Frugal Friday 500

 Happy Frugal Friday!

First of all, THANK YOU for being here for 500 weeks! WOW! I never imagined this little blog would last so long or be viewed so many times. I hope that our efforts to "owe no man anything but love" have been encouraging to each of you.

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

- While cleaning out the kids rooms we found some 4H, Scout, and Style items that were too small. We promptly passed along to families from each group with younger kids. I try to really stay on top of items like this so we have less in our home and so we can bless others.

- We had some food items we are not going to be able to use up so I offered them on Facebook for free. We had some buttermilk, we had purchased it for Father's Day dessert but have no way to use up the rest, egg whites, part of a big Costco pack but when I realized we had too many for me to eat before they expire, and then I had been freezing bananas all spring when they were going soft. I don't care for bananas and don't want to bake with them or use them in smoothies. Some friends came and picked up all of the items and already knew just what they were going to do with each item. Free for them, zero food waste for us!

- We enjoyed two parties last week at the city pool. The kids had a great time swimming with friends despite the very cold water. Saturday night was the Little League pool party and I really enjoyed someone else serving dinner and entertaining the kids. 

- Sunday morning we had church and Sunday School. I also took a walk with church friends which was a great way to enjoy the Sabbath.

- Mark spent Saturday afternoon to Monday morning in Illinois for the Ordination and Installation of his brother into his first church as pastor. We made the decision earlier in the spring for Mark to go alone - we have quite a bit of activity and travel this summer and it was easier for me to stay home with the kids for this trip. We were very thankful that St. James did a livestream of the service and we were able to worship from home.

Not long before the service started our weather warning sirens went off.

We all packed into the bathtub and watched the livestream from there.

We were very blessed to have, once again, been miles from each of the tornadoes near us. 

- Monday evening Mark and I took ice cream to a local park and had a good, long chat. Between travel and work it's easy to become passing ships and we are trying to be very purposeful in checking in with each other in really meaningful ways. 

- Tuesday morning we enjoyed seeing Nancy Drew at our local Artcraft Theatre. The film was part of their summer series so tickets + popcorn/drinks were just $15 for the three of us. We generally do not go to movies due to the price but we try to see one a summer as a special treat. I felt that $15 was a very good deal. 

- Wednesday night was Owen's last game of the Little League season. His team placed third in the Rookies Division for the year. We're proud of all of his growth and progress. Can't wait for fall ball.

- After O's last ball game we went to Frozen Paradise for celebratory ice cream. It was $22 with a tip. This was the first and only time we've eaten out all ball season. I work very hard to plan meals so that we don't have to grab fast-food even if it means a quick dinner like sandwiches and sides. It saves us SO much money. We do try to make the last night special though and under $25 for all four of us felt like a great deal. 

- Yesterday we drove down to Charlestown for the day. With packed summers this was the first play day we've been able to have with our best friends since Spring Break. We were SO excited to spend the day with them before school starts back next week. Thank you all for sharing your pool and dinner - we love you Eblings.

We are looking to a lovely, long holiday weekend celebrating all the things we love about being Americans.

Happy 4th of July and Happy Savings to All.