Christmas/New Year letters comes loads late! LOL

I decided to write a old fashion letter to my biological father today. As I wrote it, the letter began to sound much like my Christmas letters. Knowing I didn't even write one for 2011, I decided to share majorty of my letter as a blog. I love the idea of someday looking back and reading these letters as a memory sort of thing.

Me? Well with my neck and arm, physically, I'm doing GREAT. Though I still have my changelles from time to time, for the most part everything is 100% normal. My arm is very weak from the lack of use, but I'm thank God daily that it works at all. Still don't work, outside of the home. I've applied here and there, even had a few interviews. Just haven't been lucky, I guess. Not that it matters, I'm well taken care of and plenty blessed. The biggest change in me, is that I enjoy the things I once hated, like reading and yard work. I've working on loading all our family photos onto facebook's time line and anstery.com family trees. I ran across a huge amount of info on Jason's family. Currently totally intreged in that venture. I recently won a bicycle in a raffel. I also have got to help Mark with costume design for his yellow brick road part in the drama production "The Wiz"

The family? Aj will soon be 16. I'm counting my blessing because, he has NOT yet started drivers training and his girlfriend, Amber, lives in Idaho Falls, two hours plus away. She is very cute and super polite. Given him a new nick name "Too Tall Jones", after the football player. Plus I find it amusing due to my dad's nick name for me is "pee wee jones". Aj is pushing 6'3 and seems to grow more everyday. Shopping for his shoes and pants takes real skill. Bowling leages ended just in time for skateboard season to begin. Struggles in school, but gets the job done. School is a breeze for Mark. Mark is now 13. He is already built like a grown man within the chest and shoulders and he too is taller than me. Football has become his passion and he plays each fall. I'm not a football fan but boy do I love to seeing him sack the quaterback! During wrestling this year he got to design the teams clothing. Wrestling is over but he has taken up drama, track, and a robotics club. The robotics club moved to lunch hour just so those in track could still be part. They design and build robots out of legos. Then program and oporate the robot via ipads. This club is part of a grant that a mom of older childern informed me will also provide some scholarships. In track his strength is in the high jump...current his highest jump is 4'8 and he has taken second at both meets thus far. He got invited to The State YMCA inviational, held in Meridian this year. He is fast enough to be on the #1 relay team as well. While track is under way, he is also been involved a High School Drama production of "The Wiz". So busy, busy, busy. Mark is lucky to spend two hours at home Monday thru Thrusday; school 'til 3pm, track practice 'til 4:30pm, drama rehersal from 6:30pm to 9pm, and bed at 10pm. But if you could see th spark this drama thing puts in him, you'd see why I allow it. Though is is only in the 7th grade at the middle school, he has something like 5 or 7 parts. I'm pretty excited about this one. To top off this crazy schedual he still finds for his girlfriend, Isabel, skateboarding, tossing the football around with Victor, and other friends. Jason is still working at the schools. Recently he restarted his skateboard company, Flux. He designs art work for the bottom of the skateboards. Rightfully so, he is an amazing artist in drawing, photography, and graphic layout. He then sends that design to a skateboard production company that puts it on the physical skateboard. They ship the skateboards to us. Then with a lot of hard work, a little skateboarding and hangout/social time, and some luck we will sell the boards for more than we spent on them. Plus it seems that Jason as been missing "the guys". This venture of his is a great hook into a scene that we love...a reason/excuse to skateboard and hang out.

Addressing God the only way to change

Did you ever wonder why people who believe in God and answered prayers don't won't or can't believe in supernatural healings? Isn't an answered prayer even if through the medical field a supernatural touch from God? Why people who do believe in supernatural healings from God except sickness, darkness, and death? Yes, even death...people in the Bible and all over the world are raised from death. I've... been grieving alot of beautiful people. Yes, I know they are healed and whole now, but it angers me too. I don't get why Satan has such a grip on this world! It's been the strangest feeling. Everyone wants me to be sad for the loss and happy for those now in God's enteral presence...but while those feelings are there...the anger for sickness and satans attacks are dwelling in me soooo much more so. Then there is my regret of letting go. When someone walks in your life and you KNOW God wants you to help with their walk, and you let go for whatever reason...distance, laziness, changes of poistion, I don't care. If you see how their life has gotton better in 10 degrees yet it's not near God and think of what if might have been. What an embrassment to teachers, preachers, true christians everywhere I've been. I know God forgives and is showing me to move foward. I can't help but think, what if I had stayed in touched or at least prayed daily for these. I use to write off alot of teens who I grew attached to when I watched them walk a path I found dirty, krooked, or wrong. God has taught me to forgive and love, yet where were my prayers and crys for them. Istead I complain about society, this little town, the police, the school, the economy, ...and yes they have issues that need addressed, but why wasn't I addressing them to God himself. Really that's the only way any of this will ever change.

Speak boldy, truthfully, and LIVE THE LIFE!

My Bible study hit me so hard this morning that I wanted to share it with all of you.



Ephesians 4 starting at verse17

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 5

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of the Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,

rise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I have several thoughts running through my head in regards to this scripture.



1) What have I been thinking? Why do I continue to take part in what I know is wrong; via movies, TV, Internet, books, radio, and even conversations, talking dirty, swearing, using my words to hurt, gossip, even repeat truth, or speak negative past memories. They are in the past let it go! Forgive! "love keeps no record of wrong" Huge to me cuz I do it all the time. Sometimes I think I remember those negative things just to be justified in why I don't like (same as hate) this person or hang out with this person any more. Dumb, because that is still unforgiveness and why does anyone else want to hear my hate for this person, the cops, the doctors, the schools. They are human and make mistakes; just mere men. I know better yet I continue. I want to change, but I choose not to...uuugh!



2) Renewing my spirit by reading the Bible and praying is the key. We need to quit trying to do what is right and seek him letting him change our very being. As a result the urge to do wrong will be lessen. I don't believe will ever go away, let's face even Jesus was tempted. Look at his response (Matthew 4:4, 4:7, 4:10) he used the written word of God, aka The Bible. I can hear some people saying, "ah yes, Lee, but even Satan knows the Bible" You are right but it's not about laws or rules, but our relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I know I'm gonna get some guff for this next theory even from those who I listen to and learn from...but here goes. God the creator shows us who he is and what he wants in the Bible. Jesus said "no one comes to the father except through me" equaling prayer, and The Holy Spirit was sent to guide us. We need all three not just one! And continually, it's not something you can do just once and have forever. Yes once you believe you are saved, but there is oohh sooo much more. Believing is the easy part, living a life that proves it is the hard part. Even the disciples were filled with the spirit more than once. We all get taught Acts 2 or Pentecost, but that same thing happens again after Peter and John were told not to preach in Jesus name. Acts 4:31" After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." That filling of the Holy Spirit , give us the spark inside to do not only what is right, but those things we need boldness to do such as; minister or pray for those who may not believe, and fulfill our dreams and goals. Those inner most things the Bible refers to as "the desires of your heart" in Psalms 20:4 and 37:4. Those callings, dreams, visions, talents that we cover due to fear of failure or rejection. We know these are the "real" us and are right but take more guts to put into action. Those "guts" will be in us if we continually seek God, read the word, pray, and get that Holy Spirit refilling.



3) Speak boldly, truthful, and live the life! We wonder why nothing changes in our society, why no one goes to church, why so much evil remains in our neighborhoods, why innocent children are victims of sexual immortality, abuse, drugs, and poverty. Quiet frankly, it's because we don't speak boldly, truthfully, or live the life. When I say we I'm including all Christians. Those of us who believe but got hurt so stay at home. These individuals may or may not pray and read the word of God. Really though what about public confession living the life! Then you got those of us who go to church and again who may or may not read the word of God and pray. Well if their life don't match what they are saying. (This is where I am) And/or they don't speak boldly and truthfully. How is that an example? We tell them to live a life we don't reflect in our own life and we speak half truths to the few we even speak to at all, about God. So they are seeing it in our ungodly lives, they are hearing only half truths if they are hearing it at all. Well golly gee who wants that? Why do they need to seek God if we are the same as them. They can't see or hear the benefits because we aren't showing or telling them. It time to take a stand. Even on the hard issues; like homosexuality, drinking, drugs, other religious beliefs, abortion, and abuse. Wrong is wrong and right is right. I love you all and many of you drink for fun, smoke a little weed, get into fights with whoever, or are homosexual. I may not approve of your lifestyle, but that doesn't mean I hate you, on the contrary I really do love you. I want the best for you which doesn't include these lifestyles. No matter what society teaches that's not a hate crime. A hate crime is when you ridiculed, teased, taunted, or physically abuse by some one for those life styles. Let me tell I received enough hate as a "dork" "nerd" or whatever as a kid. Some of you were my best friends when we were kids. I wouldn't do anything to hurt you but I can't approve of something that is wrong. Wrong is wrong and right is right.

Mark's Gum Art

This is something I found amazing. Mark is a little embrassed. I think because it is so not a convential art, but is why I like it so much. Mark made this out of gum one evening. Check it out. Make sure if you like it to let him know.

My Drawing of Mark

At parent teacher conferences I got inspired to draw.



not great but I really liked it so thought I'd share it.

Couponing policies and price sheets

Well, couponing...

I stand corrected SOME Walmarts will use Albertson's doublers NOT Twin Falls!

Major suggestion: look up policies on line at each store's website or talk with a store manager. Keep it in writing if you do find.

This has been my major dilemma in my couponing...I read the blogs and it comes not be true. Each clerk makes huge difference to so if you find a policy you want to imply to save you money have it in writing from the stores website or know the name of the manager who you spoke with.

Remember during this incidents to remain calm and polite they are just doing their job.

And ps from my experience calculator and price sheets are super helpful because every store carries different sizes so may want to calculate out how much it is per item, ounce, or pound.

Price Sheets: can be a simple as notebook, notes, or a print out you fill out. Keep track of what you pay for your fav items and where and when it's on sale. The store typically cycle through and it'll be on sale. For example(just example not for real) Tide will be at it's absolutely bottom sale price every 4 weeks at Target. If you are a person who must use tide or just prefer it knowing when those cycles are is very helpful. Laundry soap is perfect example of the per ounce deal because one store will advertise the ounces and one will advertise how many loads. If carry these price sheets and your ads you'll be able to compare at store where the bottle will be labeled with ounces and loads. This is my weakness; I want to leave my notebook; with calculator, ads, and prices sheets in car. I've yet to learn to carry a purse so this may be an on going issue for me. But think about it you don't have the notebook, you can't jot down the price at each store and can only compare what your mind can remember. I believe this would also be a great way to see if places that sell bulk like Costco are worth it. I don't know about all you but I go in there for one thing and either leave bewildered with nothing or go over board... so I'm gonna be using my own suggestion exspecially in Costco.

Here a website with printable price sheets by storeremember to keep track of dates too for cycles. Printable price sheets by product

Extreme Couponer?

I am a couponer, I'm not sure as if I qualify as an extreme couponer. You decide.

Here are my pointers.
#1 do what works for you
#2 use coupons when the item is already on sale or discounted
#3 don't be afraid to ask questions or of what people may or may not think of you
#4 organize and be consitant

Couponig...

1. aquire coupons:

Sunday Newspaper...

Newspapers have couponer deals where you can buy all week and get multiple Sunday papers at a discount so get a hold of your local paper. The Magic Valley Times News has offered me an entire month with 4 extras Sundays for $18. I haven't taken up on it because there are plenty of free ways to get those coupons.

Many ppl throw these away so ask your family, friends, and neighbors for their inserts. My mom, mother-in-law, and aunt Gail have offered me theirs. My mom drops them off every week, very helpful.

Ask businesses that buy newspapers for customers to read or sell them if you can have the old ones. Many of those coupons are good for weeks to months.

I've tried the "dumpster diving" sounds way worse than it is. The "dumpsters" I'm talking about are newspaper recycle bins. I know this would work...but I'm not consistant. It will take a step ladder, strong arms(@ least for the recycle bins), and time.


Online...

there are many many sites that you can print coupons and blogs that will show you what's new in the couponing world. Due to the amount of stuff out there and emails with coupons in them I recomend a second email; gmail, hotmail, yahoo, all offer free ones. I use one for this but it also comes in handy for things you are curious about but may send junk mail to you.

If you have favorite brands look them up see if they have coupons on their websites, facebook (huge! usually high value), and consider mailing them and requesting samples, coupons, and freebies.

my fav blogs

Fabulessly Frugal
I try to read this one daily but I love the key stars on ad match lists and the printable "Grocery Smart Lists"

Money Saving Mom
I look through her "Store deals" before shopping and use her blog for inspiritation on budgeting and menu planning.

A Thrifty Mom
I follow this one strictly because she post ad matches for Ridley's one of two grocery stores in my hometown. Ridleys has a facebook and they do double(round up) coupons day that they only announce on facebook.

websites with printable coupons
Coupons.com
coupons.redplum.com
coupons2.smartsource.com
grocerysmarts.com
couponnetwork.com

I use the backs of paper that I would throw away otherwise.

2. Organize coupons

There are many methods of madness to this and pros and cons to each of them. Remember do what works for you. If none of these ideas work for you don't give up invent one that will work for you. Me I use all these depending on my mood and time I have to spend on them.

Notebook(Binder/baseball card holder) method...
I learned how to put my notebook togeter via youtube.com
You can also read about this on your favorite blog.
Here's what the Fabulessly Frugal Gals have to say.

File or clipless method...
To me these are the same method the only difference is how you store them. The clipless method is is my favorite, but will not work without planning your shopping trip. Meaning I wouldn't likely be able to find a coupon at the store when I see somethng that I didn't plan for. The reason this is my favorite is because it takes alot less time and I follow blogs that list coupons with the dates they came out in the papers.

You basicly file your inserts each week by date with a list of what is in each insert for reference. This can be added to your notebook with sheet protectors or be a file system you keep at home, your choice. Fabulessly Furgal explains it way better here.

pocket folder method...
I did this one in Minnesota. I bought a small accordion style file that held my coupons by catagory. You can't take every coupon to the store with this method but the size difference is huge. I'm seriously thinking about going back to this method. Here are a couple photos of what I'm talking about.


3. Shop your favorite store and learn their policies

Many stores have printable coupons online and e-coupons which are coupons that can be loaded on your loyality cards. Always get those dumb cards by the way! You don't always need the physical card most stores will take your phone number but the savings add up, every penny counts.

I love Albertson's ONLY when they have doublers, but with great deals like that you need to be on the ball...the early bird gets the worm. I tend to get there and all the things I want are gone. With that show "Extreme Couponing" on TLC and the economy being what it is couponing has become very popular and in return great deals don't last. Supply and demand, I guess. So, if you want it get there as soon as you possibly can. Albertson's is also good for giving you savings you can use next time. I love the cereal deals their the most.

Winco may not publish sale flyers but they are typically great deals and take coupons too. I'm really trying to most my shopping here.

Walmart is great! Love the ad match, will even take Albertson's doublers(stand corrected some walmarts will not Twin Falls), and give you overage of coupon to the rest of purchase so can make $$. However there are limits...won't take store coupons with manufacter coupons like Walgreens or Fred Myer. They won't match unknown prices by this I mean buy one get one deals or percentages off. They also won't match card deals like buy 10 save $5 that you'll see at Albertson's or Smith's. Bonus hint...Walmart will match store bands with theirs...So if Fred Myer had Fred Myer canned veggies on sale Walmart would match it with their Great Value brand.

Walgreens has great deals with in ad coupons, monthly coupon booklets, and register rewards (a coupon to use toward your next purchase). If you plan you can leave already using the register rewards. I once bought 4 Arizona teas for $0.50 total!

Target gives gift cards with certan purchases...this cash that you can use or save and give as gifts at Chirstmas and birthdays. Love it! They are great at "stacking" meaning use the store coupon and the manufacter coupon to get even better prices. My 1st experience with this I got paid $2 to buy Sobe Life waters.