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Thursday, January 7, 2010

Spending Fast - Day 7 - No shopping = Happy Mama

I didn't spend any money today.

I like my children more when I don't have to take them shopping.

Being off for Christmas and shopping alone spoiled me.

After my shopping trips yesterday, I may do this spending fast for my sanity more than to just save money!!

Potty Trained, Check

I have to say, I write this post with much joy in my heart. On the other hand, I also write it with hesitation. Hopefully I won't have to take back what I am about to say.

I do believe Isaiah is potty trained. In the last week, he has only had 3 accidents. One of those was today, and I don't think it was an accident. I think it was a premeditated act of sabotage against me and all that I stand for. (Rick says I take this disobedience stuff way too personally.)

Anyway, I rejoice. I will save money, and it feels good to check that one off of my never ending, very long, impossible to accomplish it all "to do" list.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Spending Fast - Day 6 - Little Blessings

I did a run to Wal-mart and Albertsons today that totaled $80. That was more than what I wanted to spend, but I think I am set for a while other than a few basics like milk. I think, if I am remembering correctly that brings my total so far for the month to about $145. That is more than I wanted to spend at this point, but I don't think it is unreasonable considering that I am feeding and housing 8 people.

I think the thing that God has shown me today are that He gives little blessings in the midst of this sacrifice that we are making. I have been able to share these examples with the kids, and it seems to have made a big impact on them. Here are two examples.

Yesterday, at MOPS, we did a kids toy and clothing swap. I was able to round up a few things to give away, but I was shocked at some of the great things I found for my kids, jeans for Lauren, something that she goes through like crazy, some shoes for Sam that he REALLY likes, and some great items for Isaiah and Laila. I also found a Curious George monkey for Abby. She is crazy about monkeys.

I found out that Chick-fil-a is doing free breakfast every Wed. morning for the month of Jan. So, this morning, we left early and took advantage of it. All of these things cost absolutely nothing. The kids and I talked about what a neat blessing it will be to have a free Chick-fil-a breakfast every Wed. this month. We saw it as a little blessing from God.

So, not only are we sacrificing, but we are seeing blessings in the midst of it.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Spending Fast - Day 5 - Temptation Resisted

I went grocery shopping today at Sam's. I spent $41.70. I was pleased. I left with the things we needed and no extras. I didn't even look at clothes because I am almost positive they had some kid's clothes on clearance. I figure why put myself in that position. I need to also make a trip to Wal-mart for some essentials, but wasn't able to get there today. I will save that for tomorrow.

So, I made it through the whole day, and then at 4:45 in the afternoon at my own home, I was tempted to spend money. Who would have thought? We arrived home, and as I was getting everyone inside, Cody comes in and says, "There is a man outside that wants to talk to you." I was thinking, "Seriously, I have about a million things to do before a meeting I have tonight," but I had no idea that anything this man could say would appeal to me. I was wrong. He was selling beef, steaks of many sorts and hamburgers. I know the spiel, but I was tempted. Every time, I told him, "no," he would lower the price even more. Before I knew it, I had large amounts of beef at my fingertips for minimal cost. I don't have a ton of freezer space right now, but I could have made it work. Finally, I looked at him and said, "You know what, I see that this is a really good deal, and we would use every bit of this meat, but I made a commitment to spend only what is necessary this month and this meat is not necessary. I am really sorry." He go the picture and left.

I was so relieved once he was gone that I had not given in to this temptation. Just because it is a good deal, does not give me the right to back down on my commitment. We don't NEED 35 steaks. Heck, we don't eat steak that often, only when it goes on sale for a really good price. I am not saying there is anything wrong with buying steaks. I am just saying that for us, steak is not a need and does not fall into the category of what I should be purchasing this month. Enough said.

I am thankful to have completed another day and to be able to say that I stuck to my commitment. Who knows what temptations lie in the days ahead. I never would have dreamed this one up!!

Monday, January 4, 2010

Spending Fast - Day 4- Experiences over Things

I had Rick stop by the grocery store today on the way home to pick up a few items I needed. The total came to $6.28. So, far, I have spent less than $25 for the month. That will all change tomorrow. I have a grocery list of some food and household items we NEED. So, I will be shopping with that in mind. No extras.

As I ponder this whole spending fast in a lot of ways it is very freeing. I don't have to rush out to the sales. I can just "delete" those emails about the current sale at some of my most shopped at stores. I don't have to spend my mornings going from store to store trying to fit it all in.

The thing that I think God started teaching me a few months ago is that things don't matter. I am a pack rat. I have a really hard time getting rid of things because I might need them again someday. Rick and I cleaned out our closet over break and have the whole back of my truck full of things to give away. Now, I don't feel so burdened by the mess or even the idea of keeping things I don't need. I can walk in my closet and have a visual reminder of that burden being lifted.

What I am learning to value more is experiences. I would rather have an experience together as a family over a new toy that my kids get tired of after a week. That just clutters my house, but the experience lives on in our memories. That is why I think traditions are so important to me. It is about the repeated experiences that we have together.

I am excited to see what else God will teach me, and I am looking forward to my first "real" shopping trip tomorrow with my new mindset.

Isaiah-isms

Isaiah has some cute things that he is saying right now.

He calls pineapple - apple pie

Today he referred to Lauren and Abby as "the single ladies" when he said, "the single ladies messed with my blanket." Cracked me up.

He loves his Christmas jammies and calls them the "color bear jammies" instead of polar bear.

Clementines are called "clemen balls" because he prefers them whole so that he can separate the segments.

He is truly spoiled. When he lays down to sleep he wants his blankets warmed, and when he gets out of the tub, he wants a warm towel from the dryer.

He also wants us to blow his hot food for him. At the orphanage, I saw them get steaming hot bowls of food, and they would just dig right in.

I have a hunch that these are luxuries he has never experienced before.

When he is concentrating on something, he sticks his tongue out. I think that makes the work easier. :)

He is doing great with the potty. We are into day 4 of no accidents.

He is as strong willed as ever, and some days completely exhausts me. Yesterday was one of those days.

I love him, he is mine, and I am thankful.

New Year's Eve Festivities

The traditions continue around here on New Year's Eve. If after reading this post, you don't think we are completely crazy or even slightly disturbed, then I think you would enjoy these traditions, too. We like to have fun, even if it is silly, and on New Year's Eve we did just that.

Our evening starts with a dance/theme interpretation competition. Each person or group chooses a song to perform to. It is really fun, and we have lots of laughs in the process. At the end, we vote and declare a winner.

Sam doing "Eye of the Tiger"

Lauren and Abby doing "Party in the U.S.A."

Lauren, Abby, Isaiah, and Laila doing "All the Single Ladies"

Yes, it was hilarious, and they looked quite cute in their Swazi skirts.

I am sure Isaiah will thank his sisters for this one some day.

Isaiah doing Chipmunks singing, "Funkytown," his favorite song

I can't even believe I am posting this, but if I am going to do pictures of them, I have to be willing as well. Me doing "Halo" with a guest appearance by Laila. (She actually did guest appearances in most of the performances!)

Cody doing "Livin' On A Prayer"

Rick doing "Jesus Freak"(the loud choir man version) with a guest appearance by Laila

Cody won the dance competition for the second year in a row. He has a streak going!!!

After the competition the kids did "freestyle" dancing to "I Like to Move It." Here are the pictures from that:

Like mother, like daughter

Look at that boy swinging those hips

Break dancing

Break dancing, also

On Christmas Day, there is always a present under the tree that cannot be opened until New Year's Eve. It is some kind of game for that night. The kids opened their gift this year to see that they had Shrek Carnival Games for the Wii. We spent some time competing with each other. Then the little ones went to bed.

DISCLAIMER: NONE OF THE FOLLOWING PICTURES INVOLVE ALCOHOL. IT IS ONLY SPARKLING GRAPE JUICE!! Of course I say that jokingly, but after seeing the pictures, you might wonder.

We always have sparkling grape juice and homemade donuts to toast to the New Year. I try to make it a time where we talk about the previous year and look forward to the New Year, but they don't take it completely seriously yet. Oh, well, maybe some day they will. For now, we have fun.

Gathered around the table