Bargain Hunting at it's finest.

During the course of this morning's excursion, we had a school meeting
for Allie and then had to register Micah for kindergarten, we passed a
flea market and I saw a 4 drawer dresser. Me and Jeff commented that
we needed to stop by on the way home. We had to do a few other things
as well.

So on our way home we forgot to stop. It's one of those things we had
been keeping in the back of our minds that if we saw a dresser that
was cheap that would work for Benji we would get it but we haven't
been searching high and low kinda deal. His clothes were in the closet
and sharing one of his brother's dressers. Not a have to rush.

Once we got home we realized that we needed to get gas for the tiller
and the mower, so we went back out and the flea market was on the way
to the gas station. So we pulled in. The 4 drawer dresser I saw was
gone. We were a little disappointed but it was okay, then our eyes
were caught by what looked like a wooden box... it was behind a big
wooden chair and boxes and junk was all over it. Jeff realized it was
a juvenile dresser with 6 drawers made of wood not cardboard. He asked
home much and the guy said it was sold.. So we said okay and went to
leave. He ran back over to us and said he would sell it to us for $10.

So, we loaded it in and brought it home. Need to clean it up real good
and all, but it's cute. I plan on re-doing the knobs with some cheap
little Hotwheels cars. The dresser is after all for Benji and he loves
cars. I will share pictures once we do that. It won't be until this
summer though when we refinish all the kids' dressers.

As you can see in the picture, Benji is proud of his soon to be dresser.

Ways to save the dough...

I have been trying to figure a way out of having to spend so much
money on gas and also simplifying our budget. It's easier said than
done, especially on our budget. Let's just say we are Trust the Lord
to be our provider. But. That does not mean we don't have to be good
stewards of what we have. We watch our pennies. We aren't perfect, but
seeing as this is gonna have to become a way of life, we are working
on perfecting it.

So... here are my thoughts and what we have done....

1. Plan out meals and by as much as possible in one trip. this works
best if you sit down and plan out what you and your family are eating
at least two weeks out. Include extras. Trust me... You always need
extras. Plan it so you can use Mondays left overs in Tuesdays
dinner... that way you get more bang for the buck.

2. If you have a grill, cook outside. With the temperatures up (at
least this week) it is more economical to cook outside. For us it is
cheaper to grill our dinner than to cook it in the kitchen, and it
keeps the house cooler. Plus, most husbands love to grill.. some wives
too... LOL In Tennessee it's $18 approx to get a refill on your
propane tank If you aren't in the "city" this is cheaper than going
out to eat just in gas alone.

3. Dry your clothing out on a clothes line. You save electricity or
gas from not running the dryer and your clothes get the fresh sun
dried feeling about them. Just make sure power lines aren't over where
you intend to put it... The birds could be brutal. :-)

4. Using your heating and cooling unit less is better. It is suggested
that in the winter your thermostat be set at 68 for heat and in the
summer your thermostat be set at 78 for cooling. If you have ceiling
fans it makes it easier to bear in the summer. If the heat is too
much, then obviously make it so you can tolerate it.

5. See if your local phone company has a basic package. AT&T has their
basic line at $13.30 plus tax. It beats the trumped up charges for
having extras that most of us don't even use.

6. Check with your utilities if they have a levelized billing plan or
a budget billing plan. That way you pay the same every month and if
you see it's going to balloon you can pay extra before the 12th month
is due. Typically the budget billing has 11 months at the same charge
then the 12th month is the difference in cost.

7. Turn it off! If you aren't currently using it turn it off. Turn
your lights out and unplug your appliances including your cell phone
charger. Even when not in use they use some energy.

8. Wash your laundry in cold water when possible. It saves the water
heater from having to heat the water.

9. Grow your own veggies! They taste better home grown and most of the
time you end up with more than enough.

10. Consolidate. If you need to drive into town or run to the store,
wait and take care of as many things as possible at the same time.

11. Buy stamps. Mail your utility bills in or pay online. Saves gas and time.

12. Stay home and get closer with the kids. They will complain at
first but when you start having fun and bonding they will enjoy it.
When was the last time you played a game of tag?

Hope these tips are helpful! Do you have any tips? Let me know and I
will add them.

--
Faith Johnson
www.ParentsForChrist.com ~ Christian Parenting
www.HeavenInOurHearts.com ~ Our Family Site
www.HeavenInOurHearts.com/benji ~ Benji's Broken Heart

And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be
the peace of thy children. Isaiah 54:13

Taking a Step

So. On a email group I belong to we are doing the Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian Study. Our common thread is that we have kids that sometimes we just don't know what to do.

I first read the book when my thirteen year old was 5 and giving her kindergarten teacher a run for the money. I was not where I wanted to be spiritually and I wanted to become a better parent. It helped alot even though all I did was take in the knowledge. I didn't completely let the concepts come into my life.

So.. I am doing this study and I am determined to make it part of my family's life. The focus is having a prayer life. Something that at this moment and time I do not have that great of. I am guilty of being busy.

Then the step. I will pray for each of my children, and my husband. I don't know exactly what scriptures cover the specific needs of my individual children, but that is where the prayer will start.

So.... John 16:23
Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.

Father, I come to you as a parent that loves her children but sometimes loses my cool. I seek Your will and Your guidance Lord to raise these blessings to love You. You have done so much for our family that we are so thankful for, blessed Lord. Show me what to pray for each of the kids. Make me the loving and compassionate mom they need. In Jesus name, Amen.

Okay... I am working on this.... please bear with me

I have neglected this site way to long... I mean I am sure those looking would understand... our lives have been quite crazy and hectic.

But that's okay because it is in the Lord's hands. That is where our lives belong anyway.

So... hopefully I will get this completely updated in a manner of just a couple weeks and we will be good.

Glad to see ya! Hope to see more of you!