31 Days of Life--Day 5

Nothing exciting happened on Sunday and I'm still trying to catch up. This is from Mother's Day this year at my parents. Mollie couldn't take a picture without making a face if her life depended on it. We love being able to visit all of our grandparents. They are just 20 minutes away. We don't get to see them as much as we would like, but have a great time when we do. Mikie and I are both fortunate to have Christian parents who raised us in the Lord and made sure we had everything we needed. We didn't always have everything we wanted but we never needed anything. Watch for more family photos from the other side of the family in the upcoming days.

Grace for the Moment--365 Devotionals for Kids--Giveaway

I'm a little behind in my reviews. So this is the first of four giveaways this month. I hope to have them all on the blog by the end of the week.

The first is for Max Lucado's  Grace for the Moment 365 Devotionals for Kids. This is adapted from the adult version Grace for the Moment. You can check out these books by clicking through any of the links in this post.

Each day's devotion has a scripture verse, devotion and kid friendly activity called "Growing in Grace." They are dated so if you aren't consistent or like to use several different devotion books you can just go to that particular day and you haven't missed anything in between.

We have several devotional books that the kids use and they seem to like that this one because it is a quick read.

The winner of this book will actually receive Grace for the Moment for Kids and the original Grace for the Moment for adults.

Here is a link for a glimpse of the kids version Grace for the Moment for Kids.

This link is for the two week challenge which gives you two free weeks of devotionals from each book. They are in PDF and will only take about 15 minutes to do with your family. There are also some great tips for leading devotionals. Here is the link Grace Challenge.

Be on the look out for a book geared to teens plus two other giveaways this week.

I'm trying out Rafflecopter for the first time. I hope it makes it easier for you to register to win. It also gives you more chances to win.



a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclaimer: Tommy Nelson Kids supplies me with a copy of the books that I giveaway. They mail out the winners copies. Opinions are my own.

BIble Bee 2012/Giveaway

Our family is participating in the 4th Annual Bible Bee this summer. We will receive our study pack the first week on June.

I had seen a link on another Mom blogger's site and clicked through. After looking over the info I believe this will be a great way for the kids to learn Bible skills they can use all their lives.

The program is 12 weeks long with you practicing at home and if you live close enough practice drills before the final contest on Saturday, August 25th.  Below is some info about the Bible Bee from their webpage.

"Our desire is to help your family move closer to God and closer to one another as you learn, live out, and celebrate His Word. Register your children ages 7-18 years for the 2012 Bible Bee and learn how we can equip and encourage a lifestyle of investing in and living out your relationship with Christ.

In return for the $30 Registration Fee, each contestant receives, on June 1st:
 

• 25 Bible Memory Cards. That works out to just over 2 cards per week during the summer, a "do-able" goal for your whole family!
   
• A Bible in one of five translations
   
• A "Sword Study" in-depth study on one book of the Bible leveled for three age groups, enabling the whole family to study the same book at the same pace. Sword Studies don't just teach the Bible, they teach a lifelong skill of how to study and apply the Bible, in just 20 minutes a day.
   
• An official participant Bible Bee T-shirt and button
   
• Gifts from our ministry partners that support the Sword Study learning
   
• A Parent Guidebook that gives a solid overview of the study and includes a Family Bonfire Guide, so that you can easily lead your family in fun times of learning and sharing what the Lord has taught you throughout the week."

Mattie is very excited about the Bible Bee, she hopes in will help her with the Bible Drill that she participates in at church during the school year. 

I am excited to be able to offer FREE registration to one lucky reader. Even if there isn't a Bible Bee Contest close to you register to win. We are going to participate this year and my host the contest next year. 

Leave a comment below and you will be registered to win a registration. 

Disclaimer: We received a family registration in exchange for blog post about our experience this summer with the Bible Bee.

Contest is open until midnight, Monday, May 21st. 

Make Every Day Count--Max Lucado Giveaway

This month from Tommy Nelson Kids, I reviewed Max Lucado's book Make Every Day Count. I felt like since it was a book geared to teens that I should get first hand knowledge of this book from a teen. I gave my copy to a middle school aged friend, Greta, who gave me her own personal opinion. Our church has just finished another study series and Greta felt that Make Every Day Count came at a great time for her.

She says, "It is an encouraging yet convicting piece of writing. It uses personal testimonies and newspaper articles to support the idea. Max Lucado reminds us to treat everyday like it's our last, while still focusing on Jesus Christ. It's a great book for all ages but especially teens and preteens. I enjoyed it and I know you will too."

When Greta finished the book she passed it on to Emily, who said it really made her think and was great for her daily reading time. I'm not sure which one of the youth has it now, but I saw it getting passed around the table at Wednesday night supper week before last. I'm guessing the whole youth group may read it and I'll never see it again, and that's alright with me!

You can check out the first chapter here.

Want a copy of your own? Leave a comment below for a chance to win.

Answer this question: 
Parent's, what is one thing you want your teen/s to know before they leave each morning?
Don't have a teen in your house, but know one you'd like to give this book to? What would you tell that teen if you could only tell them one thing?


As always, I received this book as part of the Tommy Mommy Bloggers program. I don't receive compensation, my opinions are my own (and I have many :). You have until April 2nd to comment and I will use random.org to choose a winner. Have a great end of March!

"Giveaway: Win a Family Pass to the Titanic Museum Attraction during Titanic's 100th Year Anniversary"

I am so excited to be one of the Mom Bloggers for the Titanic Attraction in Pigeon Forge. Our family visited the Titanic last summer, check out my post about our visit here.

In honor of the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, the Titanic Attraction in both Pigeon Forge and Branson are holding a special ceremony, on April 14th at 8:30 PM, to commemorate it's sinking.

As part of this tribute the Titanic Attraction is also giving away prizes everyday from now to April 14th on their Facebook Contest Page.

How would you like to visit the Titanic Attraction in Pigeon Forge? I have a family pass for 2 adults and 4 children to giveaway here on my blog.

Here's how to win:


Required Entry:
What intrigues you the most about the Titanic? (Post your comment below)

Additional Entries:

• Follow mommyto4mjs on Twitter (or let me know if you already do)
• Follow Titanic on Twitter (or let me know if you already do)
• Like mommy to 4 mjs on Facebook (or let me know if you already do)
• Like Titanic Attraction on Facebook  (or let me know if you already do)

Remember to comment for each of the 5 above items. You have 5 chances to win. The contest ends April 1st at Midnight and I will use random.org on Monday, April 2nd to choose a winner. The family pass is for 2 adults and up to 4 kids and is good through 8/31/2012. It is not good for the April 14th Tribute event.

Disclaimer: I have received a family pass for the April 14th Tribute Event at the Titanic Attraction in Pigeon Forge. 

2012 Week 1

Welcome to those of you who are new to our family blog!


As the New Year has been around for 8 days now, I've procrastinated about updating the blog. Actually and honestly work and life has gotten in the way and I haven't had time. Anyhow, as it rains outside my dining room window, Mikie is at drill and the kids are in the basement watching a movie and taking naps, I decided to take a few minutes and check in. 

I am going to attempt to do better this year in succeeded at my goals. I don't make resolutions because I know I will break them. I set goals, that way I don't have to feel as guilty for not completing them. Not that I feel guilty over much of anything anyway. 


My goals for this year, 2012 are,
1. Blog at least once a week. Even if it's an update on our week.
2. Exercise everyday physically and spiritually. So far so good!
3. Send at least one card or letter each week. (I'll be sending 2 tomorrow :)
4. Simplify, Simplify, Simplify! Too much stuff gets in the way of serving God and others.
5. Keep the house company presentable at all times. (Yea, I know that lasts about 15 minutes with 4 kids.)


There they are and other than the cards I haven't failed yet.


So now for this weeks update. During Christmas break Mattie, Maggie and I had some doctors visits. 


Mattie's heart murmur was heard by the doctor again a few months ago. She had an echocardiogram and it was discovered that she does indeed have a small hole in between the 2 upper chambers of her heart. She has an appointment with the cardiologist at the end of the month and will most likely have a TEE--trans-esophageal echocardiogram sometime soon. Basically a scope down her throat to make sure there is nothing else going on. At that time will know what we need to do about it.


Maggie visited the allergist for a peanut butter tasting test and PASSED! No more food allergies in our house. Of course she still doesn't like the taste or texture but the pistachios fear her when they see her coming. 


I have an abnormally enlarged goiter which is pressing on my vocal cords. It has given me problems since the summer and I couldn't figure out what was causing me to be hoarse and not able to sing. I see the doctor next week to find out what we are going to do about it. Obviously my constant talking wasn't the cause. It was nice to know that my husband was WRONG for once, it's not all in my head. 


We've enjoyed time with family and friends throughout the holiday season and look forward to a wonderful year of fun.


Mattie and Maggie have participated in the Director's Writing Contest at school and have placed. Mattie placed third in the poems category and Maggie first in non-fiction. There writings will move on to the next level of competition. 


Rec-ball has started and Mattie and Maggie both are looking forward to getting to play this year. Michael and Mollie are justing hoping Paw comes to some games so they can buy some stuff at the concession stand. 


I am gearing up for nine weeks of drama. My afternoon school is doing Alladin Jr. My morning school is still in deliberations with me as to what we are going to do. We don't have an auditorium there so staging logistics for a full drama is hard. 


Mikie is working all the time either at the air guard or in the workshop or folding clothes. Usually folding clothes. :)

Kellie came over Saturday and played. The kids enjoyed a picnic in the rain in the backyard. It was a day of missing kids and runaways but all is well now. 


I'm sure there are really more interesting things I could tell you about our week, but I can't think of any right now. 


I'm glad you stopped by and will be praying that you have a fun and blessed 2012!

Giveaway: Heroes and Villians of the Bible

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas season. As we have been packing up Christmas and decluttering and reorganizing the house for the new year, I realized I have a book from Tommy Nelson to give away.

Michael, our 6 yr old, really likes this book. I'm sure the girls will too when he gets finished.

Michael has been using Heroes & Villains of the Bible for his daily bedtime devotion. Each of the 50 stories includes an introduction to the story, Bible text and then a section to think about. It's geared toward kids ages 8 to 12. It is very appropriate for our six year old though.

One of my favorites is the story of Miriam and Moses. It begins by telling about the mean king, and uses Exodus 1:8-2:10 to tell the story. At the end there is a something to think about section. This one tells that heroes aren't always warriors, anyone can be a hero. This one touches my heart because it says, "Heroes know that they must stand up for the weak." Michael is a hero because this is his nature. His closet friend at school is a little boy who no one else will play with, he smells and often fills his backpack with the left over milk and cereal at breakfast. But Michael doesn't care he wants this little boy to have a friend.

If your looking for a new bedtime book or devotional this would be a great book. You can purchase it on Amazon or you can leave a comment below for a chance to win.

Enjoy this book with your children and learn more about how to be a hero not a villain.

How to win 2 chances:
1. Leave a comment below and tell me who you would read this book with.
2. Like my Facebook page mommyto4mjs. Then come back and leave me a comment. If you already like it just leave a comment saying so.

Contest will end at midnight New Year's Day. So while you're trying to keep your eyes open New Year's Eve come on over and enter.

Disclaimer: As always Thomas Nelson/Tommy Nelson Kids supplied me with a copy of the book to review and share with you.

Christmas Picture Fun -- With a Giveaway!

Sometimes we need friends, sometimes we need mentors, sometimes we get both in one person.

Back last winter Maggie found herself with a new best friend, Kellie. Their friendship started in Girls in Action at church. By summer break they were inseparable, spending several days and nights a week at each other's houses. They are so funny together and love hosting tea parties, luncheons and teaching all kinds of things. Through their friendship God has blessed me with a friend and mentor her mother, Wendy.

While Kellie is Maggie's age, Wendy's oldest three are college age, so when I say friend and mentor she has been there done that once already and now we get to do it together. I love the idea of having a friend who has experienced things with her kids before and then we get to experience them together with these two spunky girls. I know where Kellie gets her caring, loving heart from. (Sorry Greg.) Both of these Gals are a blessing to our family.

Wendy has started her own photography business, Wendy Iven's Photography this past year and I am obsessed with her photography skills. She is an amazing photographer. Last Saturday evening she came over to the house to shoot our Christmas card pics. We had scheduled and rescheduled on both ends for several weeks and finally got an hour that we could do them. Kellie came along to help and spend the night and we were keeping Ty that night so we had extra hands to help with all the animals.

I decided this was an us picture night, nothing fancy, no matching outfits, just us and some fun. I had put greenery on the mantel and a cheesy Christmas tree. I had wanted to finish it but it didn't happen. Nonetheless, we shot. For an hour we laughed, we cried, we laughed, we were scratched, we laughed, we heard sounds from the cat we had never heard before, we laughed, we were licked by the dogs, we laughed, we chased the bunny, we laughed, forgot the fish, moved the furniture, did I mention we laughed? We had an awesome time!

As Mikie went out to bring our almost one year old dogs, Maximus a Great Dane, Blue Healer mix and Lou Lou an English Mastiff up for their part in the pictures, Wendy asked if Mikie was adventurous. Now if you know Mikie you know when he shoots you the smirky, wide eyed grin he is gonna take what you just said and embarrass you. He asked what she meant and she told him she had brought Christmas lights to tie us up in, before she could say anything else he just grinned really big. Then we both knew where that was going and Wendy quickly said the kids were going to tie us up, gag us and it would be a "silent night."

An aside to this picture: I called Wednesday night to check on Kellie and Wendy since they weren't at church and after 30 minutes of listening to Wendy laugh while trying to tell me about this picture she was working on it popped up on Facebook. I'm thinking if she laughs as hard while she works on them as she did while taking them I may send them out for New Years. :)
I'm joking because she is very punctual and quick with her clients pictures!!! Okay and I have to admit I absolutely love Michael's hilarious expression in this photo. He looks like a little mischievous man.

Back to the photo shoot, Mikie brings the dogs to the porch, Maggie catches the cat and Mattie starts to get the bunny out. When I opened the door the dogs bound in and straight to Maggie where Green Eyes begins to scratch her and jumps out of her arms. Somehow she manages to get her and lock her in the bedroom while we chase the dogs all over the house. Lou Lou dug her claws into the hardwood and Mikie's hollering quit pulling her she's scratching the floor. Maximus is trying to pull the trash out of the can, Ty was trying to get out of the way. All Wendy and I could do was laugh.
Mikie sat in the floor and we finally got Maximus and Lou Lou to sit. Wendy tried to put the santa hat on Maximus but Mikie ended up with it. After licks, laughs and Lou Lou kicking Maggie out of the picture this is the preview Wendy sent.

While we waited on Mikie to put the dogs in the basement and Maggie and Mattie to get the other animals Mollie, Michael and I took a break. Can I just say, "I LOVE this picture." I think it's Michael's only sweet face pic in the whole bunch!

Then it was time to take the pictures with Green Eyes the cat and Mia the bunny and the fish whose tank we cleaned and downsized but forgot to put in the pic. I don't have a preview for those, but they weren't the funniest shots either. After that we were gagged and tied. And the kids tried to figure out how to spell NOEL, and showed their signature expressions. Then there were the friends pictures with Kellie and Ty.





The creepiest picture of the night has to be one of the faves on Facebook and Pinterest. The "Grinch!"

After it was all over, Wendy started packing her camera gear up and Mollie asked her to take one more. Mollie doesn't like to have her pictures made so Wendy couldn't miss it! Obviously I can't wait to see the rest of the pictures and I know Wendy is busily working on ours and other families too. 

I know many of you haven't had your Christmas pictures taken yet. Now's your chance! I'm giving away a sitting fee for a one hour session with Wendy of Wendy Iven's Photography with a value of $50. This is good in the East Tennessee area, she is based in Jefferson County but will travel within a reasonable distance. You don't have to use it for Christmas pics, but it would be a great time to get them done. 

To win you need to do any or all of the following and come back to this blog post and comment that you did them:
1. Follow Wendy Iven's Photography blog.
2. Follow Wendy Iven's Photography on Facebook
3. Follow Mommy to 4 MJ's on Facebook
4. Follow my blog mommyto4mjs
5. Tell me what kind of pictures you want Wendy to take.

So you have 5 chances to win. You receive one entry for each of the above that you complete and comment about on this blog post. Facebook comments will not be considered.

Contest ends December 1st.

Have fun looking at Wendy's awesome pics and Good Luck!

Disclaimer: This post is my opinion.  Wendy Iven's of Wendy Iven's Photography did not provide me anything free only a really great time while she took our pictures. The pictures I receive I purchase and the sitting fee I am giving away is paid for out of my pocket. Wendy is a great friend and I want to see her business flourish so let's help her out.

Giveaway, Tommy Nelson Kids Books

As October rolls to an end, we all know what is just around the corner, Christmas! Books make great Christmas presents. Tommy Nelson Kids has two new books now available. Our family has been reading these all month for our nightly book time and they love them.

The first Smack-Dab in the Middle of God's Love is Brennan Manning's very first children's book. Not familiar with Mr. Manning, he is the author of The Ragamuffin Gospel. This book tells children of God's endless love and showcases children from several ethnic backgrounds. Children often don't understand how God can love everyone, but we are always in the middle of God's love. This book is written for children ages 4-8.

Sheila Walsh author of the God's Little Princess Series,  has a new series coming out titled Gabby God's Little Angel. Gabby is geared for girls ages 3-7 and teaches how God uses His angels to care for us. Girls can even color Gabby's adventures with these coloring sheets.

Both of these books have a great message for children and beautiful illustrations. If you aren't familiar with Tommy Nelson Kids these books are a great way to get started.

Want to win  one of these books from Tommy Nelson Kids? You can earn a chance to win by commenting on the questions below, liking me on facebook and following me on twitter. That's 4 chances to win!! Come back and comment that you follow me on facebook and twitter.

Good Luck!!

 Ways to enter review:
1. Post a comment below to this question to win Gabby, God's Little Angel"
"When you're not with your kids how do you communicate that God and His angels are watching over them?"


2. Post a comment below to the following question to win Smack-Dab in the Middle of God's Love
"How do you teach your children to show God's love to the world?"


3. Like mommyto4mjs on facebook

4. Follow mommyto4mjs on twitter

Don't forget to comment below that you follow me on facebook and twitter. Remember your comments must be on this post!!


Contest ends Monday, October 31st at midnight!!!

Disclaimer: Tommy Nelson Kids has supplied me with the books for this review. This review is my opinion and I was not paid.

Chaos in the Sanctuary

I told myself I wasn't going to do this but it is far too funny to let it pass.


Our two oldest daughters had the pleasure of spending Saturday night with the Worley family. The Worley's have five children ages two through eleven, four girls and that sweet little two year old boy. 


When me and the youngest two arrived at church this morning, I sat in our usually pew, (Mikie was at drill), and the kids went a pew back to sit with part of the Linsley family.


The choir made its way through the hall as the Worley crew, plus my two and another young lady shuffled into the pew behind, in front of and beside me. We joked about them beating the choir into their seats. 


The worship part of the service was fairly calm, other than sweet J turning her pocket inside out to drop her change in the offering plate. Then deciding that she only wanted to give a dime. I can't tell you who the deacon was at the end of the pew waiting on the offering plate because I was laughing so hard. 


As Pastor Bob started into his sermon, I hear this sound, singing, talking, maybe a cell phone, I couldn't tell. I notice my youngest was under the pew and the four kids sitting on the pew where she was supposed to be were giggling. While everyone around was checking their cell phones, I'm snapping my fingers to get her attention. Her stuffed animal that she swore was broken and didn't make a sound had suddenly revived itself with some French love song. Once it was passed to me I realized the switch had been broken off and had to make a not so discrete exit to the hallway to leave the animal. 


Back in the sanctuary that sweet little two year boy of theirs got upset and very loudly informed his mom that his dad had told him not to talk. Dr. C. got up to take him to the nursery and my pew of girls and I thought they were going to meet the floor. We still aren't sure what happened but there was a pretty good lunge and sudden straightening.


Michael asked to go to the potty so I let him go alone. In a minute J (same age as Michael and possibly a little too flirty together), needs to blow her nose. So K let her go out to the restroom. Six minutes later Michael and J return with grins on their faces. I asked if they had been in the bathroom together, which I was told no, that she had waited on him in the hallway.


After service Dr. C told me he only needed little C potty trained not J, (Michael has helped potty train 3 little boys in the last year. Were thinking about starting a potty training business.) 


Pastor Bob does an awesome job at ignoring the chaos on the first three pews, and so far hasn't asked any of us to move to the back.  


And in the words of the oldest Linsley child, "when your family, my family and the Worley's are together, the best you can hope for is a scene."




Disclaimer: 
1. I used initials for the other families because I didn't ask permission to pick on their kids. 
2. It probably isn't as funny as it was if you were there! 
3. Mollie found her singing dog on the table in the hallway. I didn't throw it in the middle of the road like someone had figured I did. 

My Royal Wedding

Ok, I have to admit, I only watched about 5 minutes of the entire Royal Wedding television event of the 21st Century. My girls on the other hand watched longer. They questioned why Prince Philip is not King and how the whole monarchy thing works, and why we Americans care in the first place. None of which I understand either, maybe someone can enlighten us all. Anyhow, we were pleased to see that Kate looked just like any other woman on her special day. Beautiful!

It got me thinking about my own wedding 13 years ago this month. It had been planned for 14 months and had grown from a small, simple affair to a much bigger, longer, more expensive gathering. It would have been much easier to have eloped or gotten married in my parents back yard (where I wanted to). Being the only daughter, my mother wanted everything in my wedding that she didn't have in hers. She and Daddy were paying, I obliged on everything except the dress.

The last few weeks became very nerve wracking. My soon to be husband was on a deployment and cutting it too close for comfort on his arrival back home. But nonetheless he made it home just in time. Our very talented soloist delivered her child early and was still able to grace us with her beautiful voice. The church's new carpet, pew coverings and wall paint were finished the week before our ceremony, a little behind schedule, but done. I appreciated them wanting to have it done before our ceremony, but everyone was a little nervous it wouldn't be. The new electronic grand piano had been ordered to replace the old organ and was late on delivery, so I spent the day before the ceremony playing and recording all of the instrumental music to its computer memory. Papaw had been placed back in the hospital, and bless his heart, promised me he wouldn't die (like he had a choice) until after our wedding if I promised to reserve him a "missing man" position on the pew. I did and he didn't, the Lord took him home to be with Mamaw two days later.

The day of the wedding was pretty laid back thank goodness. We didn't follow most of the wedding etiquette that Ms. Post would recommend in her books. We took almost all the pictures beforehand including the ones of Mikie and I. We let people in the door as they arrived, some out of town guests arrived extremely early.  My piano students and the children from the church's children's ministry (where I was working at the time) were honorary bridesmaids and groomsmen. They wore their Easter outfits and sat on the front pew in front of the family, because all children love weddings and should be able to see what's going on up front. No one stood as I walked in or out, because we both had Grandmothers who were not physically able to stand without assistance at length and we wanted them to be able to see.

The maid of honor hurt her foot the week of the ceremony and so she hobbled down the aisle way. Daddy and I slowly walked down the aisle to where my mother and Nana were seated when I realized I had left their roses in the back window of the church. I stopped, turned around, motioned to the wedding director to bring them to me. At this point the flower girl was heading back down the aisle when she stopped and crawled in Mom's lap, so she handed her off to the wedding director when she brought the roses. After giving the roses to Mom and Nana, I took a step and heard this extremely loud, air being sucked out of the room gasp by the 300+ people in the Sanctuary. As I attempted to take another step I felt my dress pulling behind me and thought that the wedding party would be viewing something they didn't need to be seeing. I had managed to get my train caught on the bottom of the candle holder fastened to the pew. As I had stepped the candle holder had tipped and my quick on her toes cousin had managed to catch it before it hit the new, just installed the week before carpet, or my dress.

We made it to the alter, where the Pastor proceeded to preach a 15 minute sermon before Daddy gave me away, he asked me if I took Mikie as my lawfully wedded wife, Mikie plighted me his "trough," I got really nervous and Mikie had to hold my music book while I sang to him (but it kept him occupied), it lasted 45 minutes and we exited to the "Hallelujah Chorus." Mikie let out a big, redneck whoop on the front porch of the church as we went out and half of the Hell's Angel's Motorcycle group must have been passing by.

Yes, it was a wonderful, eventful, hard to forget wedding, that will never be seen on national television or talked about for decades to come, but it was my day of royalty and no one else mattered. Well ok, maybe Mikie did. And my children love to watch the replay with Mom and Dad and have vowed if they get married it won't be anything like ours.

How Do You Spend Your Tax Refund?

I finally filed our taxes tonight. You would think working at H&R Block that I would have done them sooner. But no, I procrastinate. Having four children and the Making Work Pay Credit give us a pretty good chunk of a return. If it weren't for the kids we wouldn't get anything back. We don't have a lot taken out of the paycheck. Better to have the money in hand each pay period than to loan it to Uncle Sam and get it back at the end of the year. Because of the kids our tax liability is low to zero every year which we love.

After I filed I sat down with a notebook and my return and budgeted our refund. Now I'm not going to tell you how much we got back total but I will give you some idea of what we are going to do with it.

Each person who worked this year will receive up to $400 back on their return. If you didn't work or worked very little you will receive up to $400 too. So I decided that since the President wants us to spend some money in this poor economy we should split the amount we will receive and use it as blow money. I have lost 27.5 lbs so far and think that a new spring wardrobe on the government is exactly what I deserve. Well of course Mikie doesn't., so we compromised. I can spend $100 on clothes, he gets $100 for whatever he wants. Hopefully clothes, cause he's lost 2 pants sizes too. But nonetheless the rest will purchase new living room furniture and I can move the money I was saving for it to something else.

The next thing we agreed on was to take the amount we received from the additional child tax credit and split it between the four kids mutual funds for college. It won't be a huge amount but it will help in this year’s contributions.
We received a month's worth of Parent's Day Out fees in the daycare credits so that will be budgeted for PDO. Which will free up some money in the monthly budget.
Then we had about half of the refund left. I was thinking I would use it for school, my teaching license runs out next year and I've only taught 4.8 years of the 5 years that I needed to teach on this license. That's what 4 kids in 4.3 years gets ya.

Anyhow, after talking with Mikie we decided it would go into the used car fund. So I'm keeping my eyes open for a newer Suburban. As for school, Mikie will graduate in May and we still have money saved from his degree. I can also use military spouse options. Now I just have to decide on what classes I want to take.

So I know that most people use their refund for vacation, to pay off bills, or buy a car. But what will you do with your tax refund? Leave me a comment and let me know!

How Do You Carry Your Debt?

I’ve been asked to speak next week to a community group about our family’s journey to being debt free and to share some ideas that will help others. As I was writing out my speaking plan I noticed my three year old stuffing rocks in her back pockets. She kept saying, “Please turn them sideways mommy.” Her pockets are not wide enough to turn the rocks sideways so they had to go in the best they could. It reminded me of a friend who had started Financial Peace University several years ago when we first started teaching it.

My friend’s family had been in debt for a long time. She was ready to be out of debt but her husband wasn’t ready to get on board. They have several children, in fact they could be the modern day Brady Bunch. She started the class, came the first week, called two days later to tell us she had taken a part-time job and would have to work on class nights. The next time we taught the class she came for a class or two and her second part-time job conflicted with class night. The third time we taught the class she didn’t even try to come because she was doing Financial Peace on her own. She had read the book, listened to the cds and worked out her budget and plan. She came up to me one Sunday night at church. “Here,” she said handing me her purse. I looked at her like she was crazy. Then I dropped her purse in the floor. I didn’t expect it to be heavy so I had just took it from her. Before I realized it had hit the floor she began to laugh.

I asked, “What in the world have you got in there?” “Rocks,” she said nonchalantly. Before I could ask anything else she continued. “Those are my burdens, my debts. Each one represents a credit card, medical bill, student loan, car loan and the mortgage.” She had chosen rocks by size depending on the amount of debt. She had used a Sharpie marker and labeled each rock. By the time I held her purse she had paid off three smaller debts and removed those rocks. Once paid off they were placed in the creek behind her house to be washed away.

I encouraged her as she spoke to hurry and get rid of a few more of those before she messed her back up. I haven’t seen her the last few months, she’s usually working on Sundays. But the last time I ran into her she was working fervently to get rid of a few more of those rocks.

As I watch my three year old trying to carry around her rocks. I watch her pants fall down and she pulls them back up. I think about the debts that people carry. The debts that pull you down like those rocks, sometimes their heavy, sometimes you slip on them. But please don’t let them weigh you down. Use those rocks to your advantage. Carry them not with worry but with confidence that this year you will start to send those rocks down the creek. Start with the smallest ones first.

If you’re a visual person like me fill your purse with rocks. Every time you go through the drive-thru or stop for coffee you will see those rocks. They will be a reminder that it’s the little things that get you out of debt.

I Challenge You!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

As the new year begins many people make resolutions. A resolution according to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary is, “solving: the act of determining.” You actually determine what needs to be fixed in your life and resolve to change it.

I’ve quit making resolutions, this year I’m working on challenges. When I challenge myself I’m more likely to complete whatever I have set out to do. I also have an accountability partner that I share with depending the challenge.

I’ve lost weight before but it always seems to find me. By going to Weight Watchers I am accountable at weigh-in. Plus it costs me twelve dollars a week whether I go or not if I want to continue.I am seven pound from my goal weight.

I have been challenged by several people, including myself to read my Bible daily. This is year I am following the Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan. We received a copy from church. You can visit their website www.discipleshipjournal.com and print your own copy. I have three accountability partners my husband and two of my best friends.

Another challenge that I am continuing this year is to spend the 8-9 PM hour, after the kids are in bed, in quiet time. Joining me in quiet time will be my Bible, my book of the week and my journal. I take notes as I read and once I’m finished reading both books I will write about my day and anything God has shown me that day. This is when I hope to write my devotions to share with you.

Our family challenge is to simplify and declutter our lives, not just our home but our activities too. We are starting with clothes. Laundry will be washed each day and put away. When a new piece of clothing comes into the house, an old one must go out.

I think about Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. The serpent came into the garden and tempted Eve. He challenged her to eat the fruit of the tree that God told her and Adam to stay away from. Genesis 3:7 says, “At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness.” Then God sent them out of the Garden of Eden and they were met with challenges every day.

Before you challenge yourself this year, pray and ask God to show you what His “challenges,” plans are for you. Don’t suddenly have your eyes opened because of the serpent only to realize that your naked.

Today’s scripture is Matthew 3:1-12; Acts 3; Psalms 5 and Genesis 12-14. It doesn’t take long to read, but stay focused.

Tell me about your challenges for this year. Have you committed to reading the Bible daily? Leave me a comment below and let me know.

Father God,
I ask you to show me today the challenges I need to pursue this year. Help me recognize them and work heartily for you as I complete them. Because you give me the rewards that I deserve.
Amen

Maggie's Bull Frog

During Vacation Bible School I taught the 2 year old class. I always have a kiddie pool full of sand outside the fellowship hall for the kids to play in. This year was no different. I covered it with cardboard each afternoon. That particular week in June found us under tornado watches and warnings three afternoons. By Wednesday the pool was full of water on top of the sand and the kids couldn't play in it. Friday afternoon during clean up it was still full and I couldn't lift it to empty it. This past week, 6 weeks after VBS, Mikie and our family friend Mark, went to empty the pool. When Mark tipped it to pour this weeks worth of rain out something jumped out at him. I wasn't there but would have loved to have seen Mikie and Mark's faces. What jumped out was a large bullfrog and a smaller one.

Mikie hollered for Maggie to come see what they had found. He picked up the larger frog, the little one hopped away, and handed it to Maggie. She carried it through the parking lot to the pavillion before she headed to the playground to show off her frog. The kids on the playground were terrified of the frog. They were running around and screaming, trying to get away from her. She pretended to kiss it. She was so close that if it had moved she would have kissed it.

Maggie got in the car, Slimy the frog in hand, and we rode home. I told her, "If you let that frog go we won't make it home." I just knew she would let go, Slimy would jump across the seats onto my shoulder or lap, I would panic and we would wreck. Well, fifteen minutes later we unloaded at the house, Slimy still in hand. Everyone of our kids held it. Mattie pretended to kiss it too.
Maggie carried Slimy around to the patio and placed in the plastic pool. It had just a little water and lots of bugs. Frog paradise? So we thought.

The next morning before we went to register Mattie for second grade we went to check on Slimy. Maggie couldn't find him. One side of the pool had fallen over, she lifted it. "Slimy shrunk," she yelled. Out hopped a smaller, bumpy frog. Definetly not Slimy. The look on her face was priceless. She really believed that he had shrunk during the night. She couldn't catch him. So while my eggs burned on the stove I chased Sparkles around the patio. Finally she was back in the pool. We fixed the pool in hopes that Sparkles would not escape. Off to registration to meet Mattie and Maggie's teachers.

When we returned home Sparkles had jumped over the side of the pool and was gone also. Maggie was sad and looked all over the yard for Slimy and Sparkles but neither could be found. An exciting evening and morning, a new pet gone. A little girls heartbroken but ready for another adventure.

Maggie will catch something else one of these days. She's afraid of nothing. For the time being we will keep Green Eyes the cat, and an aquarium of fish and snails. But come Knoxville Fair time we hope to bring home a huge bunny. And to answer Uncle Buddy's repeating question, "Why can't you get those kids a normal pet, like a dog?" Dogs are fun but catching your pets is more fun. I figure I'm going to be catching that bunny a lot in the next few weeks.

e-mealz link

Here is the link for e-mealz if you want to check it out. This link is through their referral program so I get a credit if you sign up and it doesn't cost you any extra.
Thanks,
Michelle


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