I'm 34 and my husband is 44. I'm not somebody who is obsessed with age (mine or anybody else's). None of the big milestone birthdays affected me, and I can't anticipate any of the upcoming ones bothering me, either. I don't see any sense in lying about my age or getting worked up about it. I've always just accepted that, yes, I'm getting older and that's a good thing because it means I'm still alive :)
The thing that I wasn't prepared for with getting older is watching loved ones deal with serious health issues, many of which are age-related. 2010 has been a very emotionally draining year for our family as my husband and I have experienced the pain of having sick loved ones.
*My husband's grandmother passed away in February at the age of 94.
*In August my sister was involved in a serious car accident that could have killed her. Fortunately after 8 days in the hospital (including 5 in ICU), surgery to repair her broken and twisted vertabrae, and 3 months in a back brace she will eventually make a full recovery.
*This fall a good friend of my husband's, who is in her 40's, had a stroke and a heart attack. She is a mom of 3 kids ranging in age from 15-9.
*At the beginning of November my husband's "second dad" was hospitalized after doctors discovered aneurysms in his leg and heart. My husband and this man's son have been friends since they were 8 years old and they practically grew up in each other's houses, so this affected my husband deeply. Mr. M had surgery and should make a full recovery, but it was scary for awhile since he is in his mid-70's.
*This fall my brother-in-law went to a doctor twice complaining of chronic pain in his leg. He was sent away both times. By October he was having so much pain in his leg that he took himself to the ER and is still in the hospital two months later. He has had a series of health problems stringing from the blood clot that went undiagnosed on his first two visits to the doctor. He has now had his entire leg amputated below the knee and is now having other health issues that have had him fighting for his life in recent weeks. As of Thanksgiving weekend he'd been in the hospital for over 40 days. Here it is, almost Christmas, and he won't be going home any time soon. He is only 47.
The reality is that my grandparents are in their 80s, my in-laws are in their 70s, my parents are 59 and we're all getting older. As rough as 2010 has been, it's both sad and scary to think that years like this are going to become more common as we age and start watching our loved ones get older, too.
I was prepared for my own gray hair and wrinkles . . . I wasn't prepared for my family and friends getting old.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Purging
Over the weekend I got sick of all the junk lying around my house and decided to do something about it. I immediately started throwing anything and everything that doesn't get used on a regular basis in a box to take to Goodwill. I've already made one trip and am currently going through the garage and closets in preparation for my next trip(s).
I mentioned on facebook Saturday that I was in the mood to purge and several of my friends posted "Atta girl" comments and lamented their own need to do it.
As I read my friends comments and looked at the hundreds of dollars of "junk" in my boxes it got me thinking . . . this need to "purge" is a byproduct of our culture's obsession with consumerism. All the things I'm getting rid of are things I've spent money on (or that others have given me as a gift). Some items going in the box still have their tags on them---meaning I (or someone else) spent their hard-earned money on them and never used them.
As Christmas approaches we're often asked, "What do you want?". We often buy things for our family and friends because we want to, but also because we know we "have" to. I've made mention that Christmas is a low-key event at our house. My kids don't really have a lot of toys, namely because we don't have a place to put them, but do they really NEED another toy from Grandma?
As I throw toys away, and prepare to wrap others next week, I'm wondering . . . are those toys going to end up in next year's purge pile? Is that sweater I "need" today going to be in the box next year?
I mentioned on facebook Saturday that I was in the mood to purge and several of my friends posted "Atta girl" comments and lamented their own need to do it.
As I read my friends comments and looked at the hundreds of dollars of "junk" in my boxes it got me thinking . . . this need to "purge" is a byproduct of our culture's obsession with consumerism. All the things I'm getting rid of are things I've spent money on (or that others have given me as a gift). Some items going in the box still have their tags on them---meaning I (or someone else) spent their hard-earned money on them and never used them.
As Christmas approaches we're often asked, "What do you want?". We often buy things for our family and friends because we want to, but also because we know we "have" to. I've made mention that Christmas is a low-key event at our house. My kids don't really have a lot of toys, namely because we don't have a place to put them, but do they really NEED another toy from Grandma?
As I throw toys away, and prepare to wrap others next week, I'm wondering . . . are those toys going to end up in next year's purge pile? Is that sweater I "need" today going to be in the box next year?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
I'm Heidi and I'm Weird
I have made mistakes with money . I have made stupid decisions. I have been in debt over my head. I have had bill collectors call me. I have lost sleep wondering how I'm going to pay the bills. I have skipped meals because I couldn't afford food. I literally have been there/done that and have said NO MORE!
After I got myself straightened out I learned how to say "no" to myself, and to others. I skipped social events if they weren't free. If all my friends went out to dinner I either didn't go at all or I ordered a water and a $3 side. I didn't participate in office gift exchanges. I was a flight attendant while I pulled myself out of debt and in the years following. When my crew members went out to dinner or to a bar I ate ramen noodles I cooked in a hotel coffee pot (and yes, I know how gross anything and everything in a hotel is).
Over the years I have learned the difference between a want and a need. I am kind of a materialistic person and have a lot of wants, but the reality is I don't have a lot of needs. I have been on missions trips in poor parts of the world. I have seen entire families living in shelters made up of wood pallets and calling it "home". I have seen 5 year olds wander the street begging for money and food. I have met an 8 year old who is routinely left at home for weeks to care for his 5 year old cousin and 2 year old cousin while their parents are on a drug binge. In light of all this, my needs are few.
In recent years I have become a fan of Dave Ramsey. I "met" Dave several years after I had climbed out of the financial hole I had dug for myself. What I like about Dave is he makes sense. Before I knew better, I was following Dave's plan to get myself out of debt. I acted my wage. If I couldn't afford it, I didn't buy it. Dave tells his listeners "Debt is normal. Be weird." I'm weird . . . and proud of it!
I'm weird because I don't think my kids need any more stuff for Christmas or their birthdays.
I'm weird because I don't think stuff equals happiness.
I'm weird because I haven't been out to dinner in months (not even fast food).
I'm weird because I cook dinner from scratch every night.
I'm weird because I don't take my kids to the movies.
I'm weird because I use coupons and shop sales.
I'm weird because my kids have never been on vacation.
I'm weird because my kids have never been to Disneyland.
I'm weird because I haven't taken a vacation since 2006.
I'm weird because I say "no" to myself if a "want" is not in the budget.
I'm weird because, though I could've declared bankruptcy walked away from my debts, I honored my word and paid them all back.
I'm weird because I'd rather work 7 days a week at 2 jobs (working 20+ hours some days) and go 6 months without a day off than to be in debt one more minute.
I'm weird because I give myself $20 every 2 weeks for all the activities the kids and I do.
I'm weird because I think that to raise children with a giving heart they need to be actively be involved in giving.
I'm weird because my husband has an excellent job and my kids wear hand-me-downs.
I'm weird because I think a contribution to my kids' 529 is a better gift than a toy they'll forget about next year.
I'm weird because I'd rather make sacrifices now (like not taking vacations, not eating out, not going to movies, etc.) to stay home and raise my kids instead of paying for childcare.
I'm weird because 20 years from now my kids won't remember what they did or didn't get for Christmas when they were 4, but they'll know Mom & Dad were able to pay cash for their college tuition.
My husband is weird because he started maxing out his 401(k) when he was in his 20's.
My husband is weird because he bought a house at age 30 and has consistently paid extra on principle.
My husband is weird because even though he has an excellent job he comes home for lunch every day, rather than going out, in order to save money.
We're weird because we have a budget and stick to it.
We're weird because we pay cash for our purchases.
We're weird because my husband and I donate more in a year to our various charities than I have ever made in a year (Yes, even when I was working a full-time job + a part-time job and worked 7 days a week, and went 6 months without a day off)
We're weird because we will give more to food banks, rescue missions, and other charities this season than we will spend on presents.
We're weird because after 2011 we will never have a car payment again.
We're weird because we will pay off our house before our oldest child graduates high school in 2025.
We're weird because we have an emergency fund in place to take care of life's surprises.
We're weird because our house is "outdated".
We're weird because we'd rather live in a smaller "outdated" house than our friends to insure my husband only has a 5 minute commute to work, enabling him to spend time with the kids in the morning, come home for lunch every day, and spend time as a family each evening. We're weird because we think family time is more important than a large house in a cheaper suburb.
We're weird because when we bought our newest house 2.5 years ago we agreed to spend less than we could "afford".
We're weird because we think 401(k) contributions, 6 months of savings in the bank, ESA's and 529's are more important than nice "stuff" now.
We're weird because we believe that paying off our mortgage in half the time is more important than it being "upgraded".
How are you weird?
After I got myself straightened out I learned how to say "no" to myself, and to others. I skipped social events if they weren't free. If all my friends went out to dinner I either didn't go at all or I ordered a water and a $3 side. I didn't participate in office gift exchanges. I was a flight attendant while I pulled myself out of debt and in the years following. When my crew members went out to dinner or to a bar I ate ramen noodles I cooked in a hotel coffee pot (and yes, I know how gross anything and everything in a hotel is).
Over the years I have learned the difference between a want and a need. I am kind of a materialistic person and have a lot of wants, but the reality is I don't have a lot of needs. I have been on missions trips in poor parts of the world. I have seen entire families living in shelters made up of wood pallets and calling it "home". I have seen 5 year olds wander the street begging for money and food. I have met an 8 year old who is routinely left at home for weeks to care for his 5 year old cousin and 2 year old cousin while their parents are on a drug binge. In light of all this, my needs are few.
In recent years I have become a fan of Dave Ramsey. I "met" Dave several years after I had climbed out of the financial hole I had dug for myself. What I like about Dave is he makes sense. Before I knew better, I was following Dave's plan to get myself out of debt. I acted my wage. If I couldn't afford it, I didn't buy it. Dave tells his listeners "Debt is normal. Be weird." I'm weird . . . and proud of it!
I'm weird because I don't think my kids need any more stuff for Christmas or their birthdays.
I'm weird because I don't think stuff equals happiness.
I'm weird because I haven't been out to dinner in months (not even fast food).
I'm weird because I cook dinner from scratch every night.
I'm weird because I don't take my kids to the movies.
I'm weird because I use coupons and shop sales.
I'm weird because my kids have never been on vacation.
I'm weird because my kids have never been to Disneyland.
I'm weird because I haven't taken a vacation since 2006.
I'm weird because I say "no" to myself if a "want" is not in the budget.
I'm weird because, though I could've declared bankruptcy walked away from my debts, I honored my word and paid them all back.
I'm weird because I'd rather work 7 days a week at 2 jobs (working 20+ hours some days) and go 6 months without a day off than to be in debt one more minute.
I'm weird because I give myself $20 every 2 weeks for all the activities the kids and I do.
I'm weird because I think that to raise children with a giving heart they need to be actively be involved in giving.
I'm weird because my husband has an excellent job and my kids wear hand-me-downs.
I'm weird because I think a contribution to my kids' 529 is a better gift than a toy they'll forget about next year.
I'm weird because I'd rather make sacrifices now (like not taking vacations, not eating out, not going to movies, etc.) to stay home and raise my kids instead of paying for childcare.
I'm weird because 20 years from now my kids won't remember what they did or didn't get for Christmas when they were 4, but they'll know Mom & Dad were able to pay cash for their college tuition.
My husband is weird because he started maxing out his 401(k) when he was in his 20's.
My husband is weird because he bought a house at age 30 and has consistently paid extra on principle.
My husband is weird because even though he has an excellent job he comes home for lunch every day, rather than going out, in order to save money.
We're weird because we have a budget and stick to it.
We're weird because we pay cash for our purchases.
We're weird because my husband and I donate more in a year to our various charities than I have ever made in a year (Yes, even when I was working a full-time job + a part-time job and worked 7 days a week, and went 6 months without a day off)
We're weird because we will give more to food banks, rescue missions, and other charities this season than we will spend on presents.
We're weird because after 2011 we will never have a car payment again.
We're weird because we will pay off our house before our oldest child graduates high school in 2025.
We're weird because we have an emergency fund in place to take care of life's surprises.
We're weird because our house is "outdated".
We're weird because we'd rather live in a smaller "outdated" house than our friends to insure my husband only has a 5 minute commute to work, enabling him to spend time with the kids in the morning, come home for lunch every day, and spend time as a family each evening. We're weird because we think family time is more important than a large house in a cheaper suburb.
We're weird because when we bought our newest house 2.5 years ago we agreed to spend less than we could "afford".
We're weird because we think 401(k) contributions, 6 months of savings in the bank, ESA's and 529's are more important than nice "stuff" now.
We're weird because we believe that paying off our mortgage in half the time is more important than it being "upgraded".
How are you weird?
Monday, December 6, 2010
My own Tale of a Tree
Last week I was reading an entry on C. Beth's Blog called Tale of a tree and had a bit of "tree envy". Like C. Beth I've been wanting a taller, pre-lit, tree for years. To be exact, I have wanted one since we moved into this house in 2008, with its 10' celings. Seeing the prices of the tree I longed for crushed that dream fairly quickly, but being the bargain shopper I am, I consoled myself that first year with the fact I'd be able to get a great deal after Christmas . . . WRONG. Much to my dismay, the tree of my dreams sells out well before Christmas and there are none left in the after-Christmas clearance sales.
For the past several years I have wrestled with the lights and dreamt of the day I would have a pre-lit tree of my own. Year after year I would torment myself by looking at trees and lamenting their outrageous prices. I had told (warned?) my husband that I had a price in mind that I considered "reasonable" considering how long we would have it and that if I saw it for that price I would want to buy it.
Yesterday I had the luxury of going shopping by myself for a couple of hours. I was at a large outdoor mall that has pretty much every store you can imagine: a grocery store, restaurants, bars, Old Navy, Ross, Target, Kohl's, etc. On my way from one store to another I passed Target and decided to walk in. On a whim I went to the seasonal department where I think I might've heard angels singing (ok, maybe it was just a motion activated snowman) as I saw the tree of my dreams "price cut" to my "reasonable price"
I had no cart and my car was about half a mile away on the other side of the mall, but I mentally started strategizing how I'd get this tree home as I searched for it's box underneath . . .nothing. I called a store employee over, who broke my heart when he told me they were out of stock. I asked about buying the floor model and was told they couldn't do that. The employee told me there was one other store with that tree--about 15 miles away. I called that store and they were sold out (they wouldn't sell me the floor model, either).
I left the mall dejected, but when I got home I looked my tree up on target.com where I discovered not only was it in-stock it was HALF PRICE! Things got even better when I remembered that AAA members (like me) get 10% off at target.com when you link to Target's website from the AAA one. I was practically shaking with excitement as I put my half-price tree in the cart and nervously looked to find out how much shipping would be. It turns out there is FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50!
All told I found the tree of my dreams for 60% off the "reasonable price" I was willing to pay in the store and am getting it shipped to my house this week!
I just set up our "old" tree Saturday. Sunday morning I put the lights up and the kids helped me hang the ornaments, not having the slightest notion that the tree of my dreams would be on it's way to my house within a matter of hours.
Later this week the tree I have been dreaming about for 3 years will be mine, but the old one is already set up. I told my husband "Don't worry, I'm not going to take this one down just to set up the new one and do it all over again", but I don't know I'm going to be able to restrain myself . . . .
What would you do?
For the past several years I have wrestled with the lights and dreamt of the day I would have a pre-lit tree of my own. Year after year I would torment myself by looking at trees and lamenting their outrageous prices. I had told (warned?) my husband that I had a price in mind that I considered "reasonable" considering how long we would have it and that if I saw it for that price I would want to buy it.
Yesterday I had the luxury of going shopping by myself for a couple of hours. I was at a large outdoor mall that has pretty much every store you can imagine: a grocery store, restaurants, bars, Old Navy, Ross, Target, Kohl's, etc. On my way from one store to another I passed Target and decided to walk in. On a whim I went to the seasonal department where I think I might've heard angels singing (ok, maybe it was just a motion activated snowman) as I saw the tree of my dreams "price cut" to my "reasonable price"
I had no cart and my car was about half a mile away on the other side of the mall, but I mentally started strategizing how I'd get this tree home as I searched for it's box underneath . . .nothing. I called a store employee over, who broke my heart when he told me they were out of stock. I asked about buying the floor model and was told they couldn't do that. The employee told me there was one other store with that tree--about 15 miles away. I called that store and they were sold out (they wouldn't sell me the floor model, either).
I left the mall dejected, but when I got home I looked my tree up on target.com where I discovered not only was it in-stock it was HALF PRICE! Things got even better when I remembered that AAA members (like me) get 10% off at target.com when you link to Target's website from the AAA one. I was practically shaking with excitement as I put my half-price tree in the cart and nervously looked to find out how much shipping would be. It turns out there is FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50!
All told I found the tree of my dreams for 60% off the "reasonable price" I was willing to pay in the store and am getting it shipped to my house this week!
I just set up our "old" tree Saturday. Sunday morning I put the lights up and the kids helped me hang the ornaments, not having the slightest notion that the tree of my dreams would be on it's way to my house within a matter of hours.
Later this week the tree I have been dreaming about for 3 years will be mine, but the old one is already set up. I told my husband "Don't worry, I'm not going to take this one down just to set up the new one and do it all over again", but I don't know I'm going to be able to restrain myself . . . .
What would you do?
Friday, December 3, 2010
Santa doesn't live here . . .
Santa isn't and won't be coming to our house. My husband and I are in agreement that there will be no fictious characters (no Santa, no Easter bunny, no Tooth Fairy, etc) visiting our house in the middle of the night.
I LOVE Christmas. I love having lights outside. I love seeing presents underneath the tree. I love looking at the ornaments on the tree (each one tells a story), I love having Christmas music playing, I love shopping for my kids and picking out their presents, etc. I'm far from Scrooge, but we don't make a big deal out of presents. There are presents under our tree, but they are from Mom & Dad, Grandma & Papa, Grandma & Grandma, etc . . .
That being said, we are very determined that we want to focus on Jesus' birthday more than the commercialism of Christmas. Our son is 4, and attends preschool 2 days a week. Because of the decorations in our home and the discussions he's had at school and church he knows Christmas is coming, but he doesn't know/realize that he's supposed to want things at Christmas! He has never asked me for a birthday or Christmas present, because while he gets them, that has never been the focus of either holiday. Christmas morning is over quickly because so far Mom and Dad give each kid just one present! Because of the age of our kids we've been able to get off fairly inexpensively, too (less than $40 for each kid). We're also fortunate that neither of our parents buy tons of gifts for our kids,
Jesus is pretty clear in Matthew 25 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me' . . . The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' "
Service and giving are two values that are extremely important to my husband and I and they are ones we want to instill in our kids.
What does all this have to do with Santa? Last December my friend C. Beth (who writes this blog) linked this. I thought it was the most incredible way I'd ever heard of to merge the cultural tradition of Santa with the spirit of giving that I'm so passionate about. I love how Eternal Lizdom is teaching her daughter about giving in a practical way and that others are going to benefit from this mom's wisdom. I shared it on my facebook page then and am going to again, but I had so much to say about the subject that I had to write a whole blog :)
I LOVE Christmas. I love having lights outside. I love seeing presents underneath the tree. I love looking at the ornaments on the tree (each one tells a story), I love having Christmas music playing, I love shopping for my kids and picking out their presents, etc. I'm far from Scrooge, but we don't make a big deal out of presents. There are presents under our tree, but they are from Mom & Dad, Grandma & Papa, Grandma & Grandma, etc . . .
That being said, we are very determined that we want to focus on Jesus' birthday more than the commercialism of Christmas. Our son is 4, and attends preschool 2 days a week. Because of the decorations in our home and the discussions he's had at school and church he knows Christmas is coming, but he doesn't know/realize that he's supposed to want things at Christmas! He has never asked me for a birthday or Christmas present, because while he gets them, that has never been the focus of either holiday. Christmas morning is over quickly because so far Mom and Dad give each kid just one present! Because of the age of our kids we've been able to get off fairly inexpensively, too (less than $40 for each kid). We're also fortunate that neither of our parents buy tons of gifts for our kids,
Jesus is pretty clear in Matthew 25 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me' . . . The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' "
Service and giving are two values that are extremely important to my husband and I and they are ones we want to instill in our kids.
What does all this have to do with Santa? Last December my friend C. Beth (who writes this blog) linked this. I thought it was the most incredible way I'd ever heard of to merge the cultural tradition of Santa with the spirit of giving that I'm so passionate about. I love how Eternal Lizdom is teaching her daughter about giving in a practical way and that others are going to benefit from this mom's wisdom. I shared it on my facebook page then and am going to again, but I had so much to say about the subject that I had to write a whole blog :)
Saturday, November 27, 2010
34 or 4?
Without going into too many details Thanksgiving and the days surrounding it have been rough around here. My husband and I, along with our 4 year old son and 2 year old daughter traveled to my husband's hometown for Thanksgiving to visit his family. The trip is about 200 miles each way and generally takes us about 3 hours. While there we don't generally sleep well, which makes for tired and cranky kids, as well as tired and cranky parents.
In addition to the normal holiday craziness my husband's brother is currently fighting for his life, about 6 hours from the town where they grew up, so it added an additional strain on my in-laws (on top of adding 2 adults and two toddlers into their small townhouse for several days).
During this time of concern for my brother-in-law, the stress of travelling (and not sleeping) with two little ones and other family dynamics left me at my wit's end last night. I was mad at my husband, mad at my kids, and pretty much just MAD. Before I knew what was happening I reached my breaking point, screamed at my husband, started crying, ran to my room and slammed the door. Did I mention I was MAD!?
It is now about 24 hours after my outburst and I am extremely embarrassed about how I handled the situation. First of all, I had no right to act the way I did. Secondly, my husband is in one of the most difficult periods of his life as he doesn't know if his big brother will pull out of this. I should've been supportive, instead of harsh. My fatigue is no excuse for how I handled the situation.
The more I reflected today, the more I realized how much I'm like my kids. When my kids are tired and cranky they throw fits, yell, scream and cry. When she is mad my 2 year old runs away and slams her bedroom door. My kids get disciplined for this behavior, as it is unacceptable in our house to throw a temper tantrum when you don't get what you want. Isn't that what I did last night? I threw a 34 year old temper tantrum.
As ugly and as it is when my kids do it, I have come to realize it is infinitely more ugly (and embarrassing) when I do it . . .
I guess I have some growing up to do . . .
In addition to the normal holiday craziness my husband's brother is currently fighting for his life, about 6 hours from the town where they grew up, so it added an additional strain on my in-laws (on top of adding 2 adults and two toddlers into their small townhouse for several days).
During this time of concern for my brother-in-law, the stress of travelling (and not sleeping) with two little ones and other family dynamics left me at my wit's end last night. I was mad at my husband, mad at my kids, and pretty much just MAD. Before I knew what was happening I reached my breaking point, screamed at my husband, started crying, ran to my room and slammed the door. Did I mention I was MAD!?
It is now about 24 hours after my outburst and I am extremely embarrassed about how I handled the situation. First of all, I had no right to act the way I did. Secondly, my husband is in one of the most difficult periods of his life as he doesn't know if his big brother will pull out of this. I should've been supportive, instead of harsh. My fatigue is no excuse for how I handled the situation.
The more I reflected today, the more I realized how much I'm like my kids. When my kids are tired and cranky they throw fits, yell, scream and cry. When she is mad my 2 year old runs away and slams her bedroom door. My kids get disciplined for this behavior, as it is unacceptable in our house to throw a temper tantrum when you don't get what you want. Isn't that what I did last night? I threw a 34 year old temper tantrum.
As ugly and as it is when my kids do it, I have come to realize it is infinitely more ugly (and embarrassing) when I do it . . .
I guess I have some growing up to do . . .
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Always a Mom
I've heard motherhood described as the biggest club in the world. I have several friends who are missionaries overseas, or are preparing to move overseas, with small children. One of the things my friends who travel internationally with babies and toddlers have remarked about is the fact that, no matter where they are and what language or cultural barriers there may be, the bond of motherhood transcends it all. A mom knows what another mom is feeling when her 3 year old is throwing a tantrum in public, while the baby is also crying. A mom knows what another mom is feeling when her 4 year old runs up to her at the park and gives a big hug saying "I love you, Mommy!"
Recently a family member has been hospitalized and is currently faced with the likelihood at least part of his foot will be amputated by the end of the week. Upon hearing this news the other night one of my first thoughts were of what his mom must be feeling. This is a grown man, in his 40's, and yet my heart ached for his mom. I am a mom. I can't imagine the toes I've kissed so many times, the feet I've placed shoes on, the feet I watched walk for the first time, being surgically removed from my child. My child will always be my child, but it's odd to me to think about the fact that this mother's child will no longer have all of the "parts" she carried and cared for.
My thoughts immediately turned to the mothers of servicemen and women who have lost limbs in battle. Earlier this evening and I was watching the news and they showed a clip of a mom dedicating a Naval Destroyer that was named after her son, Jason Dunham. In the short clip I started crying as I thought about the pain that mom has felt over the past few years, and the void she will feel the rest of her life.
I have friends who have walked through the valley of the shadow of death in having had to bury their own children. It's a pain I can't begin to fathom and an ache I know they feel daily.
A few months ago I wrote this funny look at life as a mom. It was my most commented on blog, to date, because we can all identify with these things in a way that a person without kids doesn't. I also wrote recently about how I am who I am because of the people in my life, and my relationship to them. Nothing in my life has changed me as much as becoming a mom has.
On the rough days I remind myself that other moms have survived having a 2 year old and a 4 year old at the same time, and I will, too. I can sympathize with the woman in Target who has a kid screaming so loud, she thinks they can hear her son in the parking lot because I've been there. I can empathize with the mom whose son is facing life-changing surgery because, while I haven't been there, I have a mother's heart.
I am a proud member of the Mommy Club.
Recently a family member has been hospitalized and is currently faced with the likelihood at least part of his foot will be amputated by the end of the week. Upon hearing this news the other night one of my first thoughts were of what his mom must be feeling. This is a grown man, in his 40's, and yet my heart ached for his mom. I am a mom. I can't imagine the toes I've kissed so many times, the feet I've placed shoes on, the feet I watched walk for the first time, being surgically removed from my child. My child will always be my child, but it's odd to me to think about the fact that this mother's child will no longer have all of the "parts" she carried and cared for.
My thoughts immediately turned to the mothers of servicemen and women who have lost limbs in battle. Earlier this evening and I was watching the news and they showed a clip of a mom dedicating a Naval Destroyer that was named after her son, Jason Dunham. In the short clip I started crying as I thought about the pain that mom has felt over the past few years, and the void she will feel the rest of her life.
I have friends who have walked through the valley of the shadow of death in having had to bury their own children. It's a pain I can't begin to fathom and an ache I know they feel daily.
A few months ago I wrote this funny look at life as a mom. It was my most commented on blog, to date, because we can all identify with these things in a way that a person without kids doesn't. I also wrote recently about how I am who I am because of the people in my life, and my relationship to them. Nothing in my life has changed me as much as becoming a mom has.
On the rough days I remind myself that other moms have survived having a 2 year old and a 4 year old at the same time, and I will, too. I can sympathize with the woman in Target who has a kid screaming so loud, she thinks they can hear her son in the parking lot because I've been there. I can empathize with the mom whose son is facing life-changing surgery because, while I haven't been there, I have a mother's heart.
I am a proud member of the Mommy Club.
Monday, November 8, 2010
The Earth is Filled with His Glory!
The gray sky hung low above us and I was driving through one of my favorite parts of the state on a "kids-free" trip with my husband. After a very long and very hot summer I was savoring the cool fall air, the low lying clouds, and this getaway while Grandma watched the kids for two days. The leaves around us were just starting to change and I was breathing in the beautiful fall day when I heard Chris Tomlin's voice coming out of my stereo proclaiming "The Earth is filled with His glory!"
I couldn't help but agree as we ascended through Oak Creek Canyon, with a colorful canopy of fall surrounding us.
You can see a YouTube clip of Chris Tomlin singing "Holy is The Lord" here
I couldn't help but agree as we ascended through Oak Creek Canyon, with a colorful canopy of fall surrounding us.
You can see a YouTube clip of Chris Tomlin singing "Holy is The Lord" here
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Why I Write
I'll be the first to admit I'm not the greatest at keeping up this blog, but I know deep in my heart, I am a writer. I have always loved books and at times have dreamt about writing fiction, but I've learned over time that, basically, I'm not creative enough to come up with original stories.
I started this blog because friends were asking me to write about different grocery store deals. I've always felt inadequate about that because there are so many other bloggers out there who devote more time and energy to that, and therefore are much more successful.
I've only been writing here when I feel like I have something "worth" sharing (today's post excluded), so that's part of why my posts are few and far between.
I have kept journals most of my life. I don't know exactly how early I started keeping journals, but I distinctly remember keeping one as early as 3rd grade. Some were fancy diaries, others were just spiral notebooks. I've gone through phases where I was more disciplined about writing than others, but I've never been far from a pen and paper. When I was working as a flight attendant I even learned to keep a spiral notebook in my "gadget bag" so I could write when the mood struck. (Before I started carrying my own paper I used to write on the back of blank medical forms because it was the only paper I could find with a blank side on the airplane). Until I started this blog everything I've ever written (with the exception of homework assignments) has been private.
Just after I got married I went back and took a few college classes. One of the classes I took was a Creative Non-fiction class. I absolutely loved it!. It was the first time I could write in class the way I'd always written privately. I gained a passion for writing. The professor had us write a letter to ourselves 5 years down the road. I had forgotten about that letter until this spring when it arrived at my parents' house. One of the things I wrote was that I was going to continue writing, even if my projects never left the computer. That letter arrived just weeks after I started this blog.
Over the weekend I couldn't sleep and was struggling with something. Because of my circumstances there was no place to write and it really bothered me. I didn't have paper or a pen. It was 3am and I was in a hotel room with my husband, so even if I'd had pen and paper I couldn't turn on the lights without disturbing him. In that moment I realized how important writing is to me.
I write because I enjoy it
I write because it helps me pray (my mind tends to wander a lot)
I write because it helps me focus my thoughts
I write to document life's highs and lows
I write when I can't say what I'm thinking or feeling
I write because I can't not write
I started this blog because friends were asking me to write about different grocery store deals. I've always felt inadequate about that because there are so many other bloggers out there who devote more time and energy to that, and therefore are much more successful.
I've only been writing here when I feel like I have something "worth" sharing (today's post excluded), so that's part of why my posts are few and far between.
I have kept journals most of my life. I don't know exactly how early I started keeping journals, but I distinctly remember keeping one as early as 3rd grade. Some were fancy diaries, others were just spiral notebooks. I've gone through phases where I was more disciplined about writing than others, but I've never been far from a pen and paper. When I was working as a flight attendant I even learned to keep a spiral notebook in my "gadget bag" so I could write when the mood struck. (Before I started carrying my own paper I used to write on the back of blank medical forms because it was the only paper I could find with a blank side on the airplane). Until I started this blog everything I've ever written (with the exception of homework assignments) has been private.
Just after I got married I went back and took a few college classes. One of the classes I took was a Creative Non-fiction class. I absolutely loved it!. It was the first time I could write in class the way I'd always written privately. I gained a passion for writing. The professor had us write a letter to ourselves 5 years down the road. I had forgotten about that letter until this spring when it arrived at my parents' house. One of the things I wrote was that I was going to continue writing, even if my projects never left the computer. That letter arrived just weeks after I started this blog.
Over the weekend I couldn't sleep and was struggling with something. Because of my circumstances there was no place to write and it really bothered me. I didn't have paper or a pen. It was 3am and I was in a hotel room with my husband, so even if I'd had pen and paper I couldn't turn on the lights without disturbing him. In that moment I realized how important writing is to me.
I write because I enjoy it
I write because it helps me pray (my mind tends to wander a lot)
I write because it helps me focus my thoughts
I write to document life's highs and lows
I write when I can't say what I'm thinking or feeling
I write because I can't not write
Friday, October 22, 2010
The power of prayer . . . and facebook
My name is Heidi and I'm a facebook addict . . .
Much has been written about the role of facebook in our world today and this is not another analysis of that. Like most every other facebook user I have enjoyed reconnecting with people I'd lost touch with over the years, but when I signed up I didn't realize the power this social network held . .
As a follower of Jesus, and a person who believes wholeheartedly in the power of prayer, I have come to see how powerful facebook is as a tool for communicating prayer requests. Last June my facebook community was rocked by the sudden death of a young husband and father. As friends grieved, prayed, and shared memories online a friend mentioned, "Some days I feel like I need to quit my job so I have enough time to pray . . ."
Over the past few months I have thought about my friend's statement quite a bit. Through facebook I have found out about deaths, serious illnesses, pregnancies, hospitalizations, newborns, sick parents, etc. This week alone I have been asked to pray for several babies--both born and those who are still in utero. (In the past 5 days, 3 friends have announced their pregnancies, one baby was born at 35 weeks and is still in the NICU and another Mom was still in labor, the last I heard) This week I have also been asked to pray about a young father who died of cancer, leaving a wife and 10 year old daughter.
I am honored to pray for my brothers and sisters as they walk difficult paths. I am grateful that I have a community of 240 friends I can ask to pray when the time is necessary. At times it can seem overwhelming to see this intimately into so many friends' lives, but I love the fact I have the opportunity to join in prayer with friends all over the world . .
I have come to believe prayer is the most important, and powerful, use of facebook.
Much has been written about the role of facebook in our world today and this is not another analysis of that. Like most every other facebook user I have enjoyed reconnecting with people I'd lost touch with over the years, but when I signed up I didn't realize the power this social network held . .
As a follower of Jesus, and a person who believes wholeheartedly in the power of prayer, I have come to see how powerful facebook is as a tool for communicating prayer requests. Last June my facebook community was rocked by the sudden death of a young husband and father. As friends grieved, prayed, and shared memories online a friend mentioned, "Some days I feel like I need to quit my job so I have enough time to pray . . ."
Over the past few months I have thought about my friend's statement quite a bit. Through facebook I have found out about deaths, serious illnesses, pregnancies, hospitalizations, newborns, sick parents, etc. This week alone I have been asked to pray for several babies--both born and those who are still in utero. (In the past 5 days, 3 friends have announced their pregnancies, one baby was born at 35 weeks and is still in the NICU and another Mom was still in labor, the last I heard) This week I have also been asked to pray about a young father who died of cancer, leaving a wife and 10 year old daughter.
I am honored to pray for my brothers and sisters as they walk difficult paths. I am grateful that I have a community of 240 friends I can ask to pray when the time is necessary. At times it can seem overwhelming to see this intimately into so many friends' lives, but I love the fact I have the opportunity to join in prayer with friends all over the world . .
I have come to believe prayer is the most important, and powerful, use of facebook.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
One is Silver and the Other's Gold
When I was in Girl Scouts we closed every meeting by singing "Make new friends, but keep the old . . . one is silver and the other's gold". The older I get, the more thankful I am for the silver and gold in my life.
In 2003 one of my closest friends moved to Wisconsin to get her Master's degree. I got married in March, 2004 and that July I had to say good-bye to my other two close friends the same week, as one moved to Pennsylvania, and the other moved out of the country to go on the missions field. It was a very rough time for me because I felt like I had no friends.
In the coming years I quit my job to be a stay-at-home-mom and had two kids. I had a MOPS group I attended, but still felt very alone because my closest friends lived so far away. I'd see other ladies in the group who had formed a bond with each other, but I didn't have anyone like that. Last December I opened up to a couple of ladies about how I was feeling and they started inviting me to hang out with them. The three of us have sons who are within a few months of each other in age and daughters who are about 18mo apart. This relatively "new" friendship has been a huge blessing in my life.
This past June my closest friend (who had moved to PA) was back "home" visiting for a few weeks and she had the genius idea of inviting a bunch of girls we went to college with over to her rental house for a slumber party. I'm closer to some of the ladies than others, but had an amazing time thinking about the 16+ years we've known each other and the roads we've travelled together. I came home from that night physically tired, but emotionally full. We had met when we were 17 and 18 . . . we all lived in the dorms together. Over the years many of us had been roommates with each other and now we are in our mid-30's, married and with families of our own. Life is quite different at 34 than it is as a college freshman, but our friendship remains.
Last night one of my other close friends, who is the one who had moved to WI, but now lives in Tennessee, and I met for coffee. Because she had to pick up her husband at the airport we had less than 2hrs to spend together, but again, my heart was full after our talk because her friendship is a beautiful gift.
In our day and age it's easy to communicate via e-mail, text, cell phones, facebook, etc, but there is absolutely no subsititue for hanging out and talking to girlfriends face-to-face.
I am incredibly thankful for the gold and silver God has given me . . .
In 2003 one of my closest friends moved to Wisconsin to get her Master's degree. I got married in March, 2004 and that July I had to say good-bye to my other two close friends the same week, as one moved to Pennsylvania, and the other moved out of the country to go on the missions field. It was a very rough time for me because I felt like I had no friends.
In the coming years I quit my job to be a stay-at-home-mom and had two kids. I had a MOPS group I attended, but still felt very alone because my closest friends lived so far away. I'd see other ladies in the group who had formed a bond with each other, but I didn't have anyone like that. Last December I opened up to a couple of ladies about how I was feeling and they started inviting me to hang out with them. The three of us have sons who are within a few months of each other in age and daughters who are about 18mo apart. This relatively "new" friendship has been a huge blessing in my life.
This past June my closest friend (who had moved to PA) was back "home" visiting for a few weeks and she had the genius idea of inviting a bunch of girls we went to college with over to her rental house for a slumber party. I'm closer to some of the ladies than others, but had an amazing time thinking about the 16+ years we've known each other and the roads we've travelled together. I came home from that night physically tired, but emotionally full. We had met when we were 17 and 18 . . . we all lived in the dorms together. Over the years many of us had been roommates with each other and now we are in our mid-30's, married and with families of our own. Life is quite different at 34 than it is as a college freshman, but our friendship remains.
Last night one of my other close friends, who is the one who had moved to WI, but now lives in Tennessee, and I met for coffee. Because she had to pick up her husband at the airport we had less than 2hrs to spend together, but again, my heart was full after our talk because her friendship is a beautiful gift.
In our day and age it's easy to communicate via e-mail, text, cell phones, facebook, etc, but there is absolutely no subsititue for hanging out and talking to girlfriends face-to-face.
I am incredibly thankful for the gold and silver God has given me . . .
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Who I am . . .
As defined by my relationships, I am:
A daughter of Christ
A wife
A mom
A daughter
A sister
A friend
Over 10 years ago I was in college and I was single. I attended a women's retreat with the ladies from my church and was one of only 3 in the room who weren't married with children. The speaker at the retreat asked us to introduce ourselves and to define ourselves apart from our relationships. Since I wasn't a wife or a mom it was relatively easy for me, but knew the other ladies were having a more difficult time. I believe the speaker was trying to get us to think of who we are as individuals and not as our titles and roles define us. Fast forward several years. I am now married and have two kids.
Like many, I was glued to the TV for the past few days watching every possible moment of the miners being rescued from the mine in Chile.
The only time I DIDN'T have the TV on the news was while I was sleeping and during a pre-planned trip to the zoo with my family, so I watched most of the miners emerge from the mine. I watched these men emerge from their underground prison and greet their loved ones with tears running down my face. I saw them embrace their wives, their moms, their children, their lovers and I cried.
After all 33 men and their rescuers were safely above ground I thought about why I was so drawn to this story. Is it because I've been to Chile twice on missions trips and have friends there? Is it because I bought into the media's sensationlism? Is it because I value life and was thankful to see the lengths people are willing to go in order to save lives? It could be, but I don't think that's really why I couldn't take my tear-filled eyes away from the TV for 24 hours . . .
I couldn't turn the TV off because I am a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, a friend . . . and I saw myself in the loved ones who were greeting their men after a long ordeal.
Instead of seeking to define myself apart from my relationships, I have come to realize my relationships define me. I would not be who I am if I weren't my husband's wife, my children's mom, my parents' daughter, my sister's sister or a friend of my friends. These titles aren't roles I play . . . the people my titles represent are the silk God has used to weave together the tapestry of me.
A daughter of Christ
A wife
A mom
A daughter
A sister
A friend
Over 10 years ago I was in college and I was single. I attended a women's retreat with the ladies from my church and was one of only 3 in the room who weren't married with children. The speaker at the retreat asked us to introduce ourselves and to define ourselves apart from our relationships. Since I wasn't a wife or a mom it was relatively easy for me, but knew the other ladies were having a more difficult time. I believe the speaker was trying to get us to think of who we are as individuals and not as our titles and roles define us. Fast forward several years. I am now married and have two kids.
Like many, I was glued to the TV for the past few days watching every possible moment of the miners being rescued from the mine in Chile.
The only time I DIDN'T have the TV on the news was while I was sleeping and during a pre-planned trip to the zoo with my family, so I watched most of the miners emerge from the mine. I watched these men emerge from their underground prison and greet their loved ones with tears running down my face. I saw them embrace their wives, their moms, their children, their lovers and I cried.
After all 33 men and their rescuers were safely above ground I thought about why I was so drawn to this story. Is it because I've been to Chile twice on missions trips and have friends there? Is it because I bought into the media's sensationlism? Is it because I value life and was thankful to see the lengths people are willing to go in order to save lives? It could be, but I don't think that's really why I couldn't take my tear-filled eyes away from the TV for 24 hours . . .
I couldn't turn the TV off because I am a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, a friend . . . and I saw myself in the loved ones who were greeting their men after a long ordeal.
Instead of seeking to define myself apart from my relationships, I have come to realize my relationships define me. I would not be who I am if I weren't my husband's wife, my children's mom, my parents' daughter, my sister's sister or a friend of my friends. These titles aren't roles I play . . . the people my titles represent are the silk God has used to weave together the tapestry of me.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Praise the One!
My church is currently going through Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey. If you've read my blog you know that I am passionate about saving money because of where I've been.
Last week's FPU homework assignment was to pull our credit reports before tonight's class. Ever the procrastinator, I just got our free annual credit reports here. I looked up one of mine and one of my husband's.
As I was reviewing my credit report the chorus "Praise the One who paid my debt, who raised this life up from the dead!" kept running through my head. As I look over my credit report all of my past mistakes have fallen off.
Isn't that just like the Christian life? Because of Jesus' death on the cross, He has paid our debts and there are no records of our sins! If I could pull up my personal history on a website, like I just pulled up my financial history, it would show that my sins have been paid and my "report" has been wiped clean by my Savior! Fortunately, Jesus doesn't take 7 years to cleanse our "reports" . . . He does it instantly!
PRAISE THE ONE WHO PAID MY DEBT!
Last week's FPU homework assignment was to pull our credit reports before tonight's class. Ever the procrastinator, I just got our free annual credit reports here. I looked up one of mine and one of my husband's.
As I was reviewing my credit report the chorus "Praise the One who paid my debt, who raised this life up from the dead!" kept running through my head. As I look over my credit report all of my past mistakes have fallen off.
Isn't that just like the Christian life? Because of Jesus' death on the cross, He has paid our debts and there are no records of our sins! If I could pull up my personal history on a website, like I just pulled up my financial history, it would show that my sins have been paid and my "report" has been wiped clean by my Savior! Fortunately, Jesus doesn't take 7 years to cleanse our "reports" . . . He does it instantly!
PRAISE THE ONE WHO PAID MY DEBT!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Oops!
Well . . . it's happened again . . . I've allowed life to get in the way of my blogging!
One of my favorite bloggers (who happens to be a former roommate) is amazingly disciplined. I honestly don't know how she blogs 6 days/wk and is a SAHM to 2 kids! My hats off to C. Beth!
You can check out C. Beth's blog here
C. Beth happens to be doing something REALLY cool right now, in that if you go to her giveaway blog you can enter to win a $100 Visa Debit card from her, Kellogg's and BlogHer!
Good luck!
One of my favorite bloggers (who happens to be a former roommate) is amazingly disciplined. I honestly don't know how she blogs 6 days/wk and is a SAHM to 2 kids! My hats off to C. Beth!
You can check out C. Beth's blog here
C. Beth happens to be doing something REALLY cool right now, in that if you go to her giveaway blog you can enter to win a $100 Visa Debit card from her, Kellogg's and BlogHer!
Good luck!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
$40 gift certificate give away!!
I follow several deal blogs, including Living on a Budget the Easy Way
Tiffany has arranged with CSN Stores to give away a $40 gift card to their site on her blog.
Go check Tiffany's tips for Living on a Budget and find out how you can enter the contest by going here!
GOOD LUCK!
Tiffany has arranged with CSN Stores to give away a $40 gift card to their site on her blog.
Go check Tiffany's tips for Living on a Budget and find out how you can enter the contest by going here!
GOOD LUCK!
Friday, July 16, 2010
An Important Reminder for us ALL . . .
I woke up this morning to a horrible e-mail from a good friend. Our families share a long history and our kids are all close in age---the 4 of them were all born within 3 years of each other. I am praising God that things turned out the way they did and that the little boy involved is home now and recovering. "Little Brother" is 3 and "Big Brother" is 5.
I am sharing this (with Mom's permission) because we all need the reminder. With two active young boys I can absolutely see how it happened. This mom is a great mom and if it happened to her, it can happen to you or me. This is the e-mail I read less than 5 minutes after crawling out of bed this morning . . . .
Little Brother is going to be OK. We have just spent the last 18 hours in a nightmare. We are at the ICU downtown for a near drowning experience. I cannot even explain exactly how it all happened at the pool in our development but it is 100% MY fault for taking his life vest off to use the potty and we were going home. In the meantime, I didn't realize he jumped into the pool. I got distracted by Big Brother...then heard the 5 year old neighbor say, Little Brother's sinking to the bottom of the pool, Mommy.
He coughed up most of the water as I pulled him out and started breathing. Chest X-rays were all clear and blood work is fine but monitored all night for a secondary drowning.
A huge lesson learned on my part, never ever assume and I cannot trust him for a second. A whole pool filled with moms, Dads, grandparents and not one of us saw him but thank GOD for our neighbor as I would have been looking back in the bathroom first and minutes would have gone by.
Needless to say, we are done with pools for awhile unless I have triple coverage on him
I am sharing this (with Mom's permission) because we all need the reminder. With two active young boys I can absolutely see how it happened. This mom is a great mom and if it happened to her, it can happen to you or me. This is the e-mail I read less than 5 minutes after crawling out of bed this morning . . . .
Little Brother is going to be OK. We have just spent the last 18 hours in a nightmare. We are at the ICU downtown for a near drowning experience. I cannot even explain exactly how it all happened at the pool in our development but it is 100% MY fault for taking his life vest off to use the potty and we were going home. In the meantime, I didn't realize he jumped into the pool. I got distracted by Big Brother...then heard the 5 year old neighbor say, Little Brother's sinking to the bottom of the pool, Mommy.
He coughed up most of the water as I pulled him out and started breathing. Chest X-rays were all clear and blood work is fine but monitored all night for a secondary drowning.
A huge lesson learned on my part, never ever assume and I cannot trust him for a second. A whole pool filled with moms, Dads, grandparents and not one of us saw him but thank GOD for our neighbor as I would have been looking back in the bathroom first and minutes would have gone by.
Needless to say, we are done with pools for awhile unless I have triple coverage on him
Monday, July 12, 2010
You know you're a mom when . . .
I've been wanting to compile this list a few times, but here it goes. Most of these are ones that come from the real experience of me and my friends. Dads . .. this is for you, too.
* Your facebook status is actually your child's potty training status "Johnny pooped in the potty today and only had two accidents!" (Bonus points if you've actually posted pictures of said poop)
* You wake up in a panic at 5am and realize you're out of milk so you get dressed and go to the grocery store at 5:30 so there's milk in the fridge by the time the kiddos wake up
* You're getting ready to head home from work at 5pm and realize, that eventhough you haven't seen your child in 9 hours, there is spit up and snot on your shoulder----meaning you've worn your "mom badge" all day.
* It's your birthday and when your mom asks what you'd like your answer is "SLEEP"
* When Grandma watches your child over night, leaving you and your husband alone for 12+ hours, you change into your jammies and fall asleep before 9pm
* You vaguely remember a time in your life when your alarm clock wasn't the sound of a child saying "Mommy, Mommy . . ."
* You consider buying stock in Band-Aid because you use so many covering up "prentend owies" on your 3 year old that you might as well try and profit from the company's success
* You look at your toddler who has the unfortunate combination of being both clumsy and fearless and pray each day "Lord, keep her safe because I really don't want to have to make a trip to the ER today and explain why my 1yo was leaping off the end table, over the arm of the couch and ended up hitting the tile floor instead of the couch"
* You're not entirely sure of the last time you went to the bathroom, got dressed, or took a shower without constant interruption from your toddler(s)
* You weigh less than you did before having kids because you don't have time to eat and when you actually DO find time to grab something, your children end up mooching half of it from you. (I know from experience eating during nap time doesn't work because my kids seem to be able to sense when I'm about to eat and they myseteriously wake up hungry at that moment)
* You are THRILLED when you have the rare opportunity to go grocery shopping by yourself!
What are some of your "You know you're a mom when . . . . " statements?
* Your facebook status is actually your child's potty training status "Johnny pooped in the potty today and only had two accidents!" (Bonus points if you've actually posted pictures of said poop)
* You wake up in a panic at 5am and realize you're out of milk so you get dressed and go to the grocery store at 5:30 so there's milk in the fridge by the time the kiddos wake up
* You're getting ready to head home from work at 5pm and realize, that eventhough you haven't seen your child in 9 hours, there is spit up and snot on your shoulder----meaning you've worn your "mom badge" all day.
* It's your birthday and when your mom asks what you'd like your answer is "SLEEP"
* When Grandma watches your child over night, leaving you and your husband alone for 12+ hours, you change into your jammies and fall asleep before 9pm
* You vaguely remember a time in your life when your alarm clock wasn't the sound of a child saying "Mommy, Mommy . . ."
* You consider buying stock in Band-Aid because you use so many covering up "prentend owies" on your 3 year old that you might as well try and profit from the company's success
* You look at your toddler who has the unfortunate combination of being both clumsy and fearless and pray each day "Lord, keep her safe because I really don't want to have to make a trip to the ER today and explain why my 1yo was leaping off the end table, over the arm of the couch and ended up hitting the tile floor instead of the couch"
* You're not entirely sure of the last time you went to the bathroom, got dressed, or took a shower without constant interruption from your toddler(s)
* You weigh less than you did before having kids because you don't have time to eat and when you actually DO find time to grab something, your children end up mooching half of it from you. (I know from experience eating during nap time doesn't work because my kids seem to be able to sense when I'm about to eat and they myseteriously wake up hungry at that moment)
* You are THRILLED when you have the rare opportunity to go grocery shopping by yourself!
What are some of your "You know you're a mom when . . . . " statements?
Friday, July 2, 2010
It's HOT out there . . . and I'm praising God!
I live in Phoenix, AZ. It's HOT here in the summer. The highs this week have been above 110. I vividly remember that July 4, 2007 it was 117! The overnight low has been around 90. While I'm thankful the low is 30+ degrees cooler than in the heat of the day, it's not comfortable.
I ran a couple of errands this morning. I loaded my two toddlers into and out of the car, across parking lots and into multiple stores. According to my vehicle, it was 102 at 8:30am. One of our stops was to drop 4 cases of water off at a local store, which collects items for Phoenix Rescue Mission. I got home and had to take a quick shower before guests arrrived because I needed to cool down.
I got in the shower and started thinking about how hot it's been, how my friends keep mentioning the heat on facebook, and how annoyed I was that in the rush of getting ready for friends to come over this morning I had to stop what I was doing to take a shower I hadn't planned on. I thought about the bottles of water I had just dropped off and realized the people who would be drinking that water would be THRILLED to be in an air conditioned house (like I was), taking a cool shower (like I was), and have a table full of fresh fruits, muffins, and cookies waiting for them (like I had).
God changed my perspective in that moment. It's hot outside. It's miserable. While it's hot and miserable outside, I get to hide in my air conditioned house. When I'm not in my house, I'm in an air conditioned car or an air conditioned building. I thought about the thousands of homeless people in Phoenix who have no relief from the heat. Each year homeless people die in Arizona from heat related illnesses. I thought about how I was inwardly complaining about an inconvenience when people in my city are dying. I realized how good I have it and that I have nothing to complain about when the mercury rises.
Here's my challenge to you (and me):
1) Turn your a/c up a couple of degrees this weekend and instead of giving money to your utility company donate it to Phoenix Rescue Mission or a group in your community that serves the homeless.
2) Buy a case of water to donate. For information about a drop off center in your area check out Phoenix Rescue Mission's Water Page. Maricopa County has several hydration station/heat refuges and you can donate water here
3) Next time you're tempted to complain (even inwardly) about how uncomfortable you are stop and think about how much you have to be thankful for. "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure . . ." Philippians 2:14, 15a
I ran a couple of errands this morning. I loaded my two toddlers into and out of the car, across parking lots and into multiple stores. According to my vehicle, it was 102 at 8:30am. One of our stops was to drop 4 cases of water off at a local store, which collects items for Phoenix Rescue Mission. I got home and had to take a quick shower before guests arrrived because I needed to cool down.
I got in the shower and started thinking about how hot it's been, how my friends keep mentioning the heat on facebook, and how annoyed I was that in the rush of getting ready for friends to come over this morning I had to stop what I was doing to take a shower I hadn't planned on. I thought about the bottles of water I had just dropped off and realized the people who would be drinking that water would be THRILLED to be in an air conditioned house (like I was), taking a cool shower (like I was), and have a table full of fresh fruits, muffins, and cookies waiting for them (like I had).
God changed my perspective in that moment. It's hot outside. It's miserable. While it's hot and miserable outside, I get to hide in my air conditioned house. When I'm not in my house, I'm in an air conditioned car or an air conditioned building. I thought about the thousands of homeless people in Phoenix who have no relief from the heat. Each year homeless people die in Arizona from heat related illnesses. I thought about how I was inwardly complaining about an inconvenience when people in my city are dying. I realized how good I have it and that I have nothing to complain about when the mercury rises.
Here's my challenge to you (and me):
1) Turn your a/c up a couple of degrees this weekend and instead of giving money to your utility company donate it to Phoenix Rescue Mission or a group in your community that serves the homeless.
2) Buy a case of water to donate. For information about a drop off center in your area check out Phoenix Rescue Mission's Water Page. Maricopa County has several hydration station/heat refuges and you can donate water here
3) Next time you're tempted to complain (even inwardly) about how uncomfortable you are stop and think about how much you have to be thankful for. "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure . . ." Philippians 2:14, 15a
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Whole Chickens = A Whole Lot of Savings
Whole chickens are one of the best ways I know of to save money on meat. A few times a year I can find chickens on sale for around $.67-$.57/lb. I buy as many as I can at this price and cook them. All I do to prepare them is remove the innards, brush melted butter on the top and then sprinkle with salt & pepper. Generally I cook 2 at a time, in a roasting pan, at 350 for 2hours.
After the birds are cool I remove all the meat and cut it up. I place 2-3 cups of diced chicken in a freezer bag and stick it in my freezer to use later. This meat is great for using in soups, salads (including last night's Napa Cabbage Salad), chicken enchilladas, Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole, etc. I made my first ever whole chicken less than 3 years ago and now I almost always have cooked meat on hand.
One of my favorite cookbooks is 150 Things to Make with Roast Chicken and I have made, or adapted, several of the recipes in there.
About two weeks ago one of my grocery stores had chickens for $.47/lb, limit 4. In the 3 years I've been cooking chickens I had NEVER seen them so cheap. I went one day and they only had 3 so I bought all of them. All 3 were still frozen so I stuck them, whole, in my freezer. Later in the week I went and there were none, so I asked for a rain check (that I used on 4 yesterday). All 4 cost me about $8.50! To my amazement ANOTHER grocery store in town has them on sale for $.47/lb this week, too!
When I bought my chickens yesterday they were mostly defrosted so I kept them in the fridge for most of the day and cooked 2 in the evening. I have two in the oven right now.
Honestly, with 3 whole chickens in my freezer, plus the meat from 3 more that will be in the freezer by the time I go to bed tonight I don't know if I'll take advantage of this week's sale, but WOW!
After the birds are cool I remove all the meat and cut it up. I place 2-3 cups of diced chicken in a freezer bag and stick it in my freezer to use later. This meat is great for using in soups, salads (including last night's Napa Cabbage Salad), chicken enchilladas, Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole, etc. I made my first ever whole chicken less than 3 years ago and now I almost always have cooked meat on hand.
One of my favorite cookbooks is 150 Things to Make with Roast Chicken and I have made, or adapted, several of the recipes in there.
About two weeks ago one of my grocery stores had chickens for $.47/lb, limit 4. In the 3 years I've been cooking chickens I had NEVER seen them so cheap. I went one day and they only had 3 so I bought all of them. All 3 were still frozen so I stuck them, whole, in my freezer. Later in the week I went and there were none, so I asked for a rain check (that I used on 4 yesterday). All 4 cost me about $8.50! To my amazement ANOTHER grocery store in town has them on sale for $.47/lb this week, too!
When I bought my chickens yesterday they were mostly defrosted so I kept them in the fridge for most of the day and cooked 2 in the evening. I have two in the oven right now.
Honestly, with 3 whole chickens in my freezer, plus the meat from 3 more that will be in the freezer by the time I go to bed tonight I don't know if I'll take advantage of this week's sale, but WOW!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
What's Cooking?
Here are a few meals I will be making with the groceries I bought today.
Iceburg lettuce. This is not something I normally buy since we tend to eat darker greens like spinach or romaine lettuce, but at $.44/head it was a price I couldn't refuse. Later this week (possibly Friday) I will brown up the 93% lean ground beef that is in my freezer with cumin + chili powder. I'll shred the lettuce, add some tomatos and cheese to make a taco salad!
Napa Cabbage. A friend of mine served a variation of this recipe Napa Cabbage Salad at her house in May and I have fallen in love with it. I am NOT a cabbage person and had never heard of Napa cabbage until that day. This salad is INCREDIBLE and my entire family loves it. I add cooked chicken to make it a little bit heartier. Normally I find this at about $1.50/lb, but this week one of the local grocery stores has it at $.69/head! I got the biggest head they had (2lbs, 8oz) and we will have enough for dinner tonight, lunch tomorrow, and maybe even dinner tomorrow night. Another store had the ramen noodles 8 for $1.
The cooked chicken will come from the whole chickens that are in my oven right now. I paid $.49/lb for the chickens, so the entire salad will cost less than $3. (I don't have the almonds on hand so I am not using them). I have some dressing still in the fridge from the last time I made this salad, so it will actually cost me around $2 for several meals!
Iceburg lettuce. This is not something I normally buy since we tend to eat darker greens like spinach or romaine lettuce, but at $.44/head it was a price I couldn't refuse. Later this week (possibly Friday) I will brown up the 93% lean ground beef that is in my freezer with cumin + chili powder. I'll shred the lettuce, add some tomatos and cheese to make a taco salad!
Napa Cabbage. A friend of mine served a variation of this recipe Napa Cabbage Salad at her house in May and I have fallen in love with it. I am NOT a cabbage person and had never heard of Napa cabbage until that day. This salad is INCREDIBLE and my entire family loves it. I add cooked chicken to make it a little bit heartier. Normally I find this at about $1.50/lb, but this week one of the local grocery stores has it at $.69/head! I got the biggest head they had (2lbs, 8oz) and we will have enough for dinner tonight, lunch tomorrow, and maybe even dinner tomorrow night. Another store had the ramen noodles 8 for $1.
The cooked chicken will come from the whole chickens that are in my oven right now. I paid $.49/lb for the chickens, so the entire salad will cost less than $3. (I don't have the almonds on hand so I am not using them). I have some dressing still in the fridge from the last time I made this salad, so it will actually cost me around $2 for several meals!
Giving, Saving, and Eating Well
I had a GREAT day at the grocery store today and I only used 1 coupon from the newspaper. I bought a bunch of food to donate to my church's food drive, bottled water for the Rescue Mission and most of the ingredients for the freezer meal exchange group I belong to. I also bought the ingredients for several meals for my family.
At grocery store #1 I bought
2 cases of water @1.99ea (Rescue Mission)
4 12pks of Coke @9.98 for 4
1 2lb, 8oz head of Napa cabbage
2 cans of tuna @ $.44 ea after in-store coupon (food drive)
1 salad dressing @ $.27 after in-store coupon + manufacturer coupon
1 peanut butter @.99 (food drive)
1 head of iceburg lettuce @ $.44 after in-store coupon
4 lbs of strawberries @ $3.88
2 red bell peppers @ $.99 ea (I hadn't planned on these, but my 3yo picked them out. I'll never discourage his love of fresh veggies)
2 Broccoli crowns @ $.99 ea (Again, I hadn't planned on these but my son asked for them and this Mommy won't complain about a toddler asking for broccoli!)
All told at this store I spent $25.54
I went to another grocery store as well this morning where I bought things that weren't on sale, but that I needed (coffee filters, 8x8 pans for my meal exchange, manicotti shells, frozen spinach, cans of crushed tomatoes, onions, garlic, Italian sausage, etc) and still saved a ton.
Grocery store #2 highlights
4 whole chickens @ $.49/lb. ($8.67 for all 4) The chickens actually on sale a couple of weeks ago, but I had a rain check since the store was out when I went to buy them. The chickens were already defrosted so I have 2 cooking now and will put two in later. Whole chickens are one of my favorite ways to save money. I'll write a blog on those another day.
Cantaloupe @ $.25/lb. Mine was just under 4lbs so it was $.94
Canned vegetables and canned beans were $.44/can. I ended up buying 12 cans of beans for our family + 22 cans of veggies for the food drive.
All told I spent less than $100 on food for my family + food to help others. Our freezer and pantry are overflowing and, except for items like milk, it may be weeks before I have to do any "real" grocery shopping.
See my next post for ways I will use today's bargains. Our grocery budget (family of 4) is $300 a month and I do almost all of the cooking from scratch.
The strawberries we don't eat before they start to turn will be made into smoothies and/or will be frozen.
At grocery store #1 I bought
2 cases of water @1.99ea (Rescue Mission)
4 12pks of Coke @9.98 for 4
1 2lb, 8oz head of Napa cabbage
2 cans of tuna @ $.44 ea after in-store coupon (food drive)
1 salad dressing @ $.27 after in-store coupon + manufacturer coupon
1 peanut butter @.99 (food drive)
1 head of iceburg lettuce @ $.44 after in-store coupon
4 lbs of strawberries @ $3.88
2 red bell peppers @ $.99 ea (I hadn't planned on these, but my 3yo picked them out. I'll never discourage his love of fresh veggies)
2 Broccoli crowns @ $.99 ea (Again, I hadn't planned on these but my son asked for them and this Mommy won't complain about a toddler asking for broccoli!)
All told at this store I spent $25.54
I went to another grocery store as well this morning where I bought things that weren't on sale, but that I needed (coffee filters, 8x8 pans for my meal exchange, manicotti shells, frozen spinach, cans of crushed tomatoes, onions, garlic, Italian sausage, etc) and still saved a ton.
Grocery store #2 highlights
4 whole chickens @ $.49/lb. ($8.67 for all 4) The chickens actually on sale a couple of weeks ago, but I had a rain check since the store was out when I went to buy them. The chickens were already defrosted so I have 2 cooking now and will put two in later. Whole chickens are one of my favorite ways to save money. I'll write a blog on those another day.
Cantaloupe @ $.25/lb. Mine was just under 4lbs so it was $.94
Canned vegetables and canned beans were $.44/can. I ended up buying 12 cans of beans for our family + 22 cans of veggies for the food drive.
All told I spent less than $100 on food for my family + food to help others. Our freezer and pantry are overflowing and, except for items like milk, it may be weeks before I have to do any "real" grocery shopping.
See my next post for ways I will use today's bargains. Our grocery budget (family of 4) is $300 a month and I do almost all of the cooking from scratch.
The strawberries we don't eat before they start to turn will be made into smoothies and/or will be frozen.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
It's Time!
My first post back after a month off was one where I mentioned "Don't complain to me about the weather" Basically, it comes from my annoyance with people complaining about a) situations they have no control of (complaining won't change it) or b) complaining about situations they DO have control of but aren't willing to change (ex: 'I'm broke and don't have any money, but am not willing to cut back my lifestyle')
These are two of my biggest pet peeves. After I wrote (and deleted most of) that post I started thinking about my own life---what are areas I'm complaining about that I have no control over? What are areas I'm complaining about that I'm not willing to change the habits that got me in that situation?
One of the areas that I'm the least happy with is my weight. This is an area where I've always struggled. As a toddler my parents called me "thunder thighs" and though I was "average" as a kid, once puberty hit that was it . . . my weight has been a constant issue ever since.
I had a baby in 2006 and a baby in 2008. I will not be having any more children and I decided IT'S TIME. I was reading last week that eliminating 500 calories a day, either by a change in diet or increased exercise, is all it takes to lose 1lb/wk. Joining a gym isn't in the budget right now, but it didn't take me long to figure out where those 500 calories can come from.
I am posting this for accountability. To achieve my goal of being down 30lbs by the end of 2010 I will:
1) Limit myself to one soda a day (I'm a Coke addict and 4 cans/day wasn't unusual)
2) Drink at least 64oz of water a day
3) Jump rope at least 500 times a day
4) Not snack in the evening after I put the kids down. IF I snack it will be an apple or other fruit and not chips or other junk food
5) Once it warms up a bit I will swim 30mins 4 times a week after my kids are in bed
It's going to be HOT here soon so there's not really an opportunity for walks or other outside activities, but I'm hoping these small changes will be all that is necessary for me to stop complaining and start achieving this goal!
These are two of my biggest pet peeves. After I wrote (and deleted most of) that post I started thinking about my own life---what are areas I'm complaining about that I have no control over? What are areas I'm complaining about that I'm not willing to change the habits that got me in that situation?
One of the areas that I'm the least happy with is my weight. This is an area where I've always struggled. As a toddler my parents called me "thunder thighs" and though I was "average" as a kid, once puberty hit that was it . . . my weight has been a constant issue ever since.
I had a baby in 2006 and a baby in 2008. I will not be having any more children and I decided IT'S TIME. I was reading last week that eliminating 500 calories a day, either by a change in diet or increased exercise, is all it takes to lose 1lb/wk. Joining a gym isn't in the budget right now, but it didn't take me long to figure out where those 500 calories can come from.
I am posting this for accountability. To achieve my goal of being down 30lbs by the end of 2010 I will:
1) Limit myself to one soda a day (I'm a Coke addict and 4 cans/day wasn't unusual)
2) Drink at least 64oz of water a day
3) Jump rope at least 500 times a day
4) Not snack in the evening after I put the kids down. IF I snack it will be an apple or other fruit and not chips or other junk food
5) Once it warms up a bit I will swim 30mins 4 times a week after my kids are in bed
It's going to be HOT here soon so there's not really an opportunity for walks or other outside activities, but I'm hoping these small changes will be all that is necessary for me to stop complaining and start achieving this goal!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Help Your Neighbors
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me . . . I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:35,36 & 40
"But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus 'And who is my neighbor?' In reply Jesus said 'A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wound, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to an innkeeper. "Look after him" he said "and when I return I will reimburse you for any extra expense you many have"
'Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man you fell into the hands of robbers?'
The expert in the law replied, 'The one who had mercy on him.'
Jesus told him, 'Go and do likewise.' " Luke 10:25-37
The Bible is pretty clear as to what our responsibility is to those who are around us. Tomorrow, the USPS will be holding their annual "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive. All you need to do to participate is place non-perishable foods (that haven't expired) by your mailbox tomorrow morning and your mail carrier will pick the donations up for a food bank in your area.
My church also has a food pantry and, for those of you who attend there, I would also like to encourage you to support this ministry by donating food, as well.
Right now one of the local grocery stores has canned vegetables on sale for $.50. Can you spare $5 to buy 10 cans of vegetables for someone in your community who may go to bed hungry tonight, if not for your contribution?
If you are on Facebook "like" the Stamp Out Hunger page. For every person who "likes" this page, Campbells Soup will donate a can to the drive, up to 1 million cans! http://www.facebook.com/StampOutHunger
"But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus 'And who is my neighbor?' In reply Jesus said 'A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wound, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to an innkeeper. "Look after him" he said "and when I return I will reimburse you for any extra expense you many have"
'Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man you fell into the hands of robbers?'
The expert in the law replied, 'The one who had mercy on him.'
Jesus told him, 'Go and do likewise.' " Luke 10:25-37
The Bible is pretty clear as to what our responsibility is to those who are around us. Tomorrow, the USPS will be holding their annual "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive. All you need to do to participate is place non-perishable foods (that haven't expired) by your mailbox tomorrow morning and your mail carrier will pick the donations up for a food bank in your area.
My church also has a food pantry and, for those of you who attend there, I would also like to encourage you to support this ministry by donating food, as well.
Right now one of the local grocery stores has canned vegetables on sale for $.50. Can you spare $5 to buy 10 cans of vegetables for someone in your community who may go to bed hungry tonight, if not for your contribution?
If you are on Facebook "like" the Stamp Out Hunger page. For every person who "likes" this page, Campbells Soup will donate a can to the drive, up to 1 million cans! http://www.facebook.com/StampOutHunger
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
When did that happen?
My birthday is fast approaching and while the number itself doesn't bother me (34) it's weird to think that I'm solidly in my 30's because I don't feel like I thought I would at this point in life. I don't know what I thought my 30's would feel like, but I know this isn't it.
I'm married to an engineer, I'm a SAHM of two toddlers, I drive an SUV (no minivan for this Mommy), I still find myself browsing for tops in the Juniors department because the clothes in the Misses section are too "old", etc.
I was reading a post on a forum I belong to that was asking about what age kids can be left home alone and it got me thinking about my baby-sitting days. The first kid I ever baby-sat for was 3mo old at the time. He is now in his 20's and a college graduate. Another kid I babysat for (when he was in elementary school) is now in the NFL. Several of the "kids" I knew when I was in college and working with the Junior High group at my church are now married with kids of their own.
This week I saw pictures on Facebook of 4 boys from my old church that were in my Sunday School class when I taught the 3 year old class. They are graduating from high school this month.
A month or so ago I realized I graduated from high school 16yrs ago . . . I am closer to my 20th reunion than I am to my 10th. In August I will have lived in this state 16 years and I lived in my "home" state for 18. I have lived in this city as long (6 years) as I have ever lived in any one city (when single I moved pretty much every time my lease was up so I lived in various cities within the same metro area).
Time to adjust my expectations because the reality is . . . this is 34 (almost)
I'm married to an engineer, I'm a SAHM of two toddlers, I drive an SUV (no minivan for this Mommy), I still find myself browsing for tops in the Juniors department because the clothes in the Misses section are too "old", etc.
I was reading a post on a forum I belong to that was asking about what age kids can be left home alone and it got me thinking about my baby-sitting days. The first kid I ever baby-sat for was 3mo old at the time. He is now in his 20's and a college graduate. Another kid I babysat for (when he was in elementary school) is now in the NFL. Several of the "kids" I knew when I was in college and working with the Junior High group at my church are now married with kids of their own.
This week I saw pictures on Facebook of 4 boys from my old church that were in my Sunday School class when I taught the 3 year old class. They are graduating from high school this month.
A month or so ago I realized I graduated from high school 16yrs ago . . . I am closer to my 20th reunion than I am to my 10th. In August I will have lived in this state 16 years and I lived in my "home" state for 18. I have lived in this city as long (6 years) as I have ever lived in any one city (when single I moved pretty much every time my lease was up so I lived in various cities within the same metro area).
Time to adjust my expectations because the reality is . . . this is 34 (almost)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
What if I'd stayed?
I left my hometown (and home state) right out of high school to move where I live now. I moved quite a bit as a kid . . . 6 houses before my 12th birthday in several different parts of the same state, but lived in the same house for all of jr. high and high school.
I wasn't one of those people who loved high school. I never really felt like I fit in, and when I went away to college I didn't really feel like I left anybody behind that I was especially close to. Despite this, I had every intention of moving back "home" after graduation. The funny thing is, while not perfect, over the course of time the place I live now has become home to me.
Because of Facebook I am now in touch with people I graduated with, some of whom still live in the same town we went to school in. I saw a conversation today between a girl I graduated with (who I only knew of, didn't know well) and another girl I was acquaintances with. It got me thinking . . . who would I be today if I still lived there? I'll never know the answer to that, but I have a pretty good idea of who I've become as a result of moving permanently at 18 to a city and state where I didn't know anybody.
I became independent in a way I don't know if I would've been in my hometown. When times got tough and I couldn't afford food or rent going home to Mom and Dad's wasn't an option for me. I didn't have a place to go to do laundry for free or to get a free meal.
I had to step out of my comfort zone and develop new relationships. Though talkative once I'm comfortable, I'm not good at reaching out and establishing friendships. Since I didn't know anybody and didn't have a past history to rely on I had to seek out new friends. At a party where I don't know people I'm the girl hanging out in the corner waiting for someone to talk to me.
I learned about who I was as an adult and wasn't pigeonholed by my peers who had known me at 12.
Most importantly I made the decision to enter into the most important relationship of my life when I chose to become a follower of Christ. It's another post for another day, but I don't think I would've become a Christian if I'd stayed in my hometown.
I knew moving away from home to go to college was a big step back then, but what I didn't know when I waved good-bye to my parents and the life I'd had back home was how much I'd change here in the desert.
I wasn't one of those people who loved high school. I never really felt like I fit in, and when I went away to college I didn't really feel like I left anybody behind that I was especially close to. Despite this, I had every intention of moving back "home" after graduation. The funny thing is, while not perfect, over the course of time the place I live now has become home to me.
Because of Facebook I am now in touch with people I graduated with, some of whom still live in the same town we went to school in. I saw a conversation today between a girl I graduated with (who I only knew of, didn't know well) and another girl I was acquaintances with. It got me thinking . . . who would I be today if I still lived there? I'll never know the answer to that, but I have a pretty good idea of who I've become as a result of moving permanently at 18 to a city and state where I didn't know anybody.
I became independent in a way I don't know if I would've been in my hometown. When times got tough and I couldn't afford food or rent going home to Mom and Dad's wasn't an option for me. I didn't have a place to go to do laundry for free or to get a free meal.
I had to step out of my comfort zone and develop new relationships. Though talkative once I'm comfortable, I'm not good at reaching out and establishing friendships. Since I didn't know anybody and didn't have a past history to rely on I had to seek out new friends. At a party where I don't know people I'm the girl hanging out in the corner waiting for someone to talk to me.
I learned about who I was as an adult and wasn't pigeonholed by my peers who had known me at 12.
Most importantly I made the decision to enter into the most important relationship of my life when I chose to become a follower of Christ. It's another post for another day, but I don't think I would've become a Christian if I'd stayed in my hometown.
I knew moving away from home to go to college was a big step back then, but what I didn't know when I waved good-bye to my parents and the life I'd had back home was how much I'd change here in the desert.
Monday, May 3, 2010
I know I am not . . . .
A painter
As of last week we have owned our house for two years. Until a couple of weeks ago, when I started experimenting with paint, our house has looked exactly the same as the day we first toured it (even down the curtains and valances the previous owners left). A few minutes ago I finally got around to finishing one of the two rooms I had put color samples on.
The first room I attempted was the laundry room. I took the advice of the guy at Home Depot and used silicone over the tape to make a crisp line. Instead of buying silicone at Home Depot I decided to use some my husband had in the garage. When I went to paint over it I noticed the paint wasn't sticking. That's when I realized I'd used waterproof silicone for bathrooms and kitchens! YIKES! A month later I am still sanding the walls to be able to complete that project.
The other project I've attempted recently is our 2nd bathroom. It is the only bathroom other than our master and, though it is a full bathroom, it is about the size of a powder room. I figured . . . small room . . .this will be easy. I put my kids down for a nap and started painting.
First, my roller started shedding, so I wiped the walls clean and got a new one (different kind) out of the garage. I noticed a few minutes later IT started shedding. Yikes. I found a foam roller in the garage and started using that. As I was painting I decided to scrape off a drip from when I had used the tester . . . and managed to take off a 6"x6" piece of drywall.
I then had to stop and patch the hole. I continued to paint, waited more than the alloted time, and painted over the spackle. As I went over the spackle it started to come up and I'm back to having a hole there.
I'm still in my painting clothes, I haven't put the paint away, and I'm waiting for the walls to dry before I see how bad the damage really is.
As of last week we have owned our house for two years. Until a couple of weeks ago, when I started experimenting with paint, our house has looked exactly the same as the day we first toured it (even down the curtains and valances the previous owners left). A few minutes ago I finally got around to finishing one of the two rooms I had put color samples on.
The first room I attempted was the laundry room. I took the advice of the guy at Home Depot and used silicone over the tape to make a crisp line. Instead of buying silicone at Home Depot I decided to use some my husband had in the garage. When I went to paint over it I noticed the paint wasn't sticking. That's when I realized I'd used waterproof silicone for bathrooms and kitchens! YIKES! A month later I am still sanding the walls to be able to complete that project.
The other project I've attempted recently is our 2nd bathroom. It is the only bathroom other than our master and, though it is a full bathroom, it is about the size of a powder room. I figured . . . small room . . .this will be easy. I put my kids down for a nap and started painting.
First, my roller started shedding, so I wiped the walls clean and got a new one (different kind) out of the garage. I noticed a few minutes later IT started shedding. Yikes. I found a foam roller in the garage and started using that. As I was painting I decided to scrape off a drip from when I had used the tester . . . and managed to take off a 6"x6" piece of drywall.
I then had to stop and patch the hole. I continued to paint, waited more than the alloted time, and painted over the spackle. As I went over the spackle it started to come up and I'm back to having a hole there.
I'm still in my painting clothes, I haven't put the paint away, and I'm waiting for the walls to dry before I see how bad the damage really is.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
You mean I have a blog?
Oops! I knew it had been awhile since I'd written anything here . . . I didn't realize it had been a month!
Part of why I haven't written is I haven't felt like I've had anything worth sharing. I just posted and deleted a really bad post complaining about complaining, but at least it served it's purpose because I actually have an idea for another post down the road, so that's a good thing! Basically I wrote a rambling manifesto (not really, but I just like that word) just to do some free writing and get myself back in the habit of writing. Hopefully I won't take another month off from writing any time in the near future!
The moral of the last story was---don't complain to me about the weather this summer. I know it's hot and miserable, but complaining isn't going to change it and it's just going to annoy me :)
Part of why I haven't written is I haven't felt like I've had anything worth sharing. I just posted and deleted a really bad post complaining about complaining, but at least it served it's purpose because I actually have an idea for another post down the road, so that's a good thing! Basically I wrote a rambling manifesto (not really, but I just like that word) just to do some free writing and get myself back in the habit of writing. Hopefully I won't take another month off from writing any time in the near future!
The moral of the last story was---don't complain to me about the weather this summer. I know it's hot and miserable, but complaining isn't going to change it and it's just going to annoy me :)
Monday, March 29, 2010
This morning's run . . .
I didn't do as well as I wanted, because my Fry's was out of the Irish Spring so I had to make some last minute adjustments, but I did 3 transactions there.
Here's what I ended up getting
10 pouches of Bumble Bee tuna
9 bags of American Beauty pasta
2 tubes of Aquafresh toothpaste
1 Right Guard deodorant
2 12pks of Coke
for $9.11 (the Coke was $2.47ea so, after tax, roughly $6 of that was for myself)
I will drink the Coke and I'll take the rest to church this weekend.
While I was out I went to Target where I bought a 27ct pkg of Huggies diapers for $4.49 after I used a Target coupon for $1.50 off a package and a $3 off coupon I printed from coupons.com
At Target I looked for the $2.50 beach towels that had been in the dollar section at the front of the store because I had a $2 off coupon and my church's homeless ministry can always use towels. I didn't see the towels BUT I did find camisoles and a tank top for me that were only $2.50 each! They were "One size fits most" and the tank top isn't something I would wear outside of the house, but it'll make a good pajama top. The camisoles will be great underneath some of my v-neck shirts that hang a bit too low for comfort!
After Target I went into Albertson's (same parking lot) and was able to get more $2.99/lb cod, $.39/lb bananas, and $1.88/gallon milk
All in all it was a good day!
My $3 off Huggies coupons from coupons.com expire Thursday and I have 3 left so I'll definitely be heading to Target again this week!
Here's what I ended up getting
10 pouches of Bumble Bee tuna
9 bags of American Beauty pasta
2 tubes of Aquafresh toothpaste
1 Right Guard deodorant
2 12pks of Coke
for $9.11 (the Coke was $2.47ea so, after tax, roughly $6 of that was for myself)
I will drink the Coke and I'll take the rest to church this weekend.
While I was out I went to Target where I bought a 27ct pkg of Huggies diapers for $4.49 after I used a Target coupon for $1.50 off a package and a $3 off coupon I printed from coupons.com
At Target I looked for the $2.50 beach towels that had been in the dollar section at the front of the store because I had a $2 off coupon and my church's homeless ministry can always use towels. I didn't see the towels BUT I did find camisoles and a tank top for me that were only $2.50 each! They were "One size fits most" and the tank top isn't something I would wear outside of the house, but it'll make a good pajama top. The camisoles will be great underneath some of my v-neck shirts that hang a bit too low for comfort!
After Target I went into Albertson's (same parking lot) and was able to get more $2.99/lb cod, $.39/lb bananas, and $1.88/gallon milk
All in all it was a good day!
My $3 off Huggies coupons from coupons.com expire Thursday and I have 3 left so I'll definitely be heading to Target again this week!
Ideas for Easter?
My son is 3.5 and my daughter is 1.5. Up until this point I haven't really done anything for Easter. Now that my son is a bit older I want to do something this year, but have slacked.
As a rule we go to church on Saturday night of Easter weekend. (The good/bad news is my daughter doesn't get a new Easter dress because wearing a dress on Saturday night is a bit out of place.)
My husband and I have decided that there will be no fictional characters at our house (no Santa, no Easter Bunny, no Tooth Fairy) because we don't want to set the example to our kids that lying is ever acceptable. We also don't want them to think we're lying about God since He is less tangible than these characters who bring presents.
Here's my dilemma--though my husband thinks I'm a little crazy, I still would like to do Easter baskets, an Easter egg hunt, etc. for them. How would I do this and have it be from Mom and Dad?
I've done the Resurrection Eggs with my son several times since last year (he sees them in the closet and constantly asks to "play eggs")
Any other suggestions?
As a rule we go to church on Saturday night of Easter weekend. (The good/bad news is my daughter doesn't get a new Easter dress because wearing a dress on Saturday night is a bit out of place.)
My husband and I have decided that there will be no fictional characters at our house (no Santa, no Easter Bunny, no Tooth Fairy) because we don't want to set the example to our kids that lying is ever acceptable. We also don't want them to think we're lying about God since He is less tangible than these characters who bring presents.
Here's my dilemma--though my husband thinks I'm a little crazy, I still would like to do Easter baskets, an Easter egg hunt, etc. for them. How would I do this and have it be from Mom and Dad?
I've done the Resurrection Eggs with my son several times since last year (he sees them in the closet and constantly asks to "play eggs")
Any other suggestions?
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Quick Deals
I'll confeess I'm not fully on top of my game this morning, due to being knocked out by a stomach virus yesterday, but here are a few things I noticed in this morning's paper. I'd been upset that due to this virus infiltrating my house over the past few days I hadn't been able to get to the store and was going to have to some mega shopping (with two toddlers in tow) tomorrow. After looking at these ads my delay looks like a blessing since a couple of the stores are having "3 day sales" Here are some of the (in my opinion) highlights
Bashas'
Triple coupons, up to $.33 (meaning up to $1 total discount)
Beef tenderoloin $4.97lb
Here's what I LOVE when Bashas' has them this price . . . you'll pay around $35 for a whole tenderloin, but it is absolutely worth the investment, if your grocery budget will allow it. The butchers at Bashas' will cut the tenderloin into filet mignons. Usually I get about 8-10 filets out of each tenderloin! If you look in the butcher case you'll pay about $14.99 for the exact same cut of meat!
Skippy Peanut Butter 2 for $4. There is a coupon in this morning's paper for $.60 off any Skippy . . . this will make the PB $1 each
Strawberries $.99/lb
"Shocker coupon" when you spend $15--Food Club butter $1.29/lb
Fry's
(continuing their promotion where all manufacturer coupons are worth $1 off)
Potoatoes $.58 for a 5lb bag
Safeway also had a special ad in this morning's paper, but nothing really jumped out at me
Bashas'
Triple coupons, up to $.33 (meaning up to $1 total discount)
Beef tenderoloin $4.97lb
Here's what I LOVE when Bashas' has them this price . . . you'll pay around $35 for a whole tenderloin, but it is absolutely worth the investment, if your grocery budget will allow it. The butchers at Bashas' will cut the tenderloin into filet mignons. Usually I get about 8-10 filets out of each tenderloin! If you look in the butcher case you'll pay about $14.99 for the exact same cut of meat!
Skippy Peanut Butter 2 for $4. There is a coupon in this morning's paper for $.60 off any Skippy . . . this will make the PB $1 each
Strawberries $.99/lb
"Shocker coupon" when you spend $15--Food Club butter $1.29/lb
Fry's
(continuing their promotion where all manufacturer coupons are worth $1 off)
Potoatoes $.58 for a 5lb bag
Safeway also had a special ad in this morning's paper, but nothing really jumped out at me
Friday, March 26, 2010
Can't argue with that . . .
My son, who is 3.5 and is fully in the "why" stage of life. A few minutes ago he was in the office with me and saw a picture a friend posted of her son on facebook. My little guy asked "Who is that?". This is how the conversation continued:
Mommy: "It's my friend's little boy"
Son: "What's his name?"
Mommy: [insert boy's name here]
Son: "Why is his name __________?"
Mommy: "Because that's what his Mommy and Daddy named him"
Son: "Why did his Mommy and Daddy name him that?"
Mommy (trying to change the subject): "Why is your name _______?"
Son (very emphatically): "Because that's what Jesus named me"
Mommy: "It's my friend's little boy"
Son: "What's his name?"
Mommy: [insert boy's name here]
Son: "Why is his name __________?"
Mommy: "Because that's what his Mommy and Daddy named him"
Son: "Why did his Mommy and Daddy name him that?"
Mommy (trying to change the subject): "Why is your name _______?"
Son (very emphatically): "Because that's what Jesus named me"
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Other great deals this week . . .
We are on a strict grocery budget, and use Dave Ramsey's "envelope system" for groceries and household items. There is just about $50 left in my envelope until April 2 so I may not buy ALL of these things, but these are the items I'm seriously considering
Sprouts
Strawberries 4lbs for $5!!
All natural boneless skinless chicken breasts $1.97/lb
Spinach--$.88/bunch
Ground sirloin $2.97/lb
Albertson's
Bananas $.39/lb
93% lean ground beef $1.79/lb
Wild Canadian Rockfish $2.99/lb (I'm sad cod is no longer listed for $2.99/lb, but we're going to try this white fish)
Fry's
in addition to what I already mentioned I'll be buying to donate . . ..
Brocoli--$.88/lb
Bashas'
Yoplait yogurt---Bahsas' coupon in ad for 10 for $4 (only good on first 10)--otherwise they are 10 for $5. I am going to buy a total of 12---10 for $4 and then 2 more for $1. (12 for $5) In addition to the Bashas' coupon I will use 2 coupons from the paper for $.40 off of 6. Each coupon will double to take $.80 off. $5-1.60=12 cups for $3.40. Safeway has their Lucerne yougurt on sale this week for $.33ea (3 for $1). 12 cups of the Lucerne yogurt would be $4, so the Yoplait is cheaper. Both the Yoplait and Lucerne are 6oz cups
I've still got a pretty good stockpile of meat, chicken and seafood so I may not buy much of those, but I will be buying the yogurt, fruits, and veggies
Sprouts
Strawberries 4lbs for $5!!
All natural boneless skinless chicken breasts $1.97/lb
Spinach--$.88/bunch
Ground sirloin $2.97/lb
Albertson's
Bananas $.39/lb
93% lean ground beef $1.79/lb
Wild Canadian Rockfish $2.99/lb (I'm sad cod is no longer listed for $2.99/lb, but we're going to try this white fish)
Fry's
in addition to what I already mentioned I'll be buying to donate . . ..
Brocoli--$.88/lb
Bashas'
Yoplait yogurt---Bahsas' coupon in ad for 10 for $4 (only good on first 10)--otherwise they are 10 for $5. I am going to buy a total of 12---10 for $4 and then 2 more for $1. (12 for $5) In addition to the Bashas' coupon I will use 2 coupons from the paper for $.40 off of 6. Each coupon will double to take $.80 off. $5-1.60=12 cups for $3.40. Safeway has their Lucerne yougurt on sale this week for $.33ea (3 for $1). 12 cups of the Lucerne yogurt would be $4, so the Yoplait is cheaper. Both the Yoplait and Lucerne are 6oz cups
I've still got a pretty good stockpile of meat, chicken and seafood so I may not buy much of those, but I will be buying the yogurt, fruits, and veggies
Shopping to Be a Blessing--THIS WEEK :)
The specifics of this blog are for those in my home state, but the principles can be applied to anyone, anywhere.
Fry's is continuing their "March to Savings" sale, where if you buy 8 of the qualifying items $4 will come off your bill. The prices I'm listing for Fry's assume you're buying in multiples of 8. You don't have to buy 8 of the same item--you can buy 2 tuna, 2 pasta, 3 pkgs of soap, 1 toothpaste, etc. Fry's doubles coupons (up to $1 off) but only doubles 3 "like" coupons per transaction.
I bought my coupons on ebay for this, so I don't know which inserts they came from, but here are a few things I will buy this week to donate to our chuch's homeless ministry and food pantry
Irish Spring 3pk bar soap---$1 (minus $.55/1 coupon, that will double up to $1)= FREE
Bumble Bee tuna pouch--- $.49 (minus $.55/1 coupon)= $.50 PROFIT (yes, you'll be paid to take the tuna out of the store)
American Beauty or Ronzoni pasta--$.79
Aquafresh toothpaste--$1
This is a transaction I plan on doing this week (after my coupons arrive)
3 tuna @ $.50 profit
3 pkgs of soap @ FREE
1 box of pasta @ $.79
1 toothpaste @ $1
My total should be about $.29 + tax for all those items :)
Also . . . Target has a coupon at for $2 off of a beach towel. There are beach towels for $2.50 in the "dollar section" at the front of the store so you can get a brand new towel for $.50 to give to our ACTS guests
Fry's is continuing their "March to Savings" sale, where if you buy 8 of the qualifying items $4 will come off your bill. The prices I'm listing for Fry's assume you're buying in multiples of 8. You don't have to buy 8 of the same item--you can buy 2 tuna, 2 pasta, 3 pkgs of soap, 1 toothpaste, etc. Fry's doubles coupons (up to $1 off) but only doubles 3 "like" coupons per transaction.
I bought my coupons on ebay for this, so I don't know which inserts they came from, but here are a few things I will buy this week to donate to our chuch's homeless ministry and food pantry
Irish Spring 3pk bar soap---$1 (minus $.55/1 coupon, that will double up to $1)= FREE
Bumble Bee tuna pouch--- $.49 (minus $.55/1 coupon)= $.50 PROFIT (yes, you'll be paid to take the tuna out of the store)
American Beauty or Ronzoni pasta--$.79
Aquafresh toothpaste--$1
This is a transaction I plan on doing this week (after my coupons arrive)
3 tuna @ $.50 profit
3 pkgs of soap @ FREE
1 box of pasta @ $.79
1 toothpaste @ $1
My total should be about $.29 + tax for all those items :)
Also . . . Target has a coupon at for $2 off of a beach towel. There are beach towels for $2.50 in the "dollar section" at the front of the store so you can get a brand new towel for $.50 to give to our ACTS guests
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
After having lived in the desert for nearly 16 years I have come to absolutely LOVE the month of March. As much as I love Christmas I've come to believe that March in the desert truly IS the most wonderful time of the year. The weather is beautiful and the birds' song seems to be pulling me outside. The kids and I have been to the zoo, the park, bike riding, sidewalk chalk on the driveway, playing in the backyard, evening walks once Daddy gets home, etc as much as possible in recent weeks knowing that the HEAT of the summer is going to descend on us all too quickly. As the kids get older I am looking forward to hikes around town this time of year. We have already planned a family camping trip to a cooler climate this summer.
For those of you in colder climates it's starter to warm up for the first time in months and springing forward has allowed an extra hour extra of sunlight in the evening . . . how have you been enjoying your March?
For those of you in colder climates it's starter to warm up for the first time in months and springing forward has allowed an extra hour extra of sunlight in the evening . . . how have you been enjoying your March?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
How Did I Get Here?
It dawned on me the other day that some of my friends know me as a "coupon queen" and are amazed at my deals. I have other friends who also "deal" and who think I'm a novice because my deals don't compare to theirs. I have a third group of friends who are probably amazed that there are people out there who think I know anything about being frugal.
In college, and the years immediately following, I made a lot of "typical" mistakes. I got credit cards and charged clothes I "needed", dinners out I "needed", and when things got tight actual groceries that I really did need. I got to the point where I couldn't afford food. I was begging my roommates to share what they had and scrounging whatever leftovers my coworkers were going to throw away. I remember a lady from church going through her own pantry at 1am giving me canned goods. I skipped meals and went on a "rice and ramen" diet because that's all I could afford. Yes, I was a poor college student, but what I wasn't admitting at the time is I couldn't afford food because all my money was going to pay my credit card bills.
I hit rock bottom a couple years out of college. I was losing sleep over my debt and was a horrible roommate--bouncing checks, avoiding bills, etc. It was BAD. I'm embrassed to be admitting this, but it is part of my story. Eventually creditors were calling me. One bill collector even called my grandma to find out how to get in touch with me. Have I mentioned it was BAD?
Through one collector I ended up giving them post-dated checks for large sums of money to be cashed on my payday. I also went to Consumer Credit Counseling to take care of the rest. I took a second job. My primary job was as a flight attendant, but I also worked 15-20hrs a week at a Christian bookstore. Again, I could barely afford food, but at least this time it was because I was paying off debt, without acquiring any more. All my cards had been cancelled and I swore them off forever. (By the way, knowing what I know now I wouldn't have gone to Consumer Credit Counseling, but it is how I got out of debt)
I worked my tail off and didn't eat much. While flying I cooked ramen noodles in hotel coffee pots, while my crew members were going out to eat. I scrounged off the first class leftovers and ate peanuts because I didn't have money to buy food on my overnight. There were numerous days I worked at the bookstore from 8:30am-3pm, changed in the bathroom, and then headed to the airport to work a red-eye flight to the East Coast that landed at 7am. I was working 20hr days and went over 6mo without a day off. The only time I got a day off at all was if I happened to have a Sunday I wasn't flying, because the store was closed.
Eventually, my debts got paid I and I was able to start "living" again. I made a vow to myself I'd NEVER, NEVER, NEVER get myself in that situation again.
It's funny how God works because a few months after the last credit card got paid off I met this amazing guy, who had never been in debt a day in his life. We started dating and eventually decided to get married. My husband had always done things "right" and was passionate about being debt free because he didn't know any different. My passion comes from having learned my lessons the hard way. I wouldn't be surprised if God was waiting to introduce me to my husband until I had everything straightened out. (In the spirit of full disclosure I should admit that we do have a couple of credit cards we use for the "rewards" that we pay off each month)
My husband has an amazing job. I have been to places I never thought I'd see, I've experienced things I never thought I'd do, and am balancing a family budget with numbers I'd never dreamed I'd see.
I still have student loan debt, and now that I'm a stay-at-home-mom that's something my husband is having to deal with, that he shouldn't. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to the day it is GONE.
I am passionate about saving money, living on a budget, and living within my means because I learned early and hard the misery that comes with trying to keep up with the Joneses. There are a lot of things I don't "have", but I do have peace knowing that a creditor won't be calling tomorrow and THAT is priceless
In college, and the years immediately following, I made a lot of "typical" mistakes. I got credit cards and charged clothes I "needed", dinners out I "needed", and when things got tight actual groceries that I really did need. I got to the point where I couldn't afford food. I was begging my roommates to share what they had and scrounging whatever leftovers my coworkers were going to throw away. I remember a lady from church going through her own pantry at 1am giving me canned goods. I skipped meals and went on a "rice and ramen" diet because that's all I could afford. Yes, I was a poor college student, but what I wasn't admitting at the time is I couldn't afford food because all my money was going to pay my credit card bills.
I hit rock bottom a couple years out of college. I was losing sleep over my debt and was a horrible roommate--bouncing checks, avoiding bills, etc. It was BAD. I'm embrassed to be admitting this, but it is part of my story. Eventually creditors were calling me. One bill collector even called my grandma to find out how to get in touch with me. Have I mentioned it was BAD?
Through one collector I ended up giving them post-dated checks for large sums of money to be cashed on my payday. I also went to Consumer Credit Counseling to take care of the rest. I took a second job. My primary job was as a flight attendant, but I also worked 15-20hrs a week at a Christian bookstore. Again, I could barely afford food, but at least this time it was because I was paying off debt, without acquiring any more. All my cards had been cancelled and I swore them off forever. (By the way, knowing what I know now I wouldn't have gone to Consumer Credit Counseling, but it is how I got out of debt)
I worked my tail off and didn't eat much. While flying I cooked ramen noodles in hotel coffee pots, while my crew members were going out to eat. I scrounged off the first class leftovers and ate peanuts because I didn't have money to buy food on my overnight. There were numerous days I worked at the bookstore from 8:30am-3pm, changed in the bathroom, and then headed to the airport to work a red-eye flight to the East Coast that landed at 7am. I was working 20hr days and went over 6mo without a day off. The only time I got a day off at all was if I happened to have a Sunday I wasn't flying, because the store was closed.
Eventually, my debts got paid I and I was able to start "living" again. I made a vow to myself I'd NEVER, NEVER, NEVER get myself in that situation again.
It's funny how God works because a few months after the last credit card got paid off I met this amazing guy, who had never been in debt a day in his life. We started dating and eventually decided to get married. My husband had always done things "right" and was passionate about being debt free because he didn't know any different. My passion comes from having learned my lessons the hard way. I wouldn't be surprised if God was waiting to introduce me to my husband until I had everything straightened out. (In the spirit of full disclosure I should admit that we do have a couple of credit cards we use for the "rewards" that we pay off each month)
My husband has an amazing job. I have been to places I never thought I'd see, I've experienced things I never thought I'd do, and am balancing a family budget with numbers I'd never dreamed I'd see.
I still have student loan debt, and now that I'm a stay-at-home-mom that's something my husband is having to deal with, that he shouldn't. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to the day it is GONE.
I am passionate about saving money, living on a budget, and living within my means because I learned early and hard the misery that comes with trying to keep up with the Joneses. There are a lot of things I don't "have", but I do have peace knowing that a creditor won't be calling tomorrow and THAT is priceless
My love affair with my FoodSaver and Freezer
Before my son was born I saw a FoodSaver at Costco and told my husband I would like one. I few weeks later I was the proud owner of the kitchen appliance that would change my life. I bought it thinking it would be a nice alternative to having chicken freezer burned in ziploc freezer bags. What I didn't know is that the day would come I would consider it the most valuable small appliance in the house (well, except for my flat iron, but that's because of the "gift" my kids gave me of a perpetually bad 80's perm--on HALF of my head)
In the approximately 4 years since that initial purchase my FoodSaver has become my favorite appliance in the house. I use it ALL THE TIME. I use it to store meat/fish/poultry when it's on sale. I use it for freezer meals. Those two uses alone save me HUNDREDS of dollars/year. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I've been stocking up on cod while it's on sale for $2.99/lb. I have purchased about 15lbs worth of fish at this rock bottom price and frozen it, knowing I may never see this price again (normally I'm happy if it's $4.99/lb). I have items stored for over a year and they still taste amazingly fresh. I haven't lost a single piece of meat/poultry/fish to freezer burn in 4 years!
For freezer meals I make double batches and freeze half. We are a family of 4--with two of those members being toddlers. A 9x12 pan full of anything means that's all we'll eat for lunch and dinner for nearly a week. I've learned if I make the same recipe and place the lasagna in 2 8x8 pans instead of one 9x12 I have a healthy, preservative free dinner on a night I'm too tired/lazy to cook. I put one 8x8 pan in the oven, use my FoodSaver and freeze the other 8x8 portion (pan included)! I use this technique for casseroles, lasagna, baked ziti, enchilladas, shepherd's pie, etc.
Besides saving me from lazy days, one of the benefits of making sure my freezer is stocked with freezer meals is that I always have something on hand if I want to help out a friend who is in the hospital, has recently had a baby, etc.
Once I started REALLY using my FoodSaver I wanted a second freezer. In our old house I knew that wouldn't happen because the only possible "home" for it was the garage. I live in a very hot climate and it doesn't make sense to have a second freezer in the garage because the cost of a constantly running appliance + the drain on the freezer's life counteract any possible savings. When we moved about two years ago we didn't have a huge list of requirements for our huge house (we had to have low expectations to be in the neighborhood we wanted, while maintaining our budget), but one of my "wants" was a place to store a freezer.
Our home doesn't have a pantry (I use a linen closet to store my "stockpile") but it does have room in the laundry room for a 22 cubic ft. upright freezer!
Neither my freezer (about $600) or FoodSaver (about $150) were cheap but they are both WELL WORTH the investment and have both paid for themselves many times over.
In the approximately 4 years since that initial purchase my FoodSaver has become my favorite appliance in the house. I use it ALL THE TIME. I use it to store meat/fish/poultry when it's on sale. I use it for freezer meals. Those two uses alone save me HUNDREDS of dollars/year. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I've been stocking up on cod while it's on sale for $2.99/lb. I have purchased about 15lbs worth of fish at this rock bottom price and frozen it, knowing I may never see this price again (normally I'm happy if it's $4.99/lb). I have items stored for over a year and they still taste amazingly fresh. I haven't lost a single piece of meat/poultry/fish to freezer burn in 4 years!
For freezer meals I make double batches and freeze half. We are a family of 4--with two of those members being toddlers. A 9x12 pan full of anything means that's all we'll eat for lunch and dinner for nearly a week. I've learned if I make the same recipe and place the lasagna in 2 8x8 pans instead of one 9x12 I have a healthy, preservative free dinner on a night I'm too tired/lazy to cook. I put one 8x8 pan in the oven, use my FoodSaver and freeze the other 8x8 portion (pan included)! I use this technique for casseroles, lasagna, baked ziti, enchilladas, shepherd's pie, etc.
Besides saving me from lazy days, one of the benefits of making sure my freezer is stocked with freezer meals is that I always have something on hand if I want to help out a friend who is in the hospital, has recently had a baby, etc.
Once I started REALLY using my FoodSaver I wanted a second freezer. In our old house I knew that wouldn't happen because the only possible "home" for it was the garage. I live in a very hot climate and it doesn't make sense to have a second freezer in the garage because the cost of a constantly running appliance + the drain on the freezer's life counteract any possible savings. When we moved about two years ago we didn't have a huge list of requirements for our huge house (we had to have low expectations to be in the neighborhood we wanted, while maintaining our budget), but one of my "wants" was a place to store a freezer.
Our home doesn't have a pantry (I use a linen closet to store my "stockpile") but it does have room in the laundry room for a 22 cubic ft. upright freezer!
Neither my freezer (about $600) or FoodSaver (about $150) were cheap but they are both WELL WORTH the investment and have both paid for themselves many times over.
C. Beth Blog Giveway---- Free Lollipops!!!
A blogger, Mommy, and one of my former roommates is giving away a bag of Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops on her blog. You can enter to win here:
http://cbethpromote.blogspot.com/
http://cbethpromote.blogspot.com/
Shopping to Bless Others
An added benefit of getting free (or nearly free) food is the way it allows me to bless others. Our church has a food pantry, and like many in the country, there is more food going out than coming in.
As I mentioned, with the correct coupon, Bashas' has had free pasta for the past week. I had one coupon from my own paper and then bought 20 others from a seller on e-bay. Bashas', like most other stores, has a policy only allowing 3 "like" coupons per transaction to be doubled, so I spent a lot of time at the grocery store over the weekend. Sure, I could keep all 21 boxes, knowing my family would eventually eat them, but others need the food more. I kept some of the boxes for our family, but then was able to take several boxes to church on Saturday night. I already have several bags of food ready to go next week, as well. This afternoon I realized we have a pretty well-stocked pantry (ok, we don't have an actual pantry so I've turned the linen closet into one---who needs towels?) and started cleaning out more food to drop off on Saturday night.
If there is a deal on something I may not use, but know our church's food pantry or ACTS ministry to the homeless can use I will pick it up. We have several toiletry items we are "brand loyal" to because of allergies, but when toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, etc are free or nearly free I will pick those up, as well. We can't use razors nearly as fast as there are deals on them so those go, too.
The boxes of pasta, cans of beans, cans of veggies, etc I drop off may be out of my excess but they will be an enormous blessing to someone else.
What can you do on your next shopping trip to bless someone else?
As I mentioned, with the correct coupon, Bashas' has had free pasta for the past week. I had one coupon from my own paper and then bought 20 others from a seller on e-bay. Bashas', like most other stores, has a policy only allowing 3 "like" coupons per transaction to be doubled, so I spent a lot of time at the grocery store over the weekend. Sure, I could keep all 21 boxes, knowing my family would eventually eat them, but others need the food more. I kept some of the boxes for our family, but then was able to take several boxes to church on Saturday night. I already have several bags of food ready to go next week, as well. This afternoon I realized we have a pretty well-stocked pantry (ok, we don't have an actual pantry so I've turned the linen closet into one---who needs towels?) and started cleaning out more food to drop off on Saturday night.
If there is a deal on something I may not use, but know our church's food pantry or ACTS ministry to the homeless can use I will pick it up. We have several toiletry items we are "brand loyal" to because of allergies, but when toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, etc are free or nearly free I will pick those up, as well. We can't use razors nearly as fast as there are deals on them so those go, too.
The boxes of pasta, cans of beans, cans of veggies, etc I drop off may be out of my excess but they will be an enormous blessing to someone else.
What can you do on your next shopping trip to bless someone else?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
God is still using fish to teach . . .
We don't observe Lent, but as a huge fan of seafood I look forward to this time of year because all of the grocery stores have sales on fish.
The most spectacular deal I've found this year has been cod, sold in "family packs" for $2.99/lb at Albertson's. For the past few weeks I have been buying several packages at a time and freezing them into meal-sized portions for our family.
As I was in the kitchen using my FoodSaver on all this fish I saw a postcard on our fridge that we'd received at church at the end of 2008. On it were several verses about honoring God with our money. I read "'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have enough room for it.'" Malachi 3:10
As I read that I was thinking (ok, whining) "God . . .what more do you want from us? We tithe, we give, what else? Why isn't our storehouse overflowing?" A few minutes later I took my 12lbs of cod I'd just prepared for the freezer and walked into the laundry room (where our spare freezer lives). I opened the freezer door, immediately looked at the fact it is completely stocked with freezer meals, meat I'd been able to stock up on during sales, etc. and was convicted. Our freezer IS overflowing with His blessings. I was so wrapped up in the things we don't have I had completely ignored the blessings He HAS given us. Thank you, Jesus, for Your provision, and for reminding me how truly blessed we are.
The most spectacular deal I've found this year has been cod, sold in "family packs" for $2.99/lb at Albertson's. For the past few weeks I have been buying several packages at a time and freezing them into meal-sized portions for our family.
As I was in the kitchen using my FoodSaver on all this fish I saw a postcard on our fridge that we'd received at church at the end of 2008. On it were several verses about honoring God with our money. I read "'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have enough room for it.'" Malachi 3:10
As I read that I was thinking (ok, whining) "God . . .what more do you want from us? We tithe, we give, what else? Why isn't our storehouse overflowing?" A few minutes later I took my 12lbs of cod I'd just prepared for the freezer and walked into the laundry room (where our spare freezer lives). I opened the freezer door, immediately looked at the fact it is completely stocked with freezer meals, meat I'd been able to stock up on during sales, etc. and was convicted. Our freezer IS overflowing with His blessings. I was so wrapped up in the things we don't have I had completely ignored the blessings He HAS given us. Thank you, Jesus, for Your provision, and for reminding me how truly blessed we are.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Sales and Freezer Meals . . . these are a few of my favorite things . . .
Here are a few things I will be buying at the grocery store this week, as well as a freezer meal I will be making.
At Sprouts a 5lb bag of Clementines is on sale for $2.99. Considering how fast my kids go through these I may need to buy one box early in the week and another later on.
I'm really excited about FREE PASTA at Bashas' this week. Barilla pasta is on sale for $1/box and there was a coupon in Sunday's paper for $.55 off of 1 box of Barilla Whole Grain pasta. Bashas' doubles coupons up to $1 so my $.55 off coupon becomes worth $1. I'm not great at math, but $1-$1=FREE! :) While at Bashas' getting my free pasta I will be picking up strawberries because they are 2lbs for $3
At Safeway 93% lean ground beef is $1.99/lb and a 5lb bag of red potatoes is only $.99! I am going to buy about 5lbs of ground beef and a bag of potatoes.
Here's a freezer meal I will be making after I go to Safeway: I will brown all the ground beef and turn all the potatoes into mashed potatoes. I will combine these with ingredients I have on hand already (carrots and frozen peas) to make 5 Shepherd's Pies. I will put one 8x8 pan in the oven for dinner and then seal the other 4 with my FoodSaver and freeze them. I LOVE making double (or quadruple) batches of foods like Shepherd's Pie and freezing them because I have a preservative free meal waiting in my freezer on nights I don't feel like cooking. I don't do "once a month" cooking because I don't want to spend an entire day cooking and doing dishes. By making a large batch and freezing the extras I'm only doing the work once and not spending any extra time in the kitchen than I normally would making dinner on a normal evening.
At Sprouts a 5lb bag of Clementines is on sale for $2.99. Considering how fast my kids go through these I may need to buy one box early in the week and another later on.
I'm really excited about FREE PASTA at Bashas' this week. Barilla pasta is on sale for $1/box and there was a coupon in Sunday's paper for $.55 off of 1 box of Barilla Whole Grain pasta. Bashas' doubles coupons up to $1 so my $.55 off coupon becomes worth $1. I'm not great at math, but $1-$1=FREE! :) While at Bashas' getting my free pasta I will be picking up strawberries because they are 2lbs for $3
At Safeway 93% lean ground beef is $1.99/lb and a 5lb bag of red potatoes is only $.99! I am going to buy about 5lbs of ground beef and a bag of potatoes.
Here's a freezer meal I will be making after I go to Safeway: I will brown all the ground beef and turn all the potatoes into mashed potatoes. I will combine these with ingredients I have on hand already (carrots and frozen peas) to make 5 Shepherd's Pies. I will put one 8x8 pan in the oven for dinner and then seal the other 4 with my FoodSaver and freeze them. I LOVE making double (or quadruple) batches of foods like Shepherd's Pie and freezing them because I have a preservative free meal waiting in my freezer on nights I don't feel like cooking. I don't do "once a month" cooking because I don't want to spend an entire day cooking and doing dishes. By making a large batch and freezing the extras I'm only doing the work once and not spending any extra time in the kitchen than I normally would making dinner on a normal evening.
Welcome!
This blog will contain my ramblings about pretty much anything on my mind :)
As an avid couponer and bargain shopper I am regularly asked by friends about how to find the best deals and how I stretch my grocery budget, so as I come up with ideas that may be helpful to others I will post them here.
As a daughter of Christ I am constantly amazed at what He is teaching me and if I feel I have something that will bless others I will post that here :)
As the mom of two toddlers (3.5 and 1.5) my kids keep me entertained, and if I have a "Proud Mommy" moment, or a "Kids Say the Darndest Things" moment I may share it here :)
As an avid couponer and bargain shopper I am regularly asked by friends about how to find the best deals and how I stretch my grocery budget, so as I come up with ideas that may be helpful to others I will post them here.
As a daughter of Christ I am constantly amazed at what He is teaching me and if I feel I have something that will bless others I will post that here :)
As the mom of two toddlers (3.5 and 1.5) my kids keep me entertained, and if I have a "Proud Mommy" moment, or a "Kids Say the Darndest Things" moment I may share it here :)
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