When I was teaching, I was constantly amazed at the things that the middle school students would leave in my classroom.  For some reason, I found that middle school students left more things behind than elementary students.  What’s worse is that the middle schoolers would not claim their lost items.  It seemed like a mark of shame to claim their stuff.  Each day, I would walk around my classroom and collect the pens, pencils, markers, and other things that were left behind.  I kept a box in my classroom with these things for students that did not come to class with school supplies.  Ten years later I still have a Nike jacket that no one ever claimed.

Adults are also guilty of not keeping up with our stuff.  Although I am pretty good about keeping up with my things, I have been known to purchase some items because I couldn’t them.  I get so mad at myself when I do this.  Thankfully, these items are not high dollar items, but still they had up.  In fact, they can add up to be hundreds of dollars per year for each person.  Not only is that a lot of wasted money, but those are extra products and packaging that we are putting into our environments.

I hope that this will help to motivate us all just a bit to put things where they belong and to remember that by keeping up with our things, we are actually saving money.

What is the most expensive lost item you ever replaced?

image sxc.hu

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

I am no longer the stay-at-home mom I used to be.  My days used to be full of cleaning, laundry, paying bills, playing with my little one, and managing the household.  Now I’m in a full-time ministry position where I’m helping troubled youth.  Thankfully, our children get to hang out with us while we’re working. 

The first week of work has been very hard, with us putting in 16-17 hour days.  I’m told that things will get better and I know that they will.  Transitions just take time. 

By the way, I haven’t lived in Eastern NC in about 13 years.  I have forgotten what hurricane season is like.  Geesh!  I woke up several times last night to banging, loud rain, and winds.  We’re all safe though.

I hope that in the next few weeks my schedule will calm and that I’ll be “seeing” you more.  

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

As far as my life . . . My husband and I have been finishing up some home repair projects, packing, and decluttering.  We had a birthday party for the kids and we’ve been out of town twice in the last week at our new location.  

Sometimes I just want to do nothing all day long, but I know I can’t do that.  Time is ticking and there is lots to be done. 

I’m very pleased that we have gotten rid of so many things.  I continue to find more and more things that we don’t need.  Purging of my teaching things has been very painful.  Although I have gotten rid of a lot of it, I still kept about 8-10 boxes.  There are just some things that can’t be replaced and there are some items I can still use with my children.  Each project seems like a Tackle It Tuesday.  I wish I could take more pictures to show you all. 

We just returned home this morning at about 2 am from our job training.  Now we’re here with a gazillion projects to do.  Thankfully, my parents have the kids for a week so that we can constantly work with limited interruptions.

How are things your way?

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

1.  I am married to Gerald and have two children.  Gerald and I got married when I was in college and he was in the Marines. 

2.  I have a degree in elementary education and quit teaching full-time when I had my first child,  4 1/2 years ago.

3.  I constantly feel overwhelmed with too much to do.  These two little kids have turned my world upside down.

4.  I really enjoy writing about being frugal and am hoping to find a job writing a monthly column for a magazine.

5.  Sometimes I’m frugal because I have to be, but always because I like it.  Getting the best deal sometimes becomes a game and a challenge to me.

And a little something extra . . .

6.  I started taking piano lessons in the third grade.  I used to play the piano for my church and church choir.  I also played for chorus class during my senior year and at my high school graduation.  I’ve gotten rusty over the years, just from lack of practice.  I currently sing and play the piano at church.  I really enjoy David Crowder and Chris Tomlin.

I’m tagging Revka, Julie, Char, Jennifer, and Tanyetta.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy