Be Careful and Grateful What You Ask For...

So, I asked God, "Would you bless me and Don so that we can finish paying off our house?"

He has been, as it is written, responding in "pushed down and overflowing" mode since.

Nearly every day last week, God sent me a check or gift through the mail. I received book reviews to do, a refund from an ER visit from 18 months ago, coupons for free things, and a rebate. I also received a query inviting me to apply for a part-time home job reading essays for a large testing company: "Make your own hours!" they boasted. So, I decided I could work four extra hours a week and put that toward the house and still be sane. I applied.

Today God sent me another query to tutor from home in the late evenings. I don't mind that kind of time to work a little. I am done with all my "home work" and chores by 7ish, so a few extra hours will be fine. And, I received an email that I have been hired by the testing company for the few extra hours as well. And, in the mail, came another freebie.

Our cabinets are staying quite full, still, and somehow the gas is lasting a little longer in the cars. Our telephone, Internet, and cable were able to be negotiated down to save $88 a month; the dusk-to-dawn light has been disconnected for another $12 a month savings. My cell service was offering a special discount to have seven numbers you can call without paying for them as well as 750 minutes of time with free time between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Yeppers. Another $49 saved each month.

You know, I can't wait to see what God sends tomorrow!

Amy update: She had another procedure today; there is still some drainage. But, she is out of ICU and in a step-down unit. While she is not completely out of the woods, she is seeing the edges! She even helped bathe the baby today! Thanks for your prayers!

Money saving Monday!

I decided this past week that I wanted to learn more about couponing. You know, those little things we save and never use... So, I spent a few nights looking at Moneysaving Mom's web site (when I learn how to put in links) and Mojosavings.com and clipping what I could see there that would be useful to us. Then, I went to my two local grocery chains' websites and reviewed their tips, coupons, and ads.

After printing a bundle of coupons, learning about how to 'clip' virtual coupons attached to my rewards card, and checking ads, I headed to the grocery story today. I carefully took my list, coupons, and settled down to the seek and find that the successful couponer would use.

I collected my groceries, only things we use and would use, compared them to the ad and coupons, and marched to the checkout counter of store number one. I spent $52 and some change, but after coupons and specials, I spent only $21. At store number two, I spent $43, but only ended up spending $18. I figure I saved about 40% and this was my first week!

I am so excited that I am plotting my next attack! Everything I save will go toward the house. Even a little bit such as this week will add up over time.

One more simpification! Hooray!