Category Archives: Life

September Hits-Update

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A quick update, I have schedule oral surgery for Oct 21st to have the 2 abscessed teeth removed. Our overall cost is around $320. I will of course have another $100 in meds but still way under what I had thought. Zach also has an appointment scheduled with a Pediatric Cardiologist for Oct 19th. The more research and questions we have asked the more this appointment makes sense. In addition to these two appointment, all the kid will get flu shots and both the little girls have an appointment for their eyes. Sounds like October will be spend in medical offices.

The “Hits” of September

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I can honestly say that September has been a difficult month on us so far in all aspects of the word. It seems we are getting same hits from all sides. So I thought I would share a few of the highlights here with one request…if you read these…please pray for us.
1. Our dryer was on it’s death bed. It was taking 2-3 hours per load, the final straw was the HORRIFIC sound that gave me a headache. But it has been replaced with a new to us dryer that works get so far. Cost $150
2. 2 flat tires within 3 days of each other. First was one on the car which Matt was able to get repaired at Walmart for $10 and the second on the van which cost $45 to purchase a new one from Costco. We have learned that the car is in need of tire in the next month or so so that should be another $500. I am praying that we can at least wait until Mid to late October for these.
3. Oral surgery is on the horizon for me . I was informed at the dentist that 2 of my teeth are abscessed and infected, with one actually draining in my sinus cavity. I have an appointment with the oral surgeon on Tuesday. The initial cost is $200 and then I will get an estimate at that appointment. I honest don’t have a clue what the final cost or where we will get the money for this expense at.
4. The closing of Angel Food Ministries. This alone does not sound like a big deal but when we really started looking at our budget, we have been heavily using Angel Food as our source of meat for the last 2 years. I have started a price point list for meat and hope to be able to maintain our grocery budget at its current level but to be honest I am not sure this will be possible.
5. The exhaust system on the van messed up. We needed up having it towed and fixed in one day. But I can not describe the stress this added to our life this one day. Cost of the repair was $170
6. Zach had his 2 year old check up this month and despite the fact he has gained weight and it on the growth chart, the doctor is still really concerned. To add to our concern is the possibility of a heart murmur. The doctor told Matt that it sounds like a “mild one.” This is one concern that I am giving over to God. I mention it here just so that I can have a record but I have peace and really think the doctor needs his hearing checked.

Add to this hit list that school is back in and we are all trying to adjust to the new schedule and that I am adding more hours at work then it all equals A LOT OF STRESS!

Why I strongly dislike Walmart

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Inconsistency.

Several month ago, I had a rain check. So I went into the customer service desk and ask if they would except it. I knew this would be a process so I even allowed an extra half hour for this. After checking with multiple people the answer YES..we will except it and No you can keep it, it is not a coupon. So I have happily used several different rain checks multiple times with little to no problem until Saturday night. A friend called on Saturday to let me know that you could get FREE body wash as Dollar General. Of course, I checked it out and they were out of stock. No big deal, I was going to Walmart anyway to get Diet Coke with my 0.69 rain check. They priced matched the body wash on my word but the rain check was a different story. After speaking with 3 separate managers and asking (politely) to see the policy in writing 3 times and being shown a policy totally unrelated to rain checks, they agree to give me the price on the rain check but in the process, they did take my rain check to use as part of their coupon count. GRRRRRRRRRRRRR, luckily the cashier was so nice and she didn’t mind the wait so at least that was pleasant. But after all was said and done…

I spent $3.97 for 5 2L Diet Cokes, and 2 bottles of Nivea Body wash. I am really pleased but can they just decide something and let me enjoy couponing?

Wordless Wednesday-Dedication at our new church Building

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The Mime team performed one song at the regular worship service, Haley is in the middle.

Our friend Pastor Pete Brokopp, a missionary who currently is working to bring clean drinking water and food to Burkina Faso Africa. Pete is often know for his zest and honesty.



The Mime team performing, Haley is on the end to the right.



Lily and her BFF Izzy, during the welcome breakfast.

Matt really enjoyed face painting.

August In Review

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Day late but hey at least I am trying here! Interesting pictures and Birthday info to follow tommorow!



BLOGGING: I had 11 post in August which is the same for July so I am pleased that I have stayed the course! Hopefully I will hit my goal at least once this year! Goal: 15 per month



Devotions: I am getting better, averaging 2 a week. Goal is 3 a week.

Couponing/Grocery Budgeting: My initial goal for this area was to cut the general budget in half and stay at around $400, however I forgot that school supplies would be included in this area this month. Another major dent in this area was all the supplies for Zach’s birthday dinner. I am very pleased to report that we are at $816.00 for the month! I count this as a succes. Our Grocery Budget is set at $800 per month, this includes diapers, cleaning supplies, food and toiletries.



Financially: August was an another odd month. Honestly, Matt and I are still working to figure out however to achieve our goals. I can say that we actually came out even for the month which is great. Debt reduction is a major focus for us and that means now that our budget seems to be working. I am going to take a look at where we can trim even $5 to go toward medical debts taht will assist us in the overall goals. As I was typing I did realize a major accomplishment in this area, Amanda’s college was paid in cash and we caught all taxes up to date for the year. Goals in this area: Emergency fund of $1000, car fund equal to a payment of $300 each month and by January- debt free except for mortgage.

Weight– A huge wake up call was my mid year wellness check at work. I know I have got to get back on track with walking or something and these 6 pounds I gained since February have got to go. Now for a plan for this to happen!

Weekend at Church

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Seriously this has been one of the most fun and exciting but at the same time tiring weekends that we have had in a long long time. Here are the highlights:

Saturday 6:15am- Leave to pick up Angel food
7Am- Arrive back home for breakfast and to unload/put away our purchases. At this point, I realized I had purchased the wrong box and 2 of our fruit items were damaged.
8:30-Arrive at church for Angel Food distribution
10:00- Help with set up of Kid’s Carnival- I was asked to be the administrative assistant. So I really enjoyed organizing and getting things together.
2:00pm-Kid’s Carnival starts. The kids had an awesome time, the carnival included a bouncing house, a huge slide and about a dozen games that each gave a prize. My kids think it was a holiday, we are still enjoying eating candy and playing with the small toys from this event! My plan is to post some pictures for Wordless Wednesday!
4:00pm- I brought Lily, Kendall, Zach, Haley and 2 friends home. We had decided that our little ones could not make it through a concert. I managed to get everyone fed and bath prior to Matt getting home around 6.
6:30 Matt and I attend the Second Chance Bluegrass concert. Haley and her friend babysat so this was our date night.I really really really enjoyed it. And I will be the first to say I am not a fan of bluegrass
Sunday 9:30-Arrived at church for our open house. We had a Continental Breakfast and a time of meet and greet.
10:15- Worship service. Matt and I had preschool aged Children’s Church today. The only down side was Haley performed with the Mime team and I missed it.
12:00pm- Lunch. Each church family brought a desert and then the meal was catered. It was really good. We are extremely blessed as we were offered and brought home enough of the leftovers to serve our family an entire meal and use some of the extra for several meals or portions of meal during this coming week. I can’t say how awesome and helpful this is!
1:30pm- Dedication service
3:45-Arrived home to get ready for the week!
Wow we have been busy! But our church has a new home and it was exciting to be a part of this weekend!

Looking Forward to Change

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Change is usually a bad word around here ask any of the kids and when we say that things are changing that usually results in a sense of panic and dread. But not this time at least not for me.

Summer is coming to an end..school starts in 4 days, which means huge changes for Lily and the rest of us. I am excited and proud for Lily to start First grade but as her mother it does worry me about what if she is not social ready, what if she does not make friends in her class, what if she stands out as an awkward child that really just does not fit in. I don’t regret going ahead with our “home school” Kindergarten last year, Lily was ready to read and learn math. I seriously doubt that either Zach or Kendall will be in the same place and in a way that is a relief. I have tried to buy book bags, lunchboxes and clothes that will help her fit in and now I will start to pray that she find/makes good friends quickly.

None of this sounds like good change so far but… I like routine, in fact it makes my life so much easier. Over the summer, we have been really slack with bedtime, bedtime routines and morning routines. With Lily and Haley starting back to school this will focus us to get into a routine which in reality will make my life easier. Currently, the plan is for me to drop off Haley first and then Lily. Matt will do the reverse for picking them up. We will have to get dinner, homework and bedtime down pat between cheerleading and Kid’s club. So yes, it will be crazy busy but it will be a crazy busy that I like!

Other changes that I am really starting to enjoy, Haley understand that she is expected to do certain things and even if she disagrees, she usually does them. Haley is also beginning to realize the influence of music, words and actions on the younger kids. Matt and I have settled into a routine, as he is becoming more involved at church, he is also becoming more of a leader at home. Finances seem to be easier. Change a good thing at this point!

How Time Flys

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It has been a couple of weeks maybe even a month or so since I did a random list to catch everyone up on our life so now is the time.

-For the past week I have been working full-time plus between the two jobs. I am exhausted but we are not losing our minds so it must be getting easier on all of us.

-I am determined to keep a whole day off each week. I was unable to do that for the past 2 weeks and after yesterday, that will not happen again. I can handle the long hours if I know I get a day to spend with the kids.

-I managed to sprain/ jam my ring and little fingers on my left hand yesterday and they hurt especially trying to type.

-Lily is super excited about starting First Grade next week, on Tuesday we get to meet the teacher and Thursday is the first day of school. Both events will include me-YAY! YAY!

-Matt is starting to get heavily involved at the church again. Currently he is working on updating and managing the church website and working on building a pirate ship for our kids group. He played the drums this past Sunday. Along with Angel Food, he is actually doing more than I am currently!

-Haley and I took the little kids shopping alone on Thursday after hair cuts. Both Zach and Kendall feel asleep after less than 2 hours. We have finished most of the back to school stuff but need to make a “underwear” trip for a couple of folks who will remain nameless.

-Kendall is officially potty trained and only wears pull-ups at night. The majority of the time she even wakes up dry.

-Zach is starting to work on potty training. He is usually successful about 75% of the time. His birthday is coming up quick! He has such a little personality and makes sure we understand what he wants, even if it means taking a hand and showing us what it is.

-I am finding time to organize and display ALOT of my pictures of the kids over the year. Currently I am working on the large wall in our bedroom and then it will be on to the hall of shame.

Fast and Fun Weekend

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We woke up to a rain storm on Saturday morning..wish that meant we could sleep in and enjoy the rain, but not around here. I spent most of the morning cleaning, Matt’s brother and his family came by for a short visit on their way to Florida so I wanted to make sure we enjoyed the short amount of time we would have to visit. On Friday, our printer stopped working and I decided last minute that I wanted a 3 part crock pot so off to Walmart Matt and I went. Amanda and Haley watched the little ones for a bit so this was an adult only trip. Saturday afternoon while I prepared food, Zach, Kendall and Matt attended a birthday party. Saturday evening Haley spent the night with the Pierces to watch a movie and hang out. We really enjoyed the vist from Matt’s family and my kids think there was a special event on Saturday because we ended up with 2 bags of toys, one from the Pierce’s and one from the Abbotts. All three of the little kids are still playing with new toys it is awesome to watch them share and play.

Sunday was another busy day, church, lunch, pool, dinner, playing outside and then home to bed.

Today is Monday, I worked. The girls are gone to Cheerleading and Zach is asleep. The rest of the week should be just as fun. Tuesday, Haley is off to Carowinds and Lily has a friend over to play. Wednesday tutoring and house cleaning, Thursday is Angel Food and hair cuts. And with just one week left to school starts we have to get clothes and our selves ready.