Money Saving Mom®

Welcome to my weekly post when I share some pictures and highlights from the past week + what I’m reading, watching, and listening to. I also share links to posts or other interesting things I don’t want you to miss.

What a special weekend visiting my parents in Kansas and helping with their annual Valentine’s Banquet that they put on for their community!

My older sister came in from SC to help, too, and we joked that probably the last time the two of us were just with my parents was 42 years ago before our younger brother was born. (When he heard us say something about this he reminded us that while we might be the original 4, when he came along we became the fantastic five. 🤣🤣)

There were 50 couples at the banquet and it turned out beautifully! More pictures below!

I finished two books on the flights!

I tried to get a picture of the beautiful sunset and this didn’t do this justice at all!

Prepping for the Banquet on Thursday night — cutting the menus and folding and stuffing the questions for the couples to review.

Friday morning, a bit group of us met at the church to prep all the food and the decor.

We sent Mom to the store to pick up kale to decorate the fruit plates. She said people were giving her a lot of looks when she walked out of the store!

Here was the menu.

I was in charge of all of the servers — I’m giving instructions and assignments here.

Each couple got a photo taken when they came in and then these were printed during the event so they could take it home at the end!

Fruit plates ready to serve!

Vegetable soup — with heart-shaped carrots!

Salad and rolls (we also had gluten-free, dairy-free rolls for those with allergies).

Brisket, green beans, and sliced baked potatoes.

Cheesecake for dessert (and we had gluten-free, dairy-free for those with allergies).

The evening consisted of dinner, games, a message of encouragement by my dad, and then time for each couple to break off by themselves and go over some questions my parents put together.

And then each couple left with a framed photo of themselves!

On Saturday, we got to visit my Grandpa at the new nursing home he is living at.

I flew back on Sunday and the kids were SO happy to see me!

Books I Finished This Week

Blessed Are the Misfits — Since I loved Unoffendable, I wanted to read this book, too. I’ll be honest, I didn’t connect with it as much. However, I think it would be a valuable read if you struggle with believing in Jesus, have doubts, or just feel like you don’t fit in or don’t relate to what others feel when they talk about their faith.

A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul — This is a fantastic book for anyone who tends to be more anxious or worry. It is packed with encouraging devotionals that will remind you of the truth of God’s Word and His faithfulness.

What I’m Watching

The Olympics, of course! If you are new here, you might not know that I’m a huge fan of the Olympics! I love that Peacock offers every single sport and every single competition. That way, you don’t miss anything. I’m most excited about the figure skating since Kaitlynn was a figure skater, but I also love watching just about every single other sport! Are you watching the Olympics? If so, what’s your favorite?

Psst! If you didn’t see, you can watch the Olympics for free by signing up for a free Walmart+ trial!

In Case You Missed It – Posts From This Week

How to Save Money on Your Electric Bill – Are you looking for effective ways to lower your electric bill each month? From energy-efficient upgrades to everyday habits, this guide will help you lower your monthly electricity costs. It’s easier than you might think!

Easy Chili Recipe ($10 Family Dinner Idea) — This quick and easy chili recipe is the perfect cozy winter meal and a budget-friendly way to warm up. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or game day, it’s hearty, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Brigette’s $69 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 4! — See what my sister bought at the grocery store and what she’s feeding her family!

Affordable Valentine’s Ideas — Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. These affordable Valentine’s ideas show simple, thoughtful ways to celebrate love without spending a lot.

This Week’s Podcast Episode

Several years ago, Lindsey Maestas and I were out to coffee and she challenged me to see Jesse not as another task on my never-ending list but rather as a person again – a moment that stuck with me. In this season of raising a big family and wearing a lot of different hats, I realized how easily my marriage had slipped to the back burner. So for this episode, I invited Lindsey on to talk about what it really looks like to choose your marriage when life is busy or you are tired, hurting, or feeling like life is difficult.

Using her book Don’t Burn Your House Down as the basis of our conversation, Lindsey and I talk about the quiet disappointments that build up such as when a gift feels impersonal or you feel completely unseen and why those moments often point to deeper needs, not deal-breakers. Lindsey shares why love doesn’t “just happen,” how unspoken expectations create distance, and what to do when your spouse hears your requests as criticism or failure. We uncover the anxious–avoidant cycle, the danger of keeping emotional receipts, and why fighting fire with fire only burns the house down even faster.

One of my favorite parts of this episode is honestly when we shift away from heavy conversations and talk about rebuilding friendship. Laughter, play, small acts of service, and even silly moments can soften hearts in ways that words sometimes can’t, and Lindsay explains the power of what she calls “micro attractions” – the tiny daily choices that quietly say, “I see you.” We also talk about why trying to change your spouse almost never works and how real change begins when you look honestly at yourself.

This conversation is for anyone who feels lonely in their marriage, overwhelmed by life, or just wants to build a stronger marriage. It’s not about pretending things are fine but rather about choosing hope, humility, and connection again, even when it feels easier to quit.

Listen to this week’s podcast episode.

Tell me about your week! Anything interesting happen? Did you read any good books, watch any good shows, or tackle any project?