Christmas Traditions

This year we didn't travel for Christmas, being so close to my due date and Tricare not allowing me out of the area and all. It was very quiet around here in this military town, but we were still determined to make this first Christmas at home special. We talked about what traditions we wanted to make for our little growing family. Adam suggested an advent wreath. A trip to Michael's and a craft project ensued.

(Almost) every night of Advent we sat at this table and lit our wreath. We read the bible verses that corresponded with that day (printed from Focus on the Family). We talked about them, talked about what was on our heart, what God was teaching us, and prayed. It was one of my most favorite parts of the day and I think it helped us keep perspective on what this holiday is really all about.

And don't I have such a wonderful husband to start such a tradition and lead me through it? I think as we practice it each year we will grow closer to God and closer as a family and *hopefully* take the focus off of presents (we really don't want to spoil the kids) and put it on the birth of Christ.

On Christmas morning, before opening our presents, we lit all four candles and the one in the middle to signify Jesus' birth. We read the Christmas story in two gospels. As we contemplated the coming of baby Jesus, I remembered the news headlines of the month.  And all I could do was be thankful for this day. We need Christmas. We need it not for sales and presents and traveling in traffic. We need it because we need a Savior. A Savior who can take on the sins of the world and open the gates of Heaven and give us mercy and grace. A Savior to Trust with all of the tragedy and unknown around us. And we have Him. We have Him now, and He will come again.

Super Nerd Post: Couponing

You may or may not be aware that I love saving money. (I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm as good at spending it as the next gal) But,  I'm a bit obsessed with getting good deals if I'm going to spend our hard earned cash. I am NOT an extreme couponer and I do not have a stockpile of Apocalypse supplies in the garage. I DO have apps on my phone and a coupon book I carry with me everywhere though. I pretty much never pay at the register without having looked for coupons for the items I'm purchasing.  So, in case anyone wondered what I do around here, one thing that takes just a small amount of time each week is couponing. 

Why do I coupon?

Well, it saves money. God has blessed us with pretty steady income and it is our job to be good stewards of that income. If I can maximize purchases by staying in budget, or better yet, under budget, then it is totally worth it. I also see coupons as free money. Why pay full price for something I can get for cheaper? Like I said, I love saving money!

How do I coupon?

1. I get the Sunday paper. I currently subscribe to the weekend edition of the Jacksonville Daily News. Mostly for the Sunday ads. I do enjoy keeping up with the local happenings, but good journalism seems to elude even the most highly respected news sources these days. I pay around $55 every 6 months for newspaper delivery. Not sure if the price is totally worth it, but there's something about sitting down and reading the Sunday paper that Adam and I enjoy on top of the coupons (and comics for Adam)

2. I print coupons off the internet. I have a folder of bookmarks just for coupon websites. Sites like coupons.com, smartsource.com, and redplum.com are just starters. Just type "printable grocery coupons" into your search bar and tons of sites appear. I do not pay money for coupon services or site memberships. I only print coupons from free sources that I feel I can trust. I also will go straight to manufacturer websites to see if they have any coupons for products I am specifically looking to purchase. Kraft and P&G have coupons often. 

3. Besides grocery coupons, I print or find coupons on my phone for other products. Old Navy and Target have coupons on their websites. Retail Me Not has an app that I can use to search for coupons ready to use in-store. 

4. I never buy anything online before searching for a coupon code or other sites for better prices. Retail Me Not and similar sites have coupon codes all the time. I save 10-20% every time I make an online purchase. And I rarely pay for shipping. Often I find that online purchases can be less expensive than in store as long as the shipping is free and I'm willing to wait. I also receive coupons from retailers I frequently purchase from.

5. When I'm ready to make a trip to the store, I make a list and go through my coupons and walk in prepared. It's when I'm not prepared that I make extra purchases or miss out on coupon savings. 

How much do I really save by couponing?

Like I said before, I save 10-20% every time I purchase something online. Adam wanted a new pair of shoes and I saved him $18 plus got free shipping. I was pretty proud of myself. This allows us to get more out of our budget. We each get our own "fun" money, and we have a budget for "eating out" too. Using coupons allows us to get more our of those budgets. 

I also keep a chart of my grocery savings. Out of a $400/month budget (which includes cleaning supplies, toiletries, and other household items AND we pack our own lunches for work) I have been saving an average of $25-30/month. That means I can keep our house stocked with extra toilet paper or get a fun treat without breaking the budget, and usually transfer some of that into our savings account. It's not a lot, but I'm definitely getting more bang for my buck. That also helps us stay within that budget even if we invite friends over for dinner or have a special event we need to bring food for. I stayed within our budget even in the month of November when we hosted Thanksgiving (and saved money on that 10 lb. Butterball!). 

Things I've learned about couponing:

1. Don't clip coupons for items you don't need or use. Just because I have a coupon for something doesn't mean I need to buy it. A 30% coupon code for Gap is appealing, but that doesn't mean I have to buy something. And $0.50 off Oreos doesn't mean they're going to be calorie free. I have definitely fallen prey to tempting coupons and bought things I didn't need just because I had a coupon. 

2. Be organized. I have a coupon book, that I'm looking to replace. Right now it's divided into grocery coupons and store coupons. But it has a pad of paper in if for my lists. I also keep paper clips in there to organize the coupons I'll be using at different stores. I want a coupon book that is as slim, but has more pockets to organize by coupon types. It's a good idea to make coupons easy to find so you'll be more likely to use them. I hate when I walk out of Target realizing I didn't use my $1 off Cover Girl coupon. 

3. Be prepared. It's not the coupons that save money, but the effort you put into using them. A big wad of coupons is not useful if I don't have a plan. I grocery shop on Monday afternoons, so on Sunday afternoons I plan and make a list. I plan out the meals I'll need for the week. Then I make my list from the meals I plan to make. After I have the ingredients for dinner, I add the basics to the list that we usually take for lunch or keep for snacks like yogurt and carrots. Then I go through my coupons to see if I have coupons for the the things on my list. I also keep the house stocked with paper towels, toilet paper, and other necessities. If I have a coupon that is going to expire on a product I will definitely use, I usually add it to the list. This is usually a 3 pack of Puffs or some Charmin. I never pay full price for cereal, Adam's deodorant and shampoo, or toothpaste because I'll use coupons and look for sales. That doesn't mean I always use my coupons before they expire. For example, I use Aveeno sun screen on my face, but I haven't used my coupons for a while because one tube lasts two or three months and I have two tubes I bought with a coupon sitting under the sink. There will be more Aveeno coupons when I need more I'm sure. 

4. Know the coupon policies of the stores you shop at. Some stores accept competitor coupons or let you double up coupon savings. Other stores will let you use percent off coupons from multiple means (like your phone and paper) as long as you have the same number of items as you do coupons. 

Another way I save money:

Ebates.com. I kept seeing these commercials for cash back when shopping online and wondering what the catch was. But I found there really isn't one. I literally go through Ebates when I want to make an online purchase and it will track my purchase and give me cash back. They also will have the latest coupon codes. The only catch is that they will then bombard your email account with advertisements. There's no jacked up prices or gimmick. (You just have to be strong enough to delete the emails BEFORE seeing that 40% coupon code that you don't need to use right now.) Just for signing up, I got a $10 Target gift card. Then, we've been in the market for baby supplies and Christmas presents. So far, I've received $70 worth of checks for cash back from those purchases and I have more cash back waiting for the next pay out in February. So on top of the Black Friday savings I'm also getting cash back and I didn't have to wait in line or traffic! Sign up through my Ebates link HERE. You get bonuses just for signing up. (And so do I!)

Disclaimer: I have not been paid by any of these sites to write this post. I am just sharing my information. If you do sign up for Ebates using my link, I will receive a $5 bonus when you make your first purchase. It's not about the bonus though, I really just like sharing this information. 

Check out this article and infographic from LearnVest for more information. 

Sightsee Jacksonville

A while ago I wrote this post. So the other day when I was driving down the road I was reminded of this conversation as I stared at the big, black pig sniffing around someone's front yard. Right there. On the side of the road.

It made me want to share some more of these gems with you. Consider this a new series on the blog: Sightsee Jacksonville. Here are some starters:

Spotted while sitting at a red light in September:
I don't think further captioning is necessary for this one.

Today's paper:

I mean lack of newspaper. No news,  just ads. I guess nothing newsworthy happened over the weekend? Or maybe this is a not-so-subtle message that consumerism has completely engulfed the holidays and instead of being a loser who reads the paper, I should be out shopping? I'd call and request a replacement paper, but I'm not too optimistic I'm missing out on any inspiring journalism. 

Stay tuned for other great stories. 

Gourmet S'mores

Usually when we roast s'mores, I really just roast marshmallows. I really just don't care much for plain old chocolate on a graham cracker. If I'm going to do the entire s'more, it really needs to be more special. So I stick with my perfectly browned, evenly roasted marshmallows. 

Well, I shared the idea with a friend in passing and she made it a reality! So Sunday evening we went over to roast gourmet s'mores. She had Nutella and strawberries, chocolate chip cookies, and Reese's. We added some Ghirardelli caramel and mint chocolates to the mix and we were set. 

Most amazing s'mores ever in the history of the world. I checked. 

It was a fun night with an assortment of random Marine Corps friends who all knew each other from different parts of their careers. And a great time catching up or getting to know new people. Good food always brings people together. 

And it's a good thing we did this on Sunday, because boy did it get cold this week! 

Happy Birthday USMC

Last night was Adam's squadron's Marine Corps Ball. And though I was looking forward to it, it had been a hard week to be living the military life. Extra long hours for Adam and uncertainty and mixed messages of the future in the coming months. What kind of career path will he/should he take? When is the weather going to cooperate with the flight schedule so he can get his qualifications? Late night calls to take care of problems within the squadron and two particularly not fun experiences for me at the Naval Hospital for routine bloodwork. All this (and more) had me wondering, "Why are we doing this?"

And then during the birthday ceremony at the ball, I remembered. I cannot hear the Marine Corps Hymn without crying. As the band played the melody I heard the words in my head and I remembered.

For love of country.

I believe in it. Adam believes in it. Adam's tenacity and passion for it makes me believe in it even more. And despite all the junk that comes with it, it's worth it. I don't know where this country is going, or where this war is going. I don't know what our future looks like or if Adam will even make it home to eat dinner before 9pm. But I do know that God knows and that it is an opportunity for us to display our faithfulness and be thankful and content in our now.

So Happy Birthday Marines! We believe in you.

The Marine Corps Hymn:

"From the Halls of Montezuma

To the Shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom 
And to keep our honor clean; 
We are proud to claim the title 
of United States Marine. 

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev'ry clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes; 
You will find us always on the job
The United States Marines. 

Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve 
In many a strife we've fought for life 
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes; 
They will find the streets are guarded 
By United States Marines."

Autumn

It's been looking a lot like fall around here; all cozy and warm with plaid down blankets and warm apple cider while we roast marshmallows around the fire pit. It's pretty much our favorite season in the Thomas house.

I love to fill the house with pumpkins and candles. (And I made those Halloween book edges in the first picture with some free fonts I downloaded and some paper bags.)

The begonias and mums are still blooming, but who knows for how much longer. I've had to cut back some dying plants and I'll be spreading some more mulch soon. 

And since we don't have those towering trees over our house like in the old neighborhood, there's barely any leaves around here at all. 

And we, we are working, working, volunteering, church-ing, bible-study-ing, waiting, praying, preparing, and growing...

Can time stand still and speed up all at the same time? So I can savor it and soak it in, but still move forward to the exciting things that await?

Click Here For Expanding Belly

21 Weeks (on our way to Mike's Farm, yum!)

26 Weeks! (Please excuse the terrible overhead lighting.)

We're slowly getting the nursery set up. We have the crib, dresser/changing table, bookcase (that we painted!), and a glider on the way. We also have some decorations, but you'll have to wait for the fun story about that....

I am ever so grateful that God has blessed us with this gift, and has gently led us to this place. It's been a 6 year journey of prayer to open our hearts, prepare us, bring us through loss, and make everything fall into place even when we thought it wouldn't. May I never forget His mercy and grace and blessings upon blessings. 

Jumping in the Boat

Oh how I love our Officer's Christian Fellowship group. Dinner, fellowship, bible study, 15-20+ adults and 12 little kiddos running around. Couldn't get better. (Well, now that I bought an 8qt crock pot it might get a little better. That's a lot of mouths to feed!)

We're currently studying John. This week it was John 6:1-29. And in true Fatherly fashion, God has been speaking to my heart in many ways this week. Tuesday was no exception. And in an attempt to get it in writing and sort out all the thoughts floating through my head (and hopefully to solidify them!), you get to read some of them here:

1. Jesus Feeds the 5 Thousand: So after feeling like I have a loaves and fishes situation each week with dinner you'd think I'd have learned the lesson by now. GOD WILL MEET EXCEED YOUR NEEDS. Yes, that needed to be in all caps. EXCEED. Not only did everyone get fed, but everyone was full. There were leftovers. Instead of worrying and wondering how I'm going to get this done or how I'm going to get through that, I should be asking God to meet my needs and then trusting that He will.

The disciples and I have something in common: Trust issues.

2. Jesus Walks on Water: So Jesus feeds 5,000 people with just some loaves and fishes and then retreats to a mountain to be by himself. (So humble.) So those genius disciples hop in their boat and head off to Capernaum. Without Jesus. It's kind of like when you stop at a gas station to go to the bathroom and everyone gets so caught up in going, getting snacks, and piling back in the car that you leave one of the little kids behind. Except this kid didn't stand there crying, He walked a few miles out to sea on the water. Well those disciples with trust issues were experiencing some rough seas and then didn't even recognize that it was Jesus and were afraid to let Him in the boat. They didn't see how He was working. But as soon as they let Him in the boat, the sea was calm and they immediately got to where they were going.

I so often jump in the boat and take off without Jesus. I want to move forward, get it done, fix the situation, or whatever. Then when I'm getting nowhere fast, that's when I let Him back in. Oops? I need to wait for Him to get in the boat with me. That would really save a lot of confusion and frustration. Luckily, if I forget to wait for Him to get in the boat with me, I know He'll walk out on the water just to find me and lead me to where we need to go. Whew!

I also really enjoy the fact that getting in the boat implies action, not just sitting around waiting for God to do something. Sometimes I need to wait. Sometimes I need to move. Always, I need to these things WITH him.

Ok. So now if I could just remember all these things and put them in action always. Pray that God will meet my needs. Trust that He will do so. Stop worrying. Wait for the boat.

Drumroll please...

Oh my.

(He's pretty excited to reveal himself. He's kicking right now!)

Untitled

And this is what happens when Adam leaves for two weeks....

Almost done with the Polycrylic to "protect" the already chipped paint.

Favorites List

1. This is my favorite job that I've ever had. (Teaching preschool at Mount Vernon CDC is a VERY close second). But seriously. I remember saying out loud while teaching third grade "I just want to work as a technology facilitator at ONE elementary school, PART TIME. Is that too much to ask?" I guess not. Thanks God. I really, really appreciate it.

I also realized that this is the first time since graduating college that I have returned to the same school to do the same job. Moving states, moving grade levels, moving schools....It's kind of nice to feel like I know what I'm doing for once.

2. My favorite distraction right now is sitting very still feeling this baby move. It is just the neatest/weirdest thing and I can't get enough of it. Keep moving little buddy!

3. Fall is my favorite season to decorate for. And since Pinterest is my other favorite distraction right now, I'm full of fun ideas. I'm working on a new wreath right now.

And all that has been enough to keep me pretty busy. That and savoring the last bit of alone time I'll have with Adam for the next 18+ years.

16 Weeks Pic at Jeff and Stacy's wedding. (Even though I'm almost 19!)
Sorry for the bad hotel lighting.

Guess What?

This.is.happening.

We happen to be pretty excited about it. And ready to share it with all of you!
I'm 14 weeks and 1 day, finally in the second trimester. We were on edge for a little bit there due to a miscarriage I had last year right after Adam deployed and a subchorionic hemorrhage this time. After an ER visit and 6 weeks of "wait and see" we got the all clear.  Whew. Ever since then we've pretty much been on Cloud 9.

And then I made Adam take these pictures with me. Thank goodness for self-timer and a tripod. He likes to pretend that things are annoying and gets all impatient (especially when I need to get the PERFECT picture), but deep down I know he likes it. He's so funny. And during the whole picture taking extravaganza he kept calling the pregnancy test "the pee stick". Good luck Baby. You're going to need it.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

We spent a beautiful day in Wilmington:

Then Adam got to spend 5 weeks in the desert living in one of these:

This girl stopped by for our annual visit, just as smiley as ever:

I went crazy with my garden, and it's grown so well!

We celebrated Independence with Dan and Katy. Their baby boy Jack is finally here. Ginger is growing. And the boys are back in the same state at the same time for the first time in what feels like years. 

(And I was the total nerd at the fireworks display with her tripod set up for great pictures.)

And now we're off to PA for a week at White Sulphur Springs. Looking forward to good times, seeing good friends, good time in the Word, and the mountains.

It's been a little wet around here lately....

Thank goodness too, because I really needed some help getting some new plants established. I wouldn't mind a sunny weekend though, pretty please?

Oh, Oswald...

"God does not give us overcoming life; He gives us life as we overcome."


"Buck up, take your disinclination by the throat, throw it overboard, and walk out into the thing!" 


-Oswald Chambers

Hawaii 2012

After the long deployment, Adam and I took a trip to Hawaii. It was our first ever real vacation, just the two of us, that didn't include a cross-country move.

We took a helicopter tour of the island since, obviously, that's what you do when you are a helicopter pilot on vacation. Doors off. Which is fine by me because riding in helicopters is Awesome.

I got the classic rainbow over Honolulu shot from our balcony after some light rain.
I don't think I could ever get tired of seeing rainbows.

A half-day was spent at Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Aviation Museum. The video at the beginning of the tour makes me cry. And makes me feel REALLY bad for the guy who said the airplanes on the radar were probably our own and not to worry about it. Talk about an epic FAIL. But the memorial is beautiful and a wonderful tribute to that day.

Can you believe how much oil still leaks from the Arizona?

I made Adam take me to Leonard's Bakery for some malasadas after seeing the commercial 10 times. They're basically Portuguese donuts, and I'm pretty obsessed with donuts. From any country.

We saw the Worts! (Minus Josh. And Peter didn't quite make it into the picture. Don't worry Josh, we'll bug the heck out of you when you move back here. You'll be thankful for those four years of peace:) )

We also enjoyed the beach, a luau, and walking around in the gorgeous weather. By the end of the trip we were pretty convinced this wouldn't be the last time we were in Hawaii.

We had a great time exploring Oahu and a great time reconnecting after a long deployment. I'm ready to go back!