Favorite Monthly Pictures of 2019

Happy End of 2019!

I did a post like this a few years ago and I love reflecting on it each December so I thought I'd do it again this year.

Here are my 12 Favorite Pictures from 2019...

January 

Our BIG Christmas gift for our kids was their first trip to Disney on Ice.

Seeing Owen's face when Mickey skated out was the highlight of the month for me! 

February

I made the big, firm decision to go gray at 32.

Thank you to my amazing friend, and hair lady, Christy Stearns

for making it so easy and beautiful! 

March

March 8 we fell in love all over again when our newest nephew came into

the world. We surprised the kids after church one day with a trip

to meet him.  

April

We celebrated Easter in Evansville.

I love this picture of my parents and the kids.

May

Niagara Falls has been on my Bucket List since high school and we

made it happen for our 10th Wedding Anniversary!

June 

 Annabeth competed in the Johnson County 4H Talent Show.

Not only did she win her category, she won the WHOLE show!

Her first Grand Champion before she even started 4H!

July 

A swim day with our best friends!

We thought they were moving to Texas so we spent many spare

moments in summer savoring moments with them. In the last weeks before the move,

God graciously provided a job close to home and they didn't move! Praise the Lord! 

August

The kids started Homeschool Saddle Club and Owen fell in LOVE 

with horses! It has been so fun to watch him grow and learn.  

September

 A cousins' date at Apple Works.

I love that we've lived close, far, and now close again and that the love

has always carried us across the miles. 

October

I always wanted to be in love in the fall and I'm so thankful for Mark

who loves me in the fall (and winter, spring, and summer)

He truly is my whole world.  

November

November had so many wonderful moments but this picture is my favorite.

Cowboy Owen and Cowboy Statue at Old Hickory BBQ in Owensboro, KY  

December

The kids hugging after their Christmas Canata at church.

I love their love for each other and their growing love for the Lord. 

Frugal Friday 324

Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Last Friday we drove down to Charlestown to spend the day with our best friends. Rose sweetly set up a cookie decorating station, cooked lunch, and the kids all exchanged gifts. I am so thankful for our friendship and now the friendship of our kids.

- Friday Mark attended our city employee lunch. He won a door prize and came home with a blanket, mug, t-shirt, and several gift cards. Thank you to our city for being so generous to its employees!

- Saturday morning we had Christmas at our house. It is SO much fun watching the kids open the gifts we've found for them. Owen especially loved his stuffed pups and Annabeth loved her clothes and accessories for her doll.

- Saturday afternoon we played clean-out-the-fridge for lunch and then headed down to Evansville. We made it in time to share Group dinner with a dear group of church friends. The kids had so much playing with the kids that Owen cried when it was time to leave.

- Sunday after church Mark, the kids, and I went to Owensboro to visit Momaw. We had a nice lunch together and the boys did some work in her garage and took her car to the car wash as a gift to her. She passed on a pair of shoes to me that she had purchased but didn't fit correctly.

- Monday we had a family day. We spent the morning together doing scavenger hunts around my parents' house. Then the boys took the kids out to lunch and to Mickey's Kingdom. The girls ate leftovers for lunch and did some last minute shopping. We all met for dinner at Fuji Yama so we could give our friend Miss Helen her Christmas gift.

- Christmas Eve we got out and enjoyed a few hours hiking, bird watching, and playing at a park. It was glorious to have a 55 degree Christmas Eve.

- We celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with both sides of my family. We enjoyed seeing many cousins, aunts, and uncles that we only see a few times over the course of the year.

- Christmas Day was even warmer and instead of focusing on presents, the kids spent hours playing Hide and Go Seek Outside as it was nearly 70 degrees in Kentucky! It was so wonderful!

We had a truly wonderful, nearly whole week, in Evansville/Owensboro!
We are so thankful for precious time with family and look forward to more Christmas celebrations this weekend.

Merry Christmas!

Love, The Rileys

Frugal Friday 323

Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- I am part of the University of Louisville Alumni Facebook page. This year they did a 12 Days of Christmas and I won Day Two! They kindly mailed me a very nice Alumni hat and car sticker. Thank you UofL Alumni!

Proud to be a graduate of UofL! 

- Friday evening the kids and I enjoyed a live animal show at a local library. We saw many animals and enjoyed seeing the reindeer most of all.

- Saturday morning the kids and I treated Mark's dad to Breakfast with Jesus and Santa at our church. This is our annual tradition with his parents but unfortunately his mom was sick this year. I know his dad and the kids still had a great time. Annabeth was even kind enough to visit Santa so they could have a picture.

- Saturday afternoon we went to a wonderful birthday party for some sweet sisters. Each of the kids had friends there and they had so much fun having an indoor snowball fight, going on a candy cane hunt, and playing with their friends.

- Sunday morning the kids offered gifts of song and dance during the church Cantata. They had practice for a few hours on Saturday afternoon and then participated in both services on Sunday. They had a wonderful time and I was so proud to see them praising our Lord.

- Sunday afternoon Mark got back in town after a training and the kids and I were worn out from the long weekend we were SO tempted to pick up lunch but we resisted! We did a quick grocery stop for the week and came home and cooked lunch. Everyone was hungry and grumpy but we did it anyway!

- Monday morning we woke up to snow! After school, the kids bundled up and played for a while. The kids played outside at least one hour every day this week. They came in to warm up before dance and Owen and I made homemade cocoa. Most store bought cocoas are not Annabeth safe so we have been making our own for years.

- If you have been reading for a while, you know that I do a big closet clean out twice a year. I took the time to do it one day and cleaned out all of my clothes. I let my sister have first pick of the clothes and then the rest will go to the Junk Exchange to share with friends.

- Tuesday after some appointments we came home to enjoy an afternoon of snow play and baking. Growing up, my Mama always made the first snow of the season Cookie Baking Day. We had snow and baked cookies last snow but we decided we needed to bake a cake for this snow as well.

- Mark woke up very early both Monday and Tuesday to shovel snow. He shoveled at his work and also for our elderly neighbors. The kids were up early to see him and I love his constant example of Christian witness. He does it early, in the dark hours of the morning and comes home before anyone knows it was him who completed the task. I so admire his willingness to give without asking for, or expecting, anything in return.

- I mended three clothing items. A penny saved is a penny earned and we always try to fix or mend before buying again.

- Three weeks ago I got out a card table to work a puzzle. After we finished that puzzle, I left it out and in since then the kids have been working something on it everyday. Some puzzles, some art, some Legos, some Knex but always building. Who knew simply adding a piece of furniture would spark such creativity?!

- A few weeks ago, a fellow Book Lady shared some pictures of her vendor/school set up. She had an awesome book rack and sent me the Amazon link after I asked for it. It was $180 new/$125 used (plus shipping!) On Wednesday, a teacher store in Evansville posted they were GIVING AWAY book racks much like the one I have on my Amazon list! My sister ran over and grabbed one for me!! Thank you Lu! I am happy to put the money I had been saving for the rack back into my business in a different way!

I cannot wait to get a new Usborne Books & More label for the top and to

fill it for books for sale!

We are looking forward to a busy weekend and a blessed Christmas Week.

Happy Savings to All!

Frugal Friday 322

Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- I cleaned out my dresser. 15 items went to the Junk Exchange box. It still amazes me each time I clean out my clothes, generally twice a year, that I ALWAYS find more to part with.

- I ordered the last of our online Christmas gifts. I had forgotten (UGH!!!) to use a free promotional coupon that I had but I was still able to wait for a decent sale and free shipping on the items. I saved (between the sale and shipping) about $35 but I would have saved an additional $15 if I hadn't let my coupon expire. Thankfully this sale came in time for Christmas shipping.

- I donated a $30 bag of Usborne books to the Franklin City Police Department's Christmas party. The department kindly offered every family who came to the Christmas Party a door prize. I hope this bag, books, and coupon are a blessing to the family that received it.

- We enjoyed the department Christmas party as a family. We won a salt water float ($50 value!) and a coupon for a free meal at Culver's. We don't eat at Culver's so we passed that along to a friend. Toodleydoo Toys in Franklin also AMAZINGLY gave every single family a $10 coupon! Thank you Debi and staff!

- Mark and Owen used the $10 Toodleydoo coupon to buy Annabeth's Christmas gift. It was one of the last gifts that we needed to buy, we had planned to do it close to when we open gifts so Owen wouldn't have to keep the surprise from Annabeth for long, and this coupon came just in time.

- Saturday morning Mark and Owen met up with Mark's mom to do some Christmas shopping. Annabeth and I had a quiet morning at home as we worked a 300 piece puzzle (she is great at puzzles and I am learning to be patient with my lack of skills) and watched baking shows.

- Saturday afternoon we drove down towards Seymour for a birthday party. Annabeth's sweet friend from summer camp has been her pen-pal all school year and the girls were excited to see each other to celebrate H's birthday. I didn't know that she goes to school with a couple of my friend's children so I was able to catch up with my friend Whitney as well. On the way home, we stopped in Columbus for a Ru Yi sushi date.

She has ALWAYS loved sushi!

That night she had a sweet potato roll and rainbow roll with 5 kinds of fresh fish.

- Sunday after church we did our grocery shopping for the next two weeks. This was our first big trip in three weeks and should last us through Christmas (we get fresh produce delivered weekly from Imperfect) We made Chinese Food at home and then had a triple-show-Christmas-movie afternoon. It was a much needed break before the busyness of the next few weeks set in.

- Tuesday we drove to Shelbyville to deliver books to a customer. We also stopped by the Grover Museum - Shelby County History Museum - for about 90 minutes. The kids always love to see the 1900 town, train room, and at Christmas the decorated trees. Annabeth is in third grade this year so I am making a point to visit all of the local county museums to learn more about our local history.

- Tuesday evening we enjoyed Travel Club at the library. This month was about Italy and presented by an exchange student from Italy. The kids loved learning about his hometown and each asked some great questions.

- Wednesday evening Owen and I dropped Annabeth off at dance and then we drove to Indy for an Advent Service. Both of our nieces and our nephew were reading/singing in a mid-week Advent service and we so enjoyed worshipping with them. Mark picked up Annabeth from dance and they took a fun drive to look at Christmas lights.

- Yesterday, Annabeth had a Riley appointment. Since we were already nearly to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis we headed there after. We enjoyed an in-the-car picnic lunch on the roof of the parking garage. Then we enjoyed over three hours of fun at the museum. We have about six weeks left on our membership so I want to go as much as possible.

- This year Owen's FAVORITE thing to do has been to save the sea turtles at the museum. The one Christmas gift I hadn't found yet was a turtle like the one at the museum so we stopped by the gift shop to get him one. We do NOT usually exit through the gift shop but I really wanted him to have a turtle and members saved 20% so it was the day for it. Annabeth also got a small item.

 Owen saving the turtles. 

He LOVES this area!

Ultimately he decided against a plastic turtle like the museum ones
and chose a plush one. Since it was over 1/2 the price of the plastic one, I agreed.
Hugging "Leo" his new turtle friend.

- Last night Owen and Mark went to a local park to help a friend's son with his Eagle Scout Project. Annabeth and I stayed home to have a low key evening.

Frugal Fail: Last Thursday, a family at church called and offered us two tickets to the Jurassic Quest dino show in downtown Indianapolis. Owen hasn't really gotten into dinosaurs and is scared easily so I passed on the generous offer. Once I saw other people's pictures/videos from the show I realized that he may have really enjoyed it. That being said,I hope they found another family to share with.

Happy Savings to All!

Frugal Friday 321

Happy Frugal Friday!

Here is how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money -

- Mark worked some overtime and I worked my Usborne Books & More Business.

- Last Friday, we decorated the house and put up the tree. We ate Thanksgiving leftovers for lunch which was wonderful! Each of the kids also decorated a ginger bread house. I found Anna-Safe Mickey Mouse ones at Target for just $5 each. We love doing this each year and I love when I find Anna-Safe ones!

- Saturday I worked the Ladies Day Out Vendor Fair at Style. I had a decent sales day and enjoyed meeting some new book lovers. I packed my lunch and only purchased a $5 item so the day was very affordable.

- Saturday morning while Annabeth was at gymnastics, Mark took Owen out for a date. Owen asked to go to Starbucks and they sat, drank coffee, and talked. Owen has talked about it ALL week!

- Sunday we were the Advent Readers and Candle Lighters at church. Annabeth was so excited that she barely slept the night before! They also had practice for the Christmas Cantata. 

- After church, we finished up our Thanksgiving leftovers (mashed potatoes, cheezy carrots, and corn on the cob) but we didn't have any turkey so we ate it with shrimp. We called it an Island Thanksgiving! 

- Sunday afternoon Mark and I took turns playing with the kids and taking naps. We each snuck in a 2 hour nap which was AMAZING! He played games and built paper crafts with the kids during mine and the kids and I baked cookies and wrote our mail for the week during his.

- Our church has adopted several families from a local elementary school to receive Christmas gifts. We took two wishlists off the tree and the kids selected all of the candy that the kids had wished for. In the candy aisle, they each found things they wanted and it was such a great reminder that it is more blessed to give than to receive. 

- I LOVE getting money back with Ibotta. This month's gift card came just in time to purchase a gift for a Secret Santa exchange I am doing with some ladies I work with. I was able to buy a nice item off her wishlist and ship for free ALL covered by my Ibotta money. Join and Save Here.

- Tuesday after school we enjoyed a bit of play at the library. The kids also found new books for the week as well as our new read aloud. We then spent 90 minutes at our local museum. The kids enjoyed the permanent exhibits, seeing what the revolving exhibit is, and voting on Christmas trees decorated by local charity groups.

- Wednesday we had a bit of cabin fever. We're at the end of the semester, finishing books and testing so we've been home most days the past few weeks. The weather was very warm and since it was around 50 degrees we spent over two hours outside that afternoon.

- Wednesday evening after I dropped Annabeth off at dance, I took 30 minutes and went to Starbucks. I used a giftcard to buy a coffee (decaf always now) and a cookie and I finished a Christmas book. It was  the very sweet 25 Days Till Christmas by Poppy Alexander.

We had a low key week and did not eat out (other than the Starbucks with a giftcard) or drive farther than 5 minutes away as we were trying to save on gas this week as well. Our monthly bills have increased this fall due to some unforeseen medical/dental issues and so we've had to cut back very much on "extras" That being said I am SO proud that we continue to "live like no one else so later we can live like no one else." We aren't in a season where we are paying extra on our mortgage but we are still paying cash and not taking out credit.

Happy Savings to All!

Frugal Friday 320

Happy Frugal Friday!

Here is how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money:

- Thursday after Annabeth's last P.E. class, we drove down to Evansville. We listened to books on tape on the drive down. We had a great visit with my family - Dad and Annabeth finished a project for her room, we ate out for sushi and pizza, and Dad and Aunt Lu took the kids to the children's museum. Mama and I had a quiet afternoon reading by the fire at the library, a bit of shopping for Christmas, and then a walk through her favorite consignment store. We also took Saturday to shop the Central Band Craft Fair and to visit Momaw in Owensboro. We had a very good visit and look forward to going back in a month or so.

- A few weeks ago, Mama and Dad took home the nightstand from Owen's room to re-do for Annabeth. This originally came from the lakehouse and hasn't really served a function in Owen's room for a couple of years. Dad completely redid it, painted it, and now it's the perfect doll wardrobe for Annabeth's American Girl Doll Samantha.

Here you can see the nightstand by Owen's rocking chair.

 All made over for Samantha.

It doesn't even look like the same piece of furniture! 

 Annabeth's American Girl Corner

The doll, desk, and clothes were all mine from when I was a child.

My Mama and I found the doll bed at a consignment store and Mama put together all 

of the bedding. The closet makeover was a project made by my Dad. 

 Inside the closet. She has all of the dresses nicely hung with mirrors
to check her hair. The drawer underneath has shoes and accessories.

- I watched a friend's kids on Monday. They are extremely well behaved and clean up so well after themselves plus my kids love playing with them so it didn't feel like work at all! The family generously paid me with a Starbucks giftcard. Thank you all!

- Monday evening we purchased a fundraiser item from a student at our dance studio. The fruit is an item we buy weekly anyway and even though this was a bit more expensive we were happy to support Ella and the FFA. Mark and I have always made a point to support fundraisers when we can, knowing our own kids will also do them at different points.

- Tuesday we did the pre-Christmas deep clean of Owen's room and Wednesday we did the pre-Christmas deep clean of Annabeth's room. Nearly 50 items are leaving our house to either be donated or sold at the spring Here We Grow Again sale. 

- We had a lovely Thanksgiving yesterday with Mark's family. M&J hosted and we took deviled eggs, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, chocolate chip pie, and chocolate chip cookies. We had a wonderful afternoon together and were just missing one member of the family who was home sick.

We are home today, with a slow morning of cinnamon rolls and a Christmas movie. Next is tree and house decorating for Christmas but NO shopping. Our Christmas shopping is done and we're looking forward to an evening of making memories together.

Happy Savings to All!

Frugal Friday 319

Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Saturday night my sister and I had tickets to a show (my birthday gift to her) but it was cancelled a few weeks ago. She went ahead and came up for the day and we went out for lunch and then the Cake Bake Shop for dessert take-out. We shopped a consignment store after and each found some great new clothing items.

- Sunday we went to the CMOI. My sister came along, for free thanks to our + on our pass. We spent quite a few hours at the museum and the kids enjoyed having multiple grown-ups so we could split up and they could each down their own age appropriate activity. We packed a lunch so we spent $0 on our fun outing.

 Mark and the kids in front of the CMOI water clock

Once again, Owen spent well over an hour

of the visit caring for the sea turtles.

- After the museum, we ran by Mark's parents house. We enjoyed visiting with them and they colored and played games with the kids. I love long, slow Sundays with the people that we love.

- We played with homeschool friends at the library and got new books/audio books for the week. Thank you to Miss Sarah at the desk for helping Annabeth find everything from Harry Potter to a book on Ryan White.

- Tuesday evening the kids each took a toy to donate at 4H. The Junior Leaders will be taking the toys to one central location for a special toy drive run by those Leaders. I was happy to see each of the kids choose a nice item to donate.

- Yesterday morning, we enjoyed a preschool storytime at the Church of God in Franklin. Our sweet friend Miss Kelley leads such a fun class each month. We also donated a big bag of individual dessert bags to be used in December's Meal Bags.

- Yesterday we wrapped up the fall session of P.E. at Franklin College. Annabeth has enjoyed this class so much each year. I very much appreciate Franklin College and their openess to young learners and the local homeschool community.

- We only had one hour between storytime and P.E. but instead of eating out the kids and I went home and ate quick sandwiches and fruit. Yes, it would have been much easier to eat out but it was SO much more affordable to eat at home.

We had a busy, busy week and are looking forward to a weekend with family.

Happy Savings to All!

Christmas Jar Challenge

A few weeks ago, a movie ad popped up on my Facebook newsfeed. It looked like one of those feel good Christmas movies that I like to watch while baking cookies. Mid-way through the ad it mentioned "based on the best selling novel..." which prompted me to reserve both the book and sequel at my local library.

I finished the first book Christmas Jars, by Jason F Wright, yesterday. I was teary eyed, moved by the beautiful story of how one family's jar of change that created a real change in people's lives. I promptly stood up, found a Ball jar, and emptied the change in my wallet into the jar. I wrote Acts 20:35 across the top. A few hours later, still feeling that Christmas spirit, I set up a cute photo for Facebook hoping to share some joy and encourage others to enjoy the novel.

Today, in a squeezed in quiet moment, I began the sequel Christmas Jars Reunion because I was in such a hurry to revisit the beautiful writing of Wright and the world of Hope Jensen. The sequel, so far, is perhaps even more moving than the first book. The more I read, the more I wanted to create my own Christmas Jar movement - so, here I am.

What is a Christmas Jar?

According to Wright's novel, it's any kind of jar you have around. You fill it with change beginning as soon after Christmas as you can. The change you get at the grocery, coffee shop, or lunch line always goes straight in the jar when you get home. Then, the next Christmas you gift the jar to someone who needs it. A stranger, a homeless woman, a widower, a loved one, whoever the Spirit moves you to share with.

As I've been praying over this project and pondering who I might share a jar with it occurred to me that I have many people in my life who might benefit from a surprise jar of money - a widow who will celebrate her first Christmas just her and her young children, a family facing mountains of medical bills, a friend who is fostering children, etc 

And so, dear blog friends, I challenge you to get a jar and start it TODAY.

Not after Christmas, not when you have extra, not when you have time, but right.now. 

The point is not the amount of money in the jar but the statement of "I see you. I value you. I care for you."

How many people can we bless? How many people will we choose to SEE this Christmas season? 

Frugal Friday 318

Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Saturday I had a rare in-home Usborne Books & More party. We had so much fun and my hostess earned an incredible $85 in FREE books! I also hosted my Third Annual Holiday Open House on Sunday.  I was pleased to open our home to four additional vendors who enjoyed the free table fee and business exposure.

- Annabeth has been working for a month or more on crafts - paintings, magnets, and some ceramics for the open house. She had her own table with Annabeth's Originals. Thank you to everyone who came and purchase, especially sweet grandparents and aunts/uncles who called and ordered over video chat! :) She is saving her money for next year's vacation.

- Sunday the kids both decided they wanted to be REALLY dressed up. Owen had to wear his new red tie from Grandmama-Mimi and Annabeth wanted to wear her fanciest dress for the Open House. They looked so sweet I had to make pictures.

In their Sunday Best.

Mark was so cute and decided to match Owen while

they went to Sunday lunch at Nana and PawPaw's. 

- Saturday and Sunday were both fun, but long, days. We resisted the urge to eat out and I cooked dinner at home each night. When I am tired or in a hurry is when I am most tempted to eat out or run through a drive-thru. We have worked really hard to break that habit. Mark has also been taking his lunch or coming home most days.

- Mark worked some overtime.

- Monday Mark was off for Veteran's Day. We splurged and took the kids bowling. We used a $5 coupon to save one shoe rental fee. We came home and Owen and I spent the afternoon curled up reading while Mark and Annabeth played Monopoly.

- Monday night we had our first snow, nearly 4 inches, of the year. Annabeth and I were at dance but Mark and Owen went out to play and had hot chocolate afterward.

- Tuesday we got out in the snow for a free bat lecture and regular P.E. class at Franklin College. Thank you to our friend Ben for allowing us to sit in on the bat lecture and for the openness of Franklin College to include learners of all ages.

- Tuesday evening Mark helps lead a cub scout pack and boy scout troop. This week they were making fruit salad so he took fruit from our Imperfect box. We had ordered more than we had used so that was a perfect way to ensure we're using all of the food that we buy.

- We spent two afternoons at the library, playing games and visiting with other homeschool friends. We also stocked up on books and movies for the snowy week.

- I had a bit of money from a fundraiser to help pay our dance budget this month. That allowed me to have extra money to go out to dinner with a friend/potential book lady last night.

We had a great week and the kids really enjoyed the first snow of the year. I held to my commitment to spend a minimum of 20 mindful minutes outside each day (not just walking from a car to a building) and I think we are ALL better for it. We have been doing this since last winter and it really helps to keep everyone happy even on dreary days or really hot or really cold days.

We are looking forward to the weekend with some special out-of-town company.

Happy Savings to All!

Frugal Friday 317

Happy Frugal Friday!

Here is how we saved money/made extra money/spent our money wisely:

- Mark worked overtime and I worked my Usborne Books & More business and Mark worked overtime.

- On Halloween, the kids and I drove down to Evansville. We enjoyed indoor trick-or-treating at Deaconess Women's Hospital. With three floors of costumes and candy the kids were thrilled! We went back to my parents' house to hand out candy and for the traditional soup/sandwiches dinner.

This was our first Halloween in Evansville so as soon as they were in costume, 

we ran outside to freeze on the front porch making pictures just like I did as a child.

It was really special to share this holiday with my family for the first time.

- Friday we had a fun day out. Annabeth went with Aunt Lu to spend her birthday giftcard and to share lunch. Mama and I took Owen out to chick-fil-a to play on the playground and I redeemed a $2.99 coupon for a FREE milkshake. We all met up at the mall for a free ride on the carousel (the kids are in their birthday club and get free rides for their birthdays) and $11 glow-putt putt. This is an AMAZING deal as it's two full rounds of glow golf with over 50 holes at that price!

- Saturday we went to Owensboro to visit Momaw. We enjoyed lunch at Old Hickory and then split up boys and girls. Dad and Owen went downtown to the park by the river and us ladies enjoyed some Holiday Open Houses.

Just a couple of cowboys after a BBQ lunch.

- Sunday evening we all got back in town around the same time. Mark came in from hiking/camping and the rest of us came back from Evansville. Mark made an executive decision to splurge and get delivery pizza (we didn't have any freezer pizzas) using a gift card. We got the pizzas for free thanks to a gift card from a tire rebate. Mark will use the rest of it to buy his lunches for the week.

- Wednesday evening we made our own pizzas with Naan bread at home. The kids LOVE pizza and although they like freezer pizzas, they tire of them quickly. I try to mix it up and keep it fun when I can.

- Thursday Annabeth began her third session of P.E. at Franklin College. This is offered, for free, to homeschoolers once a semester. We also enjoyed a good hour of craft and play at the library with a friend afterwards.

- My Team Leader cash bonus came through this week! I will be putting most of it aside to save for vacation. I am SO excited to be a new Team Leader with Usborne Books & More and love the team I am building. Let me know if earning serious cash while selling children's books appeals to you!

Lastly this week, I just want to share a story.
Wednesday we were in Greenwood for an appointment. We stopped in one of the post offices there to mail a book. This is a post office that we never use but I just felt like I should stop there.
While waiting in line we met the neatest man! Owen had pulled a card with whales off the rack and the man said, "Oh, I wonder what kind of whales those are..." He flipped over the card, no description. He then said, "The absolute highlight of my life was seeing a blue while in the Arctic..." and proceeded to tell us an incredible story about whale spotting in the Arctic Circle. He then shared his pictures from his Alaska trip just last month. While out driving a large snow vehicle for work, his team came face to face with a polar bear. The pictures and his stories were incredible. I was so thankful to be in line with him.
My point? SLOW DOWN. Take time to talk to strangers, connect with the people around you.
I am like my Mama and my Momaw, strangers have always just connected with us, told us stories right away, and so I've learned to listen. I meet some of the most amazing people just by being willing to stop and listen.

I am working all weekend but am looking forward to connecting with lots of local people through my book business.

Happy Savings to All!

Frugal Friday 316

Happy Frugal Friday!

Here is how we saved money/earned extra money/spent money wisely this week:

- Last Friday, we had a Downtown Franklin morning. We took advantage of no line at early voting (where we saw the Sheriff which Owen talked about ALL day), free storytime at the toy store, and a walk to look at the changing leaves. The kids each took some piggy bank money to the toy store and purchased squishies.

Our little America Lover had to pose with his hand

over his heart since we did our civic duty of voting. 

- Our latest shipment of Nature Nate's Honey arrived last Friday as well. As a brand partner, I get exclusive freebies (like the softest t-shirt I own, a fun travel bag, and more honey than we can eat) I love the homeschool lessons and bee/honey facts they share with us too. Thank you to Nature Nate's for letting us share the sweetness.

It's always nice to come home to a bag of honey on the porch!

- Saturday, I hosted a joint Thirty-One and Usborne Books & More party. My sweet friend Brittany Floyd brought her Thirty-One business and I earned $40 in free product!! Each of the kids were able to design a new library bag for themselves and I paid just $31 out of pocket. Thank you Brittany for the fun - check out her business page here.

- I had made quite a bit of food for Saturday's party. We were able to eat it for leftovers for Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch for us girls. 

- Sunday after church, Mark and Owen went to a chili lunch at his parents' house. I took Annabeth to a birthday party at the new duck pin bowling place in town. She had a ton of fun and I can't wait to go back to try it myself! We also popped in the library to return books and get new ones for the week.

- Sunday evening we carved pumpkins. We have only done this with the kids two years and they really enjoyed it this year! I am thankful for sweet memories with these little people.

Mark helped Owen make that witch pumpkin and 

Annabeth made her face to include long hair.

- Tuesday evening we enjoyed Mark's scout troop's annual Halloween party. The kids had SO much fun running on the dark soccer field, lit up by glowsticks, with their friends. Annabeth won the pumkin carving contest! Owen is eagerly anticipating Kindergarten next year so he can officially join Cub Scouts.

- Wednesday evening we enjoyed Trunk or Treat (indoors due to rain) at the dance studio. Annabeth had fun wearing her costume to class and getting candy with her friends. 

- Before going on a road trip, the kids and I selected musical CDs and books on CD from our library. We don't allow our children to have iPads or to watch shows/play games on our phones. I am sympathetic that car rides can feel long and monotonous so I try to use music and books on CD to keep everyone fairly happy.

- The kids and I trick-or-treated at the Women's Hospital in Evansville. This was our first Halloween at (my) home in Evansville. Since Mama and Dad both had to work we decided to trick-or-treat at their workplace. The kids had a great time and I was glad to do it there since it was rainy and cold. We had a soup and grilled cheese dinner at home per Halloween tradition.

We are looking forward to a good weekend visiting with family while Mark camps.

Happy Savings to All!

Frugal Friday 315

Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Last Friday, we were late getting in from dog sitting and the kids were asking for pizza. We skipped the take out option and Mark spent $5 on freezer pizza at Meijer and the kids were very happy with that. I love how easy it is to make them happy!

- Saturday I worked our CUMC craft fair with my Usborne Books & More business. I had a good sales day and got to sell alongside my friends Ann and Kelley which was very fun. I love meeting new book lovers. I did spend a bit of money at the craft fair as I purchased a Christmas gift made by Ann and won a silent auction item that I also plan to gift this Christmas season.

- Saturday evening we went to the Havens Hope Stables Fall Festival. The kids have loved riding in the Saddle Club this fall and it was the first time that Mark was able to tour the ranch and to see them ride. We very much appreciated this free event.

Mark and Owen eating their cowboy supper on a rock

Watching the horse show

The Riley Four 

Mark coordinated all of this plaid while I worked. 

Owen was sad because we made him stop watching to take this picture

- Mark did our grocery shopping Saturday night and saved over $25 with coupons. We got all of our food for the week for $71.

- Sunday after church we came home and had a quick lunch together before we did a BIG house and yard clean up. We spent about four hours working together to clean house.

- After our Sunday clean-up, we hosted my Usborne Books &More Hallow-Book Party. We had a fun storytime, games, costume parade with prizes, and a craft. Our kids loved dressing up with their friends.

- After the party, we treated Mark's parents and his brother and family to a pizza dinner. We used a coupon for free breadsticks.

- Wednesday evening my friend Melissa treated me to a treat at Starbucks and two hours of great conversation. Thank you Melissa!

- I wrapped up the fall fundraiser for our dance studio with my Usborne Books & More business. This fundraiser helped dance families earn hundreds of dollars towards competition and class fees. Let me know if your school, group, or family could benefit from a quick, profitable fundraiser.

Thank you to everyone who checked in with me this week, sent a card, or called upon Leah's passing. In the midst of great sadness, I have felt the love of those who are still here.

We are looking forward to a busy weekend with a book party, the kids singing at church, and a birthday party.

Happy Savings to All!

Frugal Friday 314

Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- We took Thursday through Monday off school. We did go to Saddle Club, enjoyed a visit from my parents complete with sushi, an ice cream sundae movie night, and pizza and bowling. Saturday the kids and I went to the movies - Owen's first trip to a big movie theater! Sunday we went to church, children's music. and then spent the day outside. Monday Mark got back from a weekend camping trip with his Scout Troop and we went to an orchard and spent more time outside.

- Sunday through today, the kids and I have been staying in Indianapolis at Mark's parents' house watching over the house and the dog while they were out of town. The kids LOVED it! Owen has been asking for a puppy so he loved caring for Osa all week. Mark's parents got each of us some of our favorite foods to enjoy for the week and we spent just $50 on groceries for the week.

Owen and "his" dog Osa

- We had gorgeous weather this week! I made a point to leave extra time to stop and play while out on errands. We found a new park, or at least a playground, each day.

- Tuesday evening Annabeth started 4H. I was SO excited for her as I loved 4H as a child and it's fun to share that with her now. She has selected her projects and is excited for the manuals to come in so she can begin working.

- I worked on my Usborne Books & More business about 10 hours this week. I am working on a huge, long time goal and excited to be inching closer an closer to that goal.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out following Wednesday's blog post. I am so very thankful to have had such a loving and kind friend in Leah.

Happy Savings to All!

Dear Leah

Dear Leah,

We ended each night of college with out-loud "Dear Leah" and "Dear Amy" letters of our days. It was how we shared our hearts, our hopes, our dreams, and our grievances about the other not taking the trash out.

I do not know what my college years would have been without you. I think back to that second night, me alone and scared in my room, content to watch TV and then that knock on my door that changed my life. You. Thank you for being the brave one, who didn't want to sit alone, who wanted to reach out and connect.

I am so thankful for our three years as roommates, for the year we each planned our weddings, for those crazy two weeks in which we both got married. I am so thankful for the love across the years and miles since then.

I won't forget the day in May when I learned my first born would be a girl. After a call to my family, you were my first phone call. Her "beth" in part for your Elisabeth. Thank you for celebrating with me and for sharing in the joy that day.

I am sorry for the "Dear Amy" that was followed with news of your second baby and your breast cancer diagnosis. For the past 14+ months it has been my joy, my honor to write you "Dear Leah" letters each week. I've had so much fun making, creating cards and artwork to share with you and I prayed, and cried, over those letters. Thank you for bearing with me when I wanted to be there, to say the right thing but didn't know how or what to say.

Even though I knew this was coming, I prayed for peace for you, for your body, your mind, and most of all your soul. Even though I know you left this life for THE life, THE party with our precious Lord, the world feels so different without you. It feels so sad to know that this Dear Leah is the first that won't be followed with a Dear Amy.  Thank you for your beautiful Christian witness in times of strength, success, trials, and sickness. You always pointed right back at Jesus with joy. I am thankful to have known you, to have loved you, and to have been loved so unconditionally by you.

So, Leah, I hope you're dancing our crazy dorm dance, singing and playing the horn to praise Jesus, and being held by the angels. I cannot even imagine how much brighter you're making heaven. While I am still here, I promise to remember to wear a necklace with the necklines you taught me to, I'll get my hair done regularly, I'll sing loud, and Leah, I will love hard, so hard the people in my life while I can.

Love,
Mojo

Frugal Friday 313: 8th Birthday Edition

Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Two weekends ago we celebrated Annabeth's birthday with her cousins and some school friends. We had the party at a paint your own pottery place. I made the cupcakes and Annabeth chose invites, cupcake  liners, and toppers all for around $10. The actual party place was more than if we had the party at home but fit within the budget that Mark and I had chosen.

- Annabeth requested a Garfield Cake. We got on Pinterest and searched for many ideas until we found one I thought we could reasonably do. I think it turned out well and had great fun getting my butter cream just the right colors and piping it all on.

Our birthday girl with her Mama-made Garfield Cake

- Starting with Annabeth's 2nd birthday, her first in our current house, it has been a tradition that the kids wake up to a decorated mantle on their birthday morning. This year I reused her birthday banner that we've been using since her 5th birthday, some Garfield books form the library, and these purple paper flowers leftover from a bridal shower. 

- Annabeth's #1 Birthday Request was an American Girl Doll. After looking through all of them, she chose Samantha. This is the doll I had as a girl. We made a list of ways that she had to earn such a big gift and were very proud of her for completing the tasks. Mark and I gave her some little gifts (all purchased on clearance) and then the Samantha doll, outfits from the books, and school desk that I had as a child.

Annabeth and Samantha headed out on a birthday date

- My parents knew we were giving Annabeth Samantha so my mama found a doll bed at a consignment store, made a mattress, and sourced some blankets, quilts, and pillows for the doll. She also found some sweet nightgowns for both Annabeth and her doll.

- Annabeth's second birthday request was a date with just Mark and me. She wanted to go to sushi and to the bookstore. We had sushi at Kumo at the Greenwood Park as they have an excellent lunch special. We treated her to new books at the bookstore purchased with my educator's discount and a giftcard from our Ibotta earnings so totally free. We also walked the mall a bit and she used a gift card for a Starbucks drink and a coupon for a headband at Justice. We spent just $40 total on this big date. 

- We only allow the children one meal out on their birthday. She chose to have cinnamon rolls for breakfast and a simple dinner of hot dogs, mac and cheese, baked beans, and Annabeth Munch for dinner. After dinner, we watched Annie. 

- Sunday afternoon we went to Mark's parents to celebrate Luke's birthday as well as Annabeth's. We generally do their birthdays together and they look forward to celebrating at the same time. The birthday people chose Jockamo's Pizza so we split the cost of that with the family. There were also leftovers for each family and for us the leftovers covered two meals.

- For her birthday dessert with the Rileys, Annabeth chose dirt pudding. 

 She looks pretty happy about dirt and worms :) 

We had such a wonderful time celebrating our 8 year old! We always want our kids to feel special, especially on their birthday, but don't want to spend a fortune on doing so. This year it was especially important to stick to a budget as Annabeth also got her new retainers and glasses - those make this a $2,000+ birthday week! 

Last Minute Snuggles

Today was one of those days.
It was the first day back in a routine in nearly a week.
We had a hectic Thursday last week with a long orthodontist appointment for Annabeth, a fall off a horse for Owen. Friday we had an eye exam and then came home to play outside and bake a birthday cake. Saturday was Annabeth's birthday and then Sunday was birthday part two with Mark's family. Yesterday was birthday recovery, co-op, and difficult news from a friend.

I woke up today not excited.
Not excited to clean or teach or work or parent or... anything.
I wanted a day to myself, to recover from the busyness, to process that hard news.
BUT we homeschool. I'm home full time. The kids are home full time. So no time off here.

Lots of little things added up all day:
getting all of the clothes done, baskets empty, clothes put away only to find a whole outfit under someone's bed,
finding that the kids had played with something I needed for my Usborne Books & More business that I can no longer use. It will be $30 to replace,
Getting to the library only to find that the single item that we HAD to return today was still at home because despite being asked 15 times no one grabbed the library bag,
We got some library books, went to Travel Club, enjoyed a fast-food dinner and a fun movie and yet when it was time for bed all they said was "I wish Grandpa and Mimi were back" and "I wish Daddy was home"

I was irritated. Maybe even angry. I wanted to just throw my hands up and say, "Get in bed people!" while I planned to do better tomorrow.

Then I looked at their little faces, I felt my heart change.
I pulled them in for a last minute group snuggle.

I'm not a perfect parent, I'm not a model homeschool parent, I'm not a boss mom who manages it all beautifully BUT I am currently SO aware of the gift of time with my children.

Two weeks ago, a friend of ours lost his life on the way to work. I know his family, his children would love to snuggle him. This week, my hard news, is that a friend is entering what may be the end of her earthly struggles. I know her family is wishing for time, for her to hold them.

So I hugged my children for myself, for themselves but also for their Daddy who had a meeting, for their grandparents who live out of town and in honor of those who can't be with their families.

I love these two more than they will ever know

Happy #8!

Today we celebrate 8 years with our Miracle Girl.

I wrote last year about how seven was the age she always wanted to be and she was right in wishing for this year - it was wonderful!

At seven Annabeth - mastered reading, bike riding, swimming, and more.
I remember meeting her in the NICU and just staring at her, sobbing, thanking the Lord for saving her but also wondering what huge plan God had for her. He chose to save her. He chose to restart her heart. He gave her this life. I stand in awe of Him always.

As for Annabeth there were SO many times this year that she just amazed me...

Annabeth Sage is sweet, curious, kind, and full of curiosity.

I love her passion for life, her refusal to take "no"for an answer, 

and to see challenges as opportunities to grow.  

One of my favorite moments of the year was this one. 

At the Applause Regional she earned a scholarship to a dance camp in Chicago.

She cried for HOURS. She was just completely overwhelmed with joy and excitement.

It was such a beautiful moment as her Mama to see her hard work pay off - so much so that 

we rearranged our whole summer and our year's budget to make that trip happen.  

While in New York, I found that Annabeth is my kind of traveler,

she also likes to wake up and hit the ground running each day. 

We had so much fun grabbing coffee and exploring Lewiston, NY together.  

Annabeth has been asking for about a year to audition for "America's Got Talent"

so when the opportunity to dance in Johnson County's Got Talent came up, we said "yes."

She danced her little heart out and won the WHOLE show. Her first Grand Champion at just seven years old. My favorite part? All she told anyone about it later was how awesome the ventriloquist

was and how much she loved that girl's act.
Even when it should be all about her, she never makes it that way. 

When Annabeth was four years old, she came out of Toy Gym with Miss Kari

and she said, "Mom. I need to do compete now." Miss Kari just shrugged and smiled and said

"When they love it, they love it." On the way home Annabeth told me her goal was to get 

her picture on the wall of national champions (at four years old this was her goal!!!)

This year, she made it happen. 

She went to Best of the Best for the first time with two dances and her acro group

won first place!  

Dancing in Chicago at Fuzion Dance Camp.

She was the youngest in the whole group, went in confidently, danced her heart out

each and ever day. I would be afraid at my age to do something so intimidating (walking into a group

of strangers, finding my place, and succeeding) But she did it and she did it so bravely.

As Grand Champion, and division winner, she was able to dance at the 

Indiana State Fair. She was, again, the youngest had a great dance and earned a 

Participation Ribbon.

You know what I love?

I love that she was SO proud of her ribbon, proud of her first time at the state fair,

proud to be the first one in the family to earn a State Fair ribbon. She didn't care one little

bit that she didn't place or win. She was just happy to be there.

That sums up Annabeth, happy to be here.

That also sums up how we feel about her. We  know what it's like to wait years for someone, to pray so hard your knees go numb, to wish and dream and plan, and to have it all change when a heartbeat stops. We also know God's incredible goodness and His grace. If anything good comes from any of us, know that it's all because of Him. 

Happy #8 My Miracle Girl.