Don't Waste

Tuscaloosa Tornado

2011-05-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

I tear up every time I think about what I saw when driving through my home town this past weekend. My family was right when they told me that the pictures don't do it justice. It's hard to believe that wind can cause so much destruction. My mind has been plagued with worrisome thoughts like:

What would we do if such a storm were coming toward my house?

Where would I hide my kids?

My next house needs to have a better "safe place."

It's also easy for me to start thinking about the technicalities of clean-up:

Where to even begin? Someone needs to organize this thing city-wide.

Seems like FEMA is almost more trouble than its worth.

I wish I could help!

But, after hours of mental turmoil, my mind goes back to the content of a Piper article written after the tsunami of 2004. I think it's pretty fitting for us. May we not miss the lesson in the storm.

Every deadly calamity is a merciful call from God for the living to repent. 'Weep with those who weep,' the Bible says. Yes, but let us also weep for our own rebellion against the living God. Lesson one: weep for the dead. Lesson two: weep for yourselves.

Every deadly calamity is a merciful call from God for the living to repent. That was Jesus’ stunning statement to those who brought him news of calamity. The tower of Siloam had fallen, and 18 people were crushed. What about this, Jesus? they asked. He answered, “Do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:4-5).

The point of every deadly calamity is this: Repent. Let our hearts be broken that God means so little to us. Grieve that he is a whipping boy to be blamed for pain, but not praised for pleasure. Lament that he makes headlines only when man mocks his power, but no headlines for ten thousand days of wrath withheld. Let us rend our hearts that we love life more than we love Jesus Christ. Let us cast ourselves on the mercy of our Maker. He offers it through the death and resurrection of his Son.

This is the point of all pleasure and all pain. Pleasure says: “God is like this, only better; don’t make an idol out of me. I only point to him.” Pain says: “What sin deserves is like this, only worse; don’t take offense at me. I am a merciful warning.”

A Few Reasons Why Two Are Better Than One

2010-08-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

I know I've not updated since October. We can just blame it on the fact that I got pregnant in November.

Truth be told, I got tired of writing down my couponing deals. There are plenty of websites that already do that, and I didn't want my blog to be one of them, but I apparently had nothing else significant to write about.

So I had another baby girl on August 4th. Here's my new family:

And I've decided in the last two weeks that having two girls is WAY better than having just one:

1. Everything about labor & delivery was easier this second time. Less worry, less time in labor, less time delivering, quicker recovery, etc.

2. Everything about nursing #2 has been easier. We’ll just leave it at that.

3. #1 LOVES her lil’ sis. She’s also a big-time helper. She helps me burp the baby, and fetches necessities when I’m diaper-changing/nursing/etc. She distracts me from clock-watching while I’m nursing, so it’s not such a tedious task. (I don’t tend to enjoy nursing until it takes fewer than 20 minutes. Right now it’s more like 30-50 minutes and feels like a chore.)

4. #2 is an amazing sleeper. She has slept anywhere from 6 to 9 consecutive hours every night for the past week. And just she’s two weeks old. This means that I've been well-rested enough to only require one nap during the day, and #1 currently takes a three-hour afternoon nap just when I need it.

5. Their daddy took two weeks off from work to be with us. He just took one week with #1. Maybe he’ll take three weeks with #3? ..Probably not.

It's naptime now. But I'm guessing my list will only grow as time passes. I can't wait for them to be old enough to really be sweet companions.

Rite Aid (or CVS) Gift Card

2009-10-15T13:58:00.000-07:00

Here's a printable coupon for a free $25 Rite Aid gift card when you fill a prescription. It says its for a "transfer," but I actually used one at CVS last weekend on an antibiotic (which had no refills) for MER. I heard that CVS would honor competitors coupons for this particular offer, so I just asked and they did! Yippee!

If you have two prescriptions to fill at the same time, you can get TWO $25 gift cards! Sad as this is, I'm kinda hoping well need some before it expires on 11/30.

And I just realized that I didn't post my CVS deals for this week. I'll have to do that later...

A Rite Aid Diaper Deal for Beginners

2009-10-13T09:05:00.000-07:00

A friend asked me to help her understand the Rite Aid Rebates program. But she has a baby, so I'm assuming she really just wants some diaper deals! I think the best way to explain it is to give an example of a deal (for this week).

I look at BabyCheapskate to find out about the deals each week. Right now there's one for Huggies & one for Pampers, but the Pampers is actually the better deal.

If you buy $30 worth of P&G products (including Pampers) before 10/24, you get a $10 Rite Aid gift card. There's also something called the Rite Aid "Fall Gift of Savings" going on right now where you get another $10 for spending over $50 (or $5 for spending over $25, or $20 for spending over $100 - and it's all before coupons!), but it must be done before 10/17.

You can purchase two big packs of Pampers diapers in separate transactions, using two $5 off $25 Rite Aid coupons & any Pampers coupons you have, and pick up $5.01 worth of other stuff as filler items (the diapers are $19.99).

Here's step by step what I'd do. (I probably will do it later this week, before 10/17):

1. Print off two $5 off $25 Rite Aid coupons.

2. Print off four $2 off Huggies diaper product coupons (You can only print two per computer, but hopefully you have access to multiple computers or friends who'll do it for you. Once it prints the first time, hit the "back" button on your browser & it should automatically print off another coupon.)

3. Find the two highest value Pampers coupons you have. I have a $2 off and a $1.50 off.

4. Gather up these coupons (I put mine in an envelope or use a paper clip), and head to the store.

5. Pick up 2 value boxes of Pampers. Pick up 4 boxes of Huggies wipes (if you only printed out 2 Huggies coupons you'll have to pick up enough items (that you need) so that the total after tax will be over $25 for the two transactions. Maybe some gum or something.)

6. At the register, do the following:

Transaction #1:
1 box of Pampers
2 boxes of Huggies wipes

Give the cashier the $5/25 Rite Aid coupon first, then Pampers & (2) Huggies coupons.

Transaction #2:
Do the same thing again with the rest of your items, giving $5/25 coupon before the other coupons.

You will be paying about $30 out of pocket for all of these items (not a bad deal by itself), but then you can get the $10 gift card and the other $10 gift certificate by doing the following:

7. Go to this site & become a member of the Rebates system:
https://riteaid.rebateplus.com/fall/newmemberpage.asp

8. Then enter your receipts (you should see a link that says "Enter Your Receipts").

In a few days you'll get an email (check your junk mail) saying that you've qualified for a $10 Gift Card (for your P&G purchases) and also a $10 Gift Certificate (for the Fall Gift of Savings program). It'll also tell you that you have to "Request your Gift Card" by a certain day - probably in November. You can go ahead and do it, or you may want to wait to see if there are any other deals at Rite Aid you want to get before the month is over. (I'm not sure about the gift cards, but I know that if it were a "Single Check Rebate" deal, you'd have to wait till ALL your receipts were entered for the month before you request the check, or you won't get all your rebates.)

So bottom line (after your gift cards come), you've spent about $10 for 2 Big Packs of Pampers (size 4 has 82 diapers per box) & 4 boxes of wipes!

Oh, and:

9. When they come, use the gift cards on other great diaper deals at Rite Aid!

Publix, take two

2009-10-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

I printed out more coupons and made another Publix trip yesterday.

I purchased:

Mary Ellen was jealous that I was taking more pictures of my groceries!

(8) Yoplait Fiber One yogurts (4 pk) for 1.25 ea
(4) 1.25/1 Qs = free
(4) 1.001 Qs = .25 ea

(4) Hunts tomatoes for .69 ea
(2) .50/1 Qs (doubled) = .19 ea

(4) Knorr sides (pasta & rice) for .79 ea
(4) .45/1 Qs (doubled) = free + overage

(4) Betty Crocker potatoes for .84 ea
(4) .40/1 Qs = .08 ea

Lipton tea (family bags 24 ct) for 2.00

Publix coffee for .01
(the penny item!)

Grand total: $1.95

I did use a $3/$15 CVS coupon. Receipt says I saved $45.35! Definitely my best Publix trip.

I know 8 packs of yogurt seems like a lot, but MER & I each eat a cup every day, so it's only 16 days worth. If we don't like the instant potatoes or the Knorr sides, we can always give the unopened ones to charity. I bet we'll like them, though.

This trip was definitely worth it for the yogurt alone. Or the tea alone. Or the tomatoes alone (Ben loves my taco soup in the winter!).

I think I need a bigger pantry!!

Publix, week of 10/7-10/13

2009-10-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

I made my Publix trip early this week. Yogurt is on sale, and from past experiences I know it tends to sell out quickly when it's marked down. Me and MER both eat a cup of yogurt every day, so I wanted to make sure I got some while they had it! But if can get the coupons to print & I happen to have time on Sunday or Monday I might pick up $10 worth of the free-ish items so I can get the penny item.

Here's what I got:

(5) Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt (4-pk) for 1.25 ea
(2) $1.25/1 Qs = free
(3) $1/1 Qs = .25 each

(2) Ronzoni Pasta for .69 ea

(2) Classico Pasta Sauce for 1.25 ea

(2) Knorr Sides for .67 ea
(I didn't know what this was before finding it in the store; it's flavored rice or pasta packets)
(2) .45/1 Qs (doubled) = free + overage

Betty Crocker potatoes for .88 ea
(1) .40/1 Q (doubled) = .08

(6) Hunt's Tomatoes (14.5 oz can) for .69 ea
(2) .50/1 Qs (doubled) = 4 for .19 ea

Bear Creek Chicken Noodle soup mix for 3.89
I was going to get some elsewhere but found it cheaper here - we're feeding soups to the college class next Sun. I add egg noodles, chicken, veggies, etc and make it really hardy. It's one of Ben's faves!

Red Baron Pizza for 2.89 ea
(1) .75/1 Q = 2.06

(2) Keebler Club Crackers 1.99

My total with tax was $12.80. The receipt says I saved $41.25.

Hopefully I can get some more yogurt (if Publix will re-stock), Hunt's tomatoes, and Betty Crocker coupons to print out from another computer (you can only print 2 per computer of some coupons) and get the penny item! We'll see.

Rite Aid

2009-10-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Rite Aid became my dear friend in September.

I had a $25 Rite Aid gift card from July's purchases (from buying $50 worth of Kimberly-Clark products - the maker of Huggies), and I determined I would spend it either on great diaper deals or items we actually use that would give me a rebate.

After a few weeks and 5 transactions, I used up the gift card & paid $39.07 out of pocket, getting over $125 worth of products. I'll be getting $26.69 in rebates for some of those things and will also get a $20 gift card. So essentially, I got PAID $7.62 to shop there.

Here are the items I got paid to "buy":
1 Huggies Big Pack diapers
3 Huggies jumbos diapers
4 Huggies wipes (travel size)
5 Johnson's baby washes
2 CG foundations
2 CG eyeshadows
3 boxes of Kleenex
1 canister of Wet Ones
1 Crest toothpaste
2 Tylenol extra strength (24 ct)
1 Suave lotion
2 Stayfree products

As I've said before, I don't love Rite Aid's rewards program because you do have to pay up front with real money & can't roll it over like with CVS. I guess I could cash out my rebate & put it in an envelope specially marked "for Rite Aid" or something, and then it'd basically be the same. Maybe I'll do that.

For now, I'm waiting on my rebate & keeping my eyes on the Rite Aid ads for Huggies or Pampers deals.

If you want to save $ on diapers (but maybe not wait for a rebate), Rite Aid always has their Huggies & Pampers "big packs" for $19.99. You can use this coupon ($5 off $25 - print it out however many times you want! - and pick up something else you need to make your subtotal $25) and paired with a manufacturer's coupon get a pretty good deal. (But if you do this, just go ahead on to RiteAid.com & enter your receipt to get a $5 gift card for spending $25 this fall.)

Mary Ellen at 13 Months

2009-10-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite things about Mary Ellen right now:

1. She pats my back every time I give her a hug.

2. She loves to walk. This is great for several reason. It's entertaining to watch her walk in circles around our love seat or pace in the hall. It's really convenient when I'm leaving the room and she just follows me rather than being upset that I'm leaving her. Also, the fronts of all her shirts & dresses aren't getting any more stains from having them dragged all over the floor (she never learned to crawl on her knees - just army crawled everywhere).

3. She only nurses once, first thing in the morning, and drinks cow's milk the rest of the day. I feel so.. free! Yet I can still have that one precious time where she lays still in my arms. We'll probably stop this in the next couple of weeks, but for now...

4. She gives great hugs and kisses to me & her daddy, & her "Baby," & the nursery workers ...

5. She's a pro at peek-a-boo.

6. She's a good eater & eats a lot of what we eat - I just have to cut it up into really tiny pieces.

7. She has learned pretty well to obey the command "Don't touch." It's like she doesn't even see the guitar or the coffee table books or the Kleenex box anymore. And it transfers easily to new objects.

8. She hasn't dropped her morning nap. She takes about a 2-hour nap in the morning and another 2-hour one in the afternoon, and sleeps from about 8:00 pm to 7:30 or 8:00 am.

9. I could go on..

Publix

2009-10-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

The past couple of weeks have been the best for me at Publix. I think I'm slowly learning the ropes.

Last week (9/28) I spent $31.83 (with tax) and, according to the receipt, saved $75.04 (using about $33 worth of coupons & saving the rest with their sales).
Some of my best deals were:
*4 Dole fruit cups (6-pack) for 25 cents each
yogurts (4-pack) for 25 cents each
*2 jars of pickles for 9 cents each (even though we don't really snack on pickles, I couldn't pass it up)
*a large bottle of olive oil for $4

All of these items were BOGO, & I had manufacturer coupons for them as well.

This week (10/5) I made out even better! I spent (with tax) $34.74 and saved $97.49 (using $48 worth of coupons & the rest sales)!

My best deals included:
*6 free boxes of General Mills cereal
*a free Publix reusable bag
*4 free cans of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls
*2 free cans of Pillsbury crescent rolls & 2 for .50 each
*2 cans of Pillsbury biscuits for .50 each
*4 bags of Chex mix (9 oz) for .17 each
*2 boxes of Cascadian Farms cereal for .99 each
*3 packages of Toll House cookie dough for .59 each
*10 Green Giant frozen veggies (10 oz packs) for .50 each
*a loaf of bread for a penny (the penny item!)

I bought mainly from the BOGO items; used manufacturers & Target coupons; and used a $5 off $25 Rite Aid coupon.

Our Publix sale runs from Wednesday to Tuesday, so maybe this week I'll plan my trip early & go ahead and post it. But I like waiting till Sunday or Monday to shop so I get the penny item!

MER's First Birthday

2009-10-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

I want to share of couple of videos. I know I might be partial, but I think they're really sweet.

My Favorite Little Girl

2009-10-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Since coupons have recently taken over my blog, I'll make this post about one of the other loves of my life. And I'm feeling lazy, so it's just pics & vids!

Here are a few of my favorites from the past month!

Reaching for the cupcake:

I've got a couple of videos from her birthday I'll put up later.

At the beach:

Pushing her friend Sophie around:
Learning to put on a cheesy grin for the camera:

I put "baby" on the train; she thought the milk needed a ride, too:

My favorite pjs of the season!

And from an impromptu photo shoot yesterday afternoon:
She squeezes her cheeks when we sing, "..then your face will surely show it."

Her daddy says: "Throw up your rock fist.." and she obeys.

And some videos:

(but she's way faster than that now, a week later)

Aren't they cute!

CVS Success, 10/4/09

2009-10-04T22:32:00.000-07:00

I am loving SouthernSavers. This site is very helpful when planing my purchases. Of all the sites I've used, I think they have the most thorough lists of all the deals (for the drugstores & grocery stores). I'm using it this evening to plan my Publix trip for tomorrow, but I wanted to take a break to tell you about my CVS experience today.

I kept an eye on the clock last night and it took one hour to totally plan & organize for my CVS trip. I know that sounds like a lot of time, but I think it's not so bad to earn over $20 worth of free products for my family. And I keep telling myself that it'll take less time the more familiar I am with the process.

Side note #1: I'm really happy with my new method of coupon organization (alphabetical by brand name, in a large index box). I think it cut out a lot of time, too.

Side note #2: The manager was my cashier today, and he was super friendly. I asked again this week if it was okay if I made two transactions and he, with a big grin, asked me if I was "working the system." As I checked out, we chatted & laughed about other people we each know who have also drank the coupon koolaid.

Okay, here's all that I got:

Transaction #1

I bought:

(2) Edy's Ice Cream (50 oz) for $3.50 each = $7
Hot Pocket for $3
$5 ECBs when you buy $10 in participating Nestle products (the ice cream & hot pocket)
Revlon fingernail polish for $3.99 earning $3 in ECBs
Tone bar soap (2-pack) for $1.88 earning $1 in ECB
Total before tax = $15.87

I used:
$3 off $15 CVS coupon (printed out from a previous purchase)
(2) $1 off Edy's coupons
$0.50 off Hot Pocket coupon
$1 off Revlon Color Cosmetic Product coupon
$1 off Tone Coupon $9 ECBs (collected from previous weeks)

And (somehow) with tax I paid 46 cents and got back $9 in ECBs!

Transaction #2

I bought:
Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste for $2.99 earning $2 in ECBs
(2) Schick 2-ct (trial sized) razors for $1.29 each = $2.58
a Montgomery Advertizer (our newspaper, for the coupons!!) for $1.50
Total before tax: $7.07

I used:
$1 off Colgate Total coupon
(2) $1 off Schick coupons
$3 off any CVS purchase coupon (got it in an email for Ben's birthday!)
$1 in ECBs (from Transaction #1)

And with tax I paid 38 cents and got back $2 in ECBs.

In summary, I purchased $22.94 worth of products, paid 84 cents out of pocket, and received $11 in ECBs. I didn't use all of my ECBs from last week though, so next week I have $17 in ECBs to work with!

CVS Success, 9/27/09

2009-09-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to back-blog about my previous weeks' successes at CVS, but I'll summarize by saying that through a couple of weeks of shopping I grew my ECBs to $13.98.

This week was my first time to try two transactions. I actually ended up doing four because I kept forgetting things, but for time's sake I'll combine them on here & show you what I should've done.

Transaciton #1:

(2) Tides (50 oz) for $6 each = $12
(2) Bounce Bars for $4 each = $8
Tide Stain Release (20 oz) for $4
(2) Dawn dish soaps for $1 each = $2
Total before tax = $26
I used:
$5 off $25 CVS coupon (MoneySavingMom has links to those)
(2) $1 off Tide coupons
(2) $1 off Bounce coupons
$1.50 off Tide Stain Release coupon
$9.98 ECBs (collected from previous weeks)

With tax I paid $5.62 out of pocket & got back $10 in ECBs. (Looking back I see some things I should have done differently to save more money ... like handing the cashier the (2) $1 off Dawn coupons I was holding in my hand. But, you live & learn, right?)

Transaction #2:

Gillette Fushion Razor for $9.99
Vasoline Sheer Infusions lotion $7.99
(2) Chex Mix (8.75 oz) bags BOGO @ $2.99
Frutopia shampoo for $1.99
Viologie Shampoo for $1.99
Total before tax: $24.95
And I used:
$3 off $15 CVS coupon
(2) 50 cents off Chex mix coupons
$1.50 off Sheer Infusions coupon
$2 off Gillette Fusion coupon
$1 off Viologie coupon
$1 off Frutopia coupon
$14.00 in ECBs ($10 from the first transaction, & $4 that I had from previous weeks)

And with tax I paid 27 cents out of pocket!

So all together, my total OOP at CVS was $5.89 (would've been a dollar less if I'd given the Dawn coupons) and I have $12 in ECBs to spend next week! Not too bad considering all that I got!!

I still have NO idea how they calculate tax or why sometimes I'm not allowed to use ECBs to pay for tax (as in the first transaction) & other times they'll let me (like the second one). Same lady, same night. I think I'll stop trying to compute the tax and just be thankful for the great deals.

My Job

2009-09-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? I have a newly renovated bathroom that kept me out of my house for a month, a walking one-year-old, and a sickly grandmother-in-law. Maybe soon I'll blog pictures & videos of the former two. But this is going to be another post is about couponing! Our blogger-friend Jenna has a funny list about "how to know if you're obsessed with coupon deals"! You should read it.

Well, I have had a great month with deal-shopping and couponing, thanks to our pastor's wife, a few websites, & the Lord from whom all blessings flow!

Rite Aid is going to be paying us for diapers, wipes, etc. that we've bought there this month (once they send the September rebate & another gift card). And yesterday I had my best ever Publix trip and a pretty successful CVS trip too. But I think I'm almost burned out on deal-shopping for the week. I can only handle so many hours of coupon clipping & trip planning. I'll blog about my deals individually, but for now I just wanted to share what I usually do, since several people have asked me.

1. I get a newspaper every week & clip all the coupons. I'm in the process of transferring my coupon collection to a large index card box with alphabetical dividers. My mother & MIL have been saving some coupons for me (thanks!) & I feel like my collection has recently grown quite a bit. I think this will save time for me in the future to just have to sort through the 12 "S" coupons rather than through my whole "toiletries" stack.

2. I sign up for free samples & save the high-value coupons that usually come with them. (MoneySavingMom regularly informs her readers of new freebies to sign up for. Of course, you have to disclose your address & sometimes other info, but it's worth it for me. I love receiving things via snail mail, and we get some kind of sample or coupon almost every day!)

3. I regularly look through coupon websites like Coupons.com or Smartsource.com & go ahead and print out some for the items that I know will be on sale or I know I'll want to purchase.

4. I weekly check BabyCheapskate for her weekly Top Diaper & Formula Deals to see if there's a "Stockupportunity". She has other resources I use, like her chart telling how many diapers are in each size pack for Huggies or Luvs or Pampers, and what's the price to beat per diaper. And I like her reviews of other diapers, too.

5. I weekly check out the CVS deals at MoneySavingMom & DealSeekingMom. Sometimes one blogger finds better deals than the other, so I read them both. My goal in planning a CVS trip is to purchase items for which I have coupons that will produce ExtraCareBucks, so that I'm spending minimal out of my pocket and getting lots of items for free or almost free. Sometimes I'll get things we don't really need (how many shampoos do we really need in storage?) so that I can get other items that we do need. But nothing is going to be wasted. Just this afternoon I was able to share out of our bounty with a friend in need by making a little gift basket of household items, and that was the most rewarding part of all this couponing/deal-seeking yet!

6. I weekly consult SouthernSavers for the Publix deals. I really like SouthernSavers because they recently added little boxes to check so you can print off your list without copying & pasting. And I just noticed they have CVS & Rite Aid too so I'll probably be looking there too in the future when I'm planning. The goal in my grocery deal planning is to buy items for which I have a coupon AND are on sale. Publix is great because when an item is buy one get one free (BOGO), you only have to buy one to get the deal (and it's half off). This is good when I can only find one coupon for the product. Publix also doubles any manufacturer that is 50 cents or less, and takes any competitor store coupons (Target, Winn Dixie, Rite Aid, CVS). Yesterday I used a printable Rite Aid $5 off $25 coupon, and they accepted it!

7. When I've made a shopping plan, I'll print it out, collect all the coupons that have been clipped or printed out, & put all the coupons in an envelope. At the store I carry my list & my envelope of coupons (and sometimes the sales flyer to reference so I can make sure to get right item). I have to purpose in my heart not to veer off my list & pick up anything else.

Right now, I only hit CVS & Publix on a weekly basis. I don't love Rite Aid's program because they give rebates, and you do have to spend money up front to get it back (you can't keep it rolling like CVS). My only experiences at Walgreens have ended with disappointment because the one closest to me refused to accept internet coupons.

I only buy diapers where I can get them the cheapest & I tend to stock up when I can get a good deal. I always have enough on hand for at least a few weeks just in case there are no really good deals. I don't ever want to pay full price for diapers!!

MoneySavingMom has a few posts about planning your menu based on the sales/coupons and buying to stock up. These are some posts I need to read again & implement even more into my planning!

I've not kept track of exactly how much time it takes me to go through the whole process -- maybe a few hours per store..? I'm hoping to get more efficient the more I do it, but I view all this work (and it IS work) as my job. A penny saved is a penny earned, right? And for us with law school, "Every dollar saved is a dollar + interest that we don't have to pay back to Jones Law School in 2011." This has been on our fridge for the last two years. It's pretty motivating!

Big Girl

2009-08-06T20:05:00.000-07:00

Mary Ellen grew up today. Let me tell you how:

1. When her third cousin Brady was with us today, she said "a baby" when she first saw him. (Isn't it funny when one baby calls another baby "a baby"?)
2. She held onto the coffee table and stomped in place to a beat.
3. She was alert and responsive whenever she was spoken to; she responded to her name and obeyed most of the times she was instructed.
4. She wasn't jealous while I took care of Brady. She smiled and laughed at him.
5. She patted my knee to the same beat that I was burping him.
6. I told her to give me a hug and a kiss good night, and she did, and while her arms were around my neck, she patted me on the back.

I think having a younger baby around made her seem like such a big girl.

CVS Success! (August 3rd)

2009-08-04T05:26:00.001-07:00

I like blogging about my CVS savings because:
1. it doesn't require a lot of creativity or wit
2. I regularly (weekly or biweekly) have new content to post
3. maybe it'll help someone learn of a deal he or she wants to hit up
4. it's good accountability to keep my ECBs rollin'
But maybe I'll write about other things sometimes -- probably just as often as I did before my CVS adventures began: almost never.

After briefly scanning the CVS weekly circular I wasn't planning to go this week, but I noticed that my ECBs expire next week (while we're at the beach) so I knew I needed to use them. It ended up being a wonderfully successful week at CVS.

I purchased:
2 jumbo packs of Pampers, on sale 2 for $20 (not the best price, but $5 ECBs when you buy two)

I used:
$3 off when you spend $15 CVS coupon (it printed out with my ECBs last week)
$2 Pampers coupon
$1 Pampers coupon
$5.88 in ECBs from my last shopping experience

I paid OOP (out-of-pocket):
$8.12 + our 10% sales tax somehow making $1.70 = $9.82

Not bad at all for 72 diapers of any brand, much less Pampers. Including the weird tax, that's about 14 cents per diaper (and the price to beat for Pampers is 23 cents per diaper before tax).

Oh, and I have $5 ECBs to spend on our next adventure of CVS Success!

(I just realized how they got that $1.70 tax: CVS apparently charges tax on your subtotal before all their coupons. Kinda cheap of them. And I would complain about it except that I'm getting great deals. I'll have to look at that tax discrepancy from 2 weeks ago and see if I can get it to add up.)

CVS Success!

2009-07-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

This week CVS has some school supplies for FREE after ECBs, so I thought I'd pick up a binder & some pens for Ben. I also desperately needed some type of thermal protection spray for my hair, so I was prepared to pay more out-of-pocket than I did last week.

Have I told you that my hair is breaking? I'm sure you've noticed if you know me in real life. I'm hoping this is just a hormonal post-pregnancy issue and will get back to normal in a few months, like my doc says. I've limited heat use -- dryer & hot iron -- to once a week for the last two months, to no avail. Maybe it has something to do with my ponytails the other 6 days of the week. Or my 10-month-old who sometimes likes to pull. I know this probably deserves it's own post with pictures of my ever-increasing fly-aways, but I'll spare my own embarrassment and get back to CVS.

Okay, I bought:
Papermate 1.2 10-ct Pens - $0.99 (free after ECBs)
1" Vinal 3-Ring Binder - $3 (free after ECBs)
CVS Panty Liners 22 ct - $0.89 (free after ECBs)
4-pack Duracell AA batteries -$2. 99 ($0.99 after coupon & ECBs)
Cascade Liquid Gel 45 oz - $2.99 ($1.99 after coupon)
Tresseme Tamer Spray - $3.99

I used:
$1/1 Cascade coupon
$1/1 Duracell coupon
$4 in ECBs

I paid $9.93 out-of-pocket and got back $5.88 ECBs to use next week in my CVS adventures! With sales & coupons it says I saved $12.59. I know I didn't do extremely well with my out-of-pocket spending (compared to last week for sure), but I need all of the items I purchased, and I would've spent at least twice that elsewhere. But I did grow my ECBs a little bit! We'll see what happens next week.

By the way, if any of you EVER have coupons that you don't use, ESPECIALLY diapers or baby food, feel free to pass them on to me. I would really appreciate it!

A Week of Firsts

2009-07-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

So far this week Mary Ellen has:

*had her first tooth break through

*learned to sit up on her own

*cruised all the way around a coffee table

*correctly & deliberately used the word: "Bye-bye"

*started feeling like a big girl when I hold her (Kind of ... stiff. Do any of you mommies know what I'm talking about? Whenever I've held babies a few months older than her I've thought they feel stiffer than she feels. I think it's just that they're stronger and hold themselves up better. But she's feeling that way now.)

CVS Success!

2009-07-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

Today I had my first successful experience shrewdly using CVS's ExtraCare Bucks (ECBs). I've been meaning to get into it for over a year now, but I haven't for one reason or another.

My pastor's wife had a seminar in April on how to coupon & save at least 50% on your monthly grocery/toiletry expenditures. At one point, she passed around some receipts to show particular CVS bargains, and I noticed on the bottom of one receipt where it said she'd saved over $1000 so far this year (and this was APRIL), and she had already told us that she had spent $0 out-of-pocket this year at CVS (because of some deal where you get a $25 gift card for a new or transferred prescription).

This really motivated me to try to save some money at CVS. Ben's last CVS purchase generated $3.50 ECBs and I was determined to use them (before they expired) in a way that generated more ECBs and used minimal out-of-pocket change.

I bought:
1 single serve cup of Honey Nut Cheerios -$0. 99
1 Gillette Fusion razor - $7.99

I used:
$1/1 Cheerio coupon
$4/1 Gillette Fusion razor coupon
$3.50 in ECBs

I paid 1.04 cash, and even though that seemed like a good deal for my purchase, I knew it was too much. I checked out the receipt when we got out to the car.

_____________
Subtotal: $0.49
AL 10% tax: $0.55
Total: $1.04
_____________

Montgomery County has a 10% sales tax, so my tax should have been 5 cents, but apparently the cash register multiplies every subtotal by 1.10 to find the total, when it should make an exception for any transaction under $1.

I approached the cashier and explained it to her. I told her I know it's just fifty cents, but that's double what I should have paid, and I'm sure it happens to every customer who picks up a piece of candy or gum. She picked up a phone, turned her back to me while whispering something into the receiver, hung up, opened the cash register and handed me two quarters.

So after all this, I spent $0.54 for a few Cheerios & a nice razor for Ben. AND, I almost forgot, it generated $4 in ECBs for me to spend on my next CVS shopping trip. I think the goal is to keep a minimal out-of-pocket expense, all the while growing the amount of ECBs I generate. We'll see how I do next time!

Diaper Deals

2009-07-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited about purchasing diapers this month! Why? Because I'm getting them for CHEAP!

I like to put Pampers on Mary Ellen at night; I've found that they absorb better than any others. During the day we use Huggies or any other store brand (whatever is on sale + I have a coupon for).

I'm doing my diaper shopping at Rite Aid this month, since they are having multiple super diaper deals.

This morning I purchased:
* 1 jumbo pack (40 count) of Pampers, on sale for $8.99. I used a $2 coupon, so I paid $6.99. I've never tried their rebate system, but I should be able to get a $2 rebate for this too, so my final price should be $4.99 for 40 Pampers. (~12.5 cents per diaper = GREAT DEAL!)
* 1 mega pack (52 count) of Huggies, on sale for $17.99. I used a $1.50 coupon, so I paid $16.49. I should get a $2 rebate for this one, too, so that'll be $14.49 for 52 Huggies. (~28 cents per diaper = too much money)
* But I did use a $5 off $25 coupon, so my total was $21.18 for 92 diapers. (23 cents per diaper = okay deal)

There's a promotion where you can spend $50 of Kimberly-Clark products (maker of Huggies) and get a $25 Rite Aid gift card. And another one where you get a free jumbo pack of Huggies when you buy 5 packs (various sizes).
So next week I plan to purchase 4 packs of jumbos (usually $11.49, but there's a rumor they'll be on sale next week), use 4 $1.50 off coupons and another $5 off $25 Rite Aid coupon, and spend a maximum (if they are not on sale as rumored) of $34.96

So all in all, my out of pocket spending on diapers will be about $56.14, but hopefully less.
But then, I should get a $25 gift card to Rite Aid (to buy diapers next month!), a free jumbo pack of diapers, and a $4 rebate check. So it's like I'm getting 247 diapers for $27.14. (Or about 11 cents per diaper = REALLY GOOD DEAL!)

And I've also heard you can submit your receipts to Caregivers Marketplace and get a rebate for 75 cents per pack of Huggies, so that make an even better deal!

Links:
Money Saving Mom (explaining the deal better than I did)
Rite Aid rebates list
Rite Aid $5 off $25 printable coupon

My Garden, Part 3

2009-06-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

On June 5th I noticed some squash! Honestly, I was more excited to see the squash than anything else in my garden! We *heart* squash.

I also gathered a little basket of green beans & sweet peas.
Since my garden is so small, I often harvest less than 2 servings of any given veggie. When that has happened, I've just blanched & frozen the little portions. Fresh-frozen veggies are much better than rotten ones or a meal with 4 beans!

* * * * * * * * *

By June 9th the squash were ready for pickin'!

And for dinner I made about a third-recipe of Grandmommy's Cheesy Squash Casserole (without the bacon -- we were out)!

Grandmommy's Cheesy Squash Casserole
12 medium-sized yellow squash
6 slices of bacon
3/4 cup chopped onion
3 eggs beaten
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
salt & pepper to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons Worchestershire sauce

Cook squash, salted until tender; drain and mash. Cook bacon until crisp; drain well; reserve drippings. Crumble bacon into squash. Saute onions in drippings. Combine all ingredients, stirring well. Spoon into a lightly greased 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Serves 6-8

To be continued...

My Garden, Part 2

2009-06-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

By May 5th, my garden was looking pretty good. Except for the weeds I needed to pull.

And surprise! The potato pieces I buried actually grew into plants!

* * * * * * *

Twenty days later, my garden looked like this:

Who knew? Peas grow out of their bloom! Beautiful!

Peas:

Green beans:

Squash:Carrots:Onions:Lettuce:
Tomatoes:

My first harvest: a handful of green beans!

To Be Continued...

My Garden

2009-06-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

Since we don't have Buck the Bulldog digging up our back yard, I decided to take on the job myself and plant a vegetable garden. I call it an experiment because I don't really know what I'm doing, and I started this with very little expectation of a great harvest.

I tilled my little spot on Maundy Thursday, and I planted all my seeds on Good Friday (April 10th). For the most part, I followed the directions on the seed packets. I made hills for my squash & cucumbers, and rows for everything else. But I didn't really follow the instructions for spacing. Ben didn't want me digging up all the grass in our yard, so it's a very small garden!

I planted seeds of lettuce, onions, carrots, cucumbers, squash, watermelon, sweet peas, green beans, lima beans, & tomatoes. I also had some old potatoes that I cut up & put in the ground -- just to see what would happen. (That little circle of rocks is around a termite bait station. It almost got lost when I was tilling.)

By April 22nd, almost everything (except the potatoes) had wonderful little sprouts!

To Be Continued...

Mary Ellen's Favorite Time of Day...

2009-06-20T23:01:00.000-07:00

is...

when...

DADDY COMES HOME!

And she wanted to write him a little note:

My Favorite Doctor-Politician Explains the Healthcare Problem

2009-06-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

"Free" Health Care?

2009-06-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

I really like that John Stossel. He's quite the truth-teller.

Answering A Fool

2009-06-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

"Answer a fool as his folly deserves, That he not be wise in his own eyes." Proverbs 26:5

Even though Ann Coulter is pretty crazy, I like reading her because she sometimes obeys this verse really well.

Especially here.

Excerpt:
I wouldn't kill an abortionist myself, but I wouldn't want to impose my moral values on others. No one is for shooting abortionists. But how will criminalizing men making difficult, often tragic, decisions be an effective means of achieving the goal of reducing the shootings of abortionists?

Following the moral precepts of liberals, I believe the correct position is: If you don't believe in shooting abortionists, then don't shoot one.

I Am Loved By My Sink,

2009-05-31T06:11:00.000-07:00

and my husband is the really good kind of crazy.

The Danger of Having a "Rock Star" President

2009-05-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Ben: "I hate having a rock star president. It makes everything else he does - like spend a trillion dollars - cool."

"What does liberty have to do with taxes?"

2009-04-16T11:54:00.001-07:00

I'm having a really hard time believing that this lady is legit.

I wonder if she knows where they came up with the name for yesterday's protests...

Grandmommy's Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-04-03T20:07:00.000-07:00

I never met Ben's Grandmommy, but everyone tells me that if she were still living, we would have liked each other a lot. I love to hear Ben describe her: wearing a skirt and blouse everyday, always in the kitchen preparing the next meal, making everyone else eat but eating like a bird herself. I inherited a few serving pieces from her through Ben, but my favorite Vera Robinson memento is a collection of her recipes.

Ben asked me to share the recipe of the cookies he gave away over at his blog. They're his favorite cookies in the world, and it's quite a treat for him whenever I bake them once or twice a month. Oh, and the trick to making them really good: don't let them brown hardly at all. And if you can stand it, they do get better with age. So eat a couple the night you bake them, and save the rest for the next day or two or three. Ben tells me that mine are not quite as good as Grandmommy's, but so close. I take that as a high compliment.

Grandmommy's Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 cup soft margarine (1 stick)
3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 and 2/3 cups Bisquick mix
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix well margarine, brown sugar, white sugar, and eggs. Stir in Bisquick and chocolate chips. Drop with a spoon on greased baking sheet. Bake from 8-10 minutes until light brown (we like them golden). Let cool.

Enjoy!

The Chains of the Constitution

2009-04-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

I'm currently on another (probably short-lived) kick of political contemplation and quandary. A couple of times a day I click on Drudge and other news sources, and after closing up the laptop I experience about an hour of mental sighs and complaints and worries.

I desperately want to be educated, stay informed, and maybe DO SOMETHING (like join a Tea party?), all-the-while maintaining a balanced perspective of the temporal/eternal, and NOT sinning by complaining, worrying, or disrespecting those whom the Lord has ordained to be my leaders. If anyone out there has any pointers, please help me out!

Ben has mentioned that the next time he's desperate, we might try to call up Nancy & Rick Pearcey for some insight. I spent a little time in a car with Nancy a few years ago and I'm pretty certain they're the kind of folks who would take the time to help us out.

In related news, I did just read a short & simple article comparing the way nations transition from having too little government (anarchy) to too much government (tyranny) to the swing of a pendulum. It says:

What the Founders set out to do was find a place between the two ends where there is just enough government control to protect the people’s rights, but not too much control as to oppress the people. A government in this position, the Founders believed, was so perfectly balanced between the two ends that the people would consent to it.

That is what they did when they wrote the Constitution. They found a place that would stop the swing of the pendulum where there was just enough government to protect the peoples’ rights, but not enough to oppress the people.

Jefferson said that in order to prevent a ruler from seizing too much power, we must “bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” The Constitution chained the government down to that balanced place between anarchy and tyranny.

Today we have a pendulum that is back in motion because we have neglected the Constitution. What the Founders wrote in that sacred document was the solution to almost every problem that we face in this nation today, because government not following the Constitution in the first place causes most problems that we have.

We must recapture that pendulum and rewrap the chains of the Constitution around it to ensure that we do not fall like every other great nation in the history of the world has, all due to the people falling victim to the frailty of their rulers.

Beautiful.

I have a new friend from across the pond.

2009-03-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

I just saw him interviewed on Fox News (Mary Ellen & I are visiting my parents who have cable television -- which means I flip between HGTV and Fox News), and he caught me off guard by saying he would've voted for Ron Paul.

The Vote of Non-taxpayers

2009-03-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

I'm not educated enough to understand every word of this article about how "Obama's Radicalism Is Killing the Dow," but I do know that this paragraph is scary:

New and expanded refundable tax credits would raise the fraction of taxpayers paying no income taxes to almost 50% from 38%. This is potentially the most pernicious feature of the president's budget, because it would cement a permanent voting majority with no stake in controlling the cost of general government.

Personality Test

2009-03-01T19:18:00.000-08:00

Well, looks like the only difference between Ben and me is that he's more extroverted -- which is spelled with an a on this website.

My Valentine

2009-02-20T20:51:00.000-08:00

Sunday, February 7th:
I come home from evening church. Ben and I are in separate vehicles, since I went early. When I open the door it smells like Ben has made muffins (Martha White Wildberry = one of his favorite treats). In the kitchen I see a can of icing on the counter and heart shaped pans (which I don't own) in the drain board. I look on top of my cabinets where I store my cake plate and I see that something's in it. Hmmm.... something fishy is going on here.

It was a double layer strawberry cake with vanilla icing. He said he wanted to surprise me with something corny, but I think HE's pretty sweet.

YMCA

2009-02-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

I finally went back to the Y yesterday morning, after my way-too-long-"I just had a baby" sabbatical. I was in better shape as a 9-months-pregnant lady than I've been for the past 5 months...
But no more! Yesterday I ran a couple of miles on the treadmill, but this morning I was brave enough to join a class, and I ended up doing 60 minutes of squats, kicks, punches & push ups.

Now I can barely move, but if I recover by tomorrow morning I plan to try out a dance aerobics class and learn a few moves to make Ben proud. (He lowered his standards by marrying a girl who doesn't dance.)

This week I've also found a video that shows you how to work on your tummy/torso -- and the instructor, Nicole, seems so nice that I want to do it.

We'll see how committed I am to this. Feel free to hold me accountable.

Dinner

2009-01-29T16:45:00.000-08:00

This morning I emailed Ben some dinner options:
a. poppy seed chicken casserole w/ rice, corn and butter sauce, seasoned green beans
b. chicken fajitas
c. tortellini primavera (aka "the good stuff" = 3 cheese tortellini pasta mixed with pepper stir fry veggies, sour cream, and pesto sauce) with a piece of grilled chicken and a slice of garlic bread
d. tarragon chicken salad w/ sliced apples, crackers, & a salad
e. pizza & salad

Bet ya can't guess what he chose!

I'm just sayin'

2009-01-29T11:00:00.001-08:00

We had the college S.S. class over for lunch Sunday, and Cool Ryan mentioned the fact that people tack "I'm just sayin'"onto the end of their insults like it absolves them from all guilt -- just another variation of BHHS.

A big day for Mary Ellen!

2009-01-26T19:20:00.000-08:00

1. She rolled over! (I think it's kind of late to be reaching this milestone at 4.5 months, but she only tolerates playing on her stomach for about five minutes at a time so it's taking her longer.) This morning as I lay her on her play mat, I rolled her from her back to her stomach and she immediately pushed herself back on her back. I screamed to Ben, who happened to be home sick today, and he came running in just in time to see her do it again. I was only able to get her to do it once more -- for a total of three times, although I'm pretty sure they were all accidental.

2. She downed about 4 teaspoons of rice cereal (via spoon). We've only tried cereal once before, and that time I mixed up way too much and most of it went everywhere but her mouth. Tonight, even though I pretty much had to force her mouth open, she actually swallowed all that I could get into her mouth. Just a little was left on her face and bib.

3. I feel like I should at least count to three, so I'll use this number to say that she is definitely on the upswing from her RSV. I used the aspirator about five times rather than fifty, and her coughs are much less frequent. So thanks for your prayers for her!

"Government is the problem."

2009-01-25T16:46:00.000-08:00

I wish I had been into politics when he was around.

RSV

2009-01-23T16:53:00.000-08:00

Bad news: Mary Ellen has RSV. Please pray for her recovery!
Good news: Mary Ellen is learning patience. She only cries for a few seconds until she remembers that it's worth having the uncomfy blue thing in her nostrils to help her feel better.

Brazilian Béchamel Pizza

2009-01-22T11:21:00.000-08:00

Mmmm.... my mouth is watering.
A Facebook friend's status said something like "Toni is making homemade pizza tonight," and I immediately thought about the best pizza I've ever had in my life (from "The Best Italian Cafe and Pizzeria" in Gatlinburg, TN).
Check this out:

Brazilian Béchamel..................	16" Med $19.95 18" Lg $22.95
A rich white sauce with green pepper, onion, celery & seasonings on a thin crust; complimented by several different flavors.... Chicken, Red Pepper, Spinach, Pineapple, Mild Banana Peppers & topped lightly with Feta cheese, finished with Pesto. You'll never know till you try it!

The Robinsons have got to go to Gatlinburg next winter -- besides, I want to teach Ben to ski.

Storytime with Ben

2009-01-21T19:51:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about being married to Ben is listening to (and reading) his stories. He always keeps me laughing. I can't wait for Mary Ellen to appreciate storytime with her daddy.

I recently read through all of his previous blog posts, including some from Chisholm Project (when he lived in a bad neighborhood on purpose), and I was reminded again of a few reasons that I was so impressed with him for 4 years (before I impressed him). He is just so very good with words.

My favorite funnies from his old blog:

#3 The neighbors' goat -- the funny part is in the comments

#2 Teaching Shay grammar

#1 Ben, the rat

First Laugh

2008-12-18T22:17:00.000-08:00

Mary Ellen's first laugh was this past Saturday. Our friend, Lizzie, was talking to her--from across the room--about the bubbles she was blowing, and M.E. smiled at her and then let out a little giggle. Ben and I screamed with excitement--which made Mary Ellen cry for about 20 minutes.

I've only been able to get her to do it a few more times. On Monday morning her giggles were followed with little snorts. So CUTE!

She's not been very smiley for the past few days with the fever she's had, but she's getting better now and we can't wait to hear more!

Pianist-in-the-Making

2008-12-17T08:33:00.000-08:00

He's still doing it. And she still LOVES it.
Now she's more into watching his fingers move than gazing into his eyes.

It's our anniversary.

2008-12-16T00:05:00.000-08:00

Exactly one week after Ben and I started dating, we had our first pre-marital counseling session with Greg Graham. As part of our homework assignment for that week we had to list reasons we wanted to marry each other. After two years my list stands unamended.* I'm so thankful to be Ben's wifey.
1. He loves Jesus and helps me to do so more.
2. He's a good leader -- it's easy to follow and submit to him.
3. We're pretty like-minded and have similar interests.
4. He does the truth and doesn't just talk about it.
5. He'd disciplined in many areas.
6. He's passionate and compassionate.
7. He's wise.
8. He likes children.
9. He loves the church.
10. His personality is well-balanced: serious and fun.
11. He's a good communicator and teacher.
12. I really enjoy his company, especially listening to him.
13. He's mature and responsible -- a man of conviction and commitment.
14. He understands what's really important and seeks to live for that end.
15. He's a life-learner, always learning and growing.

*Except that I could add more to the list.

How does he know doors are for knocking?

2008-12-04T10:08:00.000-08:00

I know this may sound a bit ridiculous, but just now our foster-dog, Buck, knocked on our front door (with his tail maybe?).

I was sitting on the couch and heard tapping on the door. When I looked out I didn't see anyone. Then I heard it again, but this time I also heard a jingling sound like keys... or dog tags.
Buck apparently doesn't like sitting in the rain today because he somehow knew that to get my attention he'd have to take himself off the chain, jump the fence, climb up on our front porch, and knock on the door... twice.

my baby's daddy

2008-09-16T18:53:00.001-07:00

Sometimes after Mary Ellen's evening meal, if she's still really awake and we're ready for her to be really asleep, Ben will take her into the dining room to our piano and play and sing with her in his arms. What an amazing illustration of Zephaniah 3:17 -- of how our Father consoles His own children with His love.
"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zeph 3:17 (NIV)

Felicity awaits the Dawn, And joy comes on the Morrow

2008-08-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

I remember about a year ago reading about John Piper's granddaughter who died a few days before she was expected to be born. I grieved with them.
Ben introduced me to her mommy and daddy's blogs about 2 months ago. They surprised their blog readers last week by announcing that they were headed to the hospital, and here's John Piper's sweet announcement of his grandson's birth -- just another reason to love the Piper family.

Since Ben asked me to share it...

2008-08-09T15:47:00.000-07:00

My Zelda story:
After my swimercise class yesterday, as I was drying off, I got cornered by Mrs. Zelda. She talked to me for about 25 minutes. I've noticed before that she calls me "Karen," but I've never had an opportunity to correct her. Finally, as I started sneaking toward the locker room, she asked me my last name.

"Oh, Robinson. Karen Robinson," she says.

Finally I have an opportunity to correct her, "It's Tara."

"Kara?" she asks.

"No: Tara. Like the plantation in Gone With the Wind." (That's how I always clarify with elderly people.)

"Oh, TARA. Well, frankly, my dear, I don't give a d***!" And she walks off.

It takes me a few moments to realize she's quoting the film. I chuckled. :)

You wanna free donut?

2008-06-03T12:15:00.001-07:00

I DO!!
(Just save to your computer and print it out!)

Lovely Stitches

2008-05-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the gifts Mary Ellen received at a surprise shower my students threw for her at school last Monday. These are from an online monogramming/sewing business called Lovely Stitches, which just happens to be owned by the mom of one of my students. Check it out!

2008-05-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

This past week during lunch, one of my students ("Earrings") called out to her classmates,
"Raise your hand if you love Mrs. Robinson for who she is!"

Everyone's hand shot up.

I wonder what that means...?

Mary Ellen

2008-04-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

The ultrasound today gave us more of an idea about the little person who's been growing in my womb, and so Ben wrote a sweet little blog about our daughter!

Don't Make Me Count to Three!, part 3 (The Rod)

2008-04-01T19:30:00.000-07:00

Here's my final post containing nuggets from Ginger Plowman's Don't Make Me Count to Three. If you can't tell, I really like the book and highly recommend it to all moms!
(Men might not enjoy it so much for all the references to "moms" and womanly issues and for its conversational style. Ben picked it up and put it right back down after the first chapter. It might have been her reference to the "stick turning blue"? Maybe he can just glean from my notes!)

Why we use the rod:

1. It demonstrates faithfulness to God (He commands us to).
2. It demonstrates faithfulness to the child (Prov 23:12-14).
3. It imparts wisdom (Prov. 29:15).

Children are old enough to learn “No” when they are old enough to do something that requires you to tell them “No.”

Reasons that Spanking does not work:

lack of consistency (Don’t issue a warning or command without following it through.)
lack of persistence (Don’t give up after a few days/weeks. You reap later than you sow.)
lack of effectiveness (You must inflict pain for it to be effective.)
lack of righteousness (If we are sinfully angry or have wrong motives, the child will resent rather than repent and God will not honor our efforts. Have your child wait in his room while you pray for a few moments and get your heart right.)

Obedience should be all the way, right away, and with a joyful heart. Some traps which will sabotage our efforts at training to this kind of obedience:

repeating yourself (teaches them to obey only after the second or third time)
raising your voice (teaches them to obey after frustration has been displayed)
wordly techniques (like counting—trains them to obey later. Expecting instant obedience leaves no room for question or confusion.)
tolerating small acts of disobedience (J. C. Ryle said, “Beware of letting small faults pass unnoticed under the idea that it is a little one. There are no little things in training children; all are important. Little weeds need plucking up as much as any. Leave them alone and they will soon be great.”)
waiting until the teapot boils (Don’t base discipline on mood and emotion. Discipline should be a self-controlled act of love.)

Don’t spank for:

childish behavior (Childishness becomes foolishness when the child has been given clear instructions and understands those instructions but chooses to disobey.)
inability to perform
accidents (Spilling a drink, for example, unless the child spilled the drink in a place he was not supposed to have a drink.)
before having all the facts (don’t jump to conclusions)
while you are angry

When is the rod necessary?

direct disobedience (the child was given clear instructions, understood them, and chose to disobey) Col. 3:20
defiant attitude (rebellion expressed in actions, words, tone of voice, or facial expressions) Ps 100:2; Phil 2:14

Guidelines for administering biblical chastisement (I might need to print these out for myself in a year or so... or less.)

Discuss what the child has done wrong and why it is your responsibility to spank him (his sin against God and your love for him).
Guide the child in thinking through what he should have done.
Use the proper instrument as your spanker (to bring pain without bruising).
Let the child know how many swats you will be administering (demonstrates your own self-control).
Spank as promptly after the offense as possible (especially with younger children).
Administer the spanking in private.
Administer the rod to the child’s bottom (it will hurt without bruising easily; seems to be the perfect, God-ordained spot).
Take time for reconciliation (the parent should forgive, embrace the child, and put the issue to rest).
Require the child to make restitution (asking for forgiveness and going back to practice what is right).

Bun's obedience

2008-03-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

I just wrote this on a friend's Facebook wall. It made me laugh so I thought I'd share it.

Thanks for cheering on my growing belly! That IS funny.
Ben used to do that; he'd get really close to my belly and say, "BUN, LISTEN TO YOUR DADDY: YOU NEED TO GROW!"
He's kinda let that subside now that he sees some evidence of Bun's obedience.

Don't Make Me Count to Three!, part 2 (Reproof)

2008-03-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

I love Ginger Plowman. I wish I could take her to school with me. Here are some more highlights from Don't Make Me Count to Three:

When to Reprove Children

When your child has sinned. A reproof is in order whether your child sins intentionally or unintentionally.
Before you administer a spanking. You should never spank your child without telling him exactly what he has done wrong and what he can do to make it right.

When a Reproof alone is all that is needed

When the child has not been informed of the parent’s standard.
When the child is not characterized by the sin in which he was caught.

Responding to Manipulators

“Younger children may cry, whine, beg, or throw a temper tantrum in order to attain whatever it is that they want. When they do this they are acting foolishly. And when Mom rewards the child’s sinful attempt for personal gain by giving him what he wants, she is responding foolishly."
“Older children may accuse, criticize, pout, ask “Why?” questions, give you the cold shoulder, or withhold affection in order to manipulate your response. When they do this they are acting foolishly. Mom may reward the child’s sinful attempt for personal gain by defending herself, justifying her actions, blame-shifting, answering the “Why?” questions, or arguing. When Mom does this she is responding foolishly."
Proverbs 26:4-5 “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him. Answer a fool as his folly deserves, lest he be wise in his own eyes.” If the child is stubbornly clinging to a foolish justification for his actions, avoid endless argument and move directly to discipline. Turn the focus away from the manipulative remark and onto the manipulator’s own heart and motives.

Guidelines for verbal correction (I'm going to print this out for myself!)

Examine your motives. (Am I doing this because my will has been violated or God’s will has been violated? Am I doing this because his behavior has caused me some personal discomfort, embarrassment, or trouble?) Apply Gal 6:1 to yourself: “If someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.”
Examine your life. (Have I provoked my child in some way? What is my example? Have I led my child into sin by failing to teach him? Have I given my child more freedom than he can handle?) Apply Matt 7:5 to yourself: “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your won eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Choose the right time and place. (Don’t embarrass your child. Your goal is not embarrassment but repentance.) Apply Matt 18:5 “If your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.”
Choose the right words. (Don’t replace God’s wisdom with man’s wisdom. Call lies, disrespect, foolishness, and disobedience for what they are.) Apply Heb 4:12 “The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Choose the right tone of voice. (Don’t scold your child. Use a normal voice with carefully measured words.) Apply Prov 15:28 "The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things," and James 1:19-20 "Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires."
Be prepared to suggest a biblical solution. Apply Eph 4:22 "...put off your old self... and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Don't Make Me Count to Three!, part 1 (Training in Righteousness)

2008-03-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

About two months ago, I guess, I borrowed a book from a friend by Ginger Plowman called Don't Make Me Count to Three! (a misnomer, in case you're wondering). I finally finished the book during my spring break last week, and tonight I went back through the book and summarized or copied the parts which were new to me or insightful ideas I need to remember.

I thought I'd share some of the points with you, too!

We should seek to understand what is in the heart of our children as well as showing them how to understand and evaluate what is in their hearts Ask heart related questions. Prov 18:3; Prov 20:5

What was the nature of the temptation? Was it anger, idolatry, envy? Was it selfish or contentious?

How did he respond to the temptation? Did he respond to the temptation in such a way that God was pleased? What was wrong with the way he responded?

What other ways could he have responded that would have been better?

Don’t provoke your children to anger by chastising them for the wrong without teaching them the right.

Whenever your child behaves sinfully, teach in the moment. Use God’s Word to verbally train them in righteousness, then have them put it into practice right away. Do it over and over until the child gets it right.

Some good, in-the-moment applications of scripture:

1 Cor 13:5 “Love is not rude.” when a child wants/asks for/argues over a toy that someone else has before the other person is finished with it

Prov 6:19 God hates one who “stirs up arguments among brothers”

James 1:19 “Man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires”

Matt 18:25 for tattling without first trying to resolve the issue in private.

1 Cor 13:6 “Love does not delight in evil” for enjoying some else’s suffering (pestering them)

Prov 17:5 “He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.” for rejoicing at seeing someone else get in trouble

Prov 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” for yelling.

Deut 5:16 “Honor your father and mother…” for a child speaking disrespectfully to parents

Col 3:20 “Children obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” For disobedience.

Phil 2:14 for grumbling and complaining

Don’t become weary when it seems like you’re training your children for the same things all day every day. James 1:2-4—We should be joyful and thankful every time we are provided with an opportunity to point our children to their need for Jesus by training them in His Word.
All kids are sinners and will manifest sinful behavior. The question is not: Will they sin? The question is: When they sin, what will you do about it? Will you ignore them, scream at them, make excuses for them, or will you train them up in the way they should go? (Prov. 22:6)

the real one

2008-03-23T20:25:00.001-07:00

Last week, one of my students told me about a trip she'll take in the summer:
"When we don't come to school anymore, I'm going to Tennessee!"
I nod and smile.
She adds, "The real one!"

Penny-pinching for Bun

2008-03-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

Since we're expecting our little one to come home with us sometime in early September, we've been on what Ben refers to as "super budget"--we're saving every penny we can while I still receive my paycheck from teaching. (It really makes me wonder what were buying for the previous 12 months.)
We've been doing pretty good the last few months, almost putting my whole paycheck in saving. Almost.
So we're still looking for different ways to pinch our pennies, especially after Bun is born.

Our really cool (and green...and poor) friends in Pensacola have gone cloth.

I've also been reading a little about skipping out on the jars.

But I do want to make certain that these actually save money and are worth the extra time and effort! What's your experience?

Behold!

2007-10-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

Reading the Bible everyday (and other old, good books like the Pilgrim's Progress) to first graders definitely helps to expand their vocabularies.

About a month ago, Gorilla* raises his hand.

"Yes, Gorilla*?"

"Mrs. Robinson, behold..." he solemnly says as he points his work. We read the word so often, I don't think he knows it is outdated.

*Don't forget this is a pseudonym; you can see his pic below.

Don't Waste Your Little One's Life in the Pew

2007-10-04T17:02:00.000-07:00

Mine and Ben's most recent Sundays of "Worship Care" at our church have been with the 4-year-olds. When we do this our job is to herd the 9 or so children down the hall, up the stairs, and into the front pew just before the service begins at 10:30. We then attempt to facilitate their participation in the first 20 minutes of the service by leading them in sitting or standing or praying or singing, while also preventing them from sitting or standing or praying or talking at the wrong times. This is quite a task for us--a young, childless couple--but I imagine it's difficult for anybody.

Several Sundays I have come home frustrated about this. Not that I don't want to serve in my church or be with children--I love our church, serving my brothers and sisters, and you know I love little ones! But on these Sundays I feel like I'm responsible for something that I am entirely UNABLE to do. How can I, in about 20 minutes, teach the 9 four-year-olds how be reverent, or the much greater goal, teach them to love the worship of God?

Well, I just read this--Noel Piper on teaching young children to be engaged in corporate worship, including the preaching.

Even though I know the necessary training and discipline and consistency for this to happen is HARD, I think it's Biblical and oh so beneficial for the SOULS of our children. I hope that one day our church doesn't even need a 4-year-old "worship care" class!

Introducing Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy's First Grade Class

2007-09-19T14:39:00.001-07:00

From left to right: Gorilla, Georgia, Curious [George], Missy, Flower, Madeline, George Washington, and Earrings. I decided to let them choose their own pseudonyms (although I didn't tell them the purpose). I think they chose their names very well--they all fit their personalities.

1t Grade Rock

2007-09-14T16:10:00.000-07:00

I recieved this book as a gift, along with many other gifts I might show you one day, from one of my students, on the second day of school.

Page One: "School rock." (What might appear to be streamers are really the five missing Ss from the text of the book.)

Page Two: Our school from the outside.

Page Three: I am in my pretty, pink, poofy-sleeved dress with all my darling students--5 in skirts and 3 in pants.

Page Four: Me and my dress in our classroom. They do so well to keep their desks neat.

Page Five: "1t Grade Rock."

Brandy

2007-09-10T14:06:00.001-07:00

Yeah, yeah, I know. I need to update my blog. And I know you're all so curious about my new class and some of the cute and crazy things they're saying. I'll get there. Hold your horses. But for now...

Last Thursday, my sweet friend Brandy, a "pirate" to Niger, West Africa, came to visit me!

She was one of my best friends at the University of Mobile. Our friendship began when at the beginning of her senior year (my junior), she gave me a letter which explained how all summer long she had been praying that we could be friends. I thought that was kind of odd, but we quickly became "bossom buddies." She taught me so much! I praise the Lord for bringing her into my life!

These were some of her continual admonitions to me:

"You have no needs: your Father owns it all!"

"Self-consciousness is pride, and pride is sin."

I'm not kidding. She said things like that to me all the time, and a girl like that will definitely change your life.

*Cash prize winners: my mom and Jerm. Thanks, friends.*

back again

2007-08-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

SCHOOL STARTS MONDAY! (My previous absence is due to infrequent internet access and no children in my life.)

Since I'm teaching the children of a few of you, my blog readers, what do you think about my blogging with them as my subject? I could give them psuedonyms?

PTL

2007-05-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

My cute kids! (minus one)

This week we've been learning about the Pilgrims. You may ask why we didn't study them in November? We First-graders at Cornerstone Christian Academy study history from Creation to Modern man, sequentially. Our focus was more on Old Testament events, so we're zooming through American history these last few weeks.

Abigail (second Pilgrim girl from left) and Sarah (far right) were quizzing themselves with Math flash cards last Friday. I overheard a wonderful conversation that went something like this:

Sarah: Abigail! You're doing so well. You've not missed ANY! We just need to stop and praise the Lord!!

Abigail: You're right! Praise the Lord!

Sarah: Okay, next. 8+6 equals...?

Abigail: 14!

Sarah: Right, Abigail.

Abigail: Praise the Lord!!

Sarah: 9+7 equals...

Abigail: 16!

Sarah: Right, good job!

Abigail: Praise the Lord!!!

And so on they went for another 5 minutes, practicing Addition facts and praising the Lord for giving them good brains.

"A man can have nothing unless it has been given him from heaven" John 3:27

performing

2007-04-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

I think my husband is making a nerd out of me. Well, I guess I should say he's making a bigger nerd out me. After just a little over four months of marriage, he's got me occasionally watching the news (my dad would be proud), weekly anticipating the Saturday arrival of our Time magazine, reading Ann Coulter on Thursdays (don't tell), and just this week I've caught myself listening to NPR news during the two minute drive from our house to church/school. And to make certain I've a good lense through which to view these clashing worldviews, every evening while I'm ironing I've made a habit of listening to the Al Mohler radioshow podcast I downloaded the last time my laptop came across a signal. Have I told you that I love Al Mohler?

Yesterday in the 2 minute drive home from school, NPR news interviewed some educators with different views on software-based curriculum in public schools. One teacher said something about "...students are performing better..." and I asked aloud, "WHAT?" I've heard this phrase many times in my life as a student and a teacher, but yesterday I was wearing my CWV hearing aid (in case you don't know, that's Christian World View). That one phrase tells much about the purpose of the school system, its methods, and its assessments: performance. Is there a drama? A play? Have the students learned their lines and are now doing a better job of spitting them out at the right time? I thought education was supposed to be about.... education.

I know I performed well in my public school days. I crammed the study guide answers into my brain the night before my tests. I always made As. I was salutatorian of my senior class. Ashamedly, I've since learned that this is nothing to brag about. I was very poorly educated.

When I decided I wanted to be a teacher I thought a great deal about the purpose and goal of what I'd be doing. I found that the goal of education must be that students learn and love truth, gain the ability to reason and distinguish truth from falsehood, and attain the skills necessary and a passion to persuade others of truth. I believe, for this reason, that all subjects should be unified under the Lordship of Christ and comprehensively seen through the lenses of the Word of God and the glory of Christ.

I know the secularists in the public school system will never be about God's glory or use God's Word, but maybe they will at least learn to teach students--as our deistic and polytheistic forefathers were taught--to read and think, and not to perform.

For now, Ben Robinson and Al Mohler with their sagacious worldviews are making up for my lost days in public school. They make me want to read and watch and listen to the world, think, and develop my own good worldview. They are my good educators.

I wonder what he's been reading. Lewis? Piper, maybe?

2007-04-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

Random comment from a first-grader today:

"Only God can brag. He can say, 'Look at me! Look at me! I'm so good!'"

[Edited to twenty-two words for Abraham's "people".]

Some people worship cows

2007-04-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

Here's one of the funniest happenings of my career, back when I was called "Miss Dodd." I put it on my Facebook when it happened, but I thought it was worth re-posting here.

While memorizing Philippians 2 with my 6 year olds, one of them violently stabbed her hand into the air, crying out "E.. e....e.. ex-cuse m..me, Missddodd. Missdodd. Missdodd"

"Yes, Twila*" I answer.

"J..Jesus died on the cross, n..not at McDonald's," she matter-of-factly stutters.

"Well..hmm...that's true, Twila*." I quickly resume hiding Philippians 2 in their hearts to keep myself from laughing out loud and making her cry.

Later on the playground I call her to me and ask what she meant by that. I'm thinking that maybe her parents have been teaching her some good theology about suffering and how the Christian life is not just "cokes and jokes." Her answer: "Misssdodd. Some people worship cows."Ohhh.

*To protect the privacy of the student and her parents, I've changed her name to Twila.

Seven-year-olds on THE SECRET

2007-03-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

Tuesday evening, Ben brought home a copy of Dr. Al Mohler's March 27th article about the New York Times number one best-seller, The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne. I was flabbergasted, and immediately decided I would read portions of her book to my first grade class and see what they had to say.

Wednesday morning, after a brief preface about the book, I read to them:
"Thoughts are magnetic and thoughts have a frequency. As you think, those thoughts are sent out into the Universe, and they magnetically attract all like things that are on the same frequency. Everything sent out returns to its source. And the source is you."

"You are the most powerful magnet in the Universe! You contain a magnetic power within you that is more powerful than anything in this world, and this unfathomable magnetic power is emitted through your thoughts."

"Every negative thought, feeling, or emotion is blocking your good from coming to you, and that includes money."

"You are God in a physical body. You are spirit in the flesh. You are Eternal Life expressing itself as You. You are a cosmic being. You are all power. You are all wisdom. You are all intelligence. You are perfection. You are magnificence. You are the creator, and you are creating the creation of You on this planet."

"The earth turns on its orbit for You. The oceans ebb and flow for You. The birds sing for You. The sun rises and it sets for You. The stars come out for You. Every beautiful thing you see, every wondrous thing you experience, is all there for You. Take a look around. None of it can exist, without You. No matter who you thought you were, now you know the Truth of Who You Really Are. You are the master of the Universe. You are the heir to the kingdom. You are the perfection of Life. And now you know The Secret."

I read each sentence and then paused to let them respond. The room was filled with horrified gasps and mocking giggles. A few of the students even timidly used the s word--"That lady is...stupid!" As I read on, the students began to answer every sentence with a loud "No!" In response to her, they remembered some of the verses we've memorized this year: that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God," that "from Him and through Him and to Him are all things," and that "the heavens are telling of the glory of God." I was thrilled! Then Hannah raised her hand and said, "She needs to read Psalm 100: "It is He who has made us and not we ourselves" (which just happened to be her assigned section of the Psalm we've been practicing).

Another child mumbled that "She's going to have to pay for this."

"What?" I asked.

She sadly replied, "She's going to be put to death."

"Who will put her to death?"

"God will."

So again, a seven-year-old has reminded me that the proper Christian response is one of compassion. I took the opportunity to remind them that God is true to His word: that sin deserves death and that if Mrs. Byrne never hears the gospel, never believes, repents, or gives her whole life to Jesus, she will pay for her sins by eternal death in hell. I encouraged them to pray for her, that someone would share the right Gospel with her and that she would believe and repent. I encouraged them to pray for all the people who read her book, that they would know that it is full of nonsense and not be deceived by her words. Sam raised his hand and asked if he could pray.

I am really thankful for the opportunity God has given me with this book and Dr. Mohler's article to assess the worldview of my first grade class. I'm so excited that my 7-year-olds have grasped some basic Biblical truths about God and his world and can recognize error when they hear it. This has to be the heart of true Christian education, and at moments like these--boy, am I glad to be an educator!

Elbow Pits

2007-03-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a story to jump start my blog and give you a glimpse into my life.

As a first grade teacher, I spend a good deal of time on the floor surrounded by a circle of book-holding 7-year-olds. A couple of weeks ago Abigail violently sneezed, splattering Ross' face with droplets of infectious disease. Ross whines, Abigail cries, and I decide we'll put down the books and have a few minutes of sneeze-etiquitte lessons. I explain that before a sneeze, they should try to grab a kleenex in which to make their messes. "If not," I explained, "sneeze in your elbow-pit." Laughter erupts and everyone pretends to sneeze in this new-found body part. We regain self-control and read for about 15 more minutes when I hear a strange sniffling noise coming from my left. I look over and see snot rolling down Hannah's arm. "What are you doing?!?" She decided to BLOW her snotty nose in her elbow pit.