Here is a link to the blog I mentioned in case you missed it. She is Oklahoma based but she has followers all over the country on Facebook and twitter.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thrifty Thursday
Hello I am a couponer and I am an addict. :) Just kidding. I do coupon but I am no where near the lvl like those on that show. I do look for the best deals, print coupons,have a subscriptions for 4 papers,have a file and follow some fantastic blogs like Coupon Closet to help me know all of the rules to the stores I shop at and to find the best deals. I do not though buy things my family will not use or eat. Now I am not talking brand because I will buy the cheaper brand in most cases( I do have a few things my family insist I only by in a specific brand for different reasons). I am talking about things like diapers and denture paste when I do not have any one who uses those things. Now I do give my sisters with little ones my diaper coupons but I give them the opportunity to pick what ones they use because I remember how much they can cost and how I\ certain brands I could use one and not others ( I came into the cloth diapering scene late and only did it with 2 of mine). I know some of those people where buying things to donate or to have free shopping spot for others they know and that is great. Here is the thing on that most of us who are couponing are doing to do it to save money and while it may only be .30 or $1.00 that was spent that still adds up over time. Also if you have to think of the space if it is taking up in your home because you want to donate more aren't you losing space for other things and just causing a possible clutter or hoarding mess. They way I do it is I buy the things I would use and then will donate out of that stash so my space is still being used wisely( I have small home and I firmly believe in using space wisely). Also you have to remember the gas used. If are making 5 different trips to the same or different stores that you would not normally do. Is the .50 -$1.00 per item saved really worth it. Now I will say once you can get you grocery bill down to like $100 for the month for a family of 5 then it does start to out weigh the gas cost somewhat, but you have to remember getting good at couponing like that takes awhile and that could be a lot of gas used till then. Though I am a big advocate for starting a stash (of reasonable size) of the things you use. It is always nice to know that if one of you lose your job, the government fails, there is a natural disaster or a zombie outbreak happens you have a supply to live on for awhile with out stress or panic. Just remember to go through your items and put the the newly bought behind the older ones so they get used first. I have found couponing does really help my families budget go a little further. One thing I do is make a calender of the meals I plan on making for one week and then get out my coupons and find the best deals for the things I will need for that week and then if there are things free or super low I will add them to my list. I may make 2 trips at most but I will not do more than that because gas here is ridiculous,plus I have 4 kids and most of the time they think they need to come along to "help". Speaking of ,that has been an awesome side effect it has taught all of my kids to be money wise ( my toddler even insists on making sure we cut out coupons for everything she wants). Since we home school it has also been an awesome tool to teach them math, how to shop for a family,how to plan ahead and to how to be aware of the money you are spending. So in simple words I do think couponing is an awesome tool but that like all things it should be done properly and in moderation.
Here is a link to the blog I mentioned in case you missed it. She is Oklahoma based but she has followers all over the country on Facebook and twitter.
Here is a link to the blog I mentioned in case you missed it. She is Oklahoma based but she has followers all over the country on Facebook and twitter.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Wonderful Wednesday
Today was a Wonderful Wednesday.
I was going to post about homeschooling but I decided I would tell some of the fun from my honeymoon. 15 years ago today I married to my best friend. My mom rented a hotel room for us to spend the night in and against others advice we were going out town the next morning. We decided to go to New Mexico so my husband could take me to all the places he grew up in. Over night it snowed big time and when we got up before dawn it still was. We had to drive so slow but we were doing it. We made it through Texas no problem and then we hit New Mexico. The highway was closed down. We pulled off with the rest of the traffic and were going to get gas and wait but everywhere was crazy full and we had just under half a tank in our little Geo Metro. So when we saw the snow trucks with their plows going out the back way of the stop area/ town we followed determined to make it to our first place for the night. We got outside of town on a nicely paved back road and suddenly the truck turned around. SO we had a choice go on or turn back. WE WENT ON! Back to moving slow but steady. That is when we saw the most beautiful canyon space I have ever seen. We pulled over and got out to look. We were up on the side completely alone with snow lightly falling around us while we were viewing out into the canyon. I was magical. We got back on the road and decided to start watching for a gas station. I checked the map and found several small towns along the way which made us feel sure we would be able to get gas soon. The sun started breaking through the clouds along the way but there were no gas stations and road was quickly becoming a not so nicely paved road. We were still having fun but getting a little worried because the gas was nearly empty now. We saw some amazing views and some that remind me to this day of horror movie scenes. NOW the gas situation was getting worrisome we were all but empty. Now here is something I will never forget as we were driving we got stuck in the middle of a cattle herd being moved. Yes a cattle herd. We could not believe our eyes. The cowboys moved their cows on so we could get through and we nodded and went on our way. Now we were very worried our gas was gone and these little towns still had nothing or were not still around. Finally we saw it like a shining A GAS STATION SIGN. We picked up speed as we hit town. We hit a bridge and started to lose control from hitting an ice patch. Our car spun right into the gas station and right next to the pump. My husband pumped the gas and was going to wash all of the writing off our windows but the glass cleaner at the station was frozen and they had none for sale inside. We actually spent most of our trip with writing on our windows, but it was kind of fun being honked at by well wishers. More things I will never forget My husband tried so hard to get us nice hotels but ended up being the cheapest one that was the best and most romantic. WE still go there when we are in Toas. I was pregnant and gorged my self on Tex Mex and Mexican food. WE had to honk at the birds on the back roads because they were so busy eating the salt they would not move until it was too late.( My husband actually hit a few and made me pull them out of the radiator ) On the way home I felt the first little flutter of our lizabug. It was an amazing trip and it was completely unplanned except that we had X amount of money and we were going to New Mexico.
I was going to post about homeschooling but I decided I would tell some of the fun from my honeymoon. 15 years ago today I married to my best friend. My mom rented a hotel room for us to spend the night in and against others advice we were going out town the next morning. We decided to go to New Mexico so my husband could take me to all the places he grew up in. Over night it snowed big time and when we got up before dawn it still was. We had to drive so slow but we were doing it. We made it through Texas no problem and then we hit New Mexico. The highway was closed down. We pulled off with the rest of the traffic and were going to get gas and wait but everywhere was crazy full and we had just under half a tank in our little Geo Metro. So when we saw the snow trucks with their plows going out the back way of the stop area/ town we followed determined to make it to our first place for the night. We got outside of town on a nicely paved back road and suddenly the truck turned around. SO we had a choice go on or turn back. WE WENT ON! Back to moving slow but steady. That is when we saw the most beautiful canyon space I have ever seen. We pulled over and got out to look. We were up on the side completely alone with snow lightly falling around us while we were viewing out into the canyon. I was magical. We got back on the road and decided to start watching for a gas station. I checked the map and found several small towns along the way which made us feel sure we would be able to get gas soon. The sun started breaking through the clouds along the way but there were no gas stations and road was quickly becoming a not so nicely paved road. We were still having fun but getting a little worried because the gas was nearly empty now. We saw some amazing views and some that remind me to this day of horror movie scenes. NOW the gas situation was getting worrisome we were all but empty. Now here is something I will never forget as we were driving we got stuck in the middle of a cattle herd being moved. Yes a cattle herd. We could not believe our eyes. The cowboys moved their cows on so we could get through and we nodded and went on our way. Now we were very worried our gas was gone and these little towns still had nothing or were not still around. Finally we saw it like a shining A GAS STATION SIGN. We picked up speed as we hit town. We hit a bridge and started to lose control from hitting an ice patch. Our car spun right into the gas station and right next to the pump. My husband pumped the gas and was going to wash all of the writing off our windows but the glass cleaner at the station was frozen and they had none for sale inside. We actually spent most of our trip with writing on our windows, but it was kind of fun being honked at by well wishers. More things I will never forget My husband tried so hard to get us nice hotels but ended up being the cheapest one that was the best and most romantic. WE still go there when we are in Toas. I was pregnant and gorged my self on Tex Mex and Mexican food. WE had to honk at the birds on the back roads because they were so busy eating the salt they would not move until it was too late.( My husband actually hit a few and made me pull them out of the radiator ) On the way home I felt the first little flutter of our lizabug. It was an amazing trip and it was completely unplanned except that we had X amount of money and we were going to New Mexico.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Thoughtful Tuesday
So following some awesome advice I am going for content and on here I will have a post labeled for each day but I will also post about things that catch my fancy so things don't become stale but you will know what to expect or to look for on here. So Tuesday's will be Thoughtful Tuesdays. Soooo on with the show. Today's thoughts will be on Marriage. This will be one of my fave topics I can already tell you now. This is because mine was saved by GOD from certain destruction. Now when my husband and I would counsel we shared our tools with others and now I will share them with you. Now this is going to be awesome for those with rocky marriages, those with awesome marriages, those married for only a short while and those married for a long time. Today I want to cover ways to reopen the door to appreciation for your spouse. In our day to day we often forget to look at our spouses and see the wonderful person that gave us butterflies. When you add kids to the mix things can get even more crazy. So here are some tips to keep the notion of "this person really is awesome and I really do connect with them" in the front of your mind.
1. Make a list of 10....Guys write a list of things you LOVE about your wife, Gals things you RESPECT about your husband.
2. Start a sweet things jar. Make a jar and fill it with things you love,respect and now about your spouse.Even things you know your spouse likes or needs are OK too. At least 2 times a week pull out one and tell/ do it for your spouse.
3. Write a random note for them put in in their lunch, briefcase,wallet,as a text, twitter,facebook,e-mail. Try it once a week.
4. Try a room tax .... ask for a hug or a kiss when you leave or enter a room your spouse is in. Now not every time because that can get annoying.( Again we really do these things and that is how I know not to over do it haha)
5. Try to fit in date night or couple time once a week. Try to do something that is neutral and maybe even new. My husband and I eat sushi, do puzzles, play games on the Xbox orPS3,read together, try new types of restaurants, snuggle together in our room and watch a movie or show together ( can you tell the ones we do on date nights and the ones we do as our couple time)
As you do these you will be able to add your own ideas and switch them up to keep things new and fun. These things have always helped my hubby and I keep things in perspective. It also helps the other to know we are thinking about them and that we love and appreciate the other one. I hope that maybe you found some new ideas to add to your toolbox to keeping your marriage fresh.
Also I want to Thank 4 Love of CupCakes for her awesome blogging tips.
1. Make a list of 10....Guys write a list of things you LOVE about your wife, Gals things you RESPECT about your husband.
2. Start a sweet things jar. Make a jar and fill it with things you love,respect and now about your spouse.Even things you know your spouse likes or needs are OK too. At least 2 times a week pull out one and tell/ do it for your spouse.
3. Write a random note for them put in in their lunch, briefcase,wallet,as a text, twitter,facebook,e-mail. Try it once a week.
4. Try a room tax .... ask for a hug or a kiss when you leave or enter a room your spouse is in. Now not every time because that can get annoying.( Again we really do these things and that is how I know not to over do it haha)
5. Try to fit in date night or couple time once a week. Try to do something that is neutral and maybe even new. My husband and I eat sushi, do puzzles, play games on the Xbox orPS3,read together, try new types of restaurants, snuggle together in our room and watch a movie or show together ( can you tell the ones we do on date nights and the ones we do as our couple time)
As you do these you will be able to add your own ideas and switch them up to keep things new and fun. These things have always helped my hubby and I keep things in perspective. It also helps the other to know we are thinking about them and that we love and appreciate the other one. I hope that maybe you found some new ideas to add to your toolbox to keeping your marriage fresh.
Also I want to Thank 4 Love of CupCakes for her awesome blogging tips.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Project Monday
For my fingerless gloves I can use just about any weight but I have been preferring to use the heavy weights since it is supposed to be winter ( though you would have not known with the weather around here). I think it helps them feel warmer. I also like yarns with sparkle or patterns that show up while you are knitting them up. Oh by the way that is my hand and yes I know my nails need some attention, but after a day of dealing with kids and everything else I am usually just happy to say I got a shower.
On my hats I like using heavy weights for warmth but I sometimes I a funky or lighter yarn will just beg to be turned into a hat. I make new ones for my family just about every year, but it usually turns into me giving some away or selling to some friends, family etc. This is my youngest cutey Riley Coyote modeling off the hat I made her. She made the little kissy face all on her own for the picture.
Want to see more blogs with more ideas and thoughts check out 4 Love of CupCakes
press the link below to go see.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Rules to fighting
Recently I was reading a post to another blog and they were discussing some new resolutions they have set with their spouse when it came to disagreements. This is right up my alley. Since my husband and I were saved I am huge on marriage and communication. 50% of marriages end in divorce because of poor communication skills. My husband and I went from such poor skills as screaming, slamming doors, walking out, threatening divorce and more to quiet calm yes sometimes tense feeling conversations. How did we get there you may ask? Well step one we turned to GOD. Step 2 we did our studies ( yep we read up on effective solutions and we still do) , Step 3 we set rules. Now these things took/take hard work. Your marriage does not have to be in crisis to work on it. You don't buy a car and not at least clean it, change the oil, put gas in it etc. Well why not put in as much care in your marriage. Oh for those who have been married for a while guess what you need to give it more care just like a fine vintage car. When you do things like set rules it helps to set boundaries that allows both parties to feel heard. now you don't want to be so strict on these rules if one gets broken that you refuse to continue but you can gently remind your partner. I will list our rules for you but your rules will need to be for you otherwise they won't work. Ok our rules
1. no screaming or yelling " You can be right but wrong at the top of your voice"
2. no infinite words " you always" or "you never"
3. no walking away, leaving or shutting your self in a room
4. inconsiderate only means you did not consider the other person or the outcome fully
5. feelings are just that feelings not necessarily fact but certainly how you are perceiving things
6.no throw backs " well you......." or "so do you"
7. stay on topic no bringing up past arguments or let downs
8. no bringing in others
9. I'm a girl I don't always want things fixed so I have to be specific if I do or do not want help. He's a boy he wants to fix things quickly
I think that covers them all. We have been at this awhile so our list evolves as our life does. It grows and changes with us otherwise I think the rules would become mute points. Here's the neat things about this, this not only will it help you to be able to have better communication with your spouse but also with others. You will be able to carry these over with you to other situations. For me it has really helped because I am a very emotionally driven person and once I am set off I get hot tempered quickly, but now I am able to stay calm longer and keep things on point to a discussion more often. Later on I will tell you some of the books we read which lead to these rules
1. no screaming or yelling " You can be right but wrong at the top of your voice"
2. no infinite words " you always" or "you never"
3. no walking away, leaving or shutting your self in a room
4. inconsiderate only means you did not consider the other person or the outcome fully
5. feelings are just that feelings not necessarily fact but certainly how you are perceiving things
6.no throw backs " well you......." or "so do you"
7. stay on topic no bringing up past arguments or let downs
8. no bringing in others
9. I'm a girl I don't always want things fixed so I have to be specific if I do or do not want help. He's a boy he wants to fix things quickly
I think that covers them all. We have been at this awhile so our list evolves as our life does. It grows and changes with us otherwise I think the rules would become mute points. Here's the neat things about this, this not only will it help you to be able to have better communication with your spouse but also with others. You will be able to carry these over with you to other situations. For me it has really helped because I am a very emotionally driven person and once I am set off I get hot tempered quickly, but now I am able to stay calm longer and keep things on point to a discussion more often. Later on I will tell you some of the books we read which lead to these rules
Monday, January 2, 2012
A hard day
Well today I was going to write about something else but I really have this one topic on my mind. Mostly because of the events from today. Addiction is a hard thing. My husband was/ is close to ,more than I would have ever thought possible since we left the party life style behind and he went into the ministry, a few people with addictions. His entire ministry people were coming to him for help or to just tell someone of their problem. for some it was alcohol and for others it was more severe like crack or meth. My husband was/is always there for them. The thing with addiction is that you can give the person with addiction the best tools but they have to use them. So you have to step back sometimes and let them find bottom. Some never find their bottom and die from their addiction. My husband has already lost some friends in this manner and now it looks like we may being losing another. It breaks his heart to have to know that the next time he is talking about this person will be over them because they have died. to know he will have to say I loved so and so and I remember them this way, not this way. The bad was the addiction corrupting the wonderful person with in. Now let me set this straight almost all of us can understand to some level what this person is going through. Many of us has a bad habit we just can't seem to quit for one reason or another. Something we know if we did the opposite we would feel better, but still chose or prefer to do it. Maybe you even make excuses for doing it or cover it up. That is an addiction. Of course these little bad habits are not leading to criminal behavior, probably not changing your personality and would probably be easier for you to quit mentally and physically. So you would not fully understand it but you can see now that it is not at all easy to come to grips with. Especially when it is your body saying to you I will make you very sick ( possibly even kill you) unless you give me what I want. That is a very scary thing to face. Now that we all know we can understand on some level it does not mean we should make excuse for them or their behavior. Doing so will only allow them to feel better about it and make you even more sad and miserable. You have to draw the lines and keep them. They have to know that you will not follow them into the muck anymore. That is very hard to face as well. The idea that staying away is saying I LOVE YOU, especially when the addict is saying just the opposite. Also the idea that the last time you see them alive could be this moment and you are saying do not come back till your healthy and clean, because honestly as I have said some never find that bottom, not even a brush with death will make them stop.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A New Year
YAY it's a new year.This has to be one of the best days of the year it holds all of the hope and possibilities of change. This is the day that comes every year where we have a tradition of listing the things we plan on improving in our life. The first day of a new year can be like spring in your life bringing about new growth. I have read a lot of posts and talked to my friends and family of the things they are shooting for this year. Of course there is always the joke of not really completing your list. This is because change is hard and comes from a constant of working at it. I have heard you can learn a bad habit in a month but it take 3x's as long to unlearn it. All of this has made me wonder as to what I should set as goals for my new year. They should be reachable and set up like steps so I don't give up on them from frustration, but should be challenging in order for them to actually be a change. So here are my goals
1. Drink more WATER ( I hate the stuff it is awful even the bottled stuff)
2. Start and stay of the C25K ( I hate even the thought that I might be a couch potato and not getting everything I could out of life for the sake of being lazy)
3.Run a 5k this year
4. try 3 new types of food
5.learn how to cook new recipes of new styles of food
6.learn to allow things and people go when need be
7. take a trip with my family
8. work hard on my business and my blog
9. go to church more often, maybe even find a new home one
10. learn 4 new things
11. keep working a being a better mom and wife (this is always on my list and in my prayers)
12. attend one anime/comic con ( yes I love the stuff )
13. Read more books
14. have a 1 week of no electronics ( I may go through withdrawals)
15. This one I will leave open for the hope of always setting new goals to reach :)
Hopefully when I look back next year I will be able to check all of these off as done. At least those goals will add more joy and fullness to my life. I don't want to live a life of could have been, but of I did.
1. Drink more WATER ( I hate the stuff it is awful even the bottled stuff)
2. Start and stay of the C25K ( I hate even the thought that I might be a couch potato and not getting everything I could out of life for the sake of being lazy)
3.Run a 5k this year
4. try 3 new types of food
5.learn how to cook new recipes of new styles of food
6.learn to allow things and people go when need be
7. take a trip with my family
8. work hard on my business and my blog
9. go to church more often, maybe even find a new home one
10. learn 4 new things
11. keep working a being a better mom and wife (this is always on my list and in my prayers)
12. attend one anime/comic con ( yes I love the stuff )
13. Read more books
14. have a 1 week of no electronics ( I may go through withdrawals)
15. This one I will leave open for the hope of always setting new goals to reach :)
Hopefully when I look back next year I will be able to check all of these off as done. At least those goals will add more joy and fullness to my life. I don't want to live a life of could have been, but of I did.
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