The Joys of January!

I thought that January was supposed to be a slooooow month that's full of lots of "nothing."  

However, January has been a busy month for Family P!  

We started off celebrating the new year in not-so-warm-and-sunny Florida.  Although the temperatures were less than desirable, we had a great vacation and also celebrated two amazing years of marriage!

Mr. & Mrs. P on Vaca in Florida......the first time I've ever worn a North Face jacket on the beach!

We returned home to even colder temperatures, but enjoyed celebrating Papa's 81st Birthday.

Papa and Mom on his Birthday!

We also had a great time getting back together with my LBG Class for a social at Mariah's.

A few members from the great LBG Class of "09!

Then a snow came that nearly closed down Bowling Green!  Just kidding, but that's how we react to the Winter weather around here.  And I'm a perfect example -- I believe the world should stop til Spring!

Our snow-covered home

Then we celebrated MLK weekend (although I was the only one who actually had a work holiday on that Monday) in Banner Elk, North Carolina as we skiied Sugar Mountain.  Mom, Daddy, Keeton, Jason, Josh and I traveled together and had a great time -- with lots of yummy food too!

 

*Excuse the hodge-podge of pictures.....I did a terrible thing when I was "playing" with my new camera.  Long story short, I managed to delete a good portion of pictures from our ski trip and Josh's birthday.  Only my friend LL could realize the true severity of this situation and how my heart has a missing piece.  Grrrr!

And after the ski trip, we returned for Mr.P's Birthday the next day!  I had a great birthday idea for him, but weeks before his birthday he instructed that I better not even think about doing a party.  (This is sad news for someone who loves to plan such occasions)  However, considering that my man isn't into the party scene so much, I decided since it was his birthday we would do something more low-key.  I still had some element of surprise involved because he thought it would just be us doing dinner with our parents and brothers....but to his surprise, I did extend the invitation just a bit to more family.  Everyone had a great time, including the birthday boy himself!

My Mr. P with other Mr. P's -- his Dad & brother!

A local family was led to do something for the Haiti Disaster Relief, so I was pleased to get to be a part of their benefit event.  Since I work at the American Red Cross, I represented the chapter and the funds earned that are sent to Haiti.  The event was an evening of concerts featuring popular local bands.  The event raised over $13,000!  What a great way to have fun and support a worthy cause.  God bless the people in Haiti - I pray for their recovery!

Some of the ARC ladies working the tickets/contributions table prior to the concert. 

"Skip Bond & The Fugitives" was the last band performance of the night and the lead singer wearing this kilt earned $500 toward the Haiti Relief Benefit Fund!  Men of all ages will fall for a dare! :)

Unfortunately, my weekend plans did not include the sisterhood reunion in Lexington of many of my sorority sisters.  :(  I was so sad to miss this gathering but I definitely look forward to our next scheduled time together -- I plan to be there 100% -- it's not fun to miss out!

We did have a little delivery arrive at the bike shop that we picked up.....our new mountain bikes!  I know this picture appears upside-down, but it's actually the bikes hanging from hooks in the garage ceiling. (I failed to get a picture before they were hung.)  We took them for a quick spin, but it's so cold outside so we couldn't do it long.  We are looking forward to hitting the road (perhaps the neighborhood for starters) and burning some calories.

Our bikes stored in our garage.  Josh and Daddy hung the hooks and now the bikes fit perfectly!

Speaking of "burning calories," Family P has gained weight since "two became one."  EEK!  It came on slowly, so at first it wasn't a big deal.  However, we're both ready to take charge of our health and we're encouraging each other.  I've started back to going to the gym in the mornings before work.  Just a few days in and I'm already seeing a bit of improvement in my energy, alertness, and overall well-being.  Hopefully this trend continues and I don't burn-out as I previously have done.  I'm just thankful to have become concerned while it's still manageable.  It appears that I have gained about 8-9 pounds since we were married two years ago.  That might not seem like much over that amount of time, but it's bad news bears as far as I'm concerned.  Feel free to offer advice, tips, and encouragement!  I really don't have a bad diet, but my job requires so much sitting.....and I am certain that is exactly what has led to my gain.  I am doing cardio and strength training at the gym.  I'm no expert at all, just doing what seems right.  I feel like a "plan" would be great -- like a written workout of how many minutes for cardio, how many sets and reps, etc.  I need to do some more research in this area -- if you happen to know a good resource to share, I would appreciate it.  I know I could hire a personal trainer, but that is not something we plan to spend money on right now.  Mr. P also began his plan of action which also includes cardio and strength training.  This is not a New Years resolution, rather a decision that was important to make for ourselves.

I made this picture of the three remaining cupcakes left from Josh's birthday dinner.  For fun, I stacked them up and took a picture and then I tossed them in the garbage!  I'm not one for wasting food, but it was a smart decision to rid them of our home to help support our new health, fitness and nutrition goals.  If only it were always that easy to get rid of excess fat!  :)

Cupcake tower

The rest of this week and weekend remain fairly busy for us and the weather is calling for a big snow.  Oh geez.....I better join the rest of BG in stocking the pantry with lots of canned foods!  (Really.....I so need to do a grocery trip!)

Wishing you a blessed week!

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait!

It's true.....good things come to those who wait!  Remember being younger and being told that we must be patient?  Heck, who am I kidding?  I still have to be reminded of patience very often!  Whether it's the long drive ahead of a great vacation, finding "the one" after all the wrong ones, saving up your money for a certain item or trip, waiting on sex for marriage, roasting a marshmallow and then enjoying a yummy s'more treat......the list could go on forever but you get the idea -- there are many times when the end result is so much better when we are patient and simply wait. 

And that's the simply wonderful kind of day that I've had today!  My experience in the past has taught me that the post-Christmas sales are fabulous and I was not disappointed today!  Mr. P and I had some errands to do today so we left out this morning with our list in hand (and layers to keep us warm).  We had a little extra time before the movie we were going to see so we went to the mall for Chick-fil-A (yum!) and so I could "look around."  Like a good former Girl Scout, I was prepared and had taken my special envelope of money I was designating for January sales.  I was thrilled with the prices of the items I selected - I'm talking much much much lower than their original tags.  And I even have some money left in the envelope if I stumble upon anything else!  This was a great reminder that good things come to those who wait!

But that's not all....you see, we also had not eaten until we arrived at the mall (which was after we had been running around for a while).....and I must say that it tasted sooooooo yummy! Why?  Because good things come to those who wait!

And we finally went to see the movie "The Blind Side" that we've been planning to go see nearly every weekend since it came out in November, but something always came up where we couldn't go.  For those who haven't seen it, please accept my recommendation and get to a theater near you!  The movie did not disappoint -- it was incredible!  It was a very touching true-story and now I know that it was better that I waited until life calmed down -- after Thanksgiving, finishing my Masters, Christmas, our vacation/anniversary/New Year trip -- because we were really able to focus on the story and reflect.  So that's once again how I'm reminded that good things come to those who wait!  And the perfect time for self-reflection and improvement is at the beginning of a new year.....a fresh start to really make an effort to look for people in need and help them.  While I don't see Mr. P and I picking up a teenager off the streets and adopting him/her, I also won't say it will never happen.  After all, who I am to doubt the power of God and the plan He has for me?

I am so thankful for this weekend and how it has reminded me to slow down and be patient, even though it is freezing and snowed, which was also a great reminder to drive slower and be patient upon arriving to my destination.  In the midst of these "seasons," I am reminded the following verse found at Ecclesiastes 3:1

"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven"

And the ultimate best thing to come is the day of arrival in Heaven for those who have accepted Christ as Savior.  I am so thankful to God for these sweet times on Earth that give me a tiny glimpse into Heaven!

Two Year Anniversary!

Today is our two-year anniversary!  Wow, how the time flies!  In honor of this special day, I'm posting a few pics from our wedding.

 

 

We married on Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at 3pm at Union Station Historic Hotel (the same place we were engaged six months earlier!) in downtown Nashville, TN.  We chose our date because we wanted to wait until Josh graduated from school in December but we didn't want a holiday wedding.  So January 2 was the first choice and we took it because we didn't want to wait any longer!  It was a wonderful day and this has been the best two years of my life! 

We had a small private family wedding ceremony with only 38 people ( I think that's the number) total in attendance.  We each have a younger brother and they stood with us, which was very special.  Our family performed all of the ceremony music and we were really able to enjoy the event and spend time with everyone.  Three and half weeks later we had a reception with extended family and friends!  The style of wedding and reception we chose was perfect for us and we cherish every moment, as well as the amazing love and support we've received from our family and friends!

Happy Anniversary to Mr. P!  I love you more and more every day!

And 2009 Comes to an End!

Happy New Year!  It's so hard to believe that 2009 is just hours away from being over!  In a very short time we will enter into the second decade of this century and that makes me feel old!  Remember 10 years ago this day when everyone was hyped about Y2K and what was to come of it?!  Crazy times!  I can remember my parents bought a digital camera that day and I was playing with it that night.  I remember it stored the pictures on a 3.5 A disk and each disk only held about 10-12 pictures!  And the camera was only a 2.0 or 3.0 megapixel (if they even called it that then) and it cost an outrageous price!  And to think now how far technology has come just in this past decade!  I can't even imagine the many changes I will see throughout my life!

Our flights were on time and we have safely arrived in Florida and are chilling out for a short time before we meet up with family later.  It is a beautiful day here and in the 80's right now!  P-E-R-F-E-C-T end to 2009!   We are so excited to be on vacation and are looking forward to our time here - no big plans, we just like to take each moment as it comes and do what we feel like at the time.  So who knows what will come of this week!  Rest and relaxation for sure!  And....oh yeah......seafood!

I have to say that I'm quite relieved we've made it!  We've been up since a little after 3 this morning so this little rest time is just what we need.  Another thing that we're thrilled about is that we put away all Christmas decor before we came.  We love it and enjoyed it very much, but the thought of having to return from vacation and do all of that work just wasn't appealing.  Getting everything ready to leave for a vacation is such a process, but so worth it now that we've arrived!

I need to work on my resolutions for the new year.  Do you make New Year's Resolutions?

Here's wishing everyone a safe and happy new year!  Until "next year!" 

2010

Happy Couponing!

Call me one of those "crazy coupon ladies" but I don't care because I know that saving money is awesome!

I have had some requests from local friends that I share my "couponing strategies" and ways to save money.  The past couple of  years have been full of discussion about the recession and weak economy..... caused by Americans having lived in ways that are above our means.  As newlyweds (well, maybe not-so-newlyweds since Saturday will make 2 years since the big day), we have been very cautious of our family finances in many ways (yes we've made mistakes along the way, but the point is that we've learned from them!).  We took that to another level (or ten levels....it was that good!) of being in charge of our finances when we completed Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University over the Summer.  I am not even close to knowing it all (about this or any other topic for that matter), but I am pleased that we have cared enough to get ourselves together now so that we can control our financial situation instead of it controlling us.  Such a broad topic......but one of the most simple ways to begin gaining (or maintaining) control of your personal family finances is to control your spending!  That's where couponing (and sales) can make a big difference!

I wanted to give you the list of a few coupon sites I use.  There's no right or wrong way about it and these are just a small fraction of all that is out there.  I encourage you to look at these and click around....by doing so you will discover many others that people have put together.  That is the way that I discovered them.....just playing around!  Many will share the same things and then you can be surprised by finding something cool and different on another one.  It's up and down.....at first I was spending tons of time on it but then I decided I didn't want to be hard-core.  But if you give it some attention each week, then you will see the savings and other promotional deals, etc. 

Remember that some stores do coupon stacking.....Target & Walgreens to name a couple.  That means you can use one manufacturers coupon and one store coupon (for that particular store) on the same item to maximize savings!  Different stores have different policies.....you can find the links within some of the coupon sites to learn more....I don't really spend much time on that. I just use common sense when making purchases.  I could do much better if I researched it more, but I don't want it to become something that takes up too much time.  You can put as much or as little into it as you want.  There are some ideas for organizing that  you can find.  You might also develop your own "system" that works with you -- you will learn that best over time!

I wanted to tell you as encouragement that last night I was running some errands and between Kroger, Target & Walgreens I saved a little over $40 using coupons (lots of manufacturer coupons and I did some stacking with store coupons).  My total out-of-pocket for all of the places I spent just a little over $50 after the coupon savings were applied....that's almost half!!!  For example, I did score 3 boxes of cereal totally free (2 Kashi & 1 Special K), 4 rolls of dental floss free, 3 packages of household cleaning gloves free, and some other good deals too....that's just what I can recall from memory.

Now just remember not to become a "hoarder".....there is a difference between stock-piling your cabinets to use and over-buying things.  I pay attention to shelf life so that items are not wasted.  I put spare items in a hall closet and I will get them out as needed, so I also have to watch the amount of space I am using. I am careful not to let stuff spoil, even if I do get it free or for little money.  This is also a way to be a good giver.  If you get lots of items free or for low cost, you can donate them to the church pantry and families in need.  This is something I'm wanting to do better at. (New Year's Resolution, perhaps?)  Because my time is so limited and I don't want to use it up running around to the different stores, I will dedicate some times where I do really well and get us stocked up.....then other times I only make quick trips to the grocery for perishables such as dairy, meat, bread, etc.  I believe that is smart as well and allows me to maintain a good balance.  I can always tell when I've been busy couponing because I will use up all of our grocery budget one month and we will have full cabinets.  Then the next month I might only use a third or half of the budget just buying the necessities.  But we've yet to be hungry, so I guess the mission is accomplished and it works for us!!  :) 

I could go on and on about this for quite a while, but I don't have time for that right now so I at least wanted to get you started.  These are a few to get you going.  Sorry for the short list, but it's all I can recall from memory:

http://www.dealseekingmom.com/
http://www.savingwithshellie.com
http://www.dealiciousmom.com 
http://www.faithfulprovisions.com/

Let me know if you have any questions and I will do my best to help - I am far from an expert though!  Please know that the best way to maximize savings is NOT through coupons alone.....the best way is to find a sale and then combine coupons to score a great deal!  In addition to paper coupons (from the newspaper, printed from the internet), you can further increase savings by using your store's loyalty card and use sites like www.shortcuts.com and www.cellfire.com -- I've only done a little of this, so I am planning to look more into this method soon. 

GOOD LUCK & HAPPY COUPONING!!!

Our Home for the Holidays!

WELCOME TO OUR HOME!

Not much decoration outside, but our front porch has a little Christmas spirit! I love these pre-lit trees in urns -- after-Christmas bargain last year!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.....Our mantle and fireplace (not lit in this pic)....I fixed the poinsettias so that they are now in coordinating pots.  Take note to our tree topper (the star) on the right -- it worked with our tree last year but it's too heavy for our new tree...maybe I'll catch another after-Christmas sale!

Our tree -- also a bargain last year!  I love that we had done so much Christmas shopping so early this year!  What a relief!  The packages stacked to the right were for our Angel -- does anyone else do this?  If so, isn't it the best part of Christmas shopping?!!  We have more fun doing this than anything else!

This tree is fiber-optic and I got it after Christmas a few years ago at 90% off!  It's fun to see the colors change and I use it to display these large word ornaments. (Please excuse the box under the table -- I'm keeping all wrapping paper, tissue, boxes, etc in here so it's easily accessible for gift wrapping)

I love this pewter nativity set -- so simple, but a great reminder of the reason for Christmas!  It is displayed at an area of focus, just in front of our logs at the fireplace.

 

 

 

I fell in love with this tree skirt last year, so I waited until the day after Christmas and scored a deal!  You can't see the details, but it is red, green, white & silver.  However, this little portion peeking out from the gifts is all that's visible now.  It's bitter-sweet because I'm sad I can't see the skirt, but so thrilled that we did gift buying to early!

 

Josh added some humor to some of the gift tags -- I enjoyed the surprise...the one is for his little brother!

 

Christmas cards are one of my favorite things during the season!

That's all I have pictures of.  We enjoy simply decorating our home for Christmas, but we're not into making it extravagant.  Hopefully you enjoyed the quick tour -- now come on and visit!  :)

Our 2009 Christmas Card:

We wish you a Merry Christmas.....and a Happy New Year!!!

Happy 101

Kelly sent me this "sweet" award!  Awww, thanks Kelly!

The Rules:
1. 10 things that make me happy!
2. 10 bloggers that Brighten my day!

These are the things make me so happy, happy, happy!  (It is difficult to list only 10!)
1.  Yesterday I completed my Masters from UK....enough said!
2.  My husband is the most super-sweet amazing man!  Besides being all those great things, I also returned home from said trip to finish Masters, to a house that he had cleaned!
3.  Being at home -- I love home!

4.  Having only two more gifts to purchase for Christmas and being able to enjoy the fact that all gifts are wrapped and I can enjoy this:

5.  The fact that our two-year anniversary will be here in a few short weeks (January 2)!

6.  We will be celebrating our two-year anniversary (and New Years Eve) in warm and sunny Ft. Lauderdale!

7.  A four-day weekend to look forward to since Christmas Eve & Christmas are on a Thursday & Friday!

8.  Dave Ramsey and his recommendations for the wonderful personal family finance system we now have going!

9.  An upcoming pedicure that I am looking forward to!

10.  The flannel sheets that I'm still shocked I purchase....but I love them so much for Winter!

*And did I mention how happy I am that I finally finished my Masters?

Blogs that make me happy:

http://theseriouslifeofsarah.blogspot.com/
http://zeiglerhome.blogspot.com/
http://simplysalliek.blogspot.com/
http://werenotolderwerejustbetter.blogspot.com/  (sorry it's private, but I love it)
http://markandparx.blogspot.com/
http://www.kellyskornerblog.com
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/   (not a blog, but such a great website)

Burned Out

Yep, that is me......BURNED OUT!  I am in Lexington right now, scheduled to defend my thesis in a few hours.  My mind is racing and I am so anxious (but in a good way, for the most part).  The time has almost come that I am done! (fingers crossed and I'm saying prayers!)

I have been quite MIA from Blogworld lately -- my heart was there but I knew I couldn't spend time blogging (although it perhaps would have been therapeutic) when I had other things to focus on.  Hopefully I am back for good!  And something I am even more hopeful about...I hope that my next post is about how I'm done with my Masters forever! 

Today (really yesterday, since it's after midnight) has been a day full of emotions on a roller-coaster.  But all in all, I'm just so excited to finally be at this chance.  There have been many ups and downs along the way.  Today has been a day that I realize that I recall song lyrics for certain situations.

Today, the playlist in my mind and heart has included:
- Livin' on a Prayer (thanks, Bon Jovi)
- Three Little Birds  (by Bob Marley, although this is better known to me as "Every Little Thing Gonna Be Alright")
- Baby, It's Cold Outside
- Emmanuel, God with us (not sure of the exact title or artist, but this one has given me great peace and calmness today, and that is a good thing!)

In addition to songs, there are sometimes quotes and scriptures that I will recall in certain situations.  Am I the only one or do you do this too?  If so, which ones do you recall most often?

PS: I look forward to updating you on my progress!  Hopefully I will have good news to report! 

Winterized

It's kind of strange considering that today has been in the high 60's, but we are officially winterized!  (Our house, that is, not me personally!)

My dear husband (bless his heart!) spent hours upon end this morning working in the yard while I was at a work event.  And when I got back we worked for over 2 more hours!  He raked, sucked up the leaves (yes, we have tons), made the final mow for the year, and we have covered up outdoor pieces to prepare for Winter.

I am so very thankful for the beautiful day today and for my hard-working husband who always takes care of our home!  I can count on moments like this every day to sweetly remind me that I am so very blessed!

Eight bags of chopped leaves from our yard!  And our lot is not even that big! 

The outdoor dining furniture is covered and protected.  No more grilling and outdoor dinners for a while. Sigh.

 

The outdoor faucets are covered so they are thermalized for the upcoming cold weather.

 

Home Sweet Home!  

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." -- Joshua 24:15

On the other side of the world....

On the other side of the world, there is a teenage boy who has a special place in our hearts!  We've never met nor have we spoken.  Yet, he has already become a special part of our family -- we know this is true.  For weeks now, I have had many a conviction about helping someone across the globe.  God has spoken to us and signs have been put in place where we had no doubts that this is the right move right now!  My mind has thought of it so many times -- I get excited, I get scared.....then no actions were taken. 

But the convictions have been stronger this week and I have spent time doing more research about programs to "sponsor a child."  We delightfully chose Compassion International -- their powerful mission statement follows:

Releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name
In response to the Great Commission, Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults.
YES!  Sign us up!  Thanks to our Mighty God, this is a call we are ready to step up to! 

In "selecting" our child to sponsor, we weren't very specific.  We just knew we were led to choose a teenage boy (teen boys are the ones we have heard are least likely to be picked.....I know, heart-breaking!).  After checking out our options, we knew Arvin was the one for us!

He is 17 years old and lives in the Phillippines with his mother and father, and is one of three children. 

We still have so much to learn about our new  friend!  Soon we will receive more information and we are excited for that!  We will even be able to correspond with him.....and could even have the chance to meet him one day if we wanted to travel over to Asia!

Based on the research and testimonials we've done, we are certain this is only the beginning of a wonderful experience of seeing God at work.  If you are interested in learning more, I highly suggest you check out the Compassion Website as well as Kelly's Korner (she is in El Salvador right now traveling with Compassion and even had the opportunity to meet one of her sponsored children today -- read her amazing posts)!

Meet Arvin!