Alright, so I'm taking a little break from posting pictures because well, it takes a long time and gets a little boring. But there will be more pictures posted today if not tomorrow. So keep a look out grandparents and family and of course friends!
I'm not sure I coupon like most couponers. Frist of all I'm not in the Extreme Couponing league. I only coupon what my family eats and uses as well or are willing to try for a good price. So I don't clip hair dye, makeup, or all bath and kitchen product coupons, etc. Maybe that's a big no no in couponing but I don't do that. Couponing already takes time and I'm mostly interested in obtaining only what we use.
So for those of you who want to start couponing, this is my take on it and what I do and how I got started. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
1) Don't stress!!! It takes time. And don't overwhelm yourself because then you'll be more than likely to quit.
2) Read blogs and articles on couponing. For me a big motivator was watching Extreme Couponing on TLC. I literally felt ill in my stomach watching them buy hundreds and even thousands of dollars on food and other things and only turn around and pay nickels and dimes (well if in the thousands range maybe $100- $150). Sometimes, I even saw episodes where they profited $50 dollars in a gift card. Yowzers!
3)Coupons are found everywhere!!!!! Best source is your Sunday paper. You can even get a special where you get 5 papers on Sundays. In the Sunday paper you'll get coupon booklets from Smartsource, Redplum and P&G Saver. BUT, don't forget the internet!!!! I'll leave this for #4
4)Coupons from the internet! If you use a product, go to their website and look for promotions and offers! If you join their mailing list they'll email you with savings! It's so easy and that will save you on things you buy anyways.
5)If your budget is tight and you want to start building a stockpile in your home, then this is a simple way to start. Save money by couponing what you use, then take the extra savings and apply it to couponing products on sale. Matching a SALE with a COUPON is BIG! That's where the savings is!
- Example: Sale on shampoo/conditioner-- Regular price $2.99 each. Sale price half off $1.50 each, add a coupon for $0.75, now your getting the shampoo for $0.75 each instead of $3!!! If this were me, and I usually buy two bottles at $6, I would now apply my savings to a stock pile. Now that I'm only spending $1.50 on both bottles, I'll go ahead and buy 8 bottles, using 8 coupons(4 shampoo/4 condtioner) and spend my normal $6. Walah! Now you don't have to buy shampoo for a few trips and you take that $6 you'd normally spend on the next few trips to buy shampoo and start a stockpile on other items. I started with deoderant. Funny as that sounds that's where my savings started. Then once I had a surplus, I moved on to shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, toothpaste, etc.
6)Coupon websites!!!! Use them! I personally LOVE coupons.com. You can print up to 2 coupons per computer. There are many more sites, but this is one I use a lot. I have memberships to a lot, but I can't think of them off the top of my head. They email me, so I don't have to navigate to their websites anymore. Now all you have to do is check your email. You don't even have to scout for them anymore!
7a)Watch the sales ads! I watch ads from 5 grocery stores in my area. I compare prices and where I can get the best deals. Sometimes I'll only two stores on shopping day. Other times I hit all of them. It just depends. I usually get some of the ads in the Sunday paper, and then I look the others up online at the stores site. Maceys and Smith's Marketplace have their ads posted Tuesday evenings or sometimes you have to wait untill Wednesday morning. What I love about their sites is that you can make a grocery list using their site and print it off.
7b)smiths Marketplace has e-coupons. So if you have a loyalty card, you can load coupons from the website to your card and it's ready to use when you go to the store-- give it an hour to process through completely. I like this, but I hate it and let me tell you why. Like because it's a coupon!!! And I've gotten FREE things with this because they sometimes have a GET ONE FREE deal with no purchase necessary. Hate it Because you only get to use the coupon once. I like having a lot of coupons and being able to buy a lot. With this you only have one coupon. But I'll take any savings on diapers and such. And sometimes their coupons is the same a a paper coupon I have. So if I have 10 paper coupons, I'll be able to go to Smiths and buy 11, since I have an e-coupon as well. It's a great tool! Use it!
8)Save coupons! Watch expiration dates and watch the ads so you can match the coupon to the best sale.
9)Don't be afraid to NOT use a coupon. Yes, I mean that.... If there's not a sale, don't sweat it. Sometimes using a coupon just because you have a coupon can be costly to your budget. of course if you buy that product anyways and you need it, use the coupon. I'm talking about buying something you don't use or need just because you have a coupon for it. So, just because you have a coupon doesn't mean you have to use it.
10)when I cut my coupons, I pile the same page of the coupon ad together and clip all the same ones at the same times. I use to paperclip them together but that just gave me heartache in organizing them when I pulled one out or if came undone. So now I leave a little extra edge of paper on the coupons when I clip them and then staple the stack of the same coupons together! World of difference! Now all of the same coupons are bundled and I have a mini booklet for them. If you do this, be sure to leave an extra edge so you don't actually staple the coupon itself and rip it when you take a coupon off.
11)Use a binder to store your coupons, or an accordian file. Most of everyone uses binders with photo sheets in them and they can see all of their coupons with a flip of a page. That's too expensive for me... I use an old accordian folder I have with 12 pockets and I've labeled them accordingly. Snacks, Kids, Fridge Goods, Frozen Goods, etc. And then I have a carry case I also store coupons in. I'll explain more in a minute.
12)I use the binder for all my coupons! But I use the carry case for all the coupons I'll be using on my shopping trip. After I've gone through the ads and know what I'll be buying I take the coupons I need out of the accordian folder and put it into my carry case. Why? Because it saves me time and I don't have to search for it in the store. However, I still bring my accordian folder with me just in case I missed a coupon and didn't pull it out, or I see a sale that wasn't advertised and then I can easily find that coupon for the sale. This system works for me. This part is very personal and really just has to do with how you keep organized best.
13)Email sites for coupons! Write them letters! I hear that this can really score you big. I have yet to do this... Time is of an essence and I haven't tried this yet.
14)Facebook has coupons! Yes folks! Search for products there! Like the pages of products and a lot of the time they'll have printable coupons!!! I got a free bottle of Herbal Essence this way.
15)Restaurant Coupons! If you want to eat out, check and see what coupons are available to you! Check the promotions on their website or search for restaurant deals. Groupon.com and Coupons.com have local restaurant deals. My favorite one I've joined so far, Pretzelmaker.com. For joining we got a buy 1 get 1 Free. I had Jason join too! I do this alot.... :D And we recently got more email coupons from them. Love it! In fact we're headed to pretzelmaker in the mall again this week!
16)BOGO. Buy One Get One FREE! This is also great to combine with a coupon! It's just like half off!
17)If you can, go to the stores and scout it out before you go shopping. Not all sales are advertised. Bring a pen and paper. How I wish I could do this. But we live 30 minutes away from most of my shopping destinations not to mention my kids would hate this... So I rely wholly on ads.
18)Be focused on your shopping trip. Watch for deals. Maybe you planned on using a coupons for one particular fruit snack, and you get to the store and find out there's a better sale on another brand even without using your coupon. Bag the coupons for the fruit snacks and score the sale deal instead! Saving money is key.
19)Think ahead. Maybe you don't need deoderant or soap right now... but there's an amazing sale and you've got coupons..... Use it! Especially if it's a savings of 50% or more!! Be flexible in what you buy with coupons to benefit you in the longrun.
20)Watch the REGISTER! Make sure everything is going through priced correctly and that your coupons are scanning!!!!
21)This doesn't happen often, but sometimes there is a limit of how many coupons you can use of the same kind. Or the store has a limit (I haven't ran into the store problem, but I've seen it on TV). For the coupon limit it's usually 4 of the same kind. So, ask if you can do separate transactions and split them up. Or bring someone else with you. Or go back to the store again. One lady said she would load her groceries in the car, and then go back in again. LOL
22)Don't go crazy with coupons! This goes back to tip #9. You can go completely the other way and instead of saving money, overspend. So be serious, and watch what you're putting in the cart. Be realistic.
23)Now that you've got your goods and lots of it, organize it and mark expiration dates so that you can view them better. There's no use in a stockpile if your goods are all bad.
24)I forgot to mention this, but with Smith's Marketplace and having membership and a loyalty card there are benefits! As in cash reward, they mail you money vouchers, or you get fuel rewards. Every time you swipe your membership card when you pay, you get points added. As you walk around the store, there are things marked as double points. Also, I belive prescription drugs at their pharmacy also scroes double points. Check out their website if you have a Smith's near you and look at the reward options and thieir e-coupon set up. www.smithsfoodanddrug.com
Other Benefits to Couponing~ other than the obvious of saving money.
1)There comes a peace of mind with having a stockpile. It helps me to know I have the means to feed and care for my family if money were tight. We have groceries in the house no matter what for a good period of time.
2)My kids are learning at an early age the value of a buck, or a penny in this case. Cents add up.
3)Being able to give to others. We have a lot of some food items and so I feel that my family is able to give to individuals in our community who do not have as much.
4)I think it's important for kids to feel secure in food. I've heard stories of kids going hungry and not having food in the house and how it really hurts them mentally as well as physically. Security in food for kids, to know that they have it when they want it or need it is big. Even when money has been tight in our family, sacrificing our food budget has NEVER been an option. Or limiting what our kids eat or snack on is not something Jason and I have done. We've made our cuts elsewhere or woked more hours to provide.
5)Flexibility! I don't know about you but have you ever felt your budget was limiting you? We have a $230 budget every two weeks, or $460 a month I need to stick to, so before couponing I felt extremely restricted. Expecially with prices the way they are today. And it's still climbing... Since I've started couping, there is now flexibility with my shopping. I don't have to buy shampoo, conditioner, toothepaste, toothbrushes, femanine products, paper towels, fruit snacks, cereal, and etc for a LONG time, so I have extra money to build my stockpile with. And now I don't feel restricted. This is an amzing feeling!
6)And it's plain fun for me to coupon! It satisfies my want to go crazy shopping and grab tons of stuff. :) And it's fun to see the savings and see what we take home from the trip.
So, go on! Start couponing! Start slow or hit it fast, but don't get overwhelmed. And it takes about a month to get into the groove of things. So hang on. Hope this helps! It's my little coupon journey. Smile! You're saving money!!!
Saving Money 101~ Viator Way
Obviously you're reading this if you want to save money. Couponing is not the only way. So here is more tips regarding savings. Don't worry this won't be a novel like it is up there, just some brief notes.
1)Look at your expenses. Do you eat out a lot? Do you set a budget for yourself or your family? Make cuts where needed. Pack a lunch instead of buying. Occasionally treat yourself of course (using a coupon). Life is dull without perks!
2)Cut cable expenses. Look at your cell phone plan. Are you paying to much or paying for services you don't use?
3)This is a BIG ONE~~ If you're buying a house, buy at the BOTTOM of your budget!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do not buy at the top! That's insane and you'll regret it! It's basically maxed you out on what you have available to spend monthly and saying that you can pay that to your mortgage. You're broke! Will that leave you with money for emergencies? Repairs? When you own a house you are the landlord. If the furnace, water heater or fridge cut out on you, well, there's no one to call to take care of the bill.
4)I hate hearing this... But I see and hear it a lot... We'll have kids after we buy a house big enough for one. So what happens is this, couple buys a house on two incomes, they can afford it right now, with two incomes. But what happens when they have kids? Is it still going to be two incomes? The mortgage was set up with earnings of two incomes and what they could afford. And even if Mom and Dad continue to work there are now medical bills, child care bills, upgrading to a family insurance plan costs more money, and if you don't have insurance, each wellness check/immunization visit is going to cost you at least $100 and more if your getting shots (and there are a ton of them the first two years). The cost of caring for a baby in general~ formula a diapers are EXPENSIVE!!!!! A can of formula is $22- 27 dollars in the lower range. And you can't just buy different brands that come on sale. You have to stick to the same one once you start, because babies have sensitive stomachs. And at 11 months old, one can would last Lily 3 days. We were on WIC and they gave us 7 cans a month, but towards the last three months we were spending $150- $180 on Similac formula. Do the math. I get irritated with this comment of waiting to have kids until I have this or do this... For Jason and I it worked out best to have two kids then buy a home. We already knew the expenses of having kids and are already paying for their care. So we didn't get into a huge, nice house but we got into one we could afford. So that is my spill on buying a home. Be realistic. Honestly, kids cost more than parents in my opinion. Kids have helped us save money. I really mean that. And have blessed us significantly!
5)Live within your means. If you don't have the money don't buy it. As in new clothes, and I-Pod, things that you dont' need but more so want.
6)Credit cards are BAD! It's not your money! It's someone else and they are charging you interest! Have one credit card for emergencies. Emergencies!!!! ONLY!
7)Take good care of what you have.
8)Go to free entertainment when possible. The fair that came into town was fun for the kids, the animals, parades, fireworks. FREE of Charge! My kids did want a Navajo taco at the fair, but they were like $5 each and I dont' carry cash. So I went home and made it for them within 20 minutes. Hmmmm..... 2 cups flour, 1 cup milk, salt, baking powder oil.... I made like 15 for less than $5 for sure. Don't get me wrond, I do buy my kids stuff and heavens we do take them to eat out 2-4 times a month. But I teach them the value of money this way and show them, look! We made our own, got a lot more for it and saved tons of money!
These are just tips and what not. They work for my family and maybe they can help yours as well! Take care!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Yard Improvement
We haven't really done anything significant to our yard and lawn, but I think it looks amazing compared to when we first moved in last year. I think we've simply maintained it and Jason has cut off a lot of limbs from the trees so you can actually see the house now. Before, if seemed like you could barely see the front door. Cutting the branches has made a huge difference. We got a swing set for the kids and a little trampoline and it's been a great place for them to play. We keep our back gate locked up so it's nice to know they are safe when they play. Also, there are two mature trees in the back as well as out front so we are nice and shaded in the summer months. I'd really like to get a picnic table so hopefully we'll have one by next summer. So far, it's been really nice to have firepit to roast marshmallows and hotdogs. With a picnic table and a new grill the possibilities would be endless for fun at our house!
I hope that we can do some real landscaping in the future. Maybe some flowers, herbs and bushes. Next year we do plan on gardening and if you look in the backyard photo's we have a great garden area in the back behind the white fence. We're both learning as we go and we have a lot to learn. But we love having a house and making improvements in and out!!
April to Early July Pictures
Here are some of my favorite pictures taken from April to early July this last year. Mostly, the kids are just playing around in the backyard and around the house. They both look so much younger than they do now. It's crazy because I don't see the changes where I see them everyday, but it's so evident in the pictures. Kyle has gotten a lot taller. You'll notice that his brown pants are rolled up a ton in the pictures, but now I don't have to roll them up anymore. I also included some puictures of our dog Jasmine. She's a beautiful Red Heeler and we love her and she seems to enjoy living with us. Enjoy!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Franklin County Fair
The fair was just this last weekend and so these are the most recent pics I have of the kids taken on Thursday of the fair. They loved the fair!!! They saw cows, pigs, horses, sheep, rabbits and all types of different chickens. It was a completely new experience for me. I will say that much. Would I have been there if I didn't have kids?? The answer would clearly be NO!!!! Heck NO! Walking in muck and mud and stuff like that isn't me. But the kids loved it. It was a first time for all of us to see all those animals up close. When a pig did #2 just two feet infront of me... I had to turn my head away. But there I was surrounded by people raised in the country, (as am I partially-- but I never adapted to it)and I bet I looked pretty silly. It was fun though-- for the kids. Will we go back next year? Most certainly! We went back again on Saturday and that time the Car Show was there. That was more my thing, walking in the grass looking at all types of cars old and new and all classics. I love the old ones best!
Kyle's Birthday- May 2011
I'm soooo behind on pictures!! But here are some from Kyle's 2nd birthday this last May. We had a Buzz Lightyear party. I should of taken pictures of my party favors but I didn't... Dang it! and more pictures of the party... Again, dang it! I always get so busy hosting. It was great though! It did however rain right after Jason and I got the backyard all set up and looking nice, so we just cozied tigether in the house. Kyle loved his birthday! He loved all the presents and got a Buzz Lightyear, Woody on RC, Slinky Dog, Stoy Story Alien and many more toys! What fun it was!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Smile! You're Saving Money
I'm getting better at this posting thing! In fact I feel a little bad if I don't post something weekly!
Last week was a super successful shopping/couponing trip! I hit 4 grocery stores and spent $230! At Smith's Marketplace alone, I watched the bill go from $260 down to $125! Yippee!!! I love couponing! Some of my spoils included:
10 boxes of toaster strudels
18 chex mix
8 Bugel snack bags
8 boxes of Betty Crocker
gushers, fruit by the foot, fruit roll-up
6 gallons of milk
8 loaves of bread
6 lbs. of chicken breast
7 packs of Yoplait yogurt delights
1 pack of trix yogurt
2 lbs. fresh deli turkey meat
2 40 oz. boxes of Bisquick pancake mix
12 cans Progresso soup
15 cans tuna
6 boxes of Texas Toast ciabatta bread or
cheesy bread sticks
24 rolls of toilet paper
And of course there were other things like diapers, cooking oil, croissants, fresh fruits and vegetables, paper towels.... to name a few more, It was just so fun to reap the rewards of couponing!
In our home, we currently have an abundance in cereal, around 40+ boxes, paper towels, toilet paper, Fabreze, laundry detergent, bbq sauce, Chex, toothpaste, deodorant, pancake mix, fruit snacks, tuna, frozen chicken, salt, ketchup, sugar and I can't think of the rest......
Our family eats better with couponing. Not to mention we eat a wider variety of foods because we're always trying new stuff. Some of the things were hooked on now is Silk soy based milk-- vanilla and chocolate flavor. I love this stuff because it's loaded with a lot of vitamins and has 50% more calcium than regular milk. We also can never go back to regular potato chips or Dorito's. We've fallen for kettle baked potato chips-- any brand really as long as it's kettle cooked.
In more news, out home is getting more and more energy efficient! I guess it all started with the purchase of a brand new refrigerator a few months ago when our old one checked out. But we had Right Now Heating and Cooling in Idaho install a water heater, heat pump, and power box this last weekend. Now what is a heat pump? A power box, well, I'll give you my own definitions then I'll post some links...
Heat pump-- it is a secondary source of heat. Not to be used as main source or backup, just works with your furnace to distribute heat evenly in the home and more efficiently. Instead of your furnace working 100% of the time. It only works 25% of the time and the heat pump works 75% of the time. And it's more efficient and costs less than running the furnace by a long shot. There are some limitations, like if it gets below 40 degrees then we need to turn it off and switch over to the furnace completely. Also, this cost's more than an air conditioner. I called a company in Logan we did work with a few months ago just to get an idea of how much it would cost us to go with them and I was quoted 8- 10 grand. Ouch! We paid a little over $6,000. Now for the air conditioner bit. the heat pump doubles as an AC in the warmer months. It turns on reverse and is now airconditioning! It cost's roughly 13 cents to run an hour vs. our window unit that was least 65 cents an hour.
We were going to replace the furnace and add an AC unit, but this was better for us in the long run. Plus our furnace is actually newer and top of the line models so we didn't need to replace it. A heat pump is pretty cool. So, check it out!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_pump
What is a power box? It's a device that stores electricity instead of sending unused electricity back to the power line-- then you repurchasing it again when you turn something else on. Basically, when you uses something in your home, you get electricity and there is always unused amounts of it. Instead of sending it back to the power line because you've purchased and paid for it already, it saves it in the power box for you to use again. so you're not paying for electricity twice. This little baby cost us $800. But it's soooo cool and it's Jason's favorite. I think he checked out of the heating and cooling conversation when he heard power box and wanted that more than an AC when he first heard our agent telling us about it. Here is a link:
http://www.usaveonelectric.com/
Those are the best links I could find. If you are interested, and you live in Idaho or Utah (they are currently working on certifying in Utah) contact Right Now Heating and Cooling. We paid a little over 6 grand, but that included an FREE energy saver water heater, and we ended up getting the power box free too. They saved us 4 grand based on my one price comparison with one of Cache Valleys well known heating and cooling companies. How? I'm not quite sure, but I know that they own all there equipment so a lease can never be put on your home my the manufacturer of the AC, furnace, water heater for the company not paying them. The one technician said his boss orders so much he gets it discounted and he just has soooo many jobs. Don't forget to pitch my name out there if you call them and they do work for you! You know me, I love freebies! And they have a referral program. Thanks a ton in advance!
http://www.rightnowheatcool.com/
I hope you enjoy some of our money saving tips from the Viator Home. Also, believe me, this adds value to your home. We figure we can add on somewhere between 10-12 grand on resale value. Because we got the heat pump at a discounted price with their special and basically $1800 FREE from power box and water heater, we easily get our money back at resale of the home. Not to mention and then some.
Links did not work, so copy and paste it in your URL.
Last week was a super successful shopping/couponing trip! I hit 4 grocery stores and spent $230! At Smith's Marketplace alone, I watched the bill go from $260 down to $125! Yippee!!! I love couponing! Some of my spoils included:
10 boxes of toaster strudels
18 chex mix
8 Bugel snack bags
8 boxes of Betty Crocker
gushers, fruit by the foot, fruit roll-up
6 gallons of milk
8 loaves of bread
6 lbs. of chicken breast
7 packs of Yoplait yogurt delights
1 pack of trix yogurt
2 lbs. fresh deli turkey meat
2 40 oz. boxes of Bisquick pancake mix
12 cans Progresso soup
15 cans tuna
6 boxes of Texas Toast ciabatta bread or
cheesy bread sticks
24 rolls of toilet paper
And of course there were other things like diapers, cooking oil, croissants, fresh fruits and vegetables, paper towels.... to name a few more, It was just so fun to reap the rewards of couponing!
In our home, we currently have an abundance in cereal, around 40+ boxes, paper towels, toilet paper, Fabreze, laundry detergent, bbq sauce, Chex, toothpaste, deodorant, pancake mix, fruit snacks, tuna, frozen chicken, salt, ketchup, sugar and I can't think of the rest......
Our family eats better with couponing. Not to mention we eat a wider variety of foods because we're always trying new stuff. Some of the things were hooked on now is Silk soy based milk-- vanilla and chocolate flavor. I love this stuff because it's loaded with a lot of vitamins and has 50% more calcium than regular milk. We also can never go back to regular potato chips or Dorito's. We've fallen for kettle baked potato chips-- any brand really as long as it's kettle cooked.
In more news, out home is getting more and more energy efficient! I guess it all started with the purchase of a brand new refrigerator a few months ago when our old one checked out. But we had Right Now Heating and Cooling in Idaho install a water heater, heat pump, and power box this last weekend. Now what is a heat pump? A power box, well, I'll give you my own definitions then I'll post some links...
Heat pump-- it is a secondary source of heat. Not to be used as main source or backup, just works with your furnace to distribute heat evenly in the home and more efficiently. Instead of your furnace working 100% of the time. It only works 25% of the time and the heat pump works 75% of the time. And it's more efficient and costs less than running the furnace by a long shot. There are some limitations, like if it gets below 40 degrees then we need to turn it off and switch over to the furnace completely. Also, this cost's more than an air conditioner. I called a company in Logan we did work with a few months ago just to get an idea of how much it would cost us to go with them and I was quoted 8- 10 grand. Ouch! We paid a little over $6,000. Now for the air conditioner bit. the heat pump doubles as an AC in the warmer months. It turns on reverse and is now airconditioning! It cost's roughly 13 cents to run an hour vs. our window unit that was least 65 cents an hour.
We were going to replace the furnace and add an AC unit, but this was better for us in the long run. Plus our furnace is actually newer and top of the line models so we didn't need to replace it. A heat pump is pretty cool. So, check it out!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_pump
What is a power box? It's a device that stores electricity instead of sending unused electricity back to the power line-- then you repurchasing it again when you turn something else on. Basically, when you uses something in your home, you get electricity and there is always unused amounts of it. Instead of sending it back to the power line because you've purchased and paid for it already, it saves it in the power box for you to use again. so you're not paying for electricity twice. This little baby cost us $800. But it's soooo cool and it's Jason's favorite. I think he checked out of the heating and cooling conversation when he heard power box and wanted that more than an AC when he first heard our agent telling us about it. Here is a link:
http://www.usaveonelectric.com/
Those are the best links I could find. If you are interested, and you live in Idaho or Utah (they are currently working on certifying in Utah) contact Right Now Heating and Cooling. We paid a little over 6 grand, but that included an FREE energy saver water heater, and we ended up getting the power box free too. They saved us 4 grand based on my one price comparison with one of Cache Valleys well known heating and cooling companies. How? I'm not quite sure, but I know that they own all there equipment so a lease can never be put on your home my the manufacturer of the AC, furnace, water heater for the company not paying them. The one technician said his boss orders so much he gets it discounted and he just has soooo many jobs. Don't forget to pitch my name out there if you call them and they do work for you! You know me, I love freebies! And they have a referral program. Thanks a ton in advance!
http://www.rightnowheatcool.com/
I hope you enjoy some of our money saving tips from the Viator Home. Also, believe me, this adds value to your home. We figure we can add on somewhere between 10-12 grand on resale value. Because we got the heat pump at a discounted price with their special and basically $1800 FREE from power box and water heater, we easily get our money back at resale of the home. Not to mention and then some.
Links did not work, so copy and paste it in your URL.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Charity and A Jar of Apples
Tonight is one of those nights I cannot sleep! And I would truly LOVE to be asleep right now-- believe me! But I'm not, so I might as well make the most of it. So I'll share something that has been on my mind for some time yet. I'm not sure how organized I have my thoughts but I'll give it a shot anyways.
Again the topic is- My Kids! I have to wonder sometimes if I'm doing a good job being their mom. And most the time I tell myself that because I wonder it so much I must be doing a decent job of it... I hope that makes sense. There is just so much that I want to teach my kids and instill in them that it scares me to think that I might be forgetting something, or not putting enough emphasis on some things as I should. The Gospel is important to me and I hope they see and feel that. Education is important to me. Keeping a clean home, cooking meals, family time... the list goes on and on. One of the things that I have felt a need to teach them lately is charity. I don't think there is a respectful age to teach that and I think the earlier the better.
There is an older gentleman in our ward and he is extremely well educated but socially awkward-- a genius... And I noticed him a few months ago shortly after he moved in. He dresses humbly and lives alone, doesn't talk much and seems to like to keep to himself. When I first saw him he struck me as someone who was so alone and I didn't even know how to approach him. I also wondered about his welfare and if he had the means to feed himself. I felt strongly that my family needed to reach out to him and share some of the things that we had excess of (thanks to couponing, I can do this). So the kids and I went over one day and gave him a few bags of groceries. I was afraid he could of been offended, but I braved it and I was scared. But he took it graciously and offered that we come back and pick apples from his apple tree when they ripened. Now, I know the church has resources t help those in need, so I did contact a member of my bishopric and they are looking after him. Because I could not continue providing groceries on a regular basis. So there is a little bit of background there. To make a long story short, the other day the kids and I walked past this older man's home on one of our strolls and I noticed a Free Apples sign. A few days later our whole family, Jasmine our dog included, went over to pick some apples. Again I brought some groceries with me as a gift and thank you for apples. The kids thought it was so great to pick apples from the tree. They had never had that experience before and were so excited.
When we knocked on this man's door the first time, there had been no answer, so I left the groceries on the front steps and we went and picked some apples. After we finished, I went and knocked on the door again. This time he came to the door and I thanked him for the apples. He told me to pick as many as we wanted and to come back again. I found out they were baking apples and he told me a few things that I could do we them. I handed him the groceries and again he took it willingly and so I felt encouraged that it was the right thing to do. But this time, something else happened. It was a split moment feeling, and it was gone before I knew it. He turned away from me and said he had something for us. When he came back, it was a large jar of preserved apples. It didn't look clean. I'm not going to lie, it's not something I would of trusted to eat or give to my kids, but it was touching all the same. Here was a man who is a loner, socially awkward, but very gentle giving me and my family something that meant a lot to him- something he had spent time preparing and preserving. For all I know, perhaps that was all he had in his home, apples?? I felt in that moment we (my family) were shown the greater of the charity offerings. A jar of apples, and the gentle, kind spirit of a man who was terrified to reach out but did. In that one moment he turned away, I saw excitement in him, a need for him to share with us. I want to say that this is the start of a beautiful friendship. But I don't know that... I think it'll always be this way a little give and take between my family and this grandpa of a man. But he has found a place in my heart and I feel responsible to look out for him a little.
Lily asked me, "Mommy, why did we give that man our food?" And I told her, "Because we share what we have with others." On the walk home, Lily kept on insisting she carry the bag of apples or the jar. And Kyle had fun throwing an apple and picking it up again all the way home. My family walked away with so much more than just apples that day. I'm not sure I've written my thoughts down correctly. It's really hard to put into words.
When we got home, I washed some of the apples, sliced them up and placed them in a baking dish with butter, oatmeal, cinnamon, and sugar. It was delish! And it was a nice way to end that day for my family.
Again the topic is- My Kids! I have to wonder sometimes if I'm doing a good job being their mom. And most the time I tell myself that because I wonder it so much I must be doing a decent job of it... I hope that makes sense. There is just so much that I want to teach my kids and instill in them that it scares me to think that I might be forgetting something, or not putting enough emphasis on some things as I should. The Gospel is important to me and I hope they see and feel that. Education is important to me. Keeping a clean home, cooking meals, family time... the list goes on and on. One of the things that I have felt a need to teach them lately is charity. I don't think there is a respectful age to teach that and I think the earlier the better.
There is an older gentleman in our ward and he is extremely well educated but socially awkward-- a genius... And I noticed him a few months ago shortly after he moved in. He dresses humbly and lives alone, doesn't talk much and seems to like to keep to himself. When I first saw him he struck me as someone who was so alone and I didn't even know how to approach him. I also wondered about his welfare and if he had the means to feed himself. I felt strongly that my family needed to reach out to him and share some of the things that we had excess of (thanks to couponing, I can do this). So the kids and I went over one day and gave him a few bags of groceries. I was afraid he could of been offended, but I braved it and I was scared. But he took it graciously and offered that we come back and pick apples from his apple tree when they ripened. Now, I know the church has resources t help those in need, so I did contact a member of my bishopric and they are looking after him. Because I could not continue providing groceries on a regular basis. So there is a little bit of background there. To make a long story short, the other day the kids and I walked past this older man's home on one of our strolls and I noticed a Free Apples sign. A few days later our whole family, Jasmine our dog included, went over to pick some apples. Again I brought some groceries with me as a gift and thank you for apples. The kids thought it was so great to pick apples from the tree. They had never had that experience before and were so excited.
When we knocked on this man's door the first time, there had been no answer, so I left the groceries on the front steps and we went and picked some apples. After we finished, I went and knocked on the door again. This time he came to the door and I thanked him for the apples. He told me to pick as many as we wanted and to come back again. I found out they were baking apples and he told me a few things that I could do we them. I handed him the groceries and again he took it willingly and so I felt encouraged that it was the right thing to do. But this time, something else happened. It was a split moment feeling, and it was gone before I knew it. He turned away from me and said he had something for us. When he came back, it was a large jar of preserved apples. It didn't look clean. I'm not going to lie, it's not something I would of trusted to eat or give to my kids, but it was touching all the same. Here was a man who is a loner, socially awkward, but very gentle giving me and my family something that meant a lot to him- something he had spent time preparing and preserving. For all I know, perhaps that was all he had in his home, apples?? I felt in that moment we (my family) were shown the greater of the charity offerings. A jar of apples, and the gentle, kind spirit of a man who was terrified to reach out but did. In that one moment he turned away, I saw excitement in him, a need for him to share with us. I want to say that this is the start of a beautiful friendship. But I don't know that... I think it'll always be this way a little give and take between my family and this grandpa of a man. But he has found a place in my heart and I feel responsible to look out for him a little.
Lily asked me, "Mommy, why did we give that man our food?" And I told her, "Because we share what we have with others." On the walk home, Lily kept on insisting she carry the bag of apples or the jar. And Kyle had fun throwing an apple and picking it up again all the way home. My family walked away with so much more than just apples that day. I'm not sure I've written my thoughts down correctly. It's really hard to put into words.
When we got home, I washed some of the apples, sliced them up and placed them in a baking dish with butter, oatmeal, cinnamon, and sugar. It was delish! And it was a nice way to end that day for my family.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Summer Fun
This last weekend was The Famous Preston Night Rodeo bonanza! For three whole days, starting on Thursday there was the parade, rodeo and carnival! And we live just a block from the fairgrounds and two blocks from main street so we got to enjoy it all without having to venture out of our yard really. It was soooo much fun! We were all so worn out and exhausted but it was oh so worth it! The parade was really fun for the kids! They loved catching candy and I must say for a 2 and 3 year old they did pretty good! Three nights and they caught 5 lbs. of candy... Yowzers! It waw like Halloween all over again! Saturdays parade was the best! Gosner from Logan even came out and was handing out flavored milk boxes! We scored 5 and felt pretty lucky! We love Gosners!!!! Yummmmm!
Next year we will try to plan better for the carnival and spend more moolah... but this week insurance on both our vehicles is due so that put a damper on a want to splurge weekend. We don't generally splurge-- Jason and I are pretty practical and responsible with our earnings, but with a carnival that comes once a year, we figure we can go a little crazy especiallly since we're not a vacationing family as of yet and what is money spent if it puts a huge smile on you childs face? For $20 te kids got to play two games, each go on a ride, and get a snow cone and bag of popcorn. Talking about the rides, Lily is so hillarious! She wanted to go on the caterpillar roller coaster ride and she was so excited, but once it started she had this complete look of terror!! The guy running the ride even stopped it to ask her if she as okay and if she wanted to get off. But she said she was having fun! I wish I had my camera! It was classic! Kyle went on a train ride. He was pretty angry that he didn't get to ride the caterpillar with Lily, so the entire time he had a scowl on his face. Jason and I made faces at him when he rode by and still he tried so hard not to smile, but eventually broke! Oh little boyfriend. He's such a little goose! I love him!
Last weekend Preston also had fireworks for Pioneer Day! That was awesome! Again it was at the fairgrounds and just so close to us that wewalk down. I recorded it on my camera and we watched it last night on our tv. Preston is a fun place to live and really quite family friendly. In two weeks the fair will be here so again more festivities! We're looking forward to seeing baby animals!
In other news, I've been making felt books for the kids with velcro pieces they can move around. It's been a lot of fun and they are turning out really cute, but it is time consuming. The kids love it and I think they'll really enjoy having it at church during sacrament. We've used sticker books and magnet books but with the felt books they got to help make it and pick out their colors so it's just that much more fun for them! I'll have topost pics when they are finished. I should post pictures soon! Period!
The kids are sure growing up! Lily starts pre-school this Fall and we're also looking into putting her in clogging. I think she'll really love that! Not to mention she'll look so darn cute in the outfits! She's such an outgoing, happy girl and I think getting her into these activities will really nurture her natural talents. Kyle is getting big and strong! I cannot believe how strong this boy is! I'm just amazed when I watch him. This kid even helps me carry groceries into the house! The other day we went to the mall and got some pretzel maker (yum!) and then we went over the play area they had there. Lily was trying to climb up onto the foam cupcakes and icecream blocks and couldnt quite make it. Kyle got up right behin her and hoisted her up like a big tough guy. Jason and I just sat there amazed.... Stunned..... Surprised. He's an awesome little brother to Lily. Always trying to help her, ask her if she's okay when she falls, and yes he's even defended her with other kids. One time a little boy and Lily weren't getting along and Lily Lily started crying. Kyle went up to her and asked her, "You okay?" Lily continued to cry and then he gave her a kiss on her head. Then I watched him go up to the boy, yell something in jibberish, pointing at him and then saying, "No! No!" Then he walked back over to Lily and sat down next to her. And vice versa... Lily also defends Kyle. If she sees another child take something from him, she'll say, "Hey, Kyle had that first! You need to give it back!" or "Be nice to my brother!" They love eachother, and having them both is wonderful. As hard and challenging raising kids can be, Jason and I wouldn't want it any other way!
Life is great! We're enjoying being able to spend time as a family. I'm not looking forward to Jason starting up at USU in the Fall again. But it's for the good of the family. For now, the kids and I are just loving having him around. He's an awesome dad and husband!
Next year we will try to plan better for the carnival and spend more moolah... but this week insurance on both our vehicles is due so that put a damper on a want to splurge weekend. We don't generally splurge-- Jason and I are pretty practical and responsible with our earnings, but with a carnival that comes once a year, we figure we can go a little crazy especiallly since we're not a vacationing family as of yet and what is money spent if it puts a huge smile on you childs face? For $20 te kids got to play two games, each go on a ride, and get a snow cone and bag of popcorn. Talking about the rides, Lily is so hillarious! She wanted to go on the caterpillar roller coaster ride and she was so excited, but once it started she had this complete look of terror!! The guy running the ride even stopped it to ask her if she as okay and if she wanted to get off. But she said she was having fun! I wish I had my camera! It was classic! Kyle went on a train ride. He was pretty angry that he didn't get to ride the caterpillar with Lily, so the entire time he had a scowl on his face. Jason and I made faces at him when he rode by and still he tried so hard not to smile, but eventually broke! Oh little boyfriend. He's such a little goose! I love him!
Last weekend Preston also had fireworks for Pioneer Day! That was awesome! Again it was at the fairgrounds and just so close to us that wewalk down. I recorded it on my camera and we watched it last night on our tv. Preston is a fun place to live and really quite family friendly. In two weeks the fair will be here so again more festivities! We're looking forward to seeing baby animals!
In other news, I've been making felt books for the kids with velcro pieces they can move around. It's been a lot of fun and they are turning out really cute, but it is time consuming. The kids love it and I think they'll really enjoy having it at church during sacrament. We've used sticker books and magnet books but with the felt books they got to help make it and pick out their colors so it's just that much more fun for them! I'll have topost pics when they are finished. I should post pictures soon! Period!
The kids are sure growing up! Lily starts pre-school this Fall and we're also looking into putting her in clogging. I think she'll really love that! Not to mention she'll look so darn cute in the outfits! She's such an outgoing, happy girl and I think getting her into these activities will really nurture her natural talents. Kyle is getting big and strong! I cannot believe how strong this boy is! I'm just amazed when I watch him. This kid even helps me carry groceries into the house! The other day we went to the mall and got some pretzel maker (yum!) and then we went over the play area they had there. Lily was trying to climb up onto the foam cupcakes and icecream blocks and couldnt quite make it. Kyle got up right behin her and hoisted her up like a big tough guy. Jason and I just sat there amazed.... Stunned..... Surprised. He's an awesome little brother to Lily. Always trying to help her, ask her if she's okay when she falls, and yes he's even defended her with other kids. One time a little boy and Lily weren't getting along and Lily Lily started crying. Kyle went up to her and asked her, "You okay?" Lily continued to cry and then he gave her a kiss on her head. Then I watched him go up to the boy, yell something in jibberish, pointing at him and then saying, "No! No!" Then he walked back over to Lily and sat down next to her. And vice versa... Lily also defends Kyle. If she sees another child take something from him, she'll say, "Hey, Kyle had that first! You need to give it back!" or "Be nice to my brother!" They love eachother, and having them both is wonderful. As hard and challenging raising kids can be, Jason and I wouldn't want it any other way!
Life is great! We're enjoying being able to spend time as a family. I'm not looking forward to Jason starting up at USU in the Fall again. But it's for the good of the family. For now, the kids and I are just loving having him around. He's an awesome dad and husband!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
