Smart Money Mom

DO Something!

2010-10-04T15:04:00.004-04:00

October 4, 2010

Who Am I by Casting Crowns beautifully reminds us who we all belong to!

I just spent an amazing weekend at our church and I am so excited to share my joyful take-aways with you!

Hubby and I attended the Love Worth Fighting For Marriage Event that was hosted at our church and took away so much from the entire experience. I will make future posts but felt the need to share first with you two organizations I was introduced to through this event and another closer to home non-profit.

It is so cool when I see people use their talents to help others and give glory to God! Kirk Cameron and Warren Barfield introduced us to two organizations that offer an incredible opportunity to help others:

Camp Firefly offers a once in a lifetime experience for terminally and seriously ill children and their families.
Food For The Hungry's mission is to walk with churches, leaders and families in overcoming all forms of human poverty by living in healthy relationship with God and His creation.

It is so inspiring to see people take a small step of faith to let God make big things happen for His glory! Two girls at our church did just that by starting their non-profit, Birds of Hope. They sell beautiful birds they make and donate all profits to Active Water, who brings clean water and sanitation projects to needed communities throughout the globe.

As I have said before, if we don't model giving of our time, talents and resources for our children, how can we expect them to become giving adults? I am very thankful for these girls...they are providing a wonderful example for my girlie and me!

I have added these organizations' links to my Helping Others page. If you have an organization that I can share on my site, please tell me about it. I hope to increase awareness of as many worthy organizations as I can. I know I am looking forward to discovering more!

In Him: Here With Me

2010-09-21T16:02:00.003-04:00

September 21, 2010

Here With Me by Mercy Me sums up the past several months for me! It is such a comfort and a blessing to know that we are never alone!

I have so much to share with you, so much I am thankful for! Part of my delay in sharing has been me thinking "is this too personal?" and let's face it...the other part of my delay is the days get so full don't they?

My pastor said a few weeks ago that for many people "we are the only Bible they will ever read." I took that statement to heart and thought, "How many of us have personal stories of God's faithfulness that need to be shared with others so they too may believe and have hope in Him?"

I'll start with the biggest news first! As many of you know, we are blessed with a girlie who is 5. We have tried, prayed and kept faith that if it was God's will and plan to have another child, it would happen in His time, not ours!

A couple of years ago my OB told me I was at the start of menopause and suggested hormone pills to bring my levels up...especially if we wanted another child. I filled the prescription...once...and never took them! A year later back to the OB and my annual exam was a little better, but he said my progesterone was still low, too low to hold a pregnancy, suggested the pills again. Again I filled them...once...and never took them. At that point I prayed that God's will be done.

Now, I know some of you may have taken hormone pills and they helped you. Wonderful blessings for you! This was a faith walk for me and I was fully prepared that if it was not His will to bless us with another child I would seek what His will was for my life instead.

Much to our surprise, after taking the 100th home pregnancy test in April...It was positive! A blood test that same day at my doctor's office confirmed the pregnancy and that my hormone levels were GREAT, progesterone level was excellent!! Praise God!

The first three months I was sick and had a couple of spotting scares, but I continued to pray to God, trust in Him, and have a thankful heart for the miracle that every pregnancy is!

I am 27 weeks now...we are expecting a baby boy! I welcome comments with what your favorite boy names are as we are still undecided on a name!

We continue to pray and have faith in Him for the blessing of this baby to our family.

I have also started a new adventure with my girlie...homeschool! I have known since before she was born that my desire was to homeschool her...then we found out I was pregnant and due in the middle of the school year.

Again, we turned to prayer. My husband and I agreed to follow through on our plans. I have always believed that if you are doing what God wants you to do it will not feel like a daily struggle.

We are in week 5 of Kindergarten and girlie and I love it! Yes, I know, wait until the baby comes! Thankfully this is kindergarten and not more than 3-4 hours a day in core studies! I'll keep you posted on how this goes...daily prayer will be first on the list for each day for sure!

Bible is part of our daily curriculum with girlie and when we say The Lord's Prayer..."give us THIS day our daily bread" has strong meaning for us now too. I previously posted about my hubby's change in companies and the changes to income/bonuses that came with that. We are walking with God, trusting in Him. He IS in control and we trust that He will show us where He wants us to be.

We have so much to be thankful for, if we just look with a thankful heart!

I hope to share more messages from my pastor...I have been saving my notes with that plan in mind...I just may not be able to post as often as I was. Until next time...

In Him,

In Him: Songs in the Key of Life, part 4

2010-06-09T09:07:00.002-04:00

Isn't it a relief when we admit to ourselves that we can't do everything? The past few weeks have been another of those times in my life when I knew some things had to go, I couldn't do everything, I needed to turn things over to God!

The message that Middle School Pastor Brooklyn Lindsey delivered a couple of Sundays ago was just what I needed to hear...How to Find Rest in God!

Brooklyn is a mom herself of two little ones and she can relate to the fact that we all need rest...emotional and spiritual! She shared how we get caught up in the make it happen lifestyle and forget to rely on God. It's not about removing yourself from circumstances or lowering expectations, but rather it's about surrendering the outcomes to Him...acknowledging that He is greater and I am less...give Him the credit!

Psalm 131 shows us how to find rest in Him.

1. Recognize your limits.

Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp. Psalm 131:1 (NLT)

2. Cultivate a quiet heart.

Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself... Psalm 131:2 (NLT)

3. Be content as you grow in faith.

...like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:2 (NLT)

4. Put your hope in the Lord.

O Israel, put your hope in the Lord— now and always. Psalm 131:3 (NLT)

Wait, __________ (fill in the blank with your name), for God. Wait with hope. Hope now; hope always!

Brooklyn shared this amazing story of love and hope for others. The power of what can happen when we "Don't worry about being religious. Take time to respond to God, relinquish control, and find rest!"

What outcomes do you need to surrender to God?

In Him,

In Him: Songs in the Key of Life, part 3

2010-05-24T10:36:00.003-04:00

Yesterday's message that Pastor Rickey delivered taught us how to have a fresh start. Psalm 51 is a song of hope, we all need hope and a fresh start don't we? Money, greed, lying, bad language, anger, bad choices...there is hope in Him that He forgives and is always waiting to welcome us home no matter what we have done.

Pastor used this Psalm of hope to deliver a message that some may not want to talk about. I will admit, it's not the easiest for me to write about. God wants to welcome everyone with open arms, so If there is someone that this helps/reaches then that is part of His plan.

There IS a problem among those in the church and out, among adults and kids, among men and women, among married and single. What is it? The view for many that online pornography is socially acceptable. "Lots of people look at it." "What does it matter, there is no harm done."

Pastor Rickey shared some facts with us on the effects porn has on your brain. Did you know that it is as addictive as the strongest of narcotics? Did you know that it makes structural changes to your brain...it runs deep ruts in one direction toward that addiction? Do a Google search for "effects of brain by porn" and read for yourself the damage porn causes to a person's character, brain, marriage, family, career...

If you know someone who is not convinced from the moral side that porn is wrong, Pastor offered another excellent way to help someone determine if looking at porn is harmful. If they are married, have them ask their spouse if the act of them looking at porn makes their spouse feel more valued. I know their spouse's answer will be NO! If they are single or a young adult/child, ask them if they feel closer to God when they look at porn. Ask them if they feel guilt, shame, humiliation or regret. The GOOD news is they can be free of this addiction and these feelings by turning to God!

Pastor reminded us of the story of King David, chosen by God, a man after God's own heart, but he allowed his thoughts to turn to actions of adultery with Bathsheba. David wrote Psalm 51, which shows us no matter what we have done, how to have a fresh start with God.

1. Recognize your own sin, while acknowleging God's Mercy.

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Psalm 51:1-3 (NLT)

2. Confess your sins and seek God's purity.

Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me— now let me rejoice. Psalm 51:4-8 (NLT)

3. Ask God for full restoration.

Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. Psalm 51:9-13 (NLT)

We can learn from each others sins and pain. Though it is hard to make the bold choice of sharing with others our mistakes, we help others who suffer from the same pain.

4. Stay humble.

Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:14-17 (NLT)

A humble person is both transparent and teachable.

5. Vow to make worship a priority in your life.

Look with favor on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit— with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings. Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar. Psalm 51:18-19 (NLT)

Pastor shared these two passages as well that shows the family line that Jesus came from:

This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham:
Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers. Matthew 1:1-2 (NLT)

Jesse was the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon (whose mother was Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah). Matthew 1:6 (NLT)

Why is Bathsheba mentioned in this lineage? There was adultery and sin, wasn't there? Pastor shared that she is here to show us God's love, how he takes our worst and weaves it in to His plan. "He can take your biggest failure, secrets and pain and give you a fresh start!"

Lastly, Pastor shared some resources to help reach those looking for help:

The Porn Event from May 23-28 present a 25 minute interactive experience focused on the real life effects of pornography.
Safe Eyes helps fight porn and impurity in your home.
Covenant Eyes is an accountability software that helps you and your accountability partner monitor where you should and should not be online.

In Him,

In Him: Songs in the Key of Life, part 2

2010-05-16T15:03:00.002-04:00

Pastor Rickey continued his series, "Songs in the Key of Life" with today's message teaching us how to ask for help. "One of the most frequent prayers in the bible is help!" But, as Pastor reminded us, while God didn't promise us a perfect life, He did tell us we would not be alone!

The really cool thing about God is that He listens to us! We can be real with him, about where we are in life, what we are struggling with and ask him to help!

Our Worship Arts Pastor, Jonathan, shared that one of the great things about songs is that they can say it better than we can at times! Isn't that so true? The song above from Hillsong "Still" says it better than I can so that is why I wanted to share it with you!

There always seems to be something that we need God to help us with! I am so thankful that no matter how big or small God always listens!

Pastor used Psalm 143:1-12 to walk us through a pattern for asking God for help...sending out an SOS!

Sending out an SOS

1. God, Listen!

a. Hear me, please!

Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. Psalm 143:1 (NLT)

b. Don't look at my mistakes.

Don’t put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you. Psalm 143:2 (NLT)

I am so thankful that He does not look at my mistakes, instead He is patient and forgiving and ready to listen! We just need to bring our worries and problems to Him!

2. I am tired of running from big things.

My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave. I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear. Psalm 143:3-4 (NLT)

Pastor did something different today, different is good! Throughout his message he asked for audience involvement...bold souls willing to stand up and share how God has helped them. You can join in too!

One area that I'm losing the battle- ______________________

For me, it is a battle I have to remind myself to keep taking back to God...my hubby's new pay structure and our house! This June will be four years that we have been in the house, almost two years since we tried to sell it in fear when values began to decline and hubby's company tanked.I am good for a few months after I take it to God...then I start to let fear creep back in and worry, and funny enough just last night I was telling hubby my fears were back again!

3. I know you have helped me before.

I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Interlude Psalm 143:5-6 (NLT)

One word that describes a time God helped you-_____________

One word? Finances. For all of the worry and fear I have taken to God over the years, He has always provided for our needs! Leaving my career of 15 years to stay home with our girlie took a huge amount of faith in Him. And I continue to say, that as long as He wants me to be home with her, He will bless it, He will provide. Thank you!

4. I need a clear answer.

Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. Psalm 143:7 (NLT)

Where I need an answer now-___________________________

Well, of course hubby and I are wondering if he will earn a bonus this year. I don't suppose God will send me an e-mail with that answer huh? But, I guess more important is the answer to keep living by faith in Him.

5. I need clear direction.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Psalm 143:8 (NLT)

Where I need direction now-____________________________

I shared our experience with trying to sell our house out of fear and trying to control things...instead of praying to Him first. We finally did turn to Him in prayer and decided to live by faith. We are trusting Him that when and if we are to sell our house, He will guide us and we will know it is His will, not ours.

6. Save me, teach me, and lead me!

Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress. In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant. Psalm 143:9-12 (NLT)

Where I need to grow right now-________________________

Our previous Pastor Leonard once said "be careful what you pray for, you'll get it!" I say that with a smile on my face and in my heart. I have always prayed for a strong faith in God, to trust Him, not my own efforts, to give glory to Him! When I look at hubby's income, our house value and waiting on a second child He is building my faith! Thank you!

In Him,

Remember When?

2010-05-12T10:24:00.003-04:00

Isn't it neat how as our kids get older they want to know what they were like when they were younger? Now, I have a pretty good memory for big stuff, but for the little details my girlie is already asking me about I am thankful for two things I have done since she was born: keeping a journal and writing letters to her on each birthday!

A friend gave me the journal at my baby shower and told me to "start writing in it the day she is born and don't stop until it's full...then get another journal!" I love looking back to what I wrote the night she was born! I don't write in it every day, but I at least try to write in it once a month. I have a page that I write down what she dresses up as each year for fall festival too...can you imagine trying to remember what costume your kid wore 15 years ago? I can't! I also have a few pages saved to jot down funny things she says or calls things! As she has gotten older she has seen me writing in the journal a couple of times and decided she wanted to "write" too. I love those pages with her scribbles in the middle of my writing! She has her own "journal" that she now fills with the words she knows how to write and pictures she enjoys drawing.

Before girlie was born I read somewhere the idea of writing a letter to your child on each of their birthdays. You put them away and when they are older (I am thinking after college) you can give them the letters. Each year since her first birthday I write her a letter telling her how much she has meant to me in the past year, what new things she has learned, what I have learned from being her mom, my favorite memories of the past year...I also have been including thoughts in each letter about the type of person I hope she grows up to be...Jesus loving, honest, truthful, giving...On the outside of each envelope I write "Letter to Girlie on Her _____ Birthday Love, Mom!"

Remembering all of the little reasons I love her, love being her mom, and who she is as she grows up is something that not only works for me, but something I cherish!

I am linking up with We Are THAT Family for Works For Me Wednesday. Check out the other helpful tips over there! You never know what good stuff you will find! Kristen has some great tips on keeping your family safe online!

Weight Watchers Friendly Chocolate Muffins

2010-05-11T10:12:00.004-04:00

I was going through my recipe box and found a recipe that brought back such great memories I had to share it! It is still written on the same pink sticky note from our office! I had the blessing of working with three ladies that made each day coming to work fun (thanks SB, DS & CT)!

SB shared a super easy, super tasty and Weight Watchers friendly chocolate muffin recipe! At first when she told me the ingredients I was not so sure about these! They are really moist and super good though!

Ingredients

Duncan Hines Devils Food or Chocolate Cake Mix
Libby's Pumpkin (NO seasoning, just pumpkin, soup can size)

Directions

Mix cake mix and pumpkin together. Spoon in greased muffin pans or paper lined muffin pans. Bake according to box directions for time and temperature. That's it!

Thanks to Bake Space for this picture!

I also found a similar recipe but with added yum, bye bye Weight Watchers good points though! Our Best Bites has the recipe using Spice Cake mix and adding chocolate chips to the mix! Oh My!

I am linking up with Blessed With Grace for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday and Balancing Beauty and Bedlam for Tasty Tuesday. Check out the other taste inspirations over there!

Enjoy,

In Him: Songs in the Key of Life

2010-05-10T09:45:00.004-04:00

I don't know about you, but songs have always had a way of connecting me to my emotions and thoughts. I can hear a song from my teenage years and still feel like I am back in that time when that song had the most meaning to me.

Today, our worship songs in church are one of my favorite parts of being there. I try to totally focus on the words and sing praise to Him. Sometimes I get so caught up in emotion that it's hard for me to sing because I get welled up. John Waller's song "While I'm Waiting" has held special meaning to me over the past couple of years.

Pastor Rickey is beginning a 7 week study on the book of Psalms that I am really excited and looking forward to..."Songs in the Key of Life!" The book of Psalms is a book of songs about life. I think Pastor said it best when he said, "in every mess there is a message." It is reassuring to me in times when there are no solutions that I can control that I can turn to Him!

Sometimes people can misunderstand that Christians are not praising God for all things, but rather we are praising Him in all things/circumstances. That's what Faith is all about, isn't it? Trusting in Him, that He is in control, that He will do what is best for us, that even when things are tough or don't seem fair He is teaching us, strengthening our faith, possibly to have us someday be there for someone else going through the same thing, right? Right!

So let's get to it! This week Pastor started the series with "A Pattern for Praise" from Psalm 145. He challenged us to try these 5 steps every day for 21 days to then create a habit of praise that will take over even when we are not thinking about it! As pastor said, "praise the Lord not curse the world!"

1. Praise God every day!

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:1-3 (NIV)

Yesterday in church we had such a treat...the little ones came in to say a poem and a sing a song to the moms! We so enjoyed seeing our girlie and her friends have such joy and praise for the Lord! I learn so much about having faith, trust and joy in the Lord from my girlie! She doesn't think twice about starting to sing a song to him regardless of who's around! If she has a problem, say the hiccups, she stops and prays right then to God to take them away! If you have a girl then you know how much they love their hair getting brushed...not! Or should I say knots? The other day she said "Jesus totally needs to take these knots to jail!" May we all sing spontaneous praise to God and have a deep faith that reminds us to give all of our problems to Him!

2. Praise God to the next generation!

One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. Psalm 145:4-7 (NIV)

One important thing we do when we pray together as a family is always start by giving thanks and praise for every blessing He has given us. Even at 5 my girlie is learning to focus on all of the good that God does and will continue to do!

3. Praise God for who He is!

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145:8-9 (NIV)

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:13-14 (NIV)

He does not kick those who are down! He lifts us up, provides comfort, peace, He knows what we need! Thank you!

4. Praise God for how he provides for us!

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. Psalm 145:15-16 (NIV)

He certainly provides for our needs! I am so thankful to Him for each day! We can in all circumstances "peel back the junk and see the giver of good" as Pastor shared with us!

5. Praise God for his loving care!

The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. Psalm 145:17

His love is an action verb

He is near. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 (NIV)
He hears our cries. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:19 (NIV)
He watches over. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:20-21 (NIV)

Pastor closed by reminding us of the awesome truth that Jesus is a friend who:

is compassionate
is gracious
is slow to anger
keeps promises
lifts me up when I am down
gives me what I need
is truthful
is never busy to talk and listen
has the power to fill my desires
runs to my cries of help
watches over me

What song speaks to you most at this time in your life?

In Him,

Friday Follow: Free Stuff Programs

2010-05-07T09:57:00.003-04:00

The Power of a Positive Mom: Introduction

2010-05-07T09:13:00.003-04:00

I have mentioned before I love to learn! Yes, I was probably the annoying nerdie kid in school! I recently learned how much I loved learning God's Word, how to apply it to my life and fellowship with other ladies through bible studies at our church.

I also realized that it can be difficult for some to be able to take part in a group study like that due to their schedules. Since I always have a book I am reading/learning from and get so excited about the concepts I thought why not share them on my blog? It will be a virtual book club!

The book "The Power of a Positive Mom" by Karol Ladd has really been a handbook of encouragement to me over the years...what a good place to start!

Think about one of your greatest joys in motherhood and one of your biggest challenges.

The Introduction in the book can be summed up in four words "You Can Do It!"

Karol shares how every child needs a positive push in life, and as a mom it is our very important job to make a positive difference. "As moms, we have the opportunity every day to boost our children onward and upward. Ours is a very influential job. Through our affirmative support and loving care, we are in a unique position to help our children reach for their dreams and God-given potential."

Let's face it, it is pretty challenging to always stick to our good intentions! Do you feel like you spend your day putting out fires, tantrums, correcting, cleaning, doing laundry, running errands, cooking, need I go on?

Karol reminds us how we felt the day our little ones were born and first put in our arms...so precious! Then life begins, chaos ensues and we learn that being a positive mom is more challenging than we thought it would be!

The good news is that her book is written with great gems that really work when applied, to help you be a more positive mom!

"Yes, you can do it! With God's help and his Holy Spirit living inside you, you can be, as the writer of Proverbs said, "the wise woman (who) builds her house" (Proverbs 14:1). The seven principles I offer in this book are meant to help you recognize the amazing power that God has put in the hands of positive mothers-and to inspire you to become the positive mom you want and need to be."

I will be sharing the Power Points that are at the end of each chapter that include a suggestion for a bible verse reading, a model prayer, a positive choice, and an activity to reinforce the learned point from the chapter. "After all, God's power is not in the reading; it's in the doing!"

Discussion Questions

1. What is one thing you said "I will never do that" as a mom but now you have done.

2. Who has been the greatest influence in your life in helping you to be a better mom?

3. If you were going to choose one time of the day that you most enjoy or cherish as a mom, when would it be?

4. What is your most dreaded time of day?

I know we can't answer all of them...pick what jumps out at you! I will go first...

The one thing I said I would never do is put my child on a leash! Then I had her, at Disney, and panicked I would not be able to find this running, crazy girl! It wasn't exactly a leash, they make cute puppy and monkey backpack harness looking things now! I got her to learn that if she didn't want to wear the puppy then she had to agree to stay by mommy and daddy...it worked...eventually!

I look forward to reading your comments!

I pray that from these postings you will have something new to take away and apply in your life as a positive mom! We are not perfect, but through Him we strive to be a little more of a positive light!

SeaWorld $5 Children's Ticket

2010-05-07T09:09:00.002-04:00

Are you planning a trip to any of the SeaWorld parks before December 31, 2010? If you are a US Resident you can get a $5 Children's Ticket (ages 3-12) when you purchase an adult ticket!

More good news? 100% of the proceeds will be donated by SeaWorld to a wildlife conservation project of your choice!

Click here for details from SeaWorld Cares.

Have fun,

FREE Ice Cream

2010-05-07T09:00:00.003-04:00

I previously shared with you how to get a FREE sub from my favorite place Firehouse Subs, how about some dessert too?

Coldstone Creamery and Baskin Robbins have Birthday Clubs you can join to get FREE Ice Cream on your Birthday!

Coldstone is also offering FREE ice cream for Mom on Mother's Day!

Check out my FREEBIES page for more details and deals!

Thanks Coupon Clippin Daddy for this treat!

Girlie's Giggles

2010-05-06T09:42:00.003-04:00

I think it would be fun if things were called what our kids think they're called, don't you?

Wouldn't it be cute to take your children to the "Babyatrician?"

Maybe our pets wouldn't mind going to see the "Vegenarian?"

You wouldn't feel guilty for eating all of those Girl Scout "Skinny Mints!"

Although I am not sure I would drink as much "Root Beard!"

Do you think Johnny Depp would appreciate his name changing to "Johnny Deaf?"

My all time favorite is that my girlie calls M&M's "Dum Dums!"

Thanks girlie for always bringing giggles to my day!

What has your kiddo renamed?

Giggling,

Wipe Out!

2010-05-05T09:08:00.002-04:00

I can be a bit of a germ-a-phobe! I guess I just think (way to much) more about the path things take and the little germ guys they pick up along the way. I can think this through quite fast too! That is a big reason I LOVE baby wipes!

Before girlie was born I remember thinking about what expenses would be temporary...diapers and wipes were at the top of that list. She's now 5 and I can't imagine not having baby wipes handy!

I keep a convenient travel pack that I refill daily in my bag wherever we go. My hubby thinks I should use something with antibacterial stuff in it, but I like how gentle the wipes I use are. They must be better than nothing because we don't get sick too often. Here are a few instances we use them:

Wiping down the table when we eat out
They work better than a napkin with messy foods
We have annual passes to Disney...hands are constantly wiped after rides, activities, you name it
Great for a clean-up after the lolly pop from the bank in the car
After dance class in the car...before she eats her snack
After church...again before snack time in the car
When we are out shopping and girlie wants a snack after touching everything...out comes the wipes
After the doctor or dentist office...you know they are touching stuff and of course want a snack!
I read a new one for home use, tried it, works great...cleaning my plantation shutters!

I know washing hands is best, but as you can see I would be in public restrooms a lot...and don't get me started on how I feel about those! I do have little bottles of antibacterial liquid for serious disinfecting, but I don't use them all the time because they can be harsh on your hands...especially as often as I feel the need to clean!

Our kids really do learn from what we do...my girlie does not like dirty hands or face while eating! Don't worry she is not as crazy as I am! Keeping our family clean, healthy and now dust free works for me!

This post is linked with We Are THAT Family for Works For Me Wednesday. Check out the other creative solutions over there!

Cheesy Vegetable Pasta

2010-05-04T09:15:00.008-04:00

My girlie has been asking me forever to buy "different" veggies when we go grocery shopping. These are "different" to me because I have never attempted to prepare them! The other day I came across a recipe for Cheesy Vegetable Pasta and it had a couple of the unusual for me veggies...zucchini and eggplant. So I figured if she was brave enough to try to eat them I would be brave enough to try to cook them!

Did I mention the recipe required the veggies to be broiled? I have never used the broiler in my life! After I figured out that it was just the top element that heats in the oven I was a little more relieved. The recipe said to cut the zucchini and eggplant in half length wise and brush with a tasty mixture of olive oil, balsalmic vinegar, salt and pepper. This process got scary again for me when I had to turn them over to cook on the other side though...that broiler setting is HOT and there I was trying to flip them over with the door open and the rack pulled out some. Did I mention I learn my cooking through trial and error?

This dish had great flavors! My girlie was initially scared to try the eggplant once she saw what it looked like out of the oven! She did love the zucchini...that was all of our favorite of the two new veggies we tried! I did omit one of the ingredients...fetta cheese...hubby doesn't like! I know, I normally make stuff with an ingredient he "doesn't like" and I just don't tell him it's in there! I wanted to be nice this time!

Here is the recipe from Real Simple.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound), halved lengthwise
1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound), halved lengthwise
1 large onion, peeled and quartered
1/2 pound ziti or penne
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried mint
1 large tomato, chopped
4 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled (about 1/2 cup) **I didn't use this
1 cup prepared tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
8 ounces mozzarella, shredded **I used extra to make up for not having Feta

Directions

Heat the broiler. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of the oil with the vinegar, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and a few grinds of pepper and brush the mixture on the cut sides of the zucchini, eggplants, and onion. Arrange them cut-side up on a large, shallow baking pan. Broil the vegetables until golden brown and tender, 8 to 10 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board. Cut the zucchini crosswise into thin slices. Cut the eggplant into 1-inch pieces. Chop the onion coarsely.

Heat the oven to 350º F. Meanwhile, in a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain. Return the pasta pot to the stove, add the garlic and the remaining tablespoon of oil, and cook over low heat until the garlic sizzles. Stir in the oregano and mint.

Add the cooked pasta, broiled vegetables, chopped tomatoes, Feta (I skipped that and layered mozarella in the pan instead), the tomato sauce, pepper flakes, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few more grinds of pepper. Transfer to a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the mozzarella.

Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 to 20 minutes more or until the cheese is melted and golden, and a knife inserted in the center for 5 seconds comes out hot.

This post is linked with Blessed With Grace for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday and Balancing Beauty and Bedlam for Tasty Tuesday. What new dish will you find to try today?

Enjoy,

In Him: He Fights For Us!

2010-05-02T18:51:00.004-04:00

Today Pastor Rickey presented his final message in "Holy Ground". He shared the story of Gideon, the out of control culture he lived in and how God wanted him to be a part of the solution.

I struggle with wanting to control situations, things, people...like I said I struggle! I am thankful for the day I read Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

That verse helped teach me to turn my worries and need for control (which, as we know, lack of control leads to stress when control is what we seek) over to Jesus. As pastor shared, God answers prayers, maybe not the way we would like to see them answered, but He does find creative solutions to our prayers. The cool truth is that we can do so much more through God than we can on our own!

I know, that takes a lot of faith, to turn your worries about your finances, health, you name it...over to Him! The awesome truth is that when we let Him, He fights for us! Thankfully God is patient with us! Judges 6:11-39 NIV shows the patience God showed Gideon with his lack of faith.

The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior."
"But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian."
The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?"
"But Lord , " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."
The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together."
Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you." And the LORD said, "I will wait until you return."
Gideon went in, prepared a young goat, and from an ephah of flour he made bread without yeast. Putting the meat in a basket and its broth in a pot, he brought them out and offered them to him under the oak.
The angel of God said to him, "Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and pour out the broth." And Gideon did so. With the tip of the staff that was in his hand, the angel of the LORD touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the LORD disappeared. When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he exclaimed, "Ah, Sovereign LORD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!"
But the LORD said to him, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die."
So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
That same night the LORD said to him, "Take the second bull from your father's herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.
Then build a proper kind of altar to the LORD your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering."
So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the men of the town, he did it at night rather than in the daytime.
In the morning when the men of the town got up, there was Baal's altar, demolished, with the Asherah pole beside it cut down and the second bull sacrificed on the newly built altar!
They asked each other, "Who did this?" When they carefully investigated, they were told, "Gideon son of Joash did it."
The men of the town demanded of Joash, "Bring out your son. He must die, because he has broken down Baal's altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it."
But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him, "Are you going to plead Baal's cause? Are you trying to save him? Whoever fights for him shall be put to death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar." So that day they called Gideon "Jerub-Baal, " saying, "Let Baal contend with him," because he broke down Baal's altar.
Now all the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples joined forces and crossed over the Jordan and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them.
Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised- look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said." And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water.
Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew." That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew.

What can we learn from this passage? Pastor Rickey shared what happens Before The Fight:

1. Before God asks me to do something big, He will start small.

2. After God asks me to do something, He will confirm it.

Confirmation from God usually comes in 4 ways:

God's Word We have the answers to how God wants us to live in the Bible!
Prayer Sometimes we need to pray for wisdom or understanding, not just for things.
Fasting If you are healthy, skipping lunch can help you sharpen your focus on Him.
Godly Counsel Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

3. Sometimes God will empty your resources so that He gets the glory for victory. Pastor shared how God took Gideon's 32,000 men willing to fight down to 10,000 and finally to 300! Why? So they could not take pride in themselves for the victory, instead they would know it was God's victory!

I don't know about you, but this is encouraging to me! When we rely and lean on Him, then when the victory comes, we know and can give Him praise that if it were not for Him we would not be celebrating a victory! I shared before that we are putting our faith and trust in God with our home (is your home worth less than you owe too?), the change in my hubby's pay, whether we will be blessed with another child, me staying home with our daughter...boy, God sure does take on a bunch of our worries, huh? Thank YOU!

How To Let God Fight For You

1. Listen for direction from God before facing the conflict. I know, that takes patience from us, but it is so worth the pain we are saved from mistakes of haste!

The LORD said to Gideon, "With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the other men go, each to his own place." So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others. Now the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley. During that night the LORD said to Gideon, "Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp." So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp. The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore.
Gideon arrived just as a man was telling a friend his dream. "I had a dream," he was saying. "A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent overturned and collapsed."
His friend responded, "This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands."
When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped God. Judges 7:7-15 (NIV)

2. Act in Faith! Pastor shared that God knew Gideon's faith wasn't strong so He gave Gideon confirmation. Aren't you thankful that God knows each of us so well, knows what we need?

He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, "Get up! The LORD has given the Midianite camp into your hands." Dividing the three hundred men into three companies, he placed trumpets and empty jars in the hands of all of them, with torches inside.
"Watch me," he told them. "Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, 'For the LORD and for Gideon.' " Judges 7:15-18 (NIV)

3. Unleash the power of praise and let God fight for you! You may know what God wants you to do, take a step of faith, don't let fear, lack of control or anything hold you back! Pastor reminded us that it is not our weapons that win, it is God who wins fights!

Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after they had changed the guard. They blew their trumpets and broke the jars that were in their hands. The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as they fled.
When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords. The army fled to Beth Shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath. Judges 7:19-22 (NIV)

Give Him thanks and praise in all circumstances, knowing that He will be victorious for you!

Pastor ended service with this exercise:

Put your fists on your knees and close your eyes
Picture your biggest battle you are facing in your fists
Then, turn your palms down, name it, and tell Him you are releasing it to Him
Face your palms up and ask Him to fill you with joy, the Holy Spirit and a heart to praise in the middle of this mess
Tell Him you know that He will take care of everything and Thank Him

In Him,

Friday Follow: Gamers!

2010-04-30T09:03:00.004-04:00

I am a board game lover...my hubby not so much! BUT my girlie loves board games too! I can only play Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders so many times though. I pulled out my Monopoly game one day and tried to play with girlie...I basically kept taking her money to buy her properties and she finally said "You are spending all of my money, I want to save it!" So we didn't make it to buying houses and hotels and haven't played that one again! I also tried to play my Scrabble with her...yep...it was just like playing Scrabble with myself since I made all of the words!

We did just buy Scrabble Junior...we LOVE it...and she beats me! It is so cool to have her say "Let's play some Scrabble!" instead of "Can I watch some TV?" The beginner side has words already on it and you have to play your letters in spelling order. When you complete a word you get a scoring chip. I ask her to spell the word and tell me what she spelled to earn the chip. There is also a blank big kid side of the board on the back when we can play making our own words when she is ready!

Happy Friday Follow! What games do you just LOVE?

Girlie's Giggles

2010-04-29T08:08:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I have to try so hard to not laugh out loud when my girlie says something! You know the times, when our kids are super serious and matter of fact? She is not trying to make mommy and daddy laugh at all! Then there are times when she sounds a little sassy and should be corrected and it is really hard to not laugh while telling her "That was not appropriate!"

The other day while I was getting her ready for dance class she sassily told me:

"You know I'm not your Barbie doll?"

For added emphasis she had to lift her leg up and firmly stomp her foot back down!

She gave me her "I'm sorry mommy" and hubby and I had a good giggle when I told him later that day!

What have your kids said that made you want to laugh out loud?

Understanding Reg E, Opt-In & The REAL Overdraft

2010-04-28T09:45:00.006-04:00

I "grew up" in the banking/financial industry...working in a bank was my first real professional job. As the years went by I began to realize what a blessing that career path was.

I did not learn about managing a checking account or using credit the right way at home. As you can imagine I made mistakes financially in my early twenties because of that lack of knowledge. Thankfully I learned responsible money management through working in banking that helped me correct my mistakes!

As I moved among different locations and dealt with a diverse customer base I began to see that there were many people that didn't know how to balance a checkbook or live within the balance of their checkbook (a budget), let alone understand the rules and regulations that impacted them as a customer of a bank!

Recently Federal Regulators made a change to Regulation E...think E for Electronic transactions. Specifically the change will impact how you use your ATM and debit card for purchases in stores or at the gas pumps.

Basically, you need to tell them if you want to opt-in to have your transactions approved at the register regardless of whether or not you have the available balance in your account. If you do not opt-in then the transaction will be denied at the register if you do not have the available blance in your account.

Now, what I find is confusing to most is the wording they are required to use as bankers and the fact that they are not allowed to expand or explain pros or cons. What wording? They call it "overdraft on your debit card or ATM card."

Opting-in to this service is not overdraft protection. You will be charged an overdraft fee for each day your account remains in the negative. These fees are steep, some banks charge $35 per transaction that overdraws your account per day! Yes, I am aware that there is a cap on the amount they can charge in a day, but frankly who has an extra $115 a day that they can give to their bank in fees?

We all try to do a good job keeping our accounts balanced and sticking to our budgets, but we can make a mistake in our calculations. I know it can be embarrasing to have a transaction denied at the register, but look in to true overdraft protection options at your bank.

Overdraft Savings: Link a savings account to your checking account. The bank will usually transfer in increments, maybe $25 or $50 to cover an overdraft in your checking account. Some banks will transfer only the exact amount you are overdrawn in your checking account too. The fee for this service is usually much less than an overdraft fee...$10 vs $35 for example! On a personal note, I was always weary of doing this...what if someone stole by debit card and drained my savings account by overdrafting my checking account? What we do is have a savings account with a small balance that meets the minimum required for that account at the bank to avoid a service charge ($300 balance).
Overdraft Line Of Credit: This is another option, where the bank approves you for a line amount based on your credit (sometimes this is tied to the equity line available on your home or a credit card). As you overdraw your checking account they move money from the line to bring your checking account back to the positive. What I don't like about this product personally is that it can be too easy for people to rely on it like a credit card. You will be charged a fee for the transfer to your checking account and interest on the unpaid balance.

Discipline and a budget are high priorities when managing your checking account. Being educated about the options and real costs involved with my bank accounts works for me!

What do you think are the most common questions people have about banking and their accounts?

This post is linked with We Are THAT Family for Works For Me Wednesday. Check out the other helpful tips and information there!

Creative In The Kitchen?

2010-04-27T09:51:00.003-04:00

I am a collector of cookbooks. My hubby always teased me about being a collector of them since I didn't crack them open very often! I will admit I am a creature of habit and can tend to make the same meals all month just on different days...and then start over again next month!

That was true at least until I discovered linking up for recipes! I have loved discovering new dishes to try each week...I have to remind myself to look for dinners not just yummy desserts though! Tempt My Tummy Tuesday and Tasty Tuesday have been a blessing to our family! My menus each month have delicious surprises!

I have to give a holy wow and thank you to the ladies that shared these recipes we tried this past week:

Southwest Chicken & Pasta Skillet from Sabby in Suburbia

Rosemary Orange Beef Roast from That's My Story And I'm Sticking To It

Lemon Drop Cookies from Hoosier Homemade

The dough that the Lemon Drop Cookies were made from reminded my hubby of a cookie his mom makes. She puts strawberry jam in the thumbprint and rolls the outside with crushed nuts...they are so good!

Now, since hubby is always encouraging me to not be so exact on recipes, to get creative, I decided to use the dough but add something different. (We ate all those lemon drop cookies in two days!)

I am not the biggest risk taker or creative genius in the kitchen so I just added chocolate chips...and kept the same ball shape...slow down I know! They kind of reminded me of little balls of raw cookie dough...the kind you can safely eat though since these were baked!

They were good, though not as good as the Lemon Drop Cookies! I think next time I may make them in a pan so I can cut them in bars. I also thought they may be good if the bars had a gooey topping, maybe peanut butter and chocolate? I am open to any suggestions, this was my first attempt at stepping outside of a recipe. Not the biggest step, but baby steps right?

This post is linked with Blessed With Grace for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday and Balancing Beauty and Bedlam for Tasty Tuesday. Spice up your monthly menus by getting some fresh ideas there! I can't wait to see what new dishes I can try!

Enjoy,

In Him: The New & Better Covenant

2010-04-25T16:51:00.003-04:00

Today's message from Pastor Rickey was so cool! He showed the relationship between God's Covenant with Abram and the new covenant fulfilled in Jesus! Over the past few weeks he has described Holy Ground as it applies to our lives from Genesis 12 and today expanded in to Genesis 15.

The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
Genesis 12:1-3 (NIV)

But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?" So the LORD said to him, "Bring me a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon." Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other; the birds, however, he did not cut in half. Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away.
Genesis 15:8-11 (NIV)

When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates"
Genesis 15:17-18 (NIV)

I don't know about you, but sometimes reading the bible can be a challenge to understand and relate to me. The Genesis 15 verses above explain God's Covenant with Abram, and honestly I never really understood fully what a covenant from old testament time meant. I am always eager to learn more than the words on the page, to dig deeper for the meaning, so Pastor's explanation as taken from the book "The Covenant" by James L. Garlow kept my attention. He shared that having a covenant partner was a good thing, like if one had bad crops and the other good crops, they were there for each other. Husbands and wives today are covenant partners, there for each other.

Elements of a Covenant Ceremony

1. Exchange of robes- back then your robe was your identity, people knew who was coming down the road before they saw their face based on their robe. Today I suppose we know our married friends as they drive down the road based on the vehicle we know them to own.

2. Exchange of belts- Think of a money belt. As covenant partners they combined assets. Combining of assets in a marriage to me is critical...we are equal, one is not more important or independent based on the amount in "their" account. My hubby has a spending account that I fund each time he gets paid with his budget, but this is more a managing tool of our expenses.

3. Exchange of weapons- Symbolizes if you want to get him, you need to go through me. Husbands and wives stand strong together, think of marriage vows..."Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Mark 10:9

4. Exchange of names- In old testament time they each took the others last name with their own. Marriages today the wife takes the husband's name, sometimes her own and his.

5. The sacrifice- Through the blood of an animal. As married couples we should humble ourselves and serve each other, sacrificing self and selfish tendencies.

6. The walk of death- They would mentally say as they walked between the two halves of the animal, let it be done to me as done to this animal if I break this covenant. My mom was divorced twice when I was growing up. Divorce is so painful for everyone involved. I pray for my marriage every day, for God to give us the blessing of a strong union, and to help us when we are weak, to rely on Him for strength, so that our family does not go through the pain of divorce.

7. Mark on the body- Pastor explained this was typically a mark/cut on the wrist, sometimes an image burned. Married couples have wedding rings to wear on their bodies.

8. Blessings and curses-

If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.
Deuteronomy 28:1-4 (NIV)

However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: You will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country. Your basket and your kneading trough will be cursed. The fruit of your womb will be cursed, and the crops of your land, and the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.
Deuteronomy 28:15-18 (NIV)

I have to admit, this one I had a hard time thinking of how it related to a marriage. I know that I have read that children are blessings from God. This is not to say that a couple unable to conceive is not blessed...God has a plan for each of us, we need to trust Him and what He has planned for us. I do know that just from my perspective of our lives as husband and wife, when we are focused on Him and trusting His will, we are not stressed which is a blessing! However, when we forget to rely on Him, worry over controlling things, stress is indeed a curse!

9. Covenant meal- Fed each other first bites, what's mine is yours and yours is mine. My hubby was very kind to me when he fed me our wedding cake...until I smushed some on his nose!

10. Exchange first born son- With Abram, God did not take his first born son, but wanted to see if he would obey.

As you know, the old testament language didn't make people be good! But, when we realize all that Jesus did for us we want to be good, to not break his heart! My girlie has such a heart for the Lord, I love listening to her sing songs to Jesus! I have told her to remember when she makes a bad choice that hurts Jesus, that He loves us and wants us to make good/right choices.

You know what is really cool? Jesus is our covenant partner!

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV)

Elements of a Covenant Ceremony Fulfilled Through Jesus

1. Exchange of robes- My rags of sin for His righteousness!

2. Exchange of belts- My belts of weakness for His belt of strength!

3. Exchange of weapons- We exchange enemies, we can pray in His name! Declare God's will over your problems! Declare it to be so!

4. Exchange names- He is the Son of Man and we are Christians! We are to be like Christ, His light shining through us!

5. The sacrifice- Jesus paid it all! He was pure and spotless!

6. The walk of death- Baptism is a means of grace to go away from the old you/life and be a new creation in Him! Remember that He died for us, may we do what is pleasing to Him!

7. Mark on the body- Jesus was pierced for us!

8. Blessings and curses- There are no curses in the new covenant! He is not mad at us! Jesus takes the curses and gives us grace!

9. Covenant meal-

After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
Luke 22:17-20 (NIV)

10. Exchange first born son- God did fulfill his covenant with Abram and gave his son Jesus! Amazing!

So why does this new covenant matter to us? When you look at each blessing we gained from the new covenant we have so much to be thankful for! We are so loved by God! We are forgiven! We are made stronger through Him! Did you ever want to really please someone in your family or a teacher while growing up? We have the best reason to be good, to be better, Jesus!

When you pray, if you don't already, give Him praise for the wonderful blessings we have from the new covenant!

I know we are all online so much, so on my Facebook page I made a Things I Am Thankful For list! What do you do to help you have a thankful heart?

In Him,

Friday Follow...Puzzling?

2010-04-23T09:03:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! This past week girlie and I have found we are totally loving doing puzzles together. We have done them in the past, or should I say, I tried to do them with her, but she wasn't really in to them. She would conveniently have to go potty just when they were getting good! That all changed this week, a total of six for the week, one day we did 4 puzzles on the dining room table in one day! We were so proud we left them until we ran out of room, so I took a picture before we put them away! Oh, did I mention we dropped a couple of pieces and our dog ate them??

So I just bought a 500 piece puzzle, ignoring the fact that the box read age 10+...she is a new 5! We started it, kind of, then she dumped out one of the 50 piece puzzles we did and started to do that one again as I struggled with the 500 piecer! Live and learn...I am thankful for something new we can do together though!

I look forward to getting to know some new friends today! What do you enjoy doing when you have some spare time?

Earth Day Scavenger Hunt

2010-04-22T20:39:00.005-04:00

Girlie and I went on an Earth Day Scavenger Hunt today as we walked through our neighborhood. I found this idea at Writing The Waves of Motherhood. She had so many great ideas!

I used a piece of our recycled scrap paper to make a list of things to look for on our Earth Day walk...birds, squirrels, clouds, tree with leaves, pine cone...

We noticed at the pine tree area that there were tiny pine trees growing up from the ground! We talked about how trees give us oxygen so the more trees the better!

We had to venture to a nearby neighborhood that has big trees to look for a squirrel....never did find one! But, we did get to talk about what they eat and where they live, what would happen if all the trees were gone and that our neighborhood probably didn't have squirrels because we need to plant more trees for them.

My girlie loves nature, so she called it a nature walk! She also informed me that she "Didn't get to bring anything home from nature!" Which gave us a chance to talk about what is better for nature to pick a flower or let it grow?

We had a great time together learning about the blessings all around us. How did you share Earth Day with your kids?

Vera Bradley Save EXTRA 20%

2010-04-22T19:52:00.002-04:00

I have a "thing" for bags...but I do only buy them when they are on sale. Vera Bradley online clearances/sales "older" patterns...I am not picky so it's OK with me if it's so last season!

Save an Extra 20% on all sale items April 21 - 25, 2010. I have saved 40% on sale items online before, so an extra 20% is even better!

Enter To Win FREE Groceries & GREEN Home

2010-04-22T12:22:00.002-04:00

Here are two enter to win contests I just entered and wanted to pass them on to you too!

HGTV 2010 Green Home (It is Earth Day!)

Campbell's $80,000 Grocery Giveaway (You need to have Publix in your area for this one.)

I added the links and dates to my Enter To Win Page!

Good Luck,

FREE Sample Pantene

2010-04-22T12:00:00.002-04:00

I found that P&G Brand Sampler is now offering a FREE Sample of Pantene...and when I asked for mine I also was asked if I wanted a sample of Cascade Action packs...yes please!

Are you not one for using free samples? Consider getting them and donating them to your local church or shelter...they'll appreciate it!

Olay Rebate

2010-04-22T11:58:00.002-04:00

Olay is offering another $20 rebate...I just added the links to my Rebates page.

If you normally buy it, why not save on it?

Earth Day Green Kids

2010-04-21T09:47:00.003-04:00

My girlie was watching Betsy's Kindergarten Adventures on PBS Kids the other day and the teacher on there said "A long, long time ago back in 1970 the first Earth Day was celebrated!" My first reaction was "What does she mean a long, long time ago back in 1970??"

Once I was able to move beyond feeling old I really appreciated the good lesson they were teaching. My girlie has also enjoyed playing Arthur's Groovy Garden that asks "which is greener" questions and you get to plant a garden. For parents, though I find Arthur's garden fun too, check out this site I found from Consumer Reports, greenerchoices.org

Here are some things we do to be greener:

I have a drawer that I keep paper that is used on one side. My girlie knows to use the paper from that drawer to color and draw on the other side.
We use CFL bulbs inside and outside, shut off lights when we are not in a room, and use the sunshine through the windows instead of turning on a light switch.
We recycle bin newspaper, bottles, cans...my girlie looks for the symbol on the bottom of things to see if we can recycle them.
We donate to Goodwill, use ebay, yard sales, and others to avoid throwing out or buying new all the time.
In the winter we set the heat lower and in the summer set the a/c higher.
We are hoping for better success this year with our garden!
We don't leave the water running while brushing our teeth.
We use rechargeable batteries in all of our toys.
We enjoy our bird feeder in the backyard. Here's a link for how to build a recycled one!

Hearing my girlie say say "There are little things that we can do to make a big difference!" works for me!

What do you do to be greener?

This post is linked with We Are THAT Family for Works For Me Wednesday. Check out the other helpful posts there!

Greener,

Angel Lush With Pineapple

2010-04-20T09:38:00.004-04:00

I used to save baking, especially the pretty things, for a special occasion. For the past few months though, I have sworn off buying store bought cookies and I am baking more. Store bought cookies were always so easy for me to say "here's dessert!" My hubby longs for those store bought cookie packages at times though...he would eat an entire package in one sitting! Not good for him...have you seen the fat content alone in one serving? Now multiply that times the number of servings in the package! I don't think he was buring that fat off in a month let alone a day!

I am not saying that what I am baking is diet dessert, but he has learned moderation since he has to share it with the rest of us! I am loving making our own desserts more too! I couldn't wait for girlie to be born to cook and bake with her! I even had her in her high chair at six months watching me as I explained to her what I was doing...then I turned on the mixer and she started to cry! Too soon for her I guess! She just turned five and has since gotten over her fear of the loud mixer...she loves to cook and bake with me!

Here is a simple dessert that I just dusted off from my recipe box (I have made it every spring with her). I cut it a few years ago from the coupons and it is also online here.

Angel Lush With Pineapple

Ingredients:

1 can 20 oz crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
1 pkg. 4 serving size of vanilla instant pudding
1 cup thawed Cool Whip whipped topping
1 Prepared Angel Food Cake, round

Directions:

Mix pineapple with juice and vanilla pudding. Gently stir in whipped topping. Let stand about 5 minutes while you cut the cake horizontally into 3 layers.

Place bottom layer, cut side up on your serving plate. (I have a thing for pretty serving dishes, my hubby bought me this one for Christmas one year. You can flip it over and use it for veggies and dip too!)

We never measure the amount of topping on each layer (even though we should as seen in the picture!) but here is how much you should do per layer. Spread 1 1/3 cups pudding mixture onto bottom cake layer. Add the middle cake layer and cover with 1 cup of the pudding mixture. Top with the last cake layer and cover with the rest of the pudding mixture. Refrigerate at least one hour and then garnish with berries. I used blueberries, strawberries would be good too!

This post is linked with Blessed With Grace for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday and Balancing Beauty With Bedlam for Tasty Tuesday. Hop over to see what's cookin!

Enjoy,

In Him: Living By Faith

2010-04-18T18:54:00.002-04:00

If you owe more than your home is worth raise your hand. My hand is up, how about yours? Two years ago this August my control freak tendencies had our house up for sale. Yes, two years ago we owed more than it was worth...and we still owe more than it's worth!

At that time there was a ton of doubt that hubby and I both had in the longevity of the company he worked for. That combined with me staying home with our girlie really scared us...one income and if it went away what would we do? We scoured our budget for things to cut, but we (thankfully) did not have a car payment, credit card payments, excessive spending...but, there was that pesky mortgage! So we put the house on the market...and struggled with not really wanting to leave our home...weren't we doing the "responsible" thing by getting rid of that debt/mortgage in light of his unknown job situation? After a month on the market I started to question myself about my faith in God...where was it now? Wasn't I trying to control everything and at the same time worrying about everything? My judgment was so clouded by wanting to control the situation that I rationalized wiping out our savings to sell the house (we weren't trying to short sell, we were just going to bring money to the table and walk away from the house with nothing).

I knew from other situations in my life that when I fully trusted God He worked everything out.

About a month and half after the house was on the market my hubby's company tanked, as we feared, and even more unanswered questions about the future of a job for him came flooding in. Hubby reminded me that we would just have to trust in God and wait to see what would happen. So, we pulled the house off the market deciding that if we were going to trust Him we were all the way going to trust Him with everything.

So 1 year, 9 months later we are still in the house, he does, praise God, still have a job, but everything is not perfect. Our home is still worth less than what we owe. Hubby's pay is not the same as it was before either. We have been blessed with savings, which we are using each month to make up a shortfall in our budget due to the change in hubby's pay. He has a chance of getting a bonus of sorts, based on performance, one time a year, that we are praying will pay back our savings we are using. I have thought before...should I go back to work? I have prayed for God to provide us direction, I have wanted to home school girlie since before she was born! We are still blessed with no credit card debt or car payments. We give each week at church, I know it is not much, but we do what we can knowing how much they will accomplish for Him with every dollar they receive. We are thankful that we have been able to make our budget each month with His blessings and will go in the direction He points us in when he says it's time to go. We are living by faith, trusting in Him each day that He will provide for us. It is an amazing feeling to not worry daily or toil trying to control everything!

Today's sermon from Pastor Rickey spoke right to my heart...Holy Ground: God Always...

Pastor shared some things that are always true about him...like eating chocolate when it is available and having dessert before dinner if that's possible...ME TOO! There are also some things that are always true about God...thank you!

1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. 2 "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
4 So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there. Genesis 12:1-5 (NIV)

1. God always calls me to live by faith.

The Lord had said to Abram, ""Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go...Genesis 12:1 (NIV)

Pastor mentioned that we tend to rely on others' voices or our own voice instead of the voice of God. Trying to sell our house to control our situation and future at that time was not God's will, we were not listening to Him, trusting in Him. I also believe that I will know when and if God wants me to go back to work, until then I am trusting in Him that I am where He wants me to be, regardless of what others' opinions may be.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

2. God always assumes responsibility for guiding my steps.

The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. Genesis 12:1

If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)

Pastor shared that He will guide your steps, but if you don't know what your next steps are to be stay where you are to avoid making a foolish mistake. We are staying in our house until we know it is really time to leave...we almost did make a foolish mistake by selling for a loss and wiping out our savings to do so.

3. God always keeps His promises.

I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. Genesis 12:2

God's timing is perfect...it's not as fast as I would always like it to be...but it is perfect. I continue to pray to Him, trusting His timing, because I know He has been faithful to me in the past and will be always!

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)

4. God always asks me to pass on His blessings.

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. Genesis 12:3

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 (NIV)

Pastor reminded us what Jesus' life was here: preaching, teaching, healing. God wants us to be a blessing funnel...use our time, talents, resources to bless others. I pray that my posts will be a blessing to you.

5. God Always rewards everyone who says yes!

So Abram left, as the LORD had told him...Genesis 12:4

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. Hebrews 11:8-9

Action Steps of Faith

1. Trust God with your future.

Let go of your worries!

2. Bless others now with what you have.

Use your talents, time, resources!

3. Say yes to Jesus today.

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)

What worry can you give to God today? Are you trusting in Him to guide your steps? What talents are you using to bless others?

In Him,

It's Friday Friends

2010-04-16T09:23:00.006-04:00

Hi there! I can't type that anymore without hearing Doug's voice from UP! Such a sweet movie...I get teared up every time I watch it! It's Friday! I am looking forward to some family movie time...my girlie gets so excited to get "the snack tray" filled up! We switched to a hot air popper for popcorn after all the crazy stuff I read about microwave popcorn...love the fresh popped popcorn! Why is it so hard to realize if you want something good and good for you it takes a little more effort, but is so worth it? Funny how that applies to more than just food too!

I also look forward to meeting new friends on Friday! So I get to know you better and get some movie snack ideas...what's your favorite movie snack?

The Great Piggy Bank Adventure

2010-04-14T18:32:00.005-04:00

I started my girlie early with learning to be smart with money. She was only a few months old when she sat with me at a desk to open her savings account! I have taken her once a month ever since opening that account to make a deposit. She has a bear bank that we put coins in all month long and we add to that money from chores, us and gift money. Over the past two years (she just turned five) every time she receives gift money I ask her what she wants to do with it. Girlie looks at me and says with excitement "Put it in my bank!" She even points to her bank and says "That's my bank!" when we drive past.

I haven't held back on telling her when I think something is too expensive or that we need to save and budget for buying something that is a bit pricey either. Of course, sometimes she uses her own words and understanding on how we will shop and did I mention she talks loud? The other day we were walking through Kohl's, I had told her before getting there that I was looking for photo albums on clearance since I had found them there several times before for only $3.99...beautiful albums too! So as we walked through the center of the store she announces to my hubby that we are looking for cheap stuff and will only buy cheap stuff that is less than $10! An employee got a good chuckle!

I like her learning about money management through other sources too...not just me. You know, I am hoping when she reaches the age where mom knows nothing she will at least remember and believe what she learned elsewhere as well. I posted before about us having annual passes to Disney, and how much I love Epcot for the educational attractions. We tried out The Great Piggy Bank Adventure a few weeks ago...leave it to Disney to make saving, inflation and diversification fun! You can try out an online version here.

You start out The Great Piggy Bank Adventure by selecting a goal that you want to achieve:

Extreme Bedroom Makeover
College
Dream Vacation
Retirement

My girlie choose to save for the Extreme Bedroom Makeover complete with a water slide! Once you choose your goal on the touch screen you open a drawer and take your piggy bank and the adventure begins! It was such a cute piggy bank too!

The first game you play teaches you that money comes from several places...odd jobs, allowance, gifts...and that you can choose to either save it or spend it! Coins fall from the top of the screen and you need to adjust your ramps to make as much money as possible fall into the savings buckets...but the big bad wolf is sneaky and switches your buckets so some falls into candy or toy buckets and is spent!

As you go to each game your piggy bank hopefully gets fuller and closer to your goal! There is a game that teaches you to ride the currents of inflation and another to learn the importance of not putting all your eggs in one basket...diversification! The diversification game was my favorite...you hide money in different parts of your room, each hiding space has a different rate of return! Then the big bad wolf comes in once your time to hide is up and he takes your money from one spot...hopefully you didn't put too much there!

At the end you take your piggy to the final counting spot and he tells you if you saved enough to reach your goal! We did...yay!

Teaching my girlie how to earn, save and spend where it's fun and she loves learning and earning works for me!

This post is linked with We Are THAT Family for Works For Me Wednesday. Check out the other helpful ideas over there too!

Crockpot Chicken & Crescents

2010-04-13T14:54:00.004-04:00

Have you ever read a recipe and thought it sounded really good, but when you make it you're like "What happened?" I always have a little fun with my hubby on those failures while we are eating dinner. I make comments on how good I think it turned out and my hubby says, "YES it is good!" Of course after the dishes are all cleaned up I tell him I am never making that again and he is relieved!

We all love chicken pot pie! I have a recipe for one here that is done on the stove and oven...it is sooo yummy! BUT I adore my crockpot and the time it saves me...so I have been searching for a crockpot recipe for chicken pot pie. I found a recipe that we all agreed I was not to make again...and then I found one we agreed deserved to be made again!

OK, so it is not technically a recipe for chicken pot pie...it's for chicken and biscuits. I have learned the hard way that you can't necessarily use rice in a dish that does not call for it and you can't not use rice in a dish that does call for it! But, when it comes to biscuits or crescents with this recipe it still tasted yummy! I used crescent rolls since that is what I had in the fridge and this recipe fit the bill for comfort food.

Ingredients:

Chicken Breasts
Chopped Onion
Chopped Celery
1 Can Cream Of Chicken Soup
Jar Chicken Gravy
1/4 tsp Thyme
Pepper to taste
Frozen Mixed Veggies, Thawed
Biscuits or Crescents

Directions:

Layer chicken with onion and celery in crockpot. Combine soup, gravy, thyme and pepper in a bowl and then pour over chicken. Cook on low 5-6 hours. Add thawed mixed veggies and cook on high for 30 minutes. Bake biscuits or crescents. Put biscuit or crescent on plate and ladle chicken and veggies over it.

This post is linked up with Blessed With Grace for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday and Balancing Beauty & Bedlam for Tasty Tuesday. Drop over to their places and get some new ideas for meals and desserts today!

Enjoy,

Scholarship From Tylenol

2010-04-12T18:53:00.002-04:00

Some of you have seen firsthand how helpful a scholarship (or multiple scholarships) can be to a student's and parents' budget. Students should start early, research and apply for as many scholarships as they qualify for.

Here is one from Tylenol that I came across. This scholarship helps students getting a healthcare-related education manage the rising costs of education. This year, they will be awarding $250,000 in scholarships to forty students based on leadership qualities and performance. They encourage any student who is pursuing a career in healthcare to apply.

Click here to go to their website for more details and the link to the application.

Good Luck,

In Him: Saying Yes

2010-04-11T20:07:00.004-04:00

When I started my site and blog it started as an avenue for me to share things I have learned over 15 years in the financial industry, things I used to teach to bankers for them to help clients, things I learned for managing my own finances and credit. It was so rewarding to see people get excited about learning how to get out of debt, improve their credit, save for the future...to see them appreciate learning something that will help them. I had decided that while I was now a SAHM, I still could help others, teach them and make a difference, even if it was to one person. I realized the opportunity I had to expand from the basics of financial education to also include the deals, rebates, money saving tips at the grocery store, ways I have used my talents and time at home to make a little spending money...the extra things I do that help our monthly budget.

Shortly after starting my site I felt God tugging at my heart...what about Me? What about sharing your faith? I struggled a little...my years in the corporate world where you were frowned upon to talk about your faith...after all, you may offend someone...played in my mind. Then I remembered...wait a minute...it felt so good to leave those lies...to live by only pleasing One...take me for who I am and what I believe...or don't. I added a faith page to my site, but I still felt Him saying "you can do more."

More? My blog too? But how...what? I am new at this...then it (He) hit me. Something I am always giving thanks for...the sermons our Pastor, Brett Rickey, delivers. I always walk out feeling like I learned something...something to apply to my daily life...something more about myself...something I can do.

It's a start, small as it may be...a few weeks ago I started sharing my take aways as part of my pastor's sermon. As I grow, so will my postings, but this is a good start, I sense that from God. It's pretty cool to think that a humble pastor (I say that with the utmost respect, he is humble, but myself and others see the amazing impact he is making one life at a time in our church) from my town can reach someone across the country or the globe via the internet and my blog posting.

What did he share today? His sermon was called "Holy Ground: When God Asks BIG."

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up."

Pastor shared with humor how men are always drawn to fire, even as little boys being told not to play with matches...and as men asking with admiration what kind of fuel are you using, how'd you get that fire going so big? He asked us if we have ever seen a Christian on fire for God? Have you? Are you?

When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."
"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt."

Exodus 3:1-10 (NIV)

Pastor reminded us that God sends a person to do what he wants done. Can you think of someone that God used to accomplish something? Maybe He used you? He wants to use each of us for as long as we are here!

Do we always say yes when He asks us to do something? Truthfully, no, we never think it is the right time for us, right? Here are five common objections we give when God asks for more that our pastor shared.

Objection 1: But who am I?

But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Exodus 3:11 (NIV)

Affirmation 1: And God said, I will be with you... Exodus 3:12

Objection 2: But who are you?

Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" Exodus 3:13

Affirmation 2: God said to Moses, "I am who I am . This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' " God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation. "Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, 'The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt. Exodus 3:14-16 (NIV)

Objection 3: I don't have what it takes.

Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The LORD did not appear to you'?" Exodus 4:1 (NIV)

The enemy tells us these lies. While here the stick in Moses' hand is called a staff, later it is called the rod of God..."He raises you up to be the person He wants you to be!"

Affirmation 3: Then the LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?" "A staff," he replied.
The LORD said, "Throw it on the ground." Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. Then the LORD said to him, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail." So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. "This," said the LORD, "is so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you." Exodus 4:2-5 (NIV)

Objection 4: I'm not good with words.

Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." Exodus 4:10 (NIV)

The enemy convinces us to not get invloved because of one deficiency. Anone that knew me before I was a corporate trainer was surprised that I was able to get up in front of people and speak. Did you know that public speaking is at the top of "the list" of fears people have? I prayed before starting every class I taught for Him to give me the confidence and the words...and He did..not me!

Affirmation 4: The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." Exodus 4:11-12 (NIV)

Objection 5: I don't want to do it!

But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." Exodus 4:13 (NIV)

Affirmation 5: Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses and he said, "What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. Exodus 4:14-16 (NIV)

Pastor reminded us that the Apostles were sent out by two, and that Moses was able to do what was asked of him once he had his partner. There were ladies I trained with at the same location and we encouraged one another (SB, CT, DS), we found strength in one another. He blessed us with each other.

God wants you to be on fire for Him...He will use a small yes to do big things!

You say what you don't have...He asks what you DO have!

Holy Ground is where God is asking you to do something with what you have.

Will you say yes?

In Him,

Ultimate Blog Party 2010

2010-04-09T12:05:00.003-04:00

Welcome! I am super excited to participate in the 2010 Ultimate Blog Party hosted by 5 Minutes For Mom! You don't have to have a blog to join the fun! Click here to find out more. There are so many wonderful people to meet and learn from...I can't wait!

I am Michele, mom to a girlie who just turned 5! My hubby and I can't believe how fast she is growing up. I have a passion for learning, teaching and sharing...my blog has given me an opportunity to focus on what I love. I learn best by seeing how things apply to my daily life...how to save for big ticket items, budget while still including some splurges, shining His light on what I do and say, building relationships with family and friends...these are some things I blog about here. I am so thankful for the wonderful bloggers I have met and will continue to meet...I have learned so much from each of you!

Thanks to our hosts at 5 Minutes for Mom I may even win a prize! My top three:

$25 gift card to Target from Money 4 This Not 4 That
$30 Amazon gift certificate from Live Laugh Love
Dayspring's Blessings Unlimited Blessings Blocks from Sandra Joseph

I'd love to learn more about you...what is your passion...what do you blog about? I look forward to hopping over to meet you too!

Enjoy the party,

Friday Follow

2010-04-09T11:06:00.002-04:00

Sponsored by:

Hi there! We are eating up the last of our colored eggs today! I think I will be good for a bit without hard boiled eggs...but we have enjoyed them in some yummy new ways! Check out this Cobb Pasta Salad! Time to meet some new friends!

Did You Know: April Is Financial Literacy Month

2010-04-06T18:52:00.002-04:00

April is recognized in the US as National Financial Literacy Month to highlight its importance and teach us how to establish and maintain healthy financial habits. Financial literacy and education is close to my heart and why I started my site and blog.

Financial Literacy Month has a site with tips, gadgets and more to help you! They have a cool certificate you can make to set a goal and a FREE ebook Tips For Change.

Cobb Pasta Salad

2010-04-06T14:34:00.004-04:00

While my girlie loves to just eat a hard boiled egg right from the shell we decorated for Easter, I prefer to find some ways to eat them in or with something. I have always loved a fresh Cobb Salad, but since I had some pasta in the pantry and ham (instead of chicken) I decided to try a Cobb Pasta Salad (variation)! My girlie and I had fun making it together and we all enjoyed eating it!

Ingredients:

Hard Boiled (Easter) Eggs

Pasta (I had a 1/4 box each of ditallini and ziti in the pantry so that's what we used)

Ham diced or chopped (use your leftover Easter ham or deli ham)

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Crumbled Bacon

Chunks of fresh tomato

Cucumber slices

Onion chopped

Salt & Pepper to taste

Italian & Ranch Dressing

Directions:

Boil pasta, drain and let cool. Dice your tomatoes and onions and slice cucumbers. Put veggies in a big bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste and a splash of Italian Dressing, stir to coat. Add your pasta to the bowl, add a little more Italian Dressing and stir to coat and combine with the veggies.

Layer your plate: pasta and veggies, then top with a row of diced/chopped ham, a row of chopped hard boiled egg, a row of shredded cheddar and finally a row of chopped bacon.

You can then decide whether to eat with Italian Dressing or as I did with some Ranch Dressing on the side!

This post is linked with Blessed With Grace for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday and Balancing Beauty and Bedlam for Tasty Tuesday. Check out the other yummy dishes over there...sure helps me with my meal planning!

Enjoy,

FREE Hallmark Kids Card

2010-04-05T20:37:00.003-04:00

April 5, 2010

I just saw that Hallmark is offering their FREE Kids Card through 5/30/10. Select from 9 designs for kids from grade school to high school. Cheer your kid on today!

Oriental Trading Party Savings

2010-04-05T10:45:00.003-04:00

April 5, 2010

Planning a party over the next few months? Oriental Trading has tons of theme party items and a deal right now! Order online by 11:59 p.m. CT, April 6, 2010. Purchase $50 - $99.99 and save $10; purchase $100 - $199.99 and save $20; purchase $200 or more and save $50!

Use promo code (keycode) WCX9205 during checkout.

In Him: Surprise

2010-04-04T19:49:00.005-04:00

April 4, 2010

I hope everyone enjoyed a blessed Easter today! We started the day hearing a wonderful message from our Pastor, Brett Rickey. He focused on a reading from Luke 24:13-35 and how Jesus can still surprise us today.

"Jesus can be present, but hidden sometimes."

"Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.""

I know I have experienced him staying hidden through times of grief and confusion as my pastor explained. Like when our dog got cancer and eventually we had to put him down...and then when miscarrying...and again when wanting to have another child since being blessed with our girlie. I have always, and will always believe that everything I go through is to grow my faith in Him and someday be there for someone that is struggling with a similar grief or confusion. I trust Him and can honestly say that I can now look back years later and better understand that "hidden is not the same as absent!"

"Jesus will still question us in our dark times."

"17 He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast."

"He wants to reveal the condition of our hearts toward Him and He wants to know your heart...tell him how you feel!"

"He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel."

This also allows words of faith and hope to come out. Like I said, I can now talk to people about the timing of the loss of our dog, miscarriage and not having a second child with strong faith and belief in trusting His perfect timing always.

"22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning. 23 but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive."

"Jesus always offers us the truth in time."

"He will always wreck our excuses. He will point us back to His written word."

"25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory? 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."

Have you ever heard a sermon or read a passage in the Bible and felt like it was meant for you? His word speaks to our heart. I am sometimes amazed how much His word applies to something I am going through right then! I am also thankful that we have found a pastor that can relate His word to my real life experiences. His word changes our heart. When I think about what Jesus went through on the cross for me it makes me want to change my ways, to try harder, to trust more in Him.

"Jesus still waits for an invitation to go deeper into fellowship."

"29 But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went to stay with them."

"32 Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

We have freewill to choose a relationship with Him. He will not force us to believe or follow Him, though it is what He desires, a close relationship with us. While I believed in Jesus growing up, having a deeper relationship with Him since my twenties has given me a freedom I never knew. Trusting in Him and giving Him my worries and fears is a relief, compared to my tendency to control everything.

I worked for 15 years in the corporate world where being politically correct meant not talking about your beliefs for fear of offending someone. During those 15 years I grew closer to Him and the more joy I found in Him the more I wanted to share it with others. I learned that a sincere thank you from one person for helping them learn about a closer relationship with Jesus was worth more to me than being politically correct. Don't worry I don't hit people over the head with the Bible or some other in your face appoach! I do believe that getting to know someone and letting them get to know me, hopefully seeing His light in what I say and do in everyday situations.

Writing about His word and reflecting on how it relates to my life on Sundays is giving me a way I can be closer to Him. What have you found that helps you grow your relationship and walk with Him?

In Him,

FREE $15 Toys R Us Gift Card

2010-04-02T17:01:00.003-04:00

April 2, 2010

Here's a good deal for my friends with little ones! When you buy ANY TWO value boxes of Pampers Diapers with Dry Max (92-252 ct.) at Toys R Us, get a $15 gift card! This offer is valid in-store & online on 4/2 and 4/3 only. Click here for more details.

$5 Rebate Disney Tigger & Pooh DVD And Pedialyte

2010-04-02T12:16:00.003-04:00

April 2, 2010

My girlie loves My Friends Tigger & Pooh! There is a new DVD coming out on April 6th, My Friends Tigger & Pooh Super Duper Super Sleuths! I found this rebate from Pedialyte for $5 when you buy any My Friends Tigger & Pooh DVD and any Pedialyte product. The last time my girlie was sick my hubby found the Pedialyte Powder Packs...love them!

Enjoy,

Good Friday Follow

2010-04-02T10:38:00.002-04:00

Good Friday follow everyone! I am thankful for all of the wonderful Easter activities we are/will be enjoying...crafts, bible stories, gathering with friends, coloring eggs, making Easter Story cookies, egg hunts, and celebrating the hope He gave us!

Looking forward to who I'll meet today & wishing you all a blessed Easter!

A Crafty Bunny Delivery: Jelly Bean Prayer

2010-03-31T10:00:00.008-04:00

March 31, 2010

I am so thankful for the amazing ideas I have found from wonderful moms this Easter season. I love that I have been able to do (and will be doing) fun things with my girlie to celebrate the gift that we all have been given at Easter, a savior!

We have been working on a craft for an Easter party she was invited to this week. They will be putting together their own bunny basket first.

The construction paper basket instructions I found here, but I only used how to do the paper basket. I am giving them this piece put together already.

For my bunny parts, I was not exact here, I just made paper patterns for the circle head, feet, white ears and then the pink ears to lay on top of the white ears. For the eyelashes and the little black toe marks on the feet I used sticky felt with a sticker back. Again, I wasn't exact, just went the width of the felt to cut narrow pieces and then across cut in one shot to separate them from the rest of the felt sheet.

First the kids will take their circle for the face and glue on the google eyes, sticker on the eyelashes, glue on the nose (little pom poms from the craft store), and then draw their mouth.

Setting the face aside, they will then choose their ribbon handle and we'll staple that to the basket.

I have foam stickers of flowers, bugs, butterflies and such that they can then cover the staples with and add some extra decoration. My hubby had a cute idea that they could use a flower sticker on the bunny face like it was a flower in her hair!

Next they will glue the four feet on to the bottom of the basket. I already added the black toe marks for them to save some time.

We have a cotton ball for the tail on the back of the basket to glue on next.

The pink felt is also a self stick with a sticker back. They will stick the pink on top of the white to give it those cute bunny ears.

Then they will glue to ears to the front of the basket. And finally glue the face to the front overlapping the ears a bit.

They can pick a color of crinkle to add to their baskets. What will they put in their basket?

A bag of jelly beans with the Jelley Bean Prayer attached:

Red is for the blood He gave,

Green is for the grass He made,

Yellow is for the sun so bright,

Orange is for the edge of night.

Black is for the sins that were made.

White is for the grace He gave,

Purple is for the hour of sorrow,

Pink is for the new tomorrow.

A gift of jelly beans, colorful and sweet, is a prayer, a promise and a special treat.

I found the cutest candy bag labels for this to fit the 3 inch wide craft bags here!

I plan on putting together some bags with the jelly bean prayer for Sunday School too because I love this idea so much!

Remembering the meaning of Easter and sharing it with my girlie and others with something so simple works for me! This post is linked with We Are THAT Family for Works For Me Wednesday. Hop on over and check out the other great tips today!

I hope you have a blessed Easter!

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Pie

2010-03-30T09:21:00.005-04:00

Chocolate, good! Peanut butter, good! Together, what's not to like?

I tried a peanut butter pie recipe for the holidays that was a huge hit with my peanut butter, chocolate loving family! We thought it was THE peanut butter pie...then I tried a new recipe and since there is also chocolate in the crust it is now THE peanut butter pie!

Crust

N0-Stick Cooking Spray
7.4 oz Martha White Chocolate Chip Muffin Mix
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1/3 cup salted peanuts, chopped

Filling

1/2 cup peanut butter
3 oz cream cheese (shhhh hubby doesn't like)
1/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons milk
2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed

Topping

chocolate syrup (I used Hershey's)

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat pie pan with no-stick spray. I put the peanuts in a baggie and let my girlie hammer them (practice for when we make Easter Story Cookies on Saturday). Combine the muffin mix, butter and peanuts in a bowl, until crumbly. Press evenly in bottom and up sides of pie pan. Bake 13-16 minutes or until set. My crust was puffy so when it came out I pressed it down with the back of a spoon as the resipe suggested. Let it cool.

Beat peanut butter, cream cheese and sugar in a bowl on medium high. Beat in milk. Gently fold in whipped topping. Confession: I only had 1 cup of whipped topping and realized this little fact too late so that's what went in! It still tasted yummy! Rich, but yummy! Spoon filling in pie crust and chill in refrigerator for 3-4 hours.

When I served the pie I added the chocolate syrup. Yes, that is a paper plate! Did I mention that I am guilty of using and buying too many convenience products! You can click here to see Martha White's pretty version of this pie!

This post is linked up with Blessed With Grace for Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam for Tasty Tuesday, and Mom Tried It for Try And Tell Tuesday! Hop on over to meet some new friends and find some new treats!

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Enjoy,

In Him: Baptized

2010-03-28T18:39:00.007-04:00

March 28, 2010

Today was amazing! I had to start there...now I'll explain why!

I remember hearing about people getting baptized as "adults" when I was in my teens and twenties. Growing up around a family of Catholics the only baptisms I was familiar with were the ones for new babies. I had an uncle who our family considered a "born again" Christian and I thought these adult baptisms were something he would be more familiar with. My uncle stands out in memories from my childhood. He had a fire for Christ that I was curious about. I am thankful to him for the foundation he gave me as a child, that it's all about the relationship you have with Jesus, not the "religion."

I carried that message with me, but had a tough time finding a place that helped me relate it to my daily life. Am I the only one that tends to continue to do what I already know and am therefore comfortable with?

Evidently not, because the year before we got married, my soon to be hubby and I enrolled in pre-marriage classes at our local Catholic church (he was raised Catholic too)! We attended church regularly and dedicated our marriage to God, knowing that as long as we had faith, prayer and Jesus we could make it through any problems. We moved a few times since we've been married and often drove to a church at least 30 minutes away because we wanted to feel that we came out understanding how we could apply what we heard to our lives that week. We are attending a church now, for the second time in our marriage, that is not Catholic. Both churches we were invited to come to on a Sunday for church and never left...well the first one we left because we moved! I am thankful to those friends (SB & AW) for not worrying about what others thought, but instead cared more about sharing the relationship they had with Jesus!

Thanks to my friends I have had the opportunity over the past few years to see these "adult" baptisms. Every time I heard the testimonies and witnessed them getting baptized I was overwhelmed with emotion! I need the Holy Spirit to fill me, to help me, I want to make the commitment now, as an adult, to be salt and light, to be an example of His love and honor Him in how I live, what I do & say.

I have read and marked my copy of The Power of a Positive Mom by Karol Ladd a ton of times. This poem that she has in Chapter 15: Living Lesson Books attributed to Edgar Guest summarizes why I need Him to help me to raise my girlie:

I'd rather see a sermon,

than hear one any day.

I'd rather one would walk with me-

than merely tell the way.

The eye's a better pupil-

more willing than the ear.

Fine counsel is confusing,

but example's always clear.

And the best of all the people

are the ones who live their creeds,

For to see the good in action

is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it

if you'll let me see it done.

I can watch your hands in action,

but your tongue too fast may run.

The lecture you deliver

may be very wise and true-

But I'd rather get my lesson

by observing what you do.

For I may understand you,

and the high advice you give,

But there's no misunderstanding

how you act and how you live.

I know that I cannot do this on my own. As my pastor shared with us, when someone says you use Jesus as a crutch, you respond I am a broken person in a broken world and I need help standing up!

Last weekend my Pastor gave an open invitation for people to get baptized. The night before church I had read the story of John baptizing Jesus to my girlie from her princess bible! We talked about how she was baptized as a baby, but that when she is older she can make the commitment and get baptized again. God's timing is perfect...and thankfully He is patient and persistent! I was too nervous to go forward last week. I did share with my girlie after church that they did baptisms and her friend's mom got baptized. She asked if I did and I admitted I was too nervous but wished I just listened to my heart. She told me the next time I need to just go!

My cousin emailed me this week:

When I say that 'I am a Christian', I am not shouting that 'I am clean living.'

I'm whispering 'I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect.

My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain.

I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,

I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!

After reading this, I was like OK God, I am listening!

Today they offered another open invitation and I was ready! Ready to commit, receive the Holy Spirit, to re-dedicate my life to Jesus. He died to give me life, and rose to give me hope. My girlie knew as soon as she saw me, smile on my face and wet hair, she squealed "You Got Baptized!" This is a Palm Sunday I will treasure always, a fitting beginning of this Holy Week and a new beginning for me!

In Him,

Entertainment Budget: Room For A Splurge?

2010-03-26T11:52:00.015-04:00

March 26, 2010

There are two words that don't sound very fun together...entertainment & budget! If you are living with a budget though, it should include everything, right? Right!

We are blessed to live in Central Florida...entertaining theme parks are everywhere! But, as we all know, they have the potential to be costly...tickets/passes, food, trinkets!

As a family we analyzed our theme park choices, what percentage of attractions appeal to each of us, special events throughout the year, and of course compared and weighed the costs. For us, we decided Disney's four parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom & Hollywood Studios) offered something for each of us throughout the year.

At first glance the cost of Disney's four park annual pass (which includes parking) is higher than other local theme parks. My hubby likes to calculate the "true cost" of something based on how many times you use it/wear it/whatever. We take advantage of our passes...whenever hubby has a day off, we have free time, or there are special events at the parks we are there!

I look at our entertainment budget first from the cost of our annual passes, since they are the biggest expense, broken down to the monthly cost to our budget. $1,000 for our three passes divided by 12 months is $83.33 per month...about $20 per week for the three of us! Sounds like a lot of money?

Think about this...a trip to the snack bar at the movie theater costs more than $20 for three people, not to mention the tickets! We opt for Disney & Netflix!

It's all about choices right? We can't do everything we want, so we choose what can fit in our budget. You can choose a big ticket entertainment item like annual passes to a park, but you have to be willing to make sacrifices in other areas. So our annual splurge of passes we make fit in our entertainment budget by limiting the movie theater and eating out. It is definitely worth it for the family time we enjoy at the parks!

Yesterday we went to Epcot! The International Flower & Garden Festival is going on there now. My girlie loves flowers! Her favorite for the past couple of years has been the Fairy Garden!

The Fairy Garden also had a butterfly house that she loves too!

Hubby & I enjoy the topiaries!

There is still so much more to see and learn! Good thing we have our passes to go back a few more times before the Flower & Garden Festival ends!

I would love to hear what you use your entertainment budget to enjoy! Leave a comment and let us know how you manage your dollars to include family fun!

Friday Follow Friends!

2010-03-26T10:27:00.002-04:00

Sponsored by:

Happy Friday everyone! Friday's are fabulous for meeting new friends! I hope I meet you today!

Thanks for stopping by!

FREE Commemorative Busch Gardens Preschool Pass

2010-03-24T20:33:00.003-04:00

March 24, 2010

To commemorate the opening of Sesame Street Safari of Fun at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay they are offering a FREE Preschool Pass good through December 31, 2010!

Your child has to be 5 or younger at the time you register for the free pass online. You MUST register first online here then print and take the e-ticket with proof of valid date of birth of your child to the front gate. You need to be a Florida resident.

Look here for answers to frequently asked questions.

Have fun,

SPIEDIES...It's What's For Dinner!

2010-03-23T17:01:00.003-04:00

March 23, 2010

I am curious, who knows what spiedies are without reading any further in my post? Leave me a comment and let me know!

I was introduced to spiedies by my hubby. He is from upstate New York, Binghamton area, which seems to be the only place people know about these! OK, they did originate in Italy, so I suppose they know about them too!

Spiedies are marinated cubes of meat that you grill using skewers. They can be made from chicken, veal, pork, beef...my father-in-law has used venison and tried to tell me it's chicken! I have made mine from chicken and pork.

These are super easy to make since there are two major companies that have spiedie marinade in a bottle! My mother-in-law has made her own spiedie marinade, but I go for the bottle! Lupo's and Salamida are household names upstate. My family has sent us some for Christmas gifts and you can also order it online. We always bring some back with us when we visit too! This picture is from Lupo's.

If you want to try your hand at your own marinade I found this one with great reviews from upstate (expert) people!

You simply cube up the meat of your choice and pour a bottle in the bowl of meat, give it a stir and cover. Keep it in the fridge for two to three days to marinate, giving it a stir once a day. Skewer it up & throw them on the grill (my hubby is the grill master).

In their purest form, when they come off the grill, you put the skewer on a piece of fresh Italian bread, squeeze the bread around the meat and remove the skewer. Savor the flavor and eat as is! We have also used spiedies to top a nice green salad or on a hoagie roll.

I hope you enjoy finding something new to make for dinner like me! I am linking up with Blessed With Grace for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday and Balancing Beauty And Bedlam for Tasty Tuesday to find some new meal ideas! I am also linking up with Kim at Mom Tried It for Try And Tell Tuesday...a great place for Moms to share something they tried (recipe, craft, activity, tip) and learn something new for you to try too!

Enjoy,

Plan A Luau Party...Hula Without Spending A Lot of Moola

2010-03-23T14:11:00.012-04:00

March 23, 2010

This year for my girlie's birthday party we had a luau! We had fun planning it as a family, decorating and enjoying the party! It was three days ago though and I am still tired...but it was worth it. I did learn a few things I hope I'll remember for future parties.

Lessons Learned:

Plan sooner: you may be able to pick up items on end of season clearance. I also would have liked more time to make the stuff I planned and shop around at a slower pace.

Shop/Compare at all party/stores: I had skipped going to the smaller independent store that was closer to my house, I assumed the prices would be higher. When I went in there last minute to see if they had luau music I discovered their prices were .40 - $1.00 cheaper on a few items I bought at the larger party store chain!

Write down what you want to accomplish the day of the party: I thought I was doing good in this area, I even had a timeline from when guests arrived, when/what games were played, etc. I felt like I was forgetting something about 25 minutes before the party started, I had nothing to do? 30 minutes into the party I realized there were some housekeeping items I forgot to do...like make our bed! I also later realized that I did not get a group picture with all of the kids!

Tips:

Decorations:

Ask friends and family if they have any tropical decorations you can borrow. This is a popular theme and you may be surprised what you can borrow.

Check out discount stores like Big Lots and Dollar Tree. Those are my hubby's favorite stores so he happily went shopping: 3 & 6 leis for $1, 18 Hawaiian plates for $1, 20 Hawaiian napkins for $1, hibiscus coasters three for $1.50, Happy Birthday (with flowers that matched the theme perfect) centerpiece, banner, cups, plates for $1 each, matching flowered treat sacks 18 for $1, plastic coconut cups $1 each...you get the idea! He also found rafia table skirting that looked like a hula skirt for way cheaper than online or at the party store that he covered the top of my girlie's outdoor play house with to make a tiki hut.

Oriental Trading has great stuff at inexpensive prices: kid's grass skirts with leis $3 each, Hawaiian table runners $3 each, luau rubber ducks 12 for $5.99 (that's .50 each and they match the theme).

We have Party City here and they had a coupon out that helped. Do a search for your local chain party store to see if you can find a coupon before you shop. I found themed cups for .49 and 1.99. I splurged on the 1.99 cups as the kids take away gift and they added great decoration during the party since they looked like palm trees. They also had pretty lolly pops shaped like flowers for .33 each. I bought 12 and put them in a little pink vase for a centerpiece. I also found a hibiscus table cloth for the food table for .99 and a matching veggie and dip tray for $3. They had toys for the treat bags and prizes for .25 each, but also found some on clearance for .10 each! Don't jump at the first items you see, really look around the store, we found two foot blow up palm trees for $2.99!

I got lucky at Target, their dollar area had summer stuff! I bought a pretty little pink vase to put the lolly pop flowers in and a pair of pink flip flops with a flower on them for my girlie to wear for $1!

Walmart's party area had solid pink table cloths for $1.50 for my tables, clear treat bags 18 for $1.50 for a craft that I did, plus brown plastic table cloths for $1.99 and poster board for the volcano we made. We made a tube with the two pieces of poster board and set it on the top of my girlie's princess tent. Then we covered it with two brown table cloths, stuffed red tissue paper in the top to look like lava. The kids put the presents in the volcano as they arrived!

Name Tags:

I used name tags for a few different reasons. On the left side of the tag I had their name, hello, thank you and take care. On the right I had the Hawaiian translations. I found a Hawaiian name translator here. In the middle of the two columns I had a seashell on half of the tags and a palm tree on the other half. I used the pictures to divide the group into two teams for the relay (this saved time and confusion). I also used the tags for our craft. It was also fun using Hawaiian names and sayings during the party!

Food:

Buy a couple of real pineapples. I used one in the middle of a fruit tray I made with mini skewers (toothpicks) of pineapple and strawberries and the other on a table as a centerpiece.

Multi-colored Goldfish are a bright addition for your Hawaiian food table. I had some pretty bowls a friend gave me from Hawaii to put them in.

"Hawaiian" Punch: sherbert, sprite, Hawaiian Punch with an ice mold of sprite in the middle (I used my bundt pan to make the ice mold).

I also cut some carrots and celery for my $3 hibiscus tray and put crackers and cheese on some hibiscus plates I already owned.

We had pizzas for the kids...you may want to consider doing Hawaiian pizza with pineapple and ham!

We bought the cake from our local grocery store, Publix, Mickey surfing and Minnie on the beach!

Games:

Pass the Coconut: I planned on using the plastic coconut my hubby found at the $1 store for this game, but we ended up using the real coconut that my girlie had (it was drained and cleaned). Remember to tell the kiddos to pass with care! You simply start and stop the luau music CD, whoever has the coconut when the music stops is out!

Limbo: We found a blow up limbo stick (safer for the kids and stores away easily) for $2.99 at Party City. The luau CD had Limbo Rock on it and the kids loved this one so much they played again on their own later during the party!

Hula Relay: We used my girlie's water table to float the Hawaiian ducks in at one end of the yard. Next to the water table we put one hula hoop on each side (one for each team). My hubby found them for $1 each at Dollar Tree! At the other end where the two teams lined up (see my name tag idea above for splitting the teams) they each had a sand bucket ($1 each at Dollar Tree) and a hula skirt ($2.99 each from Oriental Trading). The first person had to put on the hula skirt, run to the water table, pick up the hula hoop and do a hula, grab a duckie out of the water table, run back, drop it in the bucket and then switch the hula skirt to the next person on their team. Moms helped and the kids had fun!

Hit The Tiki Guy: I bought 100 water ballons for $1 at Walmart and filled them the day before the party. I put them in a pretty bucket we borrowed from a friend that looks like a beach bucket for ice and drinks. My hubby held up a tiki mask we found at Party City for $3 and wore a green leis set that came with a headband, leis and ankle leis for $1 at Dollar Tree. Then, you guessed it, they hit the tiki guy with the water balloons! He was a good sport and the kids had fun cutting loose!

Craft:

Beach In A Bag: I used the clear treat bags I bought at Walmart for $1.50 for this one. The day before I put the name tag label for each child on one side and on the other side I put a label I made that read "K's Birthday Luau 2010 Beach In a Bag" with cute beach pictures on it. I used a couple of folding tables for the craft set up with measured cups of pink and blue sand (we only needed two tablespoons of each color), sea shells (we had a ton we brought back from the beach), mini umbrellas (drink umbrellas), foam stickers, confetti of flip flops and beach balls. I showed them the one I made the day before and let them go to making their own. When they were done I folded the bag down and then put a few staples to keep it closed. This was a big hit with the kids!

Creating fun, unique memories without breaking the bank works for me! This post is linked up with We Are That Family for Works For Me Wednesday. Hop over there to find ideas and inspiration!

I hope you got some good ideas you can adapt for your parties. I would love to hear your ideas and things you love doing at parties too...leave a comment below I need all the help I can get!

Malama Pono,

Friday Follow: Aloha!

2010-03-19T11:12:00.002-04:00

Sponsored By:

Happy Friday Follow! We are having so much fun getting ready for my girlie's Birthday Luau tomorrow! I will be sharing how we planned, what we made and how it went next week! I can't wait to see who I meet today!

Malama Pono, Mikala
Take care,

MORE Honey Baked Ham Coupons

2010-03-17T12:52:00.002-04:00

March 17, 2010

Earlier this month I posted about Honey Baked Ham coupons for larger hams here.

Now they have a coupon on a mini ham (4.5 to 5 lb) here.

I hope these coupons help save you money if you're planning on limiting your kitchen time to spend time with family and friends this Easter!

FREE Sample UnderJams

2010-03-17T12:16:00.002-04:00

March 17, 2010

Click here to get your FREE sample of UnderJams Night Wear from Pampers!

More freebies on my FREEBIES page are waiting for you!

Works For Me Wednesday: Super Secret Message

2010-03-17T11:04:00.004-04:00

March 17, 2010

My girlie loves spelling, puzzles and craft time so I combined them into one activity...Super Secret Message! She was so excited to decode the message from me!

I simply took three pieces of white paper and numbered each in the upper corner (1,2,3). Then I took three pieces of construction paper and numbered each in the upper corner (1,2,3).

I thought of three words that she knows how to spell that would form the message: Mom Loves You!

On the construction paper numbered 1 I made bubble letters in a jumble: O M M

On the construction paper numbered 2 I made bubble letters in a jumble: V O L E S

On the construction paper numbered 3 I made bubble letters in a jumble: O U Y

When it was time for her to decode my secret message I gave her scissors, a glue stick and spread out in a row the white papers in number order 1-3. I gave her the construction papers and explained that she would start with 1, cut the letters out, unscramle them on the table then paste them to the white paper numbered 1 spelling the first word in the message. Then she would move on to number 2 and finally number 3.

She was so proud of herself when she finished decoding the message! I was super proud of her too! This was easy to create...it took me longer to type the instructions than it did to make this activity for her! Easy for me, entertaining for her, that works for me!

This post is linked with We Are That Family for Works For Me Wednesday. Hop over there to see other helpful tips & ideas!

$5 Rebate GP Everyday Essentials

2010-03-16T18:33:00.003-04:00

March 16, 2010

Get your $5 Rebate Check from GP (Georgia Pacific) when you buy $20 of participating brands!

Good on purchases through 4/18/10.

Click here for brands and rebate form.

Click here to find more rebates on my REBATES page!

Pineapple Up-Side Down Cake

2010-03-16T14:06:00.008-04:00

March 16, 2010

I have never been brave enough to attempt to make Pineapple Up-Side Down Cake...until last week! I found a recipe at Craving Comfort (she has beautiful pictures of her cake too) that sounded like even I could make it. We all gave it a thumbs up and I added the recipe to my make it again notebook!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
20 oz sliced pineapple
6-8 cherries sliced in half
18 oz Duncan Hines Pineapple Cake Mix
5 oz box vanilla instant pudding
1 cup pineapple juice (from can & add water)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees
Pour butter in 9x13 pan
Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over butter
Drain canned pineapple in measure cup
Cover bottom of pan with pineapples
Place cherries in pineapples cut side up
Combine rest for 30 seconds with mixer
Beat on medium for 2 minutes
Pour batter in pan
Bake 45-55 minutes (until knife comes out clean...my grandma always used a knife instead of a toothpick)
Cool 5 minutes then run a knife around the edges, turn cake out on platter

This post is linked with Blessed With Grace for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday...check out other tummy yummies here!

Hungry for more? I also linked up with Balancing Beauty and Bedlam for Tasty Tuesday. Treat your family to something new on the menu by checking out more great recipes there!

Enjoy,

FREE Photo Book

2010-03-15T21:14:00.002-04:00

March 15, 2010

Use your photos to create a unique 5x5.75" Pocket Photo Book for FREE! A $9.99 value!

Enter promo code tgtfreebook at checkout.

Offer expires 3/21/10.

Click here to get started!

FREE $20 Gift Card Toys R Us Babies R Us

2010-03-15T20:48:00.002-04:00

March 15, 2010

Join Toys R Us or Babies R Us on Saturday, March 20th to get your FREE $20 Gift Card when you buy any two Pampers Value Boxes of Diapers with Dry Max (92 -252 ct).

FREE Sample Ritz Munchables Pretzel Crisps

2010-03-15T20:40:00.001-04:00

Become a fan on Facebook of Ritz and get your FREE sample of Munchable Pretzel Crisps!

Looking for more free stuff? Check out my FREEBIES page!

FREE Lip Care Bath & Body Works

2010-03-15T11:32:00.002-04:00

March 15, 2010

Bath & Body Works has a special spring break offer for students:

Get a FREE Lip Care item of your choice with any purchase!

Value of free lip care item is up to $7.50 and offer is good through March 21st!

Online use promo code STUDENT at checkout.

Short-Term Savings, Long-Term Costs

2010-03-15T09:59:00.004-04:00

March 15, 2010

Have you ever made a decision based on the short-term savings instead of the long-term costs? I have mentioned before that I have been known to make quick decisions, but thankfully my hubby moves like molasses when deciding on anything and he has helped me. I have learned over the years to be better at asking myself questions...slows me down enough to consider all of the impacts of a decision I am about to make. I am still working on this skill!

A couple of months ago I received my renewal notice for my Real Estate license in the mail. I have not been active selling in about two years and with my plans to homeschool my girlie I won't be any time soon. I do work very part-time from home for a local realtor, but you don't need a license to do that. (You can learn more about that here.)

I made a quick decision as soon as I opened it that I did not need to pay for a continuing education class and the renewal fee, not to mention my time studying. I didn't throw it away though, I put it in my budget calendar book. (You can learn more about my budget calendar book here.) Every couple of weeks I saw that renewal notice there and again reminded myself that I did not need to spend money on that.

Then about a week ago I woke up in the middle of the night panicked! Did my license expire already, did the renewal date pass? There was no way I was going to be able to go back to sleep until I checked. I had 3 1/2 weeks left to complete the 14 hour continuing education requirment and renew my license. Phew!

The next morning my hubby and I talked about the long-term costs of not renewing my license. If 10 or even 15 years from now I decide that I am ready to sell I would have to attend the 40 hour pre-licensing course, take the dreaded state exam and attend the 45 hour post-licensing course again! The cost of all of that far exceeds dollars and cents, in this case it's the time and stress, which we know impacts all areas of our family and household.

Thankfully I was able to take my 14 hours of continuing education online. I am just hoping now that the state gets my records updated with my completion before the end of this month!

I am relieved that my short-term thinking did not steer my decision this time and cost me long-term. When have you made a decision (or almost made a decision) based on short-term savings that had long-term costs?

$5 Rebate The Princess and The Frog & Band-Aid

2010-03-12T10:43:00.002-05:00

March 12, 2010

Are you planning on buying The Princess and The Frog next week? Increase your savings by using the $10 coupon and this $5 Rebate from Band-Aid! Click here for the rebate form and guidelines.

For more savings check out my REBATES page!

$10 Coupon Disney's The Princess and The Frog

2010-03-12T10:17:00.002-05:00

March 12, 2010

Click here to print your $10 coupon on Disney's The Princess and The Frog Blu-Ray Combo Pack! Coupon expires 3/21/10. How many frogs have you kissed?

Friday Follow: TGFF

2010-03-12T10:06:00.003-05:00

Sponsored By:

Happy Friday Follow everyone! Who will I meet today!? You I hope! TGFF because it's a rainy day here and I am looking forward to sharing some movie time with my girlie! What are you thankful for getting to do today?

FREE Download Avril Lavigne “Alice”

2010-03-11T16:02:00.003-05:00

March 11, 2010

Get your FREE download of Avril Lavigne's song from Disney's Alice In Wonderland "Alice!"

Click here to watch the video and get the download...hurry downloads limited to 10,000!

Have you seen the movie yet? What did you think?

Honey Baked Ham Coupons

2010-03-10T14:44:00.002-05:00

March 10, 2010

Click here to get your coupons from Honey Baked Ham...relax this Easter and enjoy family, dinner is served!

Coupons from $7 off any size bone-in half ham to complete dinners.

Works For Me Wednesday: Taming Laundry

2010-03-10T10:33:00.002-05:00

March 10, 2010

Are we ever really caught up on laundry? In my house the answer is no! We used to each keep our own laundry baskets in our closets. The problem with that? Out of sight out of mind! When I did go to collect laundry baskets on "laundry day" they were overflowing.

A couple of months ago I moved laundry baskets to the laundry room and out of everyone's closets. The new rule is to bring dirty laundry to the laundry room and put it in the appropriate basket. There are baskets for each of us and one for towels. Since I am always going in the laundry room to add dirty laundry I can better monitor when I need to throw a load in the washing machine.

I no longer have a "laundry day." I instead do loads as needed, before the laundry is wildly out of control and takes an entire day to do. I have found that this works for me because I am not a huge fan of laundry, but I can handle it in small doses.

This post is linked with Works For Me Wednesday at We Are THAT Family, hosted this week at Rocks In My Dryer. Check out the other great tips here!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday: Italian Beef 3 Ways

2010-03-09T16:45:00.003-05:00

March 9, 2010

I think my hubby may like my crockpot more than me! I say may because while he loves that I am cooking more beef than I did before, there are some recipes that he kindly smiles and tells me they're good, but we both know they won't be making a repeat on any future menus I plan!

This Italian Beef recipe was a hit though! I found it on allrecipes.com. I used the beef from this recipe to make Italian Beef Sandwiches on hoagie rolls one night, Italian Beef Wraps another night, and BBQ Beef sandwiches for two nights! No we didn't have beef for a week...I froze the cooked beef in containers with enough for four one night dinners!

To make the Beef Wraps I added lettuce, pickle and Kraft Sandwich spread. My hubby gave me the idea to make it like our own Big Mac Wraps!

To make the BBQ Beef sandwiches I added a bottle of my favorite BBQ sauce...simple!

I adapted their recipe based on comments from users on their site to this:

2 Cups Beef Broth
1 Cup Water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp onion salt
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
1 bay leaf
2 small dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix (I think they were .7 or .8 oz)
5 lb chuck roast

Combine liquids and spices to boil in pot/pan. Pour over Beef in crockpot. Cook on low 10-12 hours or high 4-5 hours. Remove bay leaf and shred.

What other ideas do you have to do for dinner with the Italian Beef?

This post is linked up with Lisa at Blessed With Grace for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Check out her site for more yummy link ups!

FREE Honey Walnut Shrimp @ Panda Express

2010-03-09T16:23:00.002-05:00

March 9, 2010

What are you doing for lunch tomorrow? Try the new Honey Walnut Shrimp FREE at Panda Express on March 10, 2010. Click here to print your coupon!

My FREEBIES page has more free stuff for you!

$10 Coupon: Disney's Old Dogs Blu Ray Combo Pack

2010-03-09T11:18:00.003-05:00

March 9, 2010

Click here to print your coupon to save $10 on Disney's Old Dogs Blu Ray Combo Pack! Coupon expires 3/16/10.

Try And Tell Tuesday: Spelling F-U-N

2010-03-09T10:48:00.003-05:00

March 9, 2010

I have always loved spelling and math so it "figures" that these would be two areas I love teaching my girlie about! We spell a bunch...stuff we see at the store, around the house, on TV, street signs, you name it! She asks me how to spell words that she hears that are new to her too! We count a bunch...how many forks we need, how many barbie shoes she has, how many pieces of a game there are so we make sure they all go back in, how many letter A's or another letter she can count in a sign while we are waiting in a line...you get the idea!

The other day during bath time we were having a "spelling bee" and I decided to try something new. Some words that have a combined sound like "sh" in "she" gets her stumped. So I combined counting with spelling and showed her how many letters are in words as we spelled them by holding up one finger for each letter. She got the hang of it pretty quickly! I asked her to spell "so" and she looked at me. Then I said spell "so" and held up two fingers. She got excited and said "s-o"! It clicked for her that "so" is a two letter word!

I am not sure yet what learning style she is...auditory, visual, kinesthetic...but I thought it was pretty cool to see the combination of saying the word and using our fingers to count the letters click for her!

This post is linked up with Kim at Mom Tried It for Try And Tell Tuesday. Check out the other neat stuff that mom's have tried with their kiddos!

FREE Sample Olay Total Effects Body Wash

2010-03-08T10:14:00.002-05:00

Click here to get your FREE sample of Olay Total Effects Body Wash from Walmart Samples!

Check out my REBATES page for a $15 Rebate from Olay too!

FREE Bahama Breeze $10 Gift Card!

2010-03-08T09:49:00.002-05:00

March 8, 2010

Fill out this easy form to get your FREE $10 Gift Card from Bahama Breeze! What is Bahama Breeze? Check out their home page for a taste of their tropical flair!

Want more freebies? Browse my FREEBIES page!

Gap Coupon 30% OFF Jeans Trade-in

2010-03-08T09:28:00.003-05:00

March 8, 2010

Trade-in your old jeans for a new pair at The Gap and get 30% off with this coupon! Use your GapCard and they'll make it 35% off! And of course because you are a good money manager you'll pay that charge off right away!

Deal good through March 14, 2010!

FREE SunChips

2010-03-05T20:26:00.004-05:00

March 5, 2010

This post is all that & a bag of chips! Sorry I couldn't resist! Become a Fan of SunChips on Facebook and get a FREE 10.5 oz bag of chips! They come in a new compostable bag!

Check out my FREEBIES page for more goodies!

Friday Follow

2010-03-05T09:07:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday Follow! I love Fridays...it is so fun to meet and get to know new peeps! I am thankful this Friday that the sun is out! 46 degrees doesn't seem as cold when the sun is shining! What are you thankful for this Friday?

$10 Coupon Disney's Ponyo

2010-03-04T21:13:00.002-05:00

March 4, 2010

Click here to get your $10 coupon on Disney's Ponyo DVD!

Enjoy some movie time with your munchkin!

Party City Coupon

2010-03-04T21:02:00.002-05:00

March 4, 2010

How much do you love party city?? Click here to get your $10 coupon off your $30 purchase through 3/8/10! Just in time for my girlie's birthday party...we are having a luau!

Get a FREE Blizzard...BOGO

2010-03-04T16:14:00.002-05:00

March 4, 2010

I only order one thing at Dairy Queen...Blizzards...love them!

Join Blizzardfanclub.com and get two 16oz Mint Oreo Blizzard treats for the price of one now through March 31!

Works For Me Wednesday: Write It Down!

2010-03-03T15:35:00.002-05:00

March 3, 2010

I often joke that I must have passed my brain cells to my girlie because I just can't remember things like I used to! Thankfully I have always been a planner, love writing stuff down and really get excited when I look at my lovely lists and see lots of check marks!

I used to assume that everyone wrote stuff down and planned like I did, until I started teaching classes on planning basics and goal setting. I know you may be shocked, but lots of people just rely on their memory and wing it!

I realize that planning is easier for me because it is part of my personality and who I am. For others it is a real challenge to train themselves to do this. I have learned over the years that first you need to want to be more organized & remember things that are important to you. Second, I have learned that there is not one "right" tool to use...you need to use what works for you so you want to keep using it. Maybe it's a simple spiral notebook you always keep with you or for others it may be some version of a calendar or electronic gadget.

Writing stuff down has worked for me from remembering to do simple tasks like prepare and mail in rebates before I miss the date to planning larger events like my girlie's birthday party and family vacations.

For tips and how-to details on planning check out my Planning page.

This post is part of Works For Me Wednesday at We Are That Family, hosted this week at Rocks In My Dryer. Check out the other helpful tips here.

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday : Mile-High Squares

2010-03-02T17:27:00.004-05:00

One of the things I am doing to reduce our grocery bill is making my own treats instead of buying packages of cookies. I was shocked when I looked at how much I spent every month on packages of cookies (my husband IS the cookie monster)! I have discovered that making my own treats saves money, taste better and they last longer. I know many of you realize this little fact already, but I am guilty of buying too many convenience foods.

I tried this recipe off of a Nestle Toll House Butterscotch Morsel bag and oh my...yummy! I am not a huge fan of butterscotch, but this recipe adds chocolate and peanut butter so the butterscotch is not the star of the show.

Chocolate Marshmallow Mile-High Squares

2 cups Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels (I used milk chocolate ones)

1 2/3 cups Nestle Toll House Butterscotch Flavored Morsels

1/2 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter (I used creamy)

9 cups mini marshmallows

1 cup peanuts

Line 13 x 9 inch baking pan with foil

Microwave both flavors of morsels and peanut butter in a large, uncovered, microwave safe bowl on med-high for about 2 minutes; Stir. If necessary, microwave at additional 10-15 second intervals until melted. Cool for 1 minute. Stir in marshmallows and peanuts.

Spread into prepared pan. Refrigerate until firm. Cut into squares.

I kept them in a sealed container in the refrigerator once they were cut into squares...yummy!

This post is linked up with Lisa at Blessed With Grace for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Check out her site for more delish dishes!

FREE Sample Pampers Cruisers

2010-03-01T20:59:00.003-05:00

March 1, 2010

Get your FREE sample of Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max!

P&G Brand Sampler has great offers like this one!

Check out my FREEBIES page for more free stuff!

Kohl's Kids Who Care Scholarship Program

2010-03-01T20:43:00.002-05:00

March 1, 2010

The Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program recognizes and rewards young volunteers (ages 6-18) whose efforts have made a positive impact on their communities.

Kohl's plans to recognize 2100 kids with prizes ranging from $50 Kohl’s Gift Cards to $1,000 or $10,000 scholarships.

Nominate your young volunteer through March 15, 2010.

Frugal Friend

2010-03-01T17:16:00.004-05:00

March 1, 2010

If you are like my Mom and don't like to shop for the best price or deals do yourself a favor and ask a frugal friend to come along shopping with you!

Mom just came home on Friday with a new puppy! She is a Havanese named Sasha...totally cute!
Since Mom brought her back to Florida on a plane she needed lots of basic doggie supplies. My girlie decided to put Sasha in her doll crib, but we all decided she needed doggie digs instead!

When Mom told me the dog supply store she was planning on buying her supplies at I offered to take her around to some stores to help her save a little money. I know it is hard to shop around when you want to just get what you know you need and be done with the task...but here's what we learned:

Doggie Kennels are at least $20 cheaper at Walmart than they are at dog supply stores like Pet Supermarket and Petco.
Doggie brushes are about $1 cheaper at Target and Walmart than at dog supply stores. Mom found a better one for $1 cheaper at Target.
Doggie harnesses and collars were cheaper by as much as $10 at Petco than at Pet Supermarket.
There are some specialty items that you will only find at dog supply stores, like nifty latex bowls that snap in to a stand that Mom bought.
Shopping between stores CAN save you money!

We live in a smaller town and don't have a PetsMart, but when we lived in the "big city" we found they had good prices too.

Shopping around takes time and Mom wouldn't have done it on her own. She was really grateful for the savings and the shopping companion! So the next time you have shopping to do, ask your frugal friend to join you...it's not a bother to them because they LOVE to save money and find great deals!

THANKFUL...Friday Follow

2010-02-26T09:41:00.003-05:00

February 26, 2010

Happy Friday Follow! What am I thankful for this Friday? My Mom is coming home today! She has been gone a month and a half, but it feels like a year and a half (see my post on Grandma Stella for why). I am thankful that I am excited that she is coming home too...we have had our struggles with each other and went through some pretty tough life experiences together (whether I wanted to or not).

For years I listened to what others said and what I observed...Mothers and Daughters will argue, disagree, not be as close as Fathers are with Daughters...yadda yadda more not so positive views I'll spare you from! Did you know that because God can't call you up or e-mail you to set you straight he instead sends us a person? God sent not one, but two special people into my life about 10 years ago (CT & SB). SB had a wonderful relationship with her Mom...yes they had disagreements, but what I learned from her was that it IS possible to have a loving, close, supportive relationship with your Mom!

CT taught me to appreciate the mercy, love and forgiveness that God gave me. I discovered that sometimes, when you don't realize it, you are holding resentment towards someone over circumstances that happened long ago. That resentment is a wall that you hide behind, keep your love behind, a wall that doesn't allow that person to be with the real you. I learned that I need to give the same mercy, love and forgiveness to others that God gives me.

I am thankful for CT & SB. I am thankful that I can be as excited for my Mom coming home as my girlie is that her Grandma is coming home. Ultimately, I am thankful that God is in control, because He made this day possible!

Pet Portrait at PETCO Get a FREE 8X10

2010-02-24T21:05:00.003-05:00

February 24, 2010

The Picture People will be at PETCO this weekend February 26-28:

No session fee
FREE 8X10 with your pet portrait session

Visit the grooming department to schedule your session.

Find more free stuff on my FREEBIES PAGE!

Works For Me Wednesday: "The Jonses" Redefined

2010-02-24T17:03:00.003-05:00

February 24, 2010

My mom admits that she did not inherit the bargain shopper gene that her mom and sister had. She told me a funny story the other day about a shopping trip with them to MCO. Mom said that this store was just like blocks and blocks of racks from one end of the store to the other. While my Grandmother and Aunt were thoroughly searching the racks where was my Mom? Hiding so they wouldn't see that she was not looking for deals!

Since shopping for deals was not my Mom's idea of fun or time well spent she opted for the easiest option for back to school shopping where the prices were already low enough for her. About 30 years ago (yikes!) that meant blue light specials...no name brands unless you count Traxx shoes from Kmart!

Wouldn't you know I was also going to school with a community of kids who let's just say their families had more money at their disposal than we did. Or did they use credit cards and we used cash?

Of course to compensate for my "deprived" fashion years once I was on my own I decided to treat myself to the purses, brands and clothing choices I longed for as a growing kid/teenager. I also during that time discovered credit cards and how easy it was to get the things "everyone" else had. You could say I was trying to keep up with The Jonses.

It (thankfully) didn't take long for me to learn that credit card bills can quickly exceed your monthly cash flow. Once I started to analyze and dig myself out of debt I also discovered that thinking about keeping up with The Joneses spending is not the smartest decision. It's hard though as I am a competitive person by nature. So I redefined what keeping up with The Jonses meant to me.

I looked for mentors and models of more positive money managing habits to be My Jonses. Individuals and families that were great at saving money, living within a budget, saving big at grocery stores, finding name brands for a bargain on clearance...you get the idea! This was great for my competitive side since I wanted to save more than The Jonses. I decided that if I survived wearing Traxx shoes to school then I did not need the latest pattern or design in a purse, shoes or clothing items. I started to find joy in finding a great deal on name brand items like my Grandmother and Aunt. They always looked GREAT from head to toe and didn't use a credit card or bust their budget. And you know what else? They didn't care if their purse, shoes or outfit were "so last season." They bought items that were classic and timeless, just like they were.

Redefining The Jonses to be super savers instead of super spenders has worked for me...giving me a better perspective on managing our money. I am thankful for that since I am now shaping my daughter's views on managing money. At four she already knows how to look for sales and clearance when we shop, use coupons, and I don't mind when she asks if something is cheap enough.

This post is part of Works For Me Wednesday at We Are That Family. Check out the other helpful posts there!

What's In Your Crockpot?

2010-02-22T16:35:00.002-05:00

February 22, 2010

I am in love with my crockpot...the yummy smells throughout the house and I save money by getting more than one meal out of my efforts! I am always looking for new recipes to try so when Connie at Smockity Frocks posted that she was hosting a link-up with crockpot recipes I was so excited! Check out her site for all of the yummy shared recipes!

Connie has a new nifty crockpot with THREE pots! That will be added to my wish list...I love to have family and friends over so one of those would come in handy for chili con queso , sweet and sour meatballs , mocha supreme (my mom's favorite!)...of course after looking at the huge list of recipes at Smockity Frocks I may need even more crock pots and decide to do everything from appetizers to dessert for my next gathering!

I also found a recipe at All Recipes that Once A Month Mom has linked too for zesty slow cooker chicken barbeque . We tried it a few weeks ago and loved it!! We could not wait for dinner after smelling it for hours!

My poor girlie has been so sick all day and I need to get back to her. Thankfully I made crock pot chili yesterday so we have that for hubby and I for dinner tonight! I don't have an exact recipe for the chili...here is what I throw in the crock pot for 6-8 hours on low:

ground turkey (shhh don't tell my husband it's not beef!)
large 32 oz can of diced or crushed tomatoes
1 small can EACH drained of light kidney beans, dark kidney beans, cannelini beans
1 envelope of chili seasoning
some chopped onion
top with shredded cheddar and diced onions and enjoy!

You can also use leftovers for a taco salad topped with sour cream and shredded cheese and Tostitos chips!

FREE Coffee or Tea at Borders

2010-02-19T20:43:00.002-05:00

February 19, 2010

While you're at the mall Saturday grabbing your FREE Auntie Anne's Pretzel bring this coupon for a FREE small coffee or tea at Borders!

FREE Auntie Anne's Pretzel

2010-02-19T18:22:00.002-05:00

February 19, 2010

Saturday, February 20th from 10 am - 3 pm celebrate Free Pretzel Day with a FREE Pretzel from Auntie Anne's!

Thanks to The King's Court for this Freebie!

THANKFUL...Friday Follow

2010-02-19T10:24:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday Follow! I am pretty new to the world of blogging and I am sooo hooked already! The thing I love the most is meeting some amazing women who write with passion and share fantastic ideas and helpful information. I am thankful for the moms who have shared creative, budget friendly crafts that my girlie thanks you for too! I am thankful for the ladies that have made me laugh, cry, think twice about "stuff" and save money! Thank you ladies for providing an outlet for me to turn to where I feel connected with others and can learn, grow and share.

FREE Yo Plus from Yoplait

2010-02-18T20:57:00.001-05:00

February 18, 2010

Check out my FREEBIES page for details on how to get your coupon for FREE Yo Plus from Yoplait and more free goodies!

$15 Rebate Olay

2010-02-18T20:32:00.001-05:00

February 18, 2010

Check out my REBATES page for details on how to get your $15 Rebate from Olay!

BOGO FREE Deals Publix

2010-02-18T18:32:00.002-05:00

February 18, 2010

A great way to stock up your pantry is to take advantage of Buy One Get One Free deals at your local grocery store. Boost your savings by pairing these deals up with manufacturer coupons! Here are some BOGO FREE Deals from Publix good 2/18/10 - 2/24/10:

Progresso Bread Crumbs Italian Style
Wishbone Italian Dressing
Hunt's Diced Tomatoes
Progresso Chicken Broth
Crisco Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Check out my RECIPES page for some yummy meals that I use these ingredients in! And don't forget to challenge yourself once a month to clean out your pantry, use what you have and reduce your grocery bill!

Barbie Olympics

2010-02-17T21:22:00.002-05:00

February 17, 2010

My girlie and I had such a good time today making our own Olympic ice arena...and I really had fun playing with it too!

Kim at Mom Tried It hosted a link-up yesterday for Try & Tell Tuesday where moms can share great stuff. Vanessa at Silly Eagle Books added a post on making your own mini-olympic ice rink...sheer genius! Check out her post for great pics and how-to.

I knew my girlie would flip over this idea! I had her do a search on the computer for images of the Olympic rings and then she used a play food can to make her circles in the appropriate colors. One heads up, depending on your water it may not dry crystal clear, we have hard water, so bottled water may have been better for us.

I'll admit I am not the best at executing crafty ideas but my girlie doesn't care about perfection she just loves us doing stuff together! That was good in this case because my rink was not exactly flat in the freezer so we had a hill on the rink...which we quickly decided was a cool sled hill! We used Barbie's sister Kelly and a few other doll house dolls...she even used a fishing pole with a fish on it from her doll house to do some ice fishing!

FREE Hallmark Card

2010-02-17T13:00:00.001-05:00

February 17, 2010

Hallmark has a new Kids Collection with cards to help you cheer your kids on! You can get a FREE card from their kids collection...check out my FREEBIES page for details and more free stuff!

FREE Potty Training DVD

2010-02-17T12:54:00.002-05:00

February 17, 2010

Is potty training in your present or future? You can order your FREE Big Kid Central Potty Training Success DVD from Pull Ups! They also have lots of fun tips on their site for potty training.