My frugal friend Gillian has started a wonderful part of her blog called Frugalicious Fridays. Anybody know how to have a link-up party so we can all post our frugal tips together? Because she and I have no clue. Either way, I’m a big fan of alliteration, so I’ll be tagging her on Facebook and linking to her blog so you can see how she saves money. She and her husband are Dave Ramsey graduates as well, and I love how real she is – whether she’s saving money or not!
So Gillian, this one is for you – there’s about to be 3 (little) girls in the Grubbs Household, and if they follow in their mother’s footsteps, that’s going to equal a lot of clogged drains and hairy hairbrushes. I cringed a little bit (or a lot) when I watched Kennedy’s first haircut in the “salon” and had to pay $25 for it. Yikes! So, we took the haircutting scissors we bought to use for Colby, and Kevin cut straight across.
Before:
After:
Such a great job! I estimate he cut about 4 inches off, which has really made a difference because now Kennedy is able to brush through her own hair without so many tangles.
We already cut Colby’s hair with our own set of $40 clippers, which Kevin bought 10 years ago in college. And Kevin cuts his own hair too.
All in all, let’s say:
Kevin’s haircut = 3x/month = 3 x 12= 36 x $15 per haircut = $540 per year
Colby’s haircut = 1x/month = 1 x 12 = 12 x $10 per haircut = $120 per year
Kennedy’s haircut = not per month, but ~6x/year = 6 x $25 per haircut = $150 per year
That is a total savings of $810. I can really get excited about that.
What are your secrets to saving money? I hope to be posting more tips in future Fridays, and I’d love to link your frugal tips.
October 7th, 2011
by Jenna
It looks like this baby is apparently sweeter than originally thought, because I failed my 1-hr. glucose test and now have to take the 3-hr. test next Thursday. If I fail the 3-hr. test that means I probably have gestational diabetes, which I’ve never had a problem with in previous pregnancies. So, my doctor has suggested I cut way back on my carbs and sugars (which of course I’m craving now) in order to do well on this test, and so I can see what my ideal diet should be while pregnant. (PS – my doctor suggested that because of my liver issues last summer, my body might be processing sugar a little bit differently. It also seems like this is his big “soapbox issue”… I’ll find out next week for sure.)
So, here’s a little mini-menu of what I have planned to eat for the next few days – can you help me figure out if I need to cut out even more carbs and sugar? And, what should I replace it with? There’s only so many days I can eat salad… Plus, what about fruit? I’ve been wanting fruit, which has the “good” sugars… should I go all out and eliminate those too? I put a (+) on the items I know have pretty high carbs or sugars (or both) but how’s a pregnant lady supposed to eat?
Friday:
B – baked oatmeal (oats, 2% milk, brown sugar) (+)
L – chef salad (lunchmeat, cheese, low-carb dressing), frozen grapes
D – beef roast ragout with whole wheat noodles (+), green beans & fruit
S – cheese stick
Saturday:
B – baked oatmeal (+)
L – turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread (+) with cheese and mustard
D -
S – cashews and craisins (+)
Sunday:
B – toast (+) with peanut butter
L -
D – chili with chickpeas, a veggie & a fruit
S – cheese stick
Monday:
B – scrambled eggs
L – chef salad
D – pork chops, baked sweet potato fries
S – peanut butter apples
October 6th, 2011
by Jenna
I made a few trips to Walgreens last week – there seems to be one one every corner in this town, and not every one had the pads that were free after RR. I figured I’d stock up for when Baby Lightning Jesus (or whatever her name is) gets here.
I spent a little over $3 out of pocket for all of these items, and I still have $2 RR left over. My kids were excited about the gummi worms, and I loved that they were free!
(Anybody else besides Tiffany get paid for the Brita pitcher? By Friday, I couldn’t find one. Carlee also pulled the [empty] shopping cart over on top of her, so I was a little distracted that day.)
October 5th, 2011
by Jenna
It’s 10/4, good buddy, and here’s my 4 kids.
October 4th, 2011
by Jenna
Wow, I look really tired…
How far along: 27 weeks in pic, 28 weeks now.
Size of baby: 2.2 pounds, or the size of a Chinese cabbage, according to my pregnancy app. A week ago the baby was the size of a hothouse cucumber. What in the world is a hothouse cucumber? How is it different from a coldhouse cucumber? Why the need to differentiate it from a plain old cucumber? Is it related to Larry the Cucumber? So many questions.
Maternity clothes: Shorts are mostly elastic/athletic shorts, as I can’t really fit into my maternity shorts *yet*… the bottoms (jeans & dress pants) from previous pregnancies fit but it’s still too hot outside to wear them. I have about 6-7 shirts that I really love and wear pretty often (for instance I wore that same blue shirt today).
Movement: Tons. I feel like a punching bag sometimes and I can really tell when she moves from one side to the other. Getting easier to recognize body parts (knees, back & bottom, elbows). I’ve heard that an active baby in utero will be really smart. This girl will be a genius.
Sleep: Not too many hours in a row. I have mastered going potty a few times before climbing into bed, but I still wake myself up… snoring. Either that, or Kevin is kicking me to roll over. One day I swear I’m going to wake up and find he has put one of those Breathe Right strips on my nose.
Cravings: I have been wanting milk a lot more lately, also have been wanting a snack before bed – either Oreos or chocolate chips top my list lately… she’s finding her sweet tooth, this baby. And it seems like ever since my doctor said, “You might want to consider cutting back on carbs & sugar before your glucose test” which is this Thursday, it seems that has been what I’ve been craving… like the elephant in the room….
Symptoms: heartburn, tired. See above.
What I miss: My brain cells. I used to be so good with remembering people’s names. In Kindergarten choir, I’ve been calling one kid by his dad’s name and another kid by her sister’s name…. What was I saying again?
Best moments of the month: Realizing I have less than 3 months until she’s here! I can really tell I’m in the 3rd trimester, so even though I’m tired, I’m also nesting.. cleaning out the closets getting Kevin to take care of some honey-do projects. I still need to finish up my Christmas shopping well before Thanksgiving… put in your requests early.
PS – I’m going to post-date my Four for Four pic this month… you’ll see why later this week.
October 3rd, 2011
by Jenna
I realize I’m almost 6 months late on this post but I forgot about these pics [and I think Colby took them because we let the kids stay up late this night to watch the game on tv. So so glad we did!] So proud of the Aggie Women’s Basketball team for bringing home the National Championship. I only wish more of their games were on tv. Since we only have basic cable, we watched as many as we could on espn.com, but only until the final 4 were the games on national tv.
In the midst of all the “Aggies leave Big XII for SEC” talk, I’m excited to think not only “football rivalries” but “Southern charm” and “versatility” and “academic qualifying”. And no, I’m not just trying to get the search engines going.
September 29th, 2011
by Jenna
The girls watched me paint my nails one day, so they asked they could have their nails painted. I had no idea they’d want their daddy to paint!
pic taken April 2011.
He did such a good job, I’m booking him when I can’t see my toes anymore. Which might be tomorrow…
September 28th, 2011
by Jenna
I have 3 kids. This means I have a wide variety of appetites to please. If I try a new recipe for dinner, it’s a pretty good bet that none of the kids will like it but Kevin and I will love it.
This recipe, all the kids loved, except Colby didn’t want the tortilla. Here’s what I did.
I used these spices on top of about 1 lb. of tilapia filets.
Then I wrapped each piece in foil.
And put it in the oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
It turned out super yummy on top of flour tortillas, with shredded cabbage and sour cream mixed with guacamole. Wish I had taken a pic of that too!
September 25th, 2011
by Jenna
All the kids were given little Bibles when we had their baby dedication service at church. Now I think our church/preschool ministry gives a full-size preschool Bible to the little one and his/her family. I can’t believe these kiddos will be reading stories to our newest little one very soon.
Pic taken January 2011. When Carlee still had a “dinky”…. so glad we are rid of that thing.
September 21st, 2011
by Jenna
I am a perpetual list-maker. If it’s on the list, I’ll do it; otherwise I forget. Sometimes I make a list, either on paper or my phone, just so I can cross things off – such a feeling of accomplishment.
I got a lot of things done today. But Colby & I wrote this on a day when I really needed some happy.
pic taken March 2011.
September 15th, 2011
by Jenna
Told you I got bigger. And wow, my hair is getting long.
How far along: 23 weeks in that pic, at time of posting 24, almost 25 weeks.
Size of baby: 1.3 pounds, “about the size of a small melon” according to my Pregnancy app on my iPhone. I look like I’m carrying a small melon, don’t I?
Maternity clothes: My XS shirts are starting to show my belly! I have started wearing some of my M (bigger) maternity shirts because they’re really cute and I’m tired of the XS stuff anyway. It’s been so hot that I’ve been sweating buckets, which means I get to change clothes a lot.
Movement: Tonight Colby felt the baby kick his hand a couple of times. I thought the look on his face was so precious because he realized what was happening! I’ll have to get it on video… he is so sweet.
Sleep: Eh. Not so good. I’ve been using a couple of different pregnancy pillows and have finally just settled on my 2 king pillows – one in front, one in back. I have no idea if Kevin is still sleeping in the same bed as I am.
What I miss: being able to run, bike, & otherwise exercise like a non-pregnant person. I saw a billboard advertising the first-ever B/CS Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. It will be on Dec. 11th. There’s always next year.
Cravings: still don’t like sweets all that much, but (again) since it’s been so hot I can’t drink enough water. Iced tea is a possible craving. I got a new(to me) bread machine for my birthday and I made 2 loaves of homemade bread last week. Guess I should lay off since my glucose test is in 3 weeks?
Symptoms: Heartburn! Started taking medicine daily (just 10 mg.) and it’s definitely worse when I go to sleep at night. I’m trying to go to the bathroom twice before I get in the bed, so I can save myself a trip in the middle of the night. And tired. Very tired.
Best moments of the month: I hinted at this last week, but we are excited to share IT’S A GIRL! Colby was pretty crushed he wasn’t having a baby brother, but I am not worried at all about him loving this baby. Plus, Carlee has already laid claim to this baby (“MY baby”). Kennedy is having too much fun at dance and pre-K. :)
We don’t have a name picked out yet, although I’m trying to convince Kevin of a name I really like. He has turned down pretty much every name except for this one, so I’m holding out for it…
September 12th, 2011
by Jenna
It seems like this is our generation’s “where were you when JFK was shot?” question. (and the previous generation could have asked, “where were you when you heard about Pearl Harbor?”)
In 2001, I was 20 years old. I was living in a southside dorm at Texas A&M (Underwood, I think?), and I remember when I woke up that morning that I heard no music from my radio, only hushed tones and almost scared voices from the djs. I was kind of in a fog and my (incredibly dense) roommate at the time – NOT Bonnie – told me to turn off the music/radio and the lights because she had had a late night previously.
So, I got ready for my Ultimate Frisbee class (best. class. ever.) and prepared to meet this guy Brian, whose last name I never knew, but we’d always walk to Ultimate together because he lived in the dorm across from mine. I think it was him who said, “Did you hear that a plane hit a really big building in New York City?” I think I said something like, “No way.” It was not a far walk to the Simpson drill field where we had Ultimate, but I remember we didn’t say much on the way there.
And let me be really honest – I was 20 years old and knew pretty much nothing about the world around me. I had really no idea what terrorism was or who Al Qaeda was or even where the World Trade Center was. I don’t think I had ever seen or heard of the Twin Towers, until they weren’t there anymore.
Later that day I went to my child psych class, really because I didn’t know what else to do but to keep my normal schedule. The profs said they weren’t making anyone stay, but those of us who did stay talked a little bit about what had happened. I think we were all looking for answers but finding none. I think the profs said something about not worrying that anything was going to happen, because they still didn’t know who was behind these actions. (And because by this time rumors had circulated about bombs being dropped at the next A&M football game…)
So then I went to Kevin’s apartment, and we stayed glued to the tv all day. We couldn’t stop watching what was happening, what had happened, and thinking about all the specifics of that day.. the replay of the planes hitting the WTC… the plane hitting the Pentagon and the one that went down in Pennsylvania… And the number of people we saw who jumped from the burning building was horrifying… the cameras showed up-close shots of these people and I remember thinking how awful it must have been inside the building, if their best option was to jump from 77 floors to their death below.
In talking with Kevin’s sister, who is a structural engineer, she said everyone at her work was convinced that the building wouldn’t fall. Because you don’t just crash a plane into the side of a building and not expect it to topple over, structurally. But, they didn’t take into account the fire that happened and the melting that ensued, which did eventually cause the crumbling.
I really can’t believe it has been 10 years. Kevin and I were less than 3 months away from being engaged, at that point, and none of our kids were alive to even know what all took place. I am thankful that this tragedy united our country for at least a little while, but now I feel like we are back at finger-pointing and name-calling and not working together toward a common goal. I think about the large number of divorces that were put on hold or cancelled after 9/11.. because 2 people realized it was worth the trouble to try and reconcile, rather than having their own way. I wish we as a country would learn that lesson.
I also wish that our country would respect our President. Like him or not, we elected him *as a country*. Our country turned to our former President, looking for answers, and I think he did a lot of good. But the American people as a whole did not agree with his policy changes in the midst of tragedy, so the President’s hands were tied. Regardless of who we have in office, we are to stick by them, just as we stick by our favorite football (or baseball) team when they are 0-10. We might not like what they are doing, but we have to trust that what happens was done in the best interest of our team, or our country.
The church choir this morning sang one of my favorite songs, and these are some of the lyrics:
Bow the knee;
Trust the heart of your Father when the answer goes beyond what you can see.
Bow the knee;
Lift your eyes toward heaven and believe the One who holds eternity.
And when you don’t understand the purpose of His plan,
In the presence of the King, bow the knee.
There are days when clouds surround us, and the rain begins to fall,
The cold and lonely winds won’t cease to blow.
And there seems to be no reason for the suffering we feel;
We are tempted to believe God does not know.
When the storms arise, don’t forget we live by faith and not by sight.
Bow the Knee.
Where were you on September 11th?
September 11th, 2011
by Jenna
Carlee wouldn’t even look at me to take the pic; Kennedy decided to sit down and rock out.
I think I know what we’ll be asking for for birthday or Christmas… [and Carlee is also holding a plushy Ariel doll (Little Mermaid) which she says is her favorite. Redheads gotta stick together.]
September 9th, 2011
by Jenna
Yesterday was Kennedy’s first day of pre-K. She is attending the same preschool program Colby attended, at a church close to our house. Kennedy is a real people-pleaser and I worry a little about her first time in a school setting. I am praying that her teacher will see how receptive she is to praise and that Kennedy would flourish and learn well.
And, this is the only pic I could get of her – she was so excited to go in all by herself that I had to beg her to turn around and hold still for a minute so I could snap her pretty face.
Colby is on the last day of his third week of school, and he is loving it. I can’t say enough good things about his school. This is his teacher, and I couldn’t be happier. She’s organized (wahoo!!!) and positive (yay!) and also has a 1st grader (not in her own class), so she knows exactly what I’m going through right now. Colby does very well academically. He also gets bored and wants to know exactly how to succeed so he doesn’t get in trouble.
On another note, I need to teach Colby how to smile again. I think he thinks if he raises his eyebrows, it will make his smile bigger. What a great kid.
And, I don’t have a pic of Carlee, but yesterday, since I only had Carlee, she and I went swimming after I taught my water aerobics class. We about froze to death, since temperatures have only been in the 80s and the hurricane winds have cooled things down a bit too. But we had a great time together and I don’t think I’ve ever heard her talk as much as I did today, when it was just the two of us! Mondays, Wednesdays, and a lot of Fridays might just be her favorite mornings of the week.
September 8th, 2011
by Jenna
23. Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 by Marcus Luttrell. This book was written by a Texan Navy SEAL. I could stop there – what about that is not to like? This is a look at Luttrell’s unbelievable journey into (and eventual escape from) enemy territory in 2005. Although he only mentions it indirectly, I’m pretty sure he is one of the ones who helped pinpoint Saddam Hussein’s location before the eventual capture of Hussein’s operation. This book is a must-read. 5 stars.
24. Unbroken: a World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, & Redemption by Louis Zamperini. [Alicia asked me if I had heard of this book, because the author recently spoke at her church (Houston's First Baptist). I was insanely jealous, until she told me he was only there to speak at a men's event.] Another must-read. Parts of this book reminded me a lot of the movie “Groundhog Day”. Only, instead of doing the same thing over and over, Zamperini’s situation just kept getting worse and worse, the more days he was in POW camp. I gained a new perspective on WWII and why my grandparents hated the Japanese so much. The last 50 pages or so were completely worth it – the redemption story on the rock, out of the miry pit, so to speak. 5 stars.
25. Ape House by Sara Gruen. [Can't remember if I reviewed Water For Elephants on the blog or not, but I did LOVE it. Haven't seen the movie yet.] This is another “I Followed The Author” book. The whole time, I kept thinking, “I can’t believe I’m reading a story about apes. Really?” But Gruen is a good story-teller and brings in her personal experience with bonobos to tell a cute story. An easy read. 4 stars.
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas D. Kristoff & Sheryl WuDunn. I’m not including this in my total number of books, because I didn’t read it. I checked it out from the library and decided it was a bit too real for me during this time of my life [pregnancy and having young children]. I am unfortunately aware of the situations that would cause the need for this book to be written. I’d encourage all of you to click the link to read the summary and reviews that follow. And, if you read this book, please let me know your honest take.
[PS - It's not even the end of the year and I've read 25 books! I can already tell I'm slowing down for September though; it's getting harder and harder to stay awake and read once I'm in bed. I won't try and put a number of how many I think I'll read this year, but I will be interested to know that number. Do you set goals for your reading during the year? Or do you "play it by ear" like me?]
September 7th, 2011
by Jenna
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