2020 in Review

 When I look back on 2020 I am reminded that I am BLESSED.

We spent more time together this year, we had more quiet time in nature this year, we brought home a puppy, we found new ways to celebrate, we enjoyed Disney World during a pandemic, and more. 

Join me in looking back on my favorite moments of our 2020. 

January 

In January, we took the kids to see Disney on Ice.

Owen, at age 4, just lit up upon seeing Mickey Mouse!

I will forever treasure him watching Mickey ice skate with other Disney friends

February

Annabeth's first dance competition of 2020.

She accidentally ingested nuts the night before this dance so we had a scary run to get

medicine and a long night with little sleep. We gave her the choice of dancing or not and she said 

she was ABSOLUTELY going! She and her duet partner did a wonderful job that morning

and I was so proud of her for pushing through and meeting a committment. 

March 

My best friend Rose and I spent a WHOLE DAY away in Brown County! 

We hadn't done a kid-free day since her youngest was born 2+ years before this.

We shopped, walked, and spent hours talking in a coffee shop.

Little did we know that by the next weekend the whole world would shut down due to COVID-19.

April

Weeks into Social Distancing, we surprised our kids with a very long car ride.

We arrived in Ferdinand at a little house in the country.

The kids were so confused, they had seen the Holiday World sign at the exit and thought we 

were going there. 

We walked into the garage to find one tiny, adorable little pup waiting for US!

My biggest regret was not videoing the moment the kids met Oscar - it is one of my sweetest memories.

Oscar came home with us that day and has been the best pup ever!

May

We celebrated Owen's birthday over several small gatherings.

I loved this picture of him bowing out his candle with Mark.

Owen at five is so much more adventerous and fun than ever before!

Owen doesn't know a stranger and will talk your ear off. 

June

This was the day we filmed Annabeth's Nationals dances. She was AMAZINGLY adaptable

as she danced outside for the first time ever. It was hot, buggy, and super sunny but she just rolled with

it and did her very best. Owen hung in there as well. I loved this moment of leaving to go to the car because he insisted on rolling her bag for her! I love their sweet friendship.

July

Our INCREDIBLE fair board allowed 4H members to still show their projects/animals and to attend the fair with a few family members. Each kid also got a free ice cream with their fair passes. We were really, really fortunate as most counties didn't offer their 4Hers such a wonderful fair experience. 

August

This was the evening of Annabeth's dance recital. It's usually indoors in June, this year it was outdoors in August and all of the kids loved it! I am so thankful for a studio that worked so diligently to help the kids continue to train and compete even in this unique year. I loved this picture of the four of us - a rare, non-selfie family picture. 

September

In September we pulled out our horse clothes and made our Derby Hats. We missed being in Kentucky and with the ones we love but we enjoyed good food and time together as we watched the race. 

October

In October our Miracle Girl turned 9. 

This year she styled all of her own outfits and made her own cakes. 

I love watching her learn and master new skills. 

I am so impressed with the lovely, kind, and thoughtful girl she is!

November

In November we escaped the cold and took a trip to sunny Florida. We enjoyed staying at Pop Century and saw all four of the Disney Parks. Watching the kids faces as we walked into Disney World, waving to Mickey and Minnie, made me cry! It was just the most beautiful moment seeing them see Main Street U.S.A. and the castle for the first time. It made all of the waiting and saving worth it!

December

My one Christmas gift request was a picture of all of us on Christmas Eve or Day but Mark ended up working the whole holiday so... I have this lovely picture of Oscar and the kids. I can hardly believe how grown-up everyone looks. Christmas with a 9 year old, 5 year old, and pup was so much fun!

2020 was such a great year! Of course we had times when we were scared for the state of the world, unsure of how to make plans for the future, and worry for those we love. That being said, we continued to school our children at home, Mark worked out of his office, and I worked from home for my biggest year yet with Usborne Books & More.

This year, and every year, we serve our King. We aim to be in the world but not of the world with our eyes set on the Life to come. In all things we strive to give thanks and to give God any and all glory.

As we look ahead to 2021 our goals remain the same - love God and love His people. 

Frugal Thursday - Merry Christmas Eve!

 Happy Frugal Thursday!

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

- Last week when my parents were here, Mark drove up north to Jockamos so we could surprise my mom with pizza that she loves. The waitress was kind enough to give Mark a 50% police discount (he was in uniform as he went straight from work) Mark was paying cash so he gave her the other 50% AND the tip we had planned to tip. Merry Christmas Jockamo Pizza Angel. 

- Friday we took my parents to the Johnson County Museum of History. We enjoyed exploring all of the changes since we had been there last and all voted for our favorite trees in the Festival of Trees. It was wonderful to be able to still do this family tradition. We made a donation to the museum as it's free/donation only. My parents treated us to lunch out - thank you!

- Saturday our sweet neighbors brought over a Christmas card and coffee cake. I switched around our dinner plans and we had breakfast for diner with their cake as the highlight. 

- Also on Saturday, our sweet friend Katelyn brought over a gingerbread decorating kit. The kids loved decorating and eating their little houses! Thank you Katelyn!

- Sunday afternoon we all enjoyed our first NFL game. The Indianapolis Colts offered an awesome deal on a Family Four Pack of tickets so I snagged them. It was AWESOME to watch a game with a teeny-tiny socially distanced crowd! We didn't have anyone's knees in our backs, no one's tall head to look over, and no strangers next to us - perfection! Along with the great deal on tickets, the game had a TON of freebies. We came home with foam horseshoes, cheer towels, arm bands for the kids, face masks for all, and "First Game" pins/certificates. Colts beat the Texans 27-20 in a great game!

Annabeth was SO excited to see the cheerleaders!

                                                                            Go Colts!! 

- Monday night, just after sunset, we went out to see the Christmas Star. We enjoyed visiting with neighbors from across the street and next door as we all looked at the skies.

- Just as we came inside, a car pulled up and it was a former teacher of Mark's and his family. They surprised us with everything we needed to make a chilli dinner. It was wonderful to visit with them for a while! The Ploss Family has been incredibly genersous to Mark, and in turn all of us, over the years. Many times when we have prayed in college and our early married years "Lord, how will be pay that bill?" God has answered with a call from the Ploss Family. Mark has done a great deal of work on the house and in their yard over the years and they have provided vital income, giftcards, and meals. 

- Tuesday we celebrated Christmas with our best friends. We did homemade Lunchables for lunch and they brought fruit and dessert. We exchanged gifts and talked/played for six hours which felt like 10 minutes. We love you Eblings!

- Tuesday evening Owen received the rank of Lion. We are so proud of his work at Cub Scouts and look forward to helping him earn his electives in the spring.

- A friend had gotten a call about meal bags from a local school system that was going to toss the food if they couldn't find families to take them. She generously brought us a bag and the kids enjoyed fun, new food - aka school lunch food that Mark and I grew up with. 

We are so thankful for another Christmas Eve, another year to celebrate the birth of Christ today and everyday! If you don't already know, don't fully believe - I encourage you to reach out and ask. We'd love to share more about how a tiny babe, born in a stable in Bethlehem, came for the world. He came to live a perfect life and He came to die on the cross. He died for you, for me, for all sinners so that we might have the Life Eternal. In a season filled with lights, sugar, presents, and general busyness, I still find time to slow down and remember Who it's all about. Monday night, looking at that Christmas star, hoping the clouds would stay away so we could enjoy it. I thought about that first Christmas. How a cloudy night might have prevented the sheperds and wise men from seeing the star or their own selfish desires might have kept them from following it but as always, God's will was done. So, dear friends, find the star, see the Light, and follow the One from Whom ALL BLESSINGS FLOW.

Frugal Friday 373

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- Last Friday was over sixty degrees and Mark and Annabeth took advantage of the warm weather by camping out in the backyard with a tent. The kids really love one-on-one time with Mark and she loved this!

- Saturday my friend Angie and I hosted a fundraiser for Annabeth's dance company. We put together a fun paint canvas event that earned dancers 70% of each paint fee paid in their name. We were able to help dancers raise around $100 towards fees. We are hoping for a bigger event next time but I think everyone who came had a great time. 

- Saturday after the paint event, we drove through Compass Park and around downtown to look at Christmas lights as a family. We hadn't done much of that during the week and the kids, especially Owen, loved it.

- We were tempted, and begged by the kids, to eat out Saturday. We were good and came home for dinner. I had planned poorly though and had homemade lasagna on the menu so we ended up eating after the time that the kids usually go to bed. That being said we stuck to our menu and budget for the week by cooking at home. 

- Sunday we stayed home ALL DAY! It was lovely to be home, all four of us. We read, watched Christmas movies, Mark made chilli, and then we had family game night.

- I was able to finish out our Christmas shopping on Shutterfly thanks to a 50% off + extra 25% off + free shipping deal! I had put our vacation scrapbook in my cart and with shipping it was going to be $65 a few weeks ago. I waited and was able to get three photo books and a photo gift for just $80 this week! It was worth the wait!

- Tuesday night Mark had a meeting and the kids asked for a Mama-Kid Date. We got out to deliver something to friends, drove home a new way to look at Christmas lights, and each ate a piece of Halloween candy while we watched a Christmas Special on Disney +. Special does not have to cost money. 

- Wednesday we woke up to SNOW! The kids were out playing before the sun was really up, we made homemade hot cocoa, and they played another two hours after school. We only got an inch or so but they were so excited to show Oscar the snow (which he loved!) and to play all day!

- Wednesday evening Annabeth had her annual dance company Christmas party. The kids were able to play lots of fun games, she won a package of Oreos, and they received little goodie bags. Usually this party has all of the families, a big dinner, and more but it sounds like the masked, dancer only party was just as much fun as ever. Thank you SDA for making the kids' dance year incredible!

- While Annabeth was at her party, I picked up peppermint hot chocolate and surprised Owen with an outing. He had asked early in the day if he could have a date with Mark and me. We parked on Main Street and walked past all of the restaurants, the movies, and then spent about 45 minutes looking at Christmas lights on the square while drinking our hot chocolates. There was beautiful snow falling and it was just wonderful. I so love being able to give our kids little, perfect moments to treasure.

- My parents came for a short visit and brought us our Christmas gift early. We, especially Mark, have always wanted a Hoosier cabinet but either never had a place to put it and then even when we had the place we didn't have room in the budget. My parents found one in incredible condition, for a great deal and it's our Christmas gift! Thank you all for buying and trasnporting it! 

We had a great week, enjoying so many sweet, little moments. 

Happy Savings to All!

Frugal Friday 372

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- We received the wrong Imperfect order. This was the first time in the years that we've been using them taht we had an issue. They credited what we had spent and we got to keep the box that came - lettuce, cucumber, pears, and broccoli - all free!

- My dear friend Alysha brought over a bag of clothes for Owen. She brought a bunch of baseball items for Owen which he prompty put on while he cheered. Thank you Alysha! 

- Our friend Christy reached out and said she noticed in our Disney pictures that her daughter had outgrown a shirt that matched mine! They kindly brought us the shirt and some Style Dance wear. Thank you Stearns Family! 

- Mark is hooked on cast iron pans, we scored some great deals at the Lodge Factory Store in TN while on vacation. Saturday he made an apple cake and he and the kids each enjoyed a piece. He boxed up the rest and delivered to our nextdoor neighbors. 

- Saturday night Mark and Owen put up a tent in the living room and had a campout. I love all the ways we can make life special for the kids without spending a penny!

- We took a couple of evenings and drove to free light shows in our area. I feel like people have really gone above and beyond this year! We had such a warm November that people really used those weekends outdoors to put up some great light and music shows!

- We passed on dance studio wear to a younger dancer at our studio. Annabeth has finally had a growth spurt and it was great to pass things along. 

- Mark made a deep dish chocolate chip cookie for Sunday Dinner with his family. His parents made a wonderful dinner for everyone. I treasure, even more than usual, time together with everyone in town.

- Monday morning we played with friends. I took coffee and LOVED catching up with a friend! The kids didn't want to leave and asked to go back to play again after lunch. 

- Yesterday we shopped at the Mom and Cub Boutique. They are going out of business so everything is 50% off. We were able to get three shirts and a dress for Annabeth and two pairs of brand new (very nice brands) shoes for just $25!

- Last night we delivered dinner to a friend who just had surgery. We SO appreciated everyone who blessed us during my recovery and feel even more blessed to pay it forward. The family had just been given fresh Florida oranges and sent us home with a whole bag as a "thank you" Thank you Loves!!

- The kids and I delivered puzzles from our Puzzle Drive to the Franklin City Police Department. Thanks to the help of generous friends and family we were able to donate 11 sets of books and puzzles.

Owen, of course, had to create his own photo op. 

He enjoyed meeting Officer Benny and rubbing his tummy.

Special Delivery!

We had a long but good week. We continue to be thankful for our health and are praying for the many friends (and strangers) that we know who are sick. May God's healing hand touch them all.

Happy Savings to All! 

Happy Frugal Friday 371

 Happy Frugal Friday!

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

- We celebrated Thanksgiving with just immediate family that we see almost weekly. We enjoyed the leftovers through Sunday lunch! 

- Friday we decorated the house. We made a deal when we got married that excpet for the tree, we would only decorate with handmade or second hand/antique items. Our Christmas decor certainly would never make a fashion blog but we love it!

- I sold one of the last "little kid" toys on Facebook. Made: $20

- I ran several holiday book parties and even some book deals for my VIPs through my Usborne Books & More business. You still have time to shop with me and have books by Christmas: Amy's Book Business

- I shopped a Black Friday Deal (40% off) through Spiffy and Splendid. I sent pairs out as gifts to two of my Book Ladies as a prize fo completing the November Team Challenge. 

- I scored my ALL TIME biggest Black Friday Savings on Saturday. I had ordered an item at about 50% off thanks to a sale and coupons. I had nearly $10 cashback through Rakutan and free shipping. I felt GREAT about the deal. Then when the item came it had a clearance sticker on it for about half of what I had paid. That didn't make me happy! I took the invoice and item with clearance sticker over to Kohl's and they refunded me the difference! I was seriously impressed with their customer service and that they honored their price tag. Overall I saved almost 80% off the retail price!

- We were SO proud of Annabeth on vacation. Going in, since the kids had received money/giftcards, we asked them what one thing they really wanted. Owen mentioned both a Beast and Pluto stuffed animal and was able to get both with his money. Annabeth wanted an ice cream backpack she saw on a Disney video. We searched all week but couldn't find "the" one. Although the Disney stores offered many, many alternatives none were "it". We were able to order it online (thankfully on sale for 1/2 price) and she waited a week for it to come. I was so impressed that at age nine she was able to not seek instant gratification at the stores but to wait for what she wanted. 

Worth the wait!

She has been carrying it everywhere this week.

- Tuesday evening our neighbors surprised the kids with chocolate Advent Calendars. They have enjoyed a little candy as we read the Bible each day. 

- Wednesday evening another neighbor gave the kids with little Christmas trees to build and decorate with stickers. They had a good time working on those during read-aloud time one day.

- Thursday we had friends over, our first company in a month or so! The kids loved playing, I loved talking to a good friend, and we enjoyed having them stay for dinner. 

We had a nice, low key week and are looking forward to a fun weekend with some friends and family. 

Happy Savings to All!