Family is such an important aspect of our lives. Whether it be our children and spouse or extended family, we are who we are in part because of them.
Those that are living have an important role in our lives, but so do those that have passed on. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints recently amended their genealogy site. Now anyone who wants to use it can! You don't have to be a member to access the information that many have worked so hard to find.
You can now also add photos and personal stories that you may have about ancestors. This is the thing I am most excited about. Those journals and other stories no longer are just known by those who inherited them, but can be shared with everyone.
I encourage you to take a look... Experience family history... See who has made you who you are.
Family Search
Apr 22, 2013
Apr 18, 2013
Saving Money
Life seems to be so busy lately. With that said, money seems to be just as busy as we are! It seems like there is always another bill to pay, item to buy or a needed money exchange to be leaving our pockets (or bank accounts seeing how cash isn't so popular now a days).
We are constantly looking for ways to save money. it seems like everyone has something that works for them. Some say to have multiple bank accounts, while others say just to have one so you can see how much or how little you really do have. Some people advise the use of credit cards while others say that they only increase spending and encourage more debt.
I am not a financial advisor! I honestly would not want to be. Money stresses me out! I am not fond of it! There is no way I would want to be in charge of helping others manage their money. However, I thought I could share a few things with you that I have found and am finding helpful for us.
We put money aside. When we get change, we put it into a jar. When we recieve cash, we put it in an envelope. All that money becomes our "fun" money. If we want to buy something that is not a need, it comes from that. If we don't have enough, we don't buy it.
We do use a credit card. However, we pay it off completely each month. Thus, we do not accrue any interest but we earn points for all of our purchases. Then, we get to take our points and get cash back, which I put in our savings account.
Our savings account is off limits. It is for EMERGENCIES only. So, for those times when a car breaks down, or water heater breaks we have cusion money.
Finally, I am one of those people that some may hate to wait behind at the store. I price match. I also use coupons. For example, the other day I price matched nearly my whole transaction and then had a coupon for almost every item. I had four items that ended up being completely free (I actually got paid $.01 to take each of them home) and then when I got home, I took a picture of my receipt and got more money off through some apps that are available. We have found that the cost of a newspaper subscription (I pay a little under $12 a month for 4 newspapers each Sunday) is usually about what I save in one grocery trip. I go four times a month, so it is well worth the money. If you aren't one to go through ads each week so you can price match, or one to keep track of your coupons, you can try these apps. I don't always buy items that are available, however sometimes after I pair a price match and a coupon with the app, I can get them free.
Endorse
Ibotta
Those are the big things we do to save money. Do you have any other items that help you and your family to be a little more conservative when it comes to spending?
We are constantly looking for ways to save money. it seems like everyone has something that works for them. Some say to have multiple bank accounts, while others say just to have one so you can see how much or how little you really do have. Some people advise the use of credit cards while others say that they only increase spending and encourage more debt.
I am not a financial advisor! I honestly would not want to be. Money stresses me out! I am not fond of it! There is no way I would want to be in charge of helping others manage their money. However, I thought I could share a few things with you that I have found and am finding helpful for us.
We put money aside. When we get change, we put it into a jar. When we recieve cash, we put it in an envelope. All that money becomes our "fun" money. If we want to buy something that is not a need, it comes from that. If we don't have enough, we don't buy it.
We do use a credit card. However, we pay it off completely each month. Thus, we do not accrue any interest but we earn points for all of our purchases. Then, we get to take our points and get cash back, which I put in our savings account.
Our savings account is off limits. It is for EMERGENCIES only. So, for those times when a car breaks down, or water heater breaks we have cusion money.
Finally, I am one of those people that some may hate to wait behind at the store. I price match. I also use coupons. For example, the other day I price matched nearly my whole transaction and then had a coupon for almost every item. I had four items that ended up being completely free (I actually got paid $.01 to take each of them home) and then when I got home, I took a picture of my receipt and got more money off through some apps that are available. We have found that the cost of a newspaper subscription (I pay a little under $12 a month for 4 newspapers each Sunday) is usually about what I save in one grocery trip. I go four times a month, so it is well worth the money. If you aren't one to go through ads each week so you can price match, or one to keep track of your coupons, you can try these apps. I don't always buy items that are available, however sometimes after I pair a price match and a coupon with the app, I can get them free.
Endorse
Ibotta
Those are the big things we do to save money. Do you have any other items that help you and your family to be a little more conservative when it comes to spending?
Apr 16, 2013
Tiny toes
Toddlers keep me on my toes, just as much as they are on theirs! Have you ever just watched little ones and their sweet little feet and toes.
Those sweet little extremities can do so much good and learn so quickly! In a child's first three years of life so many synapses are created and so much is happening in their brains. This is a vital time for them to be learning. This may sound nerve wracking to a parent who does not know how to teach their child, but the comforting thing is, that children learn most through PLAY!
Some of our favortie times are those spent building towers with blocks, doing puzzles, reading books, singing songs, coloring, dumping and dancing. It is all fun and my kids LOVE it. What I love even more, is that they are LEARNING!
Learning does not always happen in a "school" setting. It does not mean that they are sitting and listening quietly. It may not even mean that the colors are in the lines...
Learning means that they are exploring. They are finding out who they are. How the world works. How things go together. They may push their boundaries; this is learning too. Take the time to watch those little fingers and toes. Enjoy them, because someday they won't have the little wrinkles they do now. Interact with them. Play with them. Be with them! This is the best teaching you can do for and with them!
Those sweet little extremities can do so much good and learn so quickly! In a child's first three years of life so many synapses are created and so much is happening in their brains. This is a vital time for them to be learning. This may sound nerve wracking to a parent who does not know how to teach their child, but the comforting thing is, that children learn most through PLAY!
Some of our favortie times are those spent building towers with blocks, doing puzzles, reading books, singing songs, coloring, dumping and dancing. It is all fun and my kids LOVE it. What I love even more, is that they are LEARNING!
Learning does not always happen in a "school" setting. It does not mean that they are sitting and listening quietly. It may not even mean that the colors are in the lines...
Learning means that they are exploring. They are finding out who they are. How the world works. How things go together. They may push their boundaries; this is learning too. Take the time to watch those little fingers and toes. Enjoy them, because someday they won't have the little wrinkles they do now. Interact with them. Play with them. Be with them! This is the best teaching you can do for and with them!
Apr 15, 2013
An Eternal Perspective
I had planned on writing something else today; but alas, real world happens and THIS is what I feel I should write.
We are in a world where we feel, see, experience and hear of much turmoil and trouble. Sometimes the turmoil and confusion comes because of choices we make but all too often it comes from the choices of others or because of other uncontrollable circumstances. It seems that when things seem calm that is when the tempest rages.
During those times of sorrow, hurt, and not knowing why or how there are opportunities to find comfort and peace. We may not understand in the moment, we may not understand soon after, and it is a posibility that we may not EVER understand while we are on this Earth. However, we need to remember that we are each sent here to do a work. It is a work that no one else can do as well as we can. We are also here to help strengthen and lift each other. Sometimes, things happen so that we can recieve blessings from others.
Whatever your trial may be today (or tomorrow, or the trial that is lasting for years on end), try to see it with an eternal perspective. Look at it through the peace you can feel through obedience and knowing that you are a son or daughter of an Eternal Father that loves you and knows you better than you know yourself.
I found this story from John Bytheway from just earlier this year. I thought it was a wonderful illustration of having an eternal perspective...
http://tofw.com/Through-Fiery-Trials-John-Bytheway/s/820
I also love this song which also illustrates the hardships that we may face, however how they can become such a blessing.
We are in a world where we feel, see, experience and hear of much turmoil and trouble. Sometimes the turmoil and confusion comes because of choices we make but all too often it comes from the choices of others or because of other uncontrollable circumstances. It seems that when things seem calm that is when the tempest rages.
During those times of sorrow, hurt, and not knowing why or how there are opportunities to find comfort and peace. We may not understand in the moment, we may not understand soon after, and it is a posibility that we may not EVER understand while we are on this Earth. However, we need to remember that we are each sent here to do a work. It is a work that no one else can do as well as we can. We are also here to help strengthen and lift each other. Sometimes, things happen so that we can recieve blessings from others.
Whatever your trial may be today (or tomorrow, or the trial that is lasting for years on end), try to see it with an eternal perspective. Look at it through the peace you can feel through obedience and knowing that you are a son or daughter of an Eternal Father that loves you and knows you better than you know yourself.
I found this story from John Bytheway from just earlier this year. I thought it was a wonderful illustration of having an eternal perspective...
http://tofw.com/Through-Fiery-Trials-John-Bytheway/s/820
I also love this song which also illustrates the hardships that we may face, however how they can become such a blessing.
Apr 12, 2013
It is not always the size that matters...
There is a lot of hype right now with food storage (which I totally agree with). Everyone should have a supply of food, water and emergency supplies. Some may only be able to have a few weeks, others my have a year. Whatever your circumstance permits, that is what you should have and strive to build upon.
With that said, not all food storage is created equal! Just so you are aware.... Recently I overheard people comparing prices of food storage (which is smart! You want to get the most bang for your buck, right? Me too!). They were comparing prices of #10 cans of different food storage companies and stores that carry food storage. I started a price comparison sheet, but it will take me a while to really do it, so just a note as you are purchasing items. Don't just look at the size, but check the ounces, or how much of the product there actually is!
If you would like a price comparison sheet, email me or message me and I will get one to you as soon as I have it done (the more interest the faster I may go). And remember, when looking at THRIVE prices, you are able to get DEEP discounts such as FREE and 1/2 off! Most of the other places don't give you that much of a discount. Just contact me so we can get you all set up and getting reduced prices for AMAZING product!
With that said, not all food storage is created equal! Just so you are aware.... Recently I overheard people comparing prices of food storage (which is smart! You want to get the most bang for your buck, right? Me too!). They were comparing prices of #10 cans of different food storage companies and stores that carry food storage. I started a price comparison sheet, but it will take me a while to really do it, so just a note as you are purchasing items. Don't just look at the size, but check the ounces, or how much of the product there actually is!
If you would like a price comparison sheet, email me or message me and I will get one to you as soon as I have it done (the more interest the faster I may go). And remember, when looking at THRIVE prices, you are able to get DEEP discounts such as FREE and 1/2 off! Most of the other places don't give you that much of a discount. Just contact me so we can get you all set up and getting reduced prices for AMAZING product!
Apr 10, 2013
Relationships
I have been reflecting upon relationships a lot lately... Spousal relationships, friendships, extended family relationships, acquaintances... I have come to this conclusion: if it matters, then time needs to be given to it. Whatever is put in is what is reaped.
As I consider my relationships, I can see, from hindsight, how this is true. Those times when I put effort and time into the relationship it grew, was more stable, and returned ten fold! The times I became casual and did not give to the relationship, the flame would flicker. It did not always go out, however if I did not assess the relationship and decide to make a change, it would fizzle and die.
I believe that all too often we become casual in those relationships that matter most! That we take for granted those that we should appreciate the most, and moreover that we treat them as though they are not the ones that we love and rely upon.
Take the time to step back. Evaluate your relationships. Ask yourself if your voice needs softened with your loved ones. If there needs to be more meekness in your step. Do you need to listen more intently and have more patience. Those whom we love deserve our best self. Not our left-over selves! Tomorrow is a new day. Build those relationships that matter Mose and give the, the attention they deserve!
As I consider my relationships, I can see, from hindsight, how this is true. Those times when I put effort and time into the relationship it grew, was more stable, and returned ten fold! The times I became casual and did not give to the relationship, the flame would flicker. It did not always go out, however if I did not assess the relationship and decide to make a change, it would fizzle and die.
I believe that all too often we become casual in those relationships that matter most! That we take for granted those that we should appreciate the most, and moreover that we treat them as though they are not the ones that we love and rely upon.
Take the time to step back. Evaluate your relationships. Ask yourself if your voice needs softened with your loved ones. If there needs to be more meekness in your step. Do you need to listen more intently and have more patience. Those whom we love deserve our best self. Not our left-over selves! Tomorrow is a new day. Build those relationships that matter Mose and give the, the attention they deserve!
Apr 9, 2013
"Faith is a Real Power"
I have decided to take more time to improve myself after listening to conference this past weekend. As mothers I think we often times are so self-less we forget that to be better mothers and wives, we do need to focus on ourselves for some time each day!
The first talk of all of conference sunk deep in my thoughts and heart. President Boyd K. Packer spoke. He said "Faith is a real power".
He taught, "There are few things more powerful than the faithful prayers of a righteous mother. Teach yourself and teach your families about the gift of the Holy Ghost and the Atonement of Christ. You will do no greater eternal work than within the walls of your own home."
As mothers, we must take the time to first learn! As we do this, we can do and teach. Our children will learn not only from what we are actively trying to teach them, but they will learn from our example as well. Then, not only will they come to know, but we will too! Faith is a power that we can rely on when trials and tribulations come our way. It is something to be strengthened. It is something that is to be trusted when we do experience moments or days or even years of heartaches and struggles.
I know that as we take the time to strengthen our faith as women, it will have a significant impact on those around us, specifically those within the walls of our homes.
The first talk of all of conference sunk deep in my thoughts and heart. President Boyd K. Packer spoke. He said "Faith is a real power".
He taught, "There are few things more powerful than the faithful prayers of a righteous mother. Teach yourself and teach your families about the gift of the Holy Ghost and the Atonement of Christ. You will do no greater eternal work than within the walls of your own home."
I know that as we take the time to strengthen our faith as women, it will have a significant impact on those around us, specifically those within the walls of our homes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)