Answer the questions on your blog and tag five other people, go on there blog and leave a note to pass this on to 5 people.
1. 10 Years ago; 1998 wow! I can't believe how fast the last 10 years have gone. That year, we were living in our house in Sioux Falls, SD and 2 weeks away from our first anniversary and the birth of our first child.
2. 5 things on my to do list today;
1. Blog
2. Schoolwork with the kids
3. Take Nick and Karl to TaeKwonDo
4. Make dinner
5. Relax (well that's probably not going to happen but I can dream)
3. Things I would do if I were suddenly made a Billionaire;
1. Pay off all our bills
2. Go on Vacation! Without the kids for at least part of it!
3. Give money to my friends
4. Give money to family
5. Give money to charity
4. 3 of my bad habits;
1. Taking "pot shots" at myself constantly
2. Not being motivated to eat better
3. Getting upset easily
5. 5 Places I have lived;
1. WoodDale, ILL
2. WestLake, LA
3. Chandler, AZ
4. Austintown, OH
5. Spartanburg, SC
6. 5 Jobs I have had:
1. Mom
2. Restaurant Manager at Perkins
3. Credit card Collector at Citibank
4. Deal$ Manager in Ohio
5. Kmart
7. Things most people don't know about me; I am a true blonde...I have to actually hold up my finger and thumb in the shape of an "L" to see which way is left when I am driving!
Okay I tag... Carol, Vicki, Laverne, Amy (all who may be too busy to do this! :) 
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED!!!!
Tax Time Traps
Oh yea!! It's tax time, it's tax time!!
Many of you will receive some of your hard earned dollars back in the form of a nice little refund. Some may be in the $1,000's of dollars. And I know what you are thinking...found money, right? Wrong.
To avoid the pitfalls of debt, and squandering money, you really need to stop and think before you spend.
It's easy to spend this money since it's outside your usual budget. But, don't! Here are a couple of tips to help you from spending it all before Valentine's Day.
1. Put your money in equal amounts in 12 envelopes. Then, on the first of each month, take that money out and deposit it into your account. You can then use it for whatever you want or need that month.
2. Take several 5x7 index cards and make a "want" tree. We write a "want" on each card and tape it to the inside of our kitchen cabinets. When we decide that it's time to satisfy that "want", we take that card off. No guilty feelings about spending impulsively. Having them look at us in the face for some time has allowed us to really decide if we want that or not. We are then able to really prioritize our desires as well.
3. Put 1/3 of your money in a 3 month CD, 1/3 in a 6 month CD and 1/3 in a 9 month CD. You will earn interest as well as have some money set aside for the future. You will also be able to get at it in a shorter amount of time.
Saving money is the first step out of debt and it requires some planning. Take your time with your tax refund and you will find that come March, you are not scrounging around again!
"You Still Here, Lord?"
I went shopping with the kids the other day, feeling like I was weighed down with insecurity. How did I know that God still wanted me, even through all my failures? I heard Him speaking to me to turn left and see the books. Why, God? We have enough books. I saw my answer.
"You Still Here, Lord?" by Karon Phillips Goodman stood out like a beacon to me."Calm. Confident. Secure. Sound good? That could be you after reading this life changing book." 
In this book, Karon shows her openness and willingness to display her own insecurities. She writes in a down-to-earth, right-at-you style that makes you fell like you are right there, experiencing what God is showing her.
Chapters include:
Insecurity is Easy
Stepping Off
What Can We Ask?
Allowing God's Word
Giving Thanks, Asking For More
His Faithfulness
Resting From The Fear
Promised Security
In this 3 part book, Karon shows us her conversations with the Lord on her insecurities in everyday situations and how He responded to her in kind. The second and third part show how easy it is to allow the Lord to take those insecurities and allow us to rest in His Security.
This book was a page turner that has brought new hope to my life. I would recommend that everyone pick this up and try it!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
She Speaks 2008
I found out about this great opportunity over at Proverbs 31 Ministries:
They are offering a scholarship to their She Speaks 2008 conference. I know that there may be more "qualified people" that would love the chance to go as well as I, but I gotta tell you, I would love to be there.
My heart has always been geared towards leading hurting women to know who Jesus is and what He thinks about them. I have been a youth leader in the past, as well as leading women's Bible studies, and I see the same thing on a regular basis: women and girls with hurting hearts that need to know that they can go to the Father to be healed. I would love to be able to go to learn better how to show them this. I can just imagine how God is going to move through the amazing women that will be there! Find out more about this amazing conference here.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Make You Smile Monday
I just love the pictures of Jesus that really show His loving, tender care. He is holy, holy, holy and just, and righteous, but MY Jesus is a God that loves and cares for us. He took time with the kids when He was here on earth. I just imagine Him doing this exact thing with a child on His lap, showing off His wonderful creation.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Tuesday...In Other Words
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” –Albert Einstein
We were studying about World War I when my daughter began to realize the phrase "Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it". She figured out that if she did all her chores in the morning BEFORE she did schoolwork, then she would have the rest of the afternoon to do whatever she wanted. She solved her problem of never having free time. She changed her thinking.
The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2 to "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind...". Change your thinking. "Therefore, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any praise, and if there be any virtue, think on these things" Phil 4:8 (emphasis mine)
How are we ever going to press on for the High calling if we don't change our thinking? If we continually dwell in the same patterns of life, we are doomed to repeat our personal history. Moving forward with God demands our time and energy, and renewing our mind takes a devotion to changing our ways. It's so not easy, but we can identify with the Apostle Paul when he said, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do." (Rom 7:15)
Are you struggling with low self esteem? Are you fighting giants that are telling you that you can't homeschool your kids, lose weight, be a witness, eat right, get into shape, be who God made you to be???? Beloved, then we need to change our thinking. Take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and change your thinking!
Monday, January 21, 2008
The Price of Thirst
You'd think it would be obvious. It SHOULD be obvious. I mean, really, really obvious! But, sometimes, we overlook the obvious for what our perception of reality is.
I took my kids out to Pizza Hut for lunch the other day. They had their "Book It" coupons for a free personal pan pizza, and since my 3 year old is free with the buffet, I just had to pay $5.99 plus tax for lunch. Not bad, I'd say. And lunch out for the kids, good homeschooling mother that I am.
When I got the bill, I was mortified! It wasn't $6 something...the bill was $11.24. And that didn't include a tip for the waitress! Yes, the bill was correct, by the way.
Head on over to Dime Savin' Diva to hear the rest of the story...
The Price of Thirst
You'd think it would be obvious. It SHOULD be obvious. I mean, really, really obvious! But, sometimes, we overlook the obvious for what our perception of reality is.
I took my kids out to Pizza Hut for lunch the other day. They had their "Book It" coupons for a free personal pan pizza, and since my 3 year old is free with the buffet, I just had to pay $5.99 plus tax for lunch. Not bad, I'd say. And lunch out for the kids, good homeschooling mother that I am.
When I got the bill, I was mortified! It wasn't $6 something...the bill was $11.24. And that didn't include a tip for the waitress! Yes, the bill was correct, by the way.
Then, we went to a different pizza buffet place for dinner a couple of days later. ( I know what you are thinking...eating out twice in the same week? And pizza both times???) And for the five of us, the bill was only $16.21. And my youngest was still free, and this time, I had to pay for the other kids' meals as well as mine and hubby's.
What was the difference? Well, besides gagging at eating out pizza two times in 3 days, we had pop (or soda for you south-westerners and "cold drinks" for you southerners) at Pizza Hut and just water to drink at CiCi's. Hard to believe that adding 4 glasses of pop nearly DOUBLED my bill at the first place! It should have been obvious that adding pop would do that, but in reality, it's not always the case. We think that since we are going out to eat that we can "just treat ourselves the whole way". And sometimes, we should.
Remember to add in the price of a glass of pop to your bill when you are eating out. Most places these days charge upwards of $1.89 a glass. For a family of five, that adds almost $10!!! You can almost eat out again for that amount! But, in order to reach your financial goals, you may have to just drink water. It's cheaper, and better for you, anyway. Have a glass of pop when you get home. You can buy a 12 pack for $3.99 and everyone can have a glass and still have some for next time!
Better still, cut out the pop completely and save yourself an average of $200 a year on your grocery budget!*
*based on average purchase price of $3.99 a 12 pack and purchasing one 12 pack a week
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Blockage!
I never have considered myself a writer. Why, that title was for people who were smarter, more eloquent, or better at spelling and typing than I. So, why on earth do I have writer's block? Why is it that I cannot think of a single interesting thing to blog about? I have a friend who is able to blog about formulas for eating calories to lose weight, a friend that can blog about different Bible verses and what they mean to her. I even have a friend that has committed to blogging every day for 365 days!
So, I sit here, coffee in hand, trying to come up with something interesting that will intrigue my readers (both of you! :) and yet convey the things that are coming up and going on in my life. The first thing that comes to mind is the mere fact that I don't have a life! Of course, with having a life, comes the payments on it, but I digress...
So, suffice it to say, that I am happy, healthy, and somewhat normal for now. Life is on an even keel...(read:BORING!)
Maybe I should just be happy for that...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Tuesday...In Other Words
A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;
jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
Proverbs 14:30 (New Living Translation)Wow! The exact moment that this verse came to me I was "hiding" from the hustle and bustle of daily homeschooling mom's life. I had just lectured the kids again about the litter box, and how they needed to get their chores done before we could start school. "A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body"...I have been so worried about trying to be healthier with exercise, eating better, and getting the proper amount of sleep that a peaceful heart seemed to be the last thing on my mind. Studies show that we are more stressed than we were a generation ago. We don't exercise, we eat way too much junk food, fast food, highly processed, fatty foods and the advent of technology of cell phones, fax machines, internet and instant messaging has allowed us to work more and more. Is it any wonder that diabetes, heart disease, and stress related problems plague our society?It all starts with a peaceful heart. Being still and knowing that He is God. (Psalm 46:10). Take a moment today to work on that peaceful heart that only the Holy Spirit can bring you...
Monday, January 14, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Question 1
Favorite season and why? I love Fall. I love the crisp, clean air, the feeling of relief from the summer's heat. I love curling up with a cup of tea and a good book. There are so many neat things to see on a nature walk this time of year.
Question 2
How many times have you moved in your life? I have had 52 different addresses. Since I have been married (11 years), and the multiple moves, I have NEVER HAD A DRIVER'S LICENSE EXPIRE! I have gotten new ones from different states, but never had to actually keep the same one.
Question 3
What kind of chicken wings do you like? Mild, medium, hot, or singe your eyebrows off hot? I like the mild, honey or Parmesan cheese ones.
Question 4
Which is worse? Shopping for Jeans or a bathing suit? I don't like either one, actually...but I would rather shop for jeans vs. bathing suits.
Question 5
What is your favorite kind of pizza? Must have a sausage and onion one from Papa John's.
Bonus Questions
Question 6
What is your favorite book of the Bible and why? I love the book of Ruth. She is a woman that I really can admire. Her strength and character in the midst of turmoil make her my "hero"
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Coupons, coupons, coupons
to the tune of "I've Been Working on the Railroad"
I've been clippin' all my coupons,
All the live-long day...
I've been clippin' all my coupons,
just to stash some cash away.
Single, double, triple coupons,
that stretch my budget a mile.
I have saved so much money,
that now I wear a smile!
A homeschooling mom has nothing to lose by using coupons but she has lots to gain with the money saved. I worked with another lady who was as addicted to coupons as I was. We would compare sales slips from grocery stores to see who had saved the most. I once got $200 worth of groceries for only $65...no joke! I happened to win that week...
To view the rest, visit me at The Heart of the Matter
Monday, January 7, 2008
Choices
I have never been a big believer in Murphy's Law. I don't believe that things happen due to chance, or coincidence. I believe that God's Master Plan is always at work. Sure, people do things outside His will, but it's not chance, it's choice. How we respond to others is a choice.
I am learning forgiveness. And since I have asked God to help me, He didn't just give me "magic" powers to forgive...I have opportunities to forgive placed in my path. What I do with that is choice.
This past weekend is a prime example. We live in the heart of Amish country. Horse and buggies everywhere. As a matter of fact, we have a hitching post for horses about 10 yards off of our backyard. That is for anyone who is going to the bank, or downtown to eat. Well, Saturday, someone had their horse hitched up. And they left, as usual to do business. Somehow, the horse managed to get loose and got spooked. It ran through our yard, dragging the buggy with it. Over the sandbox, around the playhouse and through our driveway. Since it's a small passage between our driveway and our neighbor's house, it shouldn't surprise anyone that our van was a victim. The front quarter panel is all pushed back, and I am unable to open the driver's side door. The side of the van is all dented in and scratched up. Estimates are around $3,000 for damage.
Why do I need to forgive? Simple. No one knows who the horse and buggy belonged to. All we had to go on was the tracks from the buggy from the hitching post through our yard, across the street, in the neighbor's yard and down the alley. Praise God for the snow!
It pains me that we are paying for someone else's carelessness. But, really, is the anger worth it? I mean, it's just a thing. And since no one was hurt, I shouldn't be angry. I should just be grateful that the kids weren't outside playing when this happened. But, maybe God is wanting to find out my heart. Maybe He has placed this before me to help me realize where my priorities lie. Should it be all caught up in things, or is my strength in Him? Am I looking to Him for my needs, or am I relying on what I can do?
I know that the van will be fixed, and that once the fence in the backyard is finished, this won't happen again. So, holding bitterness against someone that I don't even know is not worth it. I CHOOSE to forgive, and I CHOOSE to let it go.
Friday, January 4, 2008
FOR SALE
One slightly used death-trap, er...elliptical machine. Has several levels of torture available and can be used by anyone maniacle enough to believe that it's healthy. Pick up ASAP would be appreciated. Phone calls will not be answered due to current owner's inability to pick up the phone or move at all.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Are You Organizationally Challenged?
If you are anything like me, you are organizationally challenged. You walk into your home office or computer area, and you can't find anything. I have tried and tried with all my might to organize myself. It's not easy with 3 kids who are homeschooled and at home all the time. My husband is also a self-proclaimed pack rat.
If one of your New Year's Resolutions is to get more organized, then take heart. This is the year to do it! I know that you can! If you don't know where to start, the Flylady is a good place. I have used her methods at cleaning and organizing for some time now and I am really starting to see the difference.
Don't believe me? Try "shining your sink" for a week and doing the dishes every night. These two little steps will save you money! How? Well, if you don't have to deal with 2 days worth of dishes in your sink, it'll be easier to cook your family a meal instead of going out to eat.
Going forward, the babysteps that are laid out for you are easy to follow, and you will find a place to put your mail, keys, coat, and purse. Your late fees will begin to disappear since you know where your bills are and you pay them on time, you will no longer have to make 7 copies of your keys every month since you won't be losing them, and you will always know where your purse and coat are.
That is money in the bank, my friend! And all her advice is FREE...another reason to look at it. Can't get much cheaper than that! I would encourage you to look into her system and see if it can't make a difference in your budget as well as your organization!
The Homeschooler's 23rd Psalm
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
My New Year's Resolutions
Yeah, I know that I should have posted these yesterday, however, my Mid-evil torture device left me with jello-like arms and legs and I could barely lift my arms, let alone type...
I resolve this year to:
- Stop comparing myself to other homeschoolers, mothers, wives, and bloggers to see if I "measure up" to their standards
- Stop berating myself for making mistakes and realize that without mistakes, there can be no learning
- Stop berating myself for having fears and realize that without fear, there can be no courage
- Remember that every man, woman, and child that I meet is someone that Jesus loves enough to know the number of hairs they have on their heads
- Stop offering unsolicited advice
- Stop complaining over my daughter growing up, and enjoy the beautiful young lady that she is becoming
- Stop worrying that my sons are not going to need me someday, and to revel in this moment that I have with them
- Give God my best, and leave the results up to Him
