Frugal Friday 560

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here's how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Saturday and Sunday the boys camped in Brown County. This was to make-up for the camping trip they missed earlier this fall due to the hurricane. They tagged along with some friends this weekend and chipped in for food. The group also needed firewood so Mark took our pile from the backyard. We cut down a tree earlier this year and just saved the wood - now we know why! It was great to chip in without having to spend any money!

- On the way home from camping, the boys picked up Monroe County for our count as they had lunch at Mother Bear's Pizza just off IU's campus. Owen loved the pizza, cheesebread, and writing on their walls!

Pizza!

- While the boys were gone, Annabeth and I had a Twilight movie marathon weekend. In the middle of watching the movies, we cleaned house, did the final lawn mow of the season, went to a meeting for church, and went to Sunday School/Church. 

- Owen has stopped taking a medicine that he has taken for several years. While it was only $10/month, we are excited to have that $120 a year back in our medical budget! We've had a very, very expensive medical year with more bills coming so I am thankful for every penny we can save towards those bills. 

- Mark had the holiday off on Monday and so he did a long needed project of replacing our water heater. He has been limping it along with little, inexpensive fixes since 2018 but it was finally time. Mark purchased the water heater and then had a friend help him install it. We saved hundreds vs having a plumber do all of the work. 

- Mark dragged the old water heater down to the street with the hope that someone would pick it up in a day or two for scrap. Someone did the next day! Since we didn't have to pay the transfer station fee we saved: $50

- We had another big expense this week as our main car needed new tires. We have known since the summer that it was coming so we have been saving. We ended up missing some good rebate deals over Labor Day Weekend and mistakingly thought they would reappear at Columbus or Veteran's Day. They did not so we went ahead with the purchase this week as it was absolutely time! We did save 10% thanks to a First Responder Discount. 

- My friend Cat told me how she and her kids shop for groceries "based on their vibes." I have been thinking about it since she told me and we did it on Tuesday. We stopped at Aldi, which we never shop at, and Owen was thrilled to learn about the quarter system. We roamed the aisles, made up a menu as we went along, and the kids thought it was great fun! We did spend $90 which is $15 more than usual but they had crab cakes that we couldn't resist. I did another small grocery trip at Kroger to pick up what Aldi didn't have safely for Annabeth. Our budget can't stand to do this often but it was a fun on a week when I had zero motivation to meal plan or prep.

- We cleaned out our winter wear tote. The kids had several sock hats and mittens that were too small. I washed them and we took over to a Little Free Pantry. 

- My friend Alisha and her boys brought a whole trashbag of clothing over for us. THANK YOU all!! Both kids ended up with new clothes that fit now and some to grow into. Some items were too small or passed over by Owen (who doesn't realize how cool Michael Jordan and Nike are) so we are taking them next month to friends who have three boys. 

- I booked a hotel stay for one of the kids' dance competitions next year. The last two times we've been in that town we've splurged on a condo with two bedrooms and a kitchen as we were there many days. This year the schedule should be a quick in-and-out with most of our time being spent dancing. We're saving $1000 off what we paid last year by doing a hotel vs condo! 

- Last night was our co-op's Friendsgiving. We had the most beautiful night of fellowship with great food and a Christmas ornament craft from the Mom's Christmas Party  Committee. I am SO SO SO thankful for friends who believe what we believe about education and that we can encourage and build each other up.

Tomorrow is our first Family Day since August!! The kids and Mark have been so incredibly busy that we've been many combinations of all of this fall but no days with ALL four of us together. I've planned a fun Indiana County surprise for everyone and I cannot wait to just be together!

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 559

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here's how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Friday evening we made homemade sushi and had family fun night. I love that our kids love simple fun!

- Saturday morning we drove and picked up three more Indiana counties. We made quick stops in Floyd and Perry counties while on our way to Spencer County. When there we spent several hours exploring Santa Claus Indiana. We saw the original post office, explored the museum and old church, shopped at the Santa Claus store, and of course got candy at the Candy Castle. My sister met us there and she and Annabeth did their annual ornament shopping. 

Santa's Candy Castle

The world's first themed attraction - opened in 1935.

I loved that Annabeth wore her Christmas sweatshirt to be themed for the day.

- After a few hours in Santa Claus, we drove on to Owensboro to surprise Momaw with a visit. I was so incredibly proud of my kids for doing the very difficult task of visiting with someone in the hospital. I told them that can feel uncomfortable, even scary to adults, and they both did it with such strength and grace. I loved that Owen had brought along a rice krispie treat from his Halloween bag to give her. She keeps these at her house for all of the great-grandkids and I thought it was the sweetest gesture that he thought to take one to her.

- When we paid our electric bill, we were thrilled to see our conservation efforts have paid off and that we saved $30 last month! We've been working very dilligently to be the best stewards that we can be!

- I cashed out my Ibotta rewards. I was able to pay two bills with it! Hooray! Want to save money with Ibotta? Join here!  

- Since Annabeth asked to make the menu and cook last week, Owen, of course, had to do it this week. He chose corn dogs + Mac and cheese + veggies, homemade stromboli, freezer pizza, chicken Alfredo + broccoli, and black bean enchiladas. Mark's decided he wants to go next week. I am loving the mental breaking from planning meals and cooking on my own!

- Mark bought two freezer pizzas from a neighbor kid. She was selling them for something for school. They weren't much more than usual freezer pizzas and it helped her reach her sales goals. They worked well into our busy nights menu over the past couple of weeks and were actually pretty good. We love supporting neighbors' and friends' kids when we can. Ask us about your next fundraiser!

- Yesterday was our first co-op class in five weeks. While I had several board and committee meetings over that time, the kids hadn't actually gotten together with friends. They were excited to see everyone. We went to a park after class. We packed lunch so it was a free day for us. 

- Last night, Mark worked Purse Bingo to benefit the Boys and Girls Club. He's been on this board for several years and while it is not a frugal activity (it takes a great deal of time, resources, and finances) it is a sacrifice we are willing to  make in our time and money budget. Mark also took a long two items to donate for auction. 

We are looking forward to a busy weekend with some fun for the boys and around the house things for us girls.

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 558

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here's how we saved money, spent money wisely, and made extra money this week:

- Last Friday we did a big five county circle in NW Indiana. We saw all free places - a park, college, cabin, library, and waterfall. All were closed, or dry, so it was quite the bummer of a day but we had a great time in the car together! The highlight was seeing a herd of cattle loose on their farm and in the roads. We ended up in Tippecanoe County to meet up with my sister for a weekend at Purdue. While we could have driven up very early for an event on Saturday, we decided to stay in a hotel. I found the most affordable one. When we got there, I realized it was $75 less than everywhere else because breakfast wasn't included, their pool had closed, and it needed renovations but it was fine for the night. Since I paid for the hotel, my sister treated us all to Mexican dinner. We took an after dinner walk on the canal and the kids played at a park.

- Saturday we enjoyed Purdue Space Day. The kids had a GREAT time and Lu and I enjoyed tagging along to the astronaut speech before having our own day. We walked campus and had a fantastic lunch at 8eleven on campus. Purdue has a great little hotel, coffee bar, and restaurant right on campus - I'd love to go back and stay sometime. 

- We packed along lunches for our Friday travels as well as the kids' Saturday lunch and dinner. Since we didn't splurge on eat out food, I did allow them each to pick an item at the Purdue gift shop. Gift shop shopping is a tradition with the Rileys and my kids have learned quickly that it's very fun. Annabeth chose a running jacket and O, of course, chose a stuffed animal. I was honestly okay with his choice this time as it was a NASA space bear in a Purdue shirt. 

Space Day!

Thank you to O's friend Kail who had just passed

down this NASA sweatshirt, perfect for Space Day!

- Sunday after church and Sunday school we enjoyed lunch with the Rileys. Due to fall travels and lots of sickness, it's been a while since we've been together in a big group. It was great!

- Annabeth asked to be the chef for the week. She made the menu, did the grocery shopping, and made all of our meals this week. She stuck to our $75/week grocery budget too! She made: spaghetti and meatballs + garlic knots, Italian Wedding Soup, homemade pizza and salad, taco soup, and tonight will be homemade sushi. 

- Mark and I had a quick little ice cream date at Millie's while the kids were at dance one night. They had a deal on their freezer meat (we live in a small town, ice cream and farm fresh foods come at the same place) and we saved 10% on some meat for our freezer. 

- Unlike the past few years, we have opted not to buy a beef or pig this year. While Mark really likes having the freezers full, upon doing careful math, I found that it didn't save us very much money at all over the course of the whole year. We decided instead to committ a certain portion of each week's grocery budget to meat and I think we will come out even, or ahead, on the year.

- For Halloween we had our friends and neighbors over for soup dinner before trick-or-treating. Growing up Halloween meant soup dinner and a big family night. To me it's a holiday about being with people and so we enjoyed having a group to trick-or-treat with. The kids dressed up with items from around the house. We did thrift a pair of pants for Annabeth's costume, but she will be able to rewear them in real life as well, for $5.99. 

We are looking forward to a fun weekend with more Indiana travels. 

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 557

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here's how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- The boys spent last weekend at Lakeview. One of Mark's Scouts was working on his Eagle Scout Project so the boys went along to help. Our family always donates a certain amount of money towards each Scout's project, spends the same amount on each Eagle gift, and then donates as much time as possible towards each project. We set up budgets early on as many years there are multiple Scouts working towards their Eagle and as a leader it can become very expensive. Owen had a great time helping everyone. They were done a bit early so they had lots of extra time to relax. He still said his favorite part of the weekend was building the fence!

- While they were away, Annabeth and I had a relaxing weekend. She has finished all of the Twilight books so we watched the first two movies. A new boutique opened downtown so we went to the Grand Opening. We didn't see anything we loved so we left empty handed. 

- Saturday night we went to a Fall Party with some friends. A family member of theirs owns a beautiful property south of here and their kids are always telling ours about the Halloween walk, bonfire, and games. This year they invited us to go along and we had a great time! We took brownies and Annabeth Safe food for the pitch-in.

- Owen loves to rearrange furniture and had been really wanting to move a big shelf from the school room into his room. I made a deal with him if he could keep his room and closet perfectly picked up for thirty days he could make a switch. He did it! We switched everything out Wednesday afternoon. It was also a great time to vacuum, mop, wash curtains, etc in his room and the schoolroom. I was also excited to see that the kids selected about a dozen things to pass on without me even suggesting it! I love that decluttering has become part of what we all do.

- Earlier this fall, we realized between our cars and my parents' cars we had five booster seats. We passed several of them on this week to family and friends. 

- Our grocery bill was $65.01 for the week. We have had meat/cheese/fruit/veggie lunches, breakfast has been granola with yogurt or protein drinks, and dinners have been chicken/spinach/mushrooms, keto rubeun soup, homemade pizza, and take out pizza last night. 

- We spent many hours reading aloud this week. We read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and are now working our way through the sequel. We've also added The Story into our daily Bible reading. The kids really love the way it's written, like a novel vs Bible verses, and I am so proud of how many blanks they can fill in as we read!

- Yesterday we babysat for L&C. The kids had a great time playing and I love sweet time with everyone while they are little! We had fun playing and also ran over to Tuttle Orchards to enjoy some fall fun. I've babysat for all of the nieces and nephews and I feel so blessed to have been able to help in this way.

- Yesterday afternoon, our co-op's Middle Schoolers had a pumpkin carving party. I thought this was such a cute idea that the committee came up with. We purchased pumpkins from a farm outside of Evansville a few weeks ago and I had the kids wait until now to carve them. 

Pumpkins 2024

These are the first ones they have both

completely carved alone!

We are looking forward to a really exciting weekend!

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 556

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here's how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Friday to Monday the kids and I went down to Evansville to visit my family to celebrate Annabeth's birthday. She was very excited to receive the ice cream attachment to the Kitchenaid Mixer, safe snacks, and money for our upcoming vacation. Thank you everyone!

- We spent Saturday in Owensboro having the perfect day with Momaw and Uncle Lance. Lance has been out on the road in his new RV and we loved hearing stories about his adventures (and frugal finds!) 

The sweetest Saturday!

Four generations of women together - ages 13 to 94

- Sunday after church we made our annual visit to Goebel Farm for pumpkins. We have been getting our pumpkins from there as long as I can remember and even now, most years, we take our kids there too. The farm has expanded its operation quite a bit and they now have slides, a petting zoo, etc and the kids love this fall tradition just as much as my sister and I did. 

- After the farm, we split up boys and girls. My dad took Owen to Walther's to use up some more of his punch card on mini golf and mini bowling. The ladies went to the mall to look for a short list of items. One of the items, was a confirmation dress for Annabeth. I wanted her to have something special, and new, but it falls in early spring. I knew dresses would be full price then. We looked for a summer clearance deal over the weekend. Despite the fact that I did not give her a budget, and let her try on whatever she wanted, she chose a very well priced dress that she LOVES! The way her face lit up made all the stores worth it!

- Momaw, Mama, Lu, and I all traded clothes and shoes. I came home with three new winter vests and some new tops. We also trade with the Riley ladies so I will take a bag to share this weekend. 

- On our way to and from Evansville, we checked some more Indiana counties off our list. We checked off Daviess, Owen, and Putnam. I want to be as intentional as possible about gas usage on this year long project. We did spend $15 at Gasthof Amish Village in Daviess Co. and $7 to park in Owen Co. at Cataract Falls. 

- While we were away, Mark stayed home and worked. He also celebrated Luke's birthday with the extra fun of having Matt in town. They took Luke out to dinner and cigars - choosing a time-together gift vs stuff. Matt took back a huge bag of clothes for Jenn and the girls from my sister and me as well as some gluten free tortillas. We had purchased the tortillas for company that had to cancel - we were more than happy to share. 

- I was able to shop ahead, for the first time in months, with our $75/week grocery budget. We had a funky schedule this week and into the weekend which meant we needed different kinds of food than usual. I was also able to stock up on some shelf stable items which were on sale - green beans, broths, and applesauce. Thank you to my Mama for the reminder to stock up when possible. 

- Wednesday morning, Owen went along with a friend to his homeschool club. They enjoyed a presentation from a beekeeper and playing at the library. Thank you to my friend Amanda for taking him along - he loved it! 

- I completed the new sections of the Universal Studios trainings ahead of the new Epic Universe opening on May 22, 2025! Sales open on October 22 - let me know if you'd like help with a quote or booking. 

- Yesterday, our co-op went on an optional field trip. It would have been $30 for the kids and me. While it was a cute, fall themed trip, it didn't directly go with our semester theme or anything we're studying at home. Neither of the kids were particularly interested so we saved the fee on it for gas money. We headed west for the day and traveled through Parke County looking at covered bridges, went to a bit of the Covered Bridge Festival, and stopped in Rockville at the library and G+M Variety. The kids loved the five and dime store! We drove on through Vermillion County stopping in Rileysburg and then onto Fountain County. In Fountain Co. we hiked the gorgeous Portland Arch Nature Preserve! It was by far our most beautiful hike of fall so far. Total cost for the day: $15 in gas

We had a great "Fall Break" week just two days of book work, lots of exploring, and time with people that we love.

Happy Savings to All! 

Frugal Friday 555

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here's how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- Friday evening we celebrated Annabeth's birthday with her best friend. She asked to go to Claire's to shop and to have pizza. Claire's, thankfully!!, had some awesome deals and the girls shopped a Buy 3, Get 3 Free + $10 off coupon + 2 free pairs of earrings coupons. They were very excited and I loved watching them help each other pick the perfect crazy accessories. We picked up pizza and took it over to her friend's house. Their family's gift to Annabeth was a craft night! My friend Melissa is a Cricut Queen and helped Annabeth made a shirt and decorated a cup for her. It was the PERFECT no clutter, fun experience gift! Thank you all!

- We took a bag of dance shoes/clothes to friends and I shared some more t-shirts and shorts from the studio on our dance company Facebook page. Over the years, so many generous friends have passed company wear on to our kids so I always try to pass it on when we are done. It's a great cycle! 

- Saturday was Annabeth's 13th Birthday! Here's how we celebrated...

She spent the morning doing her dream activity: volunteering at the library book sale.

She was gifted a free bag of books for helping and it gave her SO much joy! 

Our kids always get one eat-out meal on their birthday. 

She chose the "Train Mexican Place"

Her dessert of chocie this year was ice cream sundaes with

mini marshmallows, chocolate candies, and caramel sauce 

- We have always let our kids pick one paid for activity and one eat out meal on their birthdays. They also choose the rest of the menu for the day. She chose donuts for breakfast and pizza rolls/fruit cocktail for lunch. My Aunt Nancy gifted her a Target gift card so we went there in the afternoon to pick up her choice of gift. After dinner, we had her sundaes, spent time reading, and did a living room camp-out. 

- Sunday at church we enjoyed World Communion Sunday and a Missions Fair. That evening was the church picnic, we each were to bring a dish based on the first letter of our last name. We had salads and I thought I was being creative by bringing a veggie tray assuming most people would bring potatoe or pasta salad - turns out nearly everyone brought a veggie tray. Oops! We'll remember for next year!

- Sunday afternoon, we had the Rileys over for Annabeth and Luke's birthdays. He kindly let her choose the meal: homemade pizzas - we did chicken BBQ, chicken Alfredo, and pepperoni for the little kids. I also put out Cesear Salad, raspberries, and kiwi. I made Annabeth her choice of cake - lemon with vanilla frosting. She had a great time with the cousins and enjoyed opening two gorgeous pairs of Mickey ears for an upcomg trip!

13!

- While we have finished our 2,024 in 2024 challenge, we have still been cleaning out! Last week, two totes of items left our home. This week, I cleaned out the kitchen cabinets and we donated some silverware and Tupperware to a Free Little Pantry and have some other items to donate to a local non-profit. Space for us, gifts for others!

- Last month, a generous company donated school supplies to our co-op. In the boxes, we received hundreds of children's safety scissors. Once our group had taken what they needed, I brought the excess home. We have been able to donate to 5 other organizations thanks to the excess! 

- Tuesday evening I had a board meeting. The hostess served a lovely dinner and dessert. It's always nice not to have to cook and we had a great evening making plans. I highly encourage you to put yourself in groups where leadership is in constant prayer and consideration for the group. It means so much to know others truly have the best interest of everyone at heart!

- A friend of Mark's listed some gym equipment for sale on his Facebook. Mark and I have been debating over a treadmill for a while but other things kept coming up as we saved. This one was a steal for a great, quality one so we went for it! Mark went to pick it up, ended up helping his friend move some things around in his basement, and then carried the machine up the stairs. When he was loaded up and went to pay, his friend wouldn't take the money. It was SUCH a gift to us. Thank you! 

- Last night, I took dinner to some friends. I made chicken fajitas with rice and added GF tortillas, oranges, and boxed Goodie Girl Cookies. They are receiving Meal Train meals many nights a week so I tried to take some shelf stable items so they aren't swimming in leftovers. If you would, keep "M" in prayer and as you pray please pray for healing for her.

- Last night, I was getting ready for bed when I took one last look at Facebook. I saw that, for the second time this year, people near us were seeing the Northern Lights. Depsite a great effort last time, I still have never seen them. I threw on some sweats and hopped in the car and drove until I found them! 

Northern Lights in Whiteland, IN

This is very close to what they looked like with the naked eye

Mark stayed home with the sleeping kids and saw them from our yard 

after I left. We did wake the kids up to be sure they could see them. 

What a glorious week! We've seen God answer prayers big and small this week and we're forever thankful for his love and mercy.

Happy Savings to All! 

Thirteen Years With Our Miracle Girl

 Thirteen. 

Our little home baker turns a Baker's Dozen today. 

We are so incredibly proud of the wise, sweet girl that Annabeth has become. When she was very young, on a sunny afternoon in our school room, she said "Mama, Jesus died for my sins. I know that He did on the cross. What do I do now?" After I cried, my sweet girl and I prayed that she might live a humble life but speak boldly of Jesus.

I think back to her birthday and in those hours between her arrival and me knowing she was alive, before I ever met her face to face, I prayed, I begged the Lord to save her. I bargained with Him saying "Lord, if you save her, we'll do anything for you!" I am ashamed to not have trusted His plan and to have tried to bargain with the One who created the universe. But I did. And I've worked daily to keep my promises made in those dark, painful hours of waiting. I gave her to Him and it never ceases to amaze me how He's already used her.

Twelve could have been the worst, hardest year for her. Life threw her some big challenges, big hardships, and very few ever know it. In the middle of countless appointments, PT and rehab work at the office and home, and in the midst of great disappointments Annabeth chose JOY. 

This last year, in the middle of great personal struggle, Annabeth chose service, she chose others, she chose to go beyond herself to be there for other people. 

Even as her own dance plans had to evolve and as she was asked to give up tumbling, changing goals forever, she agreed to teach others. When her ability to do a thing she loves deeply was taken away, she chose to happily teach others. To watch her grow and teach each week is such a gift. She is never bitter, never angry to help others develop skills she's had to walk away from. 

In a year, that was physically so painful and so hard. She worked to rehab so she could participate fully in life. In the midst of hard days she was there for her friends, helped others, and served faithfully in every way she was asked at church and home. 

To have a child who loves the Lord, who loves others, and who shares the Light in the midst of her own darkness makes me incredibly thankful. Countless times Mark and I cried out this year, "Why her again?!" as we were frustrated with waiting without answers. But only once did she cry for all that she was losing. Instead she kept sharing, giving, and learning new skills. 

Our Miracle Girl keeps fighting, keeps defying the challenges, and never lets any situation steal her joy. We've reflected a lot on the thought that "our joy comes from the Lord not from our circumstances." She's living it, daily. 

People have always said to us, "there's something different about her, something special" - of course there is! It's the same thing that makes each of us incredibly special - she was perfectly, wonderfully made and is saved by grace. If you want to know more - ask! I'm incredibly proud to say my gal will boldly share Truth with you that you might come to love the Lord just like her. 

So Annabeth Sage - Happy 13 to the one who already knows all of the important, eternal lessons, lives life beautifully, and inspires me to be better everyday. You are deeply, forever loved by us and Jesus.  

Annabeth Sage