Frugality, Repurposing and {MMB}

Today I am posting over at MMB.  I'm discussing Living Frugally and Repurposing and the contribution it can make to your home and family.  I'm no expert, but I share some ideas I've picked up over the years.

"When I was a young stay at home mom, I often wondered what it was I financially contributed to the family.  I was often left with low feelings of self worth.  I remember seeing on a talk show once someone compared a stay at home mom to a "kept woman".  I recognized these things as Satan thoughts and his fiery darts were firing away.  What better way to destroy a family, than to start with the degradation of the mother?!  I have never watched a talk show since...."  

Read more here... I'd totally appreciate your feedback and comments.

Summer Reads

Source

Since I have been laid up this summer with back problems, I have been doing a lot of reading.  I have recently discovered and have been enjoying Kristy Tate's books.  They are clean, fun and have some romance to them, too.  I also enjoy her blog, Kristy's Stories,  as she gives updates and insight into her works of fiction.

She is offering a special right now on Rescuing Rita.  It is 99¢ on Amazon.  It will probably go up to $4.99 like her other books.  I just bought Rescuing Rita today.  I haven't read this one yet, but I'm plugging her book because I'm cool like that.  But, really, also because I get a coupon for another one of her books.  This book junkie just can't get enough...

Miguel's Missionary Moment

Source

Please forgive the the absence of posts from Miguel the last few weeks.  I apologize and please see my last post for the reasons why...

This past week I received an very special email.  A woman in the area where Miguel is serving wrote me about my son.  Her letter made my day and quite literally brought tears to my eyes.  Only 339 more days until he comes home, but who's counting anyway.  Miguel has always been the comedian in our home.  Before his mission he was so worried that he wouldn't be able to serve the Lord, convey the Spirit and still be able to embrace his goofy personality.  It sounds like he has been able to find that balance.  So this week I am sharing a letter not from Miguel but about Miguel.  It is wonderful to hear how others perceive and are influenced by my son.

"We have had the pleasure of having your son in our home for the past 2 months.  His larger than life personality is equals parts silly goof-ball and dedicated servant of the Lord.   He is just as quick to laughter as he is to recalling a relevant scripture.

My own children are 17, 14, 10, 7, 5 and 16 months. Elder Miguel fits right in as my oldest.  He adores each one of them in a special way & plays or counsels with them in such a sweet, caring manner. We started out having him over once a month & that has quickly turned into at least 3 times a week, plus several of his personal days.  We have our own inside jokes & nicknames, have taken countless pictures, and I have even gone teaching with them.

He talks about you constantly. All of you. He truly adores his family. And loves to tell stories about you guys. 

He has embraced his calling with his whole heart & is an amazing missionary.He likes to work hard & stay busy. He's got such a beautiful testimony & doesn't hesitate to share it. 

In short, I would just like to thank you for sharing him with us, with the world.  You've done an awesome job raising him & should be very proud.We love him & will surely miss him when he goes."

Summertime Breaks

Source

Hello dearest, do you miss me?  I know I haven't been around much these last few weeks.  After much contemplating, I came to the realization that I just do not have many summers left with my sweet daughter.  I mean she will be a high school sophomore in August! Since my boys have left home, I have found that moments with children slip away far too fast.

Although I love writing and reading and visiting your blogs, I love my daughter more.  These long summer days have grown far too short and far too few of them are left.  Before long, I will be back to work at the school, and Ladybug will be back in classes at her school.  I have decided to focus the remainder of my summer on her and some quality time spent together.

I miss the summers of busy boys and legos and dinosaurs.  Before I know it, I will be missing my precious time with Ladybug, too.  I will continue to post Miguel's Missionary Moment on Mondays.

Hang tight, I will return...

Anniversary Advice

Today is my anniversary.  KT and I have been married for 24 years.  That's a long time especially in dog years, but I'm not saying we're dogs, just that its a long time.  It isn't always easy even though sometimes it might appear to be easy.  I'm married to a pretty opinionated guy, and pretty much he is always right even though he's not.  The motto that has helped my relationship survive this long is:  Relationships are more important than being right.  

A few years ago I also offered up this advice on making it work.

And also I described my marriage here.

What relationship/marriage advice do you have to offer?

 

In God We Trust

I absolutely love this and I love Hobby Lobby for sharing it today.  

May we always remember the intention of our Founders.

Happy 4th of July!

You can see the original here.  (Its much larger)

Boredom Busters and {MMB}

Today I am posting over at MMB and sharing some ideas for Summer Boredom Busters.  I'd be thrilled if you would hop on over and give me some comment love.

How's life been in your neck of the woods?  It's been so incredibly hot here.  I never dreamed I would think 95 felt cool.  Thank goodness for air conditioning...I'm grateful every single day for that blessing.

Source