"Oh gosh mom"..."not cool"...

I guess it's official.

What every mom SHOULD expect...but dreads hearing.

"Oh gosh mom"..."not cool"...

Somehow your precious little bundle that you bring into this world...so dependant on you...that you go through 8 hours of pain and agony in labor, lose sleep over (and not just those night time feedings...the teen years are another story altogether), you dote over, play with, and he thinks you are the best thing since sliced bread...

Somehow...

All of a sudden...

He morphs into this "thing" they call a teenager.

His feet are bigger than yours, you can fit into his clothes, he's as tall (almost taller) as you, and...and...and...

You go from these precious little conversations...

To...

The very dreaded of all sentences...

"Oh gosh mom"..."not cool"...

What?!?!

What did I say?

What did I do?

I don't get it?

I try to stay fashionable/trendy.

I try to stay "with it".

I haven't let myself go.

I "thought" I was "with it"...probably more now than I was when I was his age, LOL!

Some of HIS friends are MY facebook friends.

Hey I even got my nose pierced for crying out loud! LOL!

But I have been informed...

That I am "mom"...

And...I've heard the phrases...

"That's not cool"..."That's not what kids do now"..."You don't get it"...

I'm not totally sad about it.

I guess that's what's to be expected.

I don't ever want to become the complete and total "friend" who doesn't "parent" their child.

I am VERY blessed that BOTH of my boys ALWAYS come to me with questions still.

They are very open. They tell me pretty much everything.

Well, I'm sure Evan doesn't tell me everything (Nate still does).

But Evan still shares his thoughts, feelings, and struggles with me.

And I can usually get him to open up about most things.

Friends, school, and usually...

Girls too! Teehee!

I'm sure this won't be the last time I'll hear it...

And I'll keep "trying" to stay "with it", fashionable, trendy, etc.

But I'm not going to lose sleep over it.

I have a good kid.

A kid who loves God.

A kid who gets good grades.

A kid who stands up for the underdog.

A kid with friends.

A kid with amazing talents and a vast scope of interests.

I'll take that...

Even if I have to withstand the...

"Oh gosh mom"..."not cool"...

Well make yourself at home Oreo!

Just chillin' at home tonight. Enjoying the storm...loving all the rain and winds. I only wish we'd get some thunder and lightening! Everyone knows I love a good thunderstorm! Made a big pot of chili for dinner...good chilly weather meal. Boys got their showers out of the way. Nate's getting his reading done and now settling in watching Spy Kids. Ev just finished up practicing his trumpet...and as you can see...Oreo decided to take up residence in his horn case, LOL. He took a little snooze there. Teehee! Getting ready to watch House. Just a relaxing night at home...just how I like it. :)

"Crown Him With Many Crowns" (video of Evan on trumpet)

I can't help it...the proud mom I am just loves tip-toeing up on Evan while he's playing and recording...now that I figured out how to use the camera, LOL! I think he's good...but I tell ya, he could be so much better if he actually practiced more. I can't say much...I was the same way when I was his age...dreading practicing the piano...although NOW I wish I'd have practiced more! LOL! Again, just like the last post...I didn't get the whole song...not enough memory on the camera. I truely need to clean out and delete some of my old pictures that I've already printed. Teehee...

"Kiss The Girl" (video of Evan on trumpet)

I snuck up on Evan tonight when he was practicing his trumpet for the PumpkinFest parade on Saturday. They are playing "Kiss The Girl" from "The Little Mermaid". He's not too thrilled with the song choice, but he's coming along with it none the less, LOL! Unfortunately my camera ran out of memory before he finished the song...oops!

Savings this week at Meijer, Walgreens, Target

Some of the best for this week...
Gillette Fusion Razor...on sale for $8.99...use a $4.00 coupon...pay $4.99...get $6.00 in Register Rewards...BETTER THAN FREE!!! My husband loves these razors so we were excited about this one!

Zantac...$4.99...used a $5.00 coupon...FREE!!!

Herbal Essence hairspray...on sale for $2.99...use a $1.00 coupon...Get $2.00 in Register Rewards...BETTER THAN FREE!!!

I did good this week...I stuck to my plan of only purchasing things that we really use/need. I turned around and used all my Register Rewards on a separate purchase of some good deals that I stacked with Walgreens coupons.
My tally ended up being:
Saved: $28.74
Spent: $8.60

My best deal at Target was the Chex Mix I bought. It is priced at $1.99...used a $1.00 off Target coupon and piggybacked it with a Save $1.00 on two man. coupon, thus making it 49 cents. I totally stocked up on these!!!
My tally at Target:
Saved: $11.00
Spent: $4.92



The best of the best...

Ore Ida potatoes...on sale for $2.29...used a Meijer coupon for Save $1.00 on three and also a man. coupon for $1.50 off one...taking them down to $1.46 a bag.

Lean Cuisine...regular $2.88...one sale for $1.99...PLUS Buy 5 Get one FREE...use a Meijer coupon for $1.00 off four and a man. coupon for $1.00 off five...takes them down to $1.33 each.

Those were just a couple of my favorites. Actually, I was impressed with everything I purchased this week...between the sale and coupons.

My tally for this week was:
Saved: $84.94
Spent: $90.03

Now...my next goal is oragnization!

My plan is to reorganize my pantry, cupboards, and freezer.

After that, we are going to MENUS!!!

I am planning a menu for dinner for at least a week at a time to start...my goal is to get a month out.

We are finally at the point that we have enough stocked up, that all we really need to buy are "staples"...i.e. items that I can't or don't want to freeze that we need fresh.

Until next time...happy shopping!

Victoria's Secret Pink Nation Deal...today is the last day!

I heard about this deal on Deal Seeking Mom the other day and forgot to post about it! Today is the last day of the deal! If you are a current member of "Pink Nation" or if you sign up now...you can print off a certificate/coupon to get TEN pair of the VS Pink undies for $25.00! That's only $2.50 a pair! The cheapest I've ever gotten that line (or any from VS) is FIVE for $25.00. This deal is outrageous! But today is the last day! I went yesterday and they still had a great selection! Yes, I am a frugal, thrifty, coupon-lovin', money-saving momma...but I will only wear VS underneath! LOL! They are QUALITY!!! And when saving money, you have to look at quality when saving money and I have always been VERY impressed with EVERYTHING I have ever purchased here.
My totals yesterday were:
Total worth: $78.00 (I can't believe that anyone would spend that on undies!)
Purchase price: $25.00
Saved: $53.00
Here is the link:


https://secure.vspink.com/pink_nation/login.jsp

Cross Country at West Ottawa today...

Today Evan had his Cross Country meet at West Ottawa. Our girls came in second place and the boys came in fifth.

Evan did pretty good. He had his second best time. We think he probably would have done better (because it's one of the easier courses they run) except for the fact that the grass was really wet today as it had just rained before they ran.

We are always proud of him no matter what! He always does his best and I love that he loves it. I'll have to get some pics of him in his new team shirt. Those came in today. Oh! And how did I forget to get a pic of is ribbon they all got for today's meet? I'll get that on here too. Next meet is on Wednesday here in Zeeland I believe. It's a busy time of year, but it's alot of fun!

Oreo's bath...

Today Oreo had a bath. He freaked out a bit. A bit panic-stricken when we first put him in his bubble bath...but no meowing. He finally settled down and laid down in the water. Now he smells like Johnson's Baby Shampoo! LOL! A baby-fresh kitty! He got a spray of his dander control spritz too...which helps keep Nate's allergies at bay. He spent a good half hour or more "grooming" himself after we towel dried him. Jamie combed his furr and he LOVED that. Seemed to really sooth him. He's looking pretty spiffy now!

The handi-work of God...

I am usually so busy when I get up in the morning through the week that I rarely even look out the window. But this particular day, one could not help but notice the beautiful sunrise God had given us. I just had to snap a picture.

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

The best of the best this week...

Target this week...
They had the 12 pack PopTarts on sale for $2.00 a box...which is a great deal because the 8 count box is up to $2.12 at WalMart now! Holy moly! So using a Save $1.00 on two man. coupon along with a Save $1.00 on two Target coupon, I was able to get two boxes at $1.00 a piece! Awesome!
Spent: $2.00
Saved: $3.58

At Walgreens...
Mentos gum...the boys new favorite...regular $1.69...on sale for $1.00...55 cent coupon...gets it down to 45 cents! Yay!
Sally Hanson Nail Wrap nail polish (nail polish PLUS FREE bonus top coat included)...regular $4.99...on sale for $2.99...plus I had a $5.00 off coupon for any Sally Hanson product...so I got two bottles of nail polish for FREE. Woohoo!
Totals there:
Spent: $1.02
Saved: $9.85


Dole Salad Mixes...regular $1.99...on sale for $1.50...use a Meijer Meal Box coupon for $1.00 off...get them for 50 cents a bag!
Minute Maid juice...regular $1.77 each...on sale for 99 cents...use a Meijer Meal Box coupon for $1.00 off three...66 cents each!
Healthy Choice frozen entrees...regular $2.98...on sale for $1.99...use a $2.00 coupon...FREE!!! Got two of those!
Jello...regular $1.02...on sale for 50 cents...use a coupon for Save 50 cents on two...get them for 25 cents a box.
Hormel packaged meats...regular $5.99...on sale for $3.99...use a $2.00 man. coupon and a Meijer Meal Box coupon for Save $1.00 on two...get them for $1.49!
Ziplock Storage bags...regular $2.93...on sale for $2.00...use a $1.00 off man. coupon plus a $1.00 off two Meijer Meal Box coupon and get them for 50 cents each.
Crystal Light On The Go...regular$2.88...on sale for $2.00...use a $2.00 off two man. coupon and a $1.00 off Meijer Meal Box and get them for FREE!
My totals this week:
Spent: $80.90
Saved $66.29

Two down...at least eight to go...

So, I've waited long enough. Although now seems like a weird time to start, I'm doing it anyway because enough is enough.

Yes, I'm talking about my weight. This mushy, squishy, doughy place on my body that deserves to be called nothing less than a "belly" because I hate that word. "Belly"...it just makes me think "chubby". Graduating to a "tummy" would be an improvement. That doesn't sound near as bad as a "belly". Maybe someday I will call it my stomach (although technically that is an organ in our body). But I doubt I will ever see the day that it will be called abs. But that's ok...I'm willing to just get to "tummy". If I can have a FLAT tummy...I don't care if it's soft...I don't need rock hard abs...I've just got to lose this little pooch.

And just as sure as I'm writing this, I can hear all my friends saying, "You don't need to lose weight!" Well, maybe my weight isn't the problem, so you're right in that aspect. I'm not overweight at all. But I'm squishy in places I don't want to be. The thing is, I'm gaining weight...and although it's not alot...it's all in the same spot. My mid-section. That's not healthy. Belly fat is not healthy. I am NOT going to buy a larger size jeans. I WON'T DO IT. So, either I lose a few pound in the middle...or I never get new clothes...and the thought of that is just mortifying! No new clothes??? Eeeeeeeeeek! (scream!)

So, the hubs and I have been reading all my magazines. And of course, there's a new diet every month on the cover...along with that recipe for the Double Chocolate Cream Filled Cake! That always cracks me up...you've got the diet of the month on one side...and the dessert of the month on the other, LOL!

Anywho...everything we have been reading talks about the importance of fiber and how we should aim to get at least 35-40 grams of fiber a day. So we've been starting our mornings out with a bowl of Fiber One Raisin Bran (12 grams). The great thing about fiber is, that it's very filling and stays with you a long time. But it also has another affect as we all know, LOL! But then we try to get in some more fiber at lunch. We've been looking for high fiber breads and english muffins and you can make great low cal sandwiches with those. We try to squeeze in another bowl of Fiber One as an afternoon snack giving us another 12 grams of fiber putting us at 24 not including whatever else we include in lunch, dinner, and an evening snack.

The greatest thing is...we really aren't dieting. We have just been conscious about our portions. If we want a snack, even if it isn't low cal...even if it's POTATO CHIPS for me!!! We just put some in a bowl...we remove all temptation of keeping the bag out.

It may take a little longer, but everything you read, says that it's the small lifestyle changes...the slower weight loss...those are the people that keep it off long term. So we are just trying to make smarter choices.

One of my new tricks I learned from The Biggest Loser...every time I'm bored or tempted to eat (and I'm not really hungry)...I grab a piece of sugarless gum.

And I am thrilled! I got on the scale today after only 3 days and lost 2 pounds!

I know I go through spurts of diet and exercise and then fall off the bandwagon. But the good thing is, that you keep trying. You can never fail if you never try. And even if I screw up and eat more junk than I should, I'm going to go right back to it and try to continue my better habits.

We can do it!

Maybe I've found a new calling, LOL!

Over the weekend, we went to Home Depot because Jamie wanted to buy a new hedge trimmer. Every year we pay a landscaping company to come out and trim our hedges and bushes...and I think finally he just figured, "How hard can it be?" With a one time investment of one of these machines, we would surely save money in the long run. And sure enough, they weren't that expensive. We found a nice "middle of the road" trimmer and ended up paying less than what we pay those guys to come out one time and trim for!

Well, the thing is just down-right wicked looking with all those sharp teeth on it. I said to Jamie, "I am not touching that thing! You're gonna have to do the trimming."

So we get home and he starts trimming...and fussing...about how hard it is to get in between the bushes. You see, Jamie is NOT a very outdoorsy kinda guy. He'll mow the grass and snowblow the driveway, but that's about it. He was fussing about all the long branches poking him and all the spider webs and all the bugs. LOL!

So I said, "Let me have it". Well I took over and let me tell you...I was having a good 'ol time! He finally said to me, "How much more are you gonna take off?"

I trimmed the front hedges. I trimmed the spirea. I trimmed the rose bushes. You name it, I trimmed it. Jamie finally asked if I was going to carve the one shrub into an animal or mushroom shape! LOL!

I had a grand 'ol time! LOL!

Came across a little praying mantis as you can see in the photos above. Nate and I tried our best to move him off the bush I was trimming. We got a little shovel and tried to scoop him off, but he was hanging on for dear life. Well, we lost him...so I kept trimming. And then he popped up again! He just kept moving around. Wherever I'd be trimming, he'd find a new spot to hang out. Crazy little fella.

I just love working in the yard so much. As much as I love to dress up...heels, make-up, nails/toes painted, hair just so...I love getting dirty in the yard. Planting flowers, pulling weeds, trimming, raking...shoot, I don't even mind snowblowing/shoveling in the winter!

Told Jamie, "Maybe I'm in the wrong business. Maybe I need to start up my own landscaping/snowblowing business!" LOL!

We had a grand 'ol time this weekend! :)

Save more, spend less!

Walgreens today...

Here were my deals today:

Glade candle tins: Regular $3.49...on sale for 2 for $5.00. Used a $1.50 coupon on each candle...making them $1.00 each...tallying $2.00...get a $1.00 Register Reward...it's like getting them for 50 cents each! But that's not all! I also had a coupon for Get a Free Refill when you purchase a tin...so I got a $3.79 refill for FREE! So I paid $1.00 and got $10.77 worth of merchandise!

I also scored some Aussie hairspray for FREE! Regular $3.99...on sale for $2.99...got a Register Reward for $2.00 thus making it 99 cents...used a $1.00 coupon and it's like getting it for FREE!

I also scored some Folgers coffee on sale today...and used my Register Rewards on it. It is regular $5.00...on sale for $2.50...used $3.00 in Register Rewards so I only paid a total of $2.00...or essentially $1.00 each!

My tally for the day was:

Saved: $18.55

Spent: $6.62

Not a bad trip!

15:26...oh yeah baby!

Well, I can't say that I enjoy getting up at 7:00am on a Saturday morning. But the reason we had to get up was definitely worth it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE watching my babies in any kind of activity or sporting event. Evan had his first home Cross Country meet today. This was only his second meet of this season so far and the kid is just on fire!

Jamie has been giving him pep talks since the beginning of the season. Funny, he'll say, "You're gonna be tired. But do you wanna be tired and slow or tired and beat your last time?" LOL! Gotta love dad.

I know Ev is a great runner. But sometimes I wonder if he truely pushes himself as far as he can. I can't say much, because I myself don't like pushing myself when it comes to physical activity. But I have to say, Jamie was even pumping me up! LOL!

Jamie has been talking to him about goals. And I really feel like now, for the first time, Ev is really pushing himself to be the best he can. Out of the two meets he's had so far this season, he has continued to beat his best time. The first meet, he beat his all time "personal best" from last year. And today...

...TODAY...

...TODAY...

...TODAY...

He beat his best time EVER!!! Coming in at 15:26!!! Yes!!! You go Evan!!! You rock!!! We are so proud of you!!! Keep pushing bud!!! You can do it!!!

WalMart Deals and Steals...

I hadn't been to WalMart in quite a while. I was a little miffed because since they renovated our store, their prices shot up sky-high. I'm assuming to help cover the costs of their renovation? Well, it looks great but I didn't need a renovation that bad if it was going to send their prices through the roof. Hmph!

LOL! Anyway...thanks to Deal Seeking Mom I did find a few bargains this week.

Here was the best of the best...

Good Life Cat Food...regular $4.48...used a $3.00 man. coupon and got it for $1.48.

White Cloud TP...regular $2.00...used a $1.00 man. coupon and got it for $1.00.

All Small & Mighty...$3.97...used a $1.00 man. coupon and got it for $2.97.

Welch's juice...$2.26...used a $1.00 coupon and got it for $1.26.

Campbells soups...$1.00 each...used a $1.00 off two coupon and got them for 50 cents each.

Pillsbury biscuits...$1.00 each...used a $1.00 off two coupon and got them for 50 cents each.

Huggies baby wipes...(no I don't have babies anymore, but they make great gifts and I also use them for traveling in the car for messy fingers) $2.37...used a $2.00 off coupon and got them for 37 cents.

Clean & Clear Facial Wash...$3.00...used a $2.00 off coupon and got it for $1.00.

Betty Crocker Mashed Potatoes...78 cents...used a 40 cents off coupon and got them for 38 cents.

Also got Oreo four bags of various cat treats for just pennies on the dollar! He'll be one happy kitty. Silly cat is more stocked up on treats that we are! LOL!

My finally tally for the day was:

Spent: $40.52

Saved: $34.21

Not a bad trip!

He's baaaa-aaaaack! Evan's Cross Country Meet!

Last night was Evan's first Cross Country meet of this season. It was our favorite (NOT!) away meet...Rockford. Nothing wrong with Rockford...it's just that this meet is their furthest away and they don't get home till so late...add homework, trumpet practice, and shower...forget about getting to bed at a decent hour. Anywho...let's not let that overshadow the wonderful news of the day! LOL!

Evan got his best time ever. 16:18. I thought being the first meet of the season, he might be a little rusty...nope! He showed us! And everyone else! By getting his best time ever!!! Who knows what he's capable of next!!!

I know...all you see is an "empty" jersey...why didn't a "good" mom get his picture in his NEW jersey? Well, as late as it was...not having had dinner...grabbed a pizza by the way...he was so tired, sweaty, and hungry...he collapsed in front of the tv w/ pizza in hand...with barely enough time for homework to get done. We managed to get everything accomplished...but these kinds of nights are killers...not just for the kids...but the parents as well.

But I'm not complaining...I LOVE that he has found his niche! So happy he is enjoying and excelling at something he loves! I love every minute of the boys activities, sports, and accomplishments!

Way to go Ev!!!

We are so happy for you!!!

Soooooo proud!!!

Keep up the awesome work!!!

Love you buddy!!!

Great week at Meijer!

I had a really great week of savings at Meijer this week!

I did just like I said and only stocked up on what we needed and the greatest deals.

This week was a big stock-up week for after school snacks.

So...with that being said...here's the best of the best for me this week...

Campbell's soup...regular 61 cents...sale priced at 59 cents...used a man. coupon for 40 cents off four and piggybacked it with a Meijer Meal Box coupon for $1.00 off four...making them 24 cents a can!

Combos snacks...regular $2.29...on sale for $1.19...used a $1.00 off two coupon...making them 69 cents a piece!

Super Pretzels and Farm Rick Mozerella Sticks were on sale 1/2 price...making them $1.36 and $1.54 respectively.

But the BEST OF THE BEST deal was the Nabisco 100 calorie packs!!! Now these aren't only great if you're dieting...but also make a nice small snack after school or in the car for the boys.

Here was the deal...

They were all priced at $2.79.

Used two of the manufacturer's coupons I had for $1.00 off two. ($2.00 off)

Used a Meijer Meal Box coupon on each of them. ($5.00 off)

THEN...you get $5.00 off instantly at the register!!!

So in reality...you are paying 39 cents a box!!!

WOW!!!

My totals for this week were:

Saved: $31.49

Spent: $34.07

Now that's what I'm talkin' about!

Do I really need it? (Target/Walgreens this week)

As I continue my savings/couponing journey...I am now becoming REALLY stocked up on things. Now, I am getting to the point where I would like to save even MORE money. My new plan is going to be not only "Is it a great buy?"...but "Is it something I really use on a frequent basis and will always need more of and run out of?" At the beginning, you start stocking up on EVERYTHING. But now that my freezer and cupboards "runneth over"...I would like to save more money each week by not purchasing as much. So my new goal will only be "What do I need?" and "Is it an extreme bargain?"

This week at Target...
Some of my bargains included...
Gillette shave gel...on sale for $1.79...used a $1.00 coupon...got it for 79 cents.
Shick Quatro razors for woemn...on sale for $5.99...used a $3.00 coupon...got it for $2.99.
Target Market Place shredded cheese...priced at $1.89...used a 50 cent coupon...got it for $1.39.

My totals at Target were:
Saved: $11.09
Spent: $18.41

At Walgreens...
My bargains included...
Kleenex tissues...on sale for 89 cents...use a Save $1.00 on four coupon...making them 64 cents each.
ColorSilk hair color...regular $3.99...on sale for $1.99...got three of those.
Lindsay Olives...regular $2.19...on sale for 99 cents...got four of those.

My totals at Walgreens were:
Saved: $14.54
Spent: $16.05

Not a bad day for stocking up on things I "really needed".

Busy/Lazy Sunday...

Today was a busy...yet lazy Sunday. Started the day at church. Really great praise and worship as always and awesome message...see previous post. :)

Came home and got out Jam's new Lion's flag and got ready for "the game". Howies for dinner. During football season, that's usually our Sunday stand-by...unless we actually prepare the day before and have munchies of some kind.

We always do the thin crust...pepperoni and sausage with butter cheese on the crust...and garlic herb over the whole pie. And of course a side of Three Cheeser Howie bread completes the meal.

After dinner, I got some couponing done. A little. Decided to get Walgreens and Target out of the way. I hate trying to combine all my stops on grocery day so I try to get my little stops done on a different day. More on those bargains later!

Also stopped off at Home Depot...that was actually the main reason I wanted to go out today. Wanted to pick up some mums. I am SOOOOOO in the fall spirit and want to decorate so bad...but this terrible heat is putting a damper on everything. Yuck. I am NOT a summer girl. LOVE LOVE LOVE my fall temps, decorations, smells, clothes, everything about fall! So I picked up two pots of kindof a light burgandy/purplish shade. I wanted something dark because I was planning to put them in the center of my pots of dusty miller.

Ran in Target for a few minutes and picked up a couple things. More on those bargains later too! The boys also ended up spending a little of their paper route money. Nate got a Play Mobile set on sale and Ev got a good deal on some Star Wars trading cards in a nice collector's tin.

Came home and got the mums planted and they turned out pretty good if I do say so myself! I like the way they look in the middle of the dusy miller. I think dusty miller makes a nice surrounding flower for colorful flowers.

It was a nice day...a relaxing day...but a busy day.

I always hate ending my Sundays...starting to think about starting my work week.

But I am trying to stay positive and remind myself that I am blessed to have a job in these trying economic times.

The boys are ready to go back to school and Ev has his first Cross Country meet on Tuesday of this week.

So...here's to another great week!

Who in your circle of friends are you witnessing to?

We had the best message today at church.
Appropriately enough...it was a topic I've been dealing with and writing about alot...FRIENDSHIP.
Pastor Sam talked about the differences in friendship.
There is a difference in "being friendly"...which is just on the surface.
And then there's being a "true friend"...through thick and thin.
Proverbs 18:24A man of many companions may come to ruin,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
NIV

If you look at the first line of this scripture...the wording could lead us to think that someone who has a large circle of friends could be led to ruin. But what I really think it's saying to us, is that we really need to watch WHO we consider to be TRUE friends. We could have a large circle of "friends"...or maybe they're just people we hang with, maybe they're neighbors, maybe they're acquaintences...all nice peole...friendly people. But the people who are our REAL friends should be the people we can trust through thick and thin, you can count on them day or night, they will tell you the truth in love when you need it.
Something else our pastor pointed out was the fact that we need to have more than just christian friends. YES! You are allowed to have non-believer friends! You SHOULD have non-believer friends! Jesus hung with the sinners too! As Pastor Sam put it, "You can only save the saved and bless the blessed so many times!"...we need to build relationships outside our "church bubble" and "Christianity bubble" so that we can bless and reach others for Christ!
I really needed to hear that. Because there are times when I think, "Am I spending too much time with my unsaved friends?" NO! As Pastor Sam put it, as long as your primary friendships are built around fellow believers who will build you up...you SHOULD be spending time with non-believers affecting their lives!
I will never forget the eight years I worked in the car plant. And most of the people from my area hung together after work as well...at the bar, partying, and getting around. But I will always remember this one particular fella I spent a good several years working with...he said to me, "Mel, I will never forget you. Your friendship means alot to me. You don't drink, you don't cuss, you don't mess around...I see God in you...but you don't push it down my throat." WOW!!! It about floored me. Coming from an 18 yr old kid!!! He got all that just by working next to me? It is amazing how God's love shines through you when you are friendly and loving and bless other unbelievers. You may never know it, but you ARE a witness...even if you're not saying anything.
So, next time you are out to eat...think about how you treat your waitress/waiter.
Next time you purchase something at the store...think about how you treat your cashier or clerk.
Next time you are out and about in your neighborhood...think about how you are acting around your neighbor.
People are watching you. And whether you know it or not...they know you're a christian. They are watching to see how you treat them and others. And even if you never speak a word to them...how you treat them and others...should be a reflection of Christ Himself.
So...
Who is in YOUR circle of friends?
Are you only surrounding yourself around other believers?
Or are you reaching out to the lost too?
I know this sermon really challenged me to continue to show Christ's love and bless my non-believing neighbors, clients, people I come in contact with daily.
You never get another chance to make a first impression.

Lessons in frugality...sinking in!

So...

Today we're getting ready to make a run to Target...and I'm going through my coupons and receipts from last week...sorting them and such.

Found a catalina coupon from Target from last week for $1.00 off anything in their snack bar/cafe area.

Knowing I rarely ever get anything there, I said, "Evan can you toss them in the garbage for me?"

He says...

"MOM! This is a $1.00 off coupon for ANYTHING $1.00 or more in the snack bar! You can't throw it away!"

LOL!

Ok...so I guess all my couponing and frugality are rubbing off on my kids, LOL!

He continues to tell me...

"Mom, they have snack combos for $1.50. You take a dollar off and that's 50 cents! Nate and I split it and it's only a QUARTER EACH! You can't throw that away!"

LOLOLOLOLOLOL!

Ok...ok...ok...

So I'm like, "You're right. Save it and maybe you can get a snack on the way out."

Sure enough, the boys split the popcorn/pop combo for $1.50...got their dollar off making it 50 cents...shared it and both only paid a quarter.

AND...

They had the sweetest cashier!

She said, "Ooooh! Smart boys! I love coupons! Are you sharing the popcorn?"

When Evan said, "Yes"...

She bagged up TWO bags and gave them each their own!!!

And she didn't fill them just half full (like she should have).

She nearly filled them up!

What a sweetie!

Soooooo...

I guess my boys ARE learning a bit about coupons and frugality from me after all!

Having their own paper route now too really helps.

They are starting to see the value of a dollar!

Lessons learned!