In this blog:
FUN FRUGAL SHOPPING AND SAVING
HOME SCHOOL BACK IN SESSION
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE
MOMENTS
FUN FRUGAL SHOPPING AND SAVING!!!!
Saving has taken on some new strides and fun challenges for me. I have continued with aiming at only buying the dollar or less deals. Realistically, this is not possible on ALL items, but it has been possible on most. I have organized myself in an efficient way for me. I never clip out coupons from inserts anymore. I keep all the inserts in a tray with a date. I do have an envelope system organized in categories for loose coupons I receive in the mail or pick up at the store and such. I also have my organizer which I bring to the store. It is labeled by store. I mainly shop Publix and CVS, but if I come across really good deals at other stores, they are listed too. I have always aimed to save as much as I spend but lately, I have been surpassing in the savings area! YEH! I have been making trips to CVS where I walk away with overages and Extra Care Bucks! We also took advantage of tax free days and coupons we had saved up for JC Penny and Belk. We ended up with $350 worth of back to school clothes for $46!!!!! We are trying to teach Madi that if we are patient rather than buying what we want, the moment we want it, we will get to save our money for bigger, better things. I have had the opportunity to teach people lately what I have learned and it has taken on a life of its own! It feels so good to have these things to tell people. It feels like hitting the lottery when you can walk away with so much good food to give your family and not have to pay $300/WEEK! I MUST SHARE!!!!
HOME SCHOOL BACK IN SESSION
We home schooled part-time during the summer. We are back now to full-time. We have been talking about Washington D.C. most of the summer. We are working from a curriculum called Cantering the Country which takes you through every state and teaches multiple subject lessons surrounded by the state. We did D.C. this summer because we are going there!! We decided that it was time Madison learned about her country since last year we focused on the start of our country. We are taking a train to get up there and this, in itself, is going to be amazing!
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE
Proverbs has been my focus. I could tell you a million things I have absorbed followed by a trillion I humanly glazed over. I love the simplicity. It seems so basic. Shun evil. Turn away from unwise choices and trust God. You will find peace in this. Who'da thunk that discipline and wisdom could be good things? But, as desperately as I may strive, the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 will be the death of me! Hmmm, how?? That's all I have to say about her! Love to hate!
I have been struggling lately because I have been seeing a lot of people fighting and struggling over religious freedoms. Since teaching Madison about the foundations of our country, I have revisited the things that make us such a desirable place to live. Those who choose to have beliefs opposite of mine have the right to practice those. As should I. This is just one example I recently heard. A group of people praying discreetly on the steps of the Supreme Court Building. They were asked to stop because it was a publicly funded place. This is disheartening. Turns out, these people were praying for the coming decisions that had to be made and that they would make the best decisions for the country. Why is this so offensive to people? I guess I just don't understand in my possible naivety. This leads me to my next struggle. It seems that most, and I stress most, of the world has a common goal. Religion and prayer aside. That common goal is for the good of all mankind. We all seem to want to see goodness. This means being kind and in most cases moral. I know morality is a shady line but lets just say, for the most part, people want to be good! So, why is it that people look at someone like me and say, "If your God isn't real, then you followed all the lies of this false book for nothing." The things I read in the bible lead to me to the elusive goodness we really do all have a heart for. It leads me to peaceful resolutions, strong relationships, it helps me worry less and seek to help others, selflessly, more often. It teaches me that I am not the only person in my world and how much good there is to do. There are a multitude of other "lies" right??? I read this bible because I want to attain that level of tranquility. Doesn't it seem that most people want tranquility and to help other people? So, if I get that from this book, then is my time reading it truly wasted and am I truly a burden to others for wanting people to know what I have learned? I WILL NOT......EVER....judge someone for not reading it. I WILL NOT...EVER...judge someone for not believing in MY AWESOME GOD. Not unless you trample on me and my beliefs. We need to all be loving and support each other no matter WHAT we believe because regardless of religion, the majority of us have the MOST common of goals.
MOMENTS
I have not done moments in a while.
-Mike doing his show. I hadn't seen it in a while he never ceases to impress me!
-Mackenzie in now potty trained, though I am aware this is a lifetime moment!
-Our small group laughing and bonding over a chapter we are reading on service...one we ALL had reason to WHINE over!
-Reconnecting family members. Absolutely a beautiful sight!
-Nighttime summer swimming with Mike and Madi!
This is a tiny, tiny taste. As summer comes to a close and the new school year opens for us, I anticipate we will be met with a vast number of moments. It can be challenging and it can be simple. it all depends on your attitude. I plan a good attitude...its going to be a great year!!
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