if only....

Coleden found this bottle of Aleve (package says extra strength lasts up to 12 hours) and asked me what it was. I told him it was medicine. He said "so this medicine will give me strength for 12 hours???" 😂

gps fail

This was from my drive home from Ohio. The GPS really failed me on this one. Was trying to get to chick fila. And we ended up at the Indianapolis Airport instead. :/ This was not what we were wanting to see when we were told we had arrived. I don't see any waffle fries 😜

Woke up this morning without any snow on the ground. Got all the kids ready for church (which is an event in itself) only to leave and realize a lot more snow had fallen. I think to myself "I'm a Michigander, I've got this" We made it to the end of the road when I realized nothing had been plowed (I forgot I was in Kansas I guess). Love my people mover but it's not 4 wheel drive ;) So back we came :( guess we are taking a snow day. #readyforspring #churchonline #snowdays #kansaswinter #itjustkeepscoming

Casing Ceremony for 2nd Brigade! Making it all feel so real! Next few months will be challenging but I'm so proud to be married to this Soldier! Ready Now!

#fortriley #firstID #BigRedOne

Our people mover

(Disclaimer....I am not being paid or compensated at all from Nissan or anyone else for that matter for writing this post. Unfortunitely they did not feel the need to give me a free vehicle in exchange for my oh so important opinion of their NV ;). So these are just my random thoughts and ideas!) 

I tried to convince myself we didn't need it. 

It's too expensive. 

Gas mileage will be terrible.

It will be terrible to drive and park. 

But......I LOVE IT! Meet my new wheels! 

This is the party bus!! 

This is a Nissan NV 3500. We love it! We are a family of seven and this gives us lots of space. It isn't nearly as bad on gas mileage as I expected (not great but not much worse than our Dodge Durango was). And it drives like a breeze. You definitely feel like a "big" vehicle....but I love that too. The doors don't feel like they are going to rattle off when semis pass! 

It is longer though than most trucks or SUVs so parking is a bit more challenging. You just have to accept the fact that you are a big vehicle....so park a little further out and walk! 

But I love the fact that it has a nice big sliding door....no more worrying the kids are going to throw open their door into a neighboring vehicle! :) there is also a little "hallway" so kids don't have to climb over seats to get to the back. There is so much space, kids can even change or put on their shoes. Since I feel like we practically live in the car sometimes...this is a huge plus!! 

It seats 12 and has latch system in all three rows in the center seats. This is great for larger families. I also love having three benches! We can spread the kids out so everyone can reach buckles and have space for their toys and things. 

Here is some of the stats from the Nissan website (http://www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/nv-passenger/specs) 

Exterior 

V8 - 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve

385 lb-ft of torque @3,400 rpm

317 hp @ 5,200 rpm

Towing Capacity - 8,700 lbs (w/ tow hitch)

Interior 

• 12-Passenger seating capacity
• Removable split seating for 324 seating configurations
• Available Technology Package

Safety 

• Driver and front passenger air bags 
• Roof-mounted curtain air bags for passenger protection
• Largest brakes in class with 4-wheel anti-lock braking system

Check back for the next post....I will show the ways I have found to organize the interior! 

Ebates!!

I am not usually a fan of online type "money earning" things. Honestly I either forget or end up buying things I didn't want. However I have found one I LOVE...Ebates! It's so easy to use and you get cash back for buying the things you already buy online. We are in the middle of paying off debt using Dave Ramsey's baby steps so extra spending is off the table right now. But I do still need health and beauty products (within reason) so this is where ebates helped me out. 

For example. I just got a $30 credit to my account for ordering $39 worth of product from Proactiv. Now this one is kind of high (most or more like 3 to 5 percent) however looks like Proactiv always offers a 50% rebate (it was 75% for Black Friday) most of the year. So if you are like me and have a hard time 

Spending money on yourself (even beauty products) than ebates might be a good fit. I basically got a month of Proactiv for $9! Not bad! 

Check out ebates and see for yourself. 

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=U47fiC63Cnr0u0eRNLGKoQ%3D%3D&eeid=26471

There are tons of stores from walmart to target to best buy and more! And you don't use a credit card or anything attached to ebates to pay. That is handled all through whatever website you are using. 

More to come. I also have had some luck using checkout51, snap by groupon and walmart savings catcher. All this is thanks to my friend Breanne. She introduced me to this world of savings. Basically getting cash back for things I already buy (like bread and bananas) always feels good to save some money while doing what we already do. 

Check out her blog.... 

https://breannenowakowski84.wordpress.com

Let me know your savings tips! We all want to stretch our budgets as far as we can! 

Websites to check out! Some great ministries

These are just a few of our favorite organizations. Please check them out!!

Texas Corners Bible Church- kalamazoo, mi

Line by line preaching. Excellent resources online including tons of sermons to listen to or download

http://www.texascornersbiblechurch.org

Answers in Genesis 

Awesome organization. We can't wait for the Ark to open. The creation museum is one of our favorites.

 https://answersingenesis.org

Living waters ministry/ way of the master

Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort have dedicated their lives to spreading the word and equipping families to do the same. 

http://www.wayofthemaster.com

Wycliffe Bible Translators

https://www.wycliffe.org

Ministry Moment

When is the last time you threw away an empty medicine bottle?


Did you know that could be used to safely transport life saving medication to a person in need?


Matthew 25 Ministries is a great humanitarian organization. They will use these empty bottles (and more) to help all over the world. We have been collecting bottles for quite awhile now.

It's really simple!

I keep a bin in my pantry. When we use up some sort of medication or it is past the expiration date. I rinse it out, peel off the label, and throw it in the bin. Once we have collected enough I simply send them off! Easy. Cheap. A small way to make a difference.

Here is some info from their website of other things they accept. So go around the house and see how easy it really is to help a great organization make a difference!!




DONATE HUMANITARIAN AID ITEMS
Help Matthew 25: Ministries provide comfort, nourishment, and hope to those in need by donating new or slightly used items. We will sort the goods in our warehouse and then redistribute them to the poor in the United States and around the world.
We are in need of gently used clothing donations, non-perishable food, school supplies, and more! For recommended items to donate, please read the list of supplies we ship below. Don't see your item? Give us a call at (513)793-6256. Due to the enormous variety of items we accept, we cannot make a conclusive list.
Drop off donations at our facility in Blue Ash, Ohio Monday through Friday from 9 AM - 4 PM and Saturday 9 AM - 3 PM.

Get directions to our location.
SUPPLIES WE SHIP
Matthew 25: Ministries ships humanitarian aid throughout the United States and to more than 40 countries around the world. We ship a wide variety of products. The list below is representative of the supplies we ship; by no means is it comprehensive.

If you have a product that you would like to donate to Matthew 25: Ministries, but you are unsure if it's something we could use, just give us a call (513-793-6256).
We are more than happy to answer whatever questions you may have.
First Aid Supplies - bandages, tape, gauze, antibiotic ointment, orthopedic braces, etc.
Medical Supplies - catheters, sutures, syringes, surgical gloves, surgical bandages, etc.
Hospital Supplies - hospital linens, drapes, scrubs, patient gowns, bedding, etc.
Personal Care Products - shampoo, soap, lotions, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, etc.
School Supplies - paper, pens, pencils, crayons, folders, envelopes, backpacks, etc.
Cleaning Supplies - soap, laundry detergent, all purpose cleaners, buckets, sponges, etc.
New and Gently Used Clothing - for men, women, children, and infants
New Shoes - for men, women, children, and infants
New and Gently Used Home Goods - blankets, towels, sheets, aprons, tote bags, etc.
Baby Products - diapers, formula, burp cloths, non-perishable baby food, bottles, etc.
Food Staples - canned, boxed, and non-perishable foods, ready-to-eat foods, beans, rice, cooking oil, etc.
Latex Paint - We accept donations of partially used latex paint for reblending in our Rainbow Paint Reblending Center.

Missing my little camper...

I certainly am not complaining. I feel incredibly blessed to have the house we have now. It is huge and gorgeous. I just didn't think I would miss our little camper. but I Do...

We packed up our household goods (well the movers did half and we did half!) the second week of June 2014. Said goodbye to our home of 6 months and said "hello" to our cute little camper. The camper we bought when the pop up camper was sold out from under us. (had to drive an hour and a half away. Told the guy we were coming....when we were 15 minutes away he calls to say he sold it...ummm thanks) But I think God knew I couldn't live in a pop up. I want to think I am an outdoorsy person. But I'm not. Not really. I like to sit in nature. I like to walk thru nature. But I like to sleep in beds in air conditioning. Anyway back to the camper.

This simple little camper was "home" to our family for a little over 3 months. We did have a few times in the middle where we stayed with family or used our TLE hotel nights (army code for 10 days of free hotel when you move). But all in all either Jordan alone (for a few weeks while I went home and then traveled with my family) or the whole crew called this little place home for 9 of those 12 weeks. A set of bunks in the back. Bathroom. Kitchen. And table/couch/master bedroom. Simple Small Somewhat cluttered at times But our little home.

We played outside. We swam in the lake. We watched the sun set. We cooked on the grill. We cooked in the microwave. We went for drives. We looked for animals. We fished. We kayaked. We built fires. We didn't have a washer and dryer. We shared one tv (cheating I know but some days it was just too hot to be outside).

We would hear our kids talking or giggling before falling asleep.

We had family adventures. It was crowded in the camper so it forced us outside or out around town. We visited museums. Ate at new restaurants. And only bought what we could consume in a few days.

So even though we have a large 3 bedroom home now.....our kids want to share a small twin bed. And I LOVE that! I love how close they are and how much closer they became. They didn't know they were "bonding". They got annoyed sometimes with someone kicking someone in the back. Or someone not going to sleep. But then they would sing songs or chatter until we had to tell them to stop and go to sleep. It was just fun to them. Fun being outside. Fun using their imaginations. And fun just being together.

While I couldn't really do it forever. And at the end I don't think I could have taken one more night in the camper! Given the chance....I would do it again! And we probably will! Next PCS. Hopefully a slightly larger camper tho....

So if you are considering it....GO FOR IT! You will be amazed at how close you grow as a family and how many fun memories you make.

Coming Soon....

It's been awhile since I have posted. That is because my husband, our four kids, and our dog have been living in our 18 foot camper for the past three months. Spotty internet made it difficult to be online. So over the next few weeks I will be writing posts on some of our adventures. Here is a sneak peek at some of the posts to come! 

Moving in the army

Tips for doing a partial dity

How to live in a camper while moving and not want to kill your family

Using pcs moves to travel and make the move money work for you

Life in fort riley kansas

Apple days review

Housing video walk thru at fort riley

Making goodbyes easier for kids

Online college degree program at Thomas Edison state college

Living on the road

Enjoying the great outdoors as a family

Making a house a home on a shoe string budget. What happens when you house doubles in size but your finances stay the same! 

Here is a peek at one cheap project that I did the first day we were in our house. Just the simple little touches make it feel like home right away 

Hobby Lobby 50% off the original price $14.99 made it $7.49. Nothing exciting but every time I set the thermostat it makes me smile. Just making it feel like home. 

And many more.....

So check back! 

Turkey hunting

Lorelei went out on her first turkey hunting trip with Jordan. She was soooo excited. She has been asking for awhile now if she could go hunting. Fort Sill had a special weekend just for youth ages 18 and under so we thought this would be a perfect time to try it out. 

They went to an informational meeting and dinner on Friday night. Kids all got nice little goodie bags with a DVD and turkey call. It was a nice way to get the kids excited. 

Even though they didn't get anything, Lorelei said she was just was happy to spend time with her dad. It was nice for them to get some special time. They got to see several tracks and hear a lot of animals. They got to spend time in God's creation making some fun memories. I couldn't believe how long she lasted. They went out three times over the weekend (Saturday afternoon, Sunday before church and Sunday after church). Quite a trooper...she couldn't wait to get back out. 

Madelyn wanted to go too...

Maybe next time...

They snuck out while Berlynn and Coleden were napping otherwise there would have been very disappointed kids! Looking forward to moving up to fort riley and hopefully they have programs like this for the kids as well. If Coleden like hunting as much as he likes fishing, Jordan will have plenty of hunting buddies.

 Berlynn on the other hand isn't very interested....she would rather go to target and get a Starbucks! My kind of girl...

Homeschooling Pocket Chart

Love the My Thirty One hang it up organizer!! So many uses. 

Here I just used some scrapbook paper to put behind the plastic parts. Here is the plain version. I will show another post with what I fill it with for schooling. But this is an easy way to have everything orgnized. 

Obsessed with Tackle Boxes!!

I know clear tackle boxes aren't very exciting to most....but they are to me! I am finding these have all sorts of uses. Here is just a mini list of ways I have (or plan) to use them for all our storage needs! 

First aid

Medicine

Jewelry

Matchbox cars

Craft supplies

Car caddy

Camping

Little random things

Hair ties and clips

Spices

Small kitchen tools

Fishing gear....well ok that's not original...haha

Tools

My latest use...make up box. Keeps everything organized and easy to see. 

I love them because you can stack them and still see what is inside. Labels help a bunch too! 

Ticket Stub Decor

I've decided I am a bit of a hoarder. It's just so hard since we move so much, I hold onto things as memories! Since moving, we have been purging...a lot! It's time! Why hold onto baby clothes and move 3 more times before they may (or may not) even get used. The thrift store on post has been getting frequent drop offs from this family. And it feels so good. 

Well I was about to throw out all my old ticket stubs, but I just couldn't do it. So many memories...concerts...movies...date nights...travel...museums...sport events. It was a fun trip down memory lane. But they just added to the clutter in the junk drawer and I couldn't deal with it anymore. 

So I did this instead

Now I can have the organized and used as decor in my china hutch verses collecting dust in the junk drawer. Easy and cheap. This was an Ikea jar I already had and some scrapbook stickers. Now we can add more memories to it! 

Cleaning motivation

So I got this candle at Target...basil scented! My new favorite candle! 

Gets me motivated to clean! 

Teach a man to fish...raising kids in a world of entitlement

The word entitlement seems to be trending a lot right now on Pinterest and various blogs. It's seems like every parent (including myself) fears their kids will grow and feel entitled. We worry we aren't providing enough, then we worry we are providing too much! 

First off I want to say...I AM NO EXPERT! And honestly....my kids are still very little so I don't even have much "in the field" training. So if you are looking for an answer or proof of any kind...you might as well stop reading! I can only write from my personal experiences growing up and what we have dealt with so far. However, this is sort of my way of putting pen to paper and making some goals for our family, not only for 2014 but for every year. I also reserve the right to change my mind and amend these as we go...haha! Isn't that what parenting is all about? You do the best you can with the resources available.

I have been doing a lot of thinking and praying in regards to how we are raising our kids and what are the best things to implement. I have listened to hours and hours of experts and speakers give all sorts of advice. This is my way of taking the pieces that I think will work for us and organizing them in one place. Since our kids are young, we figure this is a good time to start some things. Also we are getting past the " I just need to survive this day" age (you know the days of no sleep, kids crying for no reason, making bottles, changing diapers, never showered today, well haven't showered all week...kind of days!) Our kids are getting to the age where we can start to see their personalities come out. We also are beginning to have to work on their hearts...not just a list of what to do and what not to do. Attitude is in full swing! 

As I started to write this, Berlynn began to scream "me me me me me" as she begged for breakfast. Yes I think it is safe to say entitlement has crept into this family. Our kids are so spoiled. I mean really they are without want! They have electronics, they have expensive toys, a closet FULL of clothes, more backyard toys than any yard needs. I am not saying I bought them all new, honestly I buy very little new, call me cheap but I stick to used most of the time. This was my excuse for spoiling the kids. I used this as a way to justify the amount of things that came into the house. I mean that toy costs $49.99 at Walmart and I found it for $4.99 at the Salvation Army. So I am not spoiling my kids. It's not like they need it but well...it was cheap! My kids don't need new clothes but I will fill my cart to the brim on 69 cent day at the thrift store! I mean why not right?!?! 

But it started getting me thinking about the deeper issues. My kids don't understand the concept of money but they do see all their stuff. They see lots and lots of toys and things, and they don't care if they cost $1 or $100. What can I do to teach them values? To teach them that hard work and putting money in the bank is more gratifying than homes filled to the brim? 

Right now we are waiting for our household goods to arrive. Basically our rooms are empty. I did go buy a few toys at the local Goodwill but everything we own in this house right now could fit in one room and we would still have space left over. You would think we would be miserable. 

But actually the opposite. We are quite happy. It takes me no time at all to clean the house. This gives me so much more time with the kids. They can actually clean up their room each night before bed without help! It's wonderful. Now don't get me wrong, I couldn't live this simply forever. It has been challenging not having some things (like a microwave and pots and pans...did you know you can melt butter in the oven!!) Anyway, we will be grateful to have some things back. But Jordan and I have decided, we really like the simplicity of less clutter. Our kids enjoy the things they do have and we are forced outdoors more. 

This is just part one of several posts I plan on writing over the next few days. If anyone has comments or suggestions of ways to cut back, please leave them below! 

But to finish up with what the title said about fishing...that is one great way Jordan's parents taught he the importance of patience and commitment. His dad took him out in the water from the time he was very young. He had to sit still and there wasn't instant gratification. 

We have decided our kids will learn to fish. Not only is it a good skill, but it is a fun family activity. It is something we can all do together or use as a great teaching tool for one on one time with dad! There is no guarantee of a fish on the end of that pole. Sometimes the kids may be disappointed. But that's life. There will be times they will surprise us all and one of them might hook a big one! Again...that's life...the fun part of life! 

Vintage toys....yes my childhood is vintage!

Want to feel old....find out things you played with are now vintage!! 

Had this play kitchen growing up. Found this at a thrift store and had to grab it! I never had the fridge tho....my kids don't know how spoiled they are....haha

If you ever get to Fort Benning....

Check out the infantry museum!! It is awesome!!! 

We went several times and it is free!! 

Walk through history 

Fort Benning GA Training

Little late coming since we were here in 2010 but I thought I would write a little about our time there. Mostly for my own sake because this housing doesn't even exist anymore. We went back a year ago and it was completely gone! 

They were duplexes. Large living room on the main level with great windows. Ignore all the clutter. We literally dropped our stuff and left! 

Flooring was vct....and white walls! Thankfully my sister came back with me a few weeks later to make the place feel like a home! But of course did I take photos of that...no...wishing I had now!! 

Kitchen was nice. Nothing fancy but did the job! 

Backyard was fully fenced in but kind of small. Upstairs had two bedrooms and another bathroom. Hardwood floors all upstairs. I hated the stairs here though, hardwood and straight full flight down. Made me nervous with a three year old! The best feature of this house....the clubhouse and pool area right down the street.

It was all new and beautiful! We would walk down there all the time. Pool with splash park

And a playground as well! 

We loved Fort Benning. Maybe because it was the first place we lived or maybe we were just happy to be together again. I don't know but we loved it. 

Jordan's home! We got to see him several nights a week for about 15 minutes. Lorelei and I would load up and drive over. On our way we would go through the drive thru subway (dangerous) and get two cookies! Then we would wait for jordan to come say hi! 

Note to all military spouses....speed limits are not suggestions!! Haha