As I mentioned yesterday, I am taking a personal challenge for the month of Feb. I am not spending extra. No eating out on Sat. night just because I don't feel like cooking. That even means the $5 pizza! We have a couple of things that need to be done in order to help our home sell, so I have factored those few extra cost on into my Feb. cost.
This is going to be a tough challenge for me. I will run through the McDonald's drive thru without thinking much about it. I have to be aware of the extra expenses that I often times spend without really realize it. So who's with me? Let me know if you are joining in, and how it is going!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Taking A New Direction.
I am going to head in a bit different direction with my blog. My post in the past have been chit chatty. No problem. I enjoying telling you about my family and myself! It's one of my favorite topics. I belive that it is time to start getting a bit more informitive with some of my blogs. I have such a variety of interest. God, Family, Fitness, Frugality, Cooking, Reading, etc. So I am going to start making my post a bit more informative. I hope you enjoy! Feel free to comment on anything and share your insight, recipes, fitness tips, saving tips, etc! We'd love to hear them.
I didn't say that I was going to start with THIS post though. That was for a note that I am going to attempt a different approach. Mainly so I don't write about my PREGNANCY for the next 35 weeks!! We are blessed to be expecting again! I do ask that you pray that everything goes well. As you have read in past post, you know that I miscarried last time. I just keep telling myself that I have birthed 2 healthy children prior to that with no issues and that last time was just a fluke. So please pray with us. And hopefully at the end of summer, we welcome baby G #3 into Team Gaskins!
Yes, we refer to our family as Team Gaskins. I strive to teach my children a basic concept of how similar a family ad a sports team are. As a parent, I am the "coach" and it is my job and my husband's job to coach and cheer our children on, while teaching them that you have to work hard and you don't just get a participation trophy. You cannot go through life as a benchwarmer. Sometimes this takes tough love just as coaches use. Then there is the second aspect. One team member CANNOT carry to WHOLE team. If you are playing right forward, you can't be the goalie at the same time. Everyone has their part to do to make the team work together as a whole. You don't try to take the ball someone on your team, but you are there to assist them in a common goal.
But back to where I was planning on going before I felt the need to explain. I found a new product that I LOVE!! Purex Crystals. I found them at Dollar General for $4. I originally purchased it to make my own laundry powder. I used to make it but I stopped due to the fact that it didn't seem to work as well. I recently came across this "recipe" so to speak, that calls for the Purex Crystals. Well I haven't made the laundry powder yet, but when I do, I'll let you know how it turned out. I did, on the other hand, find another use for the Purex Crystals though. Previously, I would make my own "febreeze" with hot water, baking soda, and clean rain conditioner. This would leave my curtains stiff oftentimes. The Purex Crystals dissolve nicely in hot water. Then just add your baking soda! It smells wonderful and doesn't leave the curtains stiff!! Total cost-pennies!! You can make as little or as much as you want/need!
So here is to change! I'll see you tomorrow for the Feb. Challenge!!!! Hmmm...that may be a great idea too. A challenge for each month! What do you think?
I didn't say that I was going to start with THIS post though. That was for a note that I am going to attempt a different approach. Mainly so I don't write about my PREGNANCY for the next 35 weeks!! We are blessed to be expecting again! I do ask that you pray that everything goes well. As you have read in past post, you know that I miscarried last time. I just keep telling myself that I have birthed 2 healthy children prior to that with no issues and that last time was just a fluke. So please pray with us. And hopefully at the end of summer, we welcome baby G #3 into Team Gaskins!
Yes, we refer to our family as Team Gaskins. I strive to teach my children a basic concept of how similar a family ad a sports team are. As a parent, I am the "coach" and it is my job and my husband's job to coach and cheer our children on, while teaching them that you have to work hard and you don't just get a participation trophy. You cannot go through life as a benchwarmer. Sometimes this takes tough love just as coaches use. Then there is the second aspect. One team member CANNOT carry to WHOLE team. If you are playing right forward, you can't be the goalie at the same time. Everyone has their part to do to make the team work together as a whole. You don't try to take the ball someone on your team, but you are there to assist them in a common goal.
But back to where I was planning on going before I felt the need to explain. I found a new product that I LOVE!! Purex Crystals. I found them at Dollar General for $4. I originally purchased it to make my own laundry powder. I used to make it but I stopped due to the fact that it didn't seem to work as well. I recently came across this "recipe" so to speak, that calls for the Purex Crystals. Well I haven't made the laundry powder yet, but when I do, I'll let you know how it turned out. I did, on the other hand, find another use for the Purex Crystals though. Previously, I would make my own "febreeze" with hot water, baking soda, and clean rain conditioner. This would leave my curtains stiff oftentimes. The Purex Crystals dissolve nicely in hot water. Then just add your baking soda! It smells wonderful and doesn't leave the curtains stiff!! Total cost-pennies!! You can make as little or as much as you want/need!
So here is to change! I'll see you tomorrow for the Feb. Challenge!!!! Hmmm...that may be a great idea too. A challenge for each month! What do you think?
Monday, January 7, 2013
Happy 2013
Well 2013 is officially here! Well it has been for 7 days actually. I LOVE the feeling of fresh possibility the New Year brings!
Yesterday at church, the Pastor made a joke about how someone he knows told him they were going to wear more deodorant and do less laundry. This put a thought in my mind that is how I am going to handle "resolutions" this year. I'm not going to diet. I am going to eat MORE! But it will be more healthier choices. And I am not going to say I'm going to eat less junk. I am going to work out more often. See how it works?! You don't feel the deprivation if you reverse it. The same concepts but a different mindset. So I will check back in soon and let you know how the reverse psychology works.
Yesterday at church, the Pastor made a joke about how someone he knows told him they were going to wear more deodorant and do less laundry. This put a thought in my mind that is how I am going to handle "resolutions" this year. I'm not going to diet. I am going to eat MORE! But it will be more healthier choices. And I am not going to say I'm going to eat less junk. I am going to work out more often. See how it works?! You don't feel the deprivation if you reverse it. The same concepts but a different mindset. So I will check back in soon and let you know how the reverse psychology works.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Out With the Old, In With the New.
Wow oh wow! 2012 will be over in a couple of days and it will officially be 2013! My 8 year anniversary in a week later. At the end of January, I will turn 31. And that doesn't include all of the other important dates in January too.
2012 was an amazing year. I learned to relax a bit. Now I will be blunt, it was with the help of Prozac. That steamed from issues I dealt with following a miscarriage in Nov of 2011.
I learned a lot about myself in dealing with that bout of depression that really hit in January. I was strong because I asked for help. Needing the Prozac did not mean I am weak. I was shown that it is okay and sometimes we need to be real with ourselves and with others.
My son really came into his own on the soccer field this year. I got to watch my daughter cheer for her first season. We realized that my son has ADHD and that was an eye opener. It broke my heart at first because of the fussing during the past 6 years. It has also shown and taught me that I have to be bit more patient and not jump so quickly. I have had to stop often and put myself in his shoes. It is something that he can really help or is he trying his hardest.
I have also learned that I want my children raised in a slower paced, simpler lifestyle. I am so grateful that I have realized at 30 and not at 65, that keeping up with the Jone's is the least important thing. And that keeping up with the Jone's is a waste and it's meaningless. You can be so much happier with what you have when you realize this. I don't care if my car isn't brand new. I am driving exactly what I want to drive. I don't care about expensive name brand clothing anymore. I STAY AT HOME! Why do I need $100 dress pants?! Now a good pair of jeans is still a different story! But not all of my jeans are that expensive anymore. My children don't have to have all their clothing purchased at trunk shows. They play in them and come home from school with holes and stains on the first wear! They can wear Target clothes! And so can I!! They don't understand the concept of money but they DO understand the concept of comfort and mommy not being upset when their new shirt is ruined.
We put our house on the market this year too. We decided it is time to move back to the country and not have a mortgage. I do not mind living in a modular or double wide if it means no mortgage! We can put sweat equity into it and get the EXACT house that we want. Our home we are in now is AMAZING. I will be very sad to leave the house we have called home for the past 6 years. I am at the same time very excited about redoing another home,moving back out to the country,let the kids grow up running the woods the way they love to do. This also means that we will be leaving the school my son has attended the past two years. He is 3rd generation at this school and we love it there. He will be transferring to a Christian based school so I am thrilled with that.
All in all, 2012 has been a great year. I have learned so much this year and as always, it has shaped me into the person I am today. The lessons learned in 2012 have been uber important life lessons this year. So I raise my coffee cup to the many blessings, opportunities, lessons, and memories that 2013 holds! Here's to you 2012, you were wonderful but all great things must come to an end. 2013, I welcome you and pray you are as wonderful as the past year!
2012 was an amazing year. I learned to relax a bit. Now I will be blunt, it was with the help of Prozac. That steamed from issues I dealt with following a miscarriage in Nov of 2011.
I learned a lot about myself in dealing with that bout of depression that really hit in January. I was strong because I asked for help. Needing the Prozac did not mean I am weak. I was shown that it is okay and sometimes we need to be real with ourselves and with others.
My son really came into his own on the soccer field this year. I got to watch my daughter cheer for her first season. We realized that my son has ADHD and that was an eye opener. It broke my heart at first because of the fussing during the past 6 years. It has also shown and taught me that I have to be bit more patient and not jump so quickly. I have had to stop often and put myself in his shoes. It is something that he can really help or is he trying his hardest.
I have also learned that I want my children raised in a slower paced, simpler lifestyle. I am so grateful that I have realized at 30 and not at 65, that keeping up with the Jone's is the least important thing. And that keeping up with the Jone's is a waste and it's meaningless. You can be so much happier with what you have when you realize this. I don't care if my car isn't brand new. I am driving exactly what I want to drive. I don't care about expensive name brand clothing anymore. I STAY AT HOME! Why do I need $100 dress pants?! Now a good pair of jeans is still a different story! But not all of my jeans are that expensive anymore. My children don't have to have all their clothing purchased at trunk shows. They play in them and come home from school with holes and stains on the first wear! They can wear Target clothes! And so can I!! They don't understand the concept of money but they DO understand the concept of comfort and mommy not being upset when their new shirt is ruined.
We put our house on the market this year too. We decided it is time to move back to the country and not have a mortgage. I do not mind living in a modular or double wide if it means no mortgage! We can put sweat equity into it and get the EXACT house that we want. Our home we are in now is AMAZING. I will be very sad to leave the house we have called home for the past 6 years. I am at the same time very excited about redoing another home,moving back out to the country,let the kids grow up running the woods the way they love to do. This also means that we will be leaving the school my son has attended the past two years. He is 3rd generation at this school and we love it there. He will be transferring to a Christian based school so I am thrilled with that.
All in all, 2012 has been a great year. I have learned so much this year and as always, it has shaped me into the person I am today. The lessons learned in 2012 have been uber important life lessons this year. So I raise my coffee cup to the many blessings, opportunities, lessons, and memories that 2013 holds! Here's to you 2012, you were wonderful but all great things must come to an end. 2013, I welcome you and pray you are as wonderful as the past year!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Where Has December Gone?!
WOW! Christmas is in 7 days. SLOW IT DOWN!!!!! PLEASE!!!!! I love the build-up of Christmas. It just comes and goes soooo quickly. (Stamp foot. Pouty lip. Arms crossed over chest.)
Older folks weren't kidding when they told me the older you get, the faster time seems to go. But each year seems to go by faster and faster. I'm pretty sure that there are still 24 hours in a day and 60 minutes in an hour. And there are still 60 seconds in a minute. But I am still convinced time is speeding up. My mom told me that the days are long but the years are fleeting. Ain't that the truth!
So all in all, slow it down. Savor it. Don't blink. We don't get it back.
Older folks weren't kidding when they told me the older you get, the faster time seems to go. But each year seems to go by faster and faster. I'm pretty sure that there are still 24 hours in a day and 60 minutes in an hour. And there are still 60 seconds in a minute. But I am still convinced time is speeding up. My mom told me that the days are long but the years are fleeting. Ain't that the truth!
So all in all, slow it down. Savor it. Don't blink. We don't get it back.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
It's Beginning To FEEL A Lot Like Christmas.
I'm blogging as I sit at Wal Mart waiting on my layaway. As I walk through the toy isle to get to the layaway pick up, I saw 6 different baby dolls I want to grab for my 4 year old daughter. She LOVES babies! As I hear friends tell what their children are getting, I think "did I get mine enough?" Then I have to remember the message I tell my children almost everyday this time if year, it isn't about getting a bunch if gifts. It is about celebrating the birth of Christ! The best, most thoughtful gift we have ever been given! Thanks be to God! So as I take my few layaway items to the car, I know that they will receive enough on Christmas morning. And I know that we will continue to talk about the upcoming birthday if the best gift ever received!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
30 Days of Thanks
HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!!
Well I know that it has been Fall for a while! But Halloween is DONE! So I feel that it is really Fall now. Mums, falling leaves, changing colors, and THANKSGIVING!!!!!
In honor of Thanksgiving, I am joining some others in 30 Days of Thanks. Today is Nov 1st so today is Day 1. I posted what I am thankful for on FB this morning. There is a saying that goes "Don't forget to thank God for today because He didn't forget to wake you up." Well that says it ALL! I am thankful for another day and a start of another month!
Everyday is a new day. It is a fresh start. The first day of the rest of your life. Well you get the point! Thank God for it! Use the gifts that He has blessed you with. Make good choices. Show His love. Don't wait until you get this staright or that together! We will never have it together or everthing straight! There will ALWAYS be something! And if you have the idea that when this is done or that, the devil will ALWAYS throw something in your path that needs to be worked on next!
So thank God for today! Live today for Him! Use those gifts! Show the devil that you don't have to wait to be perfect before you start thanking God! We are NOT perfect, only forgiven!
Also, on another note, there are not many weeks until Christmas! Start those Christmas cards now! If you start early, then you can get a thoughtful handwritten note on each one. And it is not too early to start thinking about those precious handmade gifts for the grands! I am some great ideas that some people have shared with me. There will be more on that to come, so stay tuned.
Please join me in 30 Days of Thanks. Post what you are thnkful for on here or on FB. I would love to hear them because they bring such a smile to my face to hear other's blessings.
Well I know that it has been Fall for a while! But Halloween is DONE! So I feel that it is really Fall now. Mums, falling leaves, changing colors, and THANKSGIVING!!!!!
In honor of Thanksgiving, I am joining some others in 30 Days of Thanks. Today is Nov 1st so today is Day 1. I posted what I am thankful for on FB this morning. There is a saying that goes "Don't forget to thank God for today because He didn't forget to wake you up." Well that says it ALL! I am thankful for another day and a start of another month!
Everyday is a new day. It is a fresh start. The first day of the rest of your life. Well you get the point! Thank God for it! Use the gifts that He has blessed you with. Make good choices. Show His love. Don't wait until you get this staright or that together! We will never have it together or everthing straight! There will ALWAYS be something! And if you have the idea that when this is done or that, the devil will ALWAYS throw something in your path that needs to be worked on next!
So thank God for today! Live today for Him! Use those gifts! Show the devil that you don't have to wait to be perfect before you start thanking God! We are NOT perfect, only forgiven!
Also, on another note, there are not many weeks until Christmas! Start those Christmas cards now! If you start early, then you can get a thoughtful handwritten note on each one. And it is not too early to start thinking about those precious handmade gifts for the grands! I am some great ideas that some people have shared with me. There will be more on that to come, so stay tuned.
Please join me in 30 Days of Thanks. Post what you are thnkful for on here or on FB. I would love to hear them because they bring such a smile to my face to hear other's blessings.
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