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How to be a minimalist and still let your kids have toys. This is a great list of intentional toys that promote creativity and can be used over and over again!
Shared Dec 2, 2017 comment

Reader Tip: Top 10 Toys For The Minimalist Family

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Reader Tip: Top 10 Toys For The Minimalist Family

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

How to be a minimalist and still let your kids have toys. This is a great list of intentional toys that promote creativity and can be used over and over again!

Hannah emailed the following tip:

I used get so frustrated with my children’s toy mess… until I got very intentional about what toys we kept in our home. Then everything changed!

The reality is, when my kids have less toys, they play with what they have more, they make less messes, there’s less to clean up, they get more creative, they spend more time outside, they play with each other more, they’re more content, and they have more space to play with those toys you keep.

It’s seems counterintuitive but just try it and see for yourself.

My top 10 boy and girl toy recommendations are as follows.

1. A couple dolls with clothes for changing
2. A nice sturdy wooden dollhouse
3. Stuffed animals
4. Wooden blocks
5. Train tracks
6. Legos
7. Cars
8. Books
9. Art Supplies
10. Dressup clothes

I picked these toys based on quality, open-ended options for play, and the fact that both girls and boys can play with all of them.

Keep it simple, give them time to get outside and don’t clutter up their play space or room with too many toys.

Adopt a minimalist philosophy with toys (and really everything in your home) and your kids will flourish. Plus, it will be SO much easier to manage and tidy up — for you and your kids!

Shared Dec 2, 2017 comment

Brigette’s $85 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

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Brigette’s $85 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

2 bags Mandarin Oranges – $4.98

Bananas – $1.12

Pineapple – $0.89

1 3-lb bag McIntosh Apples – $1.69

1 tub Organic Spring Mix – $3.59

1 pkg Romaine Hearts – $1.69

1 pkg Broccoli Crowns – $1.49

2 Avocados – $0.98

1 3-pk Multi-Colored Peppers – $1.79

1 Cauliflower – $1.79

1 10-lb bag Russet Potatoes – $2.99

1 5-lb tub 73/27 Ground Beef, reduced – $6.11

1 pkg Turkey Bacon – $1.89

1 1-lb pkg Butter – $2.24

2 cans Tuna – $1.26

1 pkg Rice Cakes – $1.19

1 12-oz bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $2.15

1 12-oz bag Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – $2.49

1 pkg Deli Sliced Swiss Cheese – $1.19

1 pkg Sliced Turkey – $2.55

1 loaf Sandwich Bread – $0.65

1 bag Chopped Pecans – $4.99

1 Organic Ketchup – $1.49

1 canister Quick Oats – $2.29

1 gallon Whole Milk – $1.56

1 carton Orange Juice – $1.59

1 can Whipped Topping – $2.65

1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $1.59

1 16-oz carton Heavy Whipping Cream – $1.55

1 can Garbanzo Beans – $0.55

1 Feta Cheese Crumbles – $1.89

3 dozen Eggs – $2.97

1 bag Nacho Chips – $0.75

1 tub Vegetable Shortening – $2.89

1 Ground Black Pepper – $2.29

1 Nutmeg – $1.56

1 Onion Powder – $0.99

1 Garlic Powder – $0.99

2 cans Chicken Breast – $3.10

Total: $78.72

Harris Teeter

3 pkgs Celanto Cheese Ravioli – $5.97, used 3 $1.00/1 Celantano Pasta – 10-1-17 SS; DND (exp. 12/31/17) (doubled) – FREE after coupons

2 bags Rosina Meatballs – $4.98, used 2 $1.00/1 Rosina Product – 10-1-17 SS; DND (exp. 12/31/17) (doubled) – $0.98/2 bags after coupons

4 large cans Tuttorosso Tomatoes – $3.96, used $1.00/4 Tuttorosso Tomatoes – 11-12-17 SS; Includes 14.5 oz or Larger (exp. 12/31/17) (doubled) – $1.96/4 cans after coupon

5 cans Harris Teeter Green Beans – $1.38

1 5-lb bag Pillsbury Bread Flour – $2.50

2 pkgs Mueller Pasta – $1.76, used $1.00/2 Mueller Pasta – 11-12-17 SS (exp. 12/23/17) (doubled) – FREE after coupon

Total: $6.82

Grocery Total for the Week: $85.54

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Bacon and Eggs x 2

Cereal and Fruit x 3

Oatmeal and Fruit x 2

Lunches

Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches, Raw Veggies with Dip, Fruit x 2

Build-Your-Own-Salad x 3 (Romaine, Spring Mix, Raw Veggies, Garbanzo Beans, Avocado, Shredded Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Feta Cheese, Chicken/Tuna, Nuts)

Leftovers x 2

Dinners

BBQ Meatballs, Twice-Baked Potatoes, Make Ahead Butterhorns, Green Beans, Tossed Salad

Thanksgiving #2 with Family and Friends – Leftover Turkey, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Make-Ahead Butterhorns, Cranberry Sauce, Tossed Salad, Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Beans, Upside-Down Praline Apple Pie, Pecan Pie (This is the entire menu – but I won’t be making it all myself :))

Cheese Ravioli, Roasted Broccoli, Fruit Salad

Turkey Gravy Over Rice, Steamed Cauliflower, Biscuits

Taco Salad, Spanish Rice, Fruit Salad

Homemade Cheese Pizza, Raw Carrots with Dip

Leftovers

Shared Nov 26, 2017 comment

A Peek Into Our Life This Past Week

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A Peek Into Our Life This Past Week

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to my weekly post where we take a break from money-related posts and I share about what I’m loving right now and give you a little peek into our life from the past week.

What I’ve Been Reading

I finished Finish by Jon Acuff and Talking As Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham. Finish was an excellent read and one I would highly recommend it. It inspired this post.

And since I’ve been watching Gilmore Girls for the first time this year (I’m almost finished with all the seasons!), I wanted to read Lauren Graham’s book. I’d say that it’s not worth reading unless you really love the show. It was a super quick read and did have some interesting behind-the-scenes details it it.

{See my Reading Goals for 2017. Also, see the 72 books I’ve read so far in 2017 here.}

A Little Peek Into Our Daily Life Around Here

A few highlights from our Thanksgiving in Kansas…

1) Cooking at my family’s house with my mom and brother.


2) Overseeing the blog and crazy Black Friday sales while cooking (I usually try not to multi-task, but since this is our biggest week for affiliate sales for the whole year, sometimes you just do what you have to do!)


3) Silas making cookies with my youngest brother, Zachary.


4) Getting to meet my new nephew, Lincoln, for the first time.

5) Beautiful Kansas skies.
. 6) Watching Jesse love on his nieces and nephews.

7) Seeing our kids have so much fun with their cousins.


8) Cousin pics!


9) Watching Jesse have so much fun hanging out with his siblings… and dying laughing seeing them attempt to get “normal” pictures done together (his parents hired a photographer to come out and take family photos).


10) Making an ice cream run to Braum’s!

Speaking of Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a moment to tell you all how thankful I am for each and every one of you. Thank you for your constant encouragement, your kind comments and emails, for how you love and support and cheer on our family, and for reading here. I am so blessed by you all!

Do you find yourself broke or in a bad financial situation this holiday season? If so, here are 4 practical things you can do to help!
Shared Nov 25, 2017 comment

When You’re Broke Over the Holidays

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When You’re Broke Over the Holidays

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Do you find yourself broke or in a bad financial situation this holiday season? If so, here are 4 practical things you can do to help!

Guest post from Steph of Cheapskate Cook:

We didn’t plan on being broke. It just kind of happened. At the height of the recession, we could barely make ends meet, and Christmas was coming.

The holidays had always been full of planning and traveling, gift exchanges and shopping… until we had no money.

The internet is loaded with ideas about finding contentment in the season, or how to nurture joy in a more simple holiday. But what do you do when you have no money during the biggest gift exchange in the world?

Here is what we did:

1. We Edited Our List

For several years, my husband and I didn’t exchange presents. Our gift to each other was traveling to see family. We also cut out nearly everyone we weren’t going to see on Christmas Day – this included cousins, distant aunts, and basically anyone we had to pay shipping for. Instead, we sent a few cards, printed some photos for grandparents, and baked cookies for co-workers.

If you’re like us, you love to give gifts. Honoring special people in your life at this time of year is fun and meaningful. You want to share the joy of the season with your nephews, nieces, church friends, and the librarian.

But this year, who is the most important? Who can you save for another year? Right now, in order to take care of your family, what needs to be released?

Eventually, you can add them back to the list. But you will never regret providing for your family first.

2. We Suggested a Name Drawing

When I first suggested a name drawing, I had several siblings still living with my parents. They were reluctant to agree, because they had the excess cash that comes with not paying bills. However, once they moved out, they thought drawing names was a great idea!

Rather than feeling obligated to give gifts to everyone in your family, suggest a family name drawing or Secret Santa. That way you only have to purchase one gift, but everyone can enjoy a gift exchange together.

3. We Made Gifts

Homemade seasonings are my favorite. They cost pennies, they’re something most people don’t have time to make themselves, and a cute ribbon and label adds a finishing touch.

Even if you aren’t crafty, you can make a few easy homemade gifts that communicate love and attention to people you can about.

If you like to bake, try a loaf of 1-Bowl Sweet Potato Spice Bread or Banana Bread. Even if you don’t like to bake, these foolproof recipes only take 10 minutes to get into the oven, and they turn out great.

4. We Released Our Guilt

Gift giving is fun. It can be really meaningful. It can also feel stressful and distract you from the true meaning of the season.

Rather than kicking yourself for having a rough year, congratulate yourself for being intentional with your priorities, for choosing NOT to go into debt, and for working hard to take care of your family.

This season is about joy, peace, family, and unconditional love. None of those ever came wrapped in a box, and you can share those gifts with everyone, no matter what your budget looks like.

Get Steph’s Dirt Cheap Holiday Gift Guide at Cheapskate Cook, where she teaches you how to save money and eat healthy. Her Free 4-Week Menu Plan shows you how to spend less than HALF the average grocery budget on real, whole foods.

photo source

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Shared Nov 19, 2017 comment

A Peek Into Our Life This Past Week

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A Peek Into Our Life This Past Week

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to my weekly post where we take a break from money-related posts and I share about what I’m loving right now and give you a little peek into our life from the past week.

What We’ve Been Watching

Kathrynne and I watched Wonder Woman together. Honestly, I’m not sure what to say about it. I know so many people have raved about it. I kind of felt like it fell flat for me.

Part of me wonders if I watched it again if I’d enjoy it more. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I know it was definitely different than what I thought it would be.

It was also pretty science-fiction-y for me (not my favorite genre) and there were some edge-y parts in it. I’d recommend watching it ahead of time before letting your kids watch it, if you were thinking of having them watch it.

Jesse and I have also (finally!) started watching This Is Us. We weren’t sure what we were going to think of it — especially since we’re pretty careful about what we watch and the opening scene made us concerned that this would be yet another series that we just didn’t feel comfortable watching.

But we stuck with it and we’ve really fallen in love with it. I think there’s something so powerful about the storytelling in this series. It doesn’t sugarcoat things. It’s real, raw, and messy. And yet, it also captures how the little moments in life are so beautiful, as well. I also love how it powerfully portrays how much our past affects our present and how wounds and hurts we’ve never dealt with or healed from can impact us and our relationships for years to come.

If you’ve seen Wonder Woman or This is Us, I’d love to hear your thoughts and whether you agree or disagree with me. 🙂

What I’ve Been Reading

Kaitlynn and I finished Beyond the Desert Gate together — a read-aloud we were assigned to read for her Sonlight homeschool curriculum, but one that we both really enjoyed.

I also read a pre-release copy of In Bloom by Kayla Aimee. Her book is all about trading restless insecurity for abiding confidence. It was such a great read — and one I could really relate to in my own journey through insecurities and feeling like I’m not good enough.

And finally, I’m finishing up reading Out of My Mind (I should finish it tonight) and it’s been a good read. If you enjoyed Wonder, I think you’d enjoy it.

{See my Reading Goals for 2017. Also, see the 70 books I’ve read so far in 2017 here.}

A Little Peek Into Our Daily Life Around Here

I caught them like this one night before bed this past week. They told me they were working on a “top secret” project.

I’m not sure what it was, but I loved hearing them laugh and giggle from their room as they worked together on it.

Not all moments are beautiful like this… but there are beautiful moments like this in every day, if only I have eyes to notice them.

I came downstairs one morning this past week to see him carefully wiping down every crevice of every single chair — without being asked!

He looked up and said, “I feel like I’m on Flea Market Flip. I bet I could clean this table up and re-sell it.”

Yes, your eyes aren’t mistaking you. I’m letting Silas spray paint furniture. In our garage. And I was helping him and cheering him on.

If you know anything about my personality type and about how messes and paint and craft projects are so.not.my.thing, then you will look at this photo and know that this is a testament to Jesus and His work in my heart.

It’s also a testament to how my Year of Rest changed me. Because I’ve learned that there’s more to life than chasing productivity and checking things off my to do list.

I’ve also learned that stopping to make memories with my child — even if it’s messy — is one of the most important and best uses of my time.

And it only took me 36 years to discover that— surprise, surprise! — spray painting is actually really fun. I never knew this because I was always to busy with my to do lists to be bothered.

Watch out, world. I see many bottles of spray paint in our future! ?

Kathrynne gave her Second Quarter Project speech this past week and did such a great job! She had to create an Illuminated Manuscript and then write a speech on what passage she chose to write out and why. (You can see her friend holding her manuscript next to her in the picture.)

One of our goals for 2017 was for Jesse and I to go on a trip together. We decided to go on a Marriage Retreat that was put on by some friends of friends of ours.

The Marriage Retreat was held at the Whitestone Country Inn and it was an amazing experience! The sessions were fantastic and we had a number of breakthroughs in how we approach communication our marriage.

Plus, we loved getting to spend so much quality time together, take in the beautiful scenery, enjoy the yummy meals, go on walks together, and just take time to really invest in our marriage and have fun together. It was so good for our marriage — and our souls!

We’re so grateful that my parents were willing to fly up and take care of our kids while we got away. It was such a blessing and a gift to us!

Something I’ve Been Pondering

She did something this past week that I got frustrated by. I didn’t yell at her, but she could sense the frustration in my voice.

She left the room and went to her room. And then I felt the prompting in my heart, “Call her back in. Really listen to her. Make sure she is seen and heard.”

I gently called her back and saw the tears in her eyes.

“Mom, I did that for you. I thought you would be happy about it. I feel like I just can’t seem to do the right thing.”

And my heart broke right in two. To think I had crushed her spirit and hurt her by my hints of frustration over this project she had done — not knowing her heart in it was to do something to make me happy.

I apologized. We talked. I thanked her. And then we worked together to finish the project.

And it was a beautifully bonding moment — as well as such an important reminder that sometimes what it appears like on the surface is often not at all what the intent of someone else is.

“Lord, help me to really see my kids as You see them. Give me grace to parent from Your love. Help me to take the extra time to find the good and praise it. Let me listen carefully, love abundantly, and show your grace lavishly — just as you have done for me. Help my kids to feel seen, heard, and valued by me… so that ultimately they will know how much they are seen, heard, and valued by You.”

Links You Should Check Out:

Shared Nov 18, 2017 comment

Brigette’s $64 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

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Brigette’s $64 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

1 pkg Frozen Raspberries – $1.85

1 3-ct pkg Multi-Colored Peppers – $2.59

1 Pineapple – $0.89

1 bag Baby Carrots – $0.69

4 1-lb bags Fresh Green Beans – $2.76 (great price!)

1 10-lb bag Russet Potatoes – $1.69

1 large tub Organic Spring Mix – $3.59

4 2-lb bags Honey Crisp Apples – $3.96 (They must be discontinuing these for the season – what a fantastic deal on one of my favorite kinds of apple!)

1 Pomegranate – $0.95

1 bunch Bananas (2.95lbs @ $0.36/lb) – $1.06

1 pkg Romaine Hearts – $1.59

1 bag Radishes – $0.95

1 8-oz pkg Cream Cheese – $0.65

2 loaves Sandwich Bread – $1.30

1 Graham Cracker Pie Crust – $1.89

1 box Honey Crunch Oats – $1.45

1 box Raisin Bran – $1.65

2 pkgs String Cheese (one reduced fat and one regular) – $3.98

1 bag Tortilla Chips – $0.75

1 pkg Deli Meat – $2.55

1 pkg Deli Sliced Cheese – $1.19

2 64-oz cartons Orange Juice – $3.18

1 gallon Whole Milk – $1.57

1 16-oz carton Heavy Whipping Cream – $1.55

1 64-oz carton Half and Half – $3.49

5 dozen Eggs – $1.70 (AWESOME price!)

1 5-lb bag Jasmine Rice – $2.85

1 box Refrigerated Pie Crust – $1.39

1 jar Almond Extract – $1.99

1 pkg Turkey Bacon – $1.89

1 can Whipped Topping – $2.65

1 1-lb pkg Butter Quarters – $1.99

1 jar Cheese Dip – $1.99

Total: $64.22

Grocery Total for the Week: $64.22

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Eggs, Bacon, Apple Strudel Muffins x 2

Cold Cereal, Fruit, Toast x 3

Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs

Meat Potato Quiche (I will make this with ham), Brown Sugar Biscuit Twists

Lunches

Build-Your-Own-Tossed-Salad Bar x 2

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, Bananas, Raw Veggies x 2

Thanksgiving Potluck at Church – I’m bringing a large crockpot full of homemade Macaroni and Cheese (Does anyone have a good recipe?) and Make-Ahead Butterhorns

Leftovers x 2

Dinners

Fried Egg and Cheese Sandwiches, Fruit Salad, Roasted Green Beans

Taco Salad, Spanish Rice

Dinner Out

Venison Roast in the Crockpot, Tossed Salad, Homemade Applesauce, Biscuits

Thanksgiving – Turkey, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Make-Ahead Butterhorns, Almond Ring Bread, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Pumpkin Pie, Upside-Down Praline Apple Pie, Chocolate Raspberry Pie, and Turkey Cookie Treats. I am hosting, but I am NOT making all of the above by myself. 🙂

Leftovers x 2

Shared Nov 14, 2017 comment

Gretchen’s $34 Weekly Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

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Gretchen’s $34 Weekly Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

2 Cucumbers – $0.49 each

2 dozen Eggs – $0.88 each

1 gallon Milk – $1.76

1 pkg Red Grapes – $1.63

1 Frozen Veggies – $0.99

1 Frozen Broccoli – $1.19

1 tub Oven Roasted Turkey – $2.39

1 pkg Strawberries – $2.49

1 Frozen Orange Juice – $1.19

1 loaf Bread – $0.89

1 loaf Sandwich Bread – $0.83

1 lb Ground Beef – $3.19

1 Cottage Cheese – $2.29

Total: $21.58

Dillons

1 Sour Cream – $0.99

2 pkg Betty Crocker Brownies – $0.49 each, used $0.50/2 printable AND $0.50/2 SavingStar.com rebate – Free plus $0.02 overage after coupon and rebate

1 Crystal Farms Shredded Cheese – $1.99, used $0.50/1 Ibotta rebate – $1.49 after rebate

1 Bob’s Red Mill Flour – $2.99, used $1/1 printable AND $1/1 Ibotta rebate – $0.99 after coupon and rebate

1 Romaine Lettuce – $1.29

4 cans Cream Chicken/Mushroom Soup – $0.49 each, used $0.80/4 printable – $0.29 each after coupon

1 lb Land O Lakes Butter – $2.49

1 pkg StoneyField Yogurt Smoothies – $2.49, used $1/1 printable – $1.49 after coupon

2 can Green Giant Green Beans – $0.49 each

2 cans Casa Fiesta Refried Beans – $0.49 each, used $0.50/1 e-coupon AND $1.25/2 Ibotta rebate – Free plus $0.77 overage after coupon and rebate

4 Yoplait Yogurt – Marked down to $0.39 each

2.20 lbs Bananas – $1.08

Used $0.25/1 Ibotta rebate for any receipt

Total after coupons and rebates: $12.48

Total for both stores: $34.06

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Eggs & Toast x 4

Cereal x 2

Cinnamon Rolls, Eggs

Lunches

Macaroni & Cheese, Veggies

Turkey Sandwiches, Carrot Sticks

Baked Potato Bar

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Sliced Apples

Cheese, Crackers, Fruit, Veggies

Leftovers x 2

Dinners

Baked Chicken Drumsticks, Crumb Apple Muffins, Steamed Broccoli

Soft Tacos, Rice

Lasagna, Amish White Bread, Green Beans, Tossed Salad

Chicken Noodle Casserole, Steamed Veggies

French Toast, Eggs, Orange Juice

Homemade Cheese Pizza, Breadsticks, Tossed Salad

Out to eat

Why renting can sometimes be better than owning a home. This is such a great testimony of how renting a home can lead to financial freedom!
Shared Nov 13, 2017 comment

Why We’re Choosing to Rent Right Now

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Why We’re Choosing to Rent Right Now

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Why renting can sometimes be better than owning a home. This is such a great testimony of how renting a home can lead to financial freedom!

Many people have asked us why we are renting right now. That’s a great question and I know it might not make sense to a lot of people why we would be or it might seem like we are just “throwing money down the drain” to be renting (as we’ve often been told).

If you’ve been following my blog for awhile, you know that we rented for the first 8 years of our marriage (during law school, during our stint in Kansas City, and when we first moved back to Wichita for Jesse to start his law firm).

We chose to rent for those first 8 years for a few different reasons. For the first 4ish years of our marriage, Jesse was finishing out his last semester of undergrad and then going to law school, so we definitely were not in a place to buy a house. After he graduated, because his job situation wasn’t very secure and we weren’t in a good financial place, we decided it was wise to continue renting.

After we moved back to Wichita, Kansas for Jesse to start his own law firm, this blog had really started taking off and we were making a good income from it. Since we didn’t have any debt and we were living on a lot less than we made, we were able to start saving aggressively to buy a house debt-free. I shared our savings journey on the blog and you all were so kind to cheer us to the finish line.

It felt amazing to pay 100% down on our very first house. We loved that house and were so grateful for it.

But we had decided to not become too attached to it because we didn’t know what the future held. I look back and am so grateful we made the decision from the get-go, because when we decided to make the big move from Kansas to Tennessee in 2014, it made it much easier to leave behind that paid-for house and go back to renting again.

A lot of people questioned our decision to choose to rent again when we moved to Tennessee. I understand that it seemed like we were taking a step backwards financially to do so.

And, in a very real sense, we were.

The truth is: shutting down Jesse’s law firm and making a cross-country move wasn’t a decision we made in order to “get ahead” financially. It wasn’t even a move that anyone could call a “strategic financial move”.

It was a move we made because we felt like that’s how God was leading our family. And we look back and see how it was absolutely the right decision — even if it meant some financial setback.

So, for those of you who have asked many times why on earth we would choose to rent when we moved to Tennessee, here are five reasons:

1. We didn’t know the area.

We moved to our rental home in Tennessee sight unseen. Some local friends had checked out the house and had done a video tour for us, but that was it.

We didn’t know the area well at all since we’d only visited here a few times in our life. We weren’t familiar with neighborhoods or the best areas of town or where we’d prefer to live.

The thought of buying a home when we were so new to the area felt like an unwise decision. Looking back, because we were unfamiliar with this area, it would have been a complete shot in the dark to guess what area of town might be best to look for a house in. And we likely would have looked in a completely wrong area just because we wouldn’t have known better!

2. We didn’t know what we should look for in a home.

There are some BIG contrasts between where we lived in Kansas and where we live now in Tennessee. We didn’t really know what those were or would be when we moved — which means we didn’t even know what we should look for in a home!

Renting has given us the opportunity to learn what we would in a home here. We didn’t know that we would want to look for a home with things like a bonus room (since homes rarely have basements here), a neighborhood with a pool (since it gets SO hot here in the summer), and a house that wasn’t in an area that frequently has really bad traffic delays (a very common thing here in certain areas of town).

3. We didn’t know if we were going to stay here long-term.

When we moved to Tennessee, it was an experimental move. We committed to try it out for 18 months to see how it worked and what it felt like for our family. We went in knowing it could be a very temporary thing or we might settle down here and live here for years. We just didn’t know which it would be.

Because our plans were so up in the air, it seemed like a poor choice to buy a home until we knew what our long-term plans would be. Renting would give us more flexibility if we decided that Tennessee wasn’t for us long-term.

4. We didn’t want to mess with selling our house AND moving.

I know that many people show their homes/sell their homes, buy a home, AND make a cross-country move all at the same time. But that just felt really overwhelming to me to think of pulling off in the middle of everything else in my life.

So instead of messing with having to show our home and sell our home in Kansas, we decided to rent it out instead. We already had one rental home that we had purchased and were using a rental management company to manage it, so we asked them if they could find renters and manage our personal residence, as well.

We ended up getting renters in our home quite quickly. Since we didn’t have a mortgage, we were able to turn a good profit almost every month on it.

(I say almost every month, because we ended up having to spend money on some repairs and there were also a few months when it wasn’t rented over the past three years. But for the most part, we’ve made a good profit every month on it.)

5. We didn’t have the money saved to buy a house debt-free.

The biggest reason why we decided not to buy a home in Tennessee when we moved was because we didn’t have the money saved to do so. As we’ve always been debt-free, we didn’t feel comfortable getting a mortgage. And since we didn’t have the money saved up to buy a home, the only way we’d be able to afford a home in TN, would be to sell our former personal residence in Kansas plus our rental house there.

Even if we were to sell both residences (which would require quite a bit of time and effort and work — see point #4), we still wouldn’t have enough to really buy a house that would last us more than a few years (houses are quite a bit more expensive here than they are in Kansas).

So we decided that renting in the short-term was the best option. And we don’t regret that decision at all!

Exciting House Update!

Between our rental income from the two houses and setting aside some of our income every month, we were able to save up enough to buy another rental house in Kansas after we moved to Tennessee. So for two+ years, we had three rental houses there.

But since we decided to stay in Tennessee long-term, at the beginning of 2017, we decided to sell our rental houses in Kansas and use the money toward purchasing a “forever home” here in Tennessee! (Well, at least what we envision to be a long-term home for us… I never want to get too attached to any house because you never know what the future might hold!)

We have currently sold two of the houses and have a contract on the third, so we just recently hired a realtor and we’re almost ready to begin the house-hunting process in earnest!

We are so excited to be at this point — especially since the house we are renting has some less-than-ideal features. 😉 Stay tuned for more details on our house-hunting adventure!

Shared Nov 13, 2017 comment

Gretchen’s Walgreens Shopping Trip: Paid $6 for 3 packages of diapers!

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Gretchen’s Walgreens Shopping Trip: Paid $6 for 3 packages of diapers!

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

You can score a great deal on Huggies diapers this week at Walgreens! I was so excited as we were just about to run out of diapers here. 🙂

Walgreens Shopping Trip

3 Huggies Diapers – $9 each (on sale 2/$18)
Used three $2/1 printable
Plus used $10 Ibotta rebate when you purchase 3 Huggies Diapers jumbo packs (Limit 1)
Plus redeemed 5,000 Balance Reward Points (like $5)
Total after coupons, rebate and points: $6 (just $2 per package!)

If you don’t have any points or Register Rewards to redeem, you can get these for just $3.67 per package – which is still a great deal!

OVER-SPENDING EVERY SINGLE MONTH?Grab these FREE Budgeting Sheets!

Click here to download!
Shared Nov 11, 2017 comment

How We Make it Work On One Income

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How We Make it Work On One Income

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Vanessa of Modern Homemakers Society:

One of the biggest desires for mothers, especially new mothers, is to be able to stay at home with her kids. However, in this day and age, that’s not always a possibility.

We’re living in a time where you have to have two incomes to make ends meet… or do you?

After my husband and I had baby number three, we started to calculate how much daycare would cost compared to what we were making. Turns out, my paycheck was just enough to pay for daycare and nothing else. I was basically just working to have someone else watch my kids.

At that point, we made the decision that he would work and I would stay home with the kids, but there were many bumps in the “one paycheck family” road. Here are five tips we live by that have allowed us to live on one paycheck and still have some “fun money” left over.

1. Determine Needs vs. Wants

You have to get really clear on where the money needs to go as opposed to where you just would like it to go. This is probably the hardest part about living on one income, being diligent with your money and using it wisely.

A lifesaving tool we use is Dave Ramsey’s Every Dollar budget form. This really helped us figure out how much we were bringing in, where the money needed to go, and how much we had left over for the more fun stuff.

2. Set a Limit to Your Spending

Whether it be extra “fun” money or bill money, you need to set a limit to what you’re willing to pay for certain things. Get with your spouse and come to an agreement on how much should go where. Are you paying more than you’d like on the electric bill? Come up with ways you could lower it such as turning off all the lights around the house where no one is using them, keep the thermostat at a reasonable temperature and use sweaters or blankets around the house in colder seasons, etc.

For fun money, set a limit to how much you want to spend on things like movies, ice cream trips, going to the zoo, eating out, etc. We like to use separate envelopes for these things so we know that once that envelope no longer has cash left in it, then there’s no more spending money until the following paycheck.

Some of the envelopes we keep are Eating Out, Family Fun Day, Birthdays, Christmas, Car Maintenance, Kid’s Sports Activities, and Family Vacation.

3. Establish Who Pays the Bills

Having one person in charge of paying all the bills makes it much easier to stay on top of your finances. I used to work in accounting so, in our family, I’m the one who manages our finances. My husband and I get together once a month to go over our finances and keep each other in the loop about where we are.

4. Start Meal Planning

I know it may not seem like it, but meal planning has saved our family a ton of money. Having a set plan for what you’re going to have for dinner each night helps to avoid last minute trips to the grocery store or worse, fast food places. When my husband and I got together and calculated how many times we went out for “last minute” food trips, we realized we had been spending over $200 a month on fast food!

It doesn’t seem like a lot when you’re spending five dollars here and there but if you sit down and calculate how much you spend in a month, you’d probably be shocked at your results.

5. Plan Free or Inexpensive Family Events

There are tons of things you can do with your family that don’t require you to spend a whole lot of money, and most of the time you can even find free events happening in your town.

Some of our favorite free family events are going to the music festival our town puts on once a month, movie night at the local park, game nights here at home, and sometimes we’ll let the kids invite a friend over and we set up the living room like a movie theater and lay out nachos, hot dogs, candy, etc.

Those are our five tips we used to help us transition from living on two incomes to living on one. I hope you all enjoyed them and will start implementing some of your own 🙂

Vanessa Phelps is a Mama of five, Homemaking blogger, and founder of the Modern Homemakers Society. Her mission is to help women rediscover the lost art of homemaking, and create a peaceful, stress-free home environment. 

photo source

Shared Nov 11, 2017 comment

Brigette’s $57 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

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Brigette’s $57 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

1 pkg String Cheese – $1.99

1 jar Hot Fudge Sauce – $1.99

1 carton Premium Ice Cream – $3.49

1 3-lb bag Gala Apples – $2.79

1 10-lb bag Russet Potatoes – $3.49

2 bags Baby Carrots – $1.38

1 head Cabbage – $0.59

1 bag Zucchini – $1.45

2 heads Cauliflower – $3.38

2 heads Broccoli Crowns – $2.30

3 bags Cranberries – $2.07

1 3-lb bag Sweet Potatoes – $0.99

1 bag Red Grapes (2.46lbs @ $0.79/lb) – $1.94

1 bag Red Onions – $1.15

1 bunch Bananas – 2.60lbs @ $0.36/lb) – $0.94

1 Canola Oil – $1.35

1 bag Chopped Pecans – $4.99

1 box Raisin Bran – $1.65

1 box Honey Nut Oats – $1.15

1 box Cinnamon Crunch Squares – $1.09

1 64-oz carton Orange Juice – $1.65

1 gallon Whole Milk – $1.57

1 24-oz carton Lowfat Cottage Cheese – $1.75

1 pkg Turkey Bacon – $1.89

1 loaf Bread – $0.65

1 pkg Hamburger Buns – $0.69

1 jar Organic Salsa – $1.29

2 cartons Egg Whites – $3.78

3 dozen Eggs – $1.14

1 jar Light Corn Syrup – $2.89

Total: $57.47

Weekly Grocery Total: $57.47

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Eggs and Bacon (Birthday Breakfast choice for my 11-yr old)

Everyone is responsible for making/cleaning up their own breakfasts. Choices include:

Scrambled/Fried/Boiled Eggs, Toast, Cereal, Oatmeal, Yogurt, Fruit, Cranberry Muffins, Veggie Omelets

Lunches

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Grapes, Carrot Sticks (Birthday Lunch Choice)

Baked Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Cheese Sticks

Leftovers x 5

Dinners

Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza, Roasted Cauliflower and Broccoli, Ice Cream Pie (Birthday Dinner Choice)

Hamburger Vegetable Soup, Easy Whole Wheat Bread

Dinner with Friends (We’re doing an early Thanksgiving meal with several close friends. I’m bringing Mashed Potatoes, Butterhorns, and Pecan Pie)

Three-Cheese Baked Spaghetti, Homemade French Bread, Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower

Hubby Lovin’ Chicken (recipe from Trim Healthy Table Cookbook), Steamed Carrots, Tossed Salad

Taco Salad, Mexican Rice, Apples

Sloppy Joes, Baked Potato Wedges, Parmesan Roasted Zucchini

Shared Nov 10, 2017 comment

Non-Toy Gifts for Kids: 10 More Ideas

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Non-Toy Gifts for Kids: 10 More Ideas

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Non-toy gifts are a great way to avoid clutter in your home, keep things simple, AND still give gifts that kids will love!

Non-toy gifts are a great way to avoid clutter in your home, keep things simple, AND still give gifts that kids will love!

10 Non-Toy Gifts For Kids

Non-toy gifts are a great way to avoid clutter in your home, keep things simple, AND still give gifts that kids will love!

I wrote a post two years ago with some of our favorite non-toy gifts for kids. I also did a video on non-toy gifts for kids last week and so many of you left many more amazing ideas in the comments. So, I wanted to followup with 10 more non-toy gifts for kids:

10 Non-Toy Gifts for Kids

1. Makeup Subscription Boxes

If you have pre-teen or teen girls who love makeup, there are some fun subscription boxes that send a box of different makeup to try out every month that make great non-toy gifts. Each of these subscription boxes is just $10 per month.

We got a subscription to ipsy for Kaitlynn last Christmas and she has loved it! She gets a cute bag with 5-6 different makeup items in it for her to play around with and try new makeup techniques and looks. You can rate what you get and earn points toward free products. Plus, they tailor your bags based upon your likes and preferences.

In addition to ipsy, two other companies that offer makeup subscription boxes every month for just $10 are Birchbox and Sephora Play.

Looking for more subscription box ideas? Check out my post on My 6 Favorite Subscription Boxes for Kids and Adults.

2. Christmas PJs

Last year for Christmas, we all got matching camo footie PJs! Not only was it the cause of all sorts of family laughs to see each other in them (the kids thought we looked hilarious in our PJs; I thought they were so comfy!), but it was such a fun family memory for us to all wear our matching PJs for Christmas together when we unwrapped the presents.

Heidi said that this is one of their yearly traditions (I love this idea!): “I have always gotten my kids new pjs and a movie to open on Christmas Eve. Then we curl up and watch it before bed. -Heidi”

Amazon offers all sorts of fun matching Christmas PJs for families which would make FUN non-toy gifts!

3. Audiobooks/Audio Dramas

My kids LOVE listening to great audio drama! Last year, we got Silas and Kathrynne a subscription to the Adventures in Odyssey club and this is something that is used pretty much daily at our house! They listen to the audio adventures while going to bed or while they are working on crafts/building with LEGOs, etc.

We even listened through one of the series while we were on our two-week road trip and Jesse and I got into it. 🙂 (AIO fans: It was the Novacom series. We loved that one!)

Other audio adventures to check out: Patch the Pirate, Your Story Hour, Heirloom Audio’s dramatized G.A. Henty books, YWAM Publishing’s audio biographies.

10 Non-Toy Gifts for Kids

4. Cookbooks/Cooking Supplies

Kaitlynn loves to bake and experiment in the kitchen. So her grandparents gifted her cookbooks this past year and they have been well, well used. The added benefit is that our family gets to eat the yummy things she makes in the kitchen! 😉 We’ve also gifted her kitchen supplies that she really wanted (which might sound like a weird gift, but she was thrilled!)

Another fun idea for kids who love to bake and cook with Mom or Dad, would be to give them all the supplies needed to make a special recipe + a coupon for a night in the kitchen with Mom or Dad.

5. Lessons

Are your kids into a particular sport or have they talked about wanting to try horseback riding or cake decorating? What about buying them lessons for a few months?

We have gifted our kids swimming lessons (Silas really wanted to take them one year!), special private coaching for swimming and ice skating with an instructor who was in town for a weekend, a special one-day intensive in a sport they were really into, and cake decorating classes.

In each of these cases, these gifts of lessons have been huge hits for our kids!

6. Family Movie Nights

Last year, someone gave us a Family Movie Night Gift Basket complete with popcorn, Root Beer, movie candy, and an iTunes gift card for us be able to rent a movie to watch together as a family. It was a fun gift that we really enjoyed as a family. (There are lots of creative Family Movie Night Gift Basket Ideas here.)

Our kids have also been gifted Redbox Gift Codes for rentals — which they thought was so cool because they got to choose their own movie at the kiosk to rent for our family to watch.

If your family is like ours and rarely goes to the theater, you could also buy tickets to see a movie together. We did this one year and our kids thought it was fantastic!

10 Non-Toy Gifts for Kids

7. Money

You basically will never go wrong with giving money. At least that’s what my kids will tell you. 😉 Just like gift cards, my kids think that having their own money to spend however they’d like to spend it is the best. thing. ever.

You could also gift money specifically toward something big they are saving for or just give them cash to choose to spend however they would like to spend it. (Want to step up your game a little? Check out these Creative Ideas for Gifting Cash.)

8. Tickets to An Event

In recent years, one of our favorite gifts has been to give tickets to an upcoming event. Something that our kids would really, really like to get to go to (such as a sporting event or ice skating event), but that they’d never expect we’d actually pay for.

Let me just say, that the look on their faces when they open the gift and see the tickets and realize what it means has been pretty priceless! And then the experience of getting to go to the event with Mom or Dad is a memory that we treasure for years to come.

9. Outdoor Toys

Okay, so this is technically a “toy”, but it’s one that won’t clutter up your home and will likely be very useful. Our kids have been gifted a trampoline, outdoor games, scooters, ripsticks, bikes, and more over the years. And many of these are things they have used for years to come and have brought so much joy to them AND it’s meant a lot of extra fresh air, exercise, and sunshine!

10. A Family Trip

What about planning a memorable family getaway as a Christmas gift? I know one family who gave their kids a choice between two different trips that they had planned. They got to unwrap the itineraries on Christmas Day and then had a window of time in which they got to decide which trip they were going to choose. How fun is that?

What are some of YOUR favorite non-toy gift ideas? Leave a comment and let us know!

Psst! Looking for more ideas? Check out this post with 145 Non-Toy Gift Ideas.

Shared Nov 7, 2017 comment

Gretchen’s $96 Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

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Gretchen’s $96 Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Aldi

I went WAY over our weekly budget this week because we are having company. I plan to spend under budget the next couple of weeks so I don’t run out of grocery money before the month is out. 🙂 

1 bag Fuji Apples – $3.49

1 can Pinto Beans – $0.89

2 dozen Eggs – $0.88 each

1 pkg Chocolate Chips – $1.79

1 Pure Vanilla – $3.49

1 bag Sliced Almonds – $2.99

2 lbs Ground Beef – $3.19 each

1 can Cream of Chicken Soup – $0.49

2 cans Black Beans – $0.59 each

2 cans Kidney Beans – $0.55 each

1 bag Marshmallows – $0.89

1 lb Butter – $2.89

2 gallons Milk – $1.99 each

1 gallon Apple Cider – $3.49

1 Sour Cream – $1.19

1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk – $1.19

1 pint Grape Tomatoes – $1.49

1 Heavy Whipping Cream – $1.99

1 loaf Bread – $0.89

1 pkg Cheddar Cheese – $1.79

1 Whipped Topping – $2.99

1 pkg Green Peppers – $0.99

1 Greek Yogurt – $3.49

1 bag Corn Chips – $0.99

1 Raspberries – $1.29

1 pkg Oyster Crackers – $0.79

1 Strawberries – $2.49

2 Cucumbers – $0.49 each

1 Baby Carrots – $0.69

1 pkg Carrots – $0.99

1 pkg Dried Cranberries – $1.29

Total: $60.33

Dillons

I used Clicklist again this week because I had multiple free e-coupons that were only valid with Clicklist.

2.24 lbs Bananas – $1.10

1 Bare Naked Granola – $3.79

2 Betty Crocker Cake Mix – $0.79 each, used $0.50/2 e-coupon – $0.54 each after coupon (Stocking up for my son’s birthday party!)

1 General Mills Cheerios – $3.99, used Free e-coupon (no longer available) – Free after coupon

3 Crystal Farms Shredded Cheese – $1.99 each, used 3 $0.50/1 Ibotta rebates – $1.49 each after rebates

6 cans Del Monte Diced Tomatoes – $0.49 each, used $1.25/3 e-coupon – $0.28 each after coupon (Somehow these didn’t make it into the picture.)

1 Hershey’s Snack Size Candy – $3

1 Hershey’s Bar – $1.50, used Free e-coupon – Free after coupon

1 Horizon Crackers – $2.50, used Free e-coupon – Free after coupon

1 Hormel Natural Choice Snack – $0.99, used $0.75/1 e-coupon – $0.24 after coupon

1 Kroger Cereal – $1.49, used $0.50/1 e-coupon – $0.99 after coupon

1 bag Kroger Frozen Peas – $1, used Free e-coupon – Free after coupon

1 Kroger Graham Crackers – $1.49

1 bag Kroger Flour – $1.29, used $0.40/1 e-coupon – $0.89 after coupon

1 Mom’s Best Cereal – $1.67

1 Mountain Dew Kickstart – $1, used Free e-coupon (no longer available) – Free after coupon

1 bunch Green Onions – $1

2 Philadelphia Bagel Chips & Cream Cheese Snack – $1.99 each, used $1/2 printable – $1.49 each after coupon

2 Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls – $1.99 each, used $2/2 e-coupon – $0.99 each after coupon

2 cans Organic Progresso Soup – $3.29 each, used 2 Free e-coupons – Free after coupons

1 Real Good Frozen Pizza – $5.99, used Free printable (no longer available) – Free after coupon

1 Sargento Cheese – $3.69, used Free e-coupon – Free after coupon

1 SO Delicious Frozen Dessert – $4.49, used Free e-coupon – Free after coupon

1 Stoneyfield Yogurt – $2.99 (I had an $1/1 e-coupon on my card for this, but it didn’t come off.)

1 Tostitos Chips – $2.99, used Free e-coupon – Free after coupon

1 Psst Sugar – $1.89

2 Uncle Ben’s Rice – $1.79 each, used 2 Free e-coupons (no longer available) – Free after coupons

1 Idahoan Potato Soup Mix – $3.07, used Free e-coupon (no longer available) – Free after coupon

ClickList Shopping Fee: $4.95

Total after coupons and rebates: $36.19

Total for both stores: $96.52

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Cereal x 2

Toast & Eggs x 4

Cinnamon Rolls & Fruit

Lunches

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Veggies x 2

Veggies, Fruit, Crackers, Cheese x 2

Baked Potato Bar

Apple Party at my mom’s (I’m bringing Apple Cranberry Almond Coleslaw.)

Leftovers

Dinners

Spaghetti, Steamed Peas, French Bread

Dinner out (Using our free pizza points from Papa Johns! Woohoo!)

Enchiladas (from freezer), Rice, Chips & Salsa

Fall party at our house with our Lifegroup (I’m making 3-Bean Chili Chowder with lots of toppings, Veggie Tray, Rolls, Homemade Hot Chocolate, Apple Cider, and providing S’more fixings!)

Meatloaf, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes

Baked Chicken Drumsticks (from freezer), Steamed Broccoli, Homemade Bread

Chicken Noodle Casserole, Fruit Salad

Shared Nov 5, 2017 comment

A Peek Into Our Life This Past Week

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A Peek Into Our Life This Past Week

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to my weekly post where we take a break from money-related posts and I give you a little peek into our life from the past week and also share things I’m pondering/learning.

Earlier this week, two of my kids were upset with me.

I had made a decision that one of them didn’t like. And I had sat the other one down to have a conversation that they didn’t want to have.

They both expressed their frustration with me in ways that really surprised me: “I feel like you’re shutting down my voice!” And, “I feel like I’m trying so hard and you’re still disappointed with me!”

Part of me that felt like a big fat mothering failure when they told me these things. But the other part of me felt so grateful.

Yes, I said grateful. Why?

Because this past year, we’ve worked hard to really communicate well with our kids and to teach them how to express their feelings and to have a voice.

I don’t want them to stuff things down or feel like they can’t tell me when they feel like I’m messing up or when they are hurt by me or upset with me. I want to know — even if it stings bad.

Because they were brave enough to be honest, it opened the door for us to have really great conversations, for me to apologize for where I’d approached things incorrectly, for me to get a peek into their hearts, and for us to have resolution and restoration in our relationship.

Don’t run from the hard and awkward and hurtful discussions with your kids. They can be some of the best discussions, if you’re willing to stay, process, hear their hearts (even when their words might come across as hurtful), and ask forgiveness for where you’ve messed up.

This picture from earlier this week makes me smile so big.

Kaitlynn hot-gluing. Crafts spread out. The coffee table moved over to make space for Silas and Kathrynne to work on math together. A random pumpkin.

This is real life. This is my life. And I want to embrace it.

 

I was trying to do an informal “photo shoot” of the girls wearing these sweatshirts we just launched with Cents of Style (see above.) It quickly turned into teasing and full-on uncontrollable belly laughs.

I love these girls. I love how they love life. I love how they keep me on my toes. I love how they never let me take life too seriously. And while there are many moments when they don’t get along, I love it that there are many moments like this when they just can’t get enough of each other!

I made these Sweet Potato Fries this week and I just have to say that if you haven’t tried them, you must!

Links You Should Check Out: