I am SO BLESSED to have a DH that can fix just about anything (excluding most electronics)! He has done so many things for us and our home from building furniture, to building a garage, to trimming trees, to remodeling from the studs, to cleaning out years of neglect in our yard. He is an organizing nut and loves for everything to be in its place (me too--I love for everything to BE organized, I just can't seem to keep it that way--must be all the "help" I have). He is also very particular and thorough in any job he does. He is also VERY busy with work, family and church responsibilities so "extra time" is hard to come by. One time, I asked my BIL if the water to his in-door refrigerator dispenser was fixed and his answer was "Did your husband fix it yet?" Pretty much sums it up--he's in high demand. He's even become the neighborhood "Rent-a-Clint."
You'd think I'd have one of our two freezer ice makers hooked up after over 4 years of both of us complaining about it and never having enough ice for parties/small group (a weekly event). Must be a pretty hard fix with the drilling through the floor and hooking it all up.
So, last night the big 2 were heading to VBS for a couple of hours. The baby and I headed to Meijer in between drop off and pick up (and again after that--more on that to come.) DH had #3 with him and went over to the church to check out the project I volunteered him for (he can do anything!) and then on to Lowes to pick up the supplies he needed to do it. I think there was also a DQ stop in there as well--I saw the milkshake ;-)
I was busy picking out a bday present for #4's first drop-off birthday party on Saturday and getting all the items on my list with the coupon matchups. I was checking out with about 20 minutes to go before I had to pick up the big 2. Wow, shopping with only 1 kiddo sure is a lot easier than with 4! We get up to the check-out line and are done. I'm grabbing for the wallet...nope, not in the purse. I'm praying it's in the car. I'll be right back--I think I left my wallet in the car. As we're walking out, I say "Peanut, do you know where my wallet is?" "Yeah!" she says with a cheery grin. "Where?" "I take it out of you puhhs and hide it. In the couch. In the cuuushins." Really? "Yeah!!" Again, very proud of her little self. "Are you supposed to play with Mommy's wallet?' "Yeah!" "Noooo." "Oh. Noooo." I'm trying to be stern, but at least grateful that she knows where it is. So, we head back in to tell them I'll be back later. I was pretty happy that with coupons and sales, I was able to keep my major bill for 2 weeks at $95 and I bought a lot of cleaning supplies! They put the cart in the cooler for me. Must not be the first time that's happened...not even the first time it's happened to me *blush*
So, we rush back across town to get the big ones and I drop everyone off at the house for Daddy to put to bed. Peanut has a FIT when she realized I was leaving. Snot, drool, body flomping (that, apparently is a LeRoy, IL term that means thrashing/uncontrollable movements--according to DH, I'm good at this when sleeping), the whole nine yards...think Daddy needs some more time with her.
Driving back home and now I get to put away the groceries. DH has all the kids in bed, helps unload and says he's headed back to Lowes. He gets back home and says he's going to hook up the 2 ice makers. It's about 9:30, so I'm going to bed expecting that he'll be up for hours doing what must be a hard, time-consuming job. 15 minutes. 15 minutes and both ice makers are hooked up! Awesome, but are you kidding me? 4.5 years I've waited for a job that took 15 minutes!! I'm giving him a hard time, but I am really grateful to have a wonderful Mr. Fix-It as a husband. And very thankful to have ice without having to fill trays! It's the little things :-)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Lillielocks and Biblical lessons
Well, if you know my LJ, you know she is tender-hearted. It is hard to get through any movie with any conflict without her sobbing (and me along with her--it's probably just the pregnancy hormones ;-)
Case in point: Pollyanna. I have fond memories of it from my childhood and remember being shocked when Aunt Polly said "Oh My God!" See how old I am and how we've gone downhill as a society?
I rented it from the library and we tried numerous times to get through it (it's an awfully long movie). But, she and I were watching it together and **spoiler alert** when the accident happened, I expected her to break out in incontrolable tears. Nope. Not one tear. Until, Pollyanna was too upset/depressed about her situation to even play the "Glad Game". As the townspeople she had touched came out to encourage Pollyanna, it was a river of tears and sobbing! She saw the despair and the encouragement of others and it moved her to tears (and me--bah those pregnancy hormones!)
I just love her sweet spirit and how empathetic she is. It became a good lesson on being mutually encouraging (right now we're working on this within the family) and how little things can have an impact. A good lesson to remember.
Another quick story about Lil. Yesterday, we were reading in Matthew about the rich young ruler and how he believed he had kept the commandments since his youth. In discussing the commandments, I asked the kids how they thought they were doing following them, Lil says "We're really good at the stealing one!" Pretty sure she meant they're good at not stealing :-)
We continued the discussion and they decided that they needed work on honoring their father and mother. (I love summer because we can continue conversations like this one in whatever mundane things we're doing.) As we were driving around, I asked them again what they thought they had to do to be saved (just as the young ruler had asked) and they thought about it and answered that they needed to keep the commandments. Nope! Obey and listen to our parents? Nope! Believe Jesus is God's son? Yes! Can we do that without God? Yes, it's our choice. Nope! Guess we were getting a little too philosophical for 8, 6, 5, and 2 ;-) I reminded them that they couldn't do anything to earn/keep God's favor nor could they do anything to loose His love. Just like their imperfect earthly parents. I love you because I love you. No. other. reason.
I think it'll take time for them to figure it all out, but we're praying daily that God would get 'em and that they would love and enjoy Him forever. What's your prayer for your kids?
Case in point: Pollyanna. I have fond memories of it from my childhood and remember being shocked when Aunt Polly said "Oh My God!" See how old I am and how we've gone downhill as a society?
I rented it from the library and we tried numerous times to get through it (it's an awfully long movie). But, she and I were watching it together and **spoiler alert** when the accident happened, I expected her to break out in incontrolable tears. Nope. Not one tear. Until, Pollyanna was too upset/depressed about her situation to even play the "Glad Game". As the townspeople she had touched came out to encourage Pollyanna, it was a river of tears and sobbing! She saw the despair and the encouragement of others and it moved her to tears (and me--bah those pregnancy hormones!)
I just love her sweet spirit and how empathetic she is. It became a good lesson on being mutually encouraging (right now we're working on this within the family) and how little things can have an impact. A good lesson to remember.
Another quick story about Lil. Yesterday, we were reading in Matthew about the rich young ruler and how he believed he had kept the commandments since his youth. In discussing the commandments, I asked the kids how they thought they were doing following them, Lil says "We're really good at the stealing one!" Pretty sure she meant they're good at not stealing :-)
We continued the discussion and they decided that they needed work on honoring their father and mother. (I love summer because we can continue conversations like this one in whatever mundane things we're doing.) As we were driving around, I asked them again what they thought they had to do to be saved (just as the young ruler had asked) and they thought about it and answered that they needed to keep the commandments. Nope! Obey and listen to our parents? Nope! Believe Jesus is God's son? Yes! Can we do that without God? Yes, it's our choice. Nope! Guess we were getting a little too philosophical for 8, 6, 5, and 2 ;-) I reminded them that they couldn't do anything to earn/keep God's favor nor could they do anything to loose His love. Just like their imperfect earthly parents. I love you because I love you. No. other. reason.
I think it'll take time for them to figure it all out, but we're praying daily that God would get 'em and that they would love and enjoy Him forever. What's your prayer for your kids?
Lessons in couponing
So, I'm still not so sure if I'm liking couponing. Haven't quite gotten that "couponing high" so many other describe...come to think of it...I never got the runner's high either which is probably why I don't run, much.
Anyway, I subscribed to a local group that sends me the local matchups with the local paper, ordered 2 papers for Sunday delivery and am gleaning extra coupons from my neighbors. Good start, eh?
Let's just say preparedness is not this "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants-girl"'s strong suite. Nor, is it my husband's--okay, so maybe it is his (remember the paper towels and the windex at the park?). After a hectic day of me not feeling well and a trip to the er to check out the baby (all is well--she's just good at cutting off my circulation), he had to go to the store to pick up "dinner" on Sunday night. Well, "dinner" cost $120. There goes my budget! So, what to do now? Do I still spend more to get the items that are only on sale this week and for which I have coupons, or do I skip a week (gasp!)?
See, if I had been prepared, as instructed by my coupon guru, I would have had a list in hand with the coupons for the week all ready for the next trip to the store. I could have sent him in with the list and the coupons and he should have done as well as I would have, right? Not too likely. I'm pretty sure I've never seen Clint use a coupon on anything, except maybe at Lowe's. Lesson: be prepared.
I also dragged all 4 kids to the Lair of Covetousness aka Toys R Us for $5 diapers yesterday. Just wanting to have a back-up stash of disposables even though I mostly use cloth. Our Toys R Us is remodeling...not so fun to navigate. Guess how many $5 diapers they had left? ZERO. Not one and they weren't offering rain checks :-( boo! I had already spent a while on the computer trying to find some printable coupons that could help me make it a better deal. What a waste of time! Lesson: call first on crazy sales like that.
Oh well. Now, I'm having the kiddos clean for small group tonight (still not feeling 100%) while I figure out which deals are the ones I need to get this week. I am thankful for the legwork being done for me (the coupon matchups). Lesson: work smarter, not harder.
I'll let you know how it goes. Think it'll be Target, Walgreens and Jewell (my fav) if I can make it to all 3 this week.
Anyway, I subscribed to a local group that sends me the local matchups with the local paper, ordered 2 papers for Sunday delivery and am gleaning extra coupons from my neighbors. Good start, eh?
Let's just say preparedness is not this "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants-girl"'s strong suite. Nor, is it my husband's--okay, so maybe it is his (remember the paper towels and the windex at the park?). After a hectic day of me not feeling well and a trip to the er to check out the baby (all is well--she's just good at cutting off my circulation), he had to go to the store to pick up "dinner" on Sunday night. Well, "dinner" cost $120. There goes my budget! So, what to do now? Do I still spend more to get the items that are only on sale this week and for which I have coupons, or do I skip a week (gasp!)?
See, if I had been prepared, as instructed by my coupon guru, I would have had a list in hand with the coupons for the week all ready for the next trip to the store. I could have sent him in with the list and the coupons and he should have done as well as I would have, right? Not too likely. I'm pretty sure I've never seen Clint use a coupon on anything, except maybe at Lowe's. Lesson: be prepared.
I also dragged all 4 kids to the Lair of Covetousness aka Toys R Us for $5 diapers yesterday. Just wanting to have a back-up stash of disposables even though I mostly use cloth. Our Toys R Us is remodeling...not so fun to navigate. Guess how many $5 diapers they had left? ZERO. Not one and they weren't offering rain checks :-( boo! I had already spent a while on the computer trying to find some printable coupons that could help me make it a better deal. What a waste of time! Lesson: call first on crazy sales like that.
Oh well. Now, I'm having the kiddos clean for small group tonight (still not feeling 100%) while I figure out which deals are the ones I need to get this week. I am thankful for the legwork being done for me (the coupon matchups). Lesson: work smarter, not harder.
I'll let you know how it goes. Think it'll be Target, Walgreens and Jewell (my fav) if I can make it to all 3 this week.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Couponer?
So, as you know, I hate grocery shopping (see previous blog). I seem to do pretty well with keeping our family's grocery budget to a minimum. I spend about $350/month that does not include eating out or school lunches (probably around $400/month in the summer). I do however, want to save more (don't we all?!) so I've decided to give couponing a try. I know, I know, you've seen those crazy people who are filling bathtubs and their children's bedrooms with unecessary items that will take them 25 years to use, but I don't want to be that extreme. I just want to save more and be able to donate more.
So far, I've been quite frustrated with the whole deal. I go to couponing websites to find the coupon match-ups for what's also on sale/has a store coupon with which you can stack to get better deals. I print off those printable coupons. I make a detailed list in excel of what I will buy. And all I usually get is a stress headache and not enough savings as to make it worth it.
But, I'm not giving up. I went to a class to learn more about couponing. And I did! I learned how to be more efficient in my organization and preparation. I also learned that I may have to go to more than one store/week to get the best deals--yeah, probably not going to do that (did I mention my last blog and hating grocery shopping?)
I used to hate cooking though. Hated how long it takes and how messy it was (just more to do after!) and how quickly it was gone. Let alone how soon I'd just have to do it all again (Mom, I'm huuungry!!!). However, thanks to some great recipes and inspiration from my sister (here's her blog ourgatheringtable.com), I actually enjoy cooking and entertaining more, so perhaps once I get more into couponing I'll like it more.
Right now, the goal is to be able to put more money toward paying off debt (goal is to be debt-free excluding the mortgage by 2013). I also want to be able to give more to local food pantries and shelters, so anything I can get extra of that we won't need I plan to donate. If I can save about half, or $200, I'd be a happy woman!
So, don't look here to find any fantastic deals or probably not even run-downs of what I bought where, but I will keep you updated as to any tricks I find helpful along the way and how well I'm doing. If you want more information on details, let me know and I'd be happy to help you out. I can't spend my life on the computer looking for/trying to get deals/printing coupons. I also can't spend it in grocery stores trying to save a buck--my time is more valuable than that. I have 4.5 babies to raise :-)
So far, I've been quite frustrated with the whole deal. I go to couponing websites to find the coupon match-ups for what's also on sale/has a store coupon with which you can stack to get better deals. I print off those printable coupons. I make a detailed list in excel of what I will buy. And all I usually get is a stress headache and not enough savings as to make it worth it.
But, I'm not giving up. I went to a class to learn more about couponing. And I did! I learned how to be more efficient in my organization and preparation. I also learned that I may have to go to more than one store/week to get the best deals--yeah, probably not going to do that (did I mention my last blog and hating grocery shopping?)
I used to hate cooking though. Hated how long it takes and how messy it was (just more to do after!) and how quickly it was gone. Let alone how soon I'd just have to do it all again (Mom, I'm huuungry!!!). However, thanks to some great recipes and inspiration from my sister (here's her blog ourgatheringtable.com), I actually enjoy cooking and entertaining more, so perhaps once I get more into couponing I'll like it more.
Right now, the goal is to be able to put more money toward paying off debt (goal is to be debt-free excluding the mortgage by 2013). I also want to be able to give more to local food pantries and shelters, so anything I can get extra of that we won't need I plan to donate. If I can save about half, or $200, I'd be a happy woman!
So, don't look here to find any fantastic deals or probably not even run-downs of what I bought where, but I will keep you updated as to any tricks I find helpful along the way and how well I'm doing. If you want more information on details, let me know and I'd be happy to help you out. I can't spend my life on the computer looking for/trying to get deals/printing coupons. I also can't spend it in grocery stores trying to save a buck--my time is more valuable than that. I have 4.5 babies to raise :-)
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Grocery shopping = awful night
I H-A-T-E grocery shopping. Loath it. Cannot stand it and it's SO much harder with 4 kids in tow. Case in point: last week. I had all 4 kids and we were out of nearly everything (a common occurrence around here--how do we eat so much!?), so we had to make a trip to the grocery store. I had my handy-dandy excel spreadsheet with my coupon matchups and my coupons in hand...coupon organizer...purse...childrens' grubby hands. We have a limited amount of time bc that's how I roll most of the time.
Here is a quick snapshot of the conversations happening repeatedly between me and the 4 monkies in the 1 hour it took to get everything for 2 weeks and get out the door:
Mom, can we get this?
No.
Why?
Because it's not good for us.
Does it have high fructose corn syrup (hfcs) in it?
Yes.
Stop kicking your brother.
Put that back.
Why are your shoes off?
Get the cart disinfectant wipe off of your mouth!
Mom, can we get this?
No.
Why? Does it have hfcs in it?
No.
Then why?
Because it costs too much.
Just use your debit card.
It doesn't work like that.
Stop eating the grapes.
Why?
We haven't paid for them yet.
But you let us open and eat crakers once.
Sit down in the cart.
Stop singing so loud.
Stay over here.
Please keep your hands to yourself. (I'd like to think I said please anyway ;-)
I think you get the picture.
We rushed from the store to the library to drop something off to home. Calling my DH, I realize that he's forgotten about the 5 o'clock game and is still working 1 hour away--so much for help. While the 3 oldest all rounded up their gear for a baseball game for the oldest followed by soccer practice for the middle two I put away the cold stuff, packed the cooler with dinner and we headed for the pony field. Perfect. 10 minutes to get there-no problem.
Shoot. The baseball bag is in the back of Daddy's truck--can't you play without your glove, hat, bat, helmet and cup?
So, I headed the wrong direction to the shop to get the baseball bag out of the truck. What's that light on the dash? As I'm getting ready to turn into the parking lot at the field, I lose all acceleration and coast in on fumes. Now, we're 15 minutes late (as the game is starting) and thus 15 minutes late for my shift in the concession stand. Calling the DH again, I tell him to arrive asap with gas tank in hand. (it is his fault I ran out of gas, right? ;-)
I drop the kids and their dinner with the in-laws who have been waiting for us to arrive (thank God they were there!!) and head for the concession stand. Phew, everyone's happy nice and forgiving that I'm late.
Weird akwardness for the next 2 hours as I work with strangers whose names I don't know to fill the unhealthy desires of all the pony leaguers and their fans. Nothing looked good to me in there...and I'm pregnant and I haven't eaten dinner...and usually everything looks/smells good to me.
DH has already left with all 4 kids to head to soccer practice. A moment of peace. A beautiful night.
I stopped to chat with a friend for a minute that turned into 30. I got into the car to find my cell phone sitting on the seat. Whoops, forgot to take it with me. And a it has a dozen missed calls/ alerts (it's a Nextel) and messages.
Uh-oh. The 2yo has had an accident (#2) at the park and Daddy's frantic. Fortunately, he has already remedied the situation with paper towels and windex (always has those in his truck to keep those windows clean), threw away the undies and sent the oldest back to the house for clean clothes (only time he's been allowed to go that far without an adult!).
I am so thankful my car starts (thanks to DH) and I head home to bathe the kids and pop them into bed. (I'm still reaping the "benefits" of DH having to deal with that mess on his own--"You're turn. Remember the park?") Now, I get to finally put away the rest of the groceries. And dang-it, why didn't I get any chocolate?
Here is a quick snapshot of the conversations happening repeatedly between me and the 4 monkies in the 1 hour it took to get everything for 2 weeks and get out the door:
Mom, can we get this?
No.
Why?
Because it's not good for us.
Does it have high fructose corn syrup (hfcs) in it?
Yes.
Stop kicking your brother.
Put that back.
Why are your shoes off?
Get the cart disinfectant wipe off of your mouth!
Mom, can we get this?
No.
Why? Does it have hfcs in it?
No.
Then why?
Because it costs too much.
Just use your debit card.
It doesn't work like that.
Stop eating the grapes.
Why?
We haven't paid for them yet.
But you let us open and eat crakers once.
Sit down in the cart.
Stop singing so loud.
Stay over here.
Please keep your hands to yourself. (I'd like to think I said please anyway ;-)
I think you get the picture.
We rushed from the store to the library to drop something off to home. Calling my DH, I realize that he's forgotten about the 5 o'clock game and is still working 1 hour away--so much for help. While the 3 oldest all rounded up their gear for a baseball game for the oldest followed by soccer practice for the middle two I put away the cold stuff, packed the cooler with dinner and we headed for the pony field. Perfect. 10 minutes to get there-no problem.
Shoot. The baseball bag is in the back of Daddy's truck--can't you play without your glove, hat, bat, helmet and cup?
So, I headed the wrong direction to the shop to get the baseball bag out of the truck. What's that light on the dash? As I'm getting ready to turn into the parking lot at the field, I lose all acceleration and coast in on fumes. Now, we're 15 minutes late (as the game is starting) and thus 15 minutes late for my shift in the concession stand. Calling the DH again, I tell him to arrive asap with gas tank in hand. (it is his fault I ran out of gas, right? ;-)
I drop the kids and their dinner with the in-laws who have been waiting for us to arrive (thank God they were there!!) and head for the concession stand. Phew, everyone's happy nice and forgiving that I'm late.
Weird akwardness for the next 2 hours as I work with strangers whose names I don't know to fill the unhealthy desires of all the pony leaguers and their fans. Nothing looked good to me in there...and I'm pregnant and I haven't eaten dinner...and usually everything looks/smells good to me.
DH has already left with all 4 kids to head to soccer practice. A moment of peace. A beautiful night.
I stopped to chat with a friend for a minute that turned into 30. I got into the car to find my cell phone sitting on the seat. Whoops, forgot to take it with me. And a it has a dozen missed calls/ alerts (it's a Nextel) and messages.
Uh-oh. The 2yo has had an accident (#2) at the park and Daddy's frantic. Fortunately, he has already remedied the situation with paper towels and windex (always has those in his truck to keep those windows clean), threw away the undies and sent the oldest back to the house for clean clothes (only time he's been allowed to go that far without an adult!).
I am so thankful my car starts (thanks to DH) and I head home to bathe the kids and pop them into bed. (I'm still reaping the "benefits" of DH having to deal with that mess on his own--"You're turn. Remember the park?") Now, I get to finally put away the rest of the groceries. And dang-it, why didn't I get any chocolate?
Saturday, July 2, 2011
All-American Day
So, I love reading other people's blogs about their families and thought it might be time for us Hillardbillies to have one.
I'll just start with today.
Took the girls to Starbucks on the way to the Bloomington Farmers Market. I ordered my drink and snack and then the 2yo started her order. It went like this:
Hi! I'd like a chai tea latted with no eggs. Umm Hmm. Thank you.
Then, she smacked her lips in satisfaction. I guess I've ordered the same thing a few times, except, I didn't get the bacon sandwich with no eggs today.
We proceeded on to the farmers market where we danced, played tag, chatted with friends old and new and bought a few goodies. Looking forward to fresh cucumbers and making zucchini bread.
On our way home, we stopped to pick up some supplies to make these striped strawberries for a neighborhood party this evening.
The boys stayed home while Daddy trimmed the neighbor's tree. They thought it was great to sit in the sawdust laden breeze and drink juice boxes and eat potato chips (provided by the neighbor, of course we don't have such unhealthy snacks around here ;-) They thought it more thrilling and entertaining than an episode of Axe Men. They were quick to haul the branches to the street and help Daddy rake up the leftovers.
After a couple of hours, their PaPaw came to pick them up for a trip to the batting cages. They all got some good hits while there. PaPaw, the softie, was feeling a bit bad about leaving the girls home, so he called and asked us to meet him for lunch. We ate at one of our favorite spots, Dairy Queen. Then, it was back to the funpark for bumper boat rides. Oh how they all loved to get wet and to try to spray me as I cheered them on from the deck.
Now, the big 3 are playing legos while the baby is napping before a baseball game for the oldest with the neighborhood party and cookout to follow. What an All-American type of day.
I'll just start with today.
Took the girls to Starbucks on the way to the Bloomington Farmers Market. I ordered my drink and snack and then the 2yo started her order. It went like this:
Hi! I'd like a chai tea latted with no eggs. Umm Hmm. Thank you.
Then, she smacked her lips in satisfaction. I guess I've ordered the same thing a few times, except, I didn't get the bacon sandwich with no eggs today.
We proceeded on to the farmers market where we danced, played tag, chatted with friends old and new and bought a few goodies. Looking forward to fresh cucumbers and making zucchini bread.
On our way home, we stopped to pick up some supplies to make these striped strawberries for a neighborhood party this evening.
The boys stayed home while Daddy trimmed the neighbor's tree. They thought it was great to sit in the sawdust laden breeze and drink juice boxes and eat potato chips (provided by the neighbor, of course we don't have such unhealthy snacks around here ;-) They thought it more thrilling and entertaining than an episode of Axe Men. They were quick to haul the branches to the street and help Daddy rake up the leftovers.
After a couple of hours, their PaPaw came to pick them up for a trip to the batting cages. They all got some good hits while there. PaPaw, the softie, was feeling a bit bad about leaving the girls home, so he called and asked us to meet him for lunch. We ate at one of our favorite spots, Dairy Queen. Then, it was back to the funpark for bumper boat rides. Oh how they all loved to get wet and to try to spray me as I cheered them on from the deck.
Now, the big 3 are playing legos while the baby is napping before a baseball game for the oldest with the neighborhood party and cookout to follow. What an All-American type of day.
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