Updates from December, 2008 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Fellowship Moms 4:13 pm on May 10, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    May Blog Giveaway 

    2 Tickets To The Discovery Center in Murfreesboro.

    Discovery Center is a hands-on museum and nature center dedicated to inspiring and educating children and strengthening families through creative play. I went there a couple of months ago with my 1 year old and 4 year old and they had a blast. It’s smaller than the Nashville Center and it’s easier to keep track of your children. There is even a contained area for toddlers. We brought a sack lunch and they let us eat in the multi-purpose room. There are picnic tables for nicer weather. I’d so suggest going sometime this year. It’s worth the drive.

    To win the tickets, leave a post about how the MT / Front Porch Ministry FREE Garage Sale has effected your household.
     

    • Cheryl Fritz 7:47 am on May 11, 2010 Permalink

      The FrontPorch yard sale was just the motivation I needed to clean out my kids drawers and closets plus some other household stuff for a total of 13 bags! Thank you for this chance to give to a great cause.

    • Andrea Leigh Manor 8:31 am on May 11, 2010 Permalink

      we’ve been cleaning up and storing up a pile to give away since you made the announcement.

    • emily sutherland 9:36 am on May 11, 2010 Permalink

      we have been cleaning out our house for a garage sale of our own that we had planned for several months. we are donating everything that was not sold to the Front Porch garage sale, and I am still finding things in my house that I want to donate. It is such a great cause and it makes me happy to know that someone else will get something they need for Free!!

    • Tara Hamada 10:28 am on May 11, 2010 Permalink

      I am so excited to be able to de-clutter my home and help someone else at the same time! After viewing the devastation last week, even my kids are excited to give away some of their toys. Usually, they only want to give the broken ones, but this time they are bringing me toys in good condition that they just don’t play with – even 1 birthday gift from January never used!

    • Kate Blocher 11:47 am on May 11, 2010 Permalink

      Having just come off a year of unemployment for my husband and having moved three times in the past year, we actually had purged quite a bit. But when Brittany mentioned the East Nashville neighborhood, our hearts went out to that area…we lived there for a year and understand the condition of some of those living there! Although very strapped at the moment and unable to donate amuch money, we have been saving our plastic grocery bags rather than using our cloth bags…just a small gesture, but the prayers that have gone out for this event have continued to be on our hearts…especially in light of the recent flood. Although we think that we have been through a hard time this past year, we are continually blessed by others around us, and it is our desire to be able to return that favor to those much less fortunate that us!!!

    • Anonymous 12:15 pm on May 11, 2010 Permalink

      We’ve been cleaning out closets, getting ready to move this summer. I’m so glad that we’ll be able to pass on our treasures to other families who will use them well!

    • Shani duncan 1:19 pm on May 11, 2010 Permalink

      It has been a huge blessing to me already! I’ve always tried to be very conscious about how we spend money.. and try hard to buy used when its appropriate.. and trying to figure out what to do with things once the kids have outgrown them has been kind of haunting me.. consignment shops, consignment sales, craigslist, ebay, donating.. all great ideas but most of them are very work intensive. Having had a very challenging year with a sick newborn, and very active 2 year old.. I have been trying to get rid of things in a responsible manner when I get a rare moment. I was so excited when I heard about this.. a great cause, I know it will go to people who will appreciate, and so easy! Admittedly I still have some more things to go through tonight, but my husband and I are both excited to have some space back!

    • Kristin Mullenix 3:42 pm on May 11, 2010 Permalink

      This sale has given our family a chance to teach our daughter about giving to those in need. Also, because my husband is currently out of a job, it gives us the opportunity to give to others and watch how God is going to continue to take care of US! He is good!

    • Colleen Reilly 5:06 pm on May 11, 2010 Permalink

      I have been collecting things for the garage sale, using my coupons to buy a few things…it has been a great motivation to clean up my closet, too!

  • Fellowship Moms 9:43 am on March 4, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: book giveaway,   

    Book Giveaway! 

    Want to win a copy of the book “Scream Free Parenting”?

    All you have to do is leave a comment below (before 9pm on 3/9) with either your favorite “scream” moment with your kids (which would really explain why you need the book!) or your favorite “scream-free” moment that you’ve learned from the book. Maybe you’re version of screaming with your kids is just a loud tickling session; whatever it is, we want to hear about it!

    A winner will be drawn at random from all the comments received at our meeting on Wednesday, March 10th. See you there!

     

    • Shelby Rawson 3:31 pm on March 5, 2010 Permalink

      Hmmm… I only “scream” in the van, in the playroom, and downstairs. So, not too much. ha!

    • Sami 8:10 am on March 6, 2010 Permalink

      Instead of giving the kids a time out when I’m upset, I take a personal time out in my bathroom to collect myself and pray!

    • emily sutherland 11:12 am on March 6, 2010 Permalink

      it is hard for me to say that i have a favorite “scream” moment, b/c most of them i am ashamed of. i have a hard time remaining calm when i get upset with my boys, but i have come to realize that my behavior is not good and i am on the path to change! one of the most memorable moments i have is one morning when we were trying to get out the door for work. my youngest (2 1/2) wanted to help put the top on his sippy cup after i filled it with milk. i thought i would let him help me do it, but he wanted to do it completely on his own. so, he jerked the cup out of my hand and milk went everywhere (including my pants)! i “screamed” loudly “i am so angry” but it was in a very calm manner. loud, but calm. my husband came into the kitchen almost laughing b/c of what he heard me say and then thankfully he took over for me and cleaned up the mess. i long to live in a scream free home…but it will have to start with me! i need to read this book!

    • Tara Hamada 11:21 am on March 6, 2010 Permalink

      My kids like to do imitations of family members and say “Who am I ?” for us to guess. One of them said “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaugh!!!” They all shouted “Mommy, when Nicholas pee-peed in his pants again and Annelise was playing instead of cleaning (and Daddy was out of town).”

    • Anonymous 7:57 pm on March 8, 2010 Permalink

      Even just the encouragement from Renee Farkus has changed the way I parent our kids. There are many opportunities where I take deep breaths and ask God to be Lord of this moment. If I ever find myself in the situation where I want to point my ugly finger and raise my voice at the kids, I am reminded to show grace and invite God to rule even then.
      My ugliest moments were when our son was 5 1/2 – 6 and my method of trying to get obedience was where I’d raise my voice and point at where I want him to respond (like to his room that was messy). Much like you would for a stray dog that had wandered onto your yard. Oh dear!

    • heidi petak 12:17 am on March 9, 2010 Permalink

      my 3-year old son told me tonight that the first thing he was going to do when he woke up tomorrow was to scream really loud. i told him he had to do that outside.

      i was trying to imagine waking up tomorrow to my 3-year old screaming. if that happened, i might have to do a little screaming myself, i’m afraid. of course, then i would sing “it’s a happy day- and i thank God for the weather…”

    • Amy Dillbeck 7:50 pm on March 9, 2010 Permalink

      I need to win this…cause I yell way too much.

    • Amanda Han 8:12 pm on March 9, 2010 Permalink

      We emphasize “inside voices” and “outside voices”, so when we are outside, we get out all the screams as loudly as we can!

  • Fellowship Moms 2:38 pm on December 3, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: december giveaway, diaper bag, tote, win   

    December Giveaway 

    We have another amazing giveaway this month!

    To win a FABULOUS, Vintage Pink/Black Cherry Large Tote from “Born out of Necessity“, we want to know what you think is the most essential item you carry (or carried) in your diaper bag (not including diapers or wipes!). Just leave a comment below with your essential piece and we’ll see you at our next meeting on Wednesday, December 9th to draw our winner!

     

    • Missy Stauffer 3:23 pm on December 3, 2009 Permalink

      Fruit Snacks!!! I still carry these in my purse, too!

    • Maryalice 8:34 am on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      The most essential piece is extra bottles and food of course! I have only needed all the extra bottles, formula, and cans of food once. I locked both my keys and my cell phone in my car, and I couldn’t get a hold of my husband because he was in a meeting – for the next hour. And when he was finally able to take my call, he couldn’t leave for another 30 minutes and it took him 30 minutes to drive from where he was to come get me. Boy was I thankful that I never left the house without several bottles, a tub of formula, and several cans of food.

    • Debbie Gilkey 8:51 am on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      a starbucks card!

    • debra m 9:15 am on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      Aquaphor and books

    • Andrea Manor 9:37 am on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      I’d say a change of clothes-we had all kinds of blow outs.

    • Heather Bomar 10:33 am on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      A staple in my diaper bag is a scale. My daughter has a special diet and I have to weigh out all her food so I will be carrying that around for a LONG time!

    • Shani Duncan 11:03 am on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      An emergency pacifier! And at least 2 packs of Baby Mum-Mums (Walmart) and organic fruit sticks (Target).. snacks for all ages!

    • Sara Gibbs 11:23 am on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      A snack for mom! I can’t tell you how many times I have had just enough time to feed my child, but no time for me. A pack of peanut butter and crackers and an extra bottle of water has saved me many of times!

    • Lori Veal 11:45 am on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      SNNNNNAAAAAACCCCCKKKKKKSSSSSSS!

    • Amie Tindall 12:16 pm on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      I always had plastic bags of some sort to store soiled clothes and to put stinky diapers in until I could get to a trash can.

    • Shawna Berden 12:20 pm on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      Definitely snacks. They have a way of calming the savage baby.

    • Julie Watterson 2:38 pm on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      Hand sanitizer definitely–especially to wipe down the dirty diaper changing areas or toilets!

    • Amber Hatchett 2:42 pm on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      extra bottles and goldfish. lots and lots of goldfish.

    • Julie 3:19 pm on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      Snacks and always one girl toy (pony) and one boy toy (car) for those crazy last minute trips to the grocery store or Walmart

    • Tara Hamada 3:21 pm on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      crayons to entertain the other kids while I take care of baby

    • Melinda McCormick 3:27 pm on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      Changing pad to use in all the yucky places you end up having to lay and change your babies (or simply to use in the car so as not to get that yucky:)

    • Melissa Toy 4:23 pm on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      I’d say an extra pacifier! If I ever don’t have one with me, you can count on my 6-month-old having a complete meltdown!

    • Cheryl Fritz 4:28 pm on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      Infant advil

    • Katherine Cox 4:55 pm on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      An emergency card with my son’s name, blood type, allergy notification, and our cell numbers. Just in case we are ever in an accident or there is an emergency when he is in the care of someone else.

    • Jennifer Briggs 5:40 pm on December 4, 2009 Permalink

      TOYS!!! Hot Wheels cars or small toys to entertain the kiddos when we’re waiting at the doctor, dressing rooms, any time we have to wait!

    • melissa 6:40 pm on December 5, 2009 Permalink

      hand sanitizer and wet ones!!!

    • valerie ritchey 1:18 pm on December 7, 2009 Permalink

      snacks and antibacterial hand wash…. for before the snacks! :)

    • Emily Tardy 5:09 pm on December 7, 2009 Permalink

      My nursing cover! I’ve used for a lot more than nursing too…a blanket, toy, changing pad, and a great peek-a-boo partner.

    • Jamie Reardon 5:32 pm on December 7, 2009 Permalink

      Hand sanitizer wipes

    • Carol Schmid 9:03 am on December 8, 2009 Permalink

      Kleenex…you never know when something will touch your heart and make you cry.

    • emily sutherland 9:12 am on December 8, 2009 Permalink

      the epi-pen and benadryl: both of my sons have allergies and we can’t go anywhere without these life savers!

    • Jill Guinness 10:53 am on December 8, 2009 Permalink

      Most essential item – - my nursing cover-up.

    • Sheridan Siefert 2:03 pm on December 8, 2009 Permalink

      The little bags to put stinky diapers in (the eco-friendly ones of course).

    • Sami 3:59 pm on December 8, 2009 Permalink

      a mini etch a sketch to keep the kids occupied at a moment’s notice

    • Heather Parks 6:37 pm on December 8, 2009 Permalink

      binkys!

    • Lisa Hulett 9:48 pm on December 8, 2009 Permalink

      Oragel for the sweet baby gums when they are not happy…

    • Rebecca Lee 12:54 am on December 9, 2009 Permalink

      A must for me- crayons! My 2 yr old loves to draw and my 1 yr old loves to hold them. Great to draw in the doctor office or anywhere. Help pass the time.
      Although hand santizier helps keep us out of the dr office! So a must too.

    • Shelby Rawson 8:09 am on December 9, 2009 Permalink

      Saw this bag last month. It’s amazing!!

    • Brea DeTray 9:37 am on December 9, 2009 Permalink

      I would say my essential right now, is a nursing cover! You just never know where you may end up on any day and gotta be ready to nurse all the time!!

  • Fellowship Moms 2:29 pm on May 10, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    May Blog Giveaway – Enter Once a Day for Chance to Win 

    Get ready to hear Dave Ramsey speak at our next Moms Together meeting on May 13th. You won’t want to miss him or the fabulous prizes you can win by entering our great blog giveaway. Just visit the Moms Together site and leave ANY comment about kids and money. Have you taught your kids about money? Any good ideas? Bad ideas? When is the right age to start?

     Here is your chance to help your discussion group table win a fabulous prize. If you win…your whole table wins! You can enter once a day for more chances to win, but all entries must be received by Tuesday night, May 12 at 10 pm.

     

    • Amie Tindall 3:09 pm on May 10, 2009 Permalink

      One of my good friends uses a great system…whenever her kids (ages 6 and 8) get their allowance, 10% goes to tithes, then the rest is divided. Half goes to savings and half goes to spending money. It has already become a habit for them to break down their money this way.

    • Sami 3:13 pm on May 10, 2009 Permalink

      It’s never too early to learn. Start with teaching them that everything thing we have belongs to God, then it depends upon each child with the best way to motivate them!

    • Jill Guinness 4:48 pm on May 10, 2009 Permalink

      We LOVE using the Dave Ramsey method with our kids – ages 6 and 4. They’ve got 4 “piggy banks” and when they get $1.00 for “clean up” each week they put 25c in savings, 25c in generous and 50c in spending. They LOVE being able to use their generous money for blessing others. One thing that we’ve found helpful to keep the incentive real for them is to make sure that they have ample opportunities to spend their spending money (ex. drink at Sonic) or gumball at the grocery store.

    • Jill Guinness 4:49 pm on May 10, 2009 Permalink

      (Eeek – I meand that they each of “3 piggy banks”)

    • Emily Webber 5:17 pm on May 10, 2009 Permalink

      We have a mason jar that my daughter puts her money into. She gets an allowance for doing jobs. She separates out her coins for tithing, savings and her fun money.

    • Emily Marcy 5:20 pm on May 10, 2009 Permalink

      Emphasizing all that we have is God’s and He entrusts us, as his believers, to steward his gifts for the glory of his kingdom. God always gets the first fruits, then any and all financial responsibilities and savings… I am a mom to a 21 month old and one on the way so our plan is to instruct wise spending. But always to give to God first, knowing that it is all His. He blesses those who steward well and live with their hands open to giving, the picture of not storing up your treasures on earth but for heaven.

    • Shane 5:32 pm on May 10, 2009 Permalink

      We love the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Jr. set. It has a parents guide and charts for the kids to earn commissions. We are about to start this system with our three kids!

    • Tara Smith 5:56 pm on May 10, 2009 Permalink

      I love Amie’s friend’s method. My children are 23 months and 11 months, but I’m already thinking ahead to how I’m going to teach them about monetary things. Thanks for sharing!!!

    • amy 7:11 pm on May 10, 2009 Permalink

      My kids are really small but they do have a bank and know that coupons are money!! That is about it so far! :)

    • sharon maumus 9:14 pm on May 10, 2009 Permalink

      When our daughter receives birthday money, we let her pick out a gift with 50% of the money. The other 25% goes into savings and the remaining 25% goes towards a Christmas gift for another child. She does struggle when we have to spend the money to buy a gift for another child, but we continually tell her why we are doing this and that we need to share the blessings God has given to us. She’s almost 4 now and I think she is finally understanding the concept of giving to others less fortunate and feels good about this!

    • Random Friend Of Cherilyn 9:25 pm on May 10, 2009 Permalink

      my daughter is still young, but she helps me cut and sort coupons and knows that using them saves us money. she also has a bank where she is learning to save her money.

    • melissa p 9:29 pm on May 10, 2009 Permalink

      my daughter is still young, but she helps me cut and sort coupons and knows that using them saves us money. she also has a bank where she is learning to save her money.

    • Lauri Newell 9:46 pm on May 10, 2009 Permalink

      Well, Elise is 6 months old, and she watches intently from the front pack as I pay for things out of my envelope system. Sometimes I let her hand over the cash, but she’s a bit tight-fisted. Maybe she learned that from me, so we’ll start working on generosity soon too.

    • Amanda Han 10:05 pm on May 10, 2009 Permalink

      If I gave my son (19 months) money, he would eat it. So, when he gets over his fixation of putting everything in his mouth, I will listen to some of your advice!! I have already opened a Schwab checking/brokerage account for the monetary gifts he has received from birth, and plan to teach him financial responsibility when he’s old enough to understand what that means.

    • Sami 7:37 am on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      I love hearing that Dave ramsey has a FPU Jr. edition! I’ll have to check that out!

    • katie ebert 8:12 am on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      We haven’t started giving our kids “commissions” yet, but probably will in the next year, at least for our 4-year old. My parents always had me save half of everything I earned, which really helped me out by the time I was in college. I was so glad to have that extra cash. I hope to teach my kids the same values of saving like crazy, and giving like crazy too.

    • Kate Blocher 8:14 am on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      I am one of Dave’s counselors and workplace trainers and I am always impressed with how well the FPU Jr. is received. My son is only 1, so no envelopes yet :-) Biut teaching your kids about money and the proper way to handle it is one of the greatest gifts you can give…aside from salvation that is :-)

    • Amie Tindall 8:42 am on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      I was working at my kids’ school bookfair when another mom told this story…A family she knows was saving-Dave Ramsey style- for emergencies. They had about $1500 cash put aside that they kept in their house. Their daughter, who is in 5th or 6th grade, decided to help herself to $400 of it. She took it to her school’s bookfair and spent most of it (during several trips). The rest she gave to her friends for “silence” money!

    • Amelia Moore 9:03 am on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      Well, my kids are 3 and 2 years, so we really haven’t “taught” them about money yet. But they do love to play with the coins, so we bought our oldest a cool bear-shaped bank where the coins “slide” down this tree into the belly. So they get to put in all the dimes, nickels and pennies. So right now we are “teaching” them to save (because they can’t get the money back out) and the difference between the sizes of the coins. Does that count!? ha!

    • Heidi 9:10 am on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      When Ceylon lost her 1st tooth, one of her grandparents had given us a dollar to be from the “tooth fairy.” She was kind of upset to see one dollar instead of quarters (she collects quarters). The next lost tooth, we got out pretty easy-with 2 quarters-and she was even happier!

    • Amber Hatchett 9:18 am on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      My son is not old enough for this yet, but we definitely plan on doing Dave Ramsey’s plan with him. I want to make sure that he learns to be wise with his money, so that he doesn’t make some of the mistakes I did!

    • Melinda McCormick 10:00 am on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      Already my 2 year old knows she can only get things when they are on sale. Last week she got to have “Dora ogurt” and as she was eating it she proudly proclaimed, “It was on sale!” Plus we had a coupon which she proudly gets to hand over at check out. I’ll know it’s really kicked in when she says,”We saved over 50% today!”

    • Amy Dillbeck 10:28 am on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      My 4 year old loves to “Pay” when we check out. I can’t wait to hear what Dave Ramsey has to say about the kids Jr. program. He’s beginning to understand that we can’t buy him everything he wants everytime we go to the store. We haven’t started a savings, giving program yet, but I think it’s time to start.

    • Lisa Hulett 11:16 am on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      We have worked out a system for our 10 and 12 year old guys. We have 4 envelopes each. 10% SAVINGS, 10% CHARITY, 10% INVESTMENT and SPENDING MONEY (for movies, extras on vacations, etc…). My oldest son wants to know when he can start investing in the STOCK MARKET. Same child started his own water balloon business last summer. He is truly getting the meaning of CAPITALISM at an early age! I’m loving it but my problem is CONSISTENCY with staying on top of this whole system. Maybe Dave Ramsey can offer advice for me!

    • Alyson Sailer 12:07 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      I’m not quite there with my 20month old. He does frequent consignment sales with me, helps me clip (tear to shreds) coupons, and tries to swipe my debit card at the grocery. We’re looking forward to teaching him how to give, save and spend when he gets a bit older.

    • Cheryl Fritz 12:39 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      My kids spend too much and save too little.

    • Andrea Manor 1:23 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      When we’re at the store and our three year old wants something we weren’t planning to buy, we explain that it wasn’t on the list-teaching her to plan ahead and not impulse buy.

    • Kelly Tillman 1:32 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      My kids and I need to start respecting money and using it wisely, ASAP…

    • Keena Andews 2:05 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      Funny Story: My 4 yr old recently returned from visiting his grandparents and brought home what he called a “coin collection.” He kept the pennies, dimes and nickels and gave the half dollars to his younger brother – which I thought was so sweet. We took the money up to their room and put it all into their banks (larger amounts we put into each of their college funds, but this was maybe $3-$4.) A few days later I found that my 4 yr old had taken all the money from his younger brother’s bank and put them into his bank – NOT so sweet after all. We all had a big laugh and split everything equally. Maybe I will have better luck in the future or at least buy kid proof banks. HA!

    • Brea DeTray 2:11 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      My daughter is 22 months and right now just gets REALLY excited about putting coins in her piggy bank. Love looking at the ideas for the future!

    • Chandra Zoba 2:23 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      The same way you let your kids see how coupons save money, when you are shopping show them the difference in price between store brands and name brands. If they want a special treat, (i.e. ice cream) let them know you have to save X amount with coupons or by buying store brands to be able to pay for the special treat. They’ll get excited as they see the savings add up in the store and maybe more willing to try the offbrand cheerios too.

    • Whitney Harmon 2:36 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      I think it’s never too early to teach kids about money. The earlier the better.

    • Tiffany Foss 3:56 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      I love the Dave Ramey’s commission chart, but we’re am not good about documenting and paying them out. What does work well for us is the .25 cents reward for asking how they can help. Any time they ask if they can help, and they can help us by doing something, they are immediately paid .25 cents. If it’s a larger job, folding laundry or scooping dog poop, they’re paid more. We then talk about God’s money, fun money, and saving for something important money. We clip coupons and talk about sales and “needs” versus “wants” too…

    • Colleen 4:08 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      My 3 year old daughter “helps” me cut coupons, which she calls “money.” She knows that we don’t go to the store without the coupon binder!

    • Crissy Talley 4:36 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      This may not be exactly what you are looking for but I saw this great idea for teaching your kids how to know which coins are which. Take a piece of paper or something similar and one of each coin(quarter, dime, nickel, penny) and tape to paper and place on in the car on the headrest of the seat in front of child. It is a great time to review coins.

    • Shane 5:25 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      For younger kids, you could also get Larry Burkett’s house piggy bank- it has three slots labeled church, store and save. I fell like the DR envelope system is better for when they get older, though.

    • Tara Owen 6:10 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      My parents usually paid with cash at the grocery store when I was a child, and so they usually received change after paying for the food. One time I went to the grocery with my father and he paid the exact amount for the groceries. I got really upset as we were walking away and said, “but dad, they didn’t pay us!”

    • melissa p 6:35 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      my daughter also helps us save for a future adoption. she gets to put coins that she finds into our adoption jar. granted, at 3 years old the concept is a bit confusing for her, but i hope that someday she can remember that she played an important part in the process.

    • amy dreier 9:05 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      My 7 year old son loves the idea of spending his allowance. This past week I asked him if he would like to give some of his money from his piggy bank to the church. He asked “What for?” I told him it was for God to use to help others. He had to think for a minute how much he wanted to give and gave it willingly – hooray. Now is my chance to learn how to do Dave Ramsey’s system! My five year old son, loved that idea and reached into his baggie of coins and grabbed a fist full of money for God. My three year old son just was excited to be given a $3 gift to buy a toy. I can’t wait to learn a system to develop giving, spending and responsibility for my children. A good time to teach them about what the Bible says about money.

    • elise tepner 9:56 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      The farthest I have gotten with money and teaching my 2 1/2 year old- its to avoid putting it in the mouth!
      Other than that, I hope to teach him to give with a whole heart.

    • Rebecca Colman 9:57 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      We have a rule in our house that if my children, only 5 and 7, leave their money laying around that I will take it. We are trying to teach our little ones the importance of looking after their money and keeping it in a safe place, even if only a penny. Even now at such a young age they have learnt to keep their money in that safe place and to look after it, for if they don’t it may disappear right in front of them. Such a valuable lesson that we hope will stay with them forever.

    • Mandy 10:21 pm on May 11, 2009 Permalink

      We’ve talked a lot with our kids (6 & 3)about being generous not only with our money, but with the things we don’t use anymore. We haven’t set up a “chores” list yet, but need to. Our kids are very motivated by money – especially our 6 -yr old son. He’s learned how to count it and the value of it this year in 1st grade. We take them shopping with their gifts of money and they have to choose how to spend what they have and make choices accordingly.

    • Tara Owen 7:01 am on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      My son is 2 and he doesn’t have much of a concept of money, but he likes to pay the cashier at any store.

    • amy 7:46 am on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      My kids are really small but they help me cut and use coupons and save their money in a bank.

    • Debbie Gilkey 7:47 am on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      My 5 yr old son came home from a friend’s house last week and told us he wanted a Wii. We told him that is a big present and that we would all have to save up for that….which he then replied – “no problem, I will just ask Santa for it! so then none of us have to pay!”.
      ha!

    • valerie ritchey 8:35 am on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      we have started an open dialog with our kids- ages 1 and 3- about how Daddy works for money that we use to buy things, such as food, clothes and our mortgage. We also talk about how God provides the job for Dad, and everything we have belongs to Him- Because the money is Gods, we have to be very careful how we spend it.

    • Evelyn Brush 10:19 am on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      Isaac is 7 months old, and his grandparents have already started giving him cash gifts here and there for various occasions. I’ve started an envelope fund for him so we can save “his” money, and my husband and I will be discussing what we’d like to do with it for Isaac’s future (college, anyone?).

      I’ve been thinking a lot about Christmas and birthdays, and how we have so much STUFF already — who needs more toys or clothes? I want to teach Isaac about joyful giving, so what better way to do that than to give generously to other people on your own special day? Hoping our new little family can start our own family tradition of less for ourselves and more for others.

    • Amy Dillbeck 10:29 am on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      I asked my son (4 yrs) where money came from this morning..and he said “work”. Way to go son.

    • Emily Siefert 1:03 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      I just started a savings account for my 19 month old! Dave Ramsy has said that if you put $25 a day in an account, with interest there will be one million dollars by the time my son is 40! (or something like that!) :) I hope it works!

    • Heather Parks 1:46 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      My 5yr old knows that mommy will not buy anything unless it is either on sale or she has a coupon for it.

    • Heidi 2:19 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      Ceylon does things every once in a while for quarters. She keeps them in a ziploc bag in the car so when we eat at a restaurant that has gum/candy machines, she can buy her own.

    • sharon maumus 2:52 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      When I play “grocery” with my daughter at home when she pretends to check out with her play cash register I always remind her to use her “coupons”. (I give her expired coupons to play with.) She is only 3 1/2 but always reminds me at the store to use my coupons and I hope that she will grow up spending more responsibly than I did by using coupons/rebates from a young age.

    • Sami 3:23 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      we also started paying our kids to learn bible verses – i’ve heard many teachers say that if you’re going to pay for chores, why not pay for something that’s much more important – hiding God’s Word in their hearts!

    • Whitney Harmon 3:36 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      My four year old has a penny bank that has three different slots. One for savings, one for giving and one for spending. He loves to earn money and put the money in the slots.

    • Kate Blocher 4:34 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      I am very much enjoying everyone’s comments and ideas…we are looking forward to this particular task when our 1 year old gets a little older ;-) I can attest to the blessing it is when parents make this a priority and what can happen when they do not..both situations exist in my family growing up :-)

    • Colleen Reilly 4:54 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      My kids have piggy banks. They help collect loose change around the house, and have a small reward for helping Mommy!

    • Christina Stevens 5:05 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      We started doing allowance when our son turned 5. We identified 2 jobs that he could do and pay him $5 every 2 weeks for completing those jobs. He has to give 50 cents evry week to church, but the rest is in a big jar for him to do with as he likes. There have been afew times that he has run out of money and REALLY wanted to buy something. A few weeks ago he painted his own piggy bank so he could start saving money in it. I guess you could say that we used the Love and Logic approach and our son has adopted the Dave Ramsey approach as a result of the lessons he learned! :)

    • Amie Tindall 6:42 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      Last night, I was telling my 8 year old daughter about who I would be listening to at our gathering tomorrow. I explained that Dave Ramsey is very smart about money and I want to see what I can learn from him. She said, “Mom, you better pay close attention and see if he has a program for kids because I only have $10 dollars left in my bank.” I guess I better take good notes!

    • susie cullison 7:10 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      All these great ideas….I am excited to hear Dave speak tomorrow! Our oldest is 4 1/2 and we definitely need to start talking about money and allowances.
      I have heard 2 philosophies on allowances.
      1. Giving allowance independent of chores. Chores are required b/c you are part of a family, children shouldn’t be taught that those tasks are tied to rewards.
      2. Allowances are directly tied to chores. The more chores the more allowance, the less chores the less allowance.
      Any thoughts??

    • Melinda McCormick 8:30 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      I’m already teaching my 9 month old to handle money carefully…NEVER put it in your mouth!

    • Stacey 8:49 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      i have a 21 month old so needless to say, all we done with money thus far is put it in a piggy bank…fun times for a toddler. my husband and i know that we are just stewards of all that God has given us. i hope to teach my children that all of our money belongs to God and we are to honor Him with it. as a child i was never taught anything about money and i hope to give my children a better understanding of how to spend money wisely and give it away to those less fortunate.

    • Janelle Nigrelli 9:34 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      The other day we gave our girls each $2 to buy an ice cream and Gianna handed $1 back to us and said, “that’s too much”. I laughed and said, “you’ll never feel that way again!” :)

    • melissa p 9:37 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      even though my daughter is young, she is learning that we shop from a list, use coupons and only buy things on sale. she is quite the little helper while i shop!

    • Anna Mueller 9:44 pm on May 12, 2009 Permalink

      One thing I hope to convey to Pace is that God owns it all and that we are stewards of what He gives us. I am conscious of using the word, “mine,” and hoping to avoid it as much as possible. Instead, I intend to say things like, “Mommy is using this cup right now,” or “Daddy needs this book right now,” or “God gave us this to enjoy and share.”

  • Fellowship Moms 2:39 pm on April 9, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    April Blog Giveaway 

    Post a comment related to this topic for your chance to win April’s Giveaway!

    What do you like to do for a girl’s night out?  Please post some ideas!  We know that we all need time together to encourage and uplift each other.  Maybe you can inspire some of us who have a hard time getting away from the house.

     

    • Kelly Hancock 3:47 pm on April 9, 2009 Permalink

      OOH, my favorite is a spa pedicure and then on to mexican with the girls!

    • Lori Veal 8:12 am on April 10, 2009 Permalink

      Dinner and a movie!

    • Tiffany Foss 9:15 am on April 10, 2009 Permalink

      Dinner and a movie is always fun!
      Bunko!
      Our community group also did something fun for a baby shower for Brittany Bruns before Emerson was born. We all went to the Hermitage Hotel for high tea. It was a fun and very girly time. Other ideas….
      Paint your pottery
      Group pedicure

    • Tara Owen 10:58 am on April 10, 2009 Permalink

      I like to get together with girlfriends for dinner, dessert, or coffee. I don’t get a girl’s night that often so I don’t have to do anything extra creative to enjoy it, but it is fun catching up over good food or drinks!

    • Stacey 2:01 pm on April 10, 2009 Permalink

      I love going to get a cup of coffee for a girls night out. There’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee and good conversation. Movie night is always fun too…since we don’t ever get to go see movies anymore.

    • Brea DeTray 4:55 pm on April 10, 2009 Permalink

      Ok, the suggestion that I have is not one that I have done but one I heard about and want to do sometime soon. I guess the Melting Pot has a girls night out, once in awhile, think you have to get on the mailing list to find out about it. But they have a dinner for $29, appetizer, entree and dessert and inexpensive glasses of wine.
      Now that is my idea of a great girls night out.

    • Whitney Harmon 3:57 pm on April 12, 2009 Permalink

      Just hanging out at someone’s house without kids around and having a nice dinner and good conversation. Bunko is always fun as well.

    • Sami 6:53 pm on April 12, 2009 Permalink

      girls night out, what’s that? ;)

    • Andrea Manor 8:16 pm on April 12, 2009 Permalink

      Get together at someone’s house after the kids go to bed. Everyone bring a snack and your wedding pictures to share. It’s fun to see what everyone looked like “back then.”

    • Jill Guinness 8:48 am on April 13, 2009 Permalink

      My all time favorite is to meet at Starbucks in the entry of Target, grab a latte and laugh and chat. Then head in to do some mommy-only shopping!

    • Amie Tindall 11:30 am on April 13, 2009 Permalink

      A friend of mine once invited a small group of us over after kids went to bed. She had “cozied up” her screened-in porch and had made a few appetizers. After we were all comfortable with our food and wine, she handed each of us a short note telling us all how much she enjoys our friendship. We had a wonderful couple of hours laughing and sharing stories. It made all of us feel very loved and special.

    • Julie 5:14 pm on April 13, 2009 Permalink

      Either mexican with lots of queso or coffee at Starbucks untiil they close.

    • Heather Parks 8:30 am on April 14, 2009 Permalink

      Bunco (our group spells it with a “C”); dinner out; recently our MT leader arranged for a retreat with our group and it was soo much fun and refreshing!

    • Amanda 9:25 am on April 14, 2009 Permalink

      Dinner……with dessert, preferably something with multiple types of chocolate. Longhorn has the Chocolate Stampede
      Great for Sharing! Two peaks of chocolate cake packed with six types of chocolate, including chocolate mousse and fudge icing. Served with vanilla bean ice cream and real whipped cream…..yum yum.

    • Valerie Ritchey 3:10 pm on April 14, 2009 Permalink

      getting together with my girlfriends with no kids- catching up over appetizers or desert, sharing our lives until late… and then having my husband take care of the kids the next morning!

    • Jennifer Briggs 3:18 pm on April 14, 2009 Permalink

      It’s a tossup: Either a Venti Peppermint Mocha, spa pedicure & manicure OR meet at Starbucks for coffee & good conversation. It is always a treat to be able to carry on a conversation without interruptions!! Funny how we enjoy different things once we become mommies?

    • Amber Hatchett 8:17 pm on April 14, 2009 Permalink

      Dinner, followed by a girlie movie, followed by coffee and dessert.

    • Tara Hamada 10:03 pm on April 14, 2009 Permalink

      We had a small group of moms who got together monthly for a very informal book club at each other’s homes. It was a great time for fellowship, wine and coffee; and we actually read some books that do not have a board book version!

    • janelle nigrelli 11:17 pm on April 14, 2009 Permalink

      Love a great cup of jo and closing down a Starbucks with beautiful friends. Throw some chocolate in there and it’s perfect!!

    • Anna Mueller 6:24 am on April 15, 2009 Permalink

      Now that the days are longer, I love to meet a girlfriend at Crockett Park or in a sidewalked neighborhood to take a long walk, especially while the temperature is springlike. If your child or children are good strollers, you can even bring them along and still enjoy good conversation and exercise with a girlfriend.

      Also, walking in a safe well-lit neighborhood or in the mall can work after dark and you can always stop for coffee or tea or dinner.

  • Fellowship Moms 3:41 pm on February 28, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    March Giveaway 

    Post a comment related to this topic for your chance to win March’s Giveaway!

    How old is the oldest piece of clothing in your closet that you still wear?  (Something you actually bought new…not something vintage.)  And of course you have to tell us what it is :)   Be descriptive. 

    For example:  I have a sorority t-shirt from college that is about 6 years old that I still wear.  OR  I have a pair of jeans from high school (10 years ago) that I still wear (ok so that one is totally not true…..but just an example).

     

    • Sami Cone 11:26 pm on February 28, 2009 Permalink

      I still have my powderpuff football and state tennis long sleeve shirts from my senior year of high school. I’ve parted with a lot of things, but those were each special and personalized, so I can’t seem to get rid of them!

    • Jennifer Briggs 3:53 pm on March 1, 2009 Permalink

      I have an Old Navy sweatshirt that is about 15 years old. It was originally navy, but it is faded to a purple color. There are stains on the front of it, so I normally turn it inside out. It is my ultimate “lounge” sweatshirt!

    • KateBlocher 4:52 pm on March 1, 2009 Permalink

      Ihave a pair of red Nike running shorts from Jr. High…12 years old, and I still wear them!!! Somehow

    • Amanda King 5:07 pm on March 1, 2009 Permalink

      I have a baby blue Delias Peacoat that I got my senior year of HS. (98).

    • Stacey 9:42 pm on March 1, 2009 Permalink

      I have a t-shirt from my sophmore year of college when I played soccer for Lipscomb University. It has all of the players from that year and their numbers listed and a cartoon picture of each of us. This shirt brings back such good memories and it’s so stretched out and thin that it’s so, so comfy.

    • Whitney Harmon 10:38 pm on March 1, 2009 Permalink

      I have a 1996 Braves World Series t-shirt that I still wear to bed. It is so faded and has a few holes in it. I really need to get rid of it, it’s just so soft.

    • Crystal Varenkamp 10:13 am on March 2, 2009 Permalink

      Well…I just threw away a black tunic shirt that was from 1988 that I still wore…so if you had done this 6 months ago I could have claimed a 20 year old shirt!

      However, I have a gray church high school group sweatshirt from 1994 that I still wear. Yes, I wear it in public – out to the store, or running, or to drop the kids at school. I’m not ashamed!!!

    • Kristin Mullenix 11:26 am on March 2, 2009 Permalink

      I still wear my first college sweatshirt that I received the day that I found out I was going to attend James Madison University – it is 15 years old!!! YIKES!!! I may have forgotten half of what I learned in college, but at least I can remind myself that I have a college education when I snuggle up in my comfy sweatshirt!

    • Lori Veal 12:24 pm on March 2, 2009 Permalink

      I still wear an ARMY tshirt that I got in college, 14 years ago…i have worn it so much and have washed it so much, it is totally see through…I only wear it to bed…no worries! :)

    • Brea DeTray 1:33 pm on March 2, 2009 Permalink

      Well, one of the many things that I still have much to my husbands dislike, is a Goodland High School Wrestling t-shirt from when I was a junior and my brother was a Freshman and he was state champion and on the back it says, “If you think my brother is tough, you should wrestle me!” HA!

    • katie ebert 1:13 pm on March 3, 2009 Permalink

      I have a pair of 15 year old, Old Navy, denim shorts that are comfortable for around the house but not so cute for wearing out anymore.

    • Liesl Dunlap 10:24 pm on March 3, 2009 Permalink

      I still have a few T-shirts from college (16 years ago) that I still wear. One in particular, is from our “Winterfest” celebration we did every year. Those were the days of the BIG, baggy T-shirts so even after 3 kids, it still fits. :)

    • Amber Hatchett 10:14 am on March 4, 2009 Permalink

      I have a long-sleeved white t-shirt that we got in 8th grade on our class trip to Washington D.C., so 14 years ago. On the back, it says DLHS class of ’99 and lists everyone’s name in our graduating class. I still wear it around the house for lounging, but never out in public anymore.

    • Tara Owen 12:15 pm on March 4, 2009 Permalink

      I have a freshman formal t-shirt and a 5K walk t-shirt from Baylor that I still wear and I got them in 1996 so they are 14 years old…there doesn’t seem like there is any way that can be true so hopefully I added up the years incorrectly!!!

    • Rebecca Lee 1:20 pm on March 4, 2009 Permalink

      I have and love wearing a pair of linen drawstring khaki pants that are from sophomore year of college 1994. When it is time for comfort out they come. Wore them this weekend at our mom’s together retreat! They have a few patches of paint on them from painting Homecoming banner 1995. And blue icing from our retreat!

    • Crissy Talley 3:13 pm on March 4, 2009 Permalink

      I have my high school senior sisters sweat shirt (18 years ago). My friends and I actually sewed letters on the front so we looked like we were in college. I think I might just go put it on now!

    • Alyson Sailer 8:04 am on March 9, 2009 Permalink

      Mine is also a college sweatshirt from 96. Wow, 13 years old! The letters are all peeling off the front, but I love it.

    • Keena 1:49 pm on March 9, 2009 Permalink

      I still have a T-shirt from high school that is about19 years old that I still wear around the house. It has a great poem on it and is very comfy.

    • melissa platt 8:26 pm on March 9, 2009 Permalink

      i have an old army t-shirt that a friend gave me in high school about 14 years ago i think. it looks like it has stains all on it but really it is that the material is completely worn through in spots. it is the most comfortable shirt to sleep in, in fact i am wearing it right now!! :)

    • Colleen Reilly 9:36 pm on March 9, 2009 Permalink

      I have a Vandy sweatshirt that I LOVE! It is 14 years old, I got it when I was a junior in high school. I actually wore it to a Vandy game this year! The sleeves are tattered, but it is very comfortable! I will cry when I have to retire it!

    • Kelly Tillman 9:51 pm on March 9, 2009 Permalink

      I have a a UT t-shirt that I bought sophomore year of college that I love. While at UT I worked at the Campus Bookstore and used my discount to buy my UT wardrobe (pathetic). This was back in 1997, so 12 years ago!

    • Lori Johnsen 8:09 am on March 10, 2009 Permalink

      I have a t-shirt that I still wear around the house that I got in the late 80′s.

    • Amie Tindall 7:54 pm on March 10, 2009 Permalink

      My oldest article of clothing is a pair of polka-dotted long underwear bottoms that I “got” from my sister when I was in Jr. High school. (that was 23 years ago!) I still wear them to bed every now and then. Of course, they are a little more stretched out and a bit snugger than they used to be!

    • Tara Hamada 8:28 pm on March 10, 2009 Permalink

      I have a few pairs of pants from 1988-1991 that I still wore prior to this pregnancy. My mom was so determined that I not be one of the girls in too- tight pants that she had me covered for several decades by buying them 2 sizes too large! Thankfully, she bought great quality clothes. Most quit fitting after pregnancy #3, and I think this baby will end the remaining few.

    • Melinda McCormick 10:51 pm on March 10, 2009 Permalink

      I don’t wear it personally but my daughter does…it’s a t-shirt from a 1996 Mission Trip to Austria. I loved the shirt and the trip so I couldn’t part with it so now it’s a paint smock.

    • Amanda Han 7:46 am on March 11, 2009 Permalink

      I have a BC sweatshirt i got visiting a friend in 96. it’s full of holes but so comfy!

  • Fellowship Moms 4:46 pm on February 5, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    February Giveaway 

    Post a comment telling us your HIGH and LOW of the week.  Tell all your MT friends to join in.  I promise you don’t want to miss out on this giveaway….especially if you have an easier time coming up with your LOW than your HIGH!

    Have fun posting and reading!!!

     

    • Alyson Sailer 8:25 pm on February 5, 2009 Permalink

      My low this week was definitely my 1 1/2 yr old son vomiting on my lap at 11pm. My high was that my husband was off the road and thus able to change Ben’s soaked sheets. Gross… I know… I’m sorry.

    • Kelly Hancock 8:29 pm on February 5, 2009 Permalink

      Okay, I definately fit this! My LOW is my son has been sick since Friday, crying, whining and just pathetic. Poor little fella can’t get better. He has had an ear infection, 2 teeth coming in and a very upset stomach for at least 6 days (so use your imagination). We will be very happy if we wake up tomorrow to a very healthy, happy, smiling baby. I miss his little smiles.

      My HIGH – I have the BEST Moms Together group in the world! They are so supportive, caring and loving. I love you guys!

    • Melinda McCormick 9:41 pm on February 5, 2009 Permalink

      My LOW is still in process, praying through a situation in a relationship that I just can’t figure out how to resolve.

      My HIGH is knowing my MT group is praying for me and those friendships are growing! What a blessing!!!

    • Kelly Tillman 11:01 pm on February 5, 2009 Permalink

      My low this week was when my 5 month old son was sick this week and decided to stay up from 10pm until 2am on Saturday night.

      My high was when he laughed for about 5 minutes straight at his older sister who was dancing! She is two! It was adorable.

    • Valerie Ritchey 8:43 am on February 6, 2009 Permalink

      my low- finding out i have a hernia and will need surgery. how can i be a mom and not lift my 12 months old son for 3 months?
      my high- we are going to meet the sweet newborn twins my dear friend just adopted in IN.

    • Whitney Harmon 9:55 am on February 6, 2009 Permalink

      My low-is seeing my one year old fight a bad cold for two weeks now and also not having my four year old around this week b/c he is with his grandparents. I sure miss him.

      My high-is seeing my one year old turn one-what a great year it’s been!!!!

    • Brea DeTray 10:20 am on February 6, 2009 Permalink

      My low – More bad news from both of my brothers this week, who just CANNOT seem to get their lives in order. It is getting harder to know how to pray for them and be supportive. If they would just believe us that Jesus is the answer. Ugh!

      My High – Like alot of you with sick children. My high this week has been having my fun little girl back, she was sick all last week and is finally 100% again this week. Great to have her sweet, funny personality back!

    • Heather Parks 11:44 am on February 6, 2009 Permalink

      Low- Being sick at the same time as my baby. Killed me that I physically could not be the mother he needed:(

      High- Having the support, love, prayers, and friendship of an AMAZING Mom’s Together group. What a blessing!

    • Colleen Reilly 12:04 pm on February 6, 2009 Permalink

      My low this past week is being without my daughter after my divorce proceedings in Maine.
      My high comes on Saturday when she returns to me!

    • Sarah Stout 12:04 pm on February 6, 2009 Permalink

      My low this week is having my husband travel and being 34 weeks pregnant, trying to remember what the fruits of the spirit are as my 2 year old continues to pinch, bite and pull hair of my 4 year old…trying to keep up with the messes, etc. and staying upbeat about it.

      My high is having my firstborn just turning 4 years old and being able to look back and see all that God has done for him to overcome some obstacles…to see him growing into a bright and joyful boy who has an interest in life and learning about Jesus.

    • Tara Owen 12:10 pm on February 6, 2009 Permalink

      My low was being told we were going to get an offer after a second showing on our house that is for sale, and then things changed and the buyer had a change of heart.

      My high was having dinner and fellowship with friends, and my two year old son was able to play nicely for several hours with his friend!

    • Amber Hatchett 12:32 pm on February 6, 2009 Permalink

      My low is easy! My 9 month old baby boy has been sick since Sunday; the doctor thinks it is croupe. He is normally such a sweet, happy boy, so it is so hard to see him like this: fever, coughing, vomiting, congested, etc. On top of that, my husband come home with the flu on Tuesday. My house has been zero fun this week!
      Since I’ve been doing little else besides taking care of them, I guess my high would have to be sneaking away to my first Harris Teeter triple coupon adventure. $79.23 worth of groceries before sales and coupons, and I paid $6.91! Many, many thanks to Kelly Hancock’s wonderful class and blog!

    • Jennifer Alexander 1:00 pm on February 6, 2009 Permalink

      Ok. . .my low would have to be I totally got off track this week with my diet and exercise. . .I was doing soooo good. . .and then, well, that time of the month came and I just craved fast food and chocolate and I gave in!!! I guess we are entitled to one bad week a month, right???

      My high would be that I had an AMAZING time at my Beth Moore Bible Study this week. . .God is so good!!!

    • Kate Blocher 1:19 pm on February 6, 2009 Permalink

      My low this week is that we are still trying to find a new job for my husband who got laid off from his job two weeks ago….we are having a hard time, so if anyone needs an architect let us know :-) My high has been that our son started crawling all over the place andandcontingues to bring us joy everyday

    • Amanda King 1:25 pm on February 6, 2009 Permalink

      My LOW- severe insomnia at 34 weeks preggo, 2 hours of sleep, hubby gone for 7 days, 2 yr old has another ear infection, slept through picking my 5 year old up from school (b/c I can’t seem to stay awake during the day) and then locked the keys in the car at walmart. That was just Monday. 2 more days til dads home to help.

      HIGH-have moved bedtime from 8 to 7, resulting in less cranky kids in the morning!

    • Jill Guinness 1:59 pm on February 6, 2009 Permalink

      High : saving big bucks at Harris Teeter – finally the couponing is starting to pay off!
      Low: Joel had to put in some evening hours and early mornings at work, so we missed him at the beginning of the week – we survived though.

    • Tiffany Foss 2:00 pm on February 6, 2009 Permalink

      My low would be that my purse was stolen out of my car this past Saturday. 5 charges were made on my debit card, with the first starting within 10 minutes of arriving at our location. This past week has been tough having a sick child and trying to put my life back together with no debit card, credit card and initially drivers license, losing a 50$ gift card to a fun clothing store that I can’t justify going to just go shopping with the economy affecting our family…and gift card to starbucks gone too…

      My high!! being able to have some really fun quality time with my kids this week, getting free antibiotics from Publix (not having to show an insurance card b/c I don’t have one!), saving a ton on groceries this week because we’ve cleared out the pantry and freezer, and having friends who have called and come to spend time with me (which feeds me a ton!)..

    • Jennifer Briggs 3:21 pm on February 6, 2009 Permalink

      My high is that they started building our new house. Yea!!

      My low is that we are struggling with my daughter (5th grade)& her school work.

    • Stacey 4:41 pm on February 6, 2009 Permalink

      High: my best friend and her 8 month old son and her husband were in town this week so that meant lots of adult conversation this week.

      Low: finding out that my younger sister is really struggling in her marriage!

    • Kristin Hartshorn 2:12 pm on February 7, 2009 Permalink

      My low this week, like so many others, was that my 2 yr old wasnt feeling well and had diarrhea most of the week. Yuck!!
      My high this week was having friends come over last night and just getting to hang out. Also, saving lots of $ at Harris Teeter’s tripple coupon day. Yeah!!

    • Amanda Han 8:27 pm on February 7, 2009 Permalink

      My low is that my grandmother forgot who my grandfather was this week. They’ve been married for 66 years, and he cried when he found out (a man who has never cried in his life).

      My high is that my grandmother claims that my grandfather is her “new boyfriend” and that he’s a great kisser!! Mind you, He is 92 and she’s 90. Love never fails!

    • melissa 10:36 pm on February 7, 2009 Permalink

      my high was a wonderful weekend trip with my husband and daughter to the chattanooga aquariaum.

      my low…unfortunately, several come to mind :( i guess one that has been on my mind the most is helping several close friends and family members walk through very difficult times.

    • Amy Phipps 9:41 am on February 8, 2009 Permalink

      My low was my oldest having a febrile seizure and having to be rushed to Vandy by ambulance. Absolute worst experience of my entire life and scariest day ever!! And all he had was a regular ole cold that everyone else has right now. . .crazy!!! Just call me a psychotic tempurature taker from now on!!

      My high is that he is fine now and we got to celebrate the blessing of his sweet little life at his 3rd birthday party!!

    • Crissy Talley 3:49 pm on February 8, 2009 Permalink

      My low would have to be that both of our cars are not really safe to drive right not but thankfully my awesome husband is able to work on them and we are praying he is able to fix them with little to no cost.

      There are so many highs to pick from that it is hard to chooses just one. Each day is such a gift from God. Today would have to be a great high with the beautiful weather He has given us and being able to spend it with family. My sweet angel told her daddy and I today that she just loves spending time with us. Of course this was after I had to guess the password to be able to enter the tree house. Another high for me this week was sitting at the feet of several women who shared their greatest struggles/sins in their lives with a group of a thousand women in hopes that it would help someone else who might be struggling with the same thing they have had to go through and to see God glorified through their complete honesty. He is in the business of restoring. Praise His Holy Name!

    • Julie 8:33 pm on February 8, 2009 Permalink

      My Low was having a “dueling naptime” with my 2 1/2 year old, only to find at the end of naptime that she had shredded one of her favorite books out of spite for me closing her door.

      My High was finally finishing tagging all of my consignment items!!

    • Keena Andrews 9:36 pm on February 8, 2009 Permalink

      My high this week was finally getting everything in order to return to work part-time and that my 2 year old is actually excited to start “school” (as he calls it) rather than crying and clinging to me on our visit.

      My low this week was having to tell my soon to be 4 year old that most of his friends could not come to his birthday party and we would have to reschedule to two weeks after his actual birthday. I wanted to cry because it was so sad but he was very accommodating – proving to me that he is growing up.

    • Lori Veal 10:20 am on February 9, 2009 Permalink

      My high this week was giving birth to my sweet baby boy, Rocco Molloy Veal!

      My low has been not getting to put my sweet 2 1/2 year old to bed and singing to her every night!

    • Sami 12:49 am on February 10, 2009 Permalink

      My high and low are actually the same! We just moved here from Florida in January and have days where we feel like we’re on vacation! We love the cold, the inclusive nature and family focus of Nashville and finding the Women’s Ministry at FBC! On the other hand, it’s been challenging having to dive into life while still trying to unpack boxes, learn my way around town and also attempt to create a new sense of “normal” for my family, all while trying to survive our current economic status. All I can say is “Yeah, God!” – I’m glad it’s ultimately out of our hands and in His! Looking forward to my first MT meeting on Wednesday!

    • Andrea Manor 2:57 pm on February 10, 2009 Permalink

      Low: Seeing my sweet happy 7 month old struggle with this awful cough.

      High: Big savings at Harris Teeter and spending a wonderful day at a friends house yesterday enjoying the beautiful weather.

    • Jenny MacNeill 6:43 am on February 11, 2009 Permalink

      Low: Not knowing why Caitlin was so grumpy today. and feeling the mother guilt that I couldn’t figure it out.
      High: Apples of Gold had their first meeting last night!

  • Fellowship Moms 9:13 am on January 7, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Mom’s Together Giveaway – January 

    Ok ladies, it is that time again.  If you post a comment related to the topic, you will be entered for the chance to win this month’s giveaway. 

    At our house, my husband has the job of changing the air filters…regularly (hopefully).  Post a comment with your air filter size and how many air filters you have (being used at this time) in your house.  If you don’t know, as I do not, go ask your husband.  :)   That’s it…..air filter size and quantity.  I assure you that this will be worth your while :)

     

    • Kelly Hancock 9:49 am on January 7, 2009 Permalink

      we have 3 different sizes 20x25x5, 20x25x1 and 12x24x1, so that makes 3, right?

    • Valerie Ritchey 1:51 pm on January 7, 2009 Permalink

      We have one air filter, and it is 20x25x1. my amazing husband changes the filters, although i do not know when!

    • czoba 1:53 pm on January 7, 2009 Permalink

      2 ea 20 X 30 X 1
      Chandra Zoba :)

    • Stacey 2:28 pm on January 7, 2009 Permalink

      we have 2 air filters…both are 20x20x1. how do i know this b/c i do the changing of the air filters around here :O)

    • Lori Johnsen 2:50 pm on January 7, 2009 Permalink

      We have 2 and they are both 20x30x1.

    • Sarah Stout 2:59 pm on January 7, 2009 Permalink

      We have 2 and they are 20 x 30 x 1.

    • Jennifer Alexander 3:05 pm on January 7, 2009 Permalink

      Wow. . .how timely. . .I just got back from Walmart getting our 2 air filters as I am the one who changes them every 3 months. We have one that is 14X30X1 and the other is 20X25X1.

    • Lori Veal 3:20 pm on January 7, 2009 Permalink

      1 at 24x 30×1

    • Brea DeTray 5:54 pm on January 7, 2009 Permalink

      We only have one great big one and I am pretty sure it is 24×36

    • Jennifer Briggs 5:54 pm on January 7, 2009 Permalink

      We have 4 in our house that my husband changes every 3 months. 3 are rectangular & 1 is a square. I know that’s not the size, but does that count anyways?! :-)

    • Michelle Blackman 6:04 pm on January 7, 2009 Permalink

      My husband Jason changes the 4 filters that we have every three months. They are 1- 20×25, 2- 16×20, and 1- 14×14.

    • momstogether 6:34 pm on January 7, 2009 Permalink

      We really do need to know the size…..but you can just post again before next Wed. Thanks :)

    • Amber Hatchett 6:55 pm on January 7, 2009 Permalink

      We have one that is 16x20x1 that I think need changing now!

    • Heidi Bradley 9:05 pm on January 7, 2009 Permalink

      We have 2 air filters downstairs in the same “gate” and they are both 20x20x1. Also, 1 air filter upstairs and it is 16x20x1. I am the one who remembers to change them, and usually am the one changing them. Oh, and I am the one buying them too…

    • melissa 10:59 pm on January 7, 2009 Permalink

      we have 3 air filters 1 that is 16x25x1, and two that are 14x14x1. and no, i didn’t know the size but my husband told me…he changes them every 2-3 months. :)

    • Jenny MacNeill 3:58 pm on January 8, 2009 Permalink

      we use one 14 x 24…hard to find

    • Alyson Sailer 9:03 pm on January 8, 2009 Permalink

      Way to start a fight! We have 2 – 14×20. When I asked my husband he said he did not know the size but kindly climbed the ladder so as not to look foolish on the moms together blog. When pulling down the filter, layers and layers of dust draped off the sides. Well overdue for a changing!

    • Colleen Reilly 9:09 pm on January 8, 2009 Permalink

      one 20 x 25 x 1

    • Kate Blocher 11:49 am on January 9, 2009 Permalink

      We have one filter and it is 20X30X1
      and my husband, Ryan, changes them
      when they look like they need changed :-)

    • Amy Dillbeck 10:37 pm on January 10, 2009 Permalink

      we have 2 that are 20x25x1 and 1 that is 14x14x1, so that makes 3 total. i change them, or at least remind my husband to do it whenever i notice they are dirty…probably ever 3 months (or so).

    • Crissy Talley 11:27 am on January 12, 2009 Permalink

      We have 3 their sizes are 20x25x1, 12x20x1, and 24x30x1. Thanks!

    • Tara Owen 3:04 pm on January 12, 2009 Permalink

      1 – 20x25x1, 2 – 14x14x1, 2 – 14x20x1

    • Julie 4:18 pm on January 12, 2009 Permalink

      One air filter 20x30x1

    • Keena Andrews 6:19 pm on January 12, 2009 Permalink

      We have 3. Two are 20X30X1 and one is 12X12X1.

    • Heather Bomar 6:19 pm on January 12, 2009 Permalink

      We also have 3 the same size as above on 22. Two are 20X30X1 and one is 12X12X1.

    • Anna Mueller 7:16 pm on January 13, 2009 Permalink

      three air filters, two of them are 20 by 30 and the other one is 20 by 20, Thanks!

    • Tara Hamada 9:22 pm on January 13, 2009 Permalink

      3: 2 @ 16X25, 1 @ 20X30

  • Fellowship Moms 12:05 pm on December 2, 2008 Permalink | Reply  

    Giveaway – Post a comment for your chance to win! 

    Hello Ladies! 

    We have an excellent giveaway for December’s Moms Together meeting.  In an effort to get you mommies to frequent our blog, we decided that we will have one special giveaway each month that will go to a mom who has posted a comment related to our giveaway topic. 

    This month the question/topic is:  

    Describe a picture-taking mishap that expains why you need a lesson from a professional photographer.

    Respond by posting a comment to this post by Tuesday, December 9 at midnight.  We will randomly pick one person who has responded to be the winner of December’s Blog Giveaway which will be announced at Moms Together on Wednesday, December 10. 

    We hope you enjoy responding…and reading other’s mishaps! 

     

    • JenniferBell 12:21 pm on December 2, 2008 Permalink

      I guess deep down I “think” I am a great photographer….however, every time we have our pictures taken professionally I am reminded that I have no skills whatsoever. If it weren’t for the “automatic” setting on my camera….I could NEVER take even a decent photo.
      I feel like I can’t ever get my children to both look at the camera at the same time….much less both smile. I can’t even count the number of pictures I have taken where one child is smiling and the other is screaming…ugh!

    • Crystal Varenkamp 1:34 pm on December 2, 2008 Permalink

      Because seriously – if someone could tell me how to avoid having red eyes in EVERY picture that I take of anyone – I’d be forever grateful. I’m no pro at editing them after the fact, and making them all pretty in some program on the computer – let’s be honest, I’m lucky if I even get any of them printed off – so I’d love to not have to go red-eye eliminate in iphoto on every one!

      I know you’ll probably tell me that I need a better camera – but it happens with any camera I use, so I’m certain I’m at a bad angle or something. I mean, it can only be the cameras’ fault so many times before you claim user error!!!

    • Colleen Reilly 3:43 pm on December 2, 2008 Permalink

      Last year I was desperate to have a “perfect” Christmas photo of my 6 month old and 2 year old – what was I thinking? I planned it for a great time, right after nap – but did not plan on the shop running 45 minutes behind. Again, what was I thinking? After 10 minutes of the photo shoot (including a brief break to breastfeed my infant), I stopped the photogragher and gave up. She felt so bad for me she gave me a few prints for free of the ONLY shot with both of them not wailing!!

    • Shelby Rawson 4:33 pm on December 2, 2008 Permalink

      I have an eye for a great photo. But somewhere between my optic nerve and my index finger lies a saboteur! For example, to get a few good pictures of my kids – I took 80 shots. Most of those were just luck because I just kept pressing the button over and over hoping that something cute would happen on the other side of the lens. To go a step further and into my past, let’s visit my honeymoon in Maui. My new hubbie and I hiked to a beautiful, secluded waterfall with [expensive borrowed] camera in tow. The waterfall at Shangrila was breathtaking as it poured into the ocean. Of course, I don’t have any proof of this because I set the timer on the camera and sat it on a rock. Good plan, right? Well, it would have been except when I turned my back the camera fell into the water and was ruined. We couldn’t take any more pictures the rest of the honeymoon! (I might add that I got over 70 mosquito bites from that hike! And they don’t sell Cortaid in Maui!!)

    • Heather Parks 10:43 am on December 3, 2008 Permalink

      When it comes to our Christmas picture for the yearly card I always have great anxiety in trying to figure out the best place, pose, outfit, etc. The worst one was 3yrs ago when I had a grand idea to get a picture of my son in a special outfit sitting on my parent’s dock next to a crab trap. After sending the card out several people asked why my son was sitting next to a dog cage! I was so embarressed! It seems every year we have a picture mishap that turns into me having to answer as to what the picture is….HELP! This year is no different as it is Dec 3rd and I have NO picture yet! Here we go!

    • Janelle Nigrelli 10:33 am on December 4, 2008 Permalink

      OK, when have I not had a photo mishap?? I am constantly trying, desperate for that perfect, beautiful picture of my girls that captures the essence of who they really are. Needless to say, I am still trying. Last Christmas my sister in law was in town with her two boys and we were so excited to get a shot of the 4 kids together for all the Grandparents. So after an hour of trying to get them all dressed in their beautiful Christmas outfits, off to Portrait Studios we go! We tried for 2 hours. Each photographer making their best attempt to get them to all look at the camera and smile at the same time. All while the 4 parents did all sorts of crazy, silly things to get them to smile. Tony’s dad was along for the ride and he sat eyes wide eyed as he watched us all desperately working for even one good shot. In our last attempt the photographer suggested we cover one of the lobby couches with a white sheet, each parent take a child and on the count of three set them on the couch and jump out of the shot. So after all that, we got one – nothing that will win any Picture of the Year awards but it does capture the essence of who they really are – crazy and so cute!

    • Heather Bomar 3:35 pm on December 5, 2008 Permalink

      Everytime I go to take a picture of all the kids together, I get sooooo mad and it brings the worst out of me :) My husband thinks I am obsessed with finding that perfect picture and its just not happening!

    • Alyson Sailer 11:37 am on December 6, 2008 Permalink

      When Benjamin was just three weeks old, I wanted to capture his young innocence… that cute newborn baby look. I gathered all of the “photo backdrops” I owned including my favorite black velvet curtains and my favorite white fuzzy robe (big mistake, I know). I laid Benjamin down on the fuzzy white robe, naked of course, to get that cute little rump in the picture and without warning a little stream of urine came whizzing out and landed right on my white robe! I gave up… but a few days later I must have forgotten the mishap and once again took my backdrops outside to get some pictures. This time his choice was the black velvet curtains and it wasn’t urine… it was poo… that yellow newborn poo!!! on black velvet!!! I’ll never look at those curtains the same.

    • Jennifer Alexander 1:47 pm on December 6, 2008 Permalink

      I too have issues with red eye in most of my pictures. I took a picture a few months ago of my newborn with my neice holding her for the first time. This was supposed to be a special moment captured as my neice has had only boy cousins up until now and here she was holding her baby girl cousin for the first time. Of course when I uploaded the picture to my computer it turned out great with the exception of my baby having bright red eyes. I thought to myself. . .no big deal. . . I will use the red eye reduction feature that is on the computer and it will fix it. So I did, and I thought I had fixed everything so I deleted the original red eye picture and saved what I thought was the corrected one. Well, after printing I realized that I must have over corrected with the red eye reducer as my newborn looked like she had jet black eyeliner on her eyes!!! Needless to say. . .there was no way I was going to be giving that picture to my neice!

    • Kelly Hancock 3:26 pm on December 8, 2008 Permalink

      We got this nice fancy SLR camera, that is supposed to help us “catch the moment”, but we can’t seem to “catch the moment” in focus! Still learning how to use our camera a year or 2 later. Anyone else???

    • Elise Tepner 7:31 pm on December 8, 2008 Permalink

      so many of my pictures are washed out! I can’t seem to get a good close-up without extremly white and blurry faces! I’m also frustrated with the slow shutter speed of my little camera, I miss the good moments…trying to decide if it’s the camera or the photographer!

    • Keena Andrews 8:47 pm on December 8, 2008 Permalink

      All year I am constantly emailing pictures to friends and family. I like to think I am a good photographer, however, every year I am reminded around the holidays that this is so far from the truth. This is the time of year I visit family and one cousin in particular, who has taken several photography classes. She brings out her beautiful pictures, kids posed perfectly, lighting just right, etc., etc. and reminds me of the fact that – a photographer I am not. How does she get the lighting just right anyways? I guess I will never know unless I win the lottery or a giveaway.

    • Crissy Talley 8:43 am on December 9, 2008 Permalink

      Help me not turn into my mother! We have a running joke in our family not to ask my mom to take pictures because we know what they will turn out like. She usually holds the camera as far as her arm will let her which usually isn’t far enough for her and she always manages to cut off our heads every time. I can’t stop laughing just thinking of my mom taking our picture. To identify who is in the picture we have to remember what we were wearing because you can’t see anybodies faces. After she takes the picture she usually says let me take another one this way and we graciously say that we are sure the first one is perfect. Thankfully I am a lot like my precious, godly mother but I would love not to inherit her photography skills and maybe I can even share with her what I have learned especially since she isn’t in on the family joke.

    • Tara Owen 9:39 am on December 10, 2008 Permalink

      My husband, Jeff, has enjoyed taking pictures of nature for a long time (and has won a couple amateur awards), but that talent has not transferred yet to taking pictures of people! =) We have a 2 year old son and another one on the way and I’d love for him to be able to take good pictures of our boys…especially since Jeff won’t hire professional pictures taken of our son or family because he has some good photography equipment and thinks we can do it ourselves. I’d love to learn how to take better pictures and for my husband to learn how to transfer his nature photography talent to a talent in taking pictures of people. Jeff has several people request for him to take pictures of their family because they have seen his pictures of nature and heard him talk about his love of photography, so it would be great for him to be able to learn how to take good pictures of people and share this talent with others!

c
compose new post
j
next post/next comment
k
previous post/previous comment
r
reply
e
edit
o
show/hide comments
t
go to top
l
go to login
h
show/hide help
shift + esc
cancel
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 30 other followers