tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51788488188436449192024-02-07T03:07:30.012-08:00Character Changessillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-42838729451226892622014-02-10T18:56:00.001-08:002014-02-10T18:56:17.732-08:00couponing again<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIRBr-Deed_eCQ9WDhyphenhyphenUf2kD3U_8WCDeawi-VCRq6KKcNDfj-cYbB9nuI0zNPjoZjhS4loqQwzJr9iFKuuGz1nLMucSLakQWKmdIXwjsoWaP00cWUmvTVJpQcwx9B3s6S_zRebVmoNQ/s1600/walgreens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIRBr-Deed_eCQ9WDhyphenhyphenUf2kD3U_8WCDeawi-VCRq6KKcNDfj-cYbB9nuI0zNPjoZjhS4loqQwzJr9iFKuuGz1nLMucSLakQWKmdIXwjsoWaP00cWUmvTVJpQcwx9B3s6S_zRebVmoNQ/s1600/walgreens.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I decided to start couponing again. I used to be pretty good at it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had a great stockpiling going and then</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I stopped.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I stopped because I starting making my own detergent and buying </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">all natural cleaners and trying not to buy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">processed food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I stopped buying all natural items because I couldn't afford it any longer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I still make my own detergent and use vinegar and water but </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">my hubby missed my stockpile of </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Razors</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Toothpaste</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Toothbrushes </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Shampoos </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">ETC</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After bugging me and bugging me I decided to get back to it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, I am a beginner again without</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Extra Care Bucks -ECB (CVS)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Register Rewards-RR (Walgreens)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">or </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">coupons</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First thing I did was try to build out my coupons and lucky for me we get a weekly free newspaper with the Smart Source.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So...I had my kids go and get them from the neighbors or pick them up from the road. (I figured if they are in the middle of the road</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">no one wanted them anymore)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are my first 3 back to couponing </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">transactions. I have used coupons here and there but not to build a stockpile like before. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I went Walgreen's and worked 3 deals..all of which can be done as a newbie. Make sure you sign up for the Balance Rewards card before these transactions if you haven't done so before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Transaction 1</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Buy Scope (1 liter) $3.49 and get $2 RR</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I used a <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/p/coupons">printable $1 off</a> (this is a link to swagbucks coupons) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">you can also go to coupons.com You have to search for it under personal care</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Paid oop $2.49</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Got back $2 RR (its like paying .49)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Transaction 2</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Buy 2 Colgate 2/$6</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nice! sour heads $.99</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Use 2-.75 off from 02/02/2014 SS (in the free newspaper)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Use $2.00 RR from previous transactions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(note: you need 1 item per coupon during check out. I had 3 coupons technically with the RR so I got a bag of candy. You can use any filler instead. The cheaper the filler the better.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Paid $3.49 OOP.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Got $4.00 RR</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">its like paying .51 cents for all that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember if my filler was cheaper (bag of candy) it would have been less OOP (out of pocket) I promised the kids candy. :P</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Transaction 3</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For this one you need the Red Plum from the 2/9/14 Sunday newspaper. If you don't have that, I would save the RR for next week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Buy 2 Nivea Lip A Kiss of Care and Color $5.29 Each (bogo 50%)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Used Redplum 02/09/2014 $3/2 lipcare</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Used $4.00 RR</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Paid 1.08</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Received 2000 points on my Walgreen's balance rewards which is like $2 </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you stop at transaction 2 you will have $4 RR to use next week if you do all three you will not have $4 RR but you will have 2000 points. When you reach 5000 points you can use on purchases. That's like using $5.00</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I paid out of pocket about $7 and got about $18.00 worth of merchandise. Pretty good for a beginner. Saved $11.00 </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope my hubby is now happier with a budding stockpile of two toothpastes. Lets see how this goes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hope Walgreen's doesn't mind me using their image. But, we all love Walgreen's. </span></div>
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sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-36729226841658859682014-01-18T21:22:00.000-08:002014-01-18T21:22:50.077-08:00What are we reading?I have been trying to read to the kids regularly as part of my goals. Also, I signed up to read 52 books this year. YIKES!!! So? What are we reading?<br />
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Personal: I read a book from one of my favorite authors. Fannie Flagg.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrFHify_gNlyridlRrtez_KvOij41vRtuGQRsOOZ7nrY8ygDMHPLhlvSf5VX45fhmQM9Z-HswRDRv4Cdv5bNwh_gLdNfpkRDlzxNSxAQISeZCr8jyFvonTBEiDRGetQ8AXZ6UR5pDHQ/s1600/FannieFlagg_Web_All-Girl_BookPromo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrFHify_gNlyridlRrtez_KvOij41vRtuGQRsOOZ7nrY8ygDMHPLhlvSf5VX45fhmQM9Z-HswRDRv4Cdv5bNwh_gLdNfpkRDlzxNSxAQISeZCr8jyFvonTBEiDRGetQ8AXZ6UR5pDHQ/s1600/FannieFlagg_Web_All-Girl_BookPromo.jpg" height="141" width="320" /></a></div>
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I really enjoyed this book. I didn't realize it was about adoption, but it was. I had my own reunion with my own birth parents not so long ago and it was tough and sad and awkward. (but it had its good points, and I am at least still on talking terms with my bio dad). This little surprise adoption story let me work through some of my own demons and see things from outside the pain of adoption/reunion. </div>
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I purchased this book so I could find a way to "get" my hubby to take the spiritual lead in our home, but I learned much more about how I should act, what is expected of me, and how I can improve myself and support my hubby. Its a great motivator. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6zHjqj2V8MMQbRoWSe4ehyphenhyphen0AduuFxsTSBPppw7ZdMhUOn01rN2w5wTcBsbEp2z4H3Q50KWrTh7yTjUPjoof6uTXbwSjsPhE7nYJd89om1eqHPcB1EuwTO6mL7vFfQ5I8_HFHQywzVA/s1600/maxlucado.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6zHjqj2V8MMQbRoWSe4ehyphenhyphen0AduuFxsTSBPppw7ZdMhUOn01rN2w5wTcBsbEp2z4H3Q50KWrTh7yTjUPjoof6uTXbwSjsPhE7nYJd89om1eqHPcB1EuwTO6mL7vFfQ5I8_HFHQywzVA/s1600/maxlucado.png" /></a></div>
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Traveling Light is also a wonderful book that has me using my pen on almost every page. Normally, I just read a book and hope I remember what page I read anything worthwhile. But, with this book, I am underlining, highlighting and adding some comments and ideas. Also, great motivator to improve myself.</div>
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I am also reading a fluff book about Zombies, the second book in the Hunger Games (again), plus a couple of books I started but haven't gone back to just yet.</div>
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Oh, and of course the scriptures.</div>
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Family: Besides scripture study we are reading Mary Poppins and will be starting The Tempest, Pagoo, a fairy tale book and a biography..leaning toward one about Ben Franklin.</div>
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For little one: I am just trying to read as many good books as I can. Eric Carle, and Margaret Wise and even some audio books.</div>
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That is what we are reading as of today. I love reading and downloaded lots of free ebooks on my Kindle app just waiting for me. :D Most of them classics.</div>
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What are you reading?</div>
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<br />sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-76154580056687154492014-01-02T19:37:00.000-08:002014-01-02T12:43:28.781-08:00January Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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January Goals.</div>
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My goals for January are pretty big but I am going to try to break them down into weekly goals.</div>
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Mothering/Family goals.</div>
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1. Read to younger kids each night</div>
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2. have scripture study daily</div>
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3.have one fun outing (free) each week with hubby</div>
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Personal Goals</div>
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1. Memorize Scripture Mastery with Victoria. One a week</div>
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2. Read scriptures each morning</div>
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3. Walk 3 miles</div>
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4. Read my 2014 book list</div>
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Homeschooling</div>
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1. Follow our schedule </div>
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2. Read a classic with kids</div>
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3. Work on my education buy studying Thomas Jefferson Education</div>
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Financial Goals</div>
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1. save $200.00 by the end of the month</div>
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2. Work on our menu planning</div>
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3. Limit eating out</div>
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<br />sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-89591977715729128702014-01-02T12:31:00.001-08:002014-01-02T12:39:32.002-08:0014 books for 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
I started my list for the books I would like to read this year. Many are books I started and never finished. I intend to finish and tie up all loose ends. </div>
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I divided my selections into 4 categories</div>
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1. Fiction</div>
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Pilgrims Progress-</div>
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Out of the silent planet-C.S Lewis</div>
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Water Babies</div>
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Bulfinch's Mythology</div>
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2. Non Fiction</div>
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<a href="http://peacehillpress.com/history-geography/the-history-of-the-ancient-world-from-the-earliest-accounts-to-the-fall-of-rome/">The History of the Ancient World</a></div>
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Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin</div>
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<a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/about-the-well-educated-mind/">Well Educated Mind </a></div>
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The Law</div>
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I included the links on the Susan Bauer books because I really like them. </div>
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3.Classics (some fiction might be classics too)</div>
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Don Quixote </div>
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Walden</div>
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Utopia</div>
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Kim</div>
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Self Help ( I decided to use this for Mother training)</div>
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A mother's heart- Jean Fleming</div>
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Psalms for mothers-</div>
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Traveling Light-Max Lucado</div>
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My Heart Belongs to Him (study with Victoria)</div>
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I left 2 as floaters and I am still looking but it might be two books by the <a href="http://www.eyresfreebooks.com/booklist.php">Eyres</a>.</div>
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1. I didn't plan to be a witch</div>
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I don't intend to only read these books, I will still read but my goal is to finish these.</div>
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I will also have a reading list to have as family reading.</div>
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<br />sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-10486879625709971832013-11-29T19:12:00.000-08:002013-11-29T19:12:03.562-08:00End of the month review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmga79lPZzYg1Dc6oLez7N74hdY_32sQFGt1usSaoNvfh4IqE9iXPpq6gQP7zst8MRDdzYTjrpkbnyYMipoMao91mVRmQWZSjiQq3vfJC1vIVoGfUahX9FDRHfexiaek1lsOcYZ3WVw/s1600/review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmga79lPZzYg1Dc6oLez7N74hdY_32sQFGt1usSaoNvfh4IqE9iXPpq6gQP7zst8MRDdzYTjrpkbnyYMipoMao91mVRmQWZSjiQq3vfJC1vIVoGfUahX9FDRHfexiaek1lsOcYZ3WVw/s1600/review.jpg" /></a></div>
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After a wonderful Thanksgiving, its time to review my goals for November.</div>
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Mostly, I just wanted to reign in my grocery budget and I did better than last month.</div>
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Last month I spent over $1500 for groceries and eating out.</div>
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This month, (even though I have 1 more day to go), I made it closer to $1000.</div>
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I say that is a great step toward my $600 goal. </div>
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I am trying hard to stop eating out. I have to admit that I ate out more than I should have.</div>
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But, less than before. </div>
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Many days we would just keep driving and I would come home and cook.</div>
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Even if it was at 9 pm at night.</div>
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Another goal I had was trying to get moving and exercise some. </div>
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Did not happen. I need to get healthier and fit but I am too lazy and busy to do it.</div>
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I know, excuses excuses. </div>
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I also stopped volunteering at our homeschool bookstore, because now I get paid for the day I volunteer.</div>
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That's a little bit extra income coming into the home. I think I will use it for my miscellaneous budget.</div>
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Another goal I have is to pay off my cars in 2 1/2 years. </div>
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The van has about 13 months left on the note and I am paying extra on each payment.</div>
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If I continue I might shave off about 4 months. After I pay that off I am adding extra to the second car.</div>
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Looking forward to December I know that I will have some budget busters like </div>
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Christmas</div>
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Basketball fees</div>
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I know Dave Ramsey would say that Christmas happens at the same time every year. </div>
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But since we are just starting our financial journey I didn't quite plan for Christmas.</div>
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I will be posting my goals for December soon.</div>
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I am not going overboard. Just a few goals in each area.</div>
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I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.</div>
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I am grateful for my hubby, who works so hard for us.</div>
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I am thankful for my children who are healthy and strong.</div>
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I am thankful for the strength that Heavenly Father gives me to care for my family.</div>
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I know I couldn't do it without His loving care.</div>
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sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-89522434369362148122013-11-17T14:49:00.000-08:002013-11-17T14:49:59.714-08:00Food Budget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My hardest goal to meet is our food budget. I just can't seem to figure out what is normal for a family our size or what we can afford to spend. I used to buy groceries before everything and blow our budget, now I buy after but still manage to blow our budget.<br />
A few months ago I signed up for Mint.com. Mint.com is a website that links to your accounts and keeps track of your spending. Its free, so I signed up. I linked the account I wanted to keep track of and maybe checked it a few times..then I forgot about it.<br />
A week ago, I decided to log back in. I then used one of the tools available that shows you in graph form where your money went. I went back to October and checked our food expenditures. Anything I labeled as food or was automatically labeled by the site as food purchases were added into the portion of the graph. Wow, was I surprised when I saw the totals. I had just commented to someone that maybe we spend $800 to $900 in food..including fast food..oh boy, was I wrong. My total for the month of October was over $1500. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">$1500!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></div>
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That is a lot of money. Almost double the amount I though I had spent..DOUBLE.</div>
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What a rude awakening. No wonder our budget is so out of control. I had no idea it was so much. I had no clue what I was spending. </div>
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I made our December budget yesterday. I only budgeted $600 for the whole month. Is that reasonable, is it realistic? I am not sure but I know it can't be much more because our goals to pay off debt are very important to us. Very important. I am hoping that $300 twice a month is going to cut it. And only eating out 2 times a month. Hmmm..we don't have much luck with limiting the eating out. But, we have to be strict. </div>
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I'm a little curious about November, not because I expect much difference, but because I was becoming more aware of what I was spending. Apparently, not as aware as I thought. </div>
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It would be interesting to see though.</div>
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sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-31253886690120549882013-11-11T06:15:00.001-08:002013-11-11T06:28:50.815-08:00doubtI hate when I start doubting myself. I was so excited to start my plans to become a fiscally responsible person but last night I started to doubt myself. I know it was stupid and I shouldn't even dwell on such things.<br />
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I know doubts are the adversaries way to derail you from your intended goal. I think all the opposition I have been dealing with is also a sure sign that I should press forward. My plans aren't necessarily spiritual but they can lead to some real spiritual gains. </div>
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For example, if I can trim my expenses, pay tithing and and fast offering I accomplished a spiritual goal.</div>
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If I can have a generous savings and emergency found, we can help fund our son's mission.</div>
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If we can get completely out of debt, live within our means then I can help fund many missions. That is my dream. To help fund many missions. </div>
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Short term goals are all about the money, honey..but my long term goals are all spiritual</div>
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I need to stop doubting my ability and just press forward. I know I have a long road ahead, but its doable and I can sacrifice now for gains later. </div>
<br />sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-79319996570648563802013-11-10T14:03:00.002-08:002013-11-10T14:04:30.541-08:00Fiscal planning My husband works 3 jobs. One full time and two part-times. We hardly see him, and I think its time to change that. I named this blog Character Changes and living a responsible fiscal life is part of that change. I have tried many, many times to make that change and I have failed. Well, I haven't failed miserably because I have learned a few things each time I tried changing. This time, I hope we succeed more than the last few times. <br />
I have read Dave Ramsey, Suze Orman, and I even worked for Primerica so its not like I don't know what to do. I can tell you what to do, I can make plans to help others succeed, but it just wasn't that easy for our family. Finally, it dawned on me that I am sick and tired of having my husband gone all day, every day and trying to fit everything in on his one and only day off. He has two, but one day he goes to school...so we have Wednesday off. Not all of Wednesday, mind you..only Wednesday evening. That is not cutting it anymore.<br />
I have now put my foot down. I hope I have put it down hard enough. I am ready to make a plan for us. I am ready to slash and save and do whatever it takes. My family is not as supportive as I had hoped. What is my plan? "People don't plan to fail, but they fail to plan" I'm all about plans and I have plans coming out of my ears. Our problem is not plans but follow through. So, yes I have a plan and yes, I will let you know. But where I need help is following through with those plans. <br />
First, I am not going to do all or nothing. That's one sure way to fail.<br />
Second, I am not cutting everything all at once. <br />
Third, I need accountability, so I will blog about it.<br />
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Ok, here is the plan:<br />
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Our budget is out of control and my husbands solution is to work more. That is not working for us. I looked through my budget and found things to cut. The main one is our cell phone plan. It's eating us up alive. I have tried calling and asking for some help in trimming it, but even though they were very helpful it just not enough. We do have a contract and we still have a few months left on that contract. So, my plan is to cancel the plan, buy a month to month and save the rest. At least $200. Yes, I know that I will have a fee to worry about and I have a plan for that. <br />
The second part of this plan is to work toward <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/new/baby-step-1/" target="_blank">Baby Step 1</a>. Dave Ramsey has 7 baby steps toward financial freedom and baby step 1 is to save $1000 asap. So, I gave myself about 6 weeks to 3 months to come up with that. After baby step 1, we can start on <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/new/baby-step-2/" target="_blank">baby step 2</a>, which is to pay off debt and the first on that list will be our cell phone plan. After that we will snowball our cell phone saving toward the next largest bill, then the next and so on.<br />
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That's my plan, and we are sticking to it. <br />
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Another part of the plan is to limit eating out and include that in our over all budget. I wanted to try the envelope system, but I am not ready for that I think. It's not that I haven't gone cash only, I have. But, I think it would be too much at one time. So, I am going to stick to working on our budget, keeping receipts and try to figure out where our money goes. Groceries and eating out are a major drain and gas used to be too. <br />
We are a family of 9 with 6 kids still at home. We need to work on this area of our budget pronto. I have started working on a monthly menu (which I have done before) and will try monthly shopping. I don't think I will be able to go a month between shopping but if I can limit my trips and buy the staples I know I can save some time and money. As for eating out, its a must but not every day. We don't have time for fun activities, so eating out has become our family outing. I am going to try to limit it to only 2-3 times a month instead of 2-3 times a week.<br />
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One other problem I face with menu planning is trying to figure out lunches that are healthy, cheap, and gluten free. Every time I make a menu lunches tend to be sandwiches, sandwiches, pasta, and hot dogs. All full of gluten and no, we don't want to use gluten free bread or pasta. My son, uses some gluten free pasta but the rest of the family will not eat them. Lunch menus are a work in progress. <br />
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Above all, I had been working on one major part of our budget and that is paying tithing. We are doing a lot better in that area, but still need more consistence. I have a testimony about tithing and feel extremely guilty when we don't do what is right. I didn't want to deal with it and felt it was my husband responsibility and not mine. I know now, that its OUR responsibility and if my husband is too busy with work and school than I must step up and make sure that we do what is right. We are a team.<br />
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So, Tithing, Baby Step 1 and 2, and the grocery budget are the major changes I need to make. It won't happen right away but as long as I feel like we are working on our goals, things will be ok!<br />
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<br />sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-568104839717336242013-11-04T05:46:00.000-08:002013-11-04T05:46:36.939-08:00My "To Be" list?I love creating lists. To do lists, grocery lists, chore lists, book lists, budget lists..you name it, and I have probably tried to list it. But, I have never thought of making a "To Be" list. What in the world is a To Be list? I had never heard of one until this weekend, during a Time Out for Women conference, just in passing. The speaker said "When you make your to do list, or even your To Be lists remember blah blah blah." I can't remember what she finished up with because I was suddenly thrilled to know that there was another list I could start using. A To Be list.<br />
<br />
What will go into my To Be list? What do I want to become? Well, I have been thinking of this for a couple of days and I have no earthly idea what I want to be. Fortunately for me, this morning on NPR, there was a show on <a href="http://www.npr.org/2013/10/25/240777690/success" target="_blank">TED Talks about Success</a>!!! Yes!! Now I know what I can do to become successful. Except, I didn't understand from those talks, what I needed to do to become successful. Tony Robbins said "Follow your passion"..But then Mike Rowe said "Don't follow your passion, are you crazy" I'm paraphrasing of course. The next speaker said "Smile!!!" Another said if you don't have grit, forget it. The final talk was on a kinder way to frame success..pretty much..stop envying. Listen to them, you might not get what I got, but they are interesting.<br />
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I am still wondering, about my to be list. It finally dawned on me to figure out what my Father in Heaven considers success. Hmm? Follow the commandments, love your family, return to Me, be of service to others, spread My Gospel and be like Me. I also have been thinking of my spiritual success. I am sorely lacking in that arena. Usually, because I want to do it all, and I want to do it all RIGHT NOW. Not possible, believe me, I have tried.<br />
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I was still pondering my To Be list, when I realized: I know who I am already. I am a Daughter of our Heavenly Father, who loves me and I love Him. <br />
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I found my To Be list. All those traits are what I want to be. </div>
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<br />sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-91300078383184665632013-09-27T19:36:00.000-07:002013-09-27T19:36:33.373-07:00schedule updateIts Friday!!! And I have to say that we kept up with our homeschool schedule for at least 80% of our homeschool schedule. Not our housework schedule, but its a start.<br />
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Our planner sheets are working great to keep us on our toes. Its also a great visual for me. <br />
<br />
Here is how the week turned out.<br />
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Monday's are the only day that we can devote all day to homeschool and we did. Tuesday's I work at the homeschool store for the day and then we have church activities or basketball. Wednesday we worked on some daily subjects. Wednesday is also my hubby's only day off, so we follow his lead as much as possible. This week we had Basketball tryouts on our normal Co-op days, which are on Thursday and Friday. We missed one and the other is starting back up in October. I normally try not to schedule school work on these days due to the co-ops but I had them do some make up work anyway. I have also scheduled Saturday as a homeschool day because of the interruptions during the week. Here is what we did this week:<br />
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Subjects:<br />
Scriptures- We are working our way though the Old Testament AGAIN. We did it last year, but since our new co-op is doing Ancient History, we are going through it again. We worked on Genesis this week.<br />
<br />
Math- Teaching Textbooks is a great curriculum for us after trying so many different math programs. I am using Teaching Textbooks 3. I only purchased one book and I am copying the lessons for both my 8 and 10 year old. They are learning Angles and geometry. My 16 son is using Teaching Textbooks for Geometry and my 14 yo daughter is using ACE's workbooks for Algebra. She loves the paces workbooks. <br />
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History- We are using Tapestry of Grace very loosely. We read Story of the World (2 chapters) (for the 10 and 8 year olds) We covered Hammurabi and Gilgamesh. My daughter is using Paces for most of her subjects plus she reads some living history books. We also listen to the audio of Mysteries in History for the co-op. One day of the week we read Famous Stories Retold and next week I am added one Plutarch chapter.<br />
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Language Arts- Daily, we do copywork, Journaling, and Cursive Writing. We also use First Language Lessons level 3 for both my 10 year old and 8 year old. My 16 has almost all his English credits through a homeschool English class he attended where he sometimes took 2 classes at a time.<br />
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Spelling: I got a new curriculum and will start it next week.<br />
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Science-We worked on the skeletal system and will need to catch up to the co-op. We also read from Christian Liberty Press books. <br />
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Art- Started on the artist Picasso using a curriculum I downloaded for free some time ago.<br />
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Reading-Kids have to read 15 minutes a day, two days out of the week we read as a family. I need to work on this and make it a regular nightly ritual. But, right now I am working on my morning routine and then we will work on our evening routine.<br />
<br />
Languages- We are doing Hebrew with the co-op and Spanish on our own. Eventually, I need to add Greek. We started last year but dropped it. I am going to wait until we get into a groove, but might take it slow..like one day a week. <br />
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I think that's it, but I might have forgotten something.<br />
<br />
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sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-74537620376411382112013-09-15T15:55:00.001-07:002013-09-15T16:00:54.684-07:00New week, New schedule <span style="font-size: large;">A new weeks starts tomorrow and I decided to prepare for it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I made charts for the kids to add to their folders so they can be a little more independent in their work.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Included are pages for copywork, writing, math for the week, and their charts that allows them to sign off what has been done. I get a lot of organizational ideas from some wonderful blogs. One of my faves is <a href="http://ourbusyhomeschool.com/" target="_blank">Our Busy Homeschool. </a> I loved her posts on homeschooling, organization and even spiritual enrichment. <a href="http://ourbusyhomeschool.com/our-notebooks-building-new-habits/" target="_blank"> This post </a>on notebooks was a great catalyst for me to get my kids and myself organized.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Between great blogs and wonderful books, I think I might be getting the hang of this.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So what's up for the week? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The boys are working on</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture Study:</b> which includes morning personal reading of scriptures and family devotional.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Copywork</b>: (handwriting practice using great literature)- 10 commandments</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Journal</b>: Pretty much self explanatory. Kids must write in it daily</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>History</b>: We are doing Story of the World/Tapestry of Grace and Mysteries of History. A little bit of each plus I am adding a book to read as a family.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Reading</b>: 15 minutes silent reading.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Language</b>: Hebrew and Spanish, maybe restart Latin.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Science</b> Apologia Anatomy</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Shakespeare</b>: <a href="http://beautiful%20stories%20from%20shakespeare/" target="_blank">Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Plus we are doing 2 co-ops. :D</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As the weeks come and go, I will be adding more subjects like Language Arts, which the kids are doing. I just need to wiggle it in somewhere in my new schedule. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even though I have been homeschooling for years, I am still learning when it comes to organization. I am very grateful for those moms who put themselves out on blogs because I truly learn from them. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have a long road ahead of me when it comes to organization and homeschooling and housework etc, but I am really excited to start on it.</span><br />
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sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-9796757772994271482013-09-12T08:45:00.000-07:002013-09-12T08:48:25.070-07:00schedulesI have tried and tried and tried to work on schedules. I have purchased numerous planners, all kinds. Mom planners, executive planners, home school planners, large family planners..you name it I probably purchased. Here's the problem: I have never ever used one consistently. <br />
I've tried to create one on the computer. I've tried to use notebooks, pretty markers, nice paper, ordinary paper, 3 ring binders, notebooks, note pads. I have tried everything and I am still not organized. So, I took a hard look, where I didn't want to look. In the mirror. I can't make planners work for me if I don't follow through with the plan. LIGHT BULB moment.<br />
I've got my AHA moment, so, now what. Well, I need to get yours truly to work on being organized, on following through, on getting up and doing something.<br />
I am starting small. <br />
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<ul>
<li>step one: Figure out my mornings.</li>
</ul>
<div>
This might be easy for all you type A personalities. I am more like a type X or Z personality. I am trying to move up the alphabet a little. Here's the thing. I WANT to do everything, I PLAN to do everything but normally do nothing. </div>
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Here's my plan and also my problem<br />
I plan to have my morning routine become a habit by only adding a few steps at a time. Easy right? Well, you would think. My problem is my night time routine. I normally go to sleep very very late due to habit and that hubby works late and comes home late. But, I want to get up early and get a good start on my day. Problem 2. I do get up early to take my kids to seminary which starts at 6 am. <br />
What's the problem? Why can't I just stay up and get my day moving? Well, because I probably went to bed at 2 am and 3 1/2 hours will not cut it for sleep. I get up at 5:30 am, rush to get ready and make it to seminary at 6 am.<br />
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So, many of you might see the obvious problem there, but not Miss. I have to follow the schedule to the T. Nope. I just peter out and feel terrible for failing. I think I have come up with a solution.<br />
Come home, SLEEP, and then start your schedule. <br />
Wow, could it be that easy? Can I schedule myself to sleep and then get up refreshed and start the day on my terms?<br />
Remember, I homeschool and that gives me that luxury. I am sure if I had to send kids to school in the morning, I would just sleep after they left. Hey, I need my sleep. I need at least 8 hours.<br />
Going to bed early is not an option because I would never see my hubby, and I won't see him in the early AM because he works early most days too. So, that is not an option.<br />
Well, I have gotten some idea for my morning routine:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Get up (no time posted)</li>
<li>pray</li>
<li>read scriptures</li>
<li>family devotional</li>
</ul>
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I have given this schedule to the little's so they too can start their mornings on a schedule. One extra thing for them is to make beds and tidy their room.</div>
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I am using a new type of program that is helping me think this through. Its called Managers of their home.</div>
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<a href="http://www.titus2.com/managers-of-their-homes.html" target="_blank">http://www.titus2.com/managers-of-their-homes.html</a></div>
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I'm still reading through it and working on a schedule but it has helped me THINK about a schedule and how our life and family works. One thing I learned is to remember that a schedule will go through lots of changes. Another great thing I learned is to let God guide you. Hmm? So true.</div>
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<div>
How's it going you ask? Well, its going. Its not a habit yet but I am giving us a week before we add another task to our morning routine. </div>
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Remember, we are not robots, we are human beings who are 1. Imperfect and 2. well, human.</div>
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I'll keep you updated</div>
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What is your morning routine? Is it consistent or are you a fly by the seat of your pants person? </div>
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<br />sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-68754491516679803622012-05-23T19:35:00.000-07:002012-05-23T19:35:35.645-07:00gone but not forgotten<br />
I haven't forgotten this blog, really I haven't. I am just not in the right frame of mind to be posting as often as I should.<br />
I will try to start up again.<br />
I have been homeschooling, I have not been working, and I am falling behind on everything because I live on the road.<br />
*sigh*<br />
I will have to update this blog, state my new goals, and just become a better blogger.<br />sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-52737912656814096452012-02-18T11:38:00.000-08:002012-02-18T11:38:06.138-08:00February Goals...very lateI've been busy..busy implementing my new schedule. Its going well, goals are being met, some are being forgotten and others are being added.<br />
One new goal I started was blocking out some time every weekday to just homeschool. No going out, groceries, meeting people, errands, nothing!! For two weeks it went well, but last week, it did not. Mostly because I had to recharter and I spent a lot of time doing that, mostly because hubby was working days and he was home for lunch etc, and mostly because I didn't stick to my guns.<br />
Every Monday-Thursday between 11am-5pm I will not go outside the home, answer the phone (that one is hard), or plan any appointments. One or two had to be planned on Thursday, because there were no other days available. Wednesday is hard because I have to take my son to a homeschool class but I need to come home and focus. Its hard to focus when I return from errands, but I have too. Between 11am- 5pm its homeschool and house work. THAT'S ALL!!!<br />
Budget goals were going great until last week, but we are going to get back on track. We are working on our baby step #1 and that is going fine but I am worried about starting baby step #2. I will cross that bridge when I get to it.<br />
Church Goals: Going well, but I did miss church last week. I was not feeling 100% but we are paying our tithing and that goal is going well too.<br />
House work: Still working on that.<br />
Enrichment; I am trying to get some time set aside for my own personal enrichment. Both spiritual and educational. I am going to write down some goals for March and see where that goes.<br />
I think I am doing better, this year is going well and I think I might stick to this.sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-26051649049197743312012-02-04T18:32:00.000-08:002012-02-04T18:32:58.984-08:00update January GoalsI feel proud of myself because I have met most of my goals in January.<br />
I made it to church almost 100% of the time, only missed on day and it was stake conference..so its normally a day we skip. Didn't want to skip, but had sick kids. So I did 4 out of 5 Sundays.<br />
Paid Tithing..Saved, but had to use $100 for medical expenses. I will be reimbursed, and I can put it back in.<br />
fed the Missionaries once. Held Family Home Evening twice. :/<br />
Tried to pay bills on time, but still got behind by a few days. *sigh*<br />
I think I did good for the first month of the year. I am reviewing my goals for next month, and I will post them soon.sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-32369778315117973602012-01-25T20:39:00.000-08:002012-01-25T20:39:33.749-08:00still tryingIts almost the end of the month. The first month of the year, and I am doing well in some things and not as good in others.<br />
Budget is doing well..wow.<br />
But my schedule has lots to be desired.<br />
Today, I did a few subjects in homeschooling but not much in the house keeping area.<br />
Tomorrow, I have another appointment..breaking up my day. That is hard.<br />
Still trying to figure out how to work those appointments.<br />
I am also trying to get the kids more involved in family activities instead of being on the computer. I got some games and puzzles at Barnes and Noble because they were having a HUGE clearance. The kids enjoyed the game, which was a holiday version of Yahtzee. <br />
The puzzle is for Family Home Evening on Monday.<br />
I redid my homeschooling schedule to include one day as a make up/field trip day.<br />
The first field trip is going to be to the museum to check out some mummies. (for history)<br />
Another thing that has helped me a little is being diagnosed with very low levels of Vitamin D.<br />
Apparently that is a cause of fatigue plus other symptoms I have been experiencing. So, I am not a lazy bum..I am just tired due to lack of vitamins. Hopefully, that will improve in the next few months.<br />
I am going to try to organize my blog a little better and try to keep up with my weekly goals as well.<br />
Lets see how that goes.sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-10047426703203369812012-01-18T16:24:00.000-08:002012-01-18T16:24:25.887-08:00wow, its been a whileI know I didn't check in for my weekly update, but well, I didn't do as much as I thought.<br />
I sabotaged myself because I had two weeks of running around, not planning and so my to do list became a to don't list.<br />
I guess I better stop making schedules and start learning more about planning my days and weeks.<br />
I have appointments and other errands that spread out through the week. I am going to learn to make all appointments on one day. I did that for my children's check ups. So some of them are going next Tuesday and others the following Tuesday.<br />
As for my work from home job, I am only setting appointments for Thursday. I want to leave Monday's and Friday's free in the AM. Wednesdays are not free in the AM but all afternoon they are. Friday's are free all day, Tuesdays (unless we have appointments) are usually free all day but evenings we have scouts.<br />
I will then write out my schedule to fit into these times.<br />
I joined a facebook group for fitness and health and I have to be accountable to them weekly as well.<br />
So, my check in is on Friday. I think I will make my check in on Friday here too. EXCEPT this Friday I am going out of town and this weekend is packed, so I might check in tomorrow. :/<br />
I am going to reread<a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/01/3-things-that-will-keep-you-from-goal-setting-success.html"> this</a> post because I suffer from all 4 things that keep me from setting and following through with my goals.<br />
Tomorrow is a new day, and a new opportunity for bettering myself.sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-76617521891957156712012-01-04T21:05:00.000-08:002012-01-04T21:05:14.844-08:00schedule, what's that?So, what is this mysterious schedule I keep talking about, and how hard can it be?<br />
Well, it depends on the schedule. It could be an easy schedule like:<br />
9:00 am Wake Up<br />
10:00 pm Go to Sleep.<br />
Sadly, that is not my schedule. I suffer from the disorder of over scheduling. I used to have a schedule that had every minute planned from early morning to late night. And when I mean, every minute, I mean EVERY MINUTE.<br />
It was in 15 minute increments and I had something in every spot until bed time.<br />
Yeah, that didn't last long.<br />
First, I didn't take into consideration any surprises, sick kids, tired mom, appointment, getting groceries, breathing, restroom breaks, or fun!!!<br />
I am not as bad, but I still tend to over do it. So this time I am going to be a little more realistic.<br />
What is on my new schedule?<br />
Get up!!! That one is easy<br />
Make breakfast, clean (following a master cleaning schedule) and<br />
Homeschool..(following a master homeschool schedule)<br />
I will post those schedules...lets all say together now ....TOMORROW.<br />
:)<br />
The problem I am going to have is, staying home..and HOMEschooling. Not running around all over town, not scheduling activities everyday, not sleeping in until the afternoon, not playing on facebook for hours on end. I can do it!!! I mean: <b>I CAN DO IT!!!!</b>sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-32210860039508612812012-01-04T20:49:00.000-08:002012-01-04T20:49:16.064-08:00Maybe I spoke to soon.You know, the<a href="http://newcharacter-sillysiller.blogspot.com/2012/01/discipline-and-not-for-kids.html"> "tomorrow" </a>I was talking about in my last post? It never arrived. I wanted to start my new disciplined schedule asap, but I forgot that my week was already planned.<br />
I felt terrible, I wanted to cry, I felt defeated but then I realized that I had important things to do. <br />
I took my kids to the temple. I will consider that spiritual enrichment.<br />
Tomorrow, I am going to institute class, park day, and a work meeting.<br />
Friday, I have a couple of things my kids need to do, but I am not sure if I am the person doing it with them. I might have Friday free.<br />
I am still going to check in a week from my last post and write about what I did do, if anything.<br />
I did manage to write out my goals for personal enrichment. I will post them tomorrow. Wow, I do so love the word "tomorrow". Sadly, that is my problem.sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-60265329874842228372012-01-03T15:22:00.000-08:002012-01-04T20:50:05.091-08:00Discipline, and not for the kids!Why are important things so hard to do? Budgets, health, exercise,<strike> blogging, </strike> um, enrichment through writing, and house cleaning. I just threw that last one in because ITS HARD!!!!!!<br />
Ok, its hard for me, not my mother in law, but still..hard.<br />
I had a long talk (like 5 minutes) with hubby about all that and homeschooling and I realized that its all about the schedules and discipline. I can make lists, budgets, schedules, and chore lists with the best of them, but I can't follow through. That's where discipline comes in, or the lack there of. <br />
That is my priority this year, like last year and the year before and the year..you get the picture.<br />
I am going to take it one day at a time.<br />
Tomorrow (its always tomorrow, right?) I am going to follow a schedule, and stick to it for more than a week.<br />
Next week, at this time, I will let you know how miserably I failed. <br />
I mean, I will let you know how much easier my life has become.<br />
*fingers crossed*sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-61189223089695653742012-01-01T16:30:00.000-08:002012-01-01T16:30:47.283-08:00Goal #2 for 2011It is number one in importance, but number two on my list. <br />
Pay a full tithe to my church.<br />
Its not the easiest thing in the world for us, and we have had challenges from day 1 but continue to work on it. I am going to make it my number one priority.<br />
Its important to give to church 1. because God commanded it. 2. Everything belongs to God anyway. 3. it shows faith 4. You will receive blessings.<br />
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<h1 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9f6ed; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #3c424e; font-family: OFLSortsMillGoudyRegular, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 54px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 530px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings:</span></h1><div><span class="highlight" id="searchQueryTerm" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9f6ed; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tithing</span><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> is a test of faith with eternal blessings.</span><sup class="noteMarker" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9f6ed; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> </sup><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">In the Old Testament, Abraham proved his faith by paying tithes to the great high priest Melchizedek.</span><sup class="noteMarker" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9f6ed; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> </sup><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Abraham’s grandson Jacob vowed to the Lord, “Of all thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.”</span><sup class="noteMarker" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9f6ed; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> Robert D. Hales</sup></div><div><sup class="noteMarker" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9f6ed; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
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</span></span></div>sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-26610949979917665962011-12-31T10:02:00.000-08:002011-12-31T10:02:25.964-08:00January's goalsI am taking this goal/budgeting thing one month at a time. My goals this month, well, every month are:<div>Finance<br />
<div>1. Pay tithing</div><div>2. Save at least 10% of income</div><div>3. Pay all bills on time. (not as easy as you would think, at least for me.)</div><div>Spiritual</div><div>1. Pay a full tithe..funny how finance and spiritual have the same entry for number 1. Humm</div><div>2. Attend Church 100% of the time. (Yikes, but it can be done..or so I am told)</div><div>3. Hold Family Home Evening at least 3 nights out of 4. (or better)</div><div>4. Hold Family Prayer every night and every morning. (The morning has been hard for us)</div><div>5. Scriptures, Scriptures, Scriptures.</div><div>6. Host the missionaries at least once a month for dinner. (More if possible.)</div><div> There are more, but still working on the list.</div><div>Home</div><div>1. Keep it clean. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Fitness</div><div>So something!!!! Anything!!!!!</div><div><br />
</div><div>And those are my goals for the new year for January.</div><div><br />
</div><div>What are yours?</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div>sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-71140969815282300562011-12-27T18:22:00.000-08:002011-12-27T18:22:27.726-08:00Goal #1 for 2012Save money!!! I don't just mean, spend less but save money, in an account.<br />
We have two main goals, which are: 1. Emergency Fund 2. Down payment on a house (in two years).<br />
We have canceled a few things that take money out of our pocket.<br />
1. Netflix. We realized that we are not taken full advantage of the rentals. We usually keep a movie for weeks and end up averaging 2-3 movies a week. That is too expensive when we can rent at red box and pay a total of $3 if and when we are ready to watch a movie. My kids enjoy the streaming, but they don't need to watch so many movies when there are many other things to do in the day. (savings:$14.99<br />
2. Debtwatchers: A program through Primerica that we have been paying for many months and never even used. It's a great program, if you use it. We haven't, and we won't. Hubby is just too busy and so am I. Plus I work better using paper and pen. (savings: I don't remember..sad huh. I think its around $20)<br />
3. Melaluca: Loved their products and would still be doing it, but decided to cancel for a few months and use homemade or other safe cleaners if I must. (Saving: Between $50.00 and $75)<br />
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That is a grand total savings of round $100 depending on Melaluca, it varies, and the actual amount of Debtwatchers.<br />
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Saving those amounts will help toward my long term money goals.sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178848818843644919.post-78795855739625784652011-12-24T14:19:00.000-08:002011-12-27T18:23:52.063-08:00New Blog, for a new purpose.I love to blog, and I have tried blogs on homeschooling, frugal living, and just plain everyday topics.<br />
I have decided I wanted to start a blog on my New Year Resolutions. I joked that it might only have two posts, a start and a finish..in other words..I won't get anything done.<br />
I am trying to change my character and better myself, but as most of you know, changing a character flaw, or bad habit is not the easiest thing to do.<br />
I need to exercise, save money, eat healthy, become a better parent, volunteer more, become more spiritual etc, etc, etc. Most of my blogs start like that but this blog is going to show the good, the bad and the ugly. I think there might be more ugly than good. But I am on a journey, a journey that I expect will last for a couple of years at least and maybe more. I might have more falls than jumps, more failures than successes, more sadness than elation. But, I am going to be as transparent as I can be without divulging my account number.<br />
My first goal is to make goals. I have a few, but I am going to set monthly goals, and yearly goals. I am going to link up with <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/">moneysavingmom.com</a> when she has her goal reviews and updates. I'm going to need help.<br />
Wish me luck.<br />
Thanks.<br />
Next post: THE GOALS.<br />
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!sillysillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13852723654427624584noreply@blogger.com0