An Expensive Lesson Learned Today

On one of the coldest days we have had this winter, we woke up to realize yesterday that our heat pump is blowing cool air. Now I know heat pump air is not exactly "toasty", but it became obvious that it was not heating. We burn wood in a wood stove of our basement for our main heat, but the heat pump supplements this at night for us.
So, first thing this morning we called the repair man, ugh, not something we normally do because my husband has always been the "repair man" aka "Superman". However today is our due date for our seventh child, with a planned home birth, and we need to be able to warm up the house quickly and warmer than normal.
To make a long story short, the repair man determined that the unit inside around the coil was clogged with dust, debris, and lots of hair. We had removed the filter in the summer months with the best intentions of replacing it. We had a hard time finding the right one in stock and just simply forgot to ever replace it.
It is so easy to neglect these "little things" around the house, but obviously it is such an important preventative maintenance thing. A mistake that we will not likely make again. So...go change those filters and read more frugal friday tips at http://www.biblicalwomanhoodonline.com/blog.htm . Oh, and for those that are wondering how expensive was our lesson?....$195.00

Starting Off Great In 2008

Following my blogger friend and "twin" Monica's lead http://monica-shineagain.blogspot.com/2007/12/starting-off-great-in-2008.html I am excited to share some organization that has taken place here at home. Her enthusiasm and encouragement started with a list she hoped to complete to start the new year on the right foot.


Our motivation seems to come with a move or a new baby. Since we never really organized many things after our last move (a little over two years ago now) there is much to do! To give even more perspective on how badly we need to organize and regroup I will throw in a bit more history...We moved twice and had two, soon to be three babies in just over three years. I don't recommend this, at least not the moving part. To add to chaos, I am so not a natural at being orderly and do not have an eye for organization. Thankfully I am married to someone who is and is more than willing to help, especially at times like this when it is so needed. (Baby #7 due friday!!!! We have considered naming this one "seven" wondering if it would help us call the sweet thing by the correct name:)

Here are some pictures of what has been done lately. Again, credit goes almost completely to my husband and daughter Abby, a natural like her Daddy and very self-motivated child.










We have made much progress and there is still much to do. The most important thing is maintaining order. I will share more as we go. Happy New Year!!

"Normal" is a Good Thing

I have never been one to need excitement or added drama to be happy. I am not the type of person that thrives on change or big adventures, I am a true "home-body".

After having the entire family sick for over a week, and still recovering, I realize how we take normal for granted. I am thankful today to be feeling well enough to think about washing clothes and dishes, changing diapers, giving baths, and wiping counters and cleaning spills:) There are giggles and squeals again, though mixed with coughs and sneezes here and there. Normal is good.

While changing the youngest this morning I was even thankful to have my sense of smell back, well sort of!

We Got a Lot for Christmas, Including the Flu

The flu started just a couple of days before Christmas and by the day after Christmas we were all achy, chilly, and coughing. Besides the obvious misery and bad timing with our baby due in one week, what really stood out the most was God's grace and mercy during a rough day.

It all started with a phone call from a friend at church. Within a few hours we had two dinners delivered to our door step and scores of folks praying for us in our church family.

Later in the evening, we had many groceries delivered to our door step from my cousin and her daughter. They drove forty five minutes from out of town to deliver us all our favorites. Thank you Mom for passing on our needs to them. God is so good and shows us through others how He is always there. Praise God for family, church family and natural family.

Merry Christmas!

...And lo the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in a city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angels a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:9-14

This Week's Deals

We had another fun shopping week at CVS. The items in the top picture are from one of two trips we made to CVS this week. We went back a second time to take advantage of the great baby soap and battery coupons Crystal shared with us at http://www.moneysavingmom.com/. Today, Dec. 23 is the last day to take advantage of those coupons! To not risk being too repetitive for those coming from Super Saving Saturday, I will just give totals:

Total of items purchased $64.24(not including our second trip for the week:)

Total out of pocket $1.00

Total Extra Care Bucks left $19.50

The second photo is of wipes purchased at Target for only $1.14 out of pocket. Thanks to Tommy and the kids for getting this deal while out Christmas shopping! They used this coupon http://www.huggieshappybaby.com/offers/target/BannerCoupon.aspx. , which is good thru 1/10/08. I hope to take advantage of this one again before it expires. Stocking up for baby due in just a few days has been fun.

Just Some Random Cuteness...

Wendy being proud of her pig tails!
Wendy posing with her snack, made by "big sister Abby". Scrambled eggs with raisins for fish face.
Lily Bug with a big GRIN!