Riding the Wave of "Wow! I am Totally Blessed!"

The last few years of my life have been trying to say the least.  I have done things I regret, suffered things I wouldn't wish on anyone and just barely survived to see each day.  But God, HE is GOOD.  Some doubt, but I KNOW.  What I have right now in my life, the blessings that abound so amazingly, are all from HIM. Over the last year, I have seen HUGE problems and difficulties arise in my life, but have been blessed to see even BIGGER solutions and provisions provided by my Savior.  

Divorce, loss of jobs and home are just a few of the "issues" that have been dealt to me.  Some things happening of my own making (oh the consequences of bad choices!).  A lot of things being residuals of bad choices.  Some completely not of my making or my fault.  Regardless of the reasons behind the difficulties, I have seen deliverance and provision that is miraculous. 

And miracles don't happen every day.  Things don't "just" work out every day.  Plans don't fall into place smoothly.  Checks don't arrive in the mail "just on time" nor jobs get offered that are so perfect you couldn't have written them out yourself any better.  Men don't walk in your door with great smiles and goofy smiley faced notes every day.  

God's hand is in every second of every day of my life.  And I owe him my life and my ultimate gratitude for all the blessings he has showered on me this year.  

When I've been crying and screaming and pleading for a miracle, he has performed them.  In the most unexpected and shocking ways...MY God has shown his love for me. 

Yep, I'm riding on the wave...I'm totally rocking out to the tune of "How He Loves Us" every single day, because MY God, he loves me!  He really, really does!  

Thanks to all those who have loved me and walked with me over the last year and prayed for me and supported me.  Thanks to all those who have had long hours or brief moments in my life that have made it easier and provided ways for me to endure. 

But mostly thank you to my God for loving me enough to give me a break.  To just simply see my heart and know that above all, I want to be what he wants me to be and I want to be a woman, lover, friend and mother that can bless others and make a difference somehow. 

Life isn't perfect.  I still have consequences of past actions to deal with.  I still have residuals of a bad marriage to haunt me.  I still have a lot of baggage to get rid of and "issues" to get over.  And it's going to be a rough ride again before I reach the ultimate goal.  But this reprieve...this time of so many abundant blessings in my life...it will serve as a constant reminder to never doubt the hand who created me or his divine purpose in my life. 

Boys and Their Big Sisters

I grew up with only one sibling.  My big sister.  I love her to death and don't know what I would do without her.  NOW.  That wasn't the case when I was a little girl.  Oh, I loved her.  I even idolized her at times.  But as it goes, we just didn't get along.  There was just enough of an age gap between us that I was too little for her to want around and she was too old to want to play with me.  

Fast forward to us being adults, and I can say I miss her now more than I ever thought possible.  About 5 years ago, she moved several hours away, and I still miss "knowing" she could be here at any minute if I needed her.  Thank goodness for text messaging, blogging and email. 

But having spent all of last week watching my 3 year old son with his 16 year old sister, I see how it's different with boys and their big sisters.  The relationship between the two of them is precious and I love that I am able to have her come spend time with him at our home, even though her dad and I are no longer together.  

My son looks at her and says, "Sissy, you're so pretty!".  

He crawled all over her.  Jumped on her.  Kissed her.  Hugged her.  Conspired to do things he shouldn't with her.  Ate her candy.  Showed her his toys.  Used her as a jungle gym.  Asked her to take a bath with him (she didn't but the asking was awfully cute!).  He even asked her to sleep in his bed with him (didn't last long, not enough room).  And trust me, that was a HUGE deal with him.  He doesn't even like his other brothers to touch his bed let alone sleep on it!  His Sissy was indeed special!

She played with him.  Loved on him.  Shared with him.  Included him in everything.  Took picture after picture after picture of them together with her cell phone.  Including giving him proper instructions on how to take a picture of yourself in the mirror.  She danced with him.  Tickled him.  Snuggled with him.  She even watched endless hours of Bubble Guppies and Team Umizoomi with him.

And when we had to take her home that last day, he pouted for awhile wanting to know why she had to leave. 

But one of the best events of the whole week, was watching her put him on a stool in the kitchen with her to help make us brownies.  He was never patient enough to want to help me do anything in the kitchen other than the occasional cutting of sugar cookies.  This was truly his first real cooking experience.  

She let him help stir the batter and crack the eggs...and she let him lick the spoon.  

She gave up licking the chocolate batter off the spoon so her little brother could.  Now THAT shows some love!

I am so blessed to have so many children in my life.  The 2 boys that I gave birth to and the 6 other children that I gained through my previous marriage.  I love my family and love that I get to be in each of their lives.  No matter how large or small the amount of time, it's a blessing!

Comments with No Way to Respond

Out of ALL the people who have been on my blog over the last week to sign up for my Giveaway, I had one person read another post on here and have something rude to say.  And well, I just don't feel like letting it go.  Mostly, because I couldn't respond to that person directly.  They didn't leave an email address or website for me to respond too.  And frankly, I think that's a bit cowardly. One other person had actually questioned my practices as well, but at least they left an email for me to respond to, and I did. 

They commented on the blog post: Kroger, How I Love Thee!  Or Do I?

"Seriously?? You're going to brag about committing fraud? Disgusting. I'm glad stores are cracking down on this behavior, because you obviously cannot control yourself and follow the rules to legally save a buck.
You're no better than a person who just takes something from a shelf and walks out the door without paying--you're a thief.
And before you give the "it scans, therefore it is okay!" excuse, no, just because it scans doesn't mean it is okay!!!"

I had posted regarding my recent trip to Kroger and how I stack coupons and how they double them and how I use to be able to use multiple coupons and e-coupons. 

I understand their comments.  I understand how manufacturers say one coupon per item.  But I go according to my local stores and their policies.  Target allows stacking of one printed Target coupon and one printed or clipped manufacturers coupon per item.  Brookshires (local chain in the tri-state area) allows one printed, one clipped and one e-coupon.  And the 2 local Kroger's I frequent allow one printed and one clipped coupon.  They use to allow e-coupons, but that has now been removed.  You now only have the option of using a printed coupon, a clipped coupon or an e-coupon.  No longer can you use the combination.  My local stores also double coupons.

Don't you understand that in essence "double coupons" are basically the same thing?  The store itself is taking upon themselves the "extra" money taken from your total by allowing you to stack coupons or by doubling or tripling coupons.  They do not expect the manufacturer to pay them back for the "double" or "triple".  Nor do they expect the manufacturer to reimburse for more than one coupon per item.  The store themselves take a loss on many occasions.  This is according to the management at the local stores that I have spoken to.  Not just my own assumption.

Although it changes the way I budgeted before, I have no problem with the stores changing policies.  They have to.  I understand that.  But if the local store and the local manager have a policy that is more liberal than what some other stores are, then I will use it.  I see no problem with doing so if they are the ones that told me I could. 

It isn't being a thief when I still pay for items and I only shop according to what the store says I can do.  When my Kroger manager has stood in front of me with their stores coupon policy and explained what they allow in THEIR store, then I don't see where it is wrong or being a thief.  It's on their backs if the manufacturers don't want that.  Thus the recent changes to some of the policies. 

I don't "extreme" coupon.  I do use a lot of coupons and I am very watchful of good deals.  The superb deals and free items I got last week, honestly, are a rarity.  Normally getting items at half or 75% off original price is about as good as I can do.  When I see something better, of course I will take advantage of it if I can.  But not at the detriment of companies, stores or other consumers.  I don't wipe the shelves out of products.  I don't make grocery trips worth hundreds of dollars and spend only pennies.  I only buy products that my family or a few close friends will actually use.  I don't have garages full of items I don't even like just because I could get them for free.  I get what I use and I use what I get.  If I happen to have a local grocery store who allows and encourages couponers to frequent there and "stack" coupons, then I will do so.  And I honestly don't see a problem with it.  

I am not out to "get the man" as they say.  I'm not trying to sneak around and use coupons, "just because they scan".  I am trying to find coupons for items my family uses all the time that will help me save money.  That post in particular had a few items in it that coupons were stacked for, but they were done at a store who personally told me their full coupon policy before and again that very day.  "Stacking" coupons is allowable there. 

I'm sorry if that offends someone.  But I honestly don't see any problem with it.  There are a lot ruder things that frugal men and women and my fellow couponers do all the time that I personally don't agree with, but it's their choice and not mine.  Who am I to belittle them or "yell" at them for doing so?

Mostly, I admit, this post is for those who want to make comments on others blogs about things they don't agree with, but won't even leave contact information for the person they don't agree with to respond to.  Maybe I'm being too sensitive, maybe I'm a bit snarky, but I think it's immature to hide behind a profile name and not even allow the person you are complaining about to defend themselves or respond.

Redbook Magazine Subscription Giveaway!!!

I am giving away a ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION to REDBOOK MAGAZINE!!!!

This is once again an easy low entry giveaway!  You have 4 chances to enter and the winner will be chosen through Random Number Generator on April 15th, 2011 at 6pm CST

ENTER TO WIN: 

(1) Leave a comment letting me know you are a GFC Follower

(2) Leave a comment letting me know you are follwing @YouBrewMyTea on Twitter

(3) Retweet this Giveaway on Twitter

(4) Tell me what your favorite magazine to read is and why!

Good luck! 

My Personal Review of Philadelphia Cooking Creme

Last week, I got 10 tubs of Philadelphia Cooking Creme on sale at my local Kroger.  I hadn't tried it before, and just KNEW I would love it.  What's not to love about creamy cheesy flavored stuff? Especially when it's discounted?!

I had to share with you my first recipe used, and to tell you I was right!  It was WONDERFUL!!!  So easy, so yummy and creamy and delicious.  (Let's not talk about calories though...that part isn't so wonderful.)

I grabbed a bag of boneless skinless chicken tenders I had, a couple of Roma tomatoes, half a large onion, a bell pepper and a box of whole wheat angel hair pasta.  I went to work creating a simple and delicious meal that got rave reviews from my crew!  

I sliced the onion and pepper thinly and chopped my tomato into fairly small chunks.  I sauteed the pepper and onion with some fresh minced garlic in a bit of olive oil, until tender.  I tossed in the tomatoes and cooked until just warmed through.  I removed those from the skillet, and added my boneless skinless chicken tenders and sauteed in the yummy goodness left from the veggies until golden brown on both sides and done in the middle.  In the meantime, I had put my water on to boil for my pasta.  About the time the chicken was almost done, I tossed the angel hair in the water.  I then added the veggies back to the skillet with the chicken and the tub of Italian Herb Cooking Creme.  I stirred together and heated through, and then tossed the cooked and drained pasta in the skillet and folded together.  

It was delicious, easy and very flavorful!  

If you haven't tried it, you need to.  Especially if you like quick to throw together meals with lots of flavor.  We are huge pasta fans in this house, and there is nothing easier and quicker than tossing pasta in water to boil.  This Cooking Creme alone with your favorite pasta would be fine.  Adding the chicken and veggies makes it sophisticated and satisfying.  AND it will make your family ask how YOU managed a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant!

Kudos to Kraft and Philadelphia for yet another great new product in our kitchens!

 That is NOT a picture of my actual meal.  Didn't think to snap one before it all disappeared!

I know I had several coupons from my Smart Source inserts a few weeks ago, but if you missed out on those, check out my link >> to the right for coupons.com and print direct from my blog a coupon for up to $1.50 off your next purchase of any one Philadelphia Cooking Creme. 

Me? Get Dirty? Get REAL!

I grew up in a family that almost always had a garden of some kind.  If my parents didn't, then my grandparents certainly did.  Every Spring and Summer it was normal to hear about someone "tilling the ground" or stopping by the local feed store to pick up "potato sets" or "onion sets" or peas and green beans to plant.  Of course, I grew up in the country where large gardens covering acres abounded.  To not have a garden of some sort in your family seemed odd to me as a child. 

Through the years, I helped hoe and pull weeds (mostly in my early childhood) and then eventually complained and griped through the trips to pick onions, bell peppers, corn, squash and other veggies in my parents garden.  As much as I may like the fresh produce, I hated the work to get it.  I wasn't what you would traditionally call a "girly girl", but getting dirty was not my forte.  My Dad simply called it lazy.  But not really.  Honestly, I'm not afraid of hard work.  What I don't like is being hot and sweaty.  And especially being dirty.  

I detest being stinky, sweaty or dirty.  And gardening generally involves a lot of all 3. 

For a few years, I got out of the gardening swing of things.  As a young adult, I was caught up in other things in my life and wasn't really around to pick veggies or help in the gardens my parents and grandparents had.  Then a few years ago, my (now ex) husband and I decided to plant some squash and cucumbers ourselves.  We both loved the fresh produce and anything to save a few dollars at the grocery store was a good idea.  Over the course of a couple of summers, I managed to have a small (very small) garden at my house that gave us a couple of months of fresh produce with little effort. 

This year, in my new home with extra space and a great area to garden, my Beau and I decided we were planting some vegetables and herbs.  We started our planter a few weeks ago with seeds and were surprised at just how quickly the vegetables sprouted and started to grow.  The best part was watching my 3 year old son looking every day to see if they were bigger and offering to help plant them and water them and tend them. 

I have to admit, I was pretty darn excited too when he mentioned wanting to eat all these vegetables he normally doesn't like just because HE had a hand in planting them. 

It looks like it's time to set my plants out in my garden area.  And I'm excited.  I plan on doing a better job this year and spending more time tending them.  I hope to have enough "extra" to do some canning and freezing too!  (That's a whole other post where I will be asking questions of others on what techniques work best!)

It takes commitment and a little work, but planting your own vegetable garden can indeed save you money.  If you do just a few items here and there in your regular flower beds or in special containers, or if you plow up an acre of land, it's worth the time and minimal expense.  Especially if you plant from seeds (which can be purchased for under $1 at most Dollar Stores) and let the plants grow in a mini greenhouse you make or buy, it's much less expensive than buying the plants at the stores later in the Spring.  Plus it's educational for your kids!

Do you garden?  What do you plant?  What do you plant your garden in and how much do you set aside to spend toward your garden each year?  

Body & Mind Giveaway Winner!!!

And the Winner IS::::

Random Number Table

1 Random Numbers
58 * This table of 1 random numbers was produced according to the following specifications: Numbers were randomly selected from within the  range of 0 to 107.  Toesthattwinkle from Toes that Twinkle Blog!   Thank you so much for all who participated in this Giveaway!  Be watching as I will be doing 2 more reviews and giveaways in the next 2 weeks!

Spring Break Goodness! Look at my Toes!

It has been YEARS since I have had a pedicure.  Oh, I definitely make sure my nails are done (especially in Spring/Summer) but it's been since my oldest son was a baby that I had them professionally done.  And that is a sad state of affairs for a woman who loves a pedicure as much as me. 

That all changed yesterday!  This week was Spring Break for my former stepdaughter and she was able to come spend the week with us.  We've shopped (until we practically dropped) and hung out and ate and ate, and yep, ate some more.  We've found the perfect prom dress with the perfect shoes!  (WAY under budget!) And we've just enjoyed each others company. 

And yesterday, we went and got our nails done.  Her being here was a perfect excuse for me to pamper myself too.  Doing girly things like that aren't near as much fun by yourself as when you have a friend along!  

So, I sat and enjoyed having my feet and toes and calves pampered and chose a silly little flower to be put on my big toe. 

 

And as frivolous and not "frugal" as it is to go have someone else do this for me, it was worth every single penny spent. 

Sometimes, we frugal/cheap or strict budgeting women out there tend to forget that we need some "me time" or personal pampering.  Maybe you love your Starbucks cup of coffee every now and then.  Maybe you (like my Beau) love to go to a nice theater to watch a new movie.  Or maybe, like us girls, the $35 spent to have an hour in massage chairs having our nails done, is worth it. 

We use coupons, we shop for deals, we work our booties off to keep within our budgets for all sorts of reasons.  For me, it's to be able to not have to have a full time job outside the home and be able to still pay for all our groceries and household needs myself, as well as pay my personal debt off.  For some it's to pay off credit card debt or to save for their children to go to college.  Still others it's just to be able to make ends meet because their income is so small.  Whatever the reason, we ALL need to remember to not let ourselves get too involved in "finding a deal" and forget what it's like to just enjoy life. 

Yesterday, I sat by my daughter and splurged.  I can think of hundreds of things I could have purchased with the money I spent, but every second was worth it.  To laugh and share and relax.  Those are things that are priceless.  No dollar amount, no coupon, no super deal online can compare to the memories I created with her that we will share for a lifetime. 

Body & Mind Giveaway Reminder!

Just a Reminder to Check out my Giveaway ending this Friday March 25th at 6pm  

Body & Mind Giveaway

If you haven't entered to win, do so now!  Only a few days left before the lucky winner gets picked!

Keep watching because the first week of April I will be announcing 2 more Giveaways for my readers!!!  I really think you will like these items and I can't wait to share them with you!

God Bless!  Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!!!

Just Another Day In Paradise!

This is what life is all about:

Day trips to pick up family and friends.  Riding in the car with my loves and enjoying the sunshine on my skin. 

Chinese Buffets and eating more than we should....but laughing and smiling the whole time. 

Relaxing in our pj's and catching up.  Little boys snuggling on the couch with their big sisters.  

Staying up late listening to my Beau talk about the things he is most passionate about.  Feeling blessed to have a man who is so smart and eloquent and wonderful to me and my children.  

Sleeping in, yet still being able to make it to church to hear my Daddy preach. 

Eating lunch after church with those I love. 

Leisurely walking and looking in all the shops downtown in our tourist city.  

Sharing ice cream.  

Walking and shopping some more to work off that ice cream.

Getting hugs from old friends you just bump into out of the blue. 

Coming home...walking to get a newspaper with my Beau...holding hands and feeling loved...even if I am out of breath because I'm so out of shape coming up the hill. 

Relaxing with the windows open and scent of Spring in the air...

Another great weekend with my family.  

"Yes, Jesus loves me...yes, Jesus loves me...."

Not only does the Bible tell me so...but the way he loves me each day...with allowing all of those things above in my life...THAT is plenty of proof for me!

Cheap DELICIOUS Kikkoman Teriyaki Chicken

A few weeks ago, I printed a $1.00 any Kikkoman product coupon from coupons.com.  I also was able to load an identical coupon to my Kroger Plus Card.  This gave me a total of $2.00 off any ONE Kikkoman product at Kroger.  We already had the giant thing of soy we keep in the pantry (purchased at Sam's some time back).  And similar coupons had been used on traditional Teriyaki sauce in an abundance.  My Beau looked over all the items and was pulled to a different Teriyaki sauce.  It was from their Teriyaki Takumi Collection.  The Garlic and Green Onion Variety. 

I looked at the price and it was on sale to boot.  For only 19 cents a bottle, we got 2 bottles of this sauce to add to our pantry.  Under .50 cents!  That's MY kind of deal!

So, this week, trying to come up with possible menu items, I pulled out a bag of frozen chicken leg quarters.  I grabbed a bottle of that sauce, and I tossed them into the crock pot.  They simmered on low for most of the day and let me tell you, our house smelled DELICIOUS!!! 

My Beau cooked up some Basmati Rice and California Mixed Vegetables and then he pulled the chicken off the bone.  It smelled Heavenly!  He made a a "bowl" with rice, veggies and meat all mixed together for himself.  As I was standing in the kitchen watching him, I spotted a couple of onion buns that needed to be used.  So I ended up taking the meat he had shredded for me and put on a toasted Onion Bun and ate my veggies on the side.  

OH MY SOUL!!!! YUMMY!!!

It was the perfect meal to end a great day!  The meat was tender and juicy and you could taste the sauce all the way through.  Not overpowering, but just perfect.  And although not the leanest part of the chicken, the legs and thighs that have been boned and have no skin on them still aren't a bad protein choice.  Served with a healthy portion of my favorite mixed vegetable blend (Birds Eye California is the BEST with huge chunks of carrots, broccoli and cauliflower) it was a great healthy meal and oh so easy to prepare.

The Chicken Leg Quarters were on sale for $1.29 a pound.  I cooked 4 quarters and after boned will EASILY feed us two to three meals.  The frozen veggies weren't on sale (one of my favorite splurges) but at only $4.88 for a 5 pound bag, they still weren't terribly expensive.  We buy the rice in bulk at Sam's Club and of course the bottle of sauce at under .20 cents.  A very cheap meal (with plenty of leftovers) that was satisfying, healthy and DELICIOUS!!! 

Don't Scoff! Just Coupon!!!

I had a discussion with a friend of mine today who shook her head and thought I was crazy when I pulled out my huge coupon binder.  She said she uses coupons sometimes when she sees one in the newspaper, but that she thinks it's a bit "over the top" to have a binder like that and to clip them like I do. 

I smiled, laughed to myself and asked her wouldn't she like to have a pantry full of foods she paid little or nothing for?  Specifically that yogurt I saw her son eat 3 of in the last couple of days.  She said sure, but it was too much trouble and it made you look crazy to walk in a store with all that stuff.  Plus she really didn't have the "time" to do it.

Well, all I can say is that the time I spend is worth it when I have the money to do something more fun with my kids later.  Next week, I am taking 7 people to a local pizza and game place that is going to cost us about $75 (after coupons).  This is a special treat for the kids for their Spring Break and birthdays combined.  I wouldn't be able to come close to affording that kind of splurge if I didn't save money in other ways. 

I know that couponing or extreme couponing are not ways of life for everyone.  I don't take things to extremes like some do.  I don't have the time, money nor space to do it.  But I do spend a regular amount of time online and sitting in my office floor with coupons and scissors and sale papers.  And it's worth it to me. 

This year alone, I've saved hundreds of dollars on groceries and managed to stockpile a lot of items in my pantry so that when a "rainy day" comes, I have a supply.  We may "want" different items and thus go to the grocery store regularly, but I guarantee I could feed my family of 3 and occasionally 6 (get rest of kids every couple of weeks) for at LEAST a month on "just" what I have in my pantry now.  We wouldn't go hungry and we'd have plenty of variety.  

One rule of thumb for me is to never buy/get something with a coupon that I wouldn't normally purchase for my family anyway.  

If it's not a brand we like or use, I just won't get it.  There are even some items (such as Claussen pickles) that we love so much that we won't buy any other brand, no matter how much cheaper the other brand may be.  We aren't limited.  We are just frugal for the most part so those kind of splurges don't hurt as much.

But also, there is a lot to be said about working with coupons to help others.  One thing I've gotten for mere pennies or free the past few months is feminine hygiene products.  Between coupons and sale prices, I managed to get 7 boxes of tampons, 3 packs of pantiliners and 4 packs of pads for under $5 total.  For ALL.  I've kept some in stock for my personal use and then distributed the rest to family members who could use them too.  Odd gift?  Sure, I suppose so, but when you think about little items like that you HAVE to purchase throughout the year, it adds up quickly.  That $5 box of tampons I got for free can help them save more toward a vacation, a date night out, or even paying off credit card debt. 

Every little bit, every single penny and dime helps.  It all adds up eventually.  Don't laugh at those who use coupons for cents off the dollar, those cents WILL add up to dollars quickly!

No matter what your income is and no matter what your priorities are, you can almost always benefit from using coupons.  Even doing it on a very small scale helps save hundreds of dollars a year.  

I plan on taking more time in the coming months and focusing on particular items for my pantry, as well as the household supply cupboards.  And next time I see soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and the like on sale under 25 cents an item or for free, I'm going to stock up.  Even if it's NOT the brand we like or use.  You know why?  Because there are a lot of people in the local area that don't have the money for those things and that go regularly to our local shelters and food pantry to get them. Me getting it for free and taking by there as a donation, is just one more way to give back to the community and show others the love of Jesus.  

Don't scoff at us coupon crazies as some call us.  Maybe our huge stockpile isn't only for selfish reasons.  Maybe we share with family, friends and those less fortunate.  Think about it.  Next time you say you don't have the extra money to give to a charity, make a Christmas box or to give to the less fortunate, think about grabbing some coupons, spending some time learning how to take advantage of the sales and getting free items to do that with.  

If you have questions about how to coupon and how to make the most of your grocery/household budget, feel free to ask me or visit any one of the blogs in my "Favorite Savers" box on the right.  You can even clip coupons directly from my blog and not even have to go to another site by using the Coupons.com box right under that "Favorite Savers" box.  

Don't forget to sign up for my Giveaway!  Low Entries and ends on March 25th!

Spring Break = Gone Fishing!

Several years ago, Joe Pesci and Danny Glover were in a movie called GONE FISHIN'

My Dad loved this movie.  I remember the first time he saw it and how he reminisced about how one of his best friends and he had gone fishing so many times through the years with all kinds of mishaps.  Frankly, my Dad and getting in a boat tend to mean trouble.  There have been dead batteries, running out of gas, getting lost, getting severely sunburned a few times, and even once, my Dad getting shipwrecked. Yes, indeed, his boat was partially submerged and he had to bail water out with his little ice chest to get them back and running and home again. 

So, when the characters in the movie seemed to attract trouble (albeit worse than my Dad's experiences) my Dad could empathize and it became one of those movies that no matter when it came on, you'd see Dad stop on that channel and have a few laughs, and on many occasion hear him quoting lines from the movie too.  

My Dad may not have been a big fisherman doing tournaments or going every chance he got, but he does love to fish.  And today, we had the chance to go fishing with him.  

Since it was my 7 year old's Spring Break this week, he asked Dad to take him fishing.  There are tons of lakes around our area and plenty of places to go, but he wanted to go somewhere easy to get to with not a lot of walking.  He asked about a local energy dam near our house, and I figured we'd end up meeting them there, then I remembered how so many people have been stopping right outside our community and fishing in the ponds near the golf course.  Well, that's where we ended up. 

We all had a great time!

We knew there wouldn't be any great tales of catching a 50 pound bass out of this little pond, but it was an awesome place for the kids to "fish" and it was an easy place for my Dad to get to without a lot of walking.  

And he caught 3 fish.  Now, honestly, we aren't sure if it was just the same fish twice, as we threw back the first one Dad caught immediately, but he caught 3 fish and the boys were thrilled.  They didn't measure over 6 inches long and couldn't have been more than a couple ounces a piece, but my boys were grinning and happy and excited and that was exactly what this fishing trip was all about. 

I am so lucky to have my parents living close enough to enjoy things like this out of the blue.  We've come a long way over the last year and being able to welcome my family into my home at the spur of the moment for a quick fishing trip and lunch after, means more to me than most would understand.  I am super blessed to have great parents and a wonderful man by my side now to help me raise my boys!

Don't forget to stop by and sign up for my giveaway!  A great Prize pack to pamper your body and soul!

First GIVEAWAY! HUGE Multiple Item PRIZE PACK

Thanks to all who helped me reach my new goal of 100 followers through Google Friend Connect!!!

Now that the Celebration Has Begin!!!  And the Giveaway shall too!!!

As previously mentioned - the winner will receive:

 $5 Amazon.com e-Gift Card

1 Bath & Body Works Cucumber Melon Travel Size Lotion

1Berry Pomegranate Flavored MIO Water Enhancer 

 $1.00 off any flavor Mio Water Enhancer Coupon

Copy of Billy Graham's Unto the Hills 365 Day Devotional Guide

ENTRY: 

You have 4 opportunities to enter for this giveaway!

 Each Chance is 1 Entry

(1) Follow via Google Friend Connect & comment here when you do (or already are)

 (2) Follow @YouBrewMyTea on Twitter

(3) Tweet about this giveaway

(4) Comment on a non Giveaway Post and come back here to tell me about it.

This Giveaway is Open for Entries until:

March 25th at 6pm!

Can't wait to share this prize pack with my first ever Giveaway Winner!!!

Follow Me so I can Give Away a HUGE Prize Pack!

I, much like many of my blogging friends, print and clip coupons.  In the midst of my attempt at being an "Extreme Couponer", I have also found all those great sites that offer free product samples and even the hundreds (probably thousands) of blogs out there that feature daily, weekly and monthly giveaways.  

A lot of people sign up to do product reviews and then end up receiving additional items,coupons and prize packs to giveaway to a lucky reader.  I want to do it to!  :-)  I don't want to be only about that.  I don't want to overwhelm your Google Reader or your inbox with 20 giveaway posts a day, but I do want to attempt to do at least 1 Blog Giveaway here per month.  And in the midst of that, I want to continue blogging about my family, my life and the things I do to save money and make money.  

But, if I am going to start doing Giveaways, I need to have people following and reading my blog to give away to.  So, I am asking now that you guys help me reach my goal of 100 followers on Google Friend Connect.  When I reach 100 followers I will post the items included in my prize pack and open up the gateways to enter to earn a chance at winning my first ever Blogging Giveaway!  

Ask your friends, share this link on Facebook or Twitter, tell your neighbor, your mom or the ladies group at church to come check me out.  Follow me on Google Friend Connect and as soon as I reach 100+ followers, then I will announce the full contents of my first Giveaway prize pack and open entries to all. 

I can say that as of now the prize pack includes: 

$5 Amazon e-Gift Card

Mio Liquid Water Enhancer in Berry Pomegranate with a $1.00 off Coupon 

Bath & Body Works Cucumber Melon Lotion

5 Hand Stamped/Made Thank You Cards

The prize pack increases daily!  Help me reach 100 Followers so I can get this party started!!

Yes Sir! That's MY Daddy!

For several months now, my Dad has been the interim pastor of the church he and my mom are members at.  I too was a member there many years ago, but over the course of time, went elsewhere to church.  Last summer, their pastor resigned, and my Dad having been more or less the one who filled in there in the past when the pastor was gone any time, was asked to step up and fill the pulpit.

Although my Dad pastored for most of my childhood, it has been years since he has been in a position where he was preaching at every service and directing things.  Although he is not the official pastor, he is there to help lead and guide until they find someone they feel led to ask to permanently fill that position.  This has been a time of renewing in my Dad in many ways, but, due to his many health problems, has been very physically trying on him.

I can't tell you enough, how proud I am of my Daddy. 

My parents aren't perfect, nobody is.  They made mistakes in my childhood and they didn't always do things the way others or I would have had we been in their shoes, but there was never a decision made that they didn't love me and my sister in.  They were protective and cautious and strict, sometimes to a fault, but always, always did things because of love.  And I see the same thing in how he has dealt with his small flock in this church.


They are much like children to him.  He loves them dearly and wants the best for them.  Individually and as a whole.  And he may struggle at times to tell them or show them, but in his heart, he just wants them to look to God for direction and make wise choices.


And sitting under him for many months now as he preaches, I am being led once again by my Daddy.  And it's a privilege that I don't take lightly nor for granted. 


For years, I went to other churches with my parents and without them.  We attended the same churches, then they stayed and I left and went elsewhere.  And for the last 15 years, I have only heard my Daddy preach on occasion when he filled in here and there as needed.  Only God could know that I needed my Daddy to be my pastor at this time in my life.  And here I am, almost every week, getting up on Sunday morning, and sitting with my Beau in church listening to my Dad preach from God's Word.

And I am blessed.  

Since last fall, I have witnessed first hand how my Dad has stepped in not only to deliver a sermon or Bible Study on Sundays and Wednesdays, but to minister to the people in and out of the church as they needed.  He is only one man, he only has so many hours in a day, but he has tried hard to be there when others have needed him.  I saw him on Thanksgiving Day, one of his few days off per year, get up early and make the hour and a half drive to visit a man in the hospital.  And that after being up half the night because my 7 year old son had been sick.  I saw him only days after that, being a minister and strength and help to a woman in the church whose husband of years had passed away rather suddenly.  I see him still every Sunday morning reaching out and hugging that very same woman, reassuring her and loving her.  I've seen him go make visits in the evenings after long days of work (because he still has a full time 6 day a week "regular" job too).  I've seen him loving his flock.  Every single day.  

I've watched my Daddy learn how to text. That may not seem like much, but for him it's a big deal . (Texting and Facebook are of the Devil!)  I've watched him and heard about him texting people within the church to check on them and encourage them.  

I've witnessed my staunch "Southern Baptist don't like music that isn't a hymn and don't dance" Daddy, raise his hands in praise and sing loudly along with the peppiest praise music the leader could find.  I've seen him tap his foot and nod his head along with the drums and electric guitar and praise music in Sunday morning worship.  I've had the privilege of praising my Savior WITH my Daddy.  

I've watched my Daddy weeping for his church.  Praying for his family, for himself and for every person sitting in those pews.  I've seen his heart literally breaking before me as he was so burdened with the church and it's future. 

As a child, I didn't see these things.  Not because he didn't do them, but because I wasn't paying attention.  I didn't notice or appreciate what my Daddy did for others near as much as I do now.  I wasn't aware because I was too wrapped up in myself to notice how he cared for others around him.  I knew he was loved and appreciate by some, hated by others, as is the life of every pastor.  But now, as an adult, I see something different.  Something more.  Something clearer.

I see my Daddy not only as my Daddy, but as a pastor, as a man.  I see my Daddy and I am proud of him.  I am proud to say he is my Daddy.  I am proud to be his daughter.  I hate that my decisions in this life have marred his name in any way and I wish I could go back and change that.  

I am proud to say that my Daddy is currently my Pastor.

"Your Dad is a wonderful preacher.  He delivers the word with passion and knowledge.  You are blessed to have him."

Later, he was speaking with my parents and myself and mentioned again how blessed he had been and that he would be back for additional services at our church while he and his family where in town.  I can't say enough how much it blessed me to see someone else appreciate my Daddy like that. 

It's one thing to hear your own family praise you or another family member.  It's a whole other thing to hear a complete stranger say all the things you've thought yourself.  It validates how you feel and lifts you up. 

Yes, I am proud of my Daddy.  I am proud of his dedication to his church and I am proud of the fact that he speaks what is on his heart, even when those listening don't always agree or want to hear it.  

I am proud to say my Daddy is my Pastor.   

 

Frugal Education Resources

For several months now I have wanted to find more things to do with my 3 year old son to help him grow on an intellectual and educational level.  We discovered he loved Curious George books a few months ago when we started frequenting our local library more.  That has been a great tool to help him in letter recognition. 

The last few weeks, I have worked part time in a local daycare to help out a friend and in the process saw how much my little man loves working puzzles.  I immediately said to my Beau that we needed to look for some puzzles to work with him on.  Not necessarily all educational, but he loves them and they are good for color, shape, number and letter recognition if worked with enough.

We hit the local Dollar Tree last week and sure enough, we came home with 13 puzzles!  Some 25 piece, one 60 piece and a few 100 piece puzzles.  Definitely a few for him to grow into and a few that he can do alone now.  One we both were really excited about was a map of the United States.  It even has several of the state capitals listed on it.  Definitely an educational tool!

I can't wait to work more with him on the puzzles and to encourage him doing them on his own. 

We also found that you can stock a good deal of great educational resources in your home from the Dollar Tree for next to nothing.  I have purchased the alphabet posters and number posters you see in most classrooms to hang on his bedroom wall.  I have purchased alphabet, number, color and shape flashcards and coloring activity books.  All for just $1 a piece.  For under $50 you could have basically any resource you could want for a preschooler in your home.  Including children's encyclopedias on world history, airplane mechanics and science. 

I can't wait until he is old enough to do more work on his own and can read those books by himself, but for now, I will enjoy being his "teacher" and watching him learn and develop with my frugal resources and the help of my Beau (who honestly is the true educator in this household!).

Israel In A New Light

It has been a very busy week for me, and instead of blogging (like I intended) I have been sitting here for the last half hour looking at pictures a friend of mine posted on Facebook from her honeymoon.  She honeymooned in Israel. 

I've seen things online and I've seen things on TV, but somehow, I never expected such beauty.  I had this mental picture of dreariness.  You hear about "Holy Land Tours" all the time and I've heard the cliche's about slide shows, but I've never experienced them. 

I now have decided that my fear of flying must be taken care of.  The next time we have some "extra" (::snort:: ::cough::) money laying around, I am DEFINITELY asking to go on a plane for a quick trip. I need to get my first flight out of my system before I demand a vacation in Hawaii and then one in Israel. 

The scenery is gorgeous.  The architecture (to me at least) is really cool and beautiful and in some things I saw, very sentimental.  The Wailing Wall, the different pictures of churches and temples...it just all rings so warm and fuzzy inside of me. 

I imagine there are many people who will shake their head at me over it, but I just now, at 28 years old, realized how beautiful the country is and how much I want to visit it!

So...all the topics I've had in my head to post about and been too busy this week TO post about...just got booted out the door in light of my new found desire to visit the country of "God's chosen people".  

Anyone every been there?  Where is your dream vacation spot?