A frugal homemaker...



...making our House a Home one thrift store find or craft project at a time.













Thursday, October 13, 2011

Do Not Worry

Once again, God has softly spoken to me. 

Yesterday morning I received a phone call from an 800 number.  We have caller ID and always allow the answering machine to get these calls.  The call was from "Wells Fargo Fraud Dept" saying that we had some suspicious activity on our card....Long story short, I called this number and it ended up being a pfishing number and not actually Wells Fargo's Fraud Dept.  I got a red flag and hung up and called the REAL fraud department to report the two charges on my account that we did not make.

I spent the next 8-10 hours on the phone with bankers, waiting for a police officer to come to my house to file a police report, on the phone with friends and family who were so wonderful and were worried about us, etc.  The funny thing is, I was not concerned or worried this entire time.  God tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything" Phil. 4:6.  He spoke this to me all day and I truly knew this.  Our God is so much bigger than this tiny little issue we were having.  It's His money after all...so don't you think He'd be in charge of what was happening with it?  Of course He is!

Our good friend is a banker at Wells Fargo and had heard what we were dealing with, immediately called us and has been so wonderful in staying on top of this and watching our account throughout the day and making sure the correct process was in fact taking place.  SO thankful for him!  God knew this was all going to happen this way and put our friend in this position to help his fellow brother and sister in Christ, and as a small little human I stand in awe of HIS plan. 

Our account was drained by these people, and our account was overdrawn.  This morning I got up and checked our account.  One of the charges that were pending yesterday did indeed clear.  I immediately called the number I was told to call (the REAL fraud dept number).  Our account is now above negative and things are starting to look up. 

No need to worry...God had this chapter in our lives written long ago....and as His children, we have to trust  in His ending of this chapter as well.  (Surrender)

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap, or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  Matt. 6:26

Oh what a comfort that is to me today!

What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?

Friday, September 30, 2011

It's Finally Fall




I love fall!
I am a blogger.
I love to check out other blogs.
I love my Pinterest!

Pumpkins and Scarecrows

With all that said...and so many websites out there right now with such great decorating ideas...






Here is a great blog:  The Lettered Cottage with lots of fall decorating ideas if you scroll to the bottom of the page.  Since so many bloggers are sharing their Fall decorating, I thought I'd join the party.


Our fireplace mantel.  My favorite place to decorate.


a close up of the mantel

I love my scarecrow in his wagon.
Our cabinet in our kitchen

Happy Fall Y'all




The Lettered Cottage

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

God Spoke To Me Today

Yep, you read the title correctly.  God clearly spoke to me today.  No I did not hear his audible voice, but I sure felt his voice in my heart.  

A little over a year ago I was a witness to a crime while at work.  A little over a month ago I received a subpoena to testify as a witness against these two men.  Things like this just make me want to crawl in a padded cell and live safely in my soft place.  I have been terrified, anxious, worried, etc about walking in the courtroom with many eyes completely on me and having all these people's attention on my answers.  Makes me want to have an anxiety attack right now just thinking about it.  Guess what else has been going on the past month or so since I received the subpoena?  God has been talking to me. 
In my mind... a bible verse has kept repeating over and over every time I thought about the upcoming court date. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

Hearing this in my mind, I was reminded to pray...and take these fears and anxieties to God and talk to Him about them.  Which I did.  A LOT!  This past Thursday I had to meet with the District Attorney to go over any questions he had and any questions I had.  I was told by his secretary that there was a possibility that the guy who's trial was coming the following Tuesday was considering a plea deal.  I didn't want to get my hopes up, but I once again took it to God and begged for this to happen.  I received a phone call on Friday from this same secretary saying, in deed, he took the plea deal and will be in the care of the justice system for 45 years.....NO TRIAL! 

This is not the end of the story.  Jason had already arranged to have Wednesday off (this was the day the District Attorney told me I'd be called as a witness).  So today....the day that I had feared for over a month, was spent on the bank of the Platte River with him fishing and me relaxing on my comfy lawn chair and bible in hand.  We enjoyed a wonderful picnic lunch, driving along the river, stopping in different spots so Jason could fish and I enjoyed reading.  This almost didn't happen as another answered prayer came the end of last week as Jason received word that he got the job he had been wanting for months.  He thought that his new boss would want him at work, but found out last minute that he would still have the day off. 

How did God speak to me?  He repeatedly put that verse in my mind and then gently whispered, "I told you the TRUTH." today as we enjoyed the unexpected blessing of spending the day together with no trial to worry about.  God really does mean it when He says, "do not be anxious about anything"....Trust in Him, he IS TRUTH!

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?  Matthew 6:27

Saturday, September 3, 2011

A perfect day?

     Today was almost a perfect day.  Woke up to coffee brewing (although my filter folded over, thus having coffee grounds in my coffee).  The temperature was cooler than normal outside and and we had slept with our windows open.  A chilly 67* in the house. 
After a few hours of doing my morning "stuff" I headed upstairs to wake the hubby and to take a shower.  Then we were off to start the day. 
We started by going to Starbucks.  I was just going to get my usual, and then decided to ask if they had Pumpkin Spice lattes yet.  YES!  So I happily left Starbucks with a Skinny PS Latte in one hand and a low fat cinnamon coffee cake in the other.  Aw! 
We then headed to Parker.  Denver is having their Parade of Homes so we had our list of addresses in hand, GPS aka LOLA and headed off to our first house.  We spent the next few hours touring a few million dollar homes and the rest were a little less expensive.  We got a lot of great decorating ideas that we won't be able to afford until we're 90, got some great exercise walking from our parking spot up the street to the houses and up and down the stairs in each home, and have decided we're pretty happy with the house God has blessed us with.  We then took a break from touring homes to take in the Nebraska Husker game at the Fowl Line.  For those not familiar with the Fowl Line, it is an awesome sports bar right here in Castle Rock owned by a guy formerly from Burwell, Nebraska.  Visit it on Nebraska game day, and you will walk thru the doors to see a sea of RED!  If you aren't a Nebraska fan, you might was well find somewhere else to enjoy lunch, dinner or your beer.  As if that wasn't a big enough plug for Fowl Line, they have the BEST sesame chicken wings ever!  GO BIG RED!  (in case you were wondering, the Huskers DID win)
We then decided to visit a few more homes here in Castle Rock that were part of the Parade of Homes. 
We are now home and I'm realizing after such an amazing day, how much I love fall. 
My top ten reasons why I love Fall:
1. The crispness in the air...and being able to have the windows open
2. As much as I love having my kids home during the summer, it really is nice to have the house to myself during the days after they go back to school.
3. The smells of fall.  Pumpkin, apple pie, Cinnamon, etc.  I have officially pulled my fall candles out and have two of them burning. 
4. PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES from Starbucks.  Nuff said!
5. Not a big fan of football, but there's just something about having my family all gathered in the family room and the sound of football on the television.  Me curled up under a blanket with a good book.
6. The colors.  From the changing colors of the leaves to all the fall decorations.  Love them!
7. Fall decor.  I do love my fall decorations!  There is just something about hay bails and scarecrows.
8. The beginning of a new season.  Not just weather, but also a life change.  Daily schedules change with kids going back to school, new bible studies are starting, etc.
9. No more shorts.  I love sweaters, sweatshirts and jackets. 
10. Snuggling under a comfy blanket on a cool fall evening with the windows open.
It is only Sept. 3rd so I do still have a few more weeks of summer.  Then I will gladly pack up the shorts and tank tops and enjoy fall as long as God allows it to stick around before the nasty white stuff aka snow starts to fall and ruin my enjoyment of fall.
Until next time, HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Is It Really August?

"Time flies" or "enjoy every second".  I used to get annoyed by adults telling me this all the time.  Now I totally understand what they were saying.  Did I take the advice of enjoying every second seriously?  No, I didn't realize they really meant it, until it was too late. 

Today was Back To School day.  All three of my kids started school. 

One a senior...I got a little teary-eyed when I had him pose by the door with his back pack on.  I had to bribe him and as the words left my mouth...it hit me.  "this is the last time you'll have to do this".  OH WOW!  How did this day come?! 

My daughter is now a sophomore and my youngest is a fifth grader.  Most people my age are sending off their grade schoolers, not high schoolers.  But I wouldn't take back a second.  As Sam hugged me good-bye for the day he said, "wow, you've gotten skinny."  Apparently the kid hasn't paid much attention when hugging me since I lost my weight, which was a year ago this month. LOL  Not that I would ever consider myself skinny.  Maybe skinnier is the correct way to describe me. 

Today I get to spend the day with an old friend.  No, she's not old...but she's been a friend for all but about 6 months of my life as a mother.  In May of 1994 Jason and I began our married life together and moved to Biloxi, Mississippi, where we met John and Becky.  The guys were both in the Air Force and Becky and I were both stay-at-home moms.  In fact, Becky was the one with Peyton when she took her first steps.  Jason and I had gone out for our anniversary and when we got back to pick up the kids, she told me that Peyton had taken a few steps.  I am not angry or sad.  I am glad it was Becky!

Now off to get ready for the day...it's 8:30am....I could still be sleeping if it wasn't for school.

This is the day the Lord has made;  let us rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24

Friday, July 29, 2011

A Crazy Week

Whew, am I glad it's Friday, although this doesn't mean the end of the craziness in our house. 

The craziness in our house isn't a bad thing, just something to adjust to.  Tuesday, Thursday and today we've had the pleasure of having a two year old in our house.  Schedules have had to change according to nap time, trips to the potty, etc.  Not a bad thing, just not what we're used to these days.  He's a very good boy and we've had fun while he's been here.  We visited the library and got to go in the little kids area...haven't been in there for many years!  I have a sippy cup laying on the floor, Clifford the Big Red Dog on the television, and a cheerio mine scattered through out the house. 

Tuesday, Peyton arrived safely home from a week long trip to Montana with a friend.  I said a big thank you to God for their safe travels and a fun trip for them!  Another reminder that the phrase my mom repeated to me many times growing up is true:  Absence makes the heart grow fonder.  I sure did miss my "little" girl!

Wednesday I spent time trying to figure out what errands I needed to run in the next few days, making grocery lists, thinking about school supplies, driving Peyton, Doug and Sam to play golf, running to the cell phone store because in all of this my phone decided this was the day it was done working, and trying to clean house and get laundry done.

Thursday morning is kind of when the craziness got more crazy.  Two year old arrived early (like before 7:30am).  I am organizing the fall women's bible study at church so had to make some sign-up sheets, power points, etc and knew I needed to get them to church some time before Saturday.  Also on the agenda: go to Peyton's school to pick up pancake fundraiser tickets and run to the dollar store for some picture stands. (Wanna buy a ticket for a pancake breakfast at Applebee's on Sept. 6th?)  Hubby was working from home that day which always throws a small wrench in our schedule...again, not a bad thing, just an adjustment from our "normal" day.  As the family began to wake up and come downstairs...the day began.  Peyton came downstairs and informed us that she had made the decision to try out for American Idol.   WHEW!  That just thru a very large wrench in our plans for the next few days!  So we ran our few errands, came home and had lunch and then had to wade thru the paperwork and rules and regulations for one to audition.  My schedule did not allow me to take Peyton to Invesco Field during the afternoon to register and get her wristband.  We had our small group bible study at our house in the evening so were not able to take her then either.  So as the plans unfolded, it was decided to take her up there at 10pm after our small group left.  As I looked through the paper work, we realized in order for our friend to take her today, we had to get a notary to sign a release for guardianship.  Off to the bank at 6pm to get that done.
So around 5:30pm, Two Year Old's daddy came to pick him up, Jason left with Peyton and Jen to get the paper notarized,  and Two Year Old's mommy arrived.  Two Year Old and family left, Jason and Peyton got home from the bank and then we had to eat a quick dinner before people started arriving for small group. 
Just hit the start button on the coffee pot and our first guests arrived at the door. 
Small group left around 9:30-9:45 and a few minutes later we were in the car headed to Invesco Field. We got up there to find that there was NO line like we thought we might encounter.  They got the wristbands and the "low down" on what was going to happen today.  As we were walking out, the security guards asked Peyton if they could hear her sing so she gave us a two minute concert right outside the gates of Invesco Field. 
Peyton outside of Invesco
This morning Two Year Old is here again, Peyton is sitting in Invesco Field with Jen waiting for her section to get called for auditions and making a memory that will last her whole life!  I'm such a proud mommy!

The craziness doesn't stop there.  We have a hike scheduled tonight with our college bible study group and then they are all coming back to our house for pizza/hot dogs and to play cards.  Then tomorrow Jason and I are off to Loveland for HeavenFest.  We are both volunteering there and have different schedules.  Sunday our company arrives and will be here a week...and the following week my kids go back to school.  Do you have any idea how sad this mom is that summer break is coming to an end!!!?

So, I will cherish the craziness for the next week, because that means my kids are "home". 

Thank you, LORD, for my three amazing children who make me smile each and every day and make me proud to be called "mom"!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

camping, family, birthdays, and friends

This past week was filled with camping, s'mores, hiking, family time, swimming, a birthday party and being with friends. 
Hubby was in charge of the men's church fishing trip and had no one sign up to go.  Which of course we saw as a blessing and took advantage of him having three days off right before a weekend.  We packed and headed south to go camping.  We found a great camp site right in the middle of the mountains.  Pitched our tent and that is where we called home for a few days.  The next few days were spent fishing (the river was right across the street from our campground), taking a day trip to Ouray to see Box Canyon Falls (BREATH TAKING!), eating s'mores and chatting around the campfire before hitting the air mattress and snuggling into the sleeping bags for the cold night ahead.  We camped in a campground that was right in the middle of an open range so we had cows walking by all day/night long.  The last night several of them got into our campground and walked right next to our tent.  No need to worry about the bears eating us!  Cows are much tastier!
We got home Friday evening and unpacked and got the laundry all washed from our dusty camping trip.
Saturday Jason and I took a trip to Goodwill.  Another wonderful trip to the Goodwill!  Lots of treasures were found...and bought.
In the afternoon we went to the pool.  Our pool requires kids to pass a swim test if they are going to be in the pool without an adult.  Sam was unable to do this and I was getting frustrated at the fact that he either had to sit out with me, or I had to get in with him.  So we decided to sign him up for private swim lessons.  His first lesson was the morning we left for camping.  He did a great job, but no where ready to pass a swim test.  Well, after spending a half hour with him Saturday working on what he learned at his lesson, he was ready.  He PASSED his test and is officially able to swim a whole length of the pool by himself. 
Today was spent at our good friends' house celebrating our little friend's 2nd birthday!  As I think back on all that has happened to bring us to this day, it makes me smile.  Watching this little guys' parents start dating.  Having his daddy live with us for a few months before they were married.  Although we had our trials, I'd do it all again!  Love that guy!  Knowing that he was going to propose as we all sat and waited for them to get back from their hike.  Then getting to watch as they said their vows.  I remember the day that little Solomon was born.  His first birthday as he dove into his bday cake, nose first!  And now he's two.  "two in June" is what he's been saying for the past couple of months.  Although these are friends, I feel as if they are our family!  Love them all to pieces! 

Feeling pretty blessed as I look back on the past week.  The beauty of His creation.  Mountains, water falls, mighty rivers.  The beauty of family.  The beauty of friendships that have grown closer each year.  How could you not feel blessed by all that He provides?