Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Freecycle
As long as I'm talking about saving money (or being cheap), I thought I would post some of the items that I have gotten from Freecycle over the last few months. I didn't really get into Freecycling until we moved here, although, I did check it out a few times in Maryland.
Freecycle is a group that anyone can join in most areas. People post items that they don't want or need anymore and others respond if they are interested in attaining those items. By doing this, the givers get rid of unwanted "stuff" and the "receivers" get items that they can use. No waste and it is free. It's great for the environment and wallets. You can also post that you are looking for an item and people will respond if they can accommodate you. Most people send their address and you pick the item up off of their porch.
I have only been a "giver" two or three times as I got rid of most of my unwanted items when we moved. However, I have been blessed with great items that have been VERY useful and saved me A LOT of money. (I would insert a picture here but my camera is malfunctioning.)
The items that I have received are: two toddler bed rails, a kiddie camping chair, a booster seat (for the table), a winter coat (for me to wear when pregnant), a VCR, several children's' video tapes, and two suits for Luke (one that he wore to my sister's wedding). I can't forget the full size mattress that now lives in my guest room. (You may think that is a little gross, but I checked it out and the home it came from VERY well. Plus, I've got a hypoallergenic cover on it. The woman bought it and then decided it hurt her back. The store wouldn't take it back so she got a new one.) The last item is a seven foot artificial tree still wrapped in plastic. (We didn't even get a tree this year because I didn't want to spend the money. Now we don't ever have to spend money on a tree!) I figure just with these items I have saved at least $400 and I'm not counting the camping chair (something that I really didn't need but will be very handy during soccer season).
If you have something to give or if you are in need of something, click on my link to Freecycle under Saving More Money and sign up. (I don't even get e-mails, I just log on every so often and check it out.)
(If you decide to try it, please be smart. Don't go to any areas that are "suspect"...just a friendly warning.)
Freecycle is a group that anyone can join in most areas. People post items that they don't want or need anymore and others respond if they are interested in attaining those items. By doing this, the givers get rid of unwanted "stuff" and the "receivers" get items that they can use. No waste and it is free. It's great for the environment and wallets. You can also post that you are looking for an item and people will respond if they can accommodate you. Most people send their address and you pick the item up off of their porch.
I have only been a "giver" two or three times as I got rid of most of my unwanted items when we moved. However, I have been blessed with great items that have been VERY useful and saved me A LOT of money. (I would insert a picture here but my camera is malfunctioning.)
The items that I have received are: two toddler bed rails, a kiddie camping chair, a booster seat (for the table), a winter coat (for me to wear when pregnant), a VCR, several children's' video tapes, and two suits for Luke (one that he wore to my sister's wedding). I can't forget the full size mattress that now lives in my guest room. (You may think that is a little gross, but I checked it out and the home it came from VERY well. Plus, I've got a hypoallergenic cover on it. The woman bought it and then decided it hurt her back. The store wouldn't take it back so she got a new one.) The last item is a seven foot artificial tree still wrapped in plastic. (We didn't even get a tree this year because I didn't want to spend the money. Now we don't ever have to spend money on a tree!) I figure just with these items I have saved at least $400 and I'm not counting the camping chair (something that I really didn't need but will be very handy during soccer season).
If you have something to give or if you are in need of something, click on my link to Freecycle under Saving More Money and sign up. (I don't even get e-mails, I just log on every so often and check it out.)
(If you decide to try it, please be smart. Don't go to any areas that are "suspect"...just a friendly warning.)
Monday, March 16, 2009
How I'm Saving
I've, once again, become a student. My friend and thrifty shopper guru, Danae, inspired me with her coupon clipping advice. So, several months ago I got a subscription to the newspaper...purely for the coupons. In that time, I have come to realize that coupon shopping is quite an art. I've gotten better, but still have a long way to go.
CVS is one store that Danae is always getting great deals from. I decided to put her advice (as well as my new link I Heart CVS's advice) to use. A couple of weeks ago this was what I purchased from CVS:
Before I used my coupons and CVS dollars that I earned, my total was $134.37. After redeeming my coupons and CVS dollars, I paid: $56.52. That is not to mention the $14.00 in CVS dollars that I received to spend on my next shopping trip. So I saved, roughly, $91.85.
It does take a little time to figure out what is best to buy. However, I was pretty happy with my purchases. When purchased full price just the Excedrin, Tylenol, Miralax and Ponds almost add up what I actually paid. (I did learn that waiting until the last day of the week is not the best option. I could have gotten a free razor and earned several CVS dollars if I had been able to find a razor to "buy" for my husband. Of course, that razor was out of stock at both stores I tried.)
I'm feeling pretty good about what I've been learning. I'm saving money and it is kind of like a game for me. Click on my saving money links and try it for yourself.
CVS is one store that Danae is always getting great deals from. I decided to put her advice (as well as my new link I Heart CVS's advice) to use. A couple of weeks ago this was what I purchased from CVS:
Before I used my coupons and CVS dollars that I earned, my total was $134.37. After redeeming my coupons and CVS dollars, I paid: $56.52. That is not to mention the $14.00 in CVS dollars that I received to spend on my next shopping trip. So I saved, roughly, $91.85.
It does take a little time to figure out what is best to buy. However, I was pretty happy with my purchases. When purchased full price just the Excedrin, Tylenol, Miralax and Ponds almost add up what I actually paid. (I did learn that waiting until the last day of the week is not the best option. I could have gotten a free razor and earned several CVS dollars if I had been able to find a razor to "buy" for my husband. Of course, that razor was out of stock at both stores I tried.)
I'm feeling pretty good about what I've been learning. I'm saving money and it is kind of like a game for me. Click on my saving money links and try it for yourself.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The Atonement
Today I finally caved and spoke at church. (After turning down two previous opportunities because I was out of town. I had a harder time preparing for this talk than usual because of the topic. Since I am using this blog as my journal I wanted to include my talk. I'm sure I will like to look back at it at some point. So, enjoy, if you would like a little "extra" religion to your normal Sunday routine...
One thing that I wanted to look at as I prepared for this talk were the many ways the world interprets the Atonement. In most other Christian religions, the Atonement is seen in one of three ways: First, as a ransom to Satan. This theory indicates that Jesus had to suffer and die to liberate mankind from slavery to Satan. The second theory is that of the satisfaction or penal substitution. In this theory, mankind owes a debt not to Satan, but to God Himself. It had to be
done because, it is believed, because sin is an affront to God’s honor. Lastly, the theory of honor. In this theory Jesus’ death on the cross demonstrates the extent of God’s love for us, and because of this act of love mankind is changed by the Holy Spirit.
As I read about these theories and the men who are known for explaining and spreading them, I realized that each of them may hold some truth. None, though, holds the truth in its entirety.
I was again reminded of how blessed we are to have a living prophet who communicates with the Father and the Son to help us understand the reason for the Atonement and how it can change our lives.
D& C 76: 41 and 42 states that “Jesus Christ came into the world...to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness; that through Him all might be saved.”
The Father has always had a plan for our salvation. That plan began when He and His Son created the earth. As Adam and Eve lived in the Garden they were unable to have children, but were commanded to multiply. And so the Fall took place. It was not a tragedy, it was a deliberate plan of the Father.
So, why did Adam and Eve need to fall? We learn in 2nd Nephi that “Adam fell that man might be and men are that they might have joy.”
Without the Fall, mankind would not exist on the earth. Without the Fall, Adam and Eve (and all of us) would not be able to comprehend joy or happiness. We would not have understood it without feeling the opposition...sadness. Think of how much more grateful you are for the joy that you feel in your life after you have gone through a trial that has made you feel sorrow.
Because of the Fall man suffered spiritual death. We were separated from God. We were also now able to grow older and suffer physical death as well as yield to temptation which made it necessary to be punished for our own sins... but not for Adam’s transgression.
(Parable of the creditor, debtor and mediator.)
Because our God is a God of order and our sins are our spiritual debts, we needed to have that debt forgiven. Because no unclean thing can enter the kingdom of God, and entering the Kingdom of God is the only way to attain eternal life and return to our Father, we need a Savior. Because we cannot save ourselves from the Fall or from our own sins, we need Jesus Christ, our mediator.
Jesus Christ was the only one who could atone for our sins. Because He was mortal and had the ability for physical death, yet immortal and able to overcome death, and that He himself lived a life without sin Jesus Christ was the only one who could stand in each of our places to take the burden of the Fall and to pay the price for our sins.
Of the act of the Atonement, Elder Russell M. Nelson, wrote:
“The ordeal of the Atonement centered about the city of Jerusalem. There the greatest single act of love of all recorded history took place. There at Gethsemane, the Lord “suffered the pain of all men, that all...might repent and come unto him.” He took upon Himself the weight of the sins of all mankind, bearing its massive load that caused Him to bleed from every pore.”
He said, “I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit.” Nevertheless glory be to the father and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.”
Even after suffering so that we might not have to, He went on to be crucified:
Elder Nelson continues:
"Later He was beaten and scourged. A crown of sharp thorns was thrust upon His head as an additional form of torture. He was mocked and jeered. He suffered every indignity at the hands of His own people. His people cruelly rejected Him. Then, He was required to carry His own cross to the hill of Calvary, where He was nailed to that cross and made to suffer excruciating pain. Even though the Father and the Son knew well in advance what was to be experienced, the actuality of it brought indescribable agony. Jesus complied with the will of His Father. Three days later, He rose from the grave. He became the first fruits of the Resurrection. He had accomplished the Atonement, which could give immortality and eternal life to all obedient human beings.”
Because of His Atonement we have been redeemed from the Fall, we can live forever; glorified and resurrected. We can have salvation from our sins. And, we can receive peace and healing.
When one really comprehends and appreciates the immense sacrifice that our Savior gave for us, how can we not take full advantage of it?
If we want to show our Savior how very grateful we are for his atoning sacrifice for each of our sins we cannot take His sacrifice for granted. We have to repent often. We must obey. We need to make sure it is at the forefront of our minds. We must read his words, pray to him, and serve others. We should share our testimonies of Him with others.
We need to call on him in our trials and know that he knows all suffering. Allow him to give us peace. As part of His Atonement, Jesus took upon Himself the pains, sicknesses, and infirmities of all people. My pain and your pain. He understands your suffering because He experienced it. No matter what problem you may be facing today or tomorrow, or how alone you might feel, He has been there and He can help.
To take advantage of His Atonement we must: “Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.” (2nd Nephi 31:20)
If we do these things He will comfort us. He will change us. And, because of His Sacrifice, we will have eternal life...”
One thing that I wanted to look at as I prepared for this talk were the many ways the world interprets the Atonement. In most other Christian religions, the Atonement is seen in one of three ways: First, as a ransom to Satan. This theory indicates that Jesus had to suffer and die to liberate mankind from slavery to Satan. The second theory is that of the satisfaction or penal substitution. In this theory, mankind owes a debt not to Satan, but to God Himself. It had to be
done because, it is believed, because sin is an affront to God’s honor. Lastly, the theory of honor. In this theory Jesus’ death on the cross demonstrates the extent of God’s love for us, and because of this act of love mankind is changed by the Holy Spirit.
As I read about these theories and the men who are known for explaining and spreading them, I realized that each of them may hold some truth. None, though, holds the truth in its entirety.
I was again reminded of how blessed we are to have a living prophet who communicates with the Father and the Son to help us understand the reason for the Atonement and how it can change our lives.
D& C 76: 41 and 42 states that “Jesus Christ came into the world...to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness; that through Him all might be saved.”
The Father has always had a plan for our salvation. That plan began when He and His Son created the earth. As Adam and Eve lived in the Garden they were unable to have children, but were commanded to multiply. And so the Fall took place. It was not a tragedy, it was a deliberate plan of the Father.
So, why did Adam and Eve need to fall? We learn in 2nd Nephi that “Adam fell that man might be and men are that they might have joy.”
Without the Fall, mankind would not exist on the earth. Without the Fall, Adam and Eve (and all of us) would not be able to comprehend joy or happiness. We would not have understood it without feeling the opposition...sadness. Think of how much more grateful you are for the joy that you feel in your life after you have gone through a trial that has made you feel sorrow.
Because of the Fall man suffered spiritual death. We were separated from God. We were also now able to grow older and suffer physical death as well as yield to temptation which made it necessary to be punished for our own sins... but not for Adam’s transgression.
(Parable of the creditor, debtor and mediator.)
Because our God is a God of order and our sins are our spiritual debts, we needed to have that debt forgiven. Because no unclean thing can enter the kingdom of God, and entering the Kingdom of God is the only way to attain eternal life and return to our Father, we need a Savior. Because we cannot save ourselves from the Fall or from our own sins, we need Jesus Christ, our mediator.
Jesus Christ was the only one who could atone for our sins. Because He was mortal and had the ability for physical death, yet immortal and able to overcome death, and that He himself lived a life without sin Jesus Christ was the only one who could stand in each of our places to take the burden of the Fall and to pay the price for our sins.
Of the act of the Atonement, Elder Russell M. Nelson, wrote:
“The ordeal of the Atonement centered about the city of Jerusalem. There the greatest single act of love of all recorded history took place. There at Gethsemane, the Lord “suffered the pain of all men, that all...might repent and come unto him.” He took upon Himself the weight of the sins of all mankind, bearing its massive load that caused Him to bleed from every pore.”
He said, “I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit.” Nevertheless glory be to the father and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.”
Even after suffering so that we might not have to, He went on to be crucified:
Elder Nelson continues:
"Later He was beaten and scourged. A crown of sharp thorns was thrust upon His head as an additional form of torture. He was mocked and jeered. He suffered every indignity at the hands of His own people. His people cruelly rejected Him. Then, He was required to carry His own cross to the hill of Calvary, where He was nailed to that cross and made to suffer excruciating pain. Even though the Father and the Son knew well in advance what was to be experienced, the actuality of it brought indescribable agony. Jesus complied with the will of His Father. Three days later, He rose from the grave. He became the first fruits of the Resurrection. He had accomplished the Atonement, which could give immortality and eternal life to all obedient human beings.”
Because of His Atonement we have been redeemed from the Fall, we can live forever; glorified and resurrected. We can have salvation from our sins. And, we can receive peace and healing.
When one really comprehends and appreciates the immense sacrifice that our Savior gave for us, how can we not take full advantage of it?
If we want to show our Savior how very grateful we are for his atoning sacrifice for each of our sins we cannot take His sacrifice for granted. We have to repent often. We must obey. We need to make sure it is at the forefront of our minds. We must read his words, pray to him, and serve others. We should share our testimonies of Him with others.
We need to call on him in our trials and know that he knows all suffering. Allow him to give us peace. As part of His Atonement, Jesus took upon Himself the pains, sicknesses, and infirmities of all people. My pain and your pain. He understands your suffering because He experienced it. No matter what problem you may be facing today or tomorrow, or how alone you might feel, He has been there and He can help.
To take advantage of His Atonement we must: “Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.” (2nd Nephi 31:20)
If we do these things He will comfort us. He will change us. And, because of His Sacrifice, we will have eternal life...”
Monday, March 9, 2009
Housing Hassles and Clear Answers
About a month ago, I decided to start looking for a new home to rent. (Since we aren't sure how long we will be here, we just aren't ready to buy.) This was surely, in part, due to nesting. (A term I have always hated because, let's face it, I'm not a bird. But here I was looking for a new home, literally nesting.)
We like the home that we currently live in, however, I was sure that we could find a place that would save us a significant amount of money. Our lease is up in May, so I became a little obsessed about finding a place before the baby comes. Anyhow, I found several options that would save us a few hundred dollars a month. One, though, seemed great. It was in the right area to keep Jackson at the same school, looked practically new inside and was even on the schools bus route! (No more drop offs and pick ups.) I kind of stalked this house. I could have contacted the realtor of that home directly, but I decided to do the right thing and contact our realtor first. After not hearing from him for a day or so, I prayed that we would get the house if it would be the right place for us. After the weekend, my realtor contacted me and said that he was out of town. I, stalking as usual, drove by the house and saw people inside. I knocked on the door and found out that the house was rented over the weekend. I figured that answer was a big NO.
Since then, a friend through church told me about another option in the same neighborhood that we live in now. It was a great option because it is on the side of the neighborhood where a lot of children live and it would save us, yet another, $150 a month. I looked at the house, the renters were very accommodating and told me to bring my husband back in a week and, if he approved, we could settle things.
Then, we had a day when lots of crazy things happened on the housing front. The day before I was to bring Jimmy to see the house I said another prayer that we would be able to tell if it was the right place while we looked at it the following day. A couple hours later, I was contacted by a family in our ward (church congregation)who heard that we were looking and needed someone to take over their lease for even $200 less than the option in our neighborhood. We told them that we were pretty sure about the neighborhood option but that we would give them a call if things didn't work out the next day. Soon after, we sent our landlords a letter telling them of the two housing options we had and asking if they would lower our rent. About two minutes after I sent that e-mail to our current landlords the woman from the neighborhood house called and said that they were so sorry but they suddenly decided not to rent the home. Ok, answer to house number two: NO.
Even though we hadn't seen the third house that the family from church were renting, I figured that that was where we would end up. It was a great house, similar in size to the one we live in now, that backed to a huge field and the town playground. I'd have to drive Jackson to school, but I could get over that. And, we would save a whooping $700/month. Unless our landlords could take that much off our rent (which we were pretty sure they couldn't), it looked like that would be the place.
The next day, our landlords e-mailed us and told us that within weeks they were putting our house up for sale! They said they would like for us to stay in the home while it is on the market and would match the $700 off per month that the other house was offering. This was exciting but there was still a decision to make since we could be asked to leave at any time and with only 30 days notice. (Not to mention having a new baby and dealing with showings and the possibility of loosing out on a the other house, an unheard of deal). After a week of going back and forth we decided to tell the family in our ward (who didn't want to move until July) that we were very interested and to please let us know when they were ready to make the move. We asked that they let us know before they looked for other people to take over the lease. This would give us a couple of months to sit tight and then we could decide.
Except that they told us that they had already found another family to rent the house! What? They contacted us! Needless to say, I was pretty infuriated. House number 3: NO!!!
It looks like the Lords' hand is in all of this and that He just wants us to stay put. I believe that He had to give crystal clear answers to me on this topic because I had been so stressed out about money (which was probably not something I really needed to worry about). Not only did He say no on three separate occasions but, in the process, made it possible for us to stay where we are at the lowest rent that I have found. It will be a bit of an inconvenience for us and not knowing how long we will be able to stay is a bit disconcerting. However, maybe God just knows better than I do. Who knows? The house might not sell and we could be here for years at the low rent. Or we might decide that it is time to move out of the area and we won't be stuck in a lease. We will just have to have faith and see. It is nice to be led and have such a clear and obvious answer...another reminder that we aren't alone in the day to day choices we make in life.
We like the home that we currently live in, however, I was sure that we could find a place that would save us a significant amount of money. Our lease is up in May, so I became a little obsessed about finding a place before the baby comes. Anyhow, I found several options that would save us a few hundred dollars a month. One, though, seemed great. It was in the right area to keep Jackson at the same school, looked practically new inside and was even on the schools bus route! (No more drop offs and pick ups.) I kind of stalked this house. I could have contacted the realtor of that home directly, but I decided to do the right thing and contact our realtor first. After not hearing from him for a day or so, I prayed that we would get the house if it would be the right place for us. After the weekend, my realtor contacted me and said that he was out of town. I, stalking as usual, drove by the house and saw people inside. I knocked on the door and found out that the house was rented over the weekend. I figured that answer was a big NO.
Since then, a friend through church told me about another option in the same neighborhood that we live in now. It was a great option because it is on the side of the neighborhood where a lot of children live and it would save us, yet another, $150 a month. I looked at the house, the renters were very accommodating and told me to bring my husband back in a week and, if he approved, we could settle things.
Then, we had a day when lots of crazy things happened on the housing front. The day before I was to bring Jimmy to see the house I said another prayer that we would be able to tell if it was the right place while we looked at it the following day. A couple hours later, I was contacted by a family in our ward (church congregation)who heard that we were looking and needed someone to take over their lease for even $200 less than the option in our neighborhood. We told them that we were pretty sure about the neighborhood option but that we would give them a call if things didn't work out the next day. Soon after, we sent our landlords a letter telling them of the two housing options we had and asking if they would lower our rent. About two minutes after I sent that e-mail to our current landlords the woman from the neighborhood house called and said that they were so sorry but they suddenly decided not to rent the home. Ok, answer to house number two: NO.
Even though we hadn't seen the third house that the family from church were renting, I figured that that was where we would end up. It was a great house, similar in size to the one we live in now, that backed to a huge field and the town playground. I'd have to drive Jackson to school, but I could get over that. And, we would save a whooping $700/month. Unless our landlords could take that much off our rent (which we were pretty sure they couldn't), it looked like that would be the place.
The next day, our landlords e-mailed us and told us that within weeks they were putting our house up for sale! They said they would like for us to stay in the home while it is on the market and would match the $700 off per month that the other house was offering. This was exciting but there was still a decision to make since we could be asked to leave at any time and with only 30 days notice. (Not to mention having a new baby and dealing with showings and the possibility of loosing out on a the other house, an unheard of deal). After a week of going back and forth we decided to tell the family in our ward (who didn't want to move until July) that we were very interested and to please let us know when they were ready to make the move. We asked that they let us know before they looked for other people to take over the lease. This would give us a couple of months to sit tight and then we could decide.
Except that they told us that they had already found another family to rent the house! What? They contacted us! Needless to say, I was pretty infuriated. House number 3: NO!!!
It looks like the Lords' hand is in all of this and that He just wants us to stay put. I believe that He had to give crystal clear answers to me on this topic because I had been so stressed out about money (which was probably not something I really needed to worry about). Not only did He say no on three separate occasions but, in the process, made it possible for us to stay where we are at the lowest rent that I have found. It will be a bit of an inconvenience for us and not knowing how long we will be able to stay is a bit disconcerting. However, maybe God just knows better than I do. Who knows? The house might not sell and we could be here for years at the low rent. Or we might decide that it is time to move out of the area and we won't be stuck in a lease. We will just have to have faith and see. It is nice to be led and have such a clear and obvious answer...another reminder that we aren't alone in the day to day choices we make in life.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
What Happens When Daddy Goes Shopping...
and brings back forbidden white bread?
Within ten minutes of arriving home from school this gets plopped in front of Mommy with the following request:
"Mommy, can you take off the crusts?"
(Don't forget to look in the background at the sugary forbidden cereal which was, apparently, found and consumed just minutes earlier.) And so goes my quest to have healthy children who are non-sugar-addicts.
In a follow up, Jackson actually ate all of this bread. He started taking off the crust himself after I refused. Then, there was a major tummy issue. Maybe he'll learn?
Within ten minutes of arriving home from school this gets plopped in front of Mommy with the following request:
"Mommy, can you take off the crusts?"
(Don't forget to look in the background at the sugary forbidden cereal which was, apparently, found and consumed just minutes earlier.) And so goes my quest to have healthy children who are non-sugar-addicts.
In a follow up, Jackson actually ate all of this bread. He started taking off the crust himself after I refused. Then, there was a major tummy issue. Maybe he'll learn?
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Everything is Amazing, Nobody's Happy.
My friend sent this to me and it is so true and funny that I just had to post it.
I'll think twice next time I am frustrated because I let my cell phone battery die or get irritated that I have to take my car in to have the oil changed. How thankful we should be!
I'll think twice next time I am frustrated because I let my cell phone battery die or get irritated that I have to take my car in to have the oil changed. How thankful we should be!
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