An Amazing Life ...

Have you ever just took a step back and really looked at your life? Super Dad was sitting on the floor the other day talking to Princess JF with Princess JL climbing all over his back, and I just watched in amazement. Afterwards, I asked him if this is how he thought his life would end up. He smiled and thought about it, and said, "No, not exactly. But I wouldn't change anything." I mean, he and I used to sit on the curb in front of his house and discuss our future together ... but we were 15 and 16 years old. I don't know that either of us really knew we would last forever!

Recent events have just really set my mind wondering on how amazing my life is. For starters, I saw an old friend last Saturday, and as I drug my feet across the floor to give him a hug, I had to apologize for being so tired. He asked why I was exhausted (it was only 8pm), and I told him I had to wake up to an alarm the past two days and be at the church at 7am for a consignment sale I was helping with. I am not used to too much physical labor (other than what is involved in raising 4 kids on a daily basis) and only wake to an alarm on Sundays. He looked at me and said, "Oh, you're one of those trophies." I laughed, and declared that I was in no way a trophy wife ... but as I began to think about it ... wow ... I DO have an amazing life.

Yesterday as I lay in bed waiting for Super Dad to tell me breakfast was ready (he goes in late on Thursdays and was making breakfast for everyone), he came in to talk with me as he waited for it to cook. He smiled at me as I sheepishly told him, "You made me this way ya know. You have treated me like a princess for over 17 years ... and I am so spoiled to you." I realized, once again, at that moment, that he is such an incredible man! I am truly blessed to have him in my life ... forever.

Also, "recently" Super Dad and I decided to cut loose on the apron strings a bit with Drama Queen. After much prayer and consideration, we decided to let her "date." By "date" we mean she is allowed to have a boyfriend. Losing Reagan taught me how to "let go and let God" ... so we took that step of faith. Fortunately, for us and Drama Queen, she has a terrific boyfriend. They started out as friends, grew the relationship into best friends, and after much persistence on his part, they recently began dating. As we were talking Wednesday night, Prince W was "noticing" some of his characteristics and I stopped him for a minute and smirked. I said, "He is exactly like your dad." Drama Queen laughed and stated, 'Which is good because you always say I need someone like Daddy because I am just like you ... and I need someone who will be able to put up with me like Daddy puts up with you." TRUE THAT! But, her relationship has opened my eyes towards other things.

I pointed out to Super Dad this past weekend how "affectionate" Drama Queen is. It made me proud actually to know that we have succeeded in making her comfortable enough in her environment to show someone she "loves" them. Affection wasn't an emotion shown in my house growing up, and I struggled with it for several years. I did not want my children to grow up that way ... and seeing Drama Queen with Prince Charming ... I can tell that we have taught her that it is ok to be affectionate with those you love ... just not too much at this age!

Also, I had to really take notice that my kids are growing up. That is always a sad, but exciting, realization for a parent to make. I've noticed the independent way my children have become ... which I pray they continue with because I am WAY too co-dependent on Super Dad. Sometimes that can be a bad thing. Hopefully they will take a nice piece of both qualities with them down life's path and be nice and rounded there.

Losing Reagan and going through the journey of the past 7 months has shown me that not only do I have the best family in the world (I TRULY love my immediate family more than words could ever express), but I also have such a great circle of friends. Knowing that I have family and friends praying for me and caring for me ... that in itself makes my life amazing! I am delighted in every relationship that God had placed me in ... and I grow everyday from those placed so eloquently around me. "I thank my God every time I remember you." - Philippians 1:3

Finally, although Super Dad and I have always struggled financially, God has always provided for us. No matter what, He always makes sure we have food, clothing and shelter. His provisions are right on time and He provides what he knows what we need ... and not always what we want. That keeps us humble and I am grateful for that. Again, it keeps my life amazing ... and keeps us richly blessed in His grace.

So, although we may not live an amazing life according to the riches of society and to the levels of others' taste ... I know that we wouldn't change one moment of it. Past circumstances have led us to today and grown us ... individually and together. We have matured together through a life time of trials and joys. Together we have an amazing life. Living in those moments that consistently take our breath away and always remembering to kiss good night. It's the little things every day that add up to the most incredible life in the end.

Every day I wake up to a kiss from the man I love, I spend quality time with the children I get out of bed for, and I go to bed in the arms of the man I love each night. I could not ask for more. God has blessed me with a surprisingly unbelievable life!

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."- 1 Timothy 6:17

Another one ... Blogvertise

OK ... I told you I was still on the lookout! I came across this new site for Bloggers and Advertisers alike. It, too, is another simple process. Blogsvertise Advertisers want to simply talk about their product or service on your blog. In exchange for your writings, Blogsvertise will compensate you via PayPal for each entry in which you mention the advertiser's product or service. Simple! All you need is a blog to get started! Once approved, you will be emailed about your writing assignments. Check out Blogsvertise with me and we'll see how it goes?!

Out of desperation ...

... spurs opportunity. I keep seeing all this websites promising you money for reading emails, completing offers, etc ... so, out of desperation, I started signing up for some of them. I opened a new email account specifically for this reason at mail.com and downloaded RoboForm to get started. I began researching various sites and TRIED to stay away from the scammers. So far, everything seems to be on the up and up with the companies I found to join. I did my research and am praying everything continues to go well!

Anyways ... you can see some of the buttons for these programs under the "earn extra cash" category to the right ... or you can read a bit more about them on another blog I started here: Pajama Money - make money from your pajamas! I was honestly excited this weekend to receive two payouts, one from Project Payday and one from SendEarnings. Thus, I am assured they really can work for you!!

Also, I wanted to thank my first "buy me a newspaper" donor!! So, thanks to "QtW" ... you know who you are! I was so delighted! (My husband got his first one within days ... so at least now I can brag too)! But, honestly, thank you! You have no idea how much that really meant to me!

OK ... I tried to not make this sound like an advertisement ... but I really wanted to let everyone know about what I've found! I'll, of course, keep looking and post more as I find them! Good luck to you in your quest for a better financial future!

Every bit helps ... I guess

Another week in our bleak financial life. My husband says he thinks we are on our way up that hill out of the financial valley we've been in ... but I don't know. He tries to "protect me" from our money situation so that I don't get depressed about it. He thinks I'm completely fragile. I'm really not! I simply worry too much over it to the point of illness or depression ... so he doesn't let me in on any of it. And, considering I'm not the one working every day (outside the home) for the "big bucks", he handles all the bills, etc ... so I don't really know what's going on? I am the one home getting the mail ... which not only includes the bills, but the overdraft statements from the bank. How are we overdrawn? We don't go anywhere, do anything? But, still, once a week we get one?! See why I can't seem to find $2 to buy a newspaper ... hence not being able to really do the "coupon shopping" thing. Great concept ... if the paper/coupons were free (for the record ... our local stores don't all take printed coupons)!

Anyways, I figured I should update everyone on the "raise" Super Dad finally got. It wasn't what we were hoping for! I have already sent in a few applications for Super Dad of CL. We are keeping our ears open for anything closer to home. Basically though, they gave him a small amount, with an additional amount possible in 6 months. How does that help us now? He specifically told them we needed X amount a year to simply live "comfortably" (not meaning any lavish lifestyle ... just no weekly overdraft statements). When he was told the amount, he simply said thank you and walked away. UGH! He is really WAY TOO NICE for his own good! I've always told him this! He lets people walk all over him just to avoid conflict! Me on the other hand, I'm the complete opposite. I refuse to step down or let people take control over me (did I mention I have HUGE issues with authority). Now we are torn as to what to do because he actually likes some aspects of this job, but more importantly, we NEED him to stay here if we are going to have any chance at buying this house later on this year! Job stability is a huge plus in the mortgage industry. So, we are fervently praying and will let God lead us as we wait on Him. He would never steer us wrong, we just have to make sure we are listening to His will rather than our own when decision time comes!

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
- Psalm 143:10-11

On a good note though, I did notice that I will be getting a check from CafePress this next week! That's always fun! I like to play around with my Photoshop (which I should mention was given to me by a dear friend) brushes and fonts (I wish I could draw but I simply can't), so I upload a few things to CafePress and Zazzle and see what I can sell? I figure it doesn't cost me anything out of pocket and it couldn't hurt to try and bring in a few extra bucks here and there. So far, it hasn't been too bad. I sell at least one item a month (which doesn't calculate into much), but it adds up after a while. I've been doing it for almost two years now. Like I said, "every little bit helps ... I guess."

New year, New ventures

Seeing how we desperately need to generate more income, and the fact that I don't want to clutter this blog with affiliate ads, I have decided to try something else. I have started a new blog called "Searching for Deals". I figured I could combine my new love for blogs with some of the affiliate programs I am already a member for with my Testament Tweens site, plus some new ones, and try to generate a small income off that commission traffic. Like, I say, "you never know until you try." Maybe it will work for me, maybe not? Either way, it gives me something else to busy my day and night ... since I simply do not have enough going on with 4 kids running around all day! : )

Also, my kids have received most of their curriculum for their new school venture this semester. Now that we've determined that they will only have to start at the 2nd semester, not at the beginning of the year as we initially thought, we have decided to go through with it and see how it goes. After all, once again, "you never know until you try." For those of you that homeschool and are looking for a way to do so FREE and without much planning on your part this is a great alternative! Although I do love putting together their curriculum, as they get older I'm afraid I may be "cutting them short" as far as my own knowledge is concerned. Not that I'm a dummy by any means, I simply know things have changed a bit since I graduated 16 years ago ... and I want them to excel in their own knowledge and wisdom. So, as of today, they are actually excited about getting started. We've received the free computer for using with the program, plus boxes and boxes of curriculum. Textbooks, workbooks, novels, CD's of Classical music, audio books, modeling clay, tempera paint, paintbrushes, potting soil, microscope, tag board, goggles, sand, oil pastels, teacher guides ... the list goes on and on ... and we still have two more shipments coming! It's the perfect way for us to continue to homeschool our children, without the expense of good curriculum! In fact, I just spent $15 on a science book for my daughter on eBay (and waited a month for it to be shipped) before we got approved for this program! I love knowing our homeschool budget will be reduced my at least 75% (we still need things like paper, binders, etc ... although we get most of that stuff from my mother-in-law).

Wow ... after writing this I realize that we are, at least, starting the year off well with our finances. I am attempting to generate more through affiliate links (the most I can do at this point), our homeschool budget has reduced, and my husband is supposed to be getting a raise effective on his next check (although no one will tell us yet how much ... so, don't forget, we may have to add "find hubby a new job" to our goal list depending on the amount)!

.69 ¢ check

Talk about "generating" more income! We came to my parents to catch a ride to my brother's house (to see my 7 year old nephew before he goes back to his home in Austin) and grabbed our stack of mail. (I still get more mail here than at my own home)! Anyways ... there was a letter from an old electric co-op we haven't used in several years ... like 7 or 8 maybe? So, my husband preceded to open it ... why I'll never know because in most cases he would have just ripped it up and thrown it away ... but, hey ... lo an behold it was a check! For a whole .69¢!! Apparently some sort of class action suit against the company and this is my "cut". WooHoo! I am already seeing that goal come true and we prospering already! : )

*~*Just thought it was funny so I had to share!*~*

Bathtime Brainstorms

It seems that the only time I can find quiet or a moment to think is when I am in the shower or bath. In fact, the bathroom is my only place of refuge because (#1) I can lock the door and (#2) it seems to be "OK" for mom to go potty alone! : ) Thus, I am able to think clearly and receive TONS of inspirational thoughts while in the shower! I can stay in the bath forever just "listening" to my inner most thoughts ... as well as to God! I can really hear Him speaking to me here as well!

Anyways .. on to one thought I had for the day. Seeing how this is December 29, it's time to not only reflect on the events of this past year ... but to look forward to fresh ventures in the New Year. Therefore, since I'm not one to set resolutions (who really actually keeps these?), I am up to setting "goals" I would like to reach in 2008! With that said, here is my list of goals for the New Year:

1. Generate more income! My husband is "supposed to" get a raise just after the first of the year ... which may help some depending on the amount. In fact, of it isn't enough we may have to add another goal of finding him a new job! We simply need him to bring home more so that we can get out of the "paycheck to paycheck" we are in now! Also, though, I am hoping (as I do every year) to find a legit, liable way for me to sit here on my booty at home and generate some sort of worthy income. The $2-10 checks I get here and there help out some ... but I'd love to actually bring home a check in the 3 digits! ; )
2. Improve homeschool. Don't get me wrong ... my kids are learning. I simply want to "do better" on my part. Sometimes I get so obsessed with "finding more income" that I forget to spend time with my kids! Not good! :( So, we just signed my older two up for a "public school online" based out of Houston. They have already received the free computer for doing their work, we are just waiting on all of their curriculum. We're going to try it this next semester and see how it goes? I'm not sure due to the fact that they are starting them as though it's the beginning of the school year, which means they have 4 months of work to catch up on!! Besides, we also attend a teaching co-op on Fridays where my oldest takes several "for credit" classes already which require hours of homework, not to mention, another online school where my son takes most of his core subjects! (I was trying to find a way to make sure they were getting taught the best they could without spending TONS of money on curriculum)! Plus, with them going into Jr High and High School level classes, I wanted to make sure they were being taught on that level (just doubting myself here)! Finally, my 4 year old is pretty durn smart (thanks, Dora) ... but we need to start her on her curriculum this year too (she just turned 4 two weeks ago). Hopefully she'll be reading by the summer if I can stick to making this goal happen!!
3. More quality family time. Of course, with the newness of the board games we just received for Christmas, we have been spending a lot of time playing games together. The first night it was the new Monopoly until 1am ... this game is really fun and so much easier with the new ATM feature!! Last night it was Scrabble and 10 games of Clue!! My son and I really like the analytical side of this game! We had so much fun playing (we made my husband keep on and on) and played until we were all ready to pass out at 2am today!! My family is actually playing Disney Pictionary on DVD as I blog! . But, overall we need to cooperatively come together like this more often. In "such a big house" we can often get lost in our own little worlds and not be able to find each other for quality time. Although, dinner time at the table is a MUST and always has been. We all eat together at the table and talk about the days events so we can catch up with my husband and vice versa. I LOVE family meal time! Lastly, I would like to find more "date night" availability for my husband and I. With 4 kids, it's often hard to find a babysitter ... especially since my kids are pretty picky about who they'll stay with. So, I'd like to try and get out at least once every two months with just my "king" (remember, I'm the queen)!
4. Find a second car! This is such a big thing, because even though I don't get out much with the kids ... with the 4:1 ratio it can sometimes be overwhelming for my hypoglycemia and agoraphobic tendencies ... we still need something here during the day for those "just in case" instances. For example, when my youngest gets "really sick" we have no choice but to call Daddy home so we can get her to the doctor. On Fridays we have to borrow a vehicle from my parents so that we can go to our co-op. Also, I miss out of free things on CL and Freecycle because I don't have a way to pick things up "right now" as some people declare! ; )
5. Stay a family of 6! Don't mistake my heart ... I'd love to have 10 kids ... but our budget simply won't allow for any more!! My husband has been scheduled for a vasectomy 3 times now! The first time, we were told to reschedule by my doctor since we discovered the day before that I was pregnant with our youngest! He wanted us to wait until after she was born ... "just in case"! Then, the 2nd time, there was a question about insurance. The last time, this past October, the doctor's office informed us (at the very last minute) that we probably qualify with our insurance carrier to have THEM pay for the procedure (to keep from paying more maternity bills and adding additional children). So, we have been waiting for 3 months now (since we started asking) for Aetna to send us the forms to fill out! So, this is one of my goals ... to actually "see" this procedure take place ... ASAP!! : )
   
6. Most importantly, pour more of our lives into Christ! This is simply listed last, but is the most important thing on the list. We have come to realize more over the past 16 months how much we have simply because of our faith in Him. He has carried us through some pretty rough times, and I'm sure there will be more, but we remain faithful and know that he will see us through.
   

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
- Matthew 6:33-34

Want to read more resolutions and goals from other Crazy Hip Blog Mamas, click here.

Friday Finances

Someone suggested I blog about our financial budget ... thanks for the topic suggestion by the way ... so I'm going to have to really sit down and think about it. We are awful about keeping a written budget or even a bank register for that matter. We hate seeing how we never have money in the bank! Plus, it's hard to keep a book balanced when we normally have to write the check before we know the money is going to be in the bank! For instance, our rent checks are typically written out and given to our landlord the day before my husband's checks go in the bank! And, of course, that is our biggest expense!

Other than utilities ... which we pay as much as we can each month without having them disconnected ... our next biggest expense is simply food (and toiletries)! With a family of 6, you can imagine that we can put away some grub and go through TONS of toilet paper and such! My oldest two can eat us out of house and home ... they are "growing" kids! My girls all like fruits and veggies, while my lone son is a junk food junkie! We have to regulate snacks around here! We can buy a "special treat" when funds allow ... and it will be gone within a day or two! Basically though, we budget under $100 a week to feed us all. Thus, we eat plenty of pasta (because it goes a long way and is super cheap) and baked chicken (not only is it good for you, but it is also cheaper than red meat and the kids all like it)! The only red meat we eat is hamburger meat ... and that is for casseroles, spaghetti, Hamburger Helper and such. We typically just hit the local Walmart, unless we see a good sale at Kroger or Albertson's that we have coupons to match (when I find the funds to even allow myself to purchase a newspaper ... hence the donation button ... or am lucky enough to get some free ones through CL) and can't pass up! Our biggest food expenses? YOGURT and cereal! My kids (all 5 with my husband included) all love their cereal ... and our 2 year old drinks 5-6 Danimal yogurts a day (or we can substitute plain ol' milk if we're out of yogurt) and our 4 year old enjoys Yoplait Whipped Yogurts (but this is also a meal for them most days ... you know how toddlers can run forever on nothing). So, with the rising costs of milk ... this is where most of our grocery money is allotted!! We are always watching for a good sale on these things!

Gas is, of course as with most, a huge expense considering my husband works 45 minutes from home! Not to mention the toll expenses associated with getting him to and from each month! I keep pleading with him to find a new job closer to home (and with better pay) ... but hopefully that'll be coming within the new year! I never ask how much this expense is ... I don't even wanna know anymore! I can't watch when we have to fill up!! Actually though, we try to fill up before we hit empty ... that way we don't require a small loan in order to gas up every time! I guess that we're fortunate that we only own one car ... that's less gas to worry about!

Speaking of our one vehicle, we bought our last 3 cars with cash. Thus, we have no monthly payments to stress over ... and haven't in 5 years. We still have insurance, but we're plenty over 25, married forever, and only have the one old vehicle ... so insurance isn't too bad! It helps that my brother is an ASE certified mechanic (and a pretty darn good one with a great paying job to prove it ... and my dad isn't too shabby himself)!

Now, how do afford "luxuries" such as cable and cell phones? Simple ... my parents! We split the cost of each with my mom ... and those months we can't afford the bill, she pays and we can catch up when we can! Another one of those "it's all about who you know" things, I guess!

The only other thing left really is clothes. Most of the clothes we obtain are through hand-me-downs from either people we know through church or family of through free listings on CL or Freecycle. If we see a good clearance sale like at JCPenney or Walmart, we find what we can, when we can. Just depends on being at the right place at the right time! My oldest daughter has more clothes than she could ever wear ... simply through hand-me-downs! Also a big plus, my mother is an excellent seamstress and loves playing around with new ideas!

We don't eat out much and don't typically buy impulsively. Well, my husband can be that way ... but I am a bargain shopper and will debate any purchase, no matter how small, for days or weeks! We have only been to the movies 3 or 4 times in the past year and a half ... and even then we wait until it's at the dollar movie (or even better ... 50¢ Tuesdays)! We are normally found just hanging out at home watching TV, playing games, cleaning (my husband's favorite pastime) or simply talking about life together!

Nevertheless, I'll really have to sit down and try to "put on paper" our master plan to blog about how we make it work. Honestly though, it is only be God's grace that we have anything at all ... and He supplies us each day with "just enough."

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:19

Looking for 4/2/2 LA to lease to own

How did we find our home on CL you ask? Simple ... I posted an ad with the specific type of home and finance situation we were looking for and actually got a reply!

August 27, 2007:

Looking to rent or(preferably) lease to own a home in the The Colony, Little Elm, Frisco area. Need at least 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2 living areas. No pets ... only kids! Currently paying $1050 for this size home ... budget keeps us paying around $1200. Thank you!

Interested in single family homes ONLY. No apartments please!

This is the original ad I posted on CL to try and find a new home for our family (our old home is pictured on the left). The next day, I received an email from a lady who was putting her home on the market the following day and wanted to know if I was interested in buying before she did. We talked via email for several days. The following week we came out to look at her home ... and decided within the next few days on a lease contract ... and moved in the last weekend of September.

The family that we are currently leasing from was desperate to move into Dallas and out of the town we are in ... to be closer to his new job. They were also in a rush of desperation to move before the new school year started so that their oldest child could start at her new school and not have to change routines into the academic year. Thus, the rush to agree on a lease began ... and we all ended up happy with the current situation! We were able to get a much larger home and an affordable price. Basically, the owners are "eating" the PMI and taxes for the first year to make it affordable for my meek income. Also, they allow us to split the rent up into 2 separate payments based on my husband's paychecks. This was put into effect by our former landlord and it worked much better for us, so we suggested it be allowed this time and they agreed!

What did I learn from the experience? Well, I found that you really never know what you can get unless you ask. I mean, I didn't really think that (#1) I'd receive a response so quickly ... it was clearly a "God thing": I had to post it and she had to read it and (#2) I honestly didn't think we'd find anyone willing to lease a home of this size at a price we could afford to live with! So ... I believe the Bible says it best in John 16:24

Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

(Our backyard at the new home)

List of Resources ... for now

Well, I can't sleep. Insomnia has always been a huge problem for me ... especially when I have a "project" I'm working on ... such as this blog! So, I decided to go ahead and post my resource list now ... and will probably blog more "later on" today!

So, here is my list of the "Top 10 Ways we Support our Family of 6 on $26K/Yr" (in no particular order):

1. Coupons (simple enough)
   
2. Craigslist (my favorite resource of all)
   
3. Freecycle (great things to be had here)
   
4. Recycle (I'm a pack rat)
5. Survey Sites (surveys, contests and more ... no CC required trial offers though)
   
6. Bargain Shop (thrift stores, clearance or sales racks for clothes only)
7. Freelance jobs (web design, post & sell for others, etc)
8. Affiliate Marketing (more details to come)
9. CafePress and Zazzle (I love DIY sites such as these)
10. People I Know! (Mom -> seamstress, Dad -> carpenter, Brother -> mechanic, Sister -> medical assistant, Bro-in-law -> Auto Body, the list goes on ... this is just my immediate family)

Well, that's what I have for now. I'll come and post about each one in various posts through out my blogging journey. Until later, good night! :)

How do they do that?

We are frequently asked how we are able to manage a family of 6 on my husband's meek income alone. Seriously, we have 4 growing kids ... three of them daughters ... with the oldest one about to enter into the "teenage realm" within the next year! She likes to throw out names like "Aer*p*stale, Abercr*mbie, etc" ... which are WAY out of our league ... and we've never even stepped foot into! She may have one or two pieces of clothing from there ... all hand me downs! So, how do we manage to keep them clothed, fed, sheltered ... blah, blah, blah? It's not easy! We struggle paycheck to paycheck ... yet when you look at our home and our children ... you wouldn't really know. Why?

Well, that's the purpose of this blog. I sat one day and started listing all the resources I have to combine in order to keep our family going. Things like Craigslist (of which I am a HUGE addict), eBay (although we seldom use because I like the free of Craigslist), and something simple as coupons. I have to look at our situation myself and try to see how we can manage our finances better here or there in order to afford brakes for our van, clothes for the new season, a birthday party ... anything that doesn't fall into our everyday list of financial needs.

Thus, join my journey with me as I sort through it all. PLEASE feel free to offer assistance or point me in the direction of even more money saving tips, ideas, suggestions, etc. We are always looking for more and more resources. My daughter may never have brand new, non-clearance priced Limi*ed T** jeans ... but at least she will look dazzling in her self-embellished Target brand ones! : )