Frugal Homeschool Mom

A Staycation?

2011-05-27T16:08:00.000-04:00

We always do something for memorial day weekend. This year we are on a tight budget. So, what's a family to do? We camp. We aren't camping at just any campground though, we are camping in my parents backyard! The kids are really excited about this. I went today and bought a few beach type decorations to decorate the pool area. I also bought a few new pool toys and food to cook out. I bought the decorations at the Dollar Tree. If you haven't taken a trip to the dollar store lately, you should drop in!

We are just going to enjoy the pool, shade, sun, books, food, and whatever other cool FREE things to do. It should be a relaxing weekend and at the end maybe I will have a tan :-)

Blessed

2010-09-14T11:03:00.000-04:00

I am still amazed at how God works. These two couples pictured with Phil and I are originally from the lower part of the state. I knew them years and years ago. Unfortunately, life changes and sometimes I don't keep in touch with people like I should. I did post a few months back about getting back in touch with Veronica (3rd from left). We have been in touch since then several times. The couple to the left are becoming dear friends also. They are in the process of moving to my hometown. I am still amazed at how things come about. I would have never thought that anyone would be moving from the Charleston area to a small town I grew up in. How odd is that? God is so good. and I know that he is in control. I feel so blessed to be able to have Christian friends who love the Lord!

I've never been one to really have many people over to my house. It's not that I don't want to, but I guess I am just not comfortable cooking for others and having to keep a conversation going. I'm learning though. This past weekend we all hung out at our house and it was so relaxing and very enjoyable. It was nice to be able to share a good meal with friends and have lots of laughter. I know this is the beginning of a great new season for Phil and I. God is so good to bless us with good fellowship. I can not imagine not having friends who have God in the center of their lives to share life with!

3 WEEKS INTO THE SCHOOL YEAR

2010-08-27T11:34:00.000-04:00

We have been schooling for 3 weeks and everything is going very well. Actually, I think it's going better than any other year. What's the difference? Well, I have made it a point in starting school no later than 8:30 every morning. I also am teaching English to Michael and Madison together. We also start our day off in prayer. It's sad, but I don't think I have done this before. We would say our blessing in years past and pray at night, but never pray about our day in the morning. The kids are helping a little more with keeping the house clean too.

It does seem that Melanie still has a lot of free time on her hands while I'm teaching the other two. Yesterday we went to the Dollar Tree and I found some great little prepackaged crafts. I am going to see how that works for next week. I know how to come up with our own crafts, but a craft that's already prepackaged is GREAT!

I have even been able to work about 10 hours per week! I pray this schedule will continue going so smooth!

YES YOU CAN

2010-08-23T08:44:00.001-04:00

Have you ever wanted to learn how to do something but put off learning how? That's exactly what I did with learning how to crochet. I remember when I was probably around 9 years old and the ladies at our church would meet and crochet. At that time, mama learned and all I did was learn how to crochet one loooong chain. The main reason I never learned how to do anything more was because I am left handed. Do you know how hard it is for a person who is left handed to learn something from a person who is right handed? Well, it's very hard for me to understand how to do something looking at someone who is doing it the opposite way! I gave up years ago and didn't pick it back up until few years ago. Unfortunately, I do not remember the next learning experience so I am going by what mama told me. It was during the time I was pregnant (don't know which child but it was possibly Madison) and I wanted to learn to make a blanket. I gave that up too. I think mama said she has the piece somewhere that I worked on but I'm not sure. I must have had a terrible experience with it because I believe I have blocked the whole episode from my confused brain. I'm sure you have NEVER done anything like that before, right? Something so ridiculous that you want to forget it and not think about it again in you whole entire life? That blanket must have been something else! Anyway, life has been a whirlwind since those days but now I feel it's time to focus again on something I want to do. A few months ago I really felt the need to do something for someone else. I wanted to start some kind of ministry that I could do. I remembered hearing about prayer shawls. Basically, you crochet a shawl and pray for the person that you will be giving it to while you are making it. I decided that I would like to try something like that. I bought a beginner book, needle, and yarn (again). I did learn a few things from the book but I was still struggling with how to do other stitches. Mama helped me a bit and also a lady from our church. I still wasn't satisfied with what I was doing. It was really hard for me to understand. I did make a couple of dishcloths and even a couple of hats. What really helped me "get it" was videos from you tube! I was able to find many videos that showed exactly how to crochet so many kinds of stitches and things. The videos were in slow motion also.

I finally was able to make a prayer shawl for a lady at church. I was sooooo happy. The above picture is the blanket I finally finished for myself. I worked on it earlier in the year and then I stopped when it got so hot. I decided the other week that I wanted to finish the blanket. It's not perfect and I have still have alot to learn, but I did it! If you are wanting to learn something new, keep trying and I know there has got to be a way for you to do what you want! I am sure that you could bless others with what you learn to do also. What a blessing it is to serve one another!

I know it took me years to be able to learn how to crochet, but I would have learned sooner if I hadn't gave up in the first place. The girls are learning how to crochet now, but what's funny is that mama is having to show Madison because she is right handed. I don't have a problem with teaching Melanie because she is left handed just like me. What a joy to be able to pass along something that seems to be a dying art.

My Silly Son

2010-08-18T17:19:00.000-04:00

We tease the kids at church about how silly they are. You know the ones, they are the tweens and the teens. They act all crazy and worry so much about their cell phones,etc. Michael keeps saying he's NOT going to be that way. Well, guess what? He is EXACTLY that way. He is so silly and can be such a crazy cut up. He can say the goofiest things sometimes.

So, we have eased into the preteen years and it hasn't been all that bad. The only time it gets frustrating is when he decides he is right no matter what! This happens quite often and he will even argue with facts from a textbook. I have never been this way, so I can't understand his way of thinking. He will argue you down if he thinks he is right. I have to explain to him often that he really needs to know his facts before he starts saying someone or something is wrong. It doesn't really seem to bother him when he finds out that he is wrong about something. I've noticed about the only time he will get upset is if he's wrong and Madison is right!

What has helped me understand this phase of life is a book by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. The name of it is: Parenting Today's Adolescent. It is very helpful and I'm sure I will be reading over and over again in the next few years. If you are needing some heads up about the tween years, you may want to check it out!

First Week!

2010-08-13T10:37:00.000-04:00

We did it! We made it through our first week of "schooling"! It's been a great week. Not only did we learn about the first explorers of America, but we still had summer fun and I was able to work 12 hours.

What has really helped us this week is getting up no later than 7:30 and we have been schooling usually by 8:00. Another biggie is that we are all beginning our day with prayer. I have a devotion before the kids get up and then we all pray together at the table. I admit that this isn't something I have made a habit of doing. We always pray with the kids at night, but I tend to get busy in the mornings and neglect to start the day off with the Lord. No matter how busy you are, how much you think you are lacking in your home school, or life, PLEASE do not leave Christ out of the beginning of your day. It really does make a difference. I also like to listen to praise and worship music to get me going in the mornings.

Next week I am adding English and Spelling into the mix of things so it will be a little more hectic, but I know we will be ok!

2010-08-11T08:21:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had a trial and it seemed to last forever? I just went through something for the past few weeks and didn't realize how bad I was until my trial ended. It wasn't a trial that I could really put my finger on. My trial was a mental thing and I believe it started when our dog kennel was stolen from our yard. At times I was happy and everything seemed alright, but other times I was just going through the motions of living. I didn't like where I was, but I wasn't able to overcome my situation either. What was I struggling with? I had thoughts that I wasn't a good wife, mom, teacher, women's leader, and song leader. I also would get upset real easily. I got tired of doing things and being so busy. At other times I just didn't want to do anything, but when I wasn't doing anything I wasn't happy with that either. Crazy, huh? A lady at church said she could feel a dark cloud beginning to come over me (could it have been oppression?). I didn't like that thought but I couldn't get away from it either. I do feel like that cloud was heavier at times than other times and maybe some days I didn't have it at all. It continued to be near and would come visit me often. So how was I delivered?

I set my sights on a need from a sister in the Lord. I became burdened for this sweet girl because she was going through something herself. I began to pray for her and as I was giving her words of encouragement from the Lord I began to feel a peace that I haven't felt in awhile. My cloud was lifted last Saturday as the Lord was ministering through me to someone in need. I was obeying my heavenly Father. I felt the Lord's strength so strong that I was able to give words from the Lord to several other people last weekend. I feel that I am not a very opinionated person. I do not offer my thoughts to people unless they ask for my opinion, however I felt so strong last week that God was wanting me to talk to certain dear friends that are going through things of their own. I'm not telling this for any other reason but to let you know that God delivers in amazing ways. I shouldn't be surprised, but I am. When we take our focus off ourselves and begin to carry a burden for others, that's when we are blessed. I love the saying, "it's not about me." It really isn't about us at all. Life is about God and what he wants to do through us. It's so easy to start thinking about ourselves, especially when we are going through a trial of our own.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Is there a special person in your life today that needs your help in seeking the Lord on their behalf? If so, I urge you to go to them and give them encouraging words from the Lord. If you step out in faith, the Lord will guide your tongue and give you the words that the person you encounter needs to hear. Not only will that certain person be uplifted, but you will receive a blessing that you weren't even expecting!

On Your Mark

2010-08-09T08:12:00.000-04:00

Get set, GO! Another school year under way already? Where did the summer go? The summer began with celebrating Phillip's 40th birthday by having an awesome surprise party for him. Then our summer was busy with the pool, waterpark, VBS, Charleston, Six Flags, museums, kayaking, nights spent with grandparents, friends spending nights with us, church camp, scout camp, 4th of July celebrations, family reunion, and much more!

What a blessing to be able to do so many things with friends and family, but alas, all good things must resume to some kind of normalcy around here. I miss my schedule, teaching the kids, projects, etc. What's in store for our 7th year of schooling?

We will be using My Father's World unit study once again.  I know that the Lord has ordained this himself and I have no questions of using it. We are in the 4th year of the cycle and therefore will be learning about Exploration to 1850.  I remember the first time I heard about MFW. I was at a mom's night out and we all were suppose to share what we were using. I heard about lots of good curriculum that night, but MFW stood out from all the rest. I like it because it's Bible based. The Hazel's focus on the Lord being at the head of homeschooling and it shows in the curriculum. I am also assured that when I purchase my curriculum from them that part of the funds go to Bible translation. Another great feature is that the planning has been done for me. I just need to read what I need to do and make sure I have the materials. Unit studies are great to use for moms with many children because most ages can benefit from the same lesson.

We don't do English and Math that MFW recommends. For English we use Rod and Staff and for Math we use Horizons. This will be the last year Michael uses Horizons because it only goes up to 6th grade. I'm considering Teaching Textbooks for next year.

What else will we be doing? Well, of course we have co-op classes, Michael has drum lessons and scouts. Madison will continue guitar lessons. The girls are interested in Girlscouts and as far as anything else we need to be in prayer about it. There are so many things for the kids to get exposed to. I never worry about socialization (that will be a different post altogether one day).

    My Father's World         Rod and Staff

   Horizons

I Said I Wouldn't Do It

2010-08-05T08:00:00.026-04:00

It's funny how you end up doing things that you had all intentions of NOT doing! Michael has a cell phone and even texting now. How did we get here?

A couple of years ago my mother bought Michael a phone because he walked his dog by himself at the edge of the woods. I was ok with that. Well, the other day he was going on a kayaking trip and it had been too long since we had put minutes on that little cell phone, so I ended up buying a Verizon pay as you go. Was this a big mistake? I don't know. Here is what has been happening around our house since then.

Michael enjoys texting family and some of his friends. If we continue to allow him to have the phone, someone has to pay at least $15.00 per month to keep it active. I don't want to pay it simply because I do not see a need for it right now. He is usually with us anyway. On the other side, I know he enjoys the phone alot. It makes for a great incentive to "act right." Then we have other issues to contend with. Guess who asked how old she has to be to get her own phone? Oh yes, Madison! Here we go. More expense and for what?

I know there is a day coming that he will need a phone. I thought that day would be when he starts driving but now I'm not so sure.

We will be praying about this situation for the next few days until it's time to add more minutes to the phone. Ahhh, the life of a parent.

7th Year of Homeschooling

2010-08-04T08:05:00.000-04:00

I am amazed at how the time has flown since that first day of schooling Michael in 2004. We have had our ups and downs, our trials, things that worked, and things that didn't. We have come a long way in our confidence, but by no means do we try to do it on our own. The first few years are so hard because you are trying to find what fits for YOUR family. What works for one child may not work for another. And if you are comparing your family to another, WATCH OUT!

I've learned that you set yourself up for a big fall if you look at other families. I know, I've done it. I have listened to what other families are doing and what kind of projects they have done. I start second guessing myself and wonder if we should be doing the same thing. The assurance of what we are doing dwindles and I slowly fall in to a pit of misery. I start feeling that I am failing my kids somehow. How do I keep from not feeling this way? I cling to the hope of knowing God is showing us what's right for our family. We are all different and we have different needs, wants, talents, desires, and lives.

I believe a big part of knowing what is right for each child is exposing them to different things. They are young and can experiment to see what their interests are. I believe we are getting there with our children. Believe it or not, Michael is not playing football this year. He chose scouts because he felt like he would miss important meetings if he was playing football. It's a little sad for me, but this is the path that he has chosen.

We are blessed to be able to teach our kids at home. I've said it before, we don't see it as a sacrifice. What we do is what God wants our family to do. It's a comfort to be in God's will and know it! By no means have we perfected what we are doing. We still struggle from time to time. There are hard aches. When people ask me if homeschooling is easy, I tell them the truth. Of course it's not easy, but it's full filling to know that we are in the center of God's will.

It's exciting to be starting a new year. A fresh beginning. New books, school supplies, and new grades to teach. What a privilege it is to be able to guide our children in to a world of knowledge with the Lord at the forefront of all we do.

I'm back

2010-08-03T11:24:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's been awhile, hasn't it? Having my blog up for invitation only didn't seem to work well, but to be honest I haven't felt like blogging either. I'm back to it (for now). I thought I would focus more on HOW we live more than just what is going on in our family. I feel that I may be able to help someone more if I post about how we live our lives and how God continues to bless us as we do so.

Like a previous co-worker reminded me, it's not the product but the process. This statement was about crafts, but I believe we can use it for our life also. The process of our lives. We learn from our lives, even small things that arise throughout our days that impact us so much (and at the time we do not realize it). How we deal with everyday issues, what our responses are, and how we allow the Lord to work things out instead of us working it out ourselves. Isn't that what he said to do?

Romans 12:1-3

1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

IT'S REALLY NOT ABOUT US, IS IT? :-)

A Distracting Week

2010-06-06T06:55:00.003-04:00

We left last Wednesday and went camping for a few days. We had such a relaxing time of riding bikes and playing at the beach. When we came home everything changed drastically. It's amazing how one thing can turn my whole life upside down in a matter of seconds.

I have been so busy with what needs to be done that I don't think I have cooked in about 2 weeks. The house has not been cleaned, and I have definitely let the kids take care of themselves for the most part. In dealing with unexpected issues in life, I have put so many things on the back burner. I'm hoping I can get things straight and get back on track this week. Summer is suppose to be fun!

I don't watch the news much because I let it drag me down and I start dwelling on the bad things in this world. Well, this week the bad things in this world has hit me slap in the face full force. There was no way around this one and my eyes were opened to reality. Yes, you hear things, but when it comes right in to your own yard it's another story. Words can not describe how I feel about the sin that is going on around me. I am amazed at how people will allow Satan to rule their life and also allow him to rule their children's lives. I am shocked in how people live, but at the same time I am comforted in knowing that I serve a mighty God. I am comforted in knowing the battle is already won and that the battle that we fight is not our own.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Madison

2010-06-04T09:53:00.003-04:00

Madison had a great time at her dance recital in May. She and the other girls did an awesome job!

2 WEEKS LEFT!

2010-05-07T09:45:00.002-04:00

I'm sure I'm the only one who is ready for summer, right? The countdown is on and I have plans for MY summer. Yes, I said MY MY MY summer. I enjoy my kids and doing things with them, however I am going to take time for me and hopefully "let loose" a little. I don't really know how to describe it, but I'm ready for some F U N. I think I have forgotten how to really enjoy life unless it's about the kids. Now don't get me wrong, I love my life, but there are things that I have put on the back burner and I'm ready to pick them up again. For some reason fellowship (notice I stated fellowship, not partying) with dear friends is one thing I want to concentrate more on. I don't know if it's the fact that 40 years is nipping at my heels or what. There are precious people that have been in my life for years that I haven't really talked to and I miss them. Another thing I have in mind is to organize those pictures and put them in photo albums. I have been saying this for at least 2 years now and unfortunately very little progress has been made. I did so well years ago when I didn't scrapbook. I took up scrapbooking and left those precious memories in envelopes to be worked with, however I found out I scrapbook slower than I take pictures. I don't scrapbook much at all anymore, but I love it when I do. I am really really going to try and put the pictures in albums and when I can scrapbook them I will take them out.

Other than taking a couple of mini vacations this year, and hopefully hanging by the pool, I think that's about all I have in mind for MYSELF at least. What's your plans?

Frugal Disney

2010-04-29T10:25:00.003-04:00

Ahhh Disney. Every little child's dream. We have been waiting to go to Disney so that Melanie would be tall enough to ride most attractions. This is THE year. Of course, this is a big trip to us and we know that a Disney vacation CAN BE expensive. I feel that we can do better than most people. I have read a few blogs on the subject of saving money at Disney and I have a little knowledge myself on how to have a great vacation without breaking the bank. Here's how we are getting to go.

Phillip makes a little money each month by updating a website. We do not count this money as expected income. The company was nice enough to pay him for the whole year and I quickly found a condo in Orlando. The condo has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room, dining room, fully equipped kitchen, and there's a pool on-site also. 7 glorious nights for a total of $462..00! Phillip's pay was enough to cover this and more!

We are going to get our tickets through a home school group, so we will be paying a group rate. The kids will also get to be involved with educational classes because of this. We will end up paying a total of $990.00 for (5) 5day park hopper passes. How cool is that? The total for tickets and the condo is $1452.00. Just how are we paying for these tickets? Well, Phillip gets paid 26 times in a year now instead of 24 at his new job. We were used to living by him getting 24 checks, so the other 2 checks are free money to us (except living expenses). We are going to use some of that money to pay for the tickets.

So what expenses are left? We know we will need money for gas, food, and a few souvenirs. We are saving here and there for it. We already have about $100.00 saved up from rebates, and just dollars here and there that we have put back. This does not include the $35.00 that I have made using swagbucks. I will also have $100.00 in gift cards to the Fred's store because of prescriptions and I will get necessities there for our trip. The main thing I'm counting on is recycling cans. Call me crazy, but if that's how we can have spending money and not be on a tight budget when we get to Florida, so be it! We also will be gone a whole week, so the money that we normally have budgeted for a week of living expenses will be used for vacation also. So, how much cash do I think we will need? I'm really not sure, so I guess that will be another post for another day.

What Have I Been Doing?

2010-04-19T08:32:00.003-04:00

It would be nice if I could say I have been taking it easy but that's really not the case. I guess I have been taking it easy with getting deals though. I have not gotten a deal in several days. I've just been too busy with life. I have learned that I can take a break from saving money and nothing major happens (like my wallet exploding or something). Life goes on and it's ok to live without using a coupon! Now don't get me wrong, it's better on me mentally if I do use one. It still irritates me if I have to buy something and I know I could get a better deal elsewhere if I had planned accordingly. Maybe this week will be better. Things have slowed down just a tad.
Maybe I'll actually cook supper a few nights this week. On busy days, I just thank the Lord for dollar menus. Sometimes you do whatcha gotta do!

Frugal Friday

2010-04-02T08:50:00.002-04:00

Cut down on the water bill by using less water.

1. Install low-flow shower heads. You can also adjust the flow yourself.

2. Take more showers and fewer baths.

3. If you are boiling water (for eggs,etc.) save the water and use for your plants.

4. Don't leave the water running while brushing your teeth, shaving, washing dishes, washing hands, etc.

5. Mulch your beds outside so that they retain moisture and will require less water.

Ever heard of placing a brick in your toilet to save on water? Well, they now say to fill a water bottle with a little sand or pebbles and then the rest of the way with water. It's to help you not use so much water when flushing!

Enquiring Minds

2010-03-31T22:19:00.002-04:00

Well, maybe somebody out there is curious to know how much I spent on groceries for the month of March. The total spent was around $400.00, so we did alot better than last month. I have plenty in the house that will probably last until next Friday. I will only have to pick up a few things.

Books Books and More Books

2010-03-30T08:13:00.002-04:00

Our whole family loves books. We utilize the library as much as possible, but sometimes there's just times where we need to buy our own copy of a great book. We do not like to pay full price for books so what do we do? We find the used books stores and there are also other solutions to the problem.

1. HALF.COM

2. EBAY

3. AMAZON

4. PAPERBACK SWAP - I have never used this company, but I do know people who have. The idea is to list books to swap and then you can get books from other people. If I buy a book, I tend to want to keep it so that's why I have never done this. I do have an account.
5. YARD SALES

Now to sweeten the deal, just sign up for swagbucks to the right of my blog (this will give me credit) and you can get free gift cards to amazon. Swagbucks is a search engine and the more you search the more swagbucks you accumulate. Eventually you redeem swagbucks that you have earned for things in their store (not just amazon). I have redeemed enough for 7 gift cards. It's a great thing!

Easter Plans

2010-03-27T07:50:00.002-04:00

I absolutely enjoy Easter. I love everything about it, so of course I try to make it special for the kids. I woke up early this morning quite by accident and couldn't go back to sleep, so I decided to start my research on what we will be doing this coming up week (better late than never I suppose). I had an idea so I knew where to look on-line. I would like to share a few things and maybe you will enjoy doing them with your kiddies too. I am NOT superwoman so sometimes we do not do all the things I have planned. I tend to OVER plan a times!

Planned crafts

1. Clay pot Jesus- This is adorable and I love the fact that it has nothing to do with the Easter bunny. Check it out HERE.
2. Yarn Eggs- I hope to get to try this with the girls. It seems really neat. We have lots of yarn around here since the females in the house has gotten in to crochet. Check it out HERE
3. Sock Hop- This cute little craft was done in one of the classes at our co-op and they turned out so cute! Check it out HERE

Planned lessons

1. I like to explain the Jewish holiday of Passover and will use information from the book, Celebrating Biblical Feasts. This book came with our curriculum last year. You can look at what we used HERE if you would like. There's tons of information on the Internet of course, but I liked the information on Kaboose also. Click HERE to see if it's something you would be interested in using. We will also make a couple of jewish recipes from the same site.

2. I will read from the Bible and we will also make resurrection cookies. You make the cookies the night before. Click HERE I'm thinking we made these about 5 years ago. I can not believe it's been that long! If you have not done this with your children, I highly recommend it. Michael and Madison still talk about making these. You talk about each ingredient that is added and I believe because of this, they remember! If you don't have time to do anything else, you need to do this. You and your kids will not forget it.

3. There's something else you can do and I do not remember the name of it. It represents Jesus not being in the tomb after 3 days. You take a marshmallow and wrap a crescent roll around it. Bake it and the marshmallow is G O N E. My kids enjoy this activity too, especially getting to eat the rolls!

Frugal Friday

2010-03-26T07:50:00.005-04:00

I'm going to try and post a frugal tip each Friday. We will see how it goes. I would love for my tips to be something I have tried, but at times it may be something I have just read about. Today's topic is frugal fun! I'll list a few ideas. Maybe you have done a few of these already, maybe you know more of what to do, but the ideas are endless.

1. Have an Easter egg hunt at night. I bought 16 glow in the dark eggs the other day for this activity. I can hardly wait to do this with the kids.

2. Fly a kite. Melanie has a kite that was bought for $1.00 and all the kids have been flying it.

3. Do something special for others. This is the perfect time to make a little Easter basket of goodies and give it to someone special. Someone who may need a visit. We visited an elderly couple just yesterday. We did not even bring anything, just ourselves, and everyone had a wonderful time!

4. Begin a family journal with pictures of what you do this spring/summer.

5. Look at old photo albums and talk about past events together.

Fever, Spring Fever!

2010-03-24T09:16:00.005-04:00

Have you noticed that it's S P R I N G!? As Fred Flintstone would say, YABBA DABBA DOOOO!! We all have that wonderful fever around here. We don't want to "do school" or stay inside either. Let's get out and get in the sun! It really is hard for the kids to stay focused and ya know, their teacher isn't any better at getting school started on a sunny day. I could say we school outside, but most of the time that doesn't work for us because none of us can concentrate. So what do we do?

We find field trips to count for school and instead of homeschooling we do van schooling from time to time. Those little minds are clicking right along and my thoughts are running wild thinking, "Hurry up, understand this so we can get D O N E!" Have you ever been there, done that? I'm sure you have. Last week we went to the zoo with great friends and this week we are going to a rock climbing place. We also have field day tomorrow with our home school group. This is my favorite time of year. I am on top of the world! The long winter is behind us and warm weather is here (for the most part) and we only have a few more days of school (hoping to be done by May 15). I love summer break. Some home schoolers school in the summer, but not us. We love the pool, hanging out with friends, and finding those frugal fun things to do outside. There's so much to do that is free or CHEAP! At my kids ages, they aren't picky about what to do and they still enjoy being with their family.

So, go find some time and go outside, it's going to be a beautiful day!

Doll Outfits

2010-03-22T11:25:00.004-04:00

Does your daughter have an American Girl doll or other 18 inch doll that she adores? If you do, then you know that the outfits can be a little expensive. I noticed yesterday that AC Moore has cute little outfits and shoes for those dolls! I also know that there are often coupons for 40-50% off a regular priced item in the papers and on their website. Maybe Michaels and maybe even Hobby Lobby carries these outfits as well. I'm pleasantly surprised at this new found treasure! I know my girls will enjoy these outfits for their dolls.

Go Get Your Coupon On!

2010-03-21T17:20:00.004-04:00

Ahhh yes, coupons. What kind of world would it be without those lovely little beauties found lying on the floor, across my dash, or inside a pocket? Yes, it's true, my coupons end up everywhere, but somehow I manage to find them again to be able to use and cause me great joy at the cash register each time I hand them over to the cashier. I get all giddy (almost like when Phil and I were dating) and want to laugh as I carry my treasures across the parking lot to my awaiting van eager to be filled up with things that I definitely got on the.........CHEAP!!!!!

If you aren't using coupons, can I have yours? Nah, just kidding. If you aren't using coupons, you should try at least once. I have many sites listed on my blog where you can just click and they already have the items matched up for you. I also have a list of some sites where you can print coupons from your computer. Let me tell you a few things you can get FREE this week by using your coupons.

Bilo
Dial handsoap
Gum

CVS
Colgate toothpaste
Crest Rinse
Bayer Contour Glucose Monitoring System

Now with CVS, you get Extra Care Bucks back on the items I listed. If you use the coupons, you MAKE money by purchasing these items.

Like I said, I have sites posted for all the deals and with the coupons matched up. There's soooo many things you can get free or cheap at many stores. Couponing to Disney even lists Walmart and Target items that you can get free or under $1.00. Now how cool is that?

One more site that I love to go to is SOUTHERNSAVERS Awesome site and you can check a box on the items you are going to buy and print it off. No writing down your list anymore! So, go ahead, go get your coupon on and use the money you saved for something you need or want. Us, we are headed to Disney and I can't wait to tell you how we are doing it without using any money budgeted for something else.

A Night to Remember

2010-03-21T17:13:00.005-04:00

Our home school group has a daddy daughter banquet each year and this year the Batac's were able to attend. This night was fun for all with lots of dancing for sure. The girls made scrapbook pages, and jewelry. They also had a scrumptious dinner to go along with the fun they had. It's awesome to be able to see Madison and Melanie blossom in to beautiful young ladies with their daddy by their side.

A Great Blog

2010-03-16T09:10:00.002-04:00

I am a blog reader fanatic and somehow I stumbled across a blog about couponing to Disney. Even if you aren't saving to go to Disney ( like we are), this lady has some great information on how to save and make extra money. Go take a look, it's a really neat blog and I tip my hat to her!

COUPONING TO DISNEY

My Big Boyscout

2010-03-15T21:15:00.002-04:00

Well, Michael's first adventure being a boyscout was getting to fly an airplane. Now you know that's an awesome thing to get to do and I have to brag about it. What 11 year old gets to fly a plane? How many people get to, no matter what age they are? This was one happy boy who has been on top of the world for two days now. It's all he can talk about (even in church). He loves being a boyscout and we are loving the fact that he does!

Doing Better!

2010-03-15T20:37:00.003-04:00

I was able not to spend any money on groceries for 1 whole week. That is a huge improvement from last month. We spent $64.00 for this week, so hopefully we will not spend any more money until this Friday. So far, we have spent aproximately $184.00 for the month. I hope to keep a goal of spending less than $400.00 for March. I will tell you this, it takes a lot more planning on my part and dedication to keep with what we have in the kitchen. I will definitely agree with most experts, cash money is the way to go to keep yourself on a budget. Leave the debit card at home!

Spending update

2010-03-10T15:08:00.002-05:00

Well, I felt sick when I checked out at Aldi Friday. It was $85.00 and I was going to only spend $50.00...ha! I did subtract things that were not part of our grocery bill but for things at church. It ended up being $62.00 I think. It was higher because I had forgotten that we needed dog food, tin foil, and zip lock bags. The good thing is that I haven't spent anymore money on groceries since Friday. I probably will go shopping Saturday with the girls while we are out. Michael has a boyscout activity so I will take the girls to Michaels craft store to participate in the free beading class. If you haven't took your kids to one of the classes, you should. It's fun and alot of the time it's free too. You know me, I LOVE FREE!!!!!

TGIF!!

2010-03-05T07:49:00.003-05:00

Most Fridays seem like any other day to me, but lately I'm so glad when this wonderful day gets here! We are so busy with schooling, and like some students and teachers this time of year, we are tired and ready for summer! So being tired of school, makes it hard to teach for the teacher and makes it hard for the student to learn. Even so, we keep trudging along and Fridays are wonderful days because we have the weekend to look forward to. At least our history and science are fun and with it getting warmer we will head outside when we can.

What have we been up to? Well, besides the usual happenings, Phillip is trying to teach us to play poker and it's a blast! He has 4 students and we are slooooow learners. Our van has been in the hospital for several things in the past several weeks, so we have also been dealing with that. It's still not fixed completely.

Michael is taking drum lessons and Madison is taking guitar lessons. Hopefully soon Melanie will be taking horseback riding lessons. Phillip is working hard at his new job. All of us will be getting out soon to ride our bikes. If you know us, you know Phillip loves cycling. I'm teaching myself to crochet. It's been difficult because I'm left handed, but I'm getting the hang of it. I've actually made 2 hats that are wearable!!

We got our fireplace fixed and it's been so nice having a fire at night. We have always wanted a fireplace that uses wood.

Last, but not least, our finances. Can I just say, UGH! I was way off on what we spend each month on groceries and deals. We spent at least $500.00 in the month of Feb. That is definitely not good. Now that was the only thing I wanted to know for Feb. was how much we spend. For the month of March I'm going to see if I can get this amount down a bit. I'm trying to cook healthier and have more vegetables and fruits in the house, so this can cause the grocery bill to go up. I still think we can do better. So far we have spent $58.00 for the month of March but you should have seen what all I was able to get at Publix. Phillip also did a Bilo run. I don't have my receipt right in front of me, but maybe I can remember most of it.

13 bags of Green Giant Steamers
7 cans Green Giant veggies
2 bags Doritos
4 Right Guard Deodorant
12 cans Hunts tomato sauce
1 (2liter) drink
4 laundry detergents
6 boxes of pasta
Gallon milk
Bag of wood

I know there was more, but just cant remember. I'm hoping to be able to spend no more than $50.00 for the next week. This should take us through next Friday. Wish me luck!

Michael

2010-02-22T07:58:00.003-05:00

Five years ago Michael started out as a cubscout and last Monday he "crossed over" and became a boyscout. I can still remember the day my friend, Jennifer, asked me if I would like to sign Michael up for cubscouts. I had not thought anything about it, but I am so glad we started down that road. He has had so much fun and learned so much. He also earned the highest honor in cubscouting (Arrow of Light). He has the goal of becoming an Eagle Scout just like his dad. Michael will begin a new Troop tonight. It's a little sad for me to know he will not be going to Greenwood anymore, but I know new and fun memories are ahead for him here. Michael, we wish you good luck and are behind you all the way!

Can you get any cheaper?

2010-02-05T08:06:00.002-05:00

There were 2 birthdays in this house this week, so we celebrated in style and cheaply! Phillip took me to Red Lobster and to the movies. The total bill for the food was $1.04 because we had gift cards. Michael wanted to take me out also, so last night we headed to Greenville. We had 2 coupons for Red Robbin and 2 coupons for Cold Stone Creamery. Anyone can get these for your birthday through your email. The only thing we had to pay for was the tip. How great is that? I was definitely on a coupon high and Michael was pretty excited too.

Fire House Subs also will give you a free sub on your birthday and it's well worth it! So, what you are waiting for? Go sign up!

Madison is taking guitar lessons and needs a new guitar. I thought I would cash in the mypoints that I have and can get a gift card for Wal-Mart. I should be able to get one of those first act guitars pretty cheap. I love a deal!

Another Challange

2010-02-02T08:41:00.003-05:00

I thought I would try and keep up with what we spend on groceries for the month of February. I always guess about how much we spend on food and I would like to believe it's between $350.00-$400.00. This amount includes what I buy to put in our stock pile. I will not count eating out last night, that amount comes out of what we budgeted for birthdays. Wish me luck.

Looks Yummy Was Yummy

2010-02-02T08:32:00.003-05:00

I couldn't find a neat place to put the cake when I took the picture, but isn't this a great looking cake? Phillip helped a little with it. My goal is to make 1 new dessert each month for our ladies meetings. We didn't get to have the meeting Sunday, so we nibbled on it...ok ate huge delicious pieces of it with milk. Sometimes you just have to do those things when you are cooped up in the house during a storm. We will have a ladies meeting this Sunday, so I think I will try my hand with a layer cake.

Michael Turns 11!

2010-02-01T08:40:00.004-05:00

Michael has always been a little ham and you can tell it by the pictures below. He still can be funny, but he has grown so much physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are really proud of him. He is so loving and seems to have a good set of values. He wants to do what's right. Happy Birthday Michael, you are a great son!Easter '02
Kelsy and Michael's date to the movies..lol

Michael and Madison

Michael early this morning with his new bike

Slow Going

2010-01-30T20:28:00.002-05:00

It's been over a month since I have really changed the way I had been cooking. I'm making progress! We have tried several new recipes and I still have a couple to post on here. There's a sweet and sour pork dish that is really good. For the most part, we have went to all brown rice, whole wheat bread, wheat pasta, wheat tortillas, bagels, and English muffins. I am not making many things with creamed soups and most of our cheese is 2%. Since these changes, I have lost 5 pounds! I do not feel like I have deprived myself of anything. I have ate a few things that weren't very healthy, but we have made significant changes in our diets. Since I have it in my mind that I am helping the family be healthier, it's been easier to change our habits.

I am going to try something else though and it's NOT healthy by no means. Our ladies ministry meets once per month and of course we eat at those meetings. I thought I would make a dessert that I have never made before each time. I have a picture of the chocolate nut pound cake that I made for tomorrow. I will post it later. The recipes will come out of an old southern heritage book that I love. I can hardly wait to try some layer cakes! Hope I can keep my fingers off the desserts!!

Where has the time gone?

2010-01-22T21:00:00.003-05:00

This week I visited a few old friends in Ladson. This is Veronica pictured with me. I met her in 1989 and became close friends quickly. I would visit her and a few other friends once or twice a month back in 1990. We would laugh like crazy and just act dumb. I can really let my hair down with her and can tell her anything. She always would confide in me also. Well, as life would have it, things happened and I lost touch with Veronica and a few others. Through the years I would send a card and every so often I would call. I even saw her in 2004 when she celebrated her life (she had a kidney transplant and her husband was the donor). I can't believe it's been 20 years since I have just hung out with her. 20 years is wayyyy to long. This past Christmas I also got in touch with a long lost friend who was in my wedding. I guess this is the year for searching out those that have meant a lot to me through the years and getting back in touch with them. I must say, I am so blessed to have long term friends and time has not erased the special bond between us. When I walked in her door, it's like I had never been gone. I love Veronica and her family very much. She has a great husband, great children (grown), and wonderful friends. Veronica has had a lot of health problems, but that has not changed her sense of humor. I think it's only made her stronger and a better person. I hope I do a better job with keeping in touch the next 20 years!!

Melanie happenings

2010-01-22T20:51:00.003-05:00

So much has been happening with Melanie in the past few weeks. She got her ears pierced for Christmas, lost her first tooth (and then another), got her hair cut really short and read The Little Red Hen all by herself! I am so proud of Melanie for reading so well. She is doing a great job in school. Keep it up girlfriend!

Madison loves her books

2010-01-22T20:47:00.004-05:00

Madison loves to read and for Christmas she got some Amish books for kids. Today she made a shoo fly pie all by herself from a recipe that was in one of the books. She informed us that the name of the pie is from when the Amish would put the pies outside to cool and they would have to shoo the flies away. Great job Madison!

Broccoli-Cheese Soup

2010-01-16T10:17:00.002-05:00

This soup is really tasty. It didn't take long at all to fix and of course inexpensive too. I served this with salad (2 bags from Aldi spinach and garden mix $2.98) bread (low fat grain with flax seed $1.69). I did buy a garlic bread also ($1.69). This served 7 people and we also had enough for leftovers.

1/2 cups miched onion
16 oz frozen broccoli (2 bunches fresh $3.58 at Aldi)
29 oz canned fat free chicken broth (2 containers $3.58 at Aldi)
4 oz Velveeta light reduced fat cheese (already had but I think Aldi has their brand for about $3.00)
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 tsp garlic
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup cornstarch

Boil onion and fresh broccoli in a little water drain, then add the chicken broth. Reduce heat to low, add cheese and stir until it melts. Stir in milk and garlic powder. Whisk together water and cornstarch. Add mixture to pan and simmer 2 minutes until thick. Serve hot.
Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.

I think next time I won't add milk.

Three Bean and Pork Slow Cooker Chili 20 servings for just $7.03

2010-01-11T14:01:00.006-05:00

Ok, here's a big ol' bowl of the chili. It was a hit with the family and seems to tastes better the next day! Below is the recipe and the cost. This is definitely a do over.

1 medium onion chopped ( used 2 $.50)

2 medium garlic cloves, minced (used 4$.25)

1 cup carrots, chopped (2 cups $.75)

1 Tbsp chili powder

1 tsp dried oregano, crushed

1 small jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

1/2 tsp table salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 pounds lean pork tenderloin, trimmed of fat and cut into 1 inch chunks ($2.58)

15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed (2 cans $1.18)

15 oz canned kidney beans, drainined and rinsed (2 cans $1.18)

15 oz cannded pinto beans, drained and rinsed (1 can $.59 plus had a container in freezer)

1 cup canned tomato puree (already had free from Publix)

29 oz canned diced tomatoes with green pepper, celery, and onion, undrained (4 cans of tomatoes$1.96)

6 oz canned tomato paste (already had)

Combine onion, garlic, carrots, chili powder, oregano, jalapeno, salt and pepper in a 5qt or larger slow cooker; stir. Add remaining ingredients; stir again.

Cover and cook on HIGH setting for 6-8 hours. Yields about 1 cup per serving.

This is a weight watchers recipe and the points for it is: 1 cup=5 points

I paid about $7.03 for a huge pot of chili (I doubled the recipe). I had bought the pork from Food Lion for $.86 pound and the rest came from Alidi. The only thing I would do different is buy dry beans, cook them, and have them in the freezer. I left out the jalapeno, but added crushed red pepper. I used about 3 pounds of boston butt instead of tenderoin.

The kids enjoyed this with 2% cheese, light sour cream, and baked tostidos. I did eat a few chips one night with it. We had this 2 different nights and Phillip was also able to take some for lunch.

Something New

2010-01-08T08:55:00.002-05:00

Well, I fell off the frugal train the month of December and seem to have not been able to get back on it yet. I have looked at the sales at different stores, but I really haven't seen anything that I have wanted to make the effort to get. Well, today is a new day and I am going to go grocery shopping and get what we NEED at Aldi. I was able to get a Boston Butt from Food Lion that was $.86lb and a chicken that was reduced for quick sale. I will get several meals from the pork and 2 from the chicken. I have 1 pound of hamburger and a pound of sausage that I will make meals out of.

My real challenge is making wonderful tasting HEALTHY and low calorie meals on the cheap. I really do think this will be a challenge, but I'm up to the task. I thought I would post 1 or 2 new recipes each week that we actually made and how much it costs us. I will also post if we liked it or if it was YUCK! I am hoping I will have about a month's worth of new healthy recipes to use again and again. Check back soon for the recipe and review of Three Bean and Pork Slow Cooker Chili. :-)

Heaven's Gain

2010-01-04T08:05:00.002-05:00

I usually don't watch the news and I only read the newspaper about once a week. It gets me down listening and reading about all the sadness in the world. Sometimes though, sadness hits you right in the face and you have to deal with it. There's no way around it, but with Christ you can find peace, love, hope, and joy in the midst of a trial. I have seen people being comforted by the Lord more this year (2009) than any other. I was blessed to be able to go caroling during Christmas. Many of these people we visited are dying, even knowing this, they have a peace that I can not describe. A peace one only can find in the Lord. The families of these people also have a peace about them. They know what is looming before them, but with Christ it makes it bearable. We visited one home when we went caroling and on Jan. 2 this young man went on the be with the Lord. He had been battling cancer for almost 5 years. In my worldly eyes, I only see a family losing a husband, father, friend, and son. How difficult that must be. But knowing the Lord, I see a person who is completely healed now and heaven has gained one more child of God that is free of pain. It's been amazing to see family and friends that have rallied around him and his family. Most of these family and friends know God as their personal Savior. They have prayed and supported him and supported each other with the strength of the Lord. What a difference it makes to know the Lord in the midst of trouble. You can go to Him and cast your burdens. He will carry you when it feels like you can't take another step. I'm so glad I know my Heavenly Father. He will always be there to help, bringing the comfort that I need.

John 16:33 These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

We Survived!

2009-12-28T08:58:00.003-05:00

What a busy month! We survived and the house is a mess. Christmas time is always so hectic and I do dread it, but once it hits the week of Christmas it's pretty calm and so am I! We enjoyed many things this year and I thought I would list the most important ones that really seemed to have made an impact on my family and me.

1. We read Jotham's Journey (actually still have a few pages to go). This is a great advent book that is a MUST read.
2. Phillip and I went caroling with our church and it was such a touching time. We visited several people that are very sick and some only have a short time to live. The thing that I noticed was the peace that these people have through Christ Jesus. I know that they have a relationship with the Lord. Even by them knowing that they are dying or have a family member in the home dying, you can see their joy is Jesus. Why wouldn't anybody want Christ as their Lord and Savior?
3. I was able to be in charge of our advent services for our church. I grew closer to Jesus during this time because I had to study and talk to God about what I needed to say to help someone.
4. I have been reminded by the Lord to make sure what I am doing is for the correct reasons. I want to make sure that I do things that please God and not do them because I feel obligated or that it is the thing to do.
5. Adventures in Odyssey is AWESOME! Great life lessons and the kids wanted to hear them over and over again.

It's A Sugar Cookie Making Day!

2009-12-16T09:00:00.002-05:00

Today will be a short day of learning and then on to making and decorating sugar cookies! I was so happy to find out that I already had all the ingredients except for food coloring which we got last night. I will be using a different recipe this year. It comes from the Pioneer Woman Cooks blog. If you are interested in taking a peak, her link is on the side of my blog. Let the baking begin and in between maybe I can get the Christmas cards finished and mailed.

I'm Really Not A Scrooge!

2009-12-11T07:52:00.004-05:00

It seems that I always dread this time of year. It comes way too fast and no matter how ahead I think I am, I'M NOT! Our church had two floats in a Christmas parade and won the trophy for first prize. The trophy made it to the front of the church for all to see. In order to light the advent candles, it was moved......to sit right in front of the manger scene with Santa on top of that big trophy waving. Now I know this act was not on purpose by no means, but it DID get me thinking.

For the most part, that is exactly how it really is. Santa waving, overpowering the most important part of the season, CHRIST. Oh, now don't get me wrong, I enjoy buying gifts, riding around to see the lights, putting up our tree and other decorations, and all the other things that we do this time of year. I also think too much emphasis is sometimes placed on all the extra things to do and the meaning behind them gets pushed aside, just like Baby Jesus being BEHIND Santa last Sunday morning. I have been reading a book that gives the meaning behind our Christmas traditions. It does help to know WHY we do the things we do. I think sometimes we do certain things at Christmas because it is expected of us. It gets so busy that I catch myself checking off my "to do" list and think, "NEXT." Somehow we need to slow down and REALLY dwell on the significance of Christmas. Let's not just read the Christmas story because it's tradition. Let's think about what it means and how the "characters" really must have felt. Let's not just have a play at church because that's what we've always done. Let's seek out from the Lord a way to minister to someone who needs something from the Savior. There's many things that you can do to bring the true meaning up and out right in FRONT of Santa. He can still be there and all the other things too, but let's see how we can bring more meaning and realization to what the Lord has done for us.

I thank the Lord that we home school. It gives us an opportunity and more time to teach the kids what this season is about. Yes, we have a tree and Santa does visit, there's laughter, picture taking, and lots of fun. Yet, there's always time for Jesus and hopefully he is out front where he should be. Maybe one day instead of Santa waving at the end of a parade, it will be Jesus.....now THAT would be something!

Free Magazine Subscription

2009-12-09T08:16:00.002-05:00

Click HERE and get a free one year subscription to the weight watchers magazine. I get several magazines by completing the simple form. No gimmicks! Thank you moneysavingmom for the information!

A great thing

2009-12-04T23:26:00.002-05:00

Moneysavingmom has posted how to get a free copy of A Christmas Adventure (63 page ebook full of kid crafts, recipes, and stories). Go here and add to cart then use moneysavingmom as the coupon code.

What To Teach For Christmas

2009-11-24T08:42:00.005-05:00

I usually will break out my Amanda Bennett unit study at Christmas, but this year I decided to do something a different. I still haven't really planned things out, but I do know that we will be using the following things.

1. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever study guide by Progeny Press
2. Jotham's Journey: An advent storybook
3. Adventures in Odyssey Christmas Classics
4. Traditions of Christmas by Ace Collins
5. Jingle Bells Batman Smells (PS So Does May) You know I have to throw in some Junie B.!

We have only done 2 of the Thanksgiving crafts that I had in mind, so I wonder just how many Christmas crafts, etc will actually get done.

This is such a fun time of year for the kids. It's fun for Phillip and me also if it doesn't get too hectic. It's a work in progress and I'm hoping this year is better than last! At least I am not having to keep the house clean because our house is up for sale (unlike last year). Having a house up for sale during Christmas is hopefully a once in a lifetime event. We are really close to many Christmas light displays where we live now and we hope to hit every one around within a 20 mile radius! We have already drove through Williamston Park and sat on Santa's lap (no long line either). I wonder how much learning will go on the month of December? :-)

SWEET WORDS

2009-11-20T10:05:00.002-05:00

I was rushing the kids this morning telling them hurry up and that we were going to be late. I had it in my mind to start school at a certain time. Melanie was brushing her hair and looked up at me with a little grin on her face and said, "How can we be late for school?" I started laughing because she was soooo right! I usually don't make a big deal of getting started later than I want, so I guess to her it was a crazy thing to say. Just had to share.

I'M SO THANKFUL

2009-11-19T10:12:00.002-05:00

Seeing what everyone is thankful for on facebook got me to thinking about what I really am thankful for. I hope I am honestly thankful for every single thing the Lord has given me, but there are things that I am thankful for that seem to be at the top of the list today. Here's a glimpse in to my thoughts.

1. I am thankful for my friend, Christine, who gave me information about legitimate work at home jobs. My little job has provided income for the kids and me to do extra things that we may not have gotten to do through the years. Sometimes Phillip has been able to join in with us if he took the day off or we would go on our trips on the weekend.

2. I am thankful for the past 15 months. It has been a roller coaster ride for sure. Phillip lost his job last August and with that came lots of changes. God blessed us with Phillip getting a job quickly, however it was not an ideal situation. The insurance was terrible, the environment was terrible, and the commute was terrible, but how can we not be thankful for it? God PROVIDED! The Lord provided for all our needs and some of our wants during Phillip's time at the job. God then blessed Phillip with a new opportunity a couple of weeks ago. Oh, how much different things are now. The insurance is great, the environment is great, and the commute is great! Phillip said he had forgotten what it was like to hear co-workers laugh( now that's bad).

3. I am thankful to be able to educate our children the way we believe God wants us to. We can get up and school at 10:00 in pajamas or be at the table schooling at 8:00 dressed in our best. We start the day in prayer and we discover TOGETHER the world around us.

4. I am thankful to not have to worry about "socialization". When we first started schooling the children 6 years ago, I was worried that the kids wouldn't "fit in". With the Lord guiding our footsteps, I have found out that socialization is not one of our problems. They each had a part on program at church this past Sunday and they WANTED to do it. Thank you Lord.

5. I am thankful for the many unique friends that I have. Each one is special and have many talents. I thank the Lord that they are willing to be there for me and that I can also glean information from them when I need to. I am amazed at what these friends can do!

6. I am so thankful for my parents. They took me to church and taught me how to love the Lord. They are so giving of themselves. They have compassion for people and I feel that they have taught me that as well.

7. I am thankful for the relationship that I have with my husband. I think we make a pretty good team. He's awesome!

8. I am thankful for Usborne books. We have a ton of new books ourselves and I thank the Lord for allowing me to bring these books in to other children's lives.

9. I am thankful for my new house and especially my porch.

10. I am thankful for my church family! I can't say enough about them.

Our Thanksgiving Study

2009-11-16T21:23:00.005-05:00

I thought I would post how we are schooling for the next 1 1/2 weeks. I started by looking around on THIS website. I printed a few templates from the site mostly for Melanie. I bought the Thanksgiving on Thursday, which is a Magic Tree House book along with the reference guide that goes with it. I also bought the book, History Pockets, Colonial America. You can check it out HERE . I also got our craft ideas from HERE. All the books were bought on Amazon. I could have used my swagbucks and got the books for free, but I'm saving them (I don't know yet for what). Stay tuned and I will post Christmas very soon!

Here's some more information I found on the scholastic site. Click HERE to check it out!

GO GET YOUR FUEL PERKS!

2009-11-12T07:25:00.004-05:00

If you shop at Bi-Lo, then you probably already know about the fuel perks program. For every $50.00 you spend, they give you 5 cents off each gallon of gas you buy at participating gas stations. Check it out here if you want more details. There's lots of sales this week, so it would be a great time to shave a little off your gas bill also.

Here's a few items worth mentioning that I have already taken advantage of some of these deals

Turkey $.49 lb
Split chicken breast $.99 lb
Green Giant boxed veggies $1.00 each (but you can go here here or here to get $.50 coupon off 2 AND it doubles, so you will get each box for $.50 don't forget you can print each coupon TWICE)
Aunt Jemima frozen pancakes go here for $1.00/2 coupon you will pay $.50 per box
X-14 stain remover $1.00 coupon smartsource 9/27 and it will be FREE
Endust dusting spray $2.00 coupon RedPlum 11/8 it will be FREE

A great site I use now for Bi-Lo is southernsavers I can check what I want and print the list from the site. This site lists what coupons to use and also has links to print some coupons for the items listed. So for the whole list of savings check out southernsavers!

It's Over

2009-11-09T21:50:00.003-05:00

Fall sports is officially over tonight. Madison had her soccer banquet today and Michael had his last football game. Last Monday was Melanie's last game. It was a great whirlwind of about 3 months. This year was the first year the girls played soccer. They seemed to have enjoyed it, but they still like gymnastics better. Michael's heart is still in football. He told me tonight with a huge smile on his face that he wanted to play again next year. It really has been great, but we are one tired family. You know we really won't get much of a break with the holidays coming up. I am going to find a few good movies for us to watch at night and I have already bought a couple of new games to play. Friends will be over and I'm steady researching fun stuff to do for Thanksgiving and Christmas (crafts and recipes). I hope to post very soon what we will be doing the next few weeks. After this week, we will probably put our regular unit study aside (My Father's World) and pick it back up in Jan. Oh, we will still be schooling, but Jesus' birth and the Pilgrims will take the place of the Roman Empire for a time. So, let me go take a DEEEEP breath and get started on the next round!

Happy Halloween

2009-10-30T15:46:00.003-04:00

This is what we worked on today. The kids did a FANTASTIC job!

Our Halloween Decorations

2009-10-22T11:50:00.002-04:00

The kids got lucky this year. We are studying the human body and one of the activities was to put together this skeleton. Even though we don't "do" Halloween decorations, the kids like them for some reason. I let them put the skeletons anywhere they wanted in the house hoping they would remember some of the bones we discussed. Happy Halloween :-)

FREE UNIT STUDY

2009-10-14T17:50:00.002-04:00

I really do enjoy this time of year. It seems I can find all kinds of things to do with the kids. You also know that I love FREE things to use and do. So check out the free e-book on Autumn by Amanda Bennett. Just click here to check it out and download.

A New Way of Doing Things

2009-10-14T07:46:00.004-04:00

I can really tell people have stopped spending so much on extra items. My personal opinion is that people are still spending, but they are more conscious of how they are going to spend the money that they do have. I've been thinking (AGAIN) about how we need to spend our money. We always need to be good stewards of everything God provides us. I tend to ask myself things like,"Do I really need a new pair of black shoes for this winter when I already have a perfectly good pair that I bought a couple of years ago?" (even though I can get them at Goodwill for about $4.00). :-) Another example is buying things while on sale with a coupon and I we REALLY don't need the item. I tend to go back and forth on this issue and the main reason is that I usually can find SOMEONE that can use the item that I have bought. I have decided (for the moment) that if the item it's junk food I probably won't buy it. The main reason for this decision is that I have found some healthier recipes that I can make on the cheap. I enjoy being in the kitchen when I have time and it seems that our lives are calming down a bit. The kids enjoy cooking and baking right along with me so I have decided that this is a very good thing. I will be posting some recipes that we are trying and today is a great tasting granola recipe. I have always wanted to try to make my own granola because I really like it but don't like the price in the stores. So I finally tried it, liked it, and now I'm going to share this EASY and CHEAP recipe with you.

GRANOLA

1/2 cup brown sugar (2 pounds at Aldi for around $1.00)

1/2 cup oil (48 oz bottle of Canola oil at Aldi for about ($2.79)

1/2 cup honey (Bargains food store $2.19 12 oz bottle)

1 tsp cinnamon (already had)

2 tsp vanilla (already had)

7 cups oats (Aldi for about $1.79 serving size-15 cups)

If I figured this correctly, I made 7 cups of granola for around $2.10

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix brown sugar, oil, and honey in a pot and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, add vanilla and cinnamon and stir. Mix in the oats well. Spread on to a 9 x 13 pan. Cook for 10 minutes, take out of oven and stir well. Place granola back in to the oven, turn it off and leave over night.

Sometimes Free isn't Worth it!

2009-10-02T08:36:00.003-04:00

I think this is the nastiest stuff!! YUCK! I was able to get it free and thought I was getting a bargain....WRONG! Some of you might like it, but I will stick to Splenda. :-)

What do you do with frosting containers?

2009-09-28T21:12:00.002-04:00

I have been trying to figure out a fall craft idea and when I used 2 containers of frosting I came up with an idea of decorating them. So today the girls covered the container with scrapbook stickers (since I never scrapbook anymore) and construction paper. We punched holes in the top and taped artificial fall flowers (got them last year at Hobby Lobby for 90% off I believe) to pencils to make a fall pencil holder. Notice the nice pics, they are from the new to me camera. We love fall, we love crafts, and really love frugal crafts! :-)

Have you CVSed lately?

2009-09-28T16:18:00.002-04:00

Well, with business comes no time for good deals. It seems like lately you have to hunt a good deal at CVS. This week though is a great week to stock up on Tide. We were able to get 4 bottles of Tide and a bottle of Dawn for just $8.95 and we got back $10.00 in ECBs. We used 4 $1.00 Tide coupons and a $.25 coupon for Dawn. The deal is buy $25.00 worth of certain products and get back $10.00 ECBs. It was a great time for us to get this deal because we were running out of detergent. Click here to see other great deals.

Looks like Wal-Greens has great deals this week especially with over the counter cold medicine. Rite Aid has some good deals also. Click here for Rite Aid and here for Wal-Greens.

Thank you moneysavingmom!

A Nice Surprise

2009-09-27T20:17:00.004-04:00

A friend of mine saw me using my current camera on a recent ladies getaway to Helen, GA and I was complaining to her about how it takes great outside pictures, but for some reason it will not take good inside pictures anymore. She stated that she had an extra camera and I could buy it from her. I went by her house today and bought this camera for a few dollars and it works GREAT!!! This is the camera and it's a Kodak Z712 IS. I can hardly wait to post some pics from this new toy of mine! :-)

Melanie's Tea Party

2009-09-27T19:41:00.002-04:00

We had a ball celebrating Melanie's birthday with a tea party. Her birthday was a couple of weeks ago, but we just now celebrated with a few friends. We played several games, made sugar cookies, painted nails, and had a pinata. Every little lady got to take home a tea cup, tea, and sugar cookies. I would post more pics but my camera takes pitiful pictures now. :-(

What we did today

2009-09-23T12:40:00.004-04:00

Well, it's not perfect but I thought I would post what we have been doing today. We are studying Rome, so today we got to make a Roman arch. I love when school is hands on!

SHOPPING SHOPPING SHOPPING

2009-09-15T22:13:00.003-04:00

Ok, I had to post this and this isn't everything. I had already put 8 boxes of Green Giant veggies in the freezer along with (3) 2 pound bags of Birds Eye veggies and you will also need to include a pack of Japanese noodles that I had started cooking in the microwave. I'm sorry about the light on the stove. Anyway, pictured : 2 bags gold fish, box of trash bags, 2 toaster strudels, 1 Keebler cookies, 1 lb butter, 2 jars Paul Newman sauce, 4 Old El Paso dinner kits, 3 soups in a cup, 3 foil pans, 4 Hormel dinners, 4 Healthy Choice dinners, 2 cans dog food, 2 boxes jello, 6 boxes pasta, (3) 6 packs of yogurt, 2 packs Chex.

The deals are from Bloom (triple coupons) and Publix (double coupons). I paid $12.00 and some change at Blooms and $24.00 and some change at Publix. I'm so excited because I haven't done a great deal like this in awhile.

Melanie turns 6

2009-09-12T16:39:00.003-04:00

Today is Melanie's 6th birthday. I can hardly believe that she is that old. She is soooo full of herself today. She seems to be in a " I can do it myself mode,I'm SIX!!!" Happy Birthday Melanie, I love you soooooo much!

A SNEAKY CHILD

2009-08-24T08:09:00.002-04:00

I want name any names, but one of our kids doesn't like to put things in their place. Do you see this little toy? I found it behind the toilet. This particular child also has hid socks behind a book bag and gloves behind the trashcan. I am not sure how to instill in the child how important it is to put things in its place. What makes it worse is that I think it's funny.

Madison turns NINE!!!

2009-08-20T07:25:00.003-04:00

August 17 was a great day around here. Madison turned 9! She baked and decorated her own cake (except for the writing) and the kids ate on it for 3 days. She sure has come a long way and I can't believe she is in 4th grade! WOW, time flies.

We didn't have birthday candles, so partylite came through for us in a bind!
These are the beautiful flowers she got from her daddy. The girls get flowers every year and LOVE IT!

ALONG CAME A SPIDER

2009-08-20T07:11:00.003-04:00

Ok, this thing was hanging out on our cherry tomatoes for a few days. I tried to look it up on the internet to see what kind of spider it was, but I couldn't figure it out, anyone know?

HOMESCHOOLERS

2009-08-06T07:32:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder, don't forget to sign up for Pizza Hut's book it program. I did a couple of days ago. I think I will get my packet within a month.

CVS Deals

2009-08-03T08:32:00.001-04:00

Lots of free school items at CVS with ECBs through tomorrow. If they don't have it, you can get a rain check for them but make sure they put what sale and what ECBs you are to receive. I went right after church yesterday and was able to snag most all the freebies except the notebooks and post it notes.

WHO LIKES FREE BOOKS????

2009-07-31T23:31:00.002-04:00

I like free books that's who. I have started a new adventure in my life. I have become a consultant for Usborne books. I have loved their books for years. They have books for newborns up to teens. Most adults like to read their books also. I am really excited to be able to do this because I am passionate about children learning. A few years ago, I worked for the school district's literacy program and fell in love with helping kids love books.

Usborne is offering an awesome special right now. You can sign up to be a consultant for only $15.00 plus tax (NO SHIPPING). You get 10 great books and supplies. All you have to do is sell $100.00 in twelve weeks. It would be so easy to do if you have just a few friends to buy from the catalog.

I'm also trying to make it to another level by Sept. 3. I need a couple of good parties. If you hold a party I will give you a free book. If your sales hit $300.00 I'll throw in free shipping. These books are great for young kids, older kids, teachers, anyone that works with children. Check out my website to the right of the blog and see for yourself. Thanks for looking!

ANOTHER NEW BLOG

2009-07-27T08:46:00.002-04:00

I can't seem to find the time to post the deals in a timely manner, so if you will go HERE this blog lists many school items at several stores. Publix is listed also. The only store that I use often that's not on it is BiLo, so if I see anything that I really think is a great deal I will post it.

WHAT"S THE PLAN?

2009-07-23T08:05:00.004-04:00

Alright. According to my very thought out schedule (uhhh NOT), it seems to me that the new school year is rushing in here way too fast and I am definitely not ready for it. I thought we would start August 10 to get a head start. I'm just not so sure. For some reason I can not get it together! I will be working on 1 thing and then get side tracked and go to something else. Better yet, the phone will ring (or the doorbell), Melanie might yell for me, the dog barks, and then it's time to cook breakfast, lunch, or supper, etc. I sure am in the kitchen an awful lot. Or plan a trip to the store to get the supplies you need for something and THEY DON'T HAVE IT!!!! Are you getting the picture of this? It seems that I have a very bad habit of researching something FOREVER and then be all unorganized about carrying it out. I used to not be this way. I used to be on top of things (well, I can THINK that I used to be, right?)

So, how do I fix my situation? How do I follow through without being interrupted or side tracked? It doesn't take much nowadays for me to get side tracked. I will be doing one thing and go off to work on something else not even finishing what I first started! I figure I better write out some sort of list and schedule. I used to write lists for myself all the time when I was working outside the home. I better do something because this house is going to be in one chaotic mess when the fall comes because I got my wish. What wish? Extracurricular activities. I fuss about how busy we are and then fuss when we are not. I know, I have issues. Bottom line is that I DO miss the kids being involved with things and they are very excited about what they will be doing this year also. So, I pretty much know what I NEED to do, it's just following out my plan. Well, I plan on making a chore chart similar to this one HERE and maybe getting some tips from HERE as well. Wish me luck and say a prayer because we all are going to need it.

Playing Around

2009-07-22T22:34:00.001-04:00

Ok, since a couple of you are changing the looks of your blog, it made me want to goof around with mine.

Free Tea

2009-07-22T13:30:00.001-04:00

Check out McAlister's Deli tomorrow and grab a free tea. More details HERE. Thanks moneysavingmom!

MORE GOOD DEALS

2009-07-19T16:48:00.002-04:00

I'm not going to post the good deals on school supplies, but I will say you need to check out CVS for their 3 day sale. WalGreens has a good sale on lots of supplies and don't forget my post on Staples below. If you don't need any of these supplies, it would be a great way to buy some up and donate them to an organization or school for a needy child.

Our Backyard Harvest

2009-07-18T20:27:00.002-04:00

These are our giveaway veggies. God has really blessed us this year with what we planted. I wish now we had planted corn and okra. I really wasn't expecting much of a veggie haul. We have tried our hand at gardens before, but for some reason we were not very successful. Now I am sure our garden isn't as beautiful as some of the ones I have seen, but we try! We did make more of an effort to give it some fertilizer and we have been blessed with the rain. Other than what you see, we also have sweet petite bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, and onions. We have just planted some beans (I know it's late) so we will see how those go. I have enough tomatoes that I believe I am going to can some salsa. We eat salsa like it's going out of style. Thank you Lord for your blessings.

FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES

2009-07-17T08:19:00.002-04:00

I have been looking through our school supplies and the list that I get with our curriculum to see what we need for this year. I stocked up so much last year that we really do not need much "normal" items. Looking at our science experiments, it seems that we need inexpensive things.

I am so excited about our upcoming school year. The kids seem to be fine with the idea of starting in a few weeks. We have listened to a history cd on and off this summer thanks to a good friend who shared what she does! The kids have also worked on a couple of math pages and of course they have continued to read. (ok, I'm off subject here).

We are going to sponsor a child this year and buy her school supplies. The Lord has blessed us and we feel that we can do this for a family who's husband has been out of work. With the back to school sales, it will be easier to get more bang for our bucks. This morning I checked my email and what do you know, an email from Staples with their ad starting July 19. Here are a few things they will be GIVING AWAY.

STAPLES-
pencils, pens, and highlighters, pencil sharpener
$1.00 deals-photo paper, notebooks, dry erase markers, binder hole punch, erasers, and pens
$2.00 deals-pens, mechanical pencils, magnetic dry erase board, post it notes, and eraser pack
scientific calculator 12.99
graphing calculator $109.99
4 GB flash drive $12.99
compaq laptop $379.98

Something else I have been enjoying are the 50% off coupons from Michael's and AC Moore. You can sign up to get a coupon through email and also they will print once you make a purchase. This has helped recently with Phillip's birthday, a baby gift, and on photo albums for my summer project (organizing allllllll my photos from the past 10 years).

FREE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION

2009-07-15T10:27:00.001-04:00

Go HERE to sign up for a free subscription to woman's day magazine. I already get this free along with Martha Stewart Living and Prevention. I did not pay for them at all!

Thanks for the heads up money saving mom!

Hair Do

2009-07-14T19:36:00.003-04:00

Today has been a day where not much has been going on. I'm sick, so of course the kids have had their fill of tv and video games. I did read them a couple of devotions and we listened to a history cd. Other than that, I managed to curl the girl's hair for some fun. Michael opted out of the adventure, but we had to push him away from the camera! I will be so glad when I feel better. I don't like being sick and I know the rest of the clan doesn't either!

A New Little Girl In This Great Big World

2009-07-11T22:10:00.003-04:00

Today Emma Grace Chandler was born. She is a beautiful 7 lb. 14 oz little girl who is 20 inches long. This is DeAnn and Steven's baby girl!! See those tiny toes and feet. Isn't God amazing? So precious (and born exactly on her due date)

I wish I had better pictures. I really need a new camera.

Savings

2009-07-09T07:56:00.002-04:00

CVS
Buy $10.00 worth of Frebreeze products and get $5.00 ECBs. Use the coupons that come out in this weeks paper for free or inexpensive Frebreeze.
Buy 2 Dawn dish soaps get $1.00 ECB and use 2 coupons from this weeks paper (ends up being $.25 per bottle)
Buy 1 Colgate Advanced toothpaste for $3.49 and get back $2.00 ECBS use $1.00 coupon from 6/28 and pay $.49
Buy 2 Head and Shoulders products for $4.99 get back $2.00 ECBs and use the Buy 1 Get 1 free coupon from this week for some inexpensive shampoo

Oil of Olay body wash 2/$7.00 use $2.00 coupon and pay $1.50 each
Dove hair care buy 1 get 1 free and use $2.00 coupon from 6/7
L'Oreal Lip Color buy 1 get 1 free. Buy 2 $5.99 products and use 2 $2.00 coupons from 6/14 and pay only $1.00 each.

PUBLIX
You can earn $30.00 in gift cards between July 13-Aug. 9.
Purchase 4 different Kraft items
Buy at least $50.00 worth of groceries after coupons
Complete rebate form HERE
Repeat this 3 times!

Deals for week of 7/8
Crystal Light Buy 1 Get 1 Free $3.99
Use coupon from July All You and it will be free
Mueller's Pasta Buy 1 Get 1 free and use coupon from 6/14 $1.00/2
A1 steakhouse buy 1 get 1 free $2.89 use coupon from 6/14 $2.00 off and should be free
Smart Balance buy 1 get 1 free $2.79 several coupons that help you get a great deal (free peanut butter and milk with the coupons)6/28 inserts and 6/21 inserts also printable HERE
Klondike ice cream Buy 1 Get 1 free $3.59 and use printable HERE to pay $1.59 for 2 boxes
Spray and Wash products Buy 1 Get 1 free use coupons from 6/14 or HERE
Dial Soap $1.19 use $.35 coupon and it will double so you only pay $.49

In Add coupon $10.00 off $50.00 gas gift card to BP or Shell. This is a way to get your $50.00 order for the Kraft $10.00 rebate.

BILO
the list below are buy 1 get 1 free items
Kelloggs cereal use $1.00 coupon
Colgate toothpaste use coupon from 6/28
Hellman's mayo use coupons from 6/28
Uncle Ben's ready rice use coupons from 6/28
Hot Shot Roach and Ant Spray use coupon from 6/5
Red Baron Pizza
Apples
Red Potatoes
Sargento Cheese
Chinet items
Blue Bell ice cream
Yellow onions
PictSweet veggies
Doritos
Power Ade
Wish Bone salad dressing

Many other deals too many to list

Frugal 4th of July

2009-07-04T22:39:00.006-04:00

The kids are all home now from camp and I am one happy mama. I am so glad they had a great time this week. It's comforting to know also that I can send them off to camp without crying or worrying too much. Today we went to our family's annual 4th of July celebration. This event gets many extended family together each year at a distant cousin's home. We always have a wonderful time with plenty of food.

We came back home and all of us took a nice long nap and then got ready to go to Pelzer's celebration. This is our first time doing something in our new community and it was really nice. Pelzer puts on a fireworks show, plus many other events that are totally free. Free hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, cotton candy, shaved ice, train rides, horse shoes, volley ball, and a few of the blow up slides, etc. They also had a petting zoo and pony rides for a small fee. It was at the park, so it was nice and shady. The added bonus is that we saw several people from church that we got to visit with. Here's an amateur clip of part of the fireworks.

Savings for week of July 1st

2009-07-01T07:46:00.002-04:00

PUBLIX
Buy 1 Get 1 deals
sweet baby rays bbq sauce use $1.00/1 from 6/21 insert and pay $.15
Kraft salad dressing use $1.00 coupon from 6/21 and pay around $.50 or use coupon here
A1 steak sauce $2.00 off 1 from 6/14 or use coupon here and pay about $.10 per bottle
Kraft Mac and Cheese use Buy 3 get 1 free coupon from 6/28 insert or here
Bushes baked beans use coupon here and pay $1.19 for 2 cans
Cool Whip use coupons here and pay $.49 for 2
Athenos feta cheese use coupon from 5/31 or here and pay only $.50
Glad prices vary from $1.49 and up use coupons here and here
Ziploc bags are $1.99 and there are many coupons out there, combine them with a target coupon here and you will get free or cheap ziploc bags

I wasn't able to get the deals up for last week at all due to being so busy with life! I was able to do some deals myself with Phillip and here are a few things worth mentioning. Bloom had triples all last week and it was worth the trip. I also did the Pubix deals. I did find out that Bloom usually has lots of meat marked down in the mornings, so I was able to get $43.00 worth of meat that will last us SEVERAL days. What makes me the happiest is having about 5 bags of groceries and household items packed up for me to give to a family who needs it. I also have tomatoes coming in that we will be able to give away. What blessings do you have that you can share with others today? God is so good.

Bloom Triples

2009-06-25T08:10:00.003-04:00

Bloom Triples are this whole week through Tuesday. Some stores aren't offering this, however I do know they are in Anderson. The limit is 20 coupons per day per customer. There are several items you can get free or almost free. Go here to check out a list of coupons.

I'll try and get Publix and Bilo up sometime today.

Go here to check out books you might need. The eshow is scheduled to close today.

Saving Money

2009-06-22T09:19:00.002-04:00

Here's a couple of things that are worth mentioning this week.

BILO
Boston Butt-3 day sale $.99 lb
Kraft shredded cheese 2/$4.00 If you buy a certain amount you get a printable coupon on your next order. buy 3 get $2.00 off, buy 4 get $3.00 off, and buy 5 get $4.00 off
asparagus-$.99 lb

PUBLIX
Use $2.00 off $5.00 produce purchase from Food Lion printable here (cantaloupes on sale for $1.47, grapes $1.69 lb. makes for a great deal on fruit)
Use $2.00 off Digiorno pizza from Food Lion printable here and pay only $3.00 for pizza
Yo-Plait yogurt buy 1 get 1 free at $2.50 use coupon here and pay only $.25
Nabisco graham crackers buy 1 get one free at $2.99 use coupon here and pay only $.50
Hebrew National Hotdogs buy 1 get 1 free at $4.99 use coupon here and pay only $1.50

I HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED

2009-06-18T11:22:00.002-04:00

If you would like to read the article I wrote, click HERE. I am so excited!

Deals

2009-06-15T06:28:00.002-04:00

CVS
Kotex tampons or panty liner coupon $2.00 ECBs Limit 3 use coupon from 6/14/09
Schick Quatro Titanium Razor $7.99 get $3.00 ECBs use coupon from 6/14/09
Excedrin $4.49 get $2.00 ECBs use $1.00 coupon from 5/3/09
Crest $2.00 ECBs use 6/7/09 P&G insert coupon
A variety of Kellogg's cereal is on sale for $1.88 use $1.00 coupon from 6/7/09 and pay only $.88

Wal-Greens
Right Guard or Dry Idea deodorant $.99 use coupon from here
Hefty ziplock bags B1G1 free after in-ad coupon then use coupon from 5/17/09 insert
Maxwell House coffee 2/$5.00 use coupon here
Buy 2 Oreo Cakesters get $3.00 Register Rewards use 2 coupons from 6/14/09 inserts and should be free

These are the best deals I see. There plenty more listed. Just go here to check them all out.

He's Still Working On Me...

2009-06-12T21:43:00.004-04:00

to make me what I ought to be...Anybody remember that song? It came to me tonight after I put the kids to bed. Today was a revelation day of sorts for myself. I have been so wrapped up in our family that I have forgotten the needs of others. Oh, I know I do care and I do try to be sensitive to people's needs. I feel I am aware of those around me and try to help or lend a hand when I can. However, in trying to raise my children, I believe I have forgotten something ever so important. I feel that I am a "good" mom. We talk about Jesus, take them to church, have devotion, pray, try to make sure they really KNOW God, make sure they have friends, make sure they are involved in many activities, etc. In doing all this, I have not thought much about my children being a light to others. So, I was enlightened to the fact today that even though I am trying my best to "bring up my children in the way they should go" they are still going to be exposed to things that are not good. I pray that my kids are so rooted in their beliefs and KNOW that they have parents and a God that loves them that they can be a light to their friends and help show them the way.

I think these flowers are beautiful

They were given to me by a neighbor who is only 7. We had been gone for a couple of hours and when we got back these flowers (for me), some hand drawn pictures(for all), 3 stuffed animals(for the kids), and a note were on our front porch. The note was asking ME ("the mom") if she could be friends with my children and listed her phone number. She asked if I would call her when she could come and play. It stated that she didn't have any friends to play with around here. My kids were very excited about this whole situation. Madison phoned her and thanked her for the items. Later, we all visited the little girl and her family. She came on over to play. She seems to be a very sweet little girl, but due to certain circumstances she is having to live with her grandmother. I am not saying her situation is bad, I am saying it's not what my kids are used to.

We have seen her outside on several occasions and I believe the kids and Phil have said hello to her in passing. I have thought about asking her over in the past, but I didn't know her or her family. I am sure you have been in those situations before and understand why I didn't go ahead and introduce myself. Today however, God chose to work on me. He chose today to show me that there are children in this world, right in our neighborhood, that need someone. In moving to this town 3 months ago, I said, "Yes God, I will go". In saying that, it meant WHATEVER he needs me to do I will do it for the Lord.

We dedicated our home a few weeks ago and our Pastor prayed that we would reach people in our neighborhood. When he prayed that, I agreed and wondered just what might be in store for us. I thank God for what he showed me today. I also thank God for my new little friend and for us being a friend to her. Pray for us that we will do what God wants us to do for Him.

FREE CHOCOLATE

2009-06-12T10:37:00.002-04:00

Go here to sign up for a coupon for a free candy bar (they will send it to you in the mail). You can get 4 coupons per household, but I believe you have to have a different email address for each person to sign up. This is only for the first 250,000. This promotion is running each Friday through September, so if you don't get it today you can try again another Friday.

LOOKIING AHEAD

2009-06-11T21:45:00.002-04:00

Here are a few coupons you may want to look for. I have seen an early preview of Publix ad that begins next Wed. There are coupons out there on the following and they will be B1G1 free in the sale. Lysol bath triggers, Duncan Hines cake mix, Ritz (printable from Kraft), mini wheats ( in this past weeks insert), Duncan Hines brownies, YoPlait plus yogurt (in this week or last weeks insert $.50 and it will double, so it makes for really cheap yogurt), Hebrew National Hot Dogs (on Smartsource.com)

MORE KRAFT COUPONS

2009-06-11T21:36:00.002-04:00

Have you noticed that many sales are grilling items? Kraft has put more coupons on their website, so go HERE and you can print out more coupons. An idea of the coupons that they have are $1.00 coupons for salad dressing, bbq sauce, Ritz crackers, mayo, A.1. sauce, cheese (of 2), cool whip (off 2), and many more. Don't forget you can print the coupons 2 times!

BILO DEALS

2009-06-11T21:26:00.002-04:00

Bryers Icecream B1G1 use coupons from 5/17/09
General Mills Cereal B1G1 several printable out there, just do a search
Hamburger Helper B1G1 coupons from 6/7/09
All Liquid detergent B1G1 use coupon from 5/10/09
Mt. Olive Pickles B1G1 use $.50 blinkies near the product
Weber Grilling spices $1.00 blinkies
Tidy Cat odor control litter $1.00 coupon from 4/26/09
Hartz cruch and clean dog biscuits $1.00 coupon 5/3/09
Spot shot carpet cleaner 4/5/09 coupon
Spray and Wash trigger 5/3/09 coupon
Finish gelpacs or powerball tabs use 6/7/09 coupon
Soft scrub cleaners B1G1free 5/17/09

All of these items are suppose to be buy 1 get 1 free. I have only listed the sale with whatever coupons you can use. There are many sale items other than what I have listed. Good luck!

What do you do when it's 90 degrees outside?

2009-06-09T17:28:00.004-04:00

Invite some friends over and get wet! A few pics of some frugal fun with some friends. Water balloons and a sprinkler are always a hit with kids if you don't have a pool.

Jack and MichaelPenelope and Melanie
Penelope, Julia, and Madison

I decided to just take pics and not get wet this time. Of course while filling the balloons I ended up getting a little wet because for some reason I had a couple to burst on me. Outside fun is always better than being inside on the Nintendo DS or something!

FREE BOWLING

2009-06-09T12:38:00.001-04:00

Some bowling alleys are offering 2 free games of bowling for kids this summer each day. Go HERE to see if a location near you is participating. I know some theatres are not doing the free movies this year, so maybe you can bowl instead.

SWAGBUCKS

2009-06-08T08:21:00.003-04:00

If you look over to the right of my blog, you will notice a little button there. It's advertising swagbucks. Swagbucks is a search engine and if you sign up for an account you earn swagbucks and then you can cash the bucks in for some great rewards. For example, for every 45 swagbucks you can get a $5.00 amazon gift card. So, if you want an easy way to get free things, just click on the link and sign up. The bonus is that I will get some swagbucks for you signing up from my link! We have been using swagbucks for about a month now and we already have enough for almost 3 amazon gift cards! I think I will save my bucks until Christmas and use them on the kiddies. It really adds up and is a great help. I still use mypoints also. That's where you sign up and they send you emails. All you have to do is click on the email, then the advertisement. You don't have to buy anything and you can cash your points in for things. I have already gotten about 4 $25.00 gift cards, but I have been using mypoints for a couple of years or more. Leave me a comment or email me and I will refer you. I will get points for that and you will start earning points for gift cards.

The DEALIOS

2009-06-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

Publix

All these are buy 1 get 1 free the prices are before the b1g1, so just divide by 2 to know the exact price of one BEFORE coupons the price in parenthesis is the price of the coupon

Bryers icecream-$4.99 use coupon from 4/5/09 unilever or 5/17/09 Red Plum ($.75)

Hunts Ketchup-$1.39 use coupon from 5/10/09 ($.20) which will double and pay ONLY $.30

Bertolli Pasta sauce-4/5/09 unilever coupon ($.60)

Kraft mayo- $4.99 http://print.coupons.com/Couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=13903&nid=10&zid=xh20 and http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/view.php?pg=cpngenerator You can use both on 1 bottle of mayo and it should end up being about $.50

Suave body wash-$2.19 5/17/09 Red Plum insert

Nestle Tollhouse cookies go HERE to print 2 coupons and pay only $.89 for 2

Free Crest toothpaste if you use the coupon http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/view.php?pg=cpngenerator

FRESH PINEAPPLE for $1.69 when you use the coupon from

http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=13903&nid=10&zid=xh20

BILO

Land O Lakes butter 2/$3.00 use $.55 coupon from 5/31/09 should double and pay only $.40

CVS

I haven't been impressed with the deals here lately, however you can get deals on PAMPERS this week.

Go HERE to print the coupon for Pampers diapers. You pay $8.99 and get $5.00 ECBs. You can also combine this with any manufacterer coupon that is out right now. It's reported that you have to bring in the printed coupon from the CVS website and you can do the deal 3 times.

Buy 1 Gillette razor for $7.99 get back $4.00 ECBs and use the $4.00 coupon from 6/7/09 insert

Buy 2 Dawn dish soaps at $1.00 each and get back $1.00 ECB use 2 $.25 coupon from P & G insert 6/7/09 and pay $.25 each

Buy 2 Banana Boat Sun Care at $7.19 Get $7.00 ECBs and use 2 $2.00 coupons from HERE and only pay $1.69 each

Keebler Sandies $2.00 use $1.00 coupon HERE

Kelloggs cereal buy 1 get 1 free use and use 2 $1.00 coupons from 6/7/09 Red Plum and pay $.80

JELLYSTONE

2009-06-07T16:57:00.003-04:00

We went to Quarryville, PA last week and stayed at a Jellystone Park (along with the characters of Yogi Bear and Boo Boo,etc). It was really great. These parks have so much to offer for kids. We were able to spend 5 nights and this included pedal carts, playground, basketball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, volleyball, arcade, jumping pillow,pool, and the best treat of all was the waterpark! On the weekends they also have activities scheduled for the kids. The cost for 5 days was a little over $3oo.00, but this also included 5 passes to the waterpark. I think this is an awesome vacation, especially if you have kids. Go HERE to check out the other Jellystone Parks around. There are 3 in NC and 1 in Florida. Speaking from personal experience, it's well worth it and to us it is a nice frugal vacation for a family of 5. We not only enjoyed the campground this year, we also went back to Hershey Park (AWESOME and can not even come close to Carowinds or Six Flags), Strasburg railroad, Udvar Museum in Chantilly, Va, and drove around in Lancaster county enjoying the Amish country. We really enjoy it up there, but I guess next year is the long awaited Disney World trip if everything goes as planned. Phil and I could wait forever on that, BUT the kids are the reason we are going. Year after next is a trip to Williamsburg and hopefully we can sneak a Hershey Park trip in then too along with cruising Lancaster county.

this was the last day on our way out to go to Chantilly. Vaa view of the waterpark

one of the activities was a chocolate slip-n-slide with Hershey chocolate of course

the jumping pillow, which we all enjoyed (including Phil)

We Are Back!

2009-06-06T21:30:00.003-04:00

We are back from vacation and I'm a little sad, but life goes on! It's a little busy around here right now, but I do plan to post our frugal vacation (uhhh....well, ummm, not too cheap, but we do know of an awesome place to camp that I plan to share about). There will be deals posted also, so hold tight and hopefully tomorrow I will have a couple of posts for ya. Glad to know there are peeps out there that really read my blog and are waiting for me to post! YOU GUYS ARE GREAT and make me feel like it's worth it after all!

Until then you can go to http://www.foodlion.com/guidingstars/ and get a coupon for $2.00 off chicken at Food Lion (which is on sale for $.89 lb. I think) OR you can use it on your next PUBLIX trip (did I tell you that store RoCkS!!!!)