Changes are a comin'

Wow!  2013 was the last time I posted anything here!  But I've been around, just not here.  :)

Like the title says, Changes are a comin'.  Since 2013 I've realized there are many facets of my life, and those don't all fit into one pretty little category.  I've been involved in homemaking and housekeeping, mothering and wife-ing, youth work at church, home improvements projects, prepping (to some degree), gardening, simplifying, exercising, reading, crafting and decorating, and the list could go on.
Since 2013 four of my five kids went to school full time, my husband and I took a group of teens from church on a mission trip to Fiji, my kids started school sports and 4-H, I re-did my kitchen cabinets "on a dime", and we took a family trip to Hawaii for Spring Break.  (and that's just a few things on the list)

Life. Is. Busy.!!

I know I'm not the only one leading a busy life.  I'm sure each of you could give me a list of activities on your list too.
Over the past couple years I've thought about chronicling my endeavors on this blog, but it never seemed to be the right time.  

Until now.

But to do it right I need to make some changes first.  Changes to this blog.
I need categories.  For someone who is a list-maker and a category-lover I'm surprised I've never done it before.
I love categories and I'll be adding quite a few.  This mom wears many hats- because I'm a wife/mom/homemaker there should be a category for that.  I've recently done quite a few home improvement projects, so there should be a category for that.  I've been involved with healthy eating and exercising so there will be a category for that.  Prepping, gardening, decorating, etc.  The category list could go on and on.

I'm not planning on overwhelming you (or myself for that matter), but I think that some changes need to be made.  Change is exciting!
My family has a lot going on in the next few months.  We are preparing to have a Lexar home built, I'm in the early stages of going back to work as a nurse, I'm also just starting the 21 Day Fix program.

Lots of things happening around here.
So I hope you'll follow along on this journey of Change!
Enjoy this beautiful day and check back soon!

Wise Woman Linkup

Prayer and Thrift stores!

2 weeks ago I wrote of my resolution to get out and stay out of credit card debt.  I consider this period I'm in the "honeymoon phase", it's the time period that your new resolutions are still fresh in your mind and you're still excited to achieve your goals.  I know about a month or two into this I might be tempted to fall back into my old ways, so that is why this first recommendation in staying out of debt is so vital.  It is PRAYER!  Yes, prayer. 

In my last post I admitted that I was a poor steward of the money God had blessed us with, I have prayed and asked the Lord to forgive me of this and I know He has.  What a true blessing to serve a loving and forgiving God!  But after asking for forgiveness I still need to be in prayer about our finances- asking God to give me wisdom each day in spending money wisely, asking God to give me strength to resist the temptation of frivolous spending, knowing that true joy and fulfillment comes in living for and serving God each day- not in finding satisfaction in shopping.

So the first, and most important thing you can do in getting out and staying out of debt is by praying.

But here's another idea:  Thrift stores!!

5 years ago I very rarely stepped foot in a thrift store.  I wanted new, so I bought new.

3 years ago I would go in a few every now and then, at times coming across some good finds, but spending most of my money in department stores.

This past year I realized just what a good investment thrift stores really are, and how much fun and exciting it is when you find a "real gem".

Here's a few examples:

a Tupperware shape sorting ball (that when purchased new is $35)- I got it for $1 !!!  It was a Christmas gift for my 11 month old son who could care less that it didn't come in the original packaging.  Yes, I bought a gift at a thrift store and I'm okay with it, so is my son.  :)

a practically (and when I say practically, I mean nothing wrong whatsoever, and the only thing missing was the tag) brand new Calvin Klein denim skirt for only $5 !!!  It fits me perfect and I couldn't love it any more if I got it from Calvin Klein himself.

a practically (see above)  :)  brand new brick-red-cable-knit-v-neck-Ann Taylor sweater for only $5 !!!  I seriously love this sweater, it is my all time favorite!!

Okay, moving onto the kids...

Remeber my 11 month old son, well when he was 9 months and in need of a winter coat instead of looking for new coats I went to a thrift store and found a brand new coat!  An Osh Kosh coat in his size for only $4.30 !!!  Yes, it was brand new and I paid under 5 bucks for it.  So, you can still go to thrift stores and find brand new (with the tags still on) clothes.  It truly is an amazing feeling when you realize just how much money you're saving, and you're still getting good quality clothes. 

Here's another example:  Wrangler jeans.  Do you know how expensive wrangler jeans are?  You know, the ones with the brown leather tag on the back pocket?  You can't hardly find them used on ebay for less than $20.  I have found more practically brand new wrangler jeans for my boys (not even a faded mark on the knee at all) for less than $5 !!

And it's not just clothes, I love finding great shoes at a great price!  I found a nearly brand new pair of white and pink Nikes for my daughter for only....are you ready for this??  $1.50 !!!  I just about squealed out loud in the store when I came across these in her size!!  I probably would've bought them anyway even if they weren't in her size and then resold them on ebay for much more.  But I was so glad they were her size since she needed a new pair of shoes.

And when I say good quality, I mean good quality.  I find "real gems" all the time, and I actually look for the real gems.  By that I mean the high quality name brand items you find in department stores:  Gap, The Children's Place, Carter's, Gymboree, Aeropostale, Old Navy, Ann Taylor, Calvin Klein, Eddie Bauer, etc.   You'd be surprised at just how many of these great "finds" I find.

I can't tell you enough how much I love thrift stores, I'm only disappointed that I didn't figure this out sooner.  Not only do I save money, but it is just the best feeling when you come home with BAGS of clothes for less than $20 instead of one item for $20.  I guarantee you we don't look like we are wearing rags, or our clothes are outdated.   

But one note of warning.  Just because you will find amazing deals at thrift stores doesn't mean you should just buy whatever you come across.  I only go in thrift stores when I am specifically looking for something we need.  For example there were 3 things on my "need list":  a new winter coat for my daughter because I melted her zipper on her current coat when I put it in the dryer at too high of a temp., and jeans and boots for my oldest son.  Well I went into the Salvation Army thrift store today and lo and behold there was a super nice coat in her size for only $4 !  I couldn't find any boots or jeans, and I wasn't going to settle for something that was too worn so those two items are still on my list.  I went into a second thrift store to look for jeans and boots but they didn't have any in his size so I walked out having bought nothing.  That's okay too, remember the idea is to save money.  If you don't need it, it's not the right size, or it's too worn out then don't get it- it wouldn't be very wise.

That's one thing about thrift stores, sometimes you find what you need but sometimes you don't.  I suppose that's the thrill of the find.

So, what about you?  Are you a thrift store shopper already?  If not, why not try it- you might be surprised at just what good deals you'll find.

a Buck for Ben!

Hello everyone!  I wanted to use my blog today to spread awareness of a condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB for short). 

 

In a nutshell, EB is a connective tissue disease causing blisters in the skin and mucosal membranes, with an incidence of 1/50,000. Its severity ranges from mild to lethal. It is caused by a mutation in the keratin or collagen gene. People with EB lack these protein anchors, so when there is any friction on the skin, the two layers rub against each other and separate, resulting in painful sores and blisters.

In it mildest form the blistering is confined to hands and feet. In its severest form the whole body is affected, wounds heal extremely slowly, there is significant scarring, physical deformity, and disability. In its severest form EB is fatal in infancy.

Benjamin Joseph Wiley, Jr. was born on Oct 27th, 2011. Though it had been a normal, healthy pregnancy and delivery for Ben and his mom, it was immediately clear that something wasn’t right: baby Ben was missing the skin on his hands and his left foot, and had blisters in his mouth and on his lips.

Up until about 6 months ago I never even knew this condition existed, and then I came across a facebook page called, 'Honoring a EB Soldier, Ben Wiley Jr.'.  I saw a picture of this precious little boy, and he stole my heart instantly, but the pictures also broke my heart because he suffers from EB.  As I learned more about EB through his mother's posts I came to realize not only how this boy suffers each day, but just how expensive this condition is.  The money involved in cleaning the open wounds and blisters, keeping them covered appropriately, preventing infections- it's staggering! 

 

 

As a parent myself I simply could not imagine what Ben Sr and Sirena, Ben Jr's parents, go through each day.  My mother's heart wants to help them through daily prayer, but also through raising funds to help ease the burden of the cost involved. 

"A Buck for Ben" has come about as a way to raise money to help this amazing family. 

I know times are tough, financially speaking, and not everyone can afford to send $50, $20, or even $10.  But most people CAN afford to send just one dollar!  Yes just one dollar, one buck for Ben Jr.  It would leave only a teensy-weensy dent in our wallets, but would impact this family tremendously if we all could pitch in and help.  One dollar- One Buck- that it! 

Would you please consider helping them?
Please help them by praying for them each day, please visit their facebook page to learn more about this horrendously painful condition.  As an adult, I couldn't imagine the pain of open wounds and blisters.  But as a child, who doesn't understand why he is in so much pain, and who still has to endure the pain each day, it just breaks my heart.

Please click on the link to their facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/BenWileyJr/  and become a follower by liking their page.

 

Please pin this image if you're on Pinterest

(and repin weekly or daily for more exposure)

 

And please visit the new blog: http://abuckforbenjr.blogspot.com/  to find out how you can help, and how you can donate your Buck for Ben.

Thank You!!

A Lower Debt Resolution (with a budget worksheet for you!)

 

Yes, I'm adding to the Resolutions posts in blog land.  It makes me wonder how many others have posted on their New Years Resolutions, probably quite a few. 

As I was thinking about what my resolutions were, I also began to wonder what the word really means.  So I used the handy Merriam-Webster online dictionary to look it up.  Resolution means "the act of determining". 

But I also like the meaning of the word Resolute-

"marked by firm determination. 

Bold,

Steady." 

This year is different than past years, as far as debt resolutions go.  In past years I wasn't determined to stay out of debt.  Even as I write that it sounds odd, almost like I don't mind being in debt, which is definately not true.  I hate being in debt.  This past year has taught me just how much I hate even the word debt.  Our debt prevented us from being a blessing and a help to others.  It took peace from our lives.  It caused a sense of chaos in our lives instead of a calmness.  I'm through with living that way.  I'm not blaming anyone else, I know full well that I was not a good stewerd of the money God entrusted to us.  Things are going to change.  I am resolved!  I have firm determination!  I will be bold in attacking this debt, and I will be steady!

We plan to have our credit card debt paid off in March, and once eliminated we are determined not to use it again like in years past.  This past year we would see something online that was "such a good deal" so we would put it on our credit card telling ourselves that when the bill came we would pay it right off.  Or we would be at the store and see something that we thought we "needed" but didn't have the money for, telling ourselves we would pay it off with the next paycheck- but we never did.  And that folks is the beginning of the end.
We have discovered this past year that the "really great deal", and the item that was "needed" weren't necessary at all, and only brought discouragement.  We are done with discouragement!  Debt=Discouragement!  If you're discouraged over your debt do you have a plan to be done with it once and for all?

Over the next month I will be sharing our plans for staying out of credit card debt.  One thing I'm going to share right now is a link to a great budgeting tool.  I printed mine off and will be using it regularly.  It's the Freddie Mac Monthly Budget Worksheet, take a look and see if it'll work for you too.

 

http://www.freddiemac.com/homeownership/pdf/monthly_budget.pdf

The Apron Experiment

Good morning Ladies!


I am such a sucker for a pretty apron.  I could easily spend way too much time browsing for a new one, and for me one apron is just not enough. 

what a cute row of aprons drying on the line

 

My appreciation for aprons came a year or so after I married, at that time I realized how wearing an apron can save your clothes from countless stains while cooking.  At that time I had just the one apron, a basic apron with no bells or whistles ;)   Fast forward to about 5 years ago and when my husband asked what I wanted for Christmas I asked for a new apron, a pretty apron.  There starts my minor obsession with aprons.


I titled this post "The Apron Experiment" for those who don't wear aprons on a regular basis and who don't know the power of an apron  ;)  

I bought this custom made apron from this gal on etsy

"She looketh well to the way of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."
Proverbs 31:27

I'm sure many of you have read that verse- maybe you even have it memorized.  It's one of those verses that encourages me to get up and moving.  God is really the one with the power to change a life, He can speak to your heart in ways you need.  I give all glory and praise to the Lord when He changes my way of thinking,

or speaking,

or acting. 

But can I tell you that there's also this funny thing that happens when you put on an apron, there's power in a pretty apron that can get you up and moving.  Perhaps it's because it is hard to sit around and be lazy when you have a pretty apron on, you're not doing that apron justice by being idle. 

But can I also tell you, before you can really appreciate the pretty apron, you really need to do two things ahead of time:

1.  Start your day with the Lord.  Like I said, God is the one with the power to change a life, we can't do it on our own, we need the Lord to give us strength each day to have a happy and sweet attitude.  To work hard throughout the day we need God's grace.  To get past our failures and weaknesses we need God's mercies.  Remember they are New Every Morning!  So we need to start each morning by spending time at the feet of Jesus, giving the Lord that time to change us and mold us to want He wants us to be.  A pretty apron won't do anything for us if we skip our quiet time with the Lord.


"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."  Psalm 5:3


"I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope."  Psalm 16:8-9


2.  A pretty apron also won't do anything for us if we don't put some effort into our appearance.  I know the Lord looks at the heart of a person, but are we really giving our best to our husband, our kids, or God when we look shabby or like we just don't care?  If you work outside the home you put effort into your appearance, well it should be the same if you stay at home.  We should want to look our best for our family, shouldn't we?  Now I'm not saying you need to wear your "Sunday Best", but perhaps take a few minutes to get dressed (in something other than sweatpants and a shabby t-shirt), do your hair, and put on some makeup.  I know from experience, if I don't get dressed and ready for the day first thing in the morning, then I feel lazy and I end up being idle.  Covering up our shabbiness with a pretty apron is just silly in my opinion. 


"As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion."  Proverbs 11:22


I know that verse is talking about something different, but honestly that's the way I feel when I try to pretty up my appearance with just an apron.   Under that apron is hair that is messed up, a face that looks tired and without makeup, ratty clothes, etc.  It's like that ring in the nose of a pig- kind of silly, isn't it?

So, who is tired of being idle?  Who wants to change their lazy ways into something productive and worthwhile?  Who is ready to give their family their best? 

I love this vintage looking waist apron- so cute!

I don't find it ironic that the verse immediately following Proverbs 31:27 is this one:

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."  vs.28


When we put effort into our family and into our homemaking, then our family will bless us and praise us.  Oh, they may not show their appreciation every single day but they will look back on their time at home with fondness, with a love for us, knowing that we gave them our best. 

What a cheery and cherry apron.  :)

For the next 2 weeks I'd like to invite you to do this "apron experiment" along with me.  I guarantee you that if you start your day with the Lord, get yourself  ready for the day, then put on a pretty apron, that your day will go so much more smoothly.  Starting your day with the Lord is the single most important thing you can do, but then getting dressed and putting yourself together will make you feel better about yourself.  The cherry on top is that apron!  You'll feel ready to give your family your best, you won't feel so much like sitting around and being lazy, you'll want to accomplish things in your day.  It's an experiment, so give it a try!

Let me know how it goes, I'd love to hear how this apron experiment worked for you!

I won't be a famous blogger!

Hi there ladies!  You may have noticed that I haven't been around for awhile?  My absence has not been completely intentional, I've been a busy wife and mom lately.  We welcomed baby #5 into our home and so my time has been spent taking care of my family and adjusting to life with another baby. 

There was a time, before starting this blog, that I was writing a different blog and my priorities were completely messed up!  I don't know that I wanted to be some famous blogist (probably not a real word but it sounded good), but I was so invested in it that it took up so very much of my time.  I woke up thinking about how I needed to hurry up and get my quiet time with the Lord finished so that I could have a few moments of uninteruppted time to finish my blog post on having a meaningful quiet time.  hmmmm..... 

Then there were the times that I would get so frustrated with my kids when they wanted to play, but I was too busy writing a post about being the kind of mother God created you to be.  hmmmm.......

Or the times I let my housework go so that I could blog about getting into a housework routine.   Do you see the irony in all of this?

Praise goes to the Lord that He opened my eyes!  What a fool I was. 

So I had to stop blogging.

I had to just walk away.

It was difficult to walk away because I love to write, and blogging was my way to write.
But being a wife and mom was more important.

I did not want my children to remember me as a great blogger, I wanted them to remember me as a great mother.

So I deleted my old blog and walked away, it was the best decision for sure!

Fast forward to last year when I decided to take another whack at blogging, but this time a little differently.  I was not going to let it consume me, I was not going to let it take time away from my family.  I truly believe the Lord will not bless you if you allow that to happen.  Don't get me wrong, I think there are great bloggers out there that don't sacrifice their family to do it- I'm just not one of them.  So that is the reason that you may not see me around from time to time.  Are there blog posts that I would love to write but may not get around to?  sure.  Will I ever have a huge blog following?  probably not.  But will I do what the Lord has created me to do by being a wife and mom first?  yes.  And will I be happy doing that?  absolutely!

Thanks to those who have stuck around.  And tell me- how do you blog in the midst of your life??

Spring Cleaning Challenge

Raise your hand ladies if you enjoy Spring Cleaning!  Hmmm.....not very many.  :)
Would it be better if you could win something fabulous like a new GE Washer & Dryer set?? 
Keep reading and you'll find out how you can win.

Spring Cleaning may not be your favorite past time, but isn't the result worth it in the end?  I love seeing my house cleaned and decluttered, but keeping it that way takes ongoing determination.  You have to be determined to keep it clean after the crazy whirlwind of Spring Cleaning.  Spring Cleaning is great to accomplish those jobs that don't get done on a regular basis:  cleaning under the fridge, stove, washer and dryer; cleaning the cupboard shelves in the kitchen,; decluttering bathroom drawers and the cabinets under sinks; shampooing carpets and rugs; etc.
But how do you keep your house clean on a regular basis?  Do you have a routine you go by?  A cleaning schedule that works well for you?  This is what works for me:

Mondays- Main Bedroom
Tuesdays-  Kitchen and Dining Room
Wednesdays- Bathrooms
Thursdays-  Living Room
Fridays-  Laundry Room and Porch
Saturdays- Kids Bedrooms

So on each particular day I will go into that specific room and clean everything in it!  I'll do the dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the windows, changing out sheets, scrubbing the floors, wiping down the surfaces, decluttering, etc.   Whatever needs to be done in that room I'll do.  That way I know when I leave that room it's completely cleaned- at least until next week.  :) 
This is what works for me, what works for you?

And by the way, I mentioned winning a free Washer and Dryer set, join the Spring Cleaning Challenge over at Tidymom.net and you can enter to win these or other fabulous prizes too.