Caleb

Today I have a lot on my mind. One of those things is yesterday’s sermon. Larry taught us about Caleb. Now we have been studying the book of Joshua for a while now but he is honing in on Caleb right now. Back in the book of Numbers, God said that Caleb had a “Different spirit” because Caleb followed God “whole-heartedly”. God also promised land to Caleb and his tribe. Specific land, special land. He promised Caleb Hebron. Hebron was where Abraham and Sara and Rebecca and family were all buried. Hebron was God’s land; sacred land. Well if we fast forward to the book of Joshua, when it came time to divide up the land, Joshua and the priest were going to leave it up to God by drawing lots. Well, all this time later (45 years to be exact), Caleb reminded Joshua of the Lord’s promise to Caleb. So Caleb and his tribe received Hebron. Caleb defeated all the people who were defiling the land there and he lived there all his days. But still in the book of Joshua, Caleb is described as a man who followed God wholeheartedly.

Caleb certainly must have trusted God! He patiently waited for 45years to receive the land God had promised him. He was 40 years old when he was promised. That means he was 85 years old when the promise was fulfilled. Scripture also said that Caleb remained physically strong and able to battle even though he was at such an advanced age. Also, as a side note, Joshua lived to be120 years old. So he spent 35 years in his promised land.

So the question posed to us in the sermon was: What does it mean to have a “different spirit” and how can we achieve having a “different spirit”? Caleb had a different spirit because he trusted and followed God completely. Everything that Caleb did involved God’s council. We know this because in the scripture Caleb says “The Lord sent me…; followed the Lord my God…;”. Caleb  references the Lord in most of his actions when he is reminding Joshua of the promise. I know that scripture tells us to pray about everything. God wants to be involved in our lives, even the silly little things. So, how can we have a different spirit? We can involve God in everything in our lives. We can pray without ceasing. We can ask God to help guide all of our decisions. We can praise God in every situation. We can shift our focus to God and away from our problems, those people we don’t like and the times in our lives that we just can’t seem to stop thinking on.

I know that the things above are hard to do but we can start small. We can start by praying constantly. First thing in the morning we can thank God for waking us up and ask him to guide our day. We can enjoy some time in God’s word while we are eating our breakfast or drinking our coffee in the morning. We can pray for our country or just any situation that we see in the news. We can pray when things pop in our minds. We can pray for correction, comfort, peace when things get out of hand. We can spend our day talking to God. We can make time to be in God’s Word, even if it is just a couple of scriptures at a time. We can meditate on those scriptures. We can buy the Bible on audiobook or a Christian bible study on audio book to listen to during a long commute. There are so many ways we can stay plugged into God during our day. God provides the opportunities, you have to take them.

I know one thing is for sure. It may sound like I have it all figured out but you know what, I really and truly don’t. I don’t have that different spirit yet. I know I am really striving to have that kind of spirit. I am not in God’s word as much as I should be. I don’t pray nearly as much as I need to. I don’t listen to God’s voice like I should. I am so far away but I do know that a journey begins with one step. Just one step, then another, then another and so on and eventually you make it to your destination.

Hello again my friends. We certainly had a busy weekend here in the Misadventure household. On Sunday evening we had our annual wrapping party for Karen's Kids. Here you can see members of our church wrapping away. We had a carry in this night of soups and sammies as well.

Here is all the bags of toys. We had 28 families with a total of 83 kids this year!

On Saturday a few of our church members decorated a float for our town's annual Christmas parade. Here you can somewhat see the float. We have Shepherds around the manger at one end and angels around the cross at the other. Our float was the simplest out there but had the best message I think. Oh and it was soooo foggy! We couldnt see the other end of the lot!

Here you can see the sign on the back of our float. 

This one was earlier in the day when my boys were helping put the finishing touches on the float.

We also put up a few decorations in our home. I made these mason jars last year ( I think). I used stencils, glitter and glue to make the design on the outside. Then I took a short string of white lights and shoved them in the tops of the jars. It makes me very happy to see these jars aglow on my kitchen counter.

My youngest son decorated my little firplace this year. To be honest, I havent been much in the spirit of things this year with all that has been going on BUT these decorations my sons so eagerly put up has my heart singing Christmas Carols.

Well my friends, that sums up the majority of my weekend. I fear I have come down with a cold (probably from being in the cold damp Saturday night). But, I am posting this from my phone while sitting at my desk at work. 

Oh and my bloggy followers, if you read this please say a prayer for my step-dad who is undergoing surgery this morning. He has a mass in his neck and they aren't sure if it the dreaded "c" word. All prayers are appreciated.

Until next time my friends,

May God bless you.

Erin 

Most wonderful...Errr...busiest time of the year

Hello again my friends. We are so busy in the Misadventure household. It is Karen's Kids time again. Our church has provided Christmas gifts for 83 needy kids in our community. That's 28 families who don't have to worry about Santa. Our church will hold a wrapping party and carry-in this Sunday. We will have a good meal and then wrap, wrap, wrap. Then on Friday I will transport the gifts to the center where the families can pick up their gifts.

On Saturday our church will be participating in the annual Christmas parade.  We will be meeting early that morning to put the float together. We have loads of great ideas and,if I remember, I will take pictures!

With all that has been going on, I am a week behind on my Bible study! The pic above is what my desk looks like right this minute. I am very blessed to work in a small town office and with a brother in Christ. My job, our office is perty laid back so I am usually able to do my Bible studies in the mornings between clients. BUT, with last week being Thanksgiving and then working on Karen's Kids this week I am way behind.

You know, I guess it doesnt really matter if I am behind because I know I will catch up. I do read God's Word daily, even if it's just a verse or two. I pray constantly. God is always near my thoughts.

Well, I am typing this on my cell while I'm here at my desk. I certainly hope it comes out okay for you loyal readers. However, I must go and do my studies.

Until next time, may God bless you.
Erin

I'm Back!

Hello my friends. It has been one full year since I wrote in this blog! Oh my how time flies. So many wonderful and not so wonderful things have happened. Firstly, I went from being a stay at home mom to a working mom. I now work for a small town, family owned insurance agency here in my town. I am not an agent but I am an office assistant and you know what....I love my job! It was an adjustment to start working again after being a stay at home mom for 14 years. I had some very real feelings of guilt BUT being able to contribute to our household is an amazing feeling.

Also, hubby and I are going strong. This picture was taken on Thanksgiving Day. We had dinner at my mom's house. This picture is of my hubby and I with very full bellies and very sleepy eyes. 

I am still crocheting. I am usually late to the game with the latest trending things. Here is a pic of one of my many WIPs. This is a blanket using the magic ball technique. I am really enjoying seeing the next color come up. Plus, I have to use up all the odd balls of yarn I have to make room in my tote for the 18-20 skeins I bought on black Friday!

On top of making this blanket, I am also crocheting up some hats, scarves, wrist warmers, cowls....you know, little things that go over well in craft fairs. I am making things up to sell to help pay for daughter #2's band trip to New York this summer. The trip is over $600 so every little bit I can contribute helps.

Friends, if you remember this blog post from a few years ago....well it wasn't a great time. However, times have changed. My friends, I WENT TO FLORIDA! I know!! In September we decided it was time for a good ole family vacation. We  had put money back from our taxes and just went. The pic below is on Jacksonville Beach. Oh we had a wonderful week catching up with family and friends. I conquered many demons that week. All the glory goes to God because He alone carried me on this trip. I cannot wait to go back!

We have made some new additions to our house. Below you see a pic of our latest kitty Atlis (AKA Furball). My hubby was on his way home from work one day this past summer. He noticed what looked like a cage on the side of the road. So he stopped to investigate. This very sweet and beautiful kitty was in that cage! It was swealtering outside so he brought him home and well....you can see in the pic that he has taken over! Our family just loves him.

My friends, I really don't know how regularly I will update this blog...but you know, I have truly missed writing. So much has been going on and I miss updating you all. My oldest son wants to start a blog as well but for now (since he is only 12) I may just let him post here. So those of you with kids, especially boys, he will be talking about his passion, which is video games. I hope you will welcome him with open arms and make him feel at home.

So now I leave you  my friends. I have a rivalry football game to watch...OSU and Michigan. GO BLUE! But first I leave you with a recent selfie....Me at my desk at work. Until we meet again, friends....May God Bless You!

Michigan blanket pattern.

Hello again my friends.

Do you remember this blanket? 

I crochet it a few years ago.

Ever since I blogged it I have been getting many questions about this blanket. Whether or not I had a pattern, how did I do it, ect.

Well,I did try to reply to all the questions. I didn't have a pattern written out. I just drew the M on graph paper and decided each square would equal 8 stitches and 8 rows and went from there.

BUT since I kept getting questions about the pattern....

Here is what I have came up with.

I used a 5.5 mm hook. That is an I or 9

I also used Caron One pound yarn in the colors of Sunflower and midnight blue.

The blanket measures 34 inches wide by 40 inches long without the border.

The blanket is worked in single crochet and is worked from the bottom up.

Directions.

With blue, ch 137

Rows 1-48. sc in each ch across (136 sc) ch 1, turn

 Rows 49-60: with blue, sc in 24 st. Switch to yellow and sc in next 32 sts, switch back to blue and sc in next 24 sc, with yellow, sc in next 32 sts, with blue sc in last 24 st, ch 1 turn.

from here on out I will just tell the color and number of sc to make.

Add yellow

Row 61: Blue, 24 sc, yellow, 32 sc, blue, 11 sc, yellow, 2sc, blue 11 sc, yellow 32 sc, blue 24 sc, ch 1, turn

Row 62: Blue- 24 sc, yellow-32 sc, blue-10 sc, yellow-4 sc, blue- 10 sc, yellow-32 sc, blue-24 sc, ch 1, turn

Row 63: blue- 24sc, yellow-32sc, blue-9sc, yellow-6sc, blue-9sc, yellow-32sc, blue-24 sc, ch 1, turn

Row 64: blue-24sc, yellow-32sc, blue-8sc, yellow-8sc, blue-8s, yellow-32sc, blue-24sc, ch 1, turn

Row 65: blue-32sc, yellow-16sc, blue-15sc, yellow-10sc, blue-15sc, yellow-16sc, blue-32sc, ch 1 turn

Row 66: blue-32sc, yellow-16sc, blue-14sc, yellow-12sc, blue-14sc, yellow-16sc, blue-32sc, ch 1, turn

Row 67: blue-32sc, yellow-16sc, blue-13sc, yellow-14sc, blue-13sc, yellow-16sc, blue-32sc, ch 1, turn

Row 68: blue-32sc, yellow-16sc, blue-12sc, yellow-16sc, blue-12sc, yellow-16sc, blue 32 sc, ch 1, turn

Row 69: blue 32 sc, yellow 16sc, blue 11sc, yellow 18sc, blue 11sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn

Row 70: blue 32 sc, yellow 16sc, blue 10sc, yellow 20sc,  blue 10sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn

Row 71: blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 9sc, yellow 22sc, blue 9sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.

Row 72: Blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 8sc, yellow 24sc, blue 8sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.

Row 73: Blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 7sc, yellow 26sc, blue 7sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.

Row 74: blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 6sc, yellow 28sc, blue 6sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.

Row 75: blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 5sc, yellow 30sc, blue 5sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.

Row 76: blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 4sc, yellow 32sc, blue 4sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.

Row 77: blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 3sc, yellow 34sc, blue 3sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.

Row 78: Blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 2sc, yellow 36sc, blue 2sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn

Row 79: Blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 1sc, yellow 38sc, blue 1sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.

Rows 80-92: Blue 32sc, yellow 72sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn

Row 93: Blue 32sc, yellow 35sc, blue 2sc, yellow 35sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.

Row 94: Blue 32sc, yellow 34sc, blue 4sc, yellow 34sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.

Row 95: Blue 32sc, yellow 33sc, blue 6sc, yellow 33sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn

Row 96: Blue 32sc, yellow 32sc, blue 8sc, yellow 32sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.

Row 97: Blue 24sc, yellow 39sc, blue 10sc, yellow 39sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn.

Row 98: Blue 24sc, yellow 38 sc, blue 12 sc, yellow 38sc, blue 24 sc, ch 1 turn

Row 99: Blue 24 sc, yellow 37sc, blue 14sc, yellow 37sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn.

Row 100: Blue 24sc, yellow 36sc, blue 16sc, yellow 36sc, blue 24sc, ch 1, turn

Row 101: Blue 24sc, yellow 35sc, blue 18sc, yellow 35sc, blue 24sc, ch 1, turn

Row 102: Blue 24sc, yellow 34sc, blue 20sc, yellow 34sc, blue 24sc, ch 1, turn

Row 103: blue 24sc, yellow 33sc, blue 22sc, yellow 33sc, blue 24sc, ch 1, turn

Row 104: blue 24sc, yellow 32sc, blue 24sc, yellow 32sc, blue 24sc, ch 1, turn

Row 105: Blue 24sc, yellow 31sc, blue 26sc, yellow 31sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn

Row 106: blue 24sc, yellow 30 sc, blue 28 sc, yellow 30sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn

Row 107: Blue 24sc, yellow 29sc, blue 30sc, yellow 29sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn

Row 108: Blue 24sc, yellow 28sc, blue 32sc, yellow 28sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn

Row 109: Blue 24sc, yellow 27sc, blue 34sc, yellow 27sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn

Row 110: blue 24sc, yellow 26sc, blue 36sc, yellow 26sc, blue 24sc, ch 1, turn

Row 111: blue 24sc, yellow 25sc, blue 38sc, yellow 25sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn

Row 112: blue 24sc, yellow 24sc, blue 40sc, yellow 24sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn

You can drop the yellow now.

Rows 113-160: sc in all sts across. (136sc) fasten off.

I did a border with a couple of rounds of yellow.

I hope this helps all of you out there who want to make this blanket.

Until next time

Be Blessed, 

Erin

WIP Wednesday...plus a little extra

Hello again friends!

How are things where you are?

It is FrEeZiNg here in Ohio.

Today has been a great day! I went to Bible Study and afterwards all 9 of us women went out to lunch. You see, this past week was our faithful teachers birthday!! She is in her mid 70s! We just love her so much we wanted to do something really nice for her.

This has been a pretty good week as well.

I got all caught up on my housework on Monday! Guess why? We had a snow day and my kiddos were out of school so they decided to help me! Wasn't that super awesom of them?

Guess what else...

I actually had a little more time to crochet this week.

Look!

 My lovely ripple has grown from scarf size to "almost" snuggly size. I can't wait to get it all finished.

I also did another project last night that is somewhat crochet related.

You see, here lately I have been having some finger/hand problems when I crochet. My fingers hurt and go numb and it makes my hand hurt. Sometimes it is so bad I can't even hold a hook. Well, I looked online and saw that Walmart had clover hooks so I decided to brave the roads and see if I can buy one. Walmart didn't carry them in store. Well, while I was in there browsing I came across some clay. So guess what I did......

 I made handles for nearly all of my crochet hooks. The ones you see with the same handles are the same size. I have 29 hooks here ranging from 0.9 mm to 6.0 mm. I was shocked I had so many hooks BUT these aren't all I have. I also have a size N that is out on loan to my cousin and a set of plastic hooks. But anyway...Aren't they beautiful?

On each of the hooks I covered up the size but before I placed them on the sheet to bake I put the letter or number (steel hook) of the hook on the bottom.

Then I put the whole number, letter, size on the bottom on the side.

I am so proud of myself for venturing out of my comfort zone and doing this. I was so afraid I was going to ruin my hooks but I think they are so much prettier AND the hook feels so much better on my hands.

OH

AND

You can't have pretty revamped hooks without something pretty to put them in soo.

I bought this spotty dotty bag today.  I am in love with polka dots and this bag just made my heart sing!!

Well that is going to be it for today. I have to go switch out the laundry and then I am gonna snuggle myself on my comfy couch and make my ripple grow even more!

Thank you to everyone who reads my blog. I love you all!

Until next time,

Stay Blessed!

Erin

WIP Wed....er um Thursday

Hello my dear friends.

I sure hope today finds you all well!

It is a grey, dreary day here in Ohio.

See....It is so blah and ick out there...

However, It is cold AND we could see some flurries so that makes it seem ok.

Did you notice anything about the picture above?

Well, we had a couple days this week that were in the 60s so I took advantage of the warm weather and went ahead and hung up the outdoor Christmas lights. 

Don't worry, I have only had them on to make sure they were all working properly.

BUT

I couldn't just decorate outside.....

I also decorated inside. I didn't go crazy this year though. All I did was put up our tree and put out the stockings. I love Christmas time!

Now for the TRUE reason for this post.

I actually found time to do some crocheting this week.

I was working on my ripple and my hands were freezing so ....

 I whipped up some fun stripey fingerless gloves to keep my hands warm.

And I added several rows to my ripple. The colors aren't true in this pic. The camera flash washed them out.

OH and do you see in pic above?

NO CARPET!

We tore the carpet out of our living room and dining room and put down wood flooring. 

I will have to do another post about that at another time!!!

Well that is all for now.

I must get crocheting!!!!

Until next time,

Stay blessed,

Erin

Oh Boy...What a busy week!

Hello again friends. 

First I want to say I didn't forget to blog...I seriously didn't have time to do so.

I could take a snapshot of my planner BUT I am being very lazy today and I just didn't want to fish out my camera to do so!!!

I really wanted to post on Wednesday to show progress on my ripple blanket but I really only added one row to that blanket this whole week!!! I squeezed it in one evening right before bed!! I was hoping to get that blanket finished in a month but at this rate...it'll take 6. Tee Hee

So, now about my week.

I had several meetings over this past week. Some were only a half a day...others  a full day.

Thursday of last week I spent catching up on some cleaning. On Friday, I had errands and I had to be at our church for a couple hours. 

Saturday, I was at the Church all day decorating for the Fall Festival.

Hubby and I planned this event for our youth. We had so much fun!! The kids participated in a cake walk, face painting, shooting games, dart games, throwing games..Our church members brought in cakes and soups and desserts. Man it was a blast!!!

Sunday we took a break!

On Monday I had an all day meeting for our church's organization that partners with our community to give Christmas gifts to needy kids in our community. You may remember me saying that the program fell in my lap after it's previous head left our church. I have been very blessed with the help and support from our church family!! I know I would be completely lost without them.

Tuesday I spent on the couch. I cannot wait to get our insurance at the beginning of the year so I can go to the doctor. I have so many female issues and this month was terrible!

Wednesday I had more meetings and yesterday I spent the day planning and doing my grocery shopping (which I saved 42%).

So...I know this post is pretty boring! I just wanted to let everyone know that I am not disappearing again. I love all of you and I love blogging. I love reaching out to everyone and reading everyone else's blogs.

So then...TODAY I HAVE A FREE DAY!

So I am going to catch up on some cleaning and hopefully some crochet!!

Until the next post

Stay Blessed

Erin

Wednesday WIP's

Hello everyone!

I know Wednesday is nearly over BUT I just had to write a post tonight.

I would have posted earlier BUT I was so busy today. 

I took my youngest to school. 

Came home and ate breakfast and had some coffee.

Went to Bible Study.

Then had a couple meetings.

I left my house a little after nine this morning and didn't get back home until nearly 3!!

I thoroughly enjoy doing the Lord's work and I just love staying busy.

Today's post is about my crochet works in progress.

I started this blanket on the 21st and this is as far as I have gotten.

This blanket is being made for another member of my women's Bible study group. 

You know the best part? She has no idea it is for her!

I just love the surprised looks when I give them blankets.

Anyway..that is all for now. I have some studying to do.

Until we meet again..

Stay blessed

Erin

Coupon organization...an update

Hello again all you beautiful people! 

I hope this day finds you well.

Today has been crazy bad for me. I think if anything could go wrong today it did BUT that is another post altogether.

Today I want to chat a little about my coupon ventures. I have posted a few posts about couponing before. I've even shared a video I made about my previous storage method.

Well, I have tried all the methods out there I think. I did the binder thing..Let met tell ya....whew that binder was HEAVY and it was a pain to keep organized and to find coupons and clean out expired coupons. It was a hassle and it made me quit couponing for a while.

Next I ventured into the coupon box. This method was a lot easier than the binder to organize all my clipped coupons. It was easy to take to the store. I loved it. I used it. I was content.

Well, with this summer being so hectic and with no end in sight, I just didn't have the 2-3+ hours on the Sunday or Monday to clip all the coupons...so again I quit using coupons as much as I could have.

So now I am to this method. Using a file box and file folders. I will let the video tell you the details BUT I am loving this method. I can buy my papers and file them in about 15 minutes. When I get ready to go to the store I can clip what I KNOW I am going to use AND since I print out the lists (and I check the list with the inserts...sometimes my inserts don't have some of the coupons on the list and sometimes there are coupons not on the list so that is why it takes me 15 minutes) I can take my coupons to the store to grab an unadvertised deal if I need to. 

Enjoy the video and if there are any questions please feel free to ask in the comments or on youtube and I will try my best to answer them.

Until we meet again

Stay Blessed

Erin

I'm Back!!!

Hello everyone! 

I sure have missed you all! Guess what?!?

I FINALLY GOT MYSELF A NEW COMPUTER!

As most of you who follow me know, my computer decided to quit on me a while ago and being a single income family, we were not able to purchase one right away.

I missed blogging so much. So many things have happened I didn't get to tell you!

So here is a little snippet of what I have been up to.

I have been crocheting my little heart out!

I have also made ninja turtle masks, scarves and a couple other blankets but I was so excited to give them to their owners I forgot to take pictures...shame on me!

My oldest daughter went to homecoming this year! I cannot believe she is in high school already!!!

Daughter number 2 is in marching band so we have been to many football games and parades here lately.She is between the two girls in the front.

And fall is in full swing and the leaves are absolutely gorgeous in my area. This picture doesn't capture the beauty of it all.

We are a super busy family as of late. On top of the kids' activities, we have been remodeling some rooms in our house. We have also been making sure we keep up with our responsibilities at church.

I tell you, we have very few days were we can just sit down and breathe.

I hope all of you are doing well. I also hope you all look forward to more blog posts from me. It may take a bit for me to get on a regular schedule BUT I certainly will try to make sure I post at least once a week.

Until next time,

Stay blessed

Erin

Busy, Busy, and more Busy

My friends I am incredibly sorry I haven't been blogging much. Our life is so full and busy with the kids being older I just have no time to sit down and actually think!!

We have the normal Church activities on Sundays and Wednesday Bible studies.

Our boys have ball games 2-3 days a week. As a matter of fact our oldest son's team are going into the Championships!! GO TIGERS!

We have also been trying to spend time with my parents. My mom lives only 5 minutes away so I can basically see her whenever our schedules meet. My dad, however, lives 45 minutes away and has a wacky work schedule so we have to make plans for seeing him and my little brother.

We have also been trying to do some fun things with the kids.

We took them to Young's Dairy up above Yellow Springs, Oh last week. It was so much fun. We played putt putt golf, hit balls in the batting cages and ate some of the most awesome ice cream ever.

We also do free things like hiking, going to parks, and fishing.

AND last but not least we have a yearly pass for my family +2  to the Columbus Zoo so on hubby's days off (because I hate driving around Columbus) we can take them to the zoo.

Oh and we plan on going to some Chillicothe Paint's baseball games :)

See...we are always doing something.

So when we are at home we are usually cleaning, doing laundry, eating and sleeping.

So my apologies for not being an active blogger.

However, today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite things from this past week.

1. My favorite lotion: Beautiful Day from Bath and Body works. I got it as a Christmas gift and it smells so good. I also use Johnson and Johnson's Honey Apple lotion.

2. Favorite food this week has been eggs. I eat eggs nearly every morning for breakfast.

3. Favorite drink this week: Sweet tea and water

4. Favorite past time: honestly, watching movies. I bet I have watched 10-15 movies this week.

5. What I should have done more of: Reading my Bible and Crochet.

6. Favorite song this week: Blessings by Laura Story

7. Favorite tv show: It's always Criminal Minds.

8. Favorite memory of this past week: Listening to my dad sing

9. Favorite sight this week: Baby tomatoes on my plants!!!!

10. Most used app: Facebook.

Ok so that is 10 very random things. So now I am going to get off of the electronics and crochet a bit.

Ball games start in a few hours and all my housework is done so I think I deserve it!!

Until I write again

Be Blessed

Erin

Coupons and Food Stamps: A financial update.

My friends if you have been following my blog for any length of time you know about my family's financial situation. For those of you who may be new to my blog I will give you a quick rundown.

We moved up here from Florida when child #3 was only a couple months old. While we lived in Florida we didn't have any financial troubles at all. We could go shopping every week and not bat an eye. All of our bills were paid, we had food, we were stable.

We decided a long time ago when my oldest child was very little I would be a stay at home mom. I did work off and on for a while. I did the fast food thing, I worked at a bank. BUT during that time my child was in daycare and seemed to get sick every other week. Each time she got sick I had to take her to the doctor and it would be upper respiratory or ear infections. I'd get her well and then boom as soon as she went back to daycare she was sick again. So we decided then that it would be best if I just stayed at home with our kids.

Fast forward to when we moved here to Ohio. My hubby got a job right away and quit a couple months later. He just couldn't deal with the politics that ran rampant in that place. Then he got another job pretty fast which decided to move to Mexico and permanently lay off their employees. A couple months went by and he got another job that closed its doors for good. Then he worked at a place that used materials he later found out he was allergic to.

As you can see we had a lot of hard times. We ended up getting public assistance as medicaid and food stamps because we just could not feed our kids. 

Luckily, my the last two jobs my hubby has had were long term jobs. One was at a factory and his current job is as a manager at a home improvement store. Once we moved into our new house (which we are buying) we decided we needed to get our finances in order. So over the past 5-6 years we have been taking steps to building our credit, making sure we paid our bills on time, and trying our best to save money.

This whole time we have had public assistance which helped us focus on other things because we knew our food was covered.

Now several years ago I learned how to coupon. I did this as a hobby because I really wanted a stockpile (which I still don't have). However, I kept with it because I was doubling or tripling the amount of food I was getting with our food stamps.

I can proudly say we have finally reached our goal of becoming self-sufficient and not relying on public assistance any longer. We have our own health insurance through my husband's company and with the use of coupons, we have been able to get off of food stamps. I have around $200 dollars a month that I allot for groceries and household needs. I use coupons and bulk stores to get our family's needs for the least amount of money.

On top of my normal coupon routine I am also keeping a notebook with the prices from around 7 stores of our most commonly used items. That way I know I am always getting a great price for the things my family needs. I know this sounds like a lot of work BUT since I am a stay at home mom, I have made couponing and getting the best prices for the items we need as my outside job. This is just one way I can contribute to my family financially.

My friends, that is all I can write for now. I have loads of things to get done today. We don't have any ball games to go to today so I have a full day I can catch up on my house duties which have doubled since the kiddos have been out for summer vacation.

Until we meet again,

Be Blessed

Erin

WIP: Flowers in a Row

Hello friends.  I just wanted to pop in and show you what is on my hook. The pattern is from Red Heart dot com. It is so easy to do and the effect is just lovely. I am starting my second color repeat on the flowers. I have to say I am really enjoying watching those little flowers take shape!

That's all for now as I go back to hooking and watching/listening to movies.

Be blesses,
Erin

Friday Random Five

Hello my friends. 

I have decided to do a Friday Five.

It just sounded like a good thing to do today.

1. This is the pattern (not my picture and pattern is on Redheart.com) of my current crochet project. I am using different colors. I will post a picture of my project once I get a little further along.

2. Baseball season is in full swing in my neighborhood. Both of my boys have decided to play this year. Unfortunately, they have games on the same days of the week and sometimes at the same time! The running back and forth is keeping me in shape.

3. This little beauty was brought to me by my oldest daughter yesterday. We were working with our boys on some baseball mechanics and here she comes with it. I knew it wasn't poisonous because of the shape of it's snout and it's pupils and with a quick google search we found out it was an Eastern Fox Snake and in fact nonvenomous. However, I told my daughter NOT TO PICK UP ANY MORE SNAKES!

4. We have purchased a "new to us" vehicle. My van was screaming to be replaced. So we traded in our 2004 Chevy Venture on a 2008 Chevy Uplander. Let me tell you....I am in love. My kids love it too because it has a DVD player.

5. I have lost enough weight I can share a pic. I started at 168 pounds. I am 153 pounds in this picture. I have been stuck for over a month fluctuating between 152 and 154 pounds. My goal is to get between 130 and 140 eventually BUT right now I would just like to break this plateau and get below 150!

Hope you have enjoyed this post. 

Be blessed,

Erin

I am still alive....I promise.

Friends I am terribly sorry to be MIA for so long. I really am. I miss blogging. Life has been crazy busy lately and I just haven't had time for much of anything.

First, some exciting news.. Hubby and I have been appointed the Youth Coordinators at our church. We are so excited to work with the local youth! 

Secondly, I have been caring for and traveling with my mom. She had surgery and I have been spending a lot of time with her.

Thirdly, my sons are playing baseball this year and we have practice 3 nights a week (if they aren't canceled by rain).

Fourthly, the end of the school year means loads of programs and field trips.

Fifthly, on days I am actually home, I do house work and yard work.

Sixthly, Ok I have nothing but please don't give up on me. I have loads of updates for all of you.

I HAVE been crocheting when I can. A stitch here and a stitch there. Currently I am working on this pattern from Red Heart. I am doing the flowers in pastel colors and I can't wait to show everyone a picture.

I have been taking my little point and shoot camera everywhere with me and have been snapping pictures here and there. I would love to share some moments with you all.

I did something different with my garden this year and want to update you on that.

I also did something different with my flower beds and want to show you that.

So, I need to get on the ball and get it all done.

BUT right now, I am at home and I MUST get caught up with my household chores.

Love and miss all of you!!!!!

Erin

TMI Tag plus a mini update.

Hello again my friends. I know I have been MIA for a little while. There has been a lot going on.

The weather has finally broke here in Ohio so we have been out a lot.

My mom has been having some health issues.

Things have just been a little cray cray so I will try to do some updates very soon.

Today I am having a down day. I did 6.3 miles yesterday and I'm totally feeling it today. On top of that, I have some raging seasonal allergies so I'm just kind of relaxing today. 

That brings me to today's blog post. I like to watch youtube videos and right now there is a tag going around called the TMI tag. I don't really like making videos that show me so I decided to answer all 50 questions here. So let's get on with it then.

1: What are you wearing? A tshirt and pants

2: Ever been in love? yes twice. Once in high school (my first love) and I am now madly in love with my hubby.

3: Ever had a terrible breakup? Yes. With the person I was seeing before my hubby. We had a child together and                                                 it got a little ugly.

4: How tall are you? 5 foot 2

5: How much do you weigh? 152

6: Any tattoos? I have a blue rose tattooed on ankle

7: Any piercings? I once had my nose, tongue, and belly button pierced but I am now just sporting earrings

8: OTP?  This is One true pair or partner? Hubby definitely

9: Favorite show? I love Criminal Minds, Duck Dynasty, Dancing with the Stars, Walking Dead and Sons of                                      Anarchy

10: Favorite bands? Hmm..bands..I dunno about bands but I'm digging Bruno Mars right now.

11: Something you miss? My grandparents.

12: Favorite song? Best Day of My Life, Gorilla, Automatic

13: How old are you? 34

14: Zodiac sign? This is against my religious beliefs but I am an aquarius

15: Quality you look for in a partner? loyalty, trustworthy, funny, fun

16: Favorite Quote? No one can make you feel inferior without your consent~ Eleanor Roosevelt

17: Favorite actor? Jason Statham, Vin Diesel

18: Favorite color? I'm loving Turquoise right now

19: Loud music or soft? Depends on my mood

20: Where do you go when you're sad? Either to my room or I go for a walk or to the lake

21: How long does it take you to shower? 15 minutes or so

22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? It depends. If I shower, do hair and makeup it can                                                                                             take an hour or more. If I just get up and throw my                                                                                           hair in a pony then about 5-10 minutes

23: Ever been in a physical fight? Yes

24: Turn on? Great smile, joy, happiness

25: Turn off? people full of themselves, people who think they are better than you or know more than you

26: The reason I joined Youtube? I'm going to sub blogger here. I joined blogger because I love to write. I wanted                                                    to get my struggles out there and possibly help someone who is going through                                                  the same thing.

27: Fears? Losing my family. Failure

28: Last thing that made you cry? A video I watched from facebook 

29: Last time you said you loved someone? A few mins ago to my daughter

30: Meaning behind your Youtube Name? My BLOG name is what this blog is about. Just the things that go on                                                                in an ordinary stay at home mom's life.

31: Last book you read? Mocking jay

32: The book you're currently reading? I am always reading the Bible

33: Last show you watched? Noon news

 
34: Last person you talked to? My daughter 

35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted? She is my other daughter :)

36: Favorite food? Chicken. I love chicken

37: Place you want to visit? Scotland 

38: Last place you were? Uptown with my hubby last night

39: Do you have a crush? Yes on my hubby

40: Last time you kissed someone? Last night before I went to sleep

41: Last time you were insulted? Yesterday

42: Favourite flavour of sweet? I love chocolate but I also love cherry flavored hard candies like jolly ranchers

43: What instruments do you play?? None too well. I can play a little piano that my grandma taught me but that's                                                        all

44: Favourite piece of jewellery? Wedding set hubby got me for Valentine's day

45: Last sport you played? baseball

46: Last song you sang? Daydream Believer by the Monkees

47: Favourite chat up line? hmm. pick up line, chat line..don't use either

48: Have you ever used it? see previous question.

49: Last time you hung out with anyone? Last evening. Walked with a good friend of mine.

50: Who should answer these questions next? Whoever wants too.

Ok my friends. There you have it. 50 questions. Did you learn anything about me? 

Until we meet again,

Be Blessed

Erin