I found Ezra standing up on the kitchen table this week...
with the salt shaker in hand...
shaking salt ALL OVER the place.
**No pictures because I was not about to let that continue while I went searching for the camera =)**
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Saving Money 101: The don't-go-cheap edition
So, I mentioned in the last Saving Money 101 post that there are some things I just can't go cheap on.
For us those items include:
- Breakstone Cottage Cheese
- Diapers (Huggies or Pampers)
- Aveeno Lotion
- Bush's Baked Beans
- Toilet Paper
- Dove Conditioner
What about you? What items are a must have for your family...even without a sale or coupon?
For us those items include:
- Breakstone Cottage Cheese
- Diapers (Huggies or Pampers)
- Aveeno Lotion
- Bush's Baked Beans
- Toilet Paper
- Dove Conditioner
What about you? What items are a must have for your family...even without a sale or coupon?
Monday, June 29, 2009
Saving Money 101
A common coupon myth I used to believe:
I can buy the store brand for cheaper than the name brand - even with a coupon.
On its own, this statement is generally true. However, its the combining of a store sale with a coupon that I am able to get great deals on things.
Take for example my earlier Kroger Betty Crocker Fruit Snack deal:
Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks for $1.49 a box
I bought 2 boxes and used:
1 $.50/2 coupon (doubled to a dollar at Kroger)
1 $75/2 e-coupon
= $1.75 savings
= $.61 a box
The Kroger brand fruit snacks are regularly priced at 1.19 for only 6 packs. The Betty Crocker brand has 10 packs in it. Even though the BC snacks have a higher regular price of $2.79, by combining the sale price of $1.49 with 2 coupons I was able to get a much better deal than just buying the store brand alone.
If I absolutely need something that I can not find a sale on or do not have a coupon for or I do not have stockpiled I will (usually) buy the store brand. Some store brand stuff just doesn't cut it...even for this relatively non-particular mom =)
I can buy the store brand for cheaper than the name brand - even with a coupon.
On its own, this statement is generally true. However, its the combining of a store sale with a coupon that I am able to get great deals on things.
Take for example my earlier Kroger Betty Crocker Fruit Snack deal:
Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks for $1.49 a box
I bought 2 boxes and used:
1 $.50/2 coupon (doubled to a dollar at Kroger)
1 $75/2 e-coupon
= $1.75 savings
= $.61 a box
The Kroger brand fruit snacks are regularly priced at 1.19 for only 6 packs. The Betty Crocker brand has 10 packs in it. Even though the BC snacks have a higher regular price of $2.79, by combining the sale price of $1.49 with 2 coupons I was able to get a much better deal than just buying the store brand alone.
If I absolutely need something that I can not find a sale on or do not have a coupon for or I do not have stockpiled I will (usually) buy the store brand. Some store brand stuff just doesn't cut it...even for this relatively non-particular mom =)
Not Me Monday
Seeing a snot rocket hanging out of Ezra's nose, I, of course made the short walk into the house and found an appropriate nose wiping paper product...
I most certainly did NOT use Ella's underpants (taken off and left on the porch while she went swimming) to wipe Ezra's nose.
That would just be oh so gross.
Nope. Not me.
To read more not me stories, click here.
I most certainly did NOT use Ella's underpants (taken off and left on the porch while she went swimming) to wipe Ezra's nose.
That would just be oh so gross.
Nope. Not me.
To read more not me stories, click here.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Watch Your Noodles
While Ella, Areyna, and Zeke were happily playing outside in the pool...
Ezra was taking advantage of the opportunity to sneak inside and eat ALL of Zeke's lunch.
All of it.
Nevermind that he had already eaten ALL of his entire lunch =)
Ezra was taking advantage of the opportunity to sneak inside and eat ALL of Zeke's lunch.
All of it.
Nevermind that he had already eaten ALL of his entire lunch =)
Picture Overload: Our Week
My best pal Tasha is sans husband for a few weeks while he is in Africa. Of course, we love any excuse to get together and what better one than the excuse of "help" while hubby is away =)
We've been having tons of fun all week and I thought I'd share a few pictures of our time together:
Pretty pretty princesses (and prince's) on the porch eating popsicles
We made it to the Durham Museum of Life and Science one day and we all had a blast!
Rainy liked the gigantic ant colony and the boys (of course) loved the balls.
Drum roll, please...
The whole clan (minus the picture taker, of course!)
Ella's butterfly and the bubble maker
Shadow sand fun and sweet Areyna
Yesterday was Jeremiah's day off and he packed up the boys for the very boy task of finding a new DVD player for our now dead one. Electronics and boys just seem to go together!
Areyna and Ella have been in their own little make believe world of mermaid pools and fairy houses for hours and hours. Of course they manage to come back to reality and find a few minutes to "rescue" the ants from the sand box and put their numerous babies and animals down for naps =)
Wagon (roller coaster) rides up and down our hill...what a work out for me!
The pool is a hit...on a daily basis here (Ezra decided real men don't wear bathing suits!)
We've been having tons of fun all week and I thought I'd share a few pictures of our time together:
Pretty pretty princesses (and prince's) on the porch eating popsicles
We made it to the Durham Museum of Life and Science one day and we all had a blast!
Rainy liked the gigantic ant colony and the boys (of course) loved the balls.
Drum roll, please...
The whole clan (minus the picture taker, of course!)
Ella's butterfly and the bubble maker
Shadow sand fun and sweet Areyna
Yesterday was Jeremiah's day off and he packed up the boys for the very boy task of finding a new DVD player for our now dead one. Electronics and boys just seem to go together!
Areyna and Ella have been in their own little make believe world of mermaid pools and fairy houses for hours and hours. Of course they manage to come back to reality and find a few minutes to "rescue" the ants from the sand box and put their numerous babies and animals down for naps =)
Wagon (roller coaster) rides up and down our hill...what a work out for me!
The pool is a hit...on a daily basis here (Ezra decided real men don't wear bathing suits!)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Saving Money 101
Question #3: What coupon/saving money resources do you use?
I build up my coupon stash by:
1) Newspaper Coupons
I don't subscribe to a Sunday paper because we have had issue after issue actually getting a paper to show up where we live and it is just easier for me to buy one every Sunday. I currently only get one paper. When I first started I would get 2 (or more). I have found that one is plenty for us right now. I clip all the coupons except for hair color, pet supplies, and laxatives =) Even if I don't normally buy certain items, I will still clip the coupon, because there is always the good chance that there will be a sale down the road where I can get the item for free or nearly free. I also am able to donate surplus items that I get for free.
2) Internet Coupons
Because of the high expense of ink I don't print every single internet coupon out there. Just the ones I know for sure I will use. You can find many many many internet coupon resources. Too many to list =) Generally you are allowed to print two of each internet coupon.
3) E-coupons
These are coupons that are directly linked to your stores shopper loyalty card (MVP card, VIC card, etc.) I don't have to clip them, I just go to the website and load them onto my card and they automatically come off my card when I but the item. The great thing about e-coupons is that they can be stacked with a newspaper or internet coupon! For example this week Kroger was running a deal on Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks for $1.49 a box:
I bought 2 boxes and used:
1 $.50/2 coupon (doubled to a dollar at Kroger)
1 $75/2 e-coupon
= $1.75 savings
= $.61 a box
Only certain grocery stores use e-coupons so check this list here to see if your favorite store does. Click here to read more about e-coupons.
I also use about 4 money saving websites on a regular (almost daily) basis. I let them do all the legwork and just copy their deal ideas! You can find my current favorites on the right sidebar of my blog.
I build up my coupon stash by:
1) Newspaper Coupons
I don't subscribe to a Sunday paper because we have had issue after issue actually getting a paper to show up where we live and it is just easier for me to buy one every Sunday. I currently only get one paper. When I first started I would get 2 (or more). I have found that one is plenty for us right now. I clip all the coupons except for hair color, pet supplies, and laxatives =) Even if I don't normally buy certain items, I will still clip the coupon, because there is always the good chance that there will be a sale down the road where I can get the item for free or nearly free. I also am able to donate surplus items that I get for free.
2) Internet Coupons
Because of the high expense of ink I don't print every single internet coupon out there. Just the ones I know for sure I will use. You can find many many many internet coupon resources. Too many to list =) Generally you are allowed to print two of each internet coupon.
3) E-coupons
These are coupons that are directly linked to your stores shopper loyalty card (MVP card, VIC card, etc.) I don't have to clip them, I just go to the website and load them onto my card and they automatically come off my card when I but the item. The great thing about e-coupons is that they can be stacked with a newspaper or internet coupon! For example this week Kroger was running a deal on Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks for $1.49 a box:
I bought 2 boxes and used:
1 $.50/2 coupon (doubled to a dollar at Kroger)
1 $75/2 e-coupon
= $1.75 savings
= $.61 a box
Only certain grocery stores use e-coupons so check this list here to see if your favorite store does. Click here to read more about e-coupons.
I also use about 4 money saving websites on a regular (almost daily) basis. I let them do all the legwork and just copy their deal ideas! You can find my current favorites on the right sidebar of my blog.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Simple Summer Night
About 8pm every night our backyard turns into our own personal fireworks display.
The lightning bugs are amazing!
The kids have mastered the art (and fun) of catching them. Ezra is hilarious to watch because he will take off in chase of one only to get distracted by another and totally switch directions.
You can almost hear the bug screaming "pull-up, pull-up" as he comes chasing them!
The lightning bugs are amazing!
The kids have mastered the art (and fun) of catching them. Ezra is hilarious to watch because he will take off in chase of one only to get distracted by another and totally switch directions.
You can almost hear the bug screaming "pull-up, pull-up" as he comes chasing them!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Saving Money 101
Question #2: How do you plan your meals?
Since I do my grocery shopping every 2 weeks (I make a small once a week run for milk & fruit) I like to plan about 10 meals for that 2 week period. Because Jeremiah is always gone on Tuesdays and Wednesday nights and we usually eat out one other night a week, usually 10 meals is more than enough to last us two weeks.
Before I begin I look at what I currently have in the pantry/fridge and what sales are available and make my list accordingly. I also try to build in at least 1 or 2 crock pot meals and at least 1 less than 20 minutes to make meal - for those days that I am not going to be home or we are busy. If I know it is going to be an especially busy week I plan in more easy meals, etc. I also try to serve 1 meatless meal a week.
I have found that by planning out my meals I cut down drastically on those "quick trips" to the store for one thing that end up costing $20 or $30 a stop. I also love to cook...but hate thinking up what to cook. Having a plan takes that part out of it for me!
Here's an example of our current two week list:
(Which actually lasted us over 3 weeks because of VBS last week and the fact that I didn't cook dinner for over 7 days!)
1) Chicken Quesadillas w/ mexican rice
2) Pulled BBQ chicken sandwhiches w/ corn on cob and homemade french fries (crock pot)
3) Grilled marinated pork chops w/ sauteed veggies and brown rice
4) Spaghetti and salad (20 minutes or less meal)
5) Shrimp Scampi
6) Homemade Pizza
7) Lemon pepper chicken w/ angel hair pasta and veggies
8) Chicken salad wraps w/ baked potatoes and fruit
9) Tomato soup and grilled cheese (20 min. or less and meatless meal)
10) Taco Salads
I save all my lists in order to get ideas when I get in a rut or if I am running short on time. There is always room for flexibility or cravings in our house...so the above list isn't a set in stone thing, just a general outline.
Since I do my grocery shopping every 2 weeks (I make a small once a week run for milk & fruit) I like to plan about 10 meals for that 2 week period. Because Jeremiah is always gone on Tuesdays and Wednesday nights and we usually eat out one other night a week, usually 10 meals is more than enough to last us two weeks.
Before I begin I look at what I currently have in the pantry/fridge and what sales are available and make my list accordingly. I also try to build in at least 1 or 2 crock pot meals and at least 1 less than 20 minutes to make meal - for those days that I am not going to be home or we are busy. If I know it is going to be an especially busy week I plan in more easy meals, etc. I also try to serve 1 meatless meal a week.
I have found that by planning out my meals I cut down drastically on those "quick trips" to the store for one thing that end up costing $20 or $30 a stop. I also love to cook...but hate thinking up what to cook. Having a plan takes that part out of it for me!
Here's an example of our current two week list:
(Which actually lasted us over 3 weeks because of VBS last week and the fact that I didn't cook dinner for over 7 days!)
1) Chicken Quesadillas w/ mexican rice
2) Pulled BBQ chicken sandwhiches w/ corn on cob and homemade french fries (crock pot)
3) Grilled marinated pork chops w/ sauteed veggies and brown rice
4) Spaghetti and salad (20 minutes or less meal)
5) Shrimp Scampi
6) Homemade Pizza
7) Lemon pepper chicken w/ angel hair pasta and veggies
8) Chicken salad wraps w/ baked potatoes and fruit
9) Tomato soup and grilled cheese (20 min. or less and meatless meal)
10) Taco Salads
I save all my lists in order to get ideas when I get in a rut or if I am running short on time. There is always room for flexibility or cravings in our house...so the above list isn't a set in stone thing, just a general outline.
My wife
Jenn hates it when I do this, but I would rather her hate me for this than for sitting on the couch drinking a cold one while she chases kids.
I have an answer to a question posed in Proverbs 31:10. Who can find an excellent wife? I can. And I have the priveledge of going home to her every day. I remember in the great movie Napolean Dynamite when Rex was describing the fact that he wasnt a loser because he went home to Starla every night. Well I get to go home to a woman who not only keeps me from being a loser, but who pushes me to be my best. To love God more passionately. To let my kids know how much I love them. To be the man God commands me to be. To put it in the best way possible...
My heart trusts in her and I have no lack of gain
She does nothing but good
She works with delight
She works selflessly
She is a wise steward
She wraps herself in the strength of God every morning
She always looks out for the lowly and downtrodden
She is flippen awesome!
And I am a better man because of her. I love you Jenn.
I have an answer to a question posed in Proverbs 31:10. Who can find an excellent wife? I can. And I have the priveledge of going home to her every day. I remember in the great movie Napolean Dynamite when Rex was describing the fact that he wasnt a loser because he went home to Starla every night. Well I get to go home to a woman who not only keeps me from being a loser, but who pushes me to be my best. To love God more passionately. To let my kids know how much I love them. To be the man God commands me to be. To put it in the best way possible...
My heart trusts in her and I have no lack of gain
She does nothing but good
She works with delight
She works selflessly
She is a wise steward
She wraps herself in the strength of God every morning
She always looks out for the lowly and downtrodden
She is flippen awesome!
And I am a better man because of her. I love you Jenn.
What a family we have...
I was doing my quiet time this morning and praying for all three of our families and it hit me...what an incredible spiritual heritage Jeremiah and I have been blessed with. For example, here is what is going on in the life of our three families THIS week:
Jeremiah's parents and sister are currently in Haiti leading a team on a missions trip building an orphanage and working with a local feeding program.
Rick and Janet Via (our adoptive parents) are currently in Uganda, Africa leading a team on a missions trip that provides medical care, training for local missionaries, help with Arise Africa's orphanage, and much more.
My parents are currently waiting for travel dates for the adoption of their 23rd and 24th children (Andrew Seth and Gracie Jane) from Bulgaria. No, that is not a typo. Yes, you read that number right. They have adopted 17 children (soon to be 19) from Russia, Mexico, Ukraine, and now Bulgaria.
To whom much is given, much is expected -Luke 12:48
Jeremiah's parents and sister are currently in Haiti leading a team on a missions trip building an orphanage and working with a local feeding program.
Rick and Janet Via (our adoptive parents) are currently in Uganda, Africa leading a team on a missions trip that provides medical care, training for local missionaries, help with Arise Africa's orphanage, and much more.
My parents are currently waiting for travel dates for the adoption of their 23rd and 24th children (Andrew Seth and Gracie Jane) from Bulgaria. No, that is not a typo. Yes, you read that number right. They have adopted 17 children (soon to be 19) from Russia, Mexico, Ukraine, and now Bulgaria.
To whom much is given, much is expected -Luke 12:48
Monday, June 22, 2009
Not Me Monday
I did not consume a way over proportioned burger and fries at Red Robin last night and eat the remainders of my childrens meals too. I never eat off my kids plates. Disgusting.
I really did not ignore the smelly feet of Ella and smooshed lightning bugs on Ezra's hands (he's just trying to love them) and just give them a washcloth wipe down rather than fool with a bath last night. I'm clean like that.
And I most certainly did not avoid the laundry all last week and now have mounds and mounds and mounds and mounds (seemingly) to catch up on. I am always on top of it.
Finally, I absolutely did not make my husband stop at CVS on his Father's Day and then forget to use 2 high dollar coupons (only to realize it at 3am and sit up in bed!) I never make mistakes like that. I am the coupon queen.
Click here for more Not Me Monday stories or add your own in the comments!
I really did not ignore the smelly feet of Ella and smooshed lightning bugs on Ezra's hands (he's just trying to love them) and just give them a washcloth wipe down rather than fool with a bath last night. I'm clean like that.
And I most certainly did not avoid the laundry all last week and now have mounds and mounds and mounds and mounds (seemingly) to catch up on. I am always on top of it.
Finally, I absolutely did not make my husband stop at CVS on his Father's Day and then forget to use 2 high dollar coupons (only to realize it at 3am and sit up in bed!) I never make mistakes like that. I am the coupon queen.
Click here for more Not Me Monday stories or add your own in the comments!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Sans Plans Saturday
No plans for us today.
Bliss.
Absolute bliss.
_________________________________________________
And so as not to disappoint the grandparents...a few parting pictures:
Bliss.
Absolute bliss.
_________________________________________________
And so as not to disappoint the grandparents...a few parting pictures:
Friday, June 19, 2009
VBS, day five
It has been a great but looooooong week.
I don't think the kids got into bed before 9:30pm all week...and I saw a lot of this during the day:
On the flip side of that neither of them has been up before 9am =)
Ella had a great week...but, I knew she would. Ezra on the other hand surprised me...totally hanging with the big kids. I feel like he grew up in my eyes this week.
I loved watching them singing and playing games and interacting with their little friends. I love to see them to excited to go to church... and that they view the church as a happy place filled with fun.
But, man...I am glad to return to a normal schedule today =)
I don't think the kids got into bed before 9:30pm all week...and I saw a lot of this during the day:
On the flip side of that neither of them has been up before 9am =)
Ella had a great week...but, I knew she would. Ezra on the other hand surprised me...totally hanging with the big kids. I feel like he grew up in my eyes this week.
I loved watching them singing and playing games and interacting with their little friends. I love to see them to excited to go to church... and that they view the church as a happy place filled with fun.
But, man...I am glad to return to a normal schedule today =)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
VBS, day three and four
I will just go ahead and admit that one of the reasons I enjoy VBS week so much is that I haven't had to cook dinner all week!
Yes, Grey Stone provides a free meal to all families attending their VBS.
So what if (as my friend Michaella put it) my kids haven't eaten any vegetables all week (unless you count ketchup).
After all, it's only one week =)
I've pretty much focused on what Ella and Ezra have been doing these last few posts...but Jeremiah and I have been busy with the youth too.
We've had great turn out every night...but with good (and free!) food, great messages (Rescued From An Ordinary Life), good music from our youth band, intimate and challenging break out times, and incredibly massive games of dodge ball...would you expect any less =)
I've struggled with a bit of melancholy this week because I know it is one of the last "big" things we will do with these students before Jeremiah changes his ministry focus to the college students and Elevation service in July. While I am excited for this change and know it is the Lords leading for our family...I genuinely LOVE our Eikon students and the time I have spent with them.
I am glad for this week to have had so much time with them and the opportunity to laugh with them and cry with them (you know there is always crying when you get a bunch of girls in the same room!)and learn together.
Yes, Grey Stone provides a free meal to all families attending their VBS.
So what if (as my friend Michaella put it) my kids haven't eaten any vegetables all week (unless you count ketchup).
After all, it's only one week =)
I've pretty much focused on what Ella and Ezra have been doing these last few posts...but Jeremiah and I have been busy with the youth too.
We've had great turn out every night...but with good (and free!) food, great messages (Rescued From An Ordinary Life), good music from our youth band, intimate and challenging break out times, and incredibly massive games of dodge ball...would you expect any less =)
I've struggled with a bit of melancholy this week because I know it is one of the last "big" things we will do with these students before Jeremiah changes his ministry focus to the college students and Elevation service in July. While I am excited for this change and know it is the Lords leading for our family...I genuinely LOVE our Eikon students and the time I have spent with them.
I am glad for this week to have had so much time with them and the opportunity to laugh with them and cry with them (you know there is always crying when you get a bunch of girls in the same room!)and learn together.
Saving Money 101
I have been asked by several people recently about how I keep my coupons organized, how I plan my meals, what saving money sites I use, etc.
Stemming from those questions, I thought I would do a series (rather than one long mammoth post) that answers all those questions.
Sort of a Jennifer's Guide to Saving Money 101 =)
1st Question: How Do I Keep My Coupons Organized?
I have tried 3 different organizational systems and returned to my original plan every time. It just seems to work best for me.
I use a divided binder that I bought from Staples:
I organize all my coupons into the following alphabetical envelope categories:
When I actually go shopping I usually have pulled all the coupons I know for sure I'll be using and set them inside a folded up piece of paper that has all my list items written on front. I also bring my binder with me just in case. The only exception to that is CVS. I usually just pull my CVS envelope out and take only that in with me. I'll leave the binder in the car just in case.
I typically weed through all my coupons about every 6 weeks and throw away all expired ones. I usually do this at the same time I am filing new ones. I never (knowingly) use expired coupons. As a Christian I strive to show integrity at all times, even in the smallest of issues. Even if the stores don't notice.
I spent a lot of time those first few weeks getting things into a system that actually worked for me. I won't lie...it does take a pretty big time commitment when first starting. However, I now have a system that typically takes me about an hour a week (give or take a little) to do everything I need to do.
Click here to read a good article on all the organizational methods out there. I read it when I was first starting and it was a great resource!
Stemming from those questions, I thought I would do a series (rather than one long mammoth post) that answers all those questions.
Sort of a Jennifer's Guide to Saving Money 101 =)
1st Question: How Do I Keep My Coupons Organized?
I have tried 3 different organizational systems and returned to my original plan every time. It just seems to work best for me.
I use a divided binder that I bought from Staples:
I organize all my coupons into the following alphabetical envelope categories:
- Baby: Diapers/Wipes/Lotions/etc.
- Baking/Bread
- Box Goods: Cereal/Pasta/Rice/etc
- Can Goods
- Cleaning
- Condiments
- CVS
- Dairy Aisle: Yogurt/Cheese/Butter/Refrigerated cookies & biscuits/etc.
- Drinks/Mixes
- Entertainment: Restaurant coupons/etc.
- Frozen Aisle - Sweet
- Frozen Aisle - Other
- Health/Medicine
- Laundry/Kitchen
- Misc: Batteries/etc.
- Meats
- Paper Goods
- Produce
- Snacks - Salty
- Snacks - Sweet
- Toiletries - Hair/Bath & Body/Deoderant
- Toiletries - Teeth/Feminine
- Toiletries - Make-Up/Shaving/Misc.
When I actually go shopping I usually have pulled all the coupons I know for sure I'll be using and set them inside a folded up piece of paper that has all my list items written on front. I also bring my binder with me just in case. The only exception to that is CVS. I usually just pull my CVS envelope out and take only that in with me. I'll leave the binder in the car just in case.
I typically weed through all my coupons about every 6 weeks and throw away all expired ones. I usually do this at the same time I am filing new ones. I never (knowingly) use expired coupons. As a Christian I strive to show integrity at all times, even in the smallest of issues. Even if the stores don't notice.
I spent a lot of time those first few weeks getting things into a system that actually worked for me. I won't lie...it does take a pretty big time commitment when first starting. However, I now have a system that typically takes me about an hour a week (give or take a little) to do everything I need to do.
Click here to read a good article on all the organizational methods out there. I read it when I was first starting and it was a great resource!