Tips On Planning a Vacation & Being Frugal

My guest blogger today is Bethany. I have been following her blog for quiet sometime now. She is such a sweet woman of God. I know you will enjoy her today.

We still have a few weeks left of the vacation season for 2013, but now is the time to be thinking about a 2014 vacation.  Lately I’ve seen pictures on Facebook from all sorts of family vacations.  Several have gone to Disney Land or a cruise for a week while others have stayed closer to home for a couple of days away.  

 Most families I know enjoy going on some type of vacation.   Being someplace different from your regular home is a nice way to relax and make happy memories together, doing things you normally don’t get to do.   I still remember vacations we took when I was a child. I remember that some of the best memories were the vacations closest to home out at a State Park not far from our house.  We went to a different place each year while my husband’s family always went to the same beach for their vacations.  There are many ways to enjoy a vacation but one big consideration is your spending.   

Being wise about spending is something that is extremely important to me.   It is NOT wise to put your vacation expenses on a credit card.  How can you use wisdom when it comes to planning a vacation?  

 The most important thing I think is to plan ahead.  Start thinking now about where you want to go next summer and what is realistic for your family budget. Make sure you and your spouse are on the same page about your expenses going into the planning too.  

 We have gone through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University and since then have used an envelope cash system for part of our expenses.  Each time my husband gets paid I divide cash into various envelopes (that could be a whole different post).  “Vacation” is one of those envelopes. Every pay period I’m putting back a little money for the vacation.  It isn’t a lot but it does add up over the year.  I have found this works well for us.  The money in that envelope is only used for vacation.  I don’t go into that envelope to buy other stuff for the house or family.  Decide what will work for your budget.  

 Let me give you an example.  You may choose that you could set aside $40 per pay period, which would be $480 in a year.  This may be too much for you right now with your other expenses. Realize that it may take longer than a year to save enough money for a vacation and that is okay.  Set a goal though and be dedicated to working towards that goal.  Something else to remember is that if you get the entire family on board you can find ways to raise money together for the trip.   For example, you could have a garage sale or take some clothes to a consignment sale.  It is a great thing to work together as a family towards a goal of a vacation together.

 Second, I’d urge you not to compare your vacation to the vacations of others.  You must make the decision to do what is right for you and your family without trying to go to the spot it seems that everyone else is going if you can’t afford that. Be content and God will honor your wise spending.    

There is much more I could write about vacation and vacation planning.  I just really wanted to encourage you with this bit today to be planning now for the future.  A vacation is a great way to make memories as a family that will last a lifetime.  But also remember it is no fun if you put it on a credit card and do things you can’t really afford.  Start planning now so you can enjoy your time away next summer without worrying about the expenses when you get home.

I want to thank Bethany for guest posting on my blog. She had some great tips! We have been saving up for our upcoming vacation next month. I love the envelope idea! Don't forget to hop over to her blog and check her out. She is such a sweetheart.

Bethany has been married for 12 amazing years to her college sweetheart that is her best friend.  They have been blessed with one son,Caleb,who is 8 years old. They've had two miscarriages, one in January 2003 and one in April 2013. She loves reading, singing, writing,volunteering, blogging, being a stay at home Mom, and spending time with her boys. One of her favorite verses is Matthew 5:16--"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven." Bethany blogs over at Raindrops & Rainbows.

From Missions to Motherhood

When we let God change our hearts and desires it really is amazing. Sometimes He does it without us even knowing it, I think. Sometimes He does it and we resist and rebel.

I really didn't know He was changing mine. Looking back on the pas 6 years I can see that He did. He did not necessarily take my former desires away,but He put other ones in me that take priority over the former ones.

I longed to be in foreign missions after I went on a mission trip in 2003 to Honduras. It was my first time out of country and I was excited. I had no clue what it would be like. It was heartbreaking. It was inspiring. It was hard. Seeing people so in need of things that I had taken fore-granted every. single. day. Seeing children with no one to care for them and no where to sleep. Seeing very young men in prison or detention centers that were so hardened towards anyone. It was an eye opener for me, a young high school graduate, that came from a land of plenty. I had family who loved me. I had food galore. I had clothes,a bed,a home,and I had Jesus. It shook me to the core. It radically changed how I looked at things once I came back to America. Like a believer set on fire for the first time I wanted to run,to go,to help. I wanted to go live there and be the hands and feet of Jesus. I prayed and prayed for that country. I had a heart for the people.

I never got to go do what I wanted. I never had an open door to go back there. I ended up going to Bible college,a small Baptist college in North Mississippi. I married the love of my life and we moved to the big city. I haven't forgotten about Honduras or missions. Life just took me a different course. I thought is this really what I should be doing? What about the children,the women,the people? Where are they? God heard my prayers those days in my dorm at college when I asked Him to mold me and shape me into the image of Jesus. Oh boy did He. He gave me 3 precious boys,who have done so much for me.

I fought it at first. I didn't want to be just a Mother. I mean, I sit at home all day taking care of children who have no clue how hard it is. I wanted to do something big for God. Something important. Changing diapers? Fixing 3 meals a day,not to mention snacks? Important? Yes,very. Jesus washed the nasty,dirty feet of his disciples. He got down on their level,He served them. I am being the hands and feet of Jesus when I care for my children and husband. God began to speak to me about my children being those in need of Jesus. Just because they are born here in America doesn't mean they know Jesus. No one does until they are told what He has done for them. It was my job to rear these precious children and guide them to the Lord in all that I do. It struck me. It was a glorious eye opener. It was like I had my own mission field in my home. I could literally pour so much of the Word into these boys that they could be so full of God like I wanted the people in Honduras to be. It was amazing.

I can look back and say I still long to do mission work overseas,but for now I am so passionate about my boys. I love them with a fierce love and it's not me at all,t's all the Lord. I want them to know more about Jesus,God, and the Word that they will impact their generation at an early age. God put His heart in me for my children. It isn't easy and it's a lot of blood,sweat,and tears. It's a lot of praying and crying too. But these are my little lost souls that I am I responsible for. I have to plant seeds so the Holy Spirit can move upon them and draw them to the Living God. I pray daily that when the Spirit draws them they will come and they will surrender. I want them to be radical for Jesus. I want them to love Him so much and live for Him in every detail of their lives. What we do with our children is so important. It's so vital. They will have to make decisions we are making today and that is important work.

Mothers we have a mission field in our own home!! Don't forsake it. Embrace it and draw your strength from the Lord. He will uphold you with His mighty right hand.

The work of the Holy Spirit is so amazing. It's so sacred. God loves us so much and wants to use us,if we will just open our hearts to Him.What desire does God want to put in you?


Linking up with Darlene @ Time-Warp Wife for Titus 2sdays.

Cleaning, how do you do it?

As I was cleaning this morning, I thought why not write a cleaning post? I usually don't brainstorm my posts in the form of writing it down. I am usually doing something around the house and a light bulb turns on in my head. I then think about it most of the day until I can sit down to write on the computer. I think of what to say and when I finally get a chance to sit,I start writing and it just flows.

I never grew up cleaning the house. I never grew up washing dishes. The extent of cleaning I did was cleaning my bedroom,which didn't get that messy. Mama just did everything herself as far as I can remember. When I got married I did clean what was necessary,but no deep cleaning. I was clueless really. We have been married for 7 years almost and in the past year and a half I just started a cleaning schedule. Yes. I know. It's crazy. I came across a post, Daily Housekeeping Schedule, from Darlene at Time-Warp Wife about a cleaning schedule. Here is another post that goes along with the above one, House Cleaning Schedule. Something sparked in me and I said this is something I need to do. I printed out the post and adjusted it to what worked well for me. Over the last year I have changed it some and it has worked great for me.

Now that I clean like this, I love it. I love to clean. Did I just say that? I did. I think I get it from my Mother,who also loves to clean still. I can't imagine not cleaning like this now. I wanted to share my cleaning schedule and tips that I have with you ladies.

Monday

• clean toilet- I try to do this in the mornings after I get my shower. If I don't clean it then, I do it after our quiet time in the afternoon. I like to use Comet and PineSol on a magic eraser. It works well. I even used a little washing detergent today. I have a toilet brush I use for inside the bowl. I try to switch it out every month.
• sweep & mop bathroom/vanity area- I don't do this every week,but I probably need too. It's not a big space at all and doesn't get as dirty. I use Comet and PineSol for mopping too. What can I say? I love the smell of clean.
• clean the tub- I do this every week. I took tips from Darlene and I use a little bit of washing detergent along with a magic eraser. It smells so good and looks so clean.

Tuesday

• vacuum floors- I usually do this in the afternoon/evening time. My oldest has even started helping me out. I got a new vacuum last week (old one died) and I was SO excited to try it out. 
• clean mirrors & sinks in bathroom/vanity area- I have started doing this when my boys take a bath. It is convenient and easy to do while I watch them too. I like to use rubbing alcohol with a washcloth for the mirrors and sinks. It has no smell once it is dried and it makes the faucets just shine. 
• clean windows- I don't do this every week. I do it every other week. I just use Windex with a microfiber cloth. It works well and no smell.

Wednesday

•  clean kitchen sink- I use PineSol to clean the faucet. It makes it shine and smells good. I use a magic eraser with Pinesol for the sink also. The magic eraser is so great! A friend told me about them. I love the sink to shine and smells like lemons. I usually do this in the evening after I wash dishes for the last time.
• clean microwave- I use a washcloth to clean the microwave and that's it. I wet the washcloth and put it in the microwave for 2 minutes and 50 seconds. It is steamy and food comes off so easy. I got this cleaning tip from Darlene. It is the easiest way I have found to clean it.
• clean refrigerator- I don't do this every week,more like every 2-3 weeks. I use Redi Wipes to wipe down the drawers and the doors. 
• sweep & mop kitchen- I don't do this every week. We live in apartments and there isn't much dirt. I can live with a dirty floor,but not dirty sinks. Go figure. I just sweep when needed and rarely mop. We have a small kitchen too. 

Thursday

• vacuum floors- I do this twice a week. I love clean carpet. I hate feeling stuff under my feet.
• finalize menu and grocery list- I do this during quiet time or when the kids are in bed at night. 
• dust- I dust the shelves,pictures,and trinkets. I do this every 2 weeks. 

Friday,Saturday,and Sunday are sort of just the usual cleaning days where I do what I do all the other days- wash dishes,and wipe down counter tops. Making a schedule has really helped me. If I am going to be gone one of the 4 days I do specific cleaning, I try to do it the day before. If it is a spur of the moment trip, I just do it the day after, or wait till the next week. I have learned we aren't going to die if the sink isn't cleaned every week or the tub isn't spotless every week. I sort of went overboard when I first started this schedule. I have learned that these things need to be done,but I don't have to be so strict that I stress over it. It's supposed to be serving my family and guests,not a chore.

Here are things I do randomly when they need to be done:

• switch the garbage cans out when they need it
• keep extra bags in the main garbage can and clean it monthly
• usually clean left overs out of the fridge on Friday's when I am putting groceries up
• work on my menu for the week and grocery list Monday-Thursday. I go grocery shopping on Friday mornings and shop weekly.
• switch bedsheets out every 3-4 weeks. It depends with the boys that are still night potty training.

Linking up with The Better Mom today. Come join us!

Weekend Links

Here are my links for the week. These are some really great ones!! Enjoy!

 

• What Children Want Most From Their Parents by Lisa Jacobson over at The Better Mom.
• A Bag of Tricks dazzles the wiggliest of kids by Sally Clarkson from I Take Joy.
• Never Give Up by Bethany over at Laced With Grace.
• We were meant to live for so much more by Sally Clarkson at I take Joy. 
• How to Grown an Awesome Teenager by Christy Fitzwater over at Club 31 Women. 
• Motherhood Requires Submission by Christin Slade at Joyful Mothering. 

Friday's Fave Five

1. Quiet times... We have started back to our quiet times. It's so nice. The boys watch something on t.v. or draw while I blog or read. It's nice to get refreshed.
2. Routine... I just started a new night time routine and it's going great. My boys get wound up about an hour before bed. So I started a quiet time before bed. At 7:30 they get in their beds and draw/color while I do last minute night time things. I has been so great and a lot less chaotic. I'm a sucker for routine.
3. Reading... I finished 2 books on my Kindle this week. I love to read,but don't get to do it as much as I once did. It felt great to finish these 2 that I have loved reading. Pain Redeemed by Natasha Metzler and Blog Mom by Christin Slade.
4. Family time... My mom and sis came down yesterday to go out to lunch. It was so nice. We went to our favorite place, Olive Garden. I miss seeing them everyday.
5. Game night... We are going to game night at our church tonight. It'll be our first to go too. We go to a small church and love fellowshipping with our church family. I'm sure it will be fun!

What are somethings you loved about your week? Share with Susanne @ Living to Tell the Story and link up!

Thankful Thursday

Join Laurie @ Women Taking A Stand and the rest of us for thankful Thursday. We have so much to be thankful to be for every day.

I'm thankful for siblings. I have two of them,a brother and a sister. I'm the middle child (yes the deprived one ha!) of the three of us. We were close growing up. We played outside together,played video games,fought a lot,and took up for each other. My sister and I were only 2 years apart,so we became closer as time went on and we grew older. My brother was the typical older brother. He loved to aggravate us,but he would whip some tail if someone messed with us. We loved going to watch him play football at high school games and loved tagging along with his girlfriend (wife now) a lot. My sister and I were at the high school together for one year. We had a blast. A lot of her friends were my friends so we always hung out. We shared crushes,secrets,and plenty of clothes. We fought a lot too. I guess that is just how siblings are most of the time. I have no clue why,but my boys fight a lot or fuss. I'm thankful I can call them brother and sister. We live away from them now and it is nice when we see each other with our families at my parents. We always have a good time together. We're all "grown" up now,but we still like to have fun. My life wouldn't be the same without them for sure. I love them dearly.

What are you thankful for?

Need A Dose of Hope?

I am happy to welcome Laura from Outnumbered Mom to my blog today. She has such a sweet spirit. I know you will love what she has to share with us today.

I remember looking around the family room littered with trucks and balls and blocks and thinking, “What in the world do I think I’m doing here?”

A tribe of four boys can easily take over a house, and at times, I wondered if the Lord had made a mistake. I had one sister…NO experience with little boys, let alone a pack of four.

And there were days it seemed like I’d never dig out—from under piles of dirty socks, Legos, little cars, and lots of dirt and sand. And it seemed like I was doing the same thing every day, day after day. Just getting through, making sure 911 wasn’t necessary and there was food in tummies.

I needed a dose of hope. Don’t all moms, once in a while?

So, where did I look? Psalms is such an encouraging place to dwell.

“I lift my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

And there’s more! It’s not a long chapter, but it’s filled with reassurance.

Then there were those days when I set out to do everything “right.” I was going to turn every angry word away with a soft answer, I was going to love the unlovely…only to lose it thirty minutes in when I found the boys trying to slice a banana with the ceiling fan.

Armed with a mental list of “I wills” and “I will nots,” I approached too many days with faith in what I could do—not in what God would do.

You know what I’ve realized? He’s the God who makes the impossible possible.

He brings life from death.
He brought light from darkness.

He turned the world upside down, fulfilling the Law that appeared on stone tablets. And the more I read the Bible, the more convinced I am that He’s the God of the unexpected.

He’s called the King of Kings and the Prince of Peace. Would you not expect him to come from a pristine line? But look the genealogy in Matthew.  It includes not only a king who sinned, but a Gentile woman and a harlot.

Tucked inside those names are stories of hope.

From David to Ruth to Rahab, we see the hope of the Gospel. This is a kingdom turned upside down. Matthew, who had lived the life of an outcast as a despised tax collector, doesn’t cover up those who fell or led less than pristine lives. He includes them, reminding us that our inclusion in this family is dependent on God—not on our birth, our status, or our performance.

No matter where we begin, He finds us and grafts us in. We are adopted into the royal bloodline, related forever to the King of Kings.

What greater picture of the hope of the Gospel? Foreigners, outcasts, aliens, He welcomes home.

How can we do less?

And on a personal note, in that spirit, I celebrate with open arms. Our family is beginning a journey that will take my son and daughter-in-love from Kentucky to India and back again. And they’ll return with a child in their arms. To read their story click this link.

Yes, there’s hope—and it’s found in the Gospel. In One who opened His arms wide to make us—the undeserving—His own. And He doesn’t stop there. If anyone needs power and strength, it’s a mom, and at His feet, there’s plenty to spare.

That’s not to say the road won’t be rocky at times, but there will always be One who loves us—and our children—by our sides.

So when I look around and “What in the world am I doing here” flashes through my mind, I remember.

I’m leaning on the God of the unexpected, and that seems to work pretty well for a mom of four boys.

He’s always there—the One who makes possible the impossible.
That’s hope.



I want to thank Laura for sharing with us today. It's something we cannot hear enough,that He is our hope. Be sure to hop over to her blog and check it out. You will be inspired for sure.

Laura Lee Groves, author of I’m Outnumbered! One Mom’s Lessons in the Lively Art of Raising Boys, is a writer, speaker, and high school English and creative writing teacher. She inspires and encourages moms on her blog, Outnumbered Mom.