I Know, I Know...

Trust in the Lord.

That's what I've been taught. That's what I believe. It's what I know to be right. But sometimes it's painstakingly difficult to do. I hate it when my sinful nature takes over what my spirit knows is right...and wins.

I already blogged about my Monday when the results were given from the speech clinician about my daughters verbal delayment. Now it's my sons turn. He was born with a moderate hearing loss in one ear and a severe loss in the other ear. Last year, the severe loss went to a profound degree. I remember saying to a friend, "I already have deaf children - do they have to be more deaf?" God is in control, right?

Well, we're crossing that mountain again. I've known for quite a while that something wasn't right. With his aids, he can normally hear me quite well and only needs signing during reading time or school work instructions. Not anymore. He can be a foot in front of me and say, "What? Can you please sign?"

I didn't want to make an appointment for a sound field testing. I don't want to be faced with another harsh dose of reality. That stupid pill is so hard to swallow. But, it was necessary. So, today, I faced the music.

The reason for his inability to hear like he used to? His moderate loss is now profound. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Crushed? To say the least. Heartbroken? Beyond words. Perplexed? More than I can describe.

My son had no idea what was being said, so he questioned me when we got in the car. I explained the scenario as briefly and lightheartedly as I could. But no matter how hard he tried to hide his disappointment, his eyes whelped up. "Mom?" "Yes?" "Why is it that I pray and pray for God to heal me but instead He makes it worse?"

Ugh.

I somehow mustered up the ability to encourage his little spirit and remind him that God is in control and that we must trust Him. He smiled and was a joy the rest of the evening. Oh, to have that child-like faith.

That was sure easy. What now? Telling myself what I just told my son. I know all the perfect things to say. I am aware of all the right things to believe. I know all the correct scripture verses to quote and stand firm on. I can preach a powerful message to myself and mean every word I say.

But sometimes it takes a while to reach my heart. That humongous road from the brain to the heart is unbelievable bumpy and lengthy.

I will trust in You, Lord. I know You love my son more than I do. I know You see our hurt and You care. I know that you have amazing things in store for my little man. I really do.

I thank you for giving me this precious little guy. I thank you for creating him that way You did. But, please forgive me, Lord, as I take my hand from Yours - just for a moment...to wipe away some tears.

He's Yours God.

Where Do You Get Coupons From?

Now that we've covered Couponing 101, talked about websites to visit for daily emails, and free samples, it's time to answer the question, "Where in the world do you get all your coupons?"

Well...many places actually. The first and most obvious is the Sunday paper - which is the best resource. However, there are many other avenues for gathering those babies, so let's get right to it!

First, you need to think outside the box! Here are 10 ideas to get you started:

1. Ask friends, relatives and co-workers for their extra coupon inserts
Start asking around and see if anyone you know already gets the Sunday paper and doesn’t use the coupons from it. You might be surprised at how many coupon inserts just get thrown out because people don’t want to mess with them.

2. Stop by Starbucks or McDonald’s on Sunday afternoons. Many people purchase Sunday papers and then leave them on the tables. Know someone who works at restaurants like these? Ask them to collect the inserts for you. In addition, some gas stations will also give you their extra unsold Sunday newspapers on Sunday evening or Monday morning. Remember my famous motto: You never know unless you ask!

3. Make friends with someone who delivers newspapers. Not all areas allow this, but some people who delivery Sunday newspapers are able to pass on any leftover newspapers and coupon inserts to other people. Or you might be able to find the recycling center they drop them off at and be able to obtain them there.

4. Trading coupons is a great way to get coupons you need in exchange for giving away coupons you don’t need. You can trade coupons with people in your own area or you can join coupon trading forums online and trade with people from all over the country. While it will cost you postage, it’s often better to trade online since different regions get different coupons. So trading with people from other states allows you to diversify your coupon portfolio.

Hot Coupon World has some very active coupon trading forums, if you’re interested in trying this out.

5. Join Coupon Trains - here’s a simple explanation of what a coupon train is from an article at Suite 101:

Before the internet, people wanting to save money with coupons would turn to joining or forming a coupon train. A train is maintained by one person who sends an envelope of coupons through postal mail. The package contains a mailing list, and as one person takes and adds coupons to the envelope, it is mailed to the next coupon train recipient on the mailing list.

Coupon trains allow individuals between cities, or even across states and provinces, to organize and share coupons. By establishing a group, the coupon train leverages each person’s coupon clipping power to share coupons with a larger audience. Read the full article.

Interested in joining a Coupon Train? Hot Coupon World has a very active forum with Coupon Trains you can participate in.

6. Check your local library - pretty much all libraries receive newspaper subscriptions. Often, they will allow you to have the coupon inserts from their Sunday papers...if you just ask.

7. Dumpster Dive! Dumpster diving for coupons doesn’t have to be as “ew!” as it sounds. Let me tell you, it really works! In fact, this is one of my biggest “secrets” for obtaining the majority of my coupons. As long as your neighbors don't mind, rummage through their recycling bin and grab those inserts!

8. Keep your eyes peeled at the store for tearpads or blinkies. If there are plenty of extras, snag multiple copies of these. Many times this very item will be on an exceptional sale just a few weeks later and you’ll be more than glad you picked up that handful of coupons!

9. Print coupons out online - if your store accepts printable coupons, this can be a great source of coupons which cost little more than your printer ink and paper. And oftentimes, the coupons available to print online are much higher than what you’ll find in the newspaper inserts.

10. Lastly, call and ask for coupons. What products do you regularly use and love but rarely can find good coupons for? Call or write to the manufacturer, tell them how much you like their product and politely request that they send you any coupons they have available. I have called many companies while I'm cooking, asking to be put on their mailing list or to receive a one-time coupon mailing. Just put them on speaker phone, and continue your kitchen progress! Usually only takes a few minutes and you’ll likely get some sort of coupons just for asking. In many cases, you’ll receive high-value coupons or even free product coupons!

Hope that helps - now, onward with your frugal coupon journey!

Out of the Mouths of Babe!

Yesterday was a really hard day. Unfortunately, as the day progressed, it only got worse. I know we all have them; some have them more often than others. My day was met with a challenge from the moment my feet hit the floor. Most days, home schooling is a joy and a breeze. Yesterday was not one of those days. How many times can I go over the rules of subject/verb agreement and will my deaf daughter ever write a sentence correctly? Will my kids ever acknowledge that we don't need FOUR mothers in the house and that the job opening for "Mother" has already been taken???

My day included kids who woke up on the wrong side of the bed, swollen, red eyes due to extremely high pollen counts, communication issues, rehearsals that left us sitting and waiting, and people who always want what they want - NOW. My school day ended with a speech clinician reminding me how delayed my daughter is. Although it was a good report in terms of her quarterly progress, it's always disheartening to hear the reality of having a handicapped child. Then there was dinner...a new recipe in which one out of five thought was worth eating! Ugh...

Now that I've vented, that is really not what this blog is about (although it sure sounded like it!)

It's about what happened this morning.

Still remembering the affects of yesterday, I woke up with a defeated attitude. Oversleeping sure didn't help either. While the kids were stirring, I plopped in my 'spiritual chair'...you know the one - the place where you and God come together each morning and you shed tears because once again you have become humbled.

And there it is - right in front of my face..."We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair." (2 Cor. 4:8) Paul knew that the goal was worth the pain. Do we?

Not only was that perfect,(amazing how God always meets you right where you are!) God wasn't finished with me yet. As I was trying to get breakfast prepared, my daughter asked what was wrong with me. I stated that yesterday was a hard day and I am still remembering it.

She grabbed my shoulders, shook me and said, "That was yesterday and this is today. It's a new day. Forget about it and don't worry."

Whew!

That's what I needed.

My children to encourage me. My children to remind me what is important and who God is and what His Word says. It's really that simple.

Thank you, Victoria, for allowing God to use you. Thank you God for humbling me and extending your grace my way. Thank you for entrusting me with your children and allowing me to start each day over!

One of my favorite quotes: "The compass of God's Word will keep you from spiritual shipwreck."

May you be blessed today and remember to rejoice in the Lord always - and AGAIN rejoice!

Everyone Should Use Coupons?

This was on a couponing website that I follow. I felt it was just too good not to pass along. Hope this helps you in your frugal journey and in understanding coupons and how they help (I happen to agree with everything she says here!):

I know some of you are making excuses right now and explaining why you don't use coupons. Well, give me a chance to address your excuses and see if I can’t change your mind just a tiny little bit.

Excuse #1: I Don’t Eat Processed Food (Newsflash: Coupons are not just for junk food)

In fact, there are often coupons available for fresh fruit, vegetables, milk, flour, baking soda, toothbrushes, razors, toilet paper, and light bulbs.

In addition, once you become adept at using coupons, you will usually regularly happen upon deals which give you overage. Even if your family doesn’t use the item which gives overage, you could buy it to donate and then use the overage to purchase items your family does use.

Excuse #2: I Tried Using Coupons and Didn’t Save Any Money

If you buy your Sunday paper, clip all the coupons and then use them all on your next shopping trip, you’re not going to save any money. Instead, you’d probably end up buying a lot of over-priced items you won’t use or wouldn’t normally buy and end up spending a considerable amount more than you save.

That’s not how to use coupons.

Using coupons wisely requires strategy and patience. In most cases, it involves waiting until an item is at its rock-bottom price and then pairing it with a coupon (and perhaps even a catalina deal!) so that you get it for pennies on the dollar–or even more than free!

Excuse #3: I Don’t Have Time to Use Coupons

Life is busy and there are constantly a hundred demands pulling us in different directions. The thought of adding in something extra like clipping coupons might be overwhelming–but it doesn’t have to be.

How Much Is Your Time Worth?

One of my favorite ways to evaluate whether a money-saving idea or technique is worth my time is to evaluate it in terms of an hourly wage. For instance, if it saves our family $30-$50 and requires an hour’s worth of work, it is totally worth my time.

Coupons are worth my time because when I put in an hour’s worth of time, I’m usually saving $40-$75 for doing so. That sounds like a pretty good hourly wage to me!

Yes, it takes a bit of time to learn the ropes. Don’t expect that you’ll go out tomorrow and save 90% off your grocery bill if you’ve never used a coupon in your life.

However, it doesn’t have to take hours of your week. In fact, I think that you can see significant savings by committing to spend an extra hour each week to checking the sales fliers, making a menu plan and grocery list, clipping coupons, and mapping out your shopping route.

Slowly implement the ideas I share, find out what works best for you and reap the rewards of money saved!

Muffins - Best Way to Start Your Day!

This has been our favorite muffin recipe for years. I usually make a double batch to either share with my friends or to freeze. My oldest won the vote on the "naming of the muffins!"

Golden Honey Muffins

1/2 cup honey
1 cup skim milk (or 1/2 cup water and 1/2 milk)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 beaten egg
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup unbleached white flour
Dash of Stevia (optional)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Combine the honey and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the honey dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool (about 10 minutes). Meanwhile, mix all dry ingredients in a big bowl. Now whisk the egg and oil to the milk and honey. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and beat just until blended. Pour into greased muffin pan and bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes. Can also be baked in a loaf pan for 65-75 minutes.

These muffins are very light and fluffy and taste incredible! Awesome way to start your day!

Racing to the Mailbox!

If you are not absolutely elated when you hear that mail truck stop at your domain, then Mr. Postman is not bringing you the right kind of mail! What excitement there is in the Flint home to be the one to open the lid to the mailbox! There isn't a week that goes by that I do not receive a free sample or a packet of coupons in the mail - all for nothing!

This is another exciting sidebar of couponing...gettin' the free stuff, ma'am!

Here is a picture of some free stuff that I received in my mailbox within a two week period! We're not talking just shampoo and lotion, my friend! I have received hearing aid batteries, a tape measure, baseball hat, t-shirt, insulated cooler, nice, full-size first-aid kit, guitar pics, free magazine subscriptions, deck of cards, leather Day Timer, etc. How do you get all these items for free? Glad you asked! Several different ways.

Six months ago, my strategy was to visit Consumer Queen and Hot Coupon World. They have a website that has a dedicated 'Freebie' section. Just click on what sounds interesting and fill out the form. It usually takes me about 1-2 minutes to fill out the form, which is well worth my time. Just a word of caution - when requesting freebies, I always use a secondary email account (my free Juno account) so that my 'real' email box does not get inundated with spam.

However, my strategy has evolved and now I just subscribe to some daily digest or email feeds which send you an email every day listing all the free items up for grabs. Here are some that I subscribe to:

www.nicolesnickles.com

www.thefreebieblogger.com

www.freesamplefreak.com

There are some cross-overs, but I still like to receive all of them in case one email misses a GREAT freebie!

Here are two websites that I have become very fond of. Once you sign up, there's nothing more to do. Periodically, you will receive free items in your mail box and maybe 2-3 times a month, you will receive an email. Just last week I received a sample of Kashi cereal from Vocalpoint. It was a double jubilee when inside the package was four $1.50 off coupons PLUS a coupon for a FREE box of cereal. So, for about three minutes of my time eight months ago to sign up on their site, I just received $10 in coupons and a snack...and that was just one mailing!

I do use my regular email address for these websites, since I want to read what they send me. I have never had a problem with spam or unwanted ads coming from them:

http://www.vocalpoint.com/index.html

http://pssst.generalmills.com/

One last thing...I highly suggest buying products that have a full refund or a "try me for free" sticker attached to it. I have been receiving refund checks for 3 years now and have never been swindled! I keep track of the rebate form and when it was mailed and have never been disappointed when the checks start rolling in. Just another way to receive a free item - all for the cost of a stamp!

If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email or post a comment here. I'd love to help further, if I can!

Heavenly Breakfast Bread

I just must share a new recipe that my kids absolutely LOVED! The aroma that filled our home at 7 am this morning was pure delight! Of course, I have tweaked it a bit to suit our taste buds and to make it more healthy :) The name has been changed since the kids and I have decided that when we find a recipe that gets an A+ on the grading scale, we must rename it to display our creativity!

Heavenly Breakfast Bread
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup unbleached white flour
1/2 cup honey
1/2 teas baking powder
1/2 teas baking soda
1/4 teas salt
2 teas cinnamon
3/4 teas nutmeg
2 eggs
3/4 cup applesauce
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup melted butter

Mix all together and bake at 350 for 45-55 minutes.

Doesn't get much easier than this, folks! Next time I make this I will substitute Brown Cow Yogurt (from the health food store)for the butter and use 1/2 cup of Oat Bran or Wheat Germ while reducing the whole wheat flour to 1/2 cup. Also want to add raisins or nuts in the next batch. Recipes like this are so versatile that you can change it up each time you make it.

Happy eating and may your kitchen bring warm memories!

What Happened To My Baby?

I know we all experience it. I understand it's not specific just to ME. I know it is completely out of our control. I comprehend that I am surrounded by a plethora of folks who will stand up at the end of this blog and shout "Amen sister!"...but I still feel like I must shout it from the top of my lungs and scream -- "NO!"

My baby -- my first born -- the child whose life mine revolved around for four years before his sister came along, can NOT be 17 years old!

He completely changed our life back in 1993 in ways we couldn't ever imagine. Funny thing was that I warned my husband when we got married that I was a career woman and had no intentions of EVER having any children. I would never quit my job and I certainly would never be a stay-at-home mom to some carpet-eating rug rat. If there's one thing I've learned over the years it is to never say never. I've been humbled way too many times with that dumb word, that now I rarely ever use it!

I'm so glad I was wrong. I'm so thankful the Lord softened my heart and gently led me towards His direction for my life. I'm so humbled that He thought enough of me to want to change my persistent, stringent ways of thinking.

Career woman? Nah...those heels hurt my feet after eight long hours of wear of tear. Stay-at-home mom? You betcha. Wouldn't trade it for the WORLD! Best thing I've ever done (er, I mean the Lord prompted me to do!)

As the Lord would have it, he was the easiest child we had. Slept through the night since he was 4 weeks old. Crawled, walked and talked months earlier than his peers. He was always amazing us, like getting me out of a garage sale neighborhood when he was only 7 because I had already gotten lost! His logical skills leave me standing with my mouth open wide. His humor and wit make me smile when nothing else can. He is self-confident (and yes, sometimes arrogant!), independent, creative, intelligent, artistic, talented, loving and sympathetic. Here is my baby now.Thank you, Kyle, for loving such an imperfect momma. Thank you for being the experimental first-born! Thank you for your patience with me during the rough spots in your teen years. Thank you for helping me see that change is good and to appreciate where the Lord takes us. Thank you for the memories that only a first child can bring. Thank you for filling our house with a variety of musical instruments. Thank you for making the toddler years so easy that we actually wanted more children! Thank you for taking care of me when I was not well and keeping the other children in line. Thank you for being such a joy to home school and so independent.

Thank you, son, for being who you are. I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for you and your future. Love you bunches, baby.

Hugs and Kisses,
Your Momma

Reevaluating Easter

My thoughts have changed over the years concerning this holiday. How I was raised to the things I bought into from a secular worldview to being a mom and understanding the importance of priorities. My views and actions have even changed in the past four years. It just seems that Easter has become so commercialized (as Christmas has) that it's lost the seriousness of what it truly means. I'm in my 40's and still weep every Easter at the realization of what Christ did for me. I have trouble singing the songs and swallowing the communion because the visual picture in my mind of the interrogation and brutal beatings are so vivid. In a way, I regret seeing the movie "The Passion of Christ" because of its graphic detail. Those images were already permanently impressed in my mind before I saw the movie. I'm a visual person and happen to remember in great detail what I watch. I can still tell you explicit facts of scary movies I watched with my dad as a preteen. Those images are photocopied in my brain. This is why I'm so careful, even to this day, what I watch on TV or at the movies.

We actually talk about the Crucifixion and Jesus' trial often in our household - and not just at Easter. It was just two weeks ago that my son and I discussed how Jesus handled his trial. He never said a word to his accusers in defense of the wrongly stated accusations.

He just looked at them.

How strenuous that is. Someone unjustifiably accuses you of something you never did or starts a false rumor about you...what do you do? What did Jesus do? It's hard to watch your children go through something like this. We cry, talk and comfort them and then do the most important thing we could ever do. We pray with them and point them back to the cross.

We did not have any massive Easter clothes shopping done in our household (I do have a new $3 shirt to wear that I bought on clearance at Christmas time but never donned!) We are not going out to eat, and I never decorated the house for Easter (haven't done that in several years). Not that there is anything wrong with these things - they just aren't a priority for me. After lunch today, we are going to get out our 12 Resurrection Eggs and remind our children what Jesus did for them. Yes, even my 17 year old needs to be reminded.

May we never be too old to hear the retelling of the resurrection story and may our hearts never grow callused to the gravity of His sacrifice.

I hope you attend an Easter service tomorrow and that you come to His house ready to reflect on His blood that was shed for you. The new Easter clothes are beautiful indeed, but where would we be without Jesus?