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