Last year, after being totally frustrated over numerous fundraisers, I wrote a little rant with 10 reasons why I can’t stand school fundraisers.  I understand though that schools need to raise money for things that our kids can enjoy such as playgrounds, picnic tables, and media items.  After speaking with some parents and personally critiquing some fundraisers, I’ve come up with a list of parent-approved fundraisers.  I know that you won’t agree with every suggestion on the list, but hopefully you’ll find an idea that you like.

1)  Grocery store customer cards – Some stores, such as Food Lion have a program for …read more

Yesterday, I took a different spin on this whole recession thing.  I told you that this recession has brought some good to us.  Americans are finally spending less, saving more, and finding more ways to cut back and be content with what they have.  It wasn’t too long ago that we were spending more than we made and not saving anything.  I think this whole saving money thing is pretty fantastic news!

After some thinking, I realize there are more positives to the recession.  Another plus is that we’re eating out less.  We seem to be known for our lack of …read more

Guest post by Stephanie Appleton.
Entertaining a family on a budget can be a challenge. It isn’t impossible though. Investing a little time and following a few simple tips, can save you a lot of money. 

Research.
This doesn’t have to be a lot of work. I regularly check the event calendars on our state, state parks, and library websites. These are full of free and low cost events for all ages. We also get a free paper that lists quite a few events.
If there is someplace you want to go, check their website first. You can find coupons or times that are …read more

Michaels is having another free family ”The Knack” event from 10 am-1pm this Saturday, April 18.  Kids will create their own bunny or spring chick for some sunny spring fun.  One page I read said that this was for all ages and another said that it was for ages 5-12.  Honestly, this looks like a very easy craft, so it may be for the younger ones too. 
You can stop by The Knack website for free printables.  There are over 200 to choose from.  There are also loads of project ideas.  Click on the spring project idea list and you’ll have plenty …read more

Some of you may have been a little busy checking out our new look and location, but if you’ll take a moment to look at my bio to the right you’ll see that something has changed.  I am now the mother of three, not two, children.

Don’t worry.  I didn’t go through a nine month pregnancy and childbirth without telling you.     My husband and I are adopting a 10 (soon to be 11) year old.
We met J while we were working at the group home last year. Sometimes in life you question God and wonder why He placed you …read more

Hope this helps you brave the cold this week.

Let me let you in on a little secret … STAY HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.  We didn’t and I am still exhausted.  So I thought I would share my holiday with you so you can see how staying home is an option worth considering.
I would like to say, however, that we really enjoyed seeing family.  We only get to go home once a year but this year seemed especially hectic for some reason.
Dec 23rd – I worked a 10 hour shift and packed some
Dec 24th – I worked an 8 hour shift and packed some
Dec 25th – We flew to …read more

Lands’ End would like to make planning family holiday get togethers a whole lot easier this year by giving a chance to win a great family get together for 7 nights for up to 12 people at The Resort at Paws Up in Montana! Hurry because Lands’ End will accept entries at this website through noon October 30, 2008.  Prizes include:

Grand Prize:  A get together for 7 nights for up to 12 people at The Resort at Paws Up in Montana, which includes round-trip airfare, meals and four half-day wilderness adventures per person and also includes a new waterproof Windfall outerwear …read more

My girlfriend of 20 years just came up with her 3 kids and one on the way (YEAH!!). We had a ball. We did a lot of fun things and went to the pumkin patch. Amidst her visit, Little Man had conjunctivitis, an ear infection, and cut a new tooth. Man, he was a great kid considering. So thank you, Mouse, for sharing yoru life with us for a few days. Why do we wait so long in between?

Images: mine

The following is a guest post.
We love to watch movies and that includes new ones, however as a family it costs roughly $35 just to get tickets. This doesn’t include food and drinks. By the end of the movie we may have spent a whopping $60, but this only happens on a rare occasion. We’ve learned a few new tricks on having a thrifty movie night. These are tricks anyone can do, even when you have kids.
First, you can either rent movies or buy them and I’m not meaning buy the brand new ones that cost $20 or more. Go …read more