Ankle update

Hello! I just got back from waiting over an hour at my orthopedic doctor. The healing is going well. I have 2-3 more weeks in a hard cast (I got a new one put on today.) Then I go into a walking boot. The first 2 weeks of that I still have to use crutches. So that is 4-5 more weeks on crutches. But the worst part (I did not know this) is that I can not drive until I am fully walking on walking boot (no crutches) and have had 1-2 weeks of physical therapy. So I can not drive for at least 5 weeks, possibly more. YIKES!!! That I was not expecting.

So it is a praise the healing is going well. It is also a praise that so far everything is going smoothly with getting Josh, Jason, & me the rides we need. Also a praise that all our food shopping has been getting done, as well as all our errands.

But I am a bit upset that I can not drive for at least 5 more weeks. That puts me to the third week of June. At least Jason will be done with gym and co-op at the end of May. Then I only have to worry about rides for Joshua to and from school. And Jason to doctor every other week.

It is not the end of the world.

Please pray that my job is ok with me not going back for 5 more weeks. I was not planning on being out that long (it has been 5 weeks since I have been at work as it is.)

Also pray for blessings for all those helping us:
My mom, Scott, Leighann, my aunt Donna, my grandma, my brother Eric, Laura, Monica, Cindy, Joanna, Brian, Gerri, Samantha, and everyone else.

-Becky

frugal / green living

This is a repost from Aug. 30, 2008, I updated it a bit:













Hello! My goal is to live very frugally/green. In the process it has made me aware how much we waste. So I am really trying to use everything up and not buy stuff if I have something similar. I have saved lots of money along the way.

This goes for:

-paper towels- dishcloths work great (but my mom does buy us paper towels, thanks mom, so hey I will use them if they are free to me)
-paper napkins- cloth ones I got used a long time ago also work great
-sanitary napkins- cloth ones are so much nicer on my skin (email Meaghan at primmnproperbaby@yahoo.com to buy some-she is a Christian work at home mom. Her cloth diapers and sanitary napkins are great.)
-cloth diapers, you can buy great all in one's, no messing with pins or plastic pants
-cloth baby wipes- any washcloth/fabric will do
-toilet paper-f leece fabric (recycled from an old shirt) works wonderfully (and so soft too, and no lint) (no I am not kidding, it works great!)
-store bought cleaning products- vinegar &/or baking soda work great on most anything
-toothpaste- baking soda works great
-deodorant- again baking soda works great or corn starch
-laundry soap- I make my own, check out recipe here

The above are some of the things I do to live frugally/green.

I am trying to figure out frugal/green shaving, as shaving cream and razors can really add up (I have debated not shaving anymore, but I like smooth legs.) I tried an electric razor, ouch! Too harsh on my sensitive skin.
I need to find frugal, but good razors (I have very sensitive skin), any good tips?

I am trying to use up everything consumable we have before buying anything new.

I compost to keep some stuff out of the garbage. Great tip- add tea bags and coffee grinds to compost, it makes for great fertilizer.

Before I toss anything, I see if we can reuse or the kids can make something out of it. They especially love paper towel rolls (from the paper towels my mom buys.)

I also use junk mail and envelopes as scrap paper before they hit the garbage or compost. (My grandmother does this and I used to make fun of her. Sorry Grandma! You had the right idea.)

This may sound extreme to some, and not extreme enough to others (I still buy those little flossers cause they are so convenient, regular floss is too difficult for me and the kids, but I do get them at the dollar store.)

I feel God wants us to be good stewards of His money, His resources, and His Earth. This is how I am doing my part. What about you?

-Becky

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOM'S OUT THERE, ESPECIALLY MY OWN MOM!!!

Mother's Day Graphics

Children cost money?

I have been so blessed in the past 11 years that I have rarely bought clothes for my boys. They do get new socks, underwear, and shoes, but other than that I love used clothes and hand me downs. I especially love when grandparents and relatives buy them clothes for birthdays and holidays. I also feel fortunate that my boys really have not complained and pretty much wear whatever is in there drawers.

Well, we had a few hot days last week so I had a friend go into the attic to get some summer clothes down. I realized that Jason has grown and we have no summer clothes for him. Since I can not drive I went online.

Here's what I ordered for him (all prices include shipping):

Brand New:
6 t-shirts from Christianbook $50
1 t-shirt from Compassion $15

Used:
1 pair size 12 slim pants on ebay $8
4 t-shirts $13
6 pairs size 10/12 shorts $29

Total so far $115. I guess for 11 t-shirts, 1 pair of pants, and 6 pairs of shorts that is not too bad. That is less than $6.40 an item.

He sleeps in his boxers, so we don't need any summer pj's. He has a few nice church shirts, so all we still need to buy is sandals. I find with him I can't buy a cheap pair (like Payless) as they aggravate his feet. He also does not wear flip flops as the piece in between his toes drives him crazy.

Joshua has lots of t-shirts, some bathing suits, flip flops, sandals, and a few nice church shirts as well. I found 4 pairs of shorts for him in attic so far, so I think he will not need anything else to get us through till fall.

The real blessing is that in the attic I have at least 7 pairs of jeans for Josh and Jason that will fit them for fall. I also have new socks for fall already. So for sure we will only have to buy undershirts and sneakers and new sweatshirts. We may also have to buy Jason some long sleeve shirts as well. Not too bad.

As a side note, I also love used clothes as well (I don't want you to think I expect my boys to wear used clothes, but I wear all new.) As long as an item fits and is clean I am happy to wear it. (within reason-lol.)

I would prefer to be shopping at yard sales, but until my ankle heals and I can drive and walk without crutches I think I did pretty good on buying Jason summer clothes.

Do you like used clothes, hand me downs, etc? Do you only buy clothes at store if they are on slae / clearance, etc?

-Becky

p.s. after I wrote this, I went online to LL Bean and got both boys new sandals. They were on clearance for $9.95 each. They are good for beach and stuff (they are like foam.) They look very cozy, and I trust LL Bean to be good quality. So we are set for summer.

Prayer Requests

Prayer Requests:

I am not sleeping at night due to some ankle pain and general discomfort with cast on. In turn I am very tired in the day time.

My ex mother in law, Miriam (Joshua's grandmother) has cancer that has spread over much of her body, they do not expect her to live much longer. She does not know the Lord.

Jason's dad after not calling for two months has starting calling again. Jason does not want to talk to him on the phone, but does want to see him. Pray for God's will. Pray for my son who is hurting over missing his dad. Pray for salvation for his dad, also named Jason, and his wife as well, her name is Donna.

My brother, Kevin is living in Ohio taking care of my grandmother. Pray for wisdom and strength for him. Pray he is blessed for putting his life on hold to do this.

My brother, Eric needs prayer as well. He is unemployed (he is a union carpenter.) In addition he and his girlfriend of 7 years broke up recently and he is not taking it well. He also has some health issues. And his dog, who is his best friend, is seriously ill. Mostly he does not know the Lord.

My mom needs prayer as she is trying to help my brother. In addition she is working two jobs (my stepfather, also a union carpenter is also unemployed.) My mom needs more time for herself and down time. Pray for blessings for her for all she does in my life. She is amazing!

Thanks so much!

-Becky

on the receiving end

Today I was on the receiving end of much giving:

My friend Cindy took Josh to school.
My friend Sue and her three children came over and cleaned my house and bought us lunch.
Jason's grandfather came over and got my garden ready for my veggie plants to go in (I was really bummed about not being able to do this.)
My stepfather Scott stopped by just to see if we needed anything.
My dad called to tell me he found a great guitar for Jason who wants to take lessons, and my dad is going to pay for half of it.
My friend Leighanne drove us to church and brought us home again.

We are so blessed. Sometimes it is so much I can hardly fathom it all. God is so good, so good!

-Becky

give away, give away, give away

With all this recession talk and unemployment and such many are talking of hoarding money and stuff. And although I agree every family should have an emergency fund of about 6 months living expenses, I think that especially in times like these we need to trust God more. We need to give away more.

First, how much stuff do you have in your house that you are not using? Yes, you could have a yard sale to declutter and raise some money, but sometimes all the time and energy of a sale is not worth the money (our last sale netted me about $40 for over 10 hours work-set up day before and sale day.) But honestly I enjoy giving my stuff away, especially on freecycle.org, and to charities. Actually my church is hosting a yard sale next month to raise money for the building fund and I am so excited to fill boxes to donate. Just make sure if you give away used items, they are still usable, it can be insulting to get items that should be in the trash.

Second, how much time do you have? Maybe you are working two or three jobs due to this unstable economy, if so email me and I will pray for you. But many of us have been cut hours at work, or unemployed, or have free time that used to be filled with activities that cost money. Well, give away your time. Give some to your family, give some to yourself (perhaps taking a class to help you gain much needed new skills for a new job), and give some to strangers. Many people are hurting, giving of your time may be as simple as five minutes listening to a stranger talk about his family or job situation. It may be volunteering at your church, a nursing home, a low income child care center. It may mean writing letters to an inmate or soldier you have never met who needs a word of encouragement. The possibilities are endless.

Third, yes this one may sound like the opposite of what to do, but GIVE AWAY YOUR MONEY!!! I am going to let you in on something, it is not a secret but many have forgotten. It is not yours anyway. It is all God's. It comes from Him, and goes back to Him. We are simply stewards of His money. Would He be proud of how you are managing His money? When you get any money, a paycheck, an unemployment check, a check as a birthday gift, lottery winnings, money from selling assets, etc, give back to God His portion. The bible says the first 10% belongs to God. You may be in sticker shock, but in reality if He gives us $100, who are we to say no to giving Him $10 back. That is crazy!! And wait it gets better, after that 10% give MORE. Give a love offering. Give to a friend who is unemployed (anonymously - food store gift cards work great.) Give to an organization you support. Give more to your church. Give money to help a stranger adopting a child. Give to support clean water projects in Africa. If your heart is in it, GIVE! Pray about where to do so, check out an organization before you make a donation, but above all else GIVE!


I can write this with a clear heart, because I do this; I give away stuff we no longer need (clothes, books, games, art supplies, homeschool stuff, pots and pans, etc.) I give my time (although I need to work on giving more of my time.) I tithe on every penny God allows to flow through my life. I also give away above and beyond that tithe. I do not write this to toot my own horn, but to let you know that it is possible and necessary to give. Don't wait until you have more, I am sure you already have more than enough. I am a single mom with two boys living on about $20,000 a year total. We still are so blessed!

So I challenge you this week to do three things:
1) give away 5 things in your home that you are no longer using, but would be a blessing to someone else
2) give away just 5 min. of your time to a stranger this week
3) give away $5 above your tithe this week
(if you are not tithing I challenge you this week to not give 10% of your income, but start with 1%.)

I have done 1 & 3. I have to work on #2, and will update you on that later.

Email me or leave a comment once you have completed one or all of the challenges this week.

Thanks! -Becky