June 12th, 2011 
Jessica 
I was especially pleased with my Staples and Adidas coupons this week! There weren’t many freebies in the mail though…which means more for next week!
What great deals or freebies did you pick up while you were out this week?
June 9th, 2011 Jessica 
Yesterday I walked into CVS with Oliver, and we were prepared with our coupons, our list, our advertisements, and 1 ECB (Extra Care Buck) from my last trip.
First, I used my 1 ECB to buy Extra Strength Exedrin (8 ct.). I spent nothing and got 1 ECB back.
Second, I used that 1 ECB to buy Crest Pro-Health Oral Rinse using the $2/1 coupon from the 6/5 P&G insert. I spent $1.78 and got 2.5o ECBs.
Third, I used the 2.50 ECBs to buy an Oral B Pulsar using the $3/1 coupon from the 6/5 P&G insert. I spent $0.86 and got 3.00 ECBs.
Fourth, I bought Colgate MaxFresh using the $0.75/1 coupon from the 6/5 SmartSource insert. I spent $1.89 and got 2.00 ECBs.
So I spent $4.53 and made 5.00 ECBs.
Today I realized I needed diapers for Oliver. He uses disposable diapers at night.
Fifth, I used the 5.00 ECBs to buy Huggies Little Movers using the $3/1 printable coupon. I spent $1.53 ($0.05 per diaper) and got 2.00 ECBs back.
So I still have 2.00 ECBs for my next trip to CVS. Yeah!
June 9th, 2011 Jessica 
“I have been with you wherever you have gone….Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth….When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body….Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.”
“Who am I…and what is my family that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight…you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant. Is this your usual way of dealing with man…? Do as you have promised, so that your name will be great forever.”
Dear Friends,
As I have been reading the stories of Naomi, Ruth, Hannah, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan, and David, I can’t help but think about what it means to leave a legacy. I asked my students today in class, “What lessons have you learned from your parents? What lessons do you want to pass on to your children?” I can’t help but wonder the same thing, even as I ask it. What legacy will I leave for the “future of my house”? When my days are over, what will endure?
I’ve just recently finished The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, and I’ve been sharing it with my students. Pausch talks about the lessons his parents taught him about learning, story-telling, humility, fairness, optimism, selflessness, and priorities. Pausch advises his own children to “find your own path to fulfillment…don’t try to figure out what I want you to become. I want you to become what you want to become….find your way with enthusiasm and passion.” I’ve enjoyed Pausch’s thoughts, yet I feel that there is more to my legacy than moral lessons and advice. A vital relationship is missing from Pausch’s lessons.
So what legacy do I hope to leave to my children? Perhaps it is too early to think about this, but I hope that the generations of our family will seek their “Father” with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength. I hope that they will love Him with all that they are, and with each day of their lives. I hope that we will leave a legacy of trust in the One who will never let them down. I want them to pass on to their children the greatest love story ever told. I hope that they are “real” people with a real relationship with their Dad. And I hope that they are willing to share that kind of love with others. I have a feeling that I will care less about my family’s accomplishments, and more about their character. I hope they will display obedience, more than excellence. As the saying goes, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
In one of my favorite Nichole Nordeman songs, she sings:
“I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering,
A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically,
And leave that kind of legacy”
I hope my family will remember that I chose to love. I hope they will remember who I pointed my life toward, and what kind of mark I wanted to make. I hope that they see someone who gave all she had as an offering. I don’t think any great name, kingdom, or throne need remain for me. I can only hope that my life and the lives of my children and grandchildren will bring glory to the greatest name of all. Call me sentimental, idealistic, or crazy, but that’s my dream. I want to leave that kind of legacy.
“Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, “Well Done” good and faithful one…”
-Nichole Nordeman: Legacy
Love,
Jessie
June 8th, 2011 Jessica 
This morning as I was about to go grocery shopping at Food Lion, I decided to check out Money Saving Mom’s store deals. (Yes, I know, I should just go ahead and call my blog the “MSM Fan Page.”) Anyhow, If you go to Store Deals–>Regional Store Deals–>Food Lion, you can find a round-up of this week’s best deals. These deals are actually compiled by Laura from A Frugal Chick.
I saw that Duncan Hines Brownies were on sale 4 for $5.00 or 3 for $3.75. I then found the coupon Laura recommended (Buy 2 Get 1 Free) in the 6/5 Smart Source. My mom makes brownies each week for the church youth group, so I figured this would be a great deal for us. After using my MVP card at the register, I was able to get 3 boxes of Duncan Hines brownies for $0.68 each. I’ll have to remember to check the blogs before I go grocery shopping each week!
What great deals have you found recently?
June 8th, 2011 Jessica 
Dear Friends,
Brad and I have been married for almost 1,000 days. 987 to be exact.
We’ve had lots of time to think about our marriage. Of course, not as much as some couples. According to some, we’re still in the “honeymoon” phase. We hope we’ll always be there. We like to talk about our marriage. Discuss it. Analyze it. Improve it. Affirm it. I like to read books about marriage, and we discuss them together. Any movie, conversation, or question can give us days of discussion.
Our friends Peter and Shannon got married this summer. It was an opportunity to think about our own vows, about the choices we made. At various points in the process, we were asked for words of wisdom on marriage. My advice to the couple? Remember these days. Remember these moments. A wedding is a day, marriage is forever. Marriage is hard work. Never give up. Never stop trying. Look for the best in one another. Keep getting to know one another. Date each other. Smile. Laugh. Flirt. Encourage. Apologize. Forgive.
Two dating students came to us this week. I’ll call them Philip and Hannah. Philip is a good friend of Brad’s, and they often hang out together. Hannah hadn’t spoken to Philip in three weeks. During the summer apart, Hannah decided that Philip was calling too often and that she needed her “freedom.” Philip promised that he could change his temper, that they could start a new relationship, but Hannah only wanted to be friends. Philip wanted us to tell Hannah to be mature and responsible, to be honest and work things out with him.
As Brad and I tried to counsel this young dating couple, our exchanged looks spoke volumes. You can’t force love. You can’t make someone love you. Love is a choice. Both members of the couple should feel the same way about the relationship. Love does not insist that you change who you are. In love you can be yourself. Marriage is a commitment, a chosen bond. Sometimes loving someone you are dating means letting them go. Letting go often means hurt. Sometimes love means moving on. Sometimes love means hanging on. Sometimes love means fighting for it. But sometimes it doesn’t. Love isn’t always black and white. Honesty, maturity, and responsibility don’t always mean that you must stay together and get married. Sometimes it means that you go your separate ways.
Brad and I spoke afterward. What are the rules of dating? Both of us could list several predictable dating patterns and scenarios. Did we follow the rules? Both of us could list the relational mistakes we made prior to our meeting. But, did we follow the “rules” in our own relationship? Did we follow our own advice?
Hmmm. I had a crush on Brad for a year prior to dating him, during which I gave up on waiting for him to ask me out and dated two other young men consecutively (while still liking him). I asked Brad to be my swing-dancing partner, Sadie Hawkins style. Brad was wary of dating ever again and had no plans of getting to know me beyond friendship. Yet he told his closest friends that he would marry me after our second dance lesson. He proposed spontaneously after six weeks of dating, without a ring, and without asking my father first. We were married less than six months later, and a year and a half after that we were on our way to China.
No, I think it’s safe to say that we didn’t follow the rules. Would I do it again, given the same circumstances and knowledge? Yeah, I think I would. Did I do the right thing? Yes. Were there other options? Of course. Maybe I could have waited longer on Brad, maybe we could have taken it slower, maybe we could have followed a “dating plan.” Maybe we could have been more cautious and less impulsive in our courtship. Yet, as Brad pointed out, that’s all in the past. We wouldn’t be where we are today, if it weren’t for the choices we made then. We wouldn’t be married yet, or living in China, or living the life we now live. Who knows what our life would have been? Maybe we were among the few to marry while the fire of our love was still fresh and exciting. Maybe our “honeymoon” has continued because we’re still just getting to know each other. Would I really have wanted it any other way? Could we have done it differently? Sure. But then we would have missed out on this life, this present. We can’t go back and change the past. We can only live the life we are given today.
The morning after our discussion, my voice was thick with emotion. No matter what mistakes we might have made or rules we didn’t follow, I do not regret him. Never. Laying all dating strategies aside, choosing Brad was one of the best choices I have ever made, perhaps the best. Knowing him, loving him, marrying him, and growing old with him is the best decision I could have made. There is no better best friend and life partner for me. I can’t imagine a life without him, without his love, friendship, humor, passion, and enthusiasm for life. We are one, as if we always were. We always will be. In sickness and in health. Until death do us part.
So you may ask us for advice on dating and marriage if you like, but take caution. We’re imperfect people. And we certainly didn’t take our own dating advice. We didn’t really follow the “rules.” We’ve made mistakes, and we probably don’t know as much as you might think.
But next week we’ll joyfully celebrate 1,000 days of marriage, and hope for thousands more.
With Love,
Jessie
June 7th, 2011 Jessica 
8 days overdue!
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7
Dear Oliver,
Today you are nine days overdue! I certainly never thought I’d still be pregnant with you by December 13. On the other hand, I am glad that you have waited. It’s given me time to finish my Christmas shopping, write letters, bake cookies, and get over a head cold. I’ve asked my mom to take photos of me pregnant, and asked your dad to scan your 21 week sonogram photos into our computer. My mom has returned from her four day trip to Kansas, and your dad doesn’t have any substitute teaching jobs scheduled until the end of the week. So all is ready for your imminent arrival!
This year more than any other, I have been thinking about the Christmas story and especially the situation of Jesus’ family. In many ways their story is similar to ours. As Mary waited for her first son Jesus to be born, so I have waited for you to be born. She and Joseph made a long journey from Nazareth to Joseph’s hometown in Bethlehem, and your dad and I made a long journey from Minnesota to our hometown in Maryland. Although there is room for you in this inn (my parents’ home), there are only two rooms, so your first bedroom will be a large walk-in closet and your manger (bed) will be a green pack ‘n’ play. And while I don’t expect shepherds and wise men to follow a star to your bedside, you will be surrounded by loving family and friends who will no doubt shower you with Christmas gifts!
When Mary is pregnant with Jesus, she travels to the hill country of Judea to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth is delighted to see Mary and exclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” (Luke 1:42). Your dad and I feel the same way about you. Already you are a blessed child, and we feel blessed to be your parents. You are our first son, and the first grandson for all four grandparents. You are a reminder that God has remembered us, even in our humble state, and His mercy extends to all who fear Him. Generation to generation glorifies the Lord at Christmas time, as our spirits rejoice in the birth of His son. God has done many great things for us, and one of those great things is you. You will be the best Christmas gift we receive this year! We are so excited to meet you, and to share with you the greatest love story ever told: “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believed in Him would not die, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Oliver, my peacemaker, may your birth and your life always remind us of the One who gave us peace on earth.
Love Always,
Mommy and Daddy
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” Luke 1:46-50
June 6th, 2011 Jessica 
A few years ago, Brad and I heard about Advanced Formula Ultra Plus Laundry Detergent. It’s a high efficiency detergent, requiring less dosage and less waste to recycle. It has 275 washes for every box. Unfortunately, it also has a steep price tag: $28.61 per box (including tax). We’re glad that it lasts so long!
So when Brad went to purchase a box at Sears last week, the person at the register asked him if he would like to subscribe to a Sears Master Card. We don’t usually use credit cards, but this time Brad made an exception. With the Sears Master Card, the laundry detergent cost only $13.61. We saved $15!
I called Sears a few days later and paid the bill over the phone at no cost. Then I went ahead and cancelled the credit card during the same phone call.
Over my lifetime, I’ve had a number of Sears credit cards that I cancelled immediately after subscribing. I don’t advocate the use of credit cards, but on occasion I have used them for a special deal like this.
Do you use any credit cards for special rewards?
June 6th, 2011 Jessica 
Dear Naomi,
As you have grown from a tiny infant into a 17-month-old toddler, you have made every day an adventure for your father and me. Activities that were once mundane are now exciting with you along for the ride! You are a little sponge, soaking up every word and experience with enthusiasm and joy. You constantly make us laugh and smile at your antics and expressions. You eat with gusto, you shriek with laughter, you give big hugs and blow kisses, you greet every day with a smile, and every stranger with an enthusiastic wave of “hi!” and “bye!” You climb in an out of the dog’s crate, lounge on the dogs, share food with them, and run around with dog toys in your hand so that they’ll chase you (shrieking the entire time). You “tickle” our bellies and feet with your little fingers and flash your teeth in a grin when grandma reminds you to “chew with your teeth!” Your father and I are your fascinated students, and you are our eager teacher.
With each day your vocabulary expands: “dog” and “kitty” are probably your favorite words after “ma” and “da.” But you also love “baby” and “belly,” guinea “pigs” and “books,” and putting on “socks” and “shoes.” You love yelling “Josh!” to my brother, taking a “bath”, riding in the “car,” going “outside,” and playing with a “ball.” You eagerly get your “chair” to climb up to the countertops, or your “bib” when it’s time to eat. You ask for “water” when you’re thirsty, “bananas” and “cereal” for breakfast, and “cheese” and “grapes” for lunch. You even say “poop” when I change your diaper! You say “ooohh…” and “wow…” and “woah…” when something impresses you. You “dance, dance” to music, and “rock, rock” on the rocking chair, and talk and sing to yourself when you play alone. You say “BOO!” when you surprise us, and then erupt into giggles. Often times we are the only ones who can understand you, but your pronunciation improves daily. We also enjoy your long babbling sentences in foreign languages that no one understands but you!
Sometime this week you will get to meet your little brother. I know that you will love him very much, and be a big help in taking care of him. You love to help us, and you love babies, so I know you will love him very much. I want you to know that we will not love you any less because there are two of you. That is the best thing about love…when it is divided, it multiplies! There will be even more love in our home with four of us. We will love each of you in a special way, because each of you is unique. You have brought so much joy to our lives already, and made all our difficult days bearable. You help us to find joy in simplicity, to remember what is valuable, and to see the world as fresh and new again. Thank you for teaching us to be parents, and for making every day brighter with your presence. We love you!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
June 5th, 2011 Jessica 
THE INSPIRATION: Earlier this spring, Money Saving Mom posted a FREE Drawstring Dress pattern for Dolls, originally posted by Liberty Jane Clothing. I have wanted to learn how to sew for some time now, so I saved the dress pattern to my computer.
THE TEACHER: On Tuesday, I called up my friend Shirley from church. Shirley is an accomplished seamstress, and has helped my sisters with their sewing. She once worked for a costume shop and has frequently designed costumes, quilts, and art-works for the church. She also babysits her grandson Aeden, who is about 6 months older than Naomi. So we decided to make Friday our sewing/play-date. Thankfully my mom and sister were also available to help with the three little ones!
THE MATERIALS: My materials were all FREE. I borrowed my sister Karilyn’s sewing machine and sewing box, and I borrowed my Dad’s extension cords. I borrowed my Mom’s scissors, and we cut up one of her old maternity dresses for fabric. Shirley also brought along some scrap material that she didn’t need anymore.
THE LESSON: Since I had very little experience in sewing (middle school home economics, anyone?), Shirley began with a lesson that she recently taught to her 4-H students. With her help, I made a little pin-cushion pillow out of 5 small squares of hand-dyed cloth.
THE DRESS: Although I thought the dress would only take a couple hours, it was four hours before we said goodbye. It was really good to learn how to read the pattern and the instructions alongside a professional. Shirley was very helpful and patient, and I learned a lot more than I would have on my own. Plus, I’m sure it would have taken me 8 hours if I were working alone! When the dress was done, I added buttons and a ribbon as the finishing touches.
THE MENDING: Whenever I attempt to sew, anyone nearby will offer up their clothes for mending too. Since I was at the sewing machine, Brad and my Dad brought me two shirts and two pairs of pants to sew.
NAOMI’S REACTION: Naomi was delighted with the new “dress”! She promptly brought me another naked doll, and said, “dress?”
SUMMARY: I was thrilled with my accomplishments! I feel more confident now to try sewing other items. I also saved money by repairing our clothing instead of buying new clothing. In addition, it was also a great opportunity to spend some time getting to know more about Shirley and Aeden. Now that I’m an amateur seamstress, I’ll have to try these other FREE doll dress patterns from Liberty Jane Clothing!
June 5th, 2011 Jessica 
Here are some fun memories from the last 4 months!
September 23, 2010
I went to The Great Frederick Fair this evening with my parents and my brother Josh. It brought back many memories from my childhood. Naomi loved the chickens, rabbits, tractors, and food, though I think the pigs worried her. It was a lot of fun!
September 24, 2010
I have discovered that Naomi loves flounder, tilapia, clams, mussels, and crab. Despite spending most of her life in Minnesota or China, she’s a Marylander at heart!
October 4, 2010
I spent this rainy morning taking Naomi to the Thurmont Library for “Babies ‘N’ Books.” I think she enjoyed the toys more than anything else, especially the wooden doll house with all its miniature people and furniture.
October 4, 2010
Naomi has already perfected the art of feeding my parents’ dogs from the high chair, dissolving into giggles every single time!
October 7, 2010
Naomi loves the slide at the Thurmont Town Park!
October 16, 2010
I was getting 15-month-old Naomi ready for her bath and had her undressed down to her diaper. Now she is walking around our hotel room with a shirt and a pair of her dad’s shorts around her neck, a pair of her pants on her head, and his size 13 soccer shoes on her feet.
October 23, 2010
I took Naomi to the Pumpkin Patch today. She’s been watching Josh play basketball in the backyard here so, in her own words, every pumpkin was a “ball.”
November 4, 2010
I subbed for Elementary PE today. Best question of the day? 1st Grader: “How did the baby get in your stomach?” Other 1st Grader (before I could answer): “Duh, it grew there!”
November 5, 2010
I love cooking with Naomi by my side. She sees me getting out ingredients and rushes for her little chair, pushes it up to the counter, climbs up next to me, insists on having a spoon, and of course sampling whatever I’m making.
November 7, 2010
I fell asleep this afternoon on the couch in one room while Naomi played in the next room with Brad. I was rudely awakened when she wandered in and slammed a square cork coaster down on the bridge of my nose. I’m now sporting some nice bruises and a scratch on my nose: the badges of motherhood!
November 10, 2010
I made Amish Friendship Soup and Pasta E Fagioli Soup for dinner, thanks to some soup mixes my mom received recently as gifts. Naomi also helped me to make brownies for the youth group (A.K.A. She watched and licked the spoon!)
November 13, 2010
Naomi was 16-months-old last week, and it appears that she has finally transitioned to one nap per day. She’s such a great kid… only 3 more weeks until her little brother rocks her world!
November 30, 2010
I looked up from my work to find our 16-month-old carrying handful after handful of potting soil from a flower pot in the kitchen to where she was steadily blanketing my parents’ sleeping golden retriever with it. Naomi is certainly an industrious child!
December 5, 2010
Naomi pulled the top off of the air conditioning vent and dropped a couple orange slices inside. I reached inside to pull them out, and found a DEAD MOUSE in my hand. Never a dull moment!
December 10, 2010
I used the bathroom earlier, where I was joined by a curious toddler and four dogs. You can’t beat this kind of popularity!
December 12, 2010
Naomi thinks all brushes are hairbrushes. This evening I found her in the bathroom, brushing her hair with the toilet brush. Eeeewww….
