Just a heads up- In your spare time check out the Amazon Warehouse Deals. There are some good buys to be found. I really LOVE Amazon. Their customer service is amazing!
Remember the wonderful deal on Organic Pumpkin? It was delicious! Delicious enough that I bought a 2nd case, unfortunately almost 5 of the 12 cans were dented :-( I wrote to let them know, and without even questioning, the price was refunded back to my card. That is great customer service!
So much of our Christmas shopping was done on Amazon this year. I'm very thankful for their quick service and fair prices.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
A puppy in the house
We have a puppy at our house. Oh my! This is adorable little guy is on loan from my parents. I say loan because we aren't set on adding a puppy to our family right now. & my daddy said that if this didn't work out it was okay to give him back. I ♥ my daddy.
Meet Buddy! He is a purebred German Shepherd, he's playful and smart! Very smart. He's learning to do his business outside, and is following commands well for his age. Speaking of age, he was born Thanksgiving day so he's about 2 months old.
The princess loves him, almost too much. The prince thinks he's great, but doesn't like being chased around constantly. I'm trying to get used to the idea of having him here, but ultimately I think we just may decided that as much as we love Buddy, it'd be better for everybody if he was a dog we visited at granny & grandpa's house.
We are busy people, and I have promised myself and my family this year to not take on more than I can handle. Rather than having "calendar clutter" over various commitments this year (and only being halfheartedly in each one), we're going to just pick some good ones that we enjoy (and enjoy them, wholeheartedly). It's my hope that then we can spend QUALITY time as a family.
Meet Buddy! He is a purebred German Shepherd, he's playful and smart! Very smart. He's learning to do his business outside, and is following commands well for his age. Speaking of age, he was born Thanksgiving day so he's about 2 months old.
The princess loves him, almost too much. The prince thinks he's great, but doesn't like being chased around constantly. I'm trying to get used to the idea of having him here, but ultimately I think we just may decided that as much as we love Buddy, it'd be better for everybody if he was a dog we visited at granny & grandpa's house.
We are busy people, and I have promised myself and my family this year to not take on more than I can handle. Rather than having "calendar clutter" over various commitments this year (and only being halfheartedly in each one), we're going to just pick some good ones that we enjoy (and enjoy them, wholeheartedly). It's my hope that then we can spend QUALITY time as a family.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Kitchen uprgrade: Strainer
For Valentines day I bought myself my husband a new strainer. AND since I bought it early..... I've already showed him. I just can't keep a secret.
We had this plastic blue one, which I have never totally liked. Mostly because when you put it in the sink and pour your pan of boiling hot water and pasta in it, the water touches the bottom of the sink then rushes back up into your cooked pasta. YUCK.
Also because it's plastic.. and your putting hot food into it, we know this is dangerous.
The little princess and I were at Target shopping for craft supplies for MOPS when I ran across this beautiful strainer. oh, I just loved it! It's stainless steel, AND it's footed, so no more nasty-bottom-of-the-sink-water touching our cooked food. It was $8. An inexpensive upgrade, and one I'm very glad we've made. Even though I haven't actually used it yet, I already love it.
Bonus: It's cute enough that I'm not embarrassed if it's in the sink when company comes over.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
What's in your bathroom?
Toxins- freak.me.out.
They really do.But not bad enough to totally ditch everything I own.
I have some favorites, like my cosmetics. Mostly because I paid a fortune for them while I was selling Mary Kay and would feel totally guilty just throwing them away.
Really though, what's in all those tubes and bottles? TOXINS!
A few months ago I cleaned the bathroom. Not like washed the sinks & scrubbed the toilets kind of clean (that only happens when my mother comes over & does it for me). But I just quickly (HA! okay, it was like 2 hours) went through the cupboards and drawers and took out any lotions, body washes, sprays, etc that I didn't use or just wasn't interested in using.
The result was fairly clean shelves, and A FULL garbage bag!
So today I decided to clean the bathroom again, this time just washing the mirror & counter top. While I was in there I thought to myself, what would happen if I were to take out every product that wasn't good for me/my family? Or at least not terrible for us.
I thought about it for a few minutes and realized my shelves would be empty and I would probably look horrible & stink.
But this is something I want to keep in mind, especially when buying new products.
Oh, we also ditched the bathroom cleaners A LONG time ago, because they made me physically sick (maybe I didn't use them enough, so my body wasn't used to them!). I found that vinegar and water in a spray bottle works just as good. And a baking soda/water paste is sufficient for scrubbing (Thanks Jessa for this tip!)
Have you made any big moves in the bathroom for the sake of protecting your family?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Our God is an AWESOME God!
Our God is an AWESOME God! & He's funny too!
Doctors are expensive. We all know this right? And maybe that's why we avoid them. I may be the only one who puts off scheduling an appointment because of the cost, but I can't help it.
I know that usually you start off with one visit to get established, another to see what is going on, then lab work, and another visit to talk about the lab work, another one to do something about whatever the lab results were, and on and on and on!
All of that adds up to BIG MONEY being spent fast, and usually no solution found, but just "wait it out" or "Call if it happens again".
I had my appt yesterday, to get established, tell the doctor what I'm experiencing. That was the first appointment ($$).
I expressed to my husband that we really can't afford to go through with all of this. In my head I'm thinking, maybe this is all happening because I'm over weight. A diet surely would be cheaper. My husband says we'll just take one bill at a time, everything will be okay.
What do you know, we get home from the doctor and I found a $20 check from CRISCO in the mail... HAHAHA! I won it playing an online sweepstakes. But really... Crisco of all places!
So that took care of the first co-pay. God answers prayers, God heals, really He does it all.
Thank you God!
Doctors are expensive. We all know this right? And maybe that's why we avoid them. I may be the only one who puts off scheduling an appointment because of the cost, but I can't help it.
I know that usually you start off with one visit to get established, another to see what is going on, then lab work, and another visit to talk about the lab work, another one to do something about whatever the lab results were, and on and on and on!
All of that adds up to BIG MONEY being spent fast, and usually no solution found, but just "wait it out" or "Call if it happens again".
I had my appt yesterday, to get established, tell the doctor what I'm experiencing. That was the first appointment ($$).
I expressed to my husband that we really can't afford to go through with all of this. In my head I'm thinking, maybe this is all happening because I'm over weight. A diet surely would be cheaper. My husband says we'll just take one bill at a time, everything will be okay.
What do you know, we get home from the doctor and I found a $20 check from CRISCO in the mail... HAHAHA! I won it playing an online sweepstakes. But really... Crisco of all places!
So that took care of the first co-pay. God answers prayers, God heals, really He does it all.
Thank you God!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Content Whatever the Circumstances
Philippians 4:13 (The Message)
Content Whatever the Circumstances
10-14I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you're again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don't mean that your help didn't mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.
Today is the start of something new. Asking for help. I really struggle with this, I am such a do-er and feel like I can handle all things on my own. But today, for the first time, in a very long time. I'll have to ask for help. I'll be visiting a doctor to help determine the cause of my health concerns. And I'm hoping and praying that whatever is causing this is easily fixed.
But I do have a bit of a nursing background, and I know that something that has been going on for a few months probably will take a bit of time to diagnose.
I'll also have to ask my husband to drive me to the doctor, and take the kids while I'm being examined. And even though he is a great father and a wonderful husband, it leaves me feeling helpless when I HAVE to have his help.
I am VERY confident that whatever this is, I will over come it, I will concur it, and "I can make it through anything in the one who makes me who I am".
Yes, I will beat this! Whatever "this" is.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Godly-Givers
"If a child sees his parents day in and day out
living without self-restraint or self-discipline
then he will come in the deepest fibers of his being
to believe that that is the way to live"
-M. Scott Peck
Well isn't that just the truth?
Let me start with telling you that I am a purger (On a whim I decide to throw or donate tons of things, all at once, it's usually a big production). I've always kind of known this, but a good friend pointed it out recently (because good friends can do that). I didn't think much of it at the time, but the next time I was in a purging mood I sat down and thought hard about why I was doing what I what I was doing.
Here's what I came up with:
I wasn't doing it to provide for the needy or to give to others with a kind heart. I was doing it as a way to cleanse the space around me, to get rid of the STUFF that was occupying my eyes. I did it so it was easier to clean, and less to mess with.
I'm not certain, but all I can think is maybe I was doing this because I have pretty much ALWAYS had more than what I needed. Growing up in a home that was certainly not high class, and sometimes not quite middle class, I only a few times really remember experiencing a sacrifice or struggling.
But when we did, those times although hard, passed quickly, and without a thanks to God or a lesson from my parents about the things we did have. (You'll know from past posts though, I have great parents, but God was not usually pointed out as being the center of our home when I was growing up).
So recently I decided to go through my home and give, when I wasn't in a mood. I took the kids along with me and we went through each closet, drawer, cupboard and shelf. We decided that the dining room table was our GIVE space. We talked about the types of things we wanted to give and that we weren't giving just because it was things that we didn't need, but because we wanted to be Godly givers.
When my children went through their toys and clothes to give, it shocked me. When going through my daughters hair bows I stepped back, and let her decide what to keep and give. I didn't influence one way or another. Once she was finished I just asked her, "Are you sure your piles are right, this looks like you're giving more bows than you're keeping?". Thinking that she'd quickly switch the piles, she instead just said "That's right, and guess what mom? I still have A LOT!"
My daughter realized that she still had more than enough. We said several thankful prayers to God. This was much harder with the 3 year old because everything was "This is mine" "I want to keep everything!". But by the end of the two day event it turned into "I don't NEED this" or "Someone else can love this". He would willingly run his un-needed items to the giving table and proudly yell out "I'm giving!".
This experience was great for all of us.
I was certain not to guilt the kids into giving, I wanted them to realize each of their blessings and only give what they felt comfortable giving.
The princess and I took a car FULL to the second hand store and on the way down she said "Mommy, I really don't think I'm ready to give my Hannah Montana pillow". We talked about it, and I told her how I had also put something in the give pile that I thought I wanted to keep. I told her I was going to go ahead and give my item because I knew I was only thinking of keeping it because it was new, not because I had a use for it, or an attachment to it. If she wasn't ready though, she could keep the pillow until she felt ready. So she kept it, hasn't touched it since, BUT that's okay. :) She recognized her feelings and expressed them to me, that made me pretty happy :)
What can you give freely and with an open heart? If not something you possess, when and where can you give your time?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
50th Post! Not even a great one :-( Sorry!
So this is my 50th blog post! I had thought it would be great to do something fun for this one. But instead, I'm going to get my feelings out. Which is really what this blog is all about anyway, saying what's on my mind, so I can think about other things, more important things.
Speaking of important things... My faith, husband, and children are all really important to me. I think it was about 2 years ago I made a decision to cancel our cable TV. It wasn't a financial decision, but one that I thought was a good move to get the awful horrible media out of our home (the grown up shows my husband and I were watching, thinking the kids weren't paying attention, but they were). At the time, it was a decent idea.
About 3 days in, we all missed TV and, to be honest, we were BORED! So, we got a little antenna for the top of the entertainment center, to pick up the news, which was important to m husband. After that he discovered that if we bought a big one for the roof we could pick up several more channels.
Then 10 months ago I reactivated our Netflix subscription (we used it 4 years ago and liked it).
For about $10 a month we could watch movies/TV episodes instantly on our TV (through our Wii) and set up my laptop in the bedroom for the kids to watch a movie. Cheap entertainment.
CHEAP! Not inexpensive, but CHEAP (which to me, is kind of the same as saying crap).
I just figured out that in 10 months we've had 45 DVD's mailed to us, and watched OVER 350 TITLES INSTANTLY!
#$%$#%#$^
So, yes, it is inexpensive. $100 in fees / 400+ movies = A quarter (or less) for each show.
What a disaster this has been. We're watching more TV than ever, even though we're getting it at a good price.
I feel so stupid that I let it get this out of control. And stupid that I didn't really FIX the bad habit, I just CHANGED it.
I've begged my husband to let me take the TV out of the living room. I know this is very 'unamerican'. But it's something I so deeply desire.
It's my wish that by the end of 2011 (but really, sooner would be better), we'll have our basement completed enough that we can put our entertainment center, TV, and all video games down there.
It's not that we watch anything that is really terrible, is just that there is so many other things we could be doing with our lives than watching shows we aren't really interested in, just because it's available.
Just like a cookie- Just because it's there, doesn't mean we should eat it. Just because the shows are available, doesn't mean we should watch it.
I know this is so unfair to my husband, I really am very thankful for his support through this. I'm the one who has the problem limiting my TV time, and because of this, he is missing out on so many sports and late night TV shows. He has been great about all of this, he is so encouraging.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For those of you who are thinking of cancelling cable to save money, here is our financial break down-
Cable was $40 a month, so if we had paid that for 2 years it would've been $960
We spent $50 on a little antenna, and $200 on a great one.
$960-$250=$710 in savings
Minus say, 1 year of Netflix, $120
Means in 2 years, we've still saved $590.. which is a great savings. It just didn't accomplish what I had first set my sights on, which was controlling the media in our home.
Speaking of important things... My faith, husband, and children are all really important to me. I think it was about 2 years ago I made a decision to cancel our cable TV. It wasn't a financial decision, but one that I thought was a good move to get the awful horrible media out of our home (the grown up shows my husband and I were watching, thinking the kids weren't paying attention, but they were). At the time, it was a decent idea.
About 3 days in, we all missed TV and, to be honest, we were BORED! So, we got a little antenna for the top of the entertainment center, to pick up the news, which was important to m husband. After that he discovered that if we bought a big one for the roof we could pick up several more channels.
Then 10 months ago I reactivated our Netflix subscription (we used it 4 years ago and liked it).
For about $10 a month we could watch movies/TV episodes instantly on our TV (through our Wii) and set up my laptop in the bedroom for the kids to watch a movie. Cheap entertainment.
CHEAP! Not inexpensive, but CHEAP (which to me, is kind of the same as saying crap).
I just figured out that in 10 months we've had 45 DVD's mailed to us, and watched OVER 350 TITLES INSTANTLY!
#$%$#%#$^
So, yes, it is inexpensive. $100 in fees / 400+ movies = A quarter (or less) for each show.
What a disaster this has been. We're watching more TV than ever, even though we're getting it at a good price.
I feel so stupid that I let it get this out of control. And stupid that I didn't really FIX the bad habit, I just CHANGED it.
I've begged my husband to let me take the TV out of the living room. I know this is very 'unamerican'. But it's something I so deeply desire.
It's my wish that by the end of 2011 (but really, sooner would be better), we'll have our basement completed enough that we can put our entertainment center, TV, and all video games down there.
It's not that we watch anything that is really terrible, is just that there is so many other things we could be doing with our lives than watching shows we aren't really interested in, just because it's available.
Just like a cookie- Just because it's there, doesn't mean we should eat it. Just because the shows are available, doesn't mean we should watch it.
I know this is so unfair to my husband, I really am very thankful for his support through this. I'm the one who has the problem limiting my TV time, and because of this, he is missing out on so many sports and late night TV shows. He has been great about all of this, he is so encouraging.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For those of you who are thinking of cancelling cable to save money, here is our financial break down-
Cable was $40 a month, so if we had paid that for 2 years it would've been $960
We spent $50 on a little antenna, and $200 on a great one.
$960-$250=$710 in savings
Minus say, 1 year of Netflix, $120
Means in 2 years, we've still saved $590.. which is a great savings. It just didn't accomplish what I had first set my sights on, which was controlling the media in our home.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
I Swear.
Last night my husband was working late, so the kids and I decided to make homemade brownies and serve a candlelit dinner to daddy to show him our appreciation when he came home.
I had the radio on, and my daughter started doing dishes, without being asked (if you knew how much food she left on the dishes, you'd know why she wasn't asked. Oh well, the dishwasher finished what she couldn't).
Anyway, John Michael Montgomery's "I Swear" came on.
In case you need a refresher on the lyrics, it goes like this:
"I see the questions in your eyes
I know what's weighing on your mind
That you can be sure I know my heart
`Coz I'll stand beside you through the years
You'll only cry those happy tears
And though I make mistakes
I'll never break your heart
I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky
I'll be there
I swear like a shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse, till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
I swear
I'll give you everything I can
I'll build your dreams with these two hands
We'll hang some memories on the walls
And when just the two of us are there
You won't have to ask if I still care
`Coz as the time turns the page, my love won't age at all
I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky
I'll be there
I swear like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse, till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
I swear
I swear by the moon and stars in the sky
I'll be there
I swear like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse, till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
I swear, I swear "
My sweet princess, who had only heard this song for the first time, but is excellent at all things musical, started humming along. Just after the second "For better or worse, till death do us part I'll love you with every beat of my heart, I swear". She says with the biggest smile on her face,
Ahhh, finally, I feel like I'm doing something right! She makes me so proud!
Side note: It was Mac N' Cheese Monday, the noodles were mushy, the cheese wasn't stirred enough, and I served garlic toast that a certain little girl put WAY to much butter on, but it really wasn't about the food at all. The time our little family spent at the table last night was just wonderful!
& I'm excited to be a wife too.
I had the radio on, and my daughter started doing dishes, without being asked (if you knew how much food she left on the dishes, you'd know why she wasn't asked. Oh well, the dishwasher finished what she couldn't).
Anyway, John Michael Montgomery's "I Swear" came on.
In case you need a refresher on the lyrics, it goes like this:
"I see the questions in your eyes
I know what's weighing on your mind
That you can be sure I know my heart
`Coz I'll stand beside you through the years
You'll only cry those happy tears
And though I make mistakes
I'll never break your heart
I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky
I'll be there
I swear like a shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse, till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
I swear
I'll give you everything I can
I'll build your dreams with these two hands
We'll hang some memories on the walls
And when just the two of us are there
You won't have to ask if I still care
`Coz as the time turns the page, my love won't age at all
I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky
I'll be there
I swear like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse, till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
I swear
I swear by the moon and stars in the sky
I'll be there
I swear like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse, till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
I swear, I swear "
My sweet princess, who had only heard this song for the first time, but is excellent at all things musical, started humming along. Just after the second "For better or worse, till death do us part I'll love you with every beat of my heart, I swear". She says with the biggest smile on her face,
" I'm so excited to be a wife......someday"
Ahhh, finally, I feel like I'm doing something right! She makes me so proud!
Side note: It was Mac N' Cheese Monday, the noodles were mushy, the cheese wasn't stirred enough, and I served garlic toast that a certain little girl put WAY to much butter on, but it really wasn't about the food at all. The time our little family spent at the table last night was just wonderful!
& I'm excited to be a wife too.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
First off, I know this is way too forward- But I'm just going to put this out there- I'm hearing WAY too often of couples getting divorced. We've been close too, we're all human and make mistakes. Have grace for your spouse. My advice to you is something I read in a book tonight "We did WHAT WE COULD with WHAT WE HAD and THEN GOD TOOK IT from there". Think (when you're not upset) about the long term picture, is this what's best, is whatever you're upset about something that is really worth shaking your precious children's lives over. We all know we can't change our spouses, but if YOU change, would it help the situation. If so, do it. You're worth it, your kids are worth it, and so is your spouse.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Friday.
Here is a verse I came across on a web-site this morning. I knew instantly I was supposed to read it, and believe wholeheartedly in it. I have so much on my mind, I just wish I trusted myself to act on the feelings I have.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart,
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him
and He shall direct thy paths.~ Proverbs 3:5-6 ~
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him
and He shall direct thy paths.~ Proverbs 3:5-6 ~
My weekend goal is to spend lots of time in prayer and talking with my husband, so I am ready, first thing next week, to take action on the things that are pressing on my heart.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Thoughts of the day
This is what is on my mind:
Intentional Parenting- Not just letting each day slip by, and giving in to whatever makes our kids happy, but intentionally parenting our children. Training them to be well disciplined. This is a new experience for me, and let me tell you, it is H.A.R.D! Especially after so many years of not doing this.
Home School-I don't know if this is right for our family or not. But it's something My husband and I are praying deeply about. It would mean a total lifestyle change, but may be worth it for our children. Especially my daughter. I went to public school, I don't see it as a terrible thing. But I think a home school environment would be less distracting and give me more time with my children. I feel like 18 years having them home is just too short, I don't want to miss more than I have to. There are so many pros and cons to this. A big struggle right now is that I think my son would benefit greatly from being in a public school, where my daughter would do better at home.
Decluttering- I spent about 30 minutes in the kitchen yesterday filling paper grocery sacks with things I don't use, or don't want to use anymore. Today I took an hour to have a paper shredding party with the little prince. My husband does not have the gift of organization, so I tried to organize his stuff the best I could. I think his night stand looks MUCH better, I hope he appreciates what I've done. & I hope I didn't do too much, too quickly.
Food- I'm thinking of what to have for lunch, and what to make for dinner. Wednesday is our busy day. Thankfully I made a Turkey earlier this week, and the whole family likes it! I'll have some for lunch, set some aside for dinner, then put the rest of it in bags to freeze and use later.
Anyone have a favorite turkey recipe? I have another frozen turkey in the basement freezer.
Intentional Parenting- Not just letting each day slip by, and giving in to whatever makes our kids happy, but intentionally parenting our children. Training them to be well disciplined. This is a new experience for me, and let me tell you, it is H.A.R.D! Especially after so many years of not doing this.
Home School-I don't know if this is right for our family or not. But it's something My husband and I are praying deeply about. It would mean a total lifestyle change, but may be worth it for our children. Especially my daughter. I went to public school, I don't see it as a terrible thing. But I think a home school environment would be less distracting and give me more time with my children. I feel like 18 years having them home is just too short, I don't want to miss more than I have to. There are so many pros and cons to this. A big struggle right now is that I think my son would benefit greatly from being in a public school, where my daughter would do better at home.
Decluttering- I spent about 30 minutes in the kitchen yesterday filling paper grocery sacks with things I don't use, or don't want to use anymore. Today I took an hour to have a paper shredding party with the little prince. My husband does not have the gift of organization, so I tried to organize his stuff the best I could. I think his night stand looks MUCH better, I hope he appreciates what I've done. & I hope I didn't do too much, too quickly.
Food- I'm thinking of what to have for lunch, and what to make for dinner. Wednesday is our busy day. Thankfully I made a Turkey earlier this week, and the whole family likes it! I'll have some for lunch, set some aside for dinner, then put the rest of it in bags to freeze and use later.
Anyone have a favorite turkey recipe? I have another frozen turkey in the basement freezer.
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