Happy Frugal Friday 576

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here's how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money the past two weeks:

- My parents were in town for the kids' dance competition and we took turns paying for/providing meals. We are all loving having them close by more often!

- We had a field trip to the Cool Creek Nature Preserve. This was an hour drive each way but the actual field trip was free so we went ahead and joined friends. The kids were able to build their own fire, take a small hike, meet some turtles, and talk about animal tracks. We stayed and played for a few hours as well. We packed along lunches, waters, and snacks for a free day out!

The kids each worked with friends to start their own fires!

- Friends came to visit on their Spring Break. Each of us moms pulled out random leftovers and things that needed finished for a picnic lunch. Nothing fancy or coordinated and yet everyone ate! Getting together does NOT have to be fancy or complicated. Your friends can eat lunch meat, chips, and applesauce - no themed foods required! We spent the afternoon at the park together and did enjoy getting treats afterwards at the Hoosier Candy Cupboard. Spent: $15

- On Saturday, Mark and Owen spent hours cleaning and picking up trash at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. They went on a walk there a few weeks ago and after noticing all of the trash Mark called to see how they could help. They organized a group of Scouts and spent many hours working. See a problem? Be the solution! 

- Saturday I spent the day at the Homefront Women's Conference. I have never been to a ladies conference before and really enjoyed the day. Thank you to my friend Lily, who provided the worship music, for putting it on Facebook. In one of the sessions, we learned about local organizations doing BIG things in our community. I can't wait to help where I can!

- Sunday afternoon we took lunch to Mark's mom's house for the family. Mark had promised the kids pizza so we picked up pizza at Aldi. We had a gift card so we were able to feed 8 people for $1.17 out of pocket.

- Monday evening we enjoyed a bonfire with our homeschool co-op. Five families were able to come. We each brought our own dinners and s'mores to cook. The host family graciously allowed us to use their gorgeous church property and the kids had the best time running in the woods and building forts. I will say it again - being together doesn't have to be big or flashy! Simple can be best. 

- We cleaned out each of the kids' clothing ahead of the spring kids' sale. Both had MANY items to pass on. We are taking a bag of clothing to a friend who can use for children at her work. I am working to pass along specific dance, Lakeview, etc shirts to families who those will mean something to. I did save some items for the spring kids' sale as the money from that we use for the kids' summer activities. 

I have had a lot of chatter in my life the past two weeks about local and national politics and problems. Other than Jesus, what's the good news? Well...YOU can help! If we each meet our neighbors where they are, walk alongside them in meaningful ways, we can make real and systematic changes. 

Not sure where to start? Here are two organizations that we work with on a weekly basis and love!

Mark has served many years on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Johnson County board and is the current president. The Clubs' mission is to: "inspire and enable all youth members to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens through active participation in positive youth development activities." How can you help these awesome kids? One time or monthly giving, volunteer your time and talents, or message me for more ways to become involved the lives of kids in our community! 

I work each week with Bridges Alliance of Johnson County. If you aren't familiar with Circles, I wasn't before I joined, it's an incredible program meeting people as they come out of crisis and walking with them through meeting life and financial goals. Maybe you would be interested in becoming an Ally and working with an individual or family over the next few years, maybe you have a community resource you would like to come speak about, or maybe you don't know where to begin but know you want to be part of a supportive community - ask me for more details! :) 

I have often been accused of not being a truly ally to a certain people group or not having an interest in politics. It's true - I am rarely posting my thoughts on these things on social media. Why? Change does not come from social media posts. Instead, our family works every single week in our community, we meet people where they are, we know the names of our neighbors, we look into the eyes of the people around us, we engage at the Statehouse, we know our legislators and we use their phone numbers, and we are active in seeking out ways to make a little difference every day. Are we perfect? Absolutely not but we are followers of Christ seeking to love each day like Him to seek the transformation of the world.