Living on Purpose

Dance in the Rain: Learning to Say YES!

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 01:59:00 +0000

Have your kids ever asked to play in the rain? Mine have...and I have always said no. I don't like to be wet, I don't want them to get wet...seems just too messy. Probably not a good reason to not let them play in the rain. ( I am not talking lightning here)

Growing up my dad's rule of thumb in parenting was to always say yes when you can because there are so many things that you will and must say no to.

So often as parents we have already decided the answer before our child has even finished asking the question. Maybe it is because we are too tired to even think about what it is they are asking or we are in the middle of something else. Sometimes it's because it is easier to pull the "because I said so" card and say no. Maybe it is because saying yes will require something of us, like our time.

Sadly to say I have been guilty of all the reasons above. I often say no because it is the easiest thing to say at that moment, and just as often I am met with eyes full of disappointment.

So I am working on saying yes more often.

Like when this one asks to eat marshmallows in her chair while watching an episode of Full
House...in her messy room. My logic tells me to say NO! But then I ask myself "why not?"

I think my dad was right. There are so many things that we, as parents, as Christian parents, will have to say no to, so why not say yes as often as we can.

I heard a preacher say one time "If it doesn't affect eternity...then let it go."

So next time it rains..... this girl and her four kids are dancing in the rain...because I WILL say YES!

Schnucks...Triple Coupons...Yes, Please

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 19:05:00 +0000

There is nothing that gets me more excited to go grocery shopping than when Schnucks, or any store for that matter, has a triple coupon week.

Guess who is excited to go grocery shopping this week?

When I am excited I like to share..so I figured I would share with you some deals that I have seen just by scanning their ad.

General Mills Cereal as low as FREE

Selected Varieties of GM Cereals are on sale this week for 4 for $6 or $1.50 when you buy 4
Use the following printable coupons to score them for free:
$0.50 off ONE BOX Original Cheerios cereal
$0.50 off ONE BOX Cocoa Puffs cereal
Purchase two of each cereal, remember you can print each coupon off twice, and they will each triple to $1.50 making it all FREE!

If you want a variety of cereals you can print off the following coupon and still score a great deal!
$1.00 off TWO BOXES any General Mills kid cereals

Totinos Pizza Rolls - $0.50
Use the $0.75 off THREE PACKAGES Totino's Rolls Snacks coupon, which will triple, making them only $0.50 each. My kids like these for an after school snack sometimes.

Pillsbury Toaster Strudels - $1.25
Use the $0.75 off THREE Pillsbury Toaster Strudel coupon which will triple making them only $1.25 each. If you like these, this is really a great price.

Hormel REV Wraps - $1
Use the $1.00 off 2 HORMEL REV Wraps coupon. This will not triple, but they are on sale for $1.50 each, so after coupon $1 each. I haven't tried these, but my oldest daughter and one of her friends have and they both really liked them. They make a nice little snack.

These were the deals that I immediately saw for the available printable coupons. I am sure there are more that I have missed. I am planning my trip for either tomorrow or Friday. If I find amazing, too good not to share deals...well, I will share them with you! Happy grocery shopping this week!

They Call Me Mama

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 15:23:00 +0000

And can I just say that I totally love it!

Not sure how my two oldest girls came to call me "mama" as opposed to "mom, mommy, etc." like the others (I don't get called "etc" by the others, promise ;))

When they call me that my mind wanders to the memories of hearing my mom call my grandma "mama". My grandma, who has gone on to be with Jesus, was a kind soul, who loved her family something fierce. She was an incredible hard worker, who rarely, if ever, sat idle, for even when she was sitting she was crocheting an afghan for someone. Whenever I read Proverbs 31:27 that says "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness." I think of my grandma, that verse fits her perfectly.

I strive be the "Proverbs 31" woman and fall short greatly in spite of the wonderful examples that have been set before me in both of my grandmothers and my own mom. So for a moment when my daughters call me "mama", not only do I feel all nostalgic but in a way I feel like maybe, just maybe a little bit of my grandma is coming out in me and maybe I am a step closer to being the "Proverbs 31" woman that I long to be.

Linking up to Casey..check it out!

High School...We Got This!

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 15:33:00 +0000

Our oldest starts high school this year.

In less than 24 hours.

We attended her open house the other night. As I was following her from room to room, wading through a sea of teens and their parents, I started looking around and thinking about how some of these kids, maybe most of these kids here tonight, could play a role, whether it be big or small, in how the next four years of her life will go.

Then I got scared.

For her.

For me.

We are new. We do not know very many people at all. We do not know their backgrounds. Do we share the same faith? Do they even have a faith? Are they nice? Are they mean? Will they introduce temptations to her that I have protected her from so far?

The reality is that there will be other Christians there and there will be those who do not have a belief system. There will be nice people and there will be mean people. Unfortunately, she will more than likely face temptation there over the next four years...that is what Satan does.

So what as a parent, will I do, to help the next four years to be successful?

First of all, we will continue our before school prayer time. Every morning before school we pray together that we will have a good day, make wise choices, learn what is being taught to us and to be a light for Christ to others.

Second, I will trust that the foundation my husband and I have laid for her will remain firm. That she will remember the times she has heard "it is easier to bring someone down than to pull someone up..choose your friends wisely" and "you are known by the friends you keep..again choose your friends wisely" from us.

Finally...I will pray fervently for her and her friends. They will spend more awake time with her than I will on most days, I need them to be just as strong as I know our daughter is, so I will cover them in prayer too.

Our oldest has a very strong faith. She has seen the Lord work in her own life even at her young age. Her heart's desire is to be used by Him in a mighty way. While I am nervous about the "junk" that her and every teenager has to face today, I am thankful that she serves a God who is bigger and mightier than anything that Satan could ever throw at her!

On a lighter note....please pray for me and her dad...we are parents to a high school(er)...who is not shy about her interest in boys....yikes...lots of prayers folks, lots of prayer ;)

Linking up at Raising Homemakers (Great website for moms of daughters)

School Registration + Tax-Free Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 16:47:00 +0000

I registered three of our four kids yesterday, registration for the oldest is not until Monday. They are so excited to go back to school. They are eager to make friends. Over the summer our oldest made the high school cheerleading team, so she has already had the opportunity to make new friends and I assume has proven herself friendly since she has already had friends over to hang out and stay the night.

As I had posted on Facebook, the registration went great! While there it was mentioned a time or two or three about how organized I was ;) Apparently not all students come prepared with all of the paperwork that is needed. I, put on a good show, and came completely prepared...BOOYAH!

We met with the Assistant Principal. She shared with us how they are a tight-knit group there at the school. She and the Principal give out birthday presents to all the students...a perk of going to a small school I guess..it certainly caught my kids' attention!

I also learned that I will not have breakfast duty once school resumes...yes, be jealous! All students are given a FREE breakfast every morning that is served in their classroom. Of course, I am trying not to be too excited, with my luck they will serve one of the kajillion things that my kids do not even like for breakfast..here's to hoping though!!

And as if that was not enough good "going back to school" news...this weekend is tax-free weekend in Missouri!

Happy Back to School Everyone!!

Finally...We Have Moved

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 01:40:00 +0000

And we could not be any happier. We are incredibly blessed to be in our "forever" home and it is everything we wanted and more!!

It was only the third house we went to look at...technically the second. The very first house the realtor took us to was too treacherous to even get to. The pictures we saw told us that is was beautiful home, however, I am not even sure how it was ever built due to the incredibly steep downhill driveway. A drive by was enough for us to know that it was not the house for us.

The second house had most of what we were looking for in regards to the outside. It had a lot of acreage and a barn, but unfortunately the house was too small for this family of six.

Then we came to the third house. It was a little above our price range, but it had everything we were looking for. It had five bedrooms (each child could have their own space, something that they had all been longing for), it had three bathrooms (no more fighting over who has to use the bathroom the worst..I mean really, how do you referee that argument?), it had acreage AND it had a barn...the one pictured above (isn't it a beaut!)

After all the praying that had been done, I knew this was to be our home. After we saw it once, we both knew. We took our moms out to see it..and they both knew. So we made an offer. After a little bit of counter offerings, we and the seller came to an agreement.

It has been about two months since we have moved here and I think I am still in disbelief. We have waited so long for this home. Sometimes I look around and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. We are so undeserving, yet the Lord saw fit to bless us in a way that only He can.

My cup runneth over...

The Winner of the Progresso Soup Giveaway is....

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 22:58:00 +0000

The winner of the Progresso Soup Giveaway is Brittany...comment #3!

Congratulations Brittany..an e-mail is on its way!!

Thanks to all who entered

.

Kelloggs Family Rewards

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 19:49:00 +0000

Sign up for Kellogg's Family Rewards™ and receive the latest news, special offers and exclusive savings from Kellogg's. Enter codes, collect points, and earn awesome rewards from Kellogg's.

I love reward programs! Don't you?

New Kraft Coupons Available

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 15:31:00 +0000

The coupon does not print with Walmart logo and is good to use at any store.

The following are new Kraft coupons available for print. Right now Dierbergs & Shop N Save are having really good deals on select Kraft products.

At Dierbergs you receive $2 instantly off your total with the purchase of 4 participating Kraft products. Today is the last day of double coupons!

At Shop N Save you receive $5 instantly off your total with the purchase of 10 participating Kraft products.

You can print each coupon twice per computer! All these coupons will double!

$1.00 off TWO (2) VELVEETA Skillets or Casseroles

$1.00 off ONE (1) VELVEETA 32 oz

$1.00 off TWO (2) KRAFT Natural Shredded Cheese

$1.00 off TWO (2) VELVEETA Shells & Cheese Dinners

$1.00 off ONE (1) KRAFT MAYO or MIRACLE WHIP 30 oz

Dierbergs: Oscar Mayer Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 20:50:00 +0000

Dierbergs is also doubling coupons up to $1.00 through tomorrow. They are having a pretty good deal on Oscar Mayer products this week.

When you purchase 4 participating Oscar Mayer products, you receive $2 instantly. The participating products are as follows:

- Oscar Mayer Deli Shaved, Deli Fresh, Carving Board or Select Lunchmeats $3.50

- Oscar Mayer Sliced Bacon $4.50

- Oscar Mayer All Meat or Turkey Weiners,Meat or Turkey Bologna or Cotto Salami $2.50

Combine this deal with the coupons above (do it before tomorrow so that they will double) and you will score a great deal.

Progresso Soups and Another Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 16:00:00 +0000

The weather here has been ever so cold..the coldest so far this winter. I do not know about you, but when it is this cold I want comfort food. Probably my most favorite of comfort foods is soup. I especially like potato soup, although it can be high up there in calories.

I am really in need of watching what I eat, not only because I need to lose some weight, but I do not want to gain back all that I have lost!

Losing weight is hard especially if you are having to give up the things that you love oh, so much...like potato soup. However, it is my pleasure to let you know that Progresso Soups make a Light Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheese.

Um YES, please!!

And if you are not a potato soup kind of pal, then check out one of their other 39 flavors that are 100 calories or less per serving!!

While you are at it, why not check out them out on Facebook and enter your chance to win a "Make Oh-ver", which includes two tickets to the Biggest Loser Finale, from your friends at Progresso!

Here is a little something contest to keep you going while you are waiting to see if you are the big Progresso soup winner....

The other day I received the above package in the mail....and am sharing an identical package with a Saving With Purpose reader.

Leave a comment and a winner will be chosen at random using random.org next Friday!!

"Disclosure: The information, products and ProgressOh! gift packs were provided by Progresso through MyBlogSpark."

The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe...Ever

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:22:00 +0000

I finally did it. I found the BEST, I promise, the BEST chocolate chip cookie recipe that has ever existed.

I have had the most compliments with this recipe and I can promise you there will never be any left overs. They are soft..and ever so good!

Here's the scoop...

Best Cookies Ever..
3/4 c sugar
3/4 c of packed, brown sugar
1/2 c butter, softened
1/2 c vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 whole bag of chocolate chips (you read that right!)

Combine sugars, butter, oil, eggs & the vanilla. Using an electric beater, mix until creamy.

Reduce speed of mixer and slowly add the flour, baking soda and salt until well combined.

By hand, mix in the WHOLE bag of chocolate chips.

Then scoop of about a tablespoon of your cookie dough and roll into a ball. Place them on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in a pre-heated oven for 9 - 10 min.

***Make sure you have fresh baking soda, if not, your cookies will go flat and not taste good!***

Try this recipe...you will not be disappointed!!

General Mills & FREE Offer

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:30:00 +0000

I am not much of a morning person. Once I am up, I am fine. I am just not one of those people who jump right out of bed at the first hint of light.

I do not really care for cooking in the morning either. When I first became a stay at home mom I had these dreams of being June Cleaver and having a nice hot elaborate breakfast for my kiddos before I would send them off to school.

It happens a few times a year..but honestly it does not happen as often because the truth is my kids LOVE cereal, granola bars and cinnamon rolls for breakfast...oh and their dad's pancakes.

They not only love the above for breakfast, but for a snack in the afternoon, especially cereal. So I was really excited to see that General Mills was doing a promotion that when you buy two participating cereals, you would receive a FREE movie ticket!! Yes, I say!! We do not get to the movies often because it cost a small fortune for our family of six to go. This is an excellent promotion!!

It was not hard for us to earn tickets because it just so happens that the cereal my kiddos love are mostly General Mills cereals!

Ask me how excited I was to receive a box that contained a box of General Mills cereal, along with two movie tickets.

I was even more excited to learn that I could give the same package to a friend. So...I decided to randomly select one of followers on Saving With Purpose Facebook Page using random.org

The winner is....Jeremey!! I will send him a message on Facebook!!! Congratulations!

Have a great day everyone and eat your breakfast!!!

"Disclosure: The information, products and General Mills gift pack were provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark."

Schnucks: Double Coupons

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:57:00 +0000

This week from Thurs. - Sat. Schnucks is doubling the first 15 coupons up to a $1.00.

Sometime prior to the holidays, Schnucks began running a couple of different coupon promotions.

One week they tripled coupons up to $0.50 for your first 15 coupons. ( ex: $0.50 would triple to a $1.50.)

Then a couple of weeks later they doubled coupons up to $1.00 for your first 15 coupons. (ex: $1.00 would double to $2.00)

I really took advantage and stocked up our pantry.

I was worried this was only going to be for the holidays, but it looks like this might be something they do on a regular basis...I sure hope so!

Once I gather my coupons, I will share some of the better deals!!

It has Been Awhile...

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:41:00 +0000

Holy cow! Has it really been that long since I have posted..yikes!

I guess I could give you a quick update on what has been going on with us!

I have been doing well selling on EBay...I scored really big when Hostess announced the end of Twinkies.

I still wish I had a box though..they ~~are~~ were so good!

Thanksgiving was good and was a great time of reminding ourselves of all that we have to be thankful for.

Christmas was good too. Our youngest this year really seemed to grasp the true meaning behind Christmas and did not miss a chance to tell people why we really celebrate Christmas.."It's Jesus' Birthday!!"

The New Year started and is still going strong!

We are working hard to make our dream of moving a reality. We have some repairs (mainly our roof) to do this spring and then we will either try to sell this house or rent it out.

Our hope is that we will be moved before the start of the next school year, but it is all in the Lord's time.

I am not a naturally patient person unfortunately so I often have to remind myself that He is in control..not us.

That is about all of the happenings over the past several months.

I hope and pray all has been going well for you too!

Dollar Tree Accepting Manufacturer's Coupons

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:51:00 +0000

Wow! I received an e-mail from Dollar Tree that said this:

Good to know! I see awesome steals in our future!

By One Get One Free Cesar Meaty Selects

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:48:00 +0000

Click on the link above to print out a BOGO FREE coupon for these new Cesar Meaty Selects!

Kraft Catalina Promo + SNS Deals = Amazing Prices

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 14:24:00 +0000

Kraft is currently offering the above catalina deal at participating stores. Shop-n-Save is among the list of stores. Making the catalina deal much sweeter, SNS has a promotion that when you purchase 10 participating Kraft items you receive $5 off instantly + there are coupons available to print for some of the items.

Below is the list of participating items that fall into both the Kraft catalina deal & the SNS promotion:

- Kraft Salad Dressing $2

- Miracle Whip/Mayo $2.98 $1.00 off on Any ONE KRAFT Mayo or MIRACLE WHIP

- Kraft American Singles $2 $1.00 off on Any TWO (2) KRAFT American Singles

- Kraft Cheese Shreds $2 $1.00 off on Any TWO KRAFT Natural Shredded Cheese

- Kraft Velveeta Loaf (2lb.) $5.68 (I have seen $1.50 off coupon peelies when you purchase 1 Velveeta laof & 1 Velveeta Shells & Cheese)

- Kraft Velveeta Shells & Cheese $2 $1.00 off on Any ONE VELVEETA Shells & Cheese Dinner

- Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner $2

- Planters Peanuts $3

- Maxwell Coffee $7.98 $1.00 off on Any ONE (1) MAXWELL HOUSE Coffee

- Gevalia Coffee $6.98

- Crystal Light $2.50

**Deal Idea**

2 Kraft American Singles @ $2 each (Use $1/2 coupon)
4 Kraft Shreds @ $2 each (Use 2 of the $1/2 coupon)
2 Kraft American Singles @ $2 each (Use 2 of the $1/1 coupon)
2 Kraft Miracle Whip or Mayo @ 2.98 each (Use 2 of the $1/1 coupon)

Total before coupons = $21.96 - $5 instant savings - $7 coupon savings = $9.96 BUT you will receive $10 back to use on your next purchase courtesy of Kraft, therefore making this deal idea a $0.04 moneymaker! Of course, tax is not included in these totals.

Shop N Save: Totino's Pizza Rolls Only $0.25 Each

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 03:18:00 +0000

Shop-n-Save is having great deals this week, offering two different promotions that offer an instant $5 off with the purchase of 10 participating items.

Two participating items are the Totino's Pizzas and Totino's Pizza Rolls, both priced at a $1.00 each. Use the below coupons to score the pizzas for as low as $0.30 and the pizza rolls for as low as a $0.25 when you purchase 10, you can mix and match!

I often put the pizza rolls in my son's funtainer for his lunch at school, as well as, use these for after school snacks! Great stock up price for sure!

Remember you can print each coupon out twice per computer.

$0.75 off 3 Totino's Rolls Snacks

GET COUPON

$1.00 off 5 Totino's Crisp Crust Party Pizza

GET COUPON

$1/1 Capri Sun Printable Coupon

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 19:39:00 +0000

$1.00 off on Any ONE (1) CAPRI SUN Product

GET COUPON

Print the above coupon and to score a box of Capri Suns for just under $1 at Walmart. You don't see this high value coupon too often. Remember you can print it twice per computer.

I often put a Capri Sun in my children's lunch boxes for school. They alternate between these, water or buying milk from school.

End of Summer Means Back to School

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 19:19:00 +0000

Well, summer is over, kids have finished up their first full week of school and I am happy to be back in a routine, one that will include my blog!

Hope you had as great of a summer as we have!!

10 Betty Crocker Instant Potato Pouches For $3.88

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 15:58:00 +0000

Shop-n-Save has a special right now that when you purchase 10 participating General Mills product you instantly have $5 taken off of your order.

Participating in this deal are the Betty Crocker instant potato pouches. They are on sale 10 for $8.88. Purchase 10 of them and your total will be reduced to $3.88 + tax.

I use these the most when I make potato soup. I use it to add more flavor (by adding the loaded mash potato pouch) or just to thicken it if need be.

Great price for sure!

FREE Family Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Looking for free family fun??

Take a nature walk.

And get lost in the woods.

For about an hour.

That is what my sister-in-law and I did with our kiddos the other day.

On accident.

I sent a SOS out to my husband via text, however, he did not reply. He tells me he did not get it. I want to believe him, really I do.

After deciding that we would need to be lost for days before being eligible for the television show "I Shouldn't Be Alive", we got it together and found our way out. Actually, it was my sister-in-law who did - she has a much better sense of direction than I do!

Here is the crew just after finding our way back to the paved trail...

The kids still had a good time..I don't think the little ones even realized we were ever lost. We will continue to take our nature walks - my son is looking for another red-eared slider, he has one but would like another - however, we will do our best not to get lost or maybe bring a GPS with us!

Vistaprint 6 Gifts For Dad Under $5

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:45:00 +0000

Not sure what to get dad this year for Father's Day? Vistaprint is offering six different customized products for the father in your life for under $5 each. From a coffee mug to a mousepad to a memory book filled with the past year memories there is something for every dad!

Remember Father's Day is just less than two weeks away!

Energy Bites

noreply@blogger.com (Penny) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 01:23:00 +0000

Five out of six people that live in my house say these are sooooo yummmy!!

I love them because they are not only good, but are really easy to make. I adapted the recipe from Money Saving Mom. I used all oats and omitted the flaxseed since I did not have any on hand. I did find that rolling them up could be kind of difficult, so I sprayed my hands with cooking spray a little bit and that made the process much easier. Next time I think that I will press the mixture down into a pan and cut them into bars instead.

Here is what I used:

4c Old Fashioned Oats
1c Peanut Butter
2/3c of honey
1c of mini chocolate chips
2tsp vanilla (homemade vanilla..yum)

Mix all of the ingredients together like this

and roll into balls! Put them in the freezer for a little bit to harden, maybe an hour or so. These are a great snack to make ahead and freeze.

Easy peasy I tell ya!!