His Way You have to tell him and show him you love him in ways he can understand.

Chapter 4: Learn What to Expect From Your Relationship Our relationships with each other reflects our relationship with God.

Chapter 5: Quityerbellyaching! Count your husbands blessings, not his shortcomings.

Chapter 6: Taking Care of Daddy We should not take on the responsibility for the relationship between father and child.

Chapter 7: Six Ways to Say " I Love You" 1.Let him know he is your primary interest 2. Avoid criticism 3. Stress simplicity 4. Honor him 5. Practice unconditional love 6. Apply the golden rule.

Chapter 8: Respect Him If you want respect, give respect.

Chapter 9: Pray With Him Many problems in marriages exist because they don't depend on God for everything.

Chapter 10: Pray for Him Instead of nagging your husband, take it to God.

Chapter 11: Encourage Him A wife should be Chief Encourager to her husband.

Chapter 12: Minister Peace to Each Other Be quick to forgive, slow to anger, patient, and kind.

Chapter 13: Get Yourself a Black Negligee If you put your heart into your marriage your body will follow.

Chapter 14: Fitness is Appealing An appealing wife is one who is energetic, positive, youthful, attractive, healthy, exuberant, and full of vitality.

Chapter 15: Stay Attractive Real beauty stems from something deep inside, something God puts there, that comes through even the plainest shell.

Chapter 16: The Beauty of Holiness The most wonderful gift a wife can give her husband is to be a lady of fine character.

Chapter 17: Having Fun Together Learning to enjoy the differences instead of grinding your teeth can go a long way in your marriage.

Chapter 18: Through Tough Times Focus together on agreeing with the word of God and with each other.

Chapter 19: In Control - And Hating It Our wifely role is not to be head of the household. That is our husbands role as given by God. Trust God to build your home.

Chapter 20: When Opposites Attract Through discussion and loving compromise you may discover each others needs and how to meet them.

Chapter 21: My Brothers Middle Name is Sandpaper It is important to talk about what makes you angry and deal with it before the day is over.

Chapter 22: When He Doesn't Talk to You The greater language is the language of the heart.

Chapter 23: When He's Not a Christian Don't talk to him about God, talk to God about your husband!

Conclusion: In marriage we are not individuals. We are a team, partners for a purpose. Many times unrest in a marriage should not be blamed on your husband, but on the enemy, Satan.

Kindred Spirits Journal - Grocery Shopping

2007-02-08T08:38:00.000-05:00

Today's email from Kindred Spirits Journal. This is a good one!
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Two Methods of Grocery Shopping

1. Needs shopping - You buy what you need now at the best price possible and enough to last until you go shopping again.

2. Reserve shopping - You buy what’s on sale even if you don’t need it now so that you don;’‘t have to overpay for it when you do need it. Reserve shopping is the process of building a small in-house grocery store. When it’s time to make dinner you visit your own store.

Needs shopping is, in my opinion, a flawed system. Even the most diligent shopper - who shops with cash, builds the week’s menus around what’s on sale, and is careful to avoid all impulsive purchases - will eventually need something that is not on sale. That’s what the stores count on. When you pay full price for some of the items in your cat, the store’s plan works. They win. Mission accomplished.

Consider this needs shopping dilemma: You need mayonnaise. The best price today is $2.99 a quart for the store brand. You need it; you buy it. It’s not a horrible deal but it’s not great.

Four weeks ago at the high-priced supermarket across town where they do crazy things like double coupons to attract shoppers, the quart size of Hellman’s mayonnaise (aka Best Foods, the Cadillac of mayonnaise among those who rate their condiments), was on sale: 2/$5. That same week there was a $.75 manufacturers coupon for Hellman’s mayonnaise in the Sunday paper.

Here’s the way that deal would have played out had you been aware of the sale and clipped that all-important coupon: $2.50 for one quart, less $1.50 for the coupon ($.75 x 2 = $1.50). Final price for the Hellman’s: $1. That beats your store-brand deal by 66%.

As a needs shopper this is your dilemma: You need it now. The coupon has long expired and the sale is over. So you pay $2.99 for the off-brand mayonnaise because that’s the best deal at the time you need it. To make matters worse, you discover that your friend, a reserve shopper, bought three quarts of Hellman’s for $1 each and won’t have to restock until it goes on sale again.

Reserve shopping is the best way I know to consistently pay less than half price for nae-brand groceries. This method requires a minimal investment of time and energy. It’s a reliable system - you can count on it to work for you week after week. You will enjoy a wide variety of foods in all of the food groups, including meat, produce, dairy, and household cleaning products and personal care items. Rather than coming up with menus before you go shopping, you look to the store’s sale cycles to determine your food purchases. You create menus after the fact once you go shopping in your pantry’s stockpile.

Reserve shopping is an ideal grocery method for singles, families with kids, big families, little families, seniors with no kids - for all situations. You are not narrowed into narrow selections but have lots of freedom to choose the foods you want to buy. The amount of food is limited by the amount of money you wish to spend. You simply spend up to the limit and stop.

Eventually you will have a month’s worth of groceries on hand. This insulates you against wild price fluctuations at the grocery store. You won’t find yourself running to the store for one or two things, forced to pay highly inflated full price.

When challenges come your way - you lose your job or get sick; there’s a blizzard; you’re hit with unexpected car repairs - whatever the setback, with food in the pantry, hard times are less hard.

(Excerpt from "Live Your Life for Half the Price" by Mary Hunt)

Kindred Spirits A ministry of Kindred Spirits Journal & www.biblicalwomanhood.org
...teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:4,5

January Scarf.....Done!

2007-02-06T18:28:00.000-05:00

I am so glad to have the scarf finished! I didn't devote the time needed in the beginning of the month to ensure it would be completed by the end of the month. I used a basic knit stitch and made it very long.
So, you may be wondering where this scarf will go. Well, my son snatched it up! I think I was a quarter way through it when he said he really liked it and wanted it. He was so excited to get it today!
February will be red, or maybe pink. I don't know! Something Valentine colored. I am also going to choose a nicer stitch. I want this one to be girly!!

Closed the Shop

2007-02-06T08:56:00.000-05:00

I closed my Ebay store last night. I just haven't had the time to list items. I am a week behind on housework and on my personal to do list. I am working on my website and hope to have it up and running soon. It didn't make sense to list items in my store for $15.95 a month plus $.06 per listing when I have a website for $4.95 a month. I can list as many items as I want for free! I will still run auctions through Ebay, but will list long term items on my website. It is such a huge weight off my shoulders!! And more profit!

Down Memory Lane

2007-02-06T08:37:00.000-05:00

There are 2 women in my area that hold a semi-annual kids sale every year. I participated 2 years ago and made about $70 selling my sons baby clothes. This year I have decided to participate again.

As I was going though my sons clothing yesterday I was actually remembering when and where he wore each outfit! I can't believe that 5 years has gone by. They grow up so fast! There are certain things that I can't force myself to sell. Like the first outfit he wore in the hospital, and the first pair of shoes we bought when he was learning to walk. My husband thinks I'm crazy! But these items are very special to me. I have decided to place them in a container so that when/if my son has a son he will have them. What a joy it is to have so many happy memories!

Friday Pictures

2007-02-02T10:46:00.000-05:00

We have several squirrels in the neighborhood, and they are pretty cute!

But there is 1 squirrel that has chosen my yard to store his groceries.

This is what I found in my front yard this morning! These are 3 separate

spots in my front yard!
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My husband came to me with this 2 days ago and asked me to make a bag!

I made an outline of the base for a pattern and came up with this!

He wasn't excited about the fabric, but I thought it matched well with the construction theme!
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I slept on the couch while I was sick with the Flu.

This is where these 2 stayed the whole time I was sick!

How sweet of them to stay with me!

The Flu.....Sucks!

2007-01-31T10:52:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the wording in the title, but that is how I feel!! I have the stomach flu and it has consumed the last 5 days of my life.

Saturday I took care of my son, and felt kind of achy. By Saturday night I had a 102.5 temperature. I felt like I was going to explode. Literally.

Sunday I woke up with a 101.5 temperature and felt like a mac truck hit me. I couldn't keep any solids down, and my throat was hurting something fierce. Then about 4pm my husband thought I had vomited way to much and had my father take me to the emergency room(since my son was still sick at home). The ER checked for strep( came back negative) and took lots of blood. They confirmed a virus and hooked me up to a huge fluid bag to replenish my fluids. They said the virus would pass in a few days and they gave me some nausea medication.

Monday I couldn't keep anything down. I even vomited the nausea medication. How bad is that! Anyway, It wasn't until Tuesday that I felt somewhat human. I still had the sore throat, and could finally keep solids down. This morning was better. My sore throat is on the way out and I am keeping food down. I am still a little tired, but much better than yesterday.

So, lesson learned........GET YOUR FLU SHOT EVERY YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!This is one of those times that it is OK to break the budget and spend the 10 minutes to save yourself 5 days of being miserable!

The bug travels!!

2007-01-27T09:22:00.000-05:00

Last night my son came to me and said he had a tummy ache. I took his temp and it was 100.7!
I gave him some medicine and he fell asleep about 6:30pm. Then at 3:30 this morning he woke up!! I gave him some medicine and he just wouldn't go back to sleep! I went back to bed and woke up around 7:45am with a sore throat and achy body! So, I have decided we are going to spend the day curled up in bed watching movies. I will make some chicken noodle soup for lunch and maybe some cookies for an afternoon snack. Now we have to make sure my husband doesn't get it!!

Friday Pictures

2007-01-26T18:53:00.000-05:00

This is one of my husbands favorite meals!
Kielbasa, zucchini, & Italian tomato's over rice
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These are the fruit candles I gave my
mom for her anniversary. Don't they look real!!!!
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I am sad to say....I have an addiction.
A fabric addiction! This is my 'stash'.
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My favorite household appliance!!
This is the best vacuum ever!!!
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This was what our cat did last night!

She laid against the heater....while it was on!!

We were waiting to see how long she would 'cook'

herself. By the time I went to bed she was still their!

I guess she was really cold!

Todays To Do's

2007-01-25T08:38:00.000-05:00

Today is cold and rainy. Not much to do outside, although I wanted to start working in the yard this week to prepare a garden for vegetable growing. I will hopefully get to it next week when it warms up a little.

Today is the perfect day for soup! I also promised my son brownies for an after school snack. It is a nice warm treat! I have my regular chores to do since I will be in most of the day. And I have had requests for more Valentine Catnip Toys. I sold the 16 toys I listed earlier in the month. I am now working on 14 more! There will be some very happy cats this Valentines Day!!

Organ Donation

2007-01-24T21:10:00.000-05:00

I found this cute image and wanted to share. When my husband had his first heart surgery, his aortic valve was replaced with a donor valve. It was a blessing that the person that passed on was an organ donor. If you haven't already, please become an organ donor. You just might save a life!

Jane Eyre (BBC Version) - Charlotte Bronte

2007-01-24T17:03:00.000-05:00

I watched the rest of Jane Eyre last night on PBS. It was spread out over 2 days for 2 hours each. I started reading the book many years ago but never finished. Charlotte Bronte just never stuck with me, but I have been a Jane Austin fan since high school. I love stories set in the 1800's! This movie was awesome! Right up to par with Pride & Prejudice. If you have not seen it, it will play again on PBS on Masterpiece Theatre. Go to this link http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/janeeyre/ to find show times. A must see for the 1800's romance fans!

Charitable Giving

2007-01-23T08:43:00.000-05:00

Every other month Karen with the Vietnam Vets calls me to ask if I have something to donate. She is the sweetest lady that even gives reminder calls at 7 am the morning they pick up. It feels so good to give to those in need. The vets collect the items, sell them, and then the money is used to help needy vets in my local area. I put a small bag together of about 5 pairs of jeans I knew would just sit in my house for another year. I would rather help a person in need than hold on to something I will never use.

Week Four! To Do List

2007-01-22T07:20:00.000-05:00

Good morning all! It is week four and I have so much to accomplish before the end of the month! I am half way through my January book, and about half way through my scarf. My Ebay business is slow, so I am pretty sure I will not meet my January goal. But that is fine, I chose family over business, so I will gladly take the loss.

Today I have to get the regular done.

Bible Reading
Devotion Reading
Cook
Iron
Wash Laundry
Vacuum
Dust Ceiling Fans
Read 2 Chapters of January Book
Double Up on Knitting Scarf
To Bed by 10pm

Anniversaries

2007-01-21T18:38:00.000-05:00

After church today we went to my parents house to celebrate their 38th Wedding Anniversary. How cool is that? To be with the same person for 38 years! My husband and I have been married for 6 1/2 years and it seems like a lifetime. The one thing I have learned from my parents is that marriage isn't perfect. There are going to be things about your spouse that annoy you. And you will not agree on things some or most of the time. But if you truly love each other you can get past all those things and live a long happy life together.

To my Mom & Dad: May God bless you with 38 more years of marriage! Happy Anniversary!

Friday Pictures

2007-01-19T16:33:00.001-05:00

Here is the basket I put together for my guest.

It has new towels and trial size bath supplies in case she forgot any of hers!
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The 3 week supply of food!
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Packages Everywhere!

The grueling part of selling is having to package and ship it all!
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My husband was making fun of the cat. Poor guy!

He is much sweeter than he looks in this picture!
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I came across this while cleaning this week.

Baldwin was a Yorkie mix that I had for 12 years.

He passed away a year ago. I still get sad looking at this scrapbook!

To Do

2007-01-18T06:56:00.000-05:00

Well, my guest comes today and I have to put the finishing touches on some things. I am also baking some goodies!

To Do List ( Guest Coming )

2007-01-17T06:40:00.000-05:00

Good Morning! I am scrambling to get the house de-cluttered for my guest Thursday evening. We usually do not have guests, so I have not had my feet to the fire when it came to throwing things out that we didn't need. I have made a great start, but it's not even close to where I want it to be. I will just pray the Lord is with me today and helps me get as much as I can done.

To Do List

2007-01-16T07:16:00.000-05:00

We have a special guest coming to stay with us Thursday and Friday, so I am preparing the house for her arrival. I will probably not get to a lot of the regular things on my list, but I will try.

Meals for 3 weeks!!!

2007-01-15T19:17:00.000-05:00

Well, I have had a looooooong day! I spent 5 hours planning and shopping for groceries for the next 3 weeks. This was tough! I usually only shop for 1 week, but since I had the money I decided to stockpile for the next couple of weeks. I am reminded of the Veggie Tales movie " Little Joe"!! I even have that silly song in my head! Anyway...It is wise to save up for when it is scarce. And we know what it is like when it is scarce. So, I planned, cut coupons, shopped at 2 different stores, and unloaded!!! The worst part was carrying it all into the house! What a workout! Here are the numbers:

Store #1 : Spent $78.44 (Saved $7.57 with coupons & $7.07 with In Store Specials )
Store #2 : Spent $74.94 (Saved $1.70 with coupons & $ 23.09 with In Store Specials)

Total Spent : $153.38
Total Saved : $9.27 with Coupons & $30.16 with In Store Specials

$153.38 / 3 weeks = $51.13 per week

Now you know why I am tired!! But I am so proud of myself!! I am going to bed now!

Kindred Spirits Quote

2007-01-15T07:30:00.000-05:00

This was a quote from today's Kindred Spirits email:

Words of Wisdom

Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. There is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more a man has, the more he wants.Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one. - Benjamin Franklin

Week 3!!! Daily To Do List

2007-01-15T06:25:00.000-05:00

We are in week 3 of the new year and I would like to start de-cluttering my house. This is a huge issue for me. I have a lot of stuff that I want to keep but have a small house to keep it in. I have decided to move it to storage and take the drive if I need it.

Bible/Devotion Reading
Cooking
Chores: Vacuum, dust ceiling fans, wash dishes, wash blankets
Package and print shipping for sold Eaby items
List items I find today while cleaning on Ebay!
Clean Sons Closet (This might take me all day!)
To grocery store for weekly menu
Continue knitting scarf
Continue reading January Book
Start 30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge!!!!
To bed by 10pm

Let the ER visits begin!!

2007-01-14T21:44:00.000-05:00

Well....here we go! My husband drove himself to the ER tonight. He is coughing up blood again. Last time this happened he was diagnosed with a lung infection. He took pictures of what he coughed up as proof. He loves his camera! Anyway, I will update later when I find out more info. Have a good evening!

He returned home at 1am very deflated from having lots of blood taken. After 4 hours in the ER the staff of doctors could not give the exact reason for his coughing up blood. They have referred him to a pulmonary doctor. Was it worth the $100 to the emergency room???? Why can't ER doctors call a specialist and have them diagnose? hmmmmmm, things I wish I knew!

Church Family

2007-01-14T17:18:00.000-05:00

I am in awe of our Church family. We go to a church that has been around since the 1978. They started out with a few people that met at the local Fire Station and now have over 2000 members. The weird thing is...it doesn't feel like a big church! Everyone is so loving and welcoming that you forget how many people there are.

My husband has a 100% commission job. This is good and bad! There are times that are fruitful and times that are not. This week is one of those"not" times. I have not done a weekly menu because there was no money to use. I had an extra $20 from my business profits that I used to buy the must haves ( bread, milk, eggs, etc). I was trying my best to stretch the food I purchased last week into next week. I was doing fine until my list got to Wednesday.

After spending $56 on heart medicine last night, my husband called our Deacon at church (who has had several heart surgeries as well) and told him the situation. Today he came to our house and delivered a gift from the church that shocked both of us! It was enough to cover 3 weeks worth of food and pay 2 of our bills. I can never thank them enough.

God will provide if you put your faith and trust in him.

Sunday To Do List

2007-01-14T08:19:00.000-05:00

Not a happy morning. I feel all yucky. I am going to stay in bed this morning. That means no Church this morning. I will try to attend the evening service tonight.

Bible Reading
Devotion Reading
Cook: I made lunch and Dinner on Saturday. All I have to do is warm it up!!
Vacuum
Wash Husbands Work Pants
Wash Dishes
Attend Evening Church Service
To Bed by 10pm

Saturdays To Do List

2007-01-13T07:29:00.000-05:00

Morning! It is cold again! This weather is driving me nuts. It was so nice yesterday wearing short sleeves. Now I am in a sweater. Florida weather is so strange!

~~Up at 7:30~~
Bible Reading (Friday & Today)
~~Devotion Reading~~
Cook:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
~~Cook Sunday Dinner~~
~~Vacuum House~~
~~Iron~~
Dust Ceiling Fans
~~Package and Print Shipping for Ebay Sales~~
~~List Items in Ebay Store~~
~~To Store for Laundry Detergent~~
Read January Book
Knit Scarf
Read Son Daily Devotion
Drink 8 Glasses of Water
To Bed by 10pm

More Friday Pictures - I had to share!

2007-01-12T21:46:00.000-05:00

This is the dollar dress I purchased today. I couldn't believe it when I saw it!!
It is a Ralph Lauren cotton knit cap sleeve full length dress with a hood. The inside of the fabric is fleece and oh so warm! My all time favorite find!!

Friday Pictures

2007-01-12T08:58:00.000-05:00

I took some interesting pictures this week. Enjoy!

This is the comforter I purchased for $3.50 on Saturday! It is originally $60! What a deal!

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This is a pair of sleep pants I turned into a sleep skirt.

My husband thought I was weird for doing this!!

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This is the pillow I made my son the other night.

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This is the drumstick bag I made my son last night.

I made it to hang on the stand so he can't lose it!

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I went to put the laundry in the dryer and this is what I found!

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The other cat was sleeping on my pajamas in the closet last night!

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And last but not least!

My husband was teaching the dogs that just because there is a plate of chicken in front of you, it doesn't mean you get to eat it! Poor dogs! After about 10 minutes of staring they finally got to eat it!

Friday To Do List

2007-01-12T08:15:00.000-05:00

Good morning all. My son does not have school today so took the early morning off and slept in. It was rest that was definitely needed! I won't get much done with my son home, but that's ok!

~~Wake at 7:45~~
Bible Reading No
~~Devotion Reading~~
~~Cook: Breakfast(cereal), Lunch(PB&J), Dinner(spaghetti~~)
~~Bake Strawberry Loaf~~
~~Vacuum House~~
~~Iron~~
~~To Post Office to Mail Packages for Ebay Sales~~
~~Take Son To Purchase Weekly Book~~
Package and Print Shipping for Ebay Sales Nope
~~Continue to List Items in Ebay Store~~
~~Read January Book~~
~~Knit Scarf~~
Read Son Daily Devotion Fell asleep watching a movie
Drink 8 Glasses of Water 6
To Bed by 10pm 11pm

To Do List

2007-01-11T06:24:00.000-05:00

Ok, I hit the snooze button this morning! Here is my list!

~~Up at 6:15~~
~~Bible Reading~~
~~Devotion Reading~~
Cook: ~~Breakfast (Egg Sandwich)~~, Lunch (No One Home), ~~Dinner(Tuna Steaks w/Veggies)~~
~~Pack Sons Lunch for School~~
~~Get Son Ready and Take to School~~
~~Bake Cookies for After School Snack~~
~~Vacuum House~~
Iron Didn't Get To This
Wash Bed Linens No More Laundry Detergent
~~Clean Air Purifier Vents~~
~~Package and Print Shipping for Ebay Sales~~
Continue to List Items in Ebay Store Nope
~~Gather Trash and Take Can to Curb~~
~~Gather Recycle and Take to Curb~~
~~Pick Son up From School~~
~~Make Son Drumstick Bag~~
Read January Book Nope
~~Knit Scarf~~
Read Son Daily Devotion He fell asleep on my lap while I was knitting
Drink 8 Glasses of Water 6
To Bed by 10pm 12pm

Daily Devotion - Something To Think About

2007-01-10T17:42:00.000-05:00

I read a Daily Devotion everyday from "Our Daily Bread". I have been reading them since Jan 1st and have not felt so inspired like I was when I read this one. I hope this gets you thinking!

On my husband’s T-shirt is a cartoon of a sheep walking on two legs and addressing a wolf who is barring the sheep’s passage through a gate.

Standing by the sheep is a familiar-looking man. He has a beard, compassionate eyes, and a look of authority. The sheep speaks to the wolf as he gestures toward the man and says, “I’m with Him.” The sheep’s trust in his Shepherd gives him great confidence.
On the day Jesus died, three crosses were raised. Jesus hung on the center one between two criminals. One of the men mocked Jesus, but the other said to Him, “Remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus answered, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:42-43).

Imagine the man’s thoughts as he took his last breath. He had paid a horrible penalty for his crimes. But now, because he put his faith in Jesus, he was welcomed into heaven as a child of God. Perhaps he said with confidence, “I know I don’t deserve to be here, but I’m with Him!” gesturing toward Jesus. And Jesus would have confirmed it: “He’s with Me.”
Like the thief on the cross, we all face a choice. Have you made the decision to trust Jesus? Can you say with confidence, “I’m with Him”? —Cindy Hess Kasper

To Do List

2007-01-10T06:13:00.000-05:00

Good Morning! It is a cold one today. I couldn't force myself out of bed. Here is my To Do List

~~Wake at 6 am~~
~~Daily Devotion~~
Bible Reading Not Today
Cook: ~~Breakfast(Apple Oatmeal)~~, Lunch(No one was home),~~Dinner(Soup)~~
~~Make Cookies For After School Snack~~
~~Pack Sons Lunch for School~~
~~Get Son Ready & Take to School~~
~~Package & Print Shipping for Ebay Sales~~
~~Iron~~
~~Vacuum House~~
~~Wash Dishes~~
~~Clean Bathrooms~~
~~Work on Listing Items on Ebay~~
Read January Book Nope
Knit Scarf Nope
~~To Post Office to Mail Package To Sweden~~
~~Pick Son up From School(Early Release)~~
~~Read Son Daily Devotion~~
Drink 8 Glasses of Water 6
To Bed by 10pm

Todays To Do List

2007-01-09T06:01:00.000-05:00

Good Morning! I had computer problems first thing this morning! I hope the rest of the day isn't like this!

~~Wake at 5:30~~
~~Daily Devotion~~
~~Bible Reading~~
~~Cook: Breakfast(Apple Oatmeal), Lunch(Sandwich), Dinner(Pizza)~~
~~Make Stawberry Muffins For After School Snack~~
~~Pack Sons Lunch for School~~
~~Get Son Ready & Take to School~~
~~Package & Print Shipping for Ebay Sales~~
Walk Dogs COLD & WINDY
~~Iron~~
~~Vacuum House~~
~~Wash Laundry~~
~~Wash Dishes~~
~~Work on UF Gator Cat Toys~~
~~Work on Listing Items on Ebay~~
~~Go to Customers House With Husband~~
~~Spend Time With Husband and Son Driving Around Town~~
Read January Book No
Knit Scarf No
~~Pick Son up From School~~
~~Read Son Daily Devotion~~
Drink 8 Glasses of Water 6 Today
To Bed by 10pm 10:30

Week 2 Daily To Do List

2007-01-08T05:21:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Everyone! Week 2 of the new year. I was so moved by the Martha/Mary email, that I am revising my To Do List. Have a great day!

~~Up at 5:15am~~
~~Daily Devotion~~
~~Bible Reading~~
~~Cook: Breakfast(Cereal), Lunch(Soup), Dinner(Chickenw/mashed potatos & veggies)~~
~~Make Blueberry Muffins for After School Snack~~
~~Pack Sons Lunch for School~~
~~Get Son Ready & Take to School~~
~~Package & Print Shipping for Ebay Sales~~
Walk Dogs Raining
~~Vacuum House~~
~~Wash Laundry~~
~~Wash Dishes~~
~~Dust Ceiling Fans~~
~~Bathe Dogs~~
~~Work on Valentine Cat Toys~~
~~Work on Listing Items on Ebay(16 Valentine Toys)~~
~~Read January Book~~
Knit Scarf Nope
~~Pick up Son From School~~
~~Read Son Daily Devotion~~
Drink 8 Glasses of Water 6 today!
To Bed by 10pm 10:30