I really need to take the time to put some pictures on here. Having a limited budget really can make life hard some times. But Lately I've been recycling old cardboard by building stuff.
No we're not living in boxes. I'm not sitting on or eating off of cardboard (ye-uck). I have built a number of can rotation bins for my canned goods. I'll have to link to the originals later. I've modified the original pattern to fit my shelves and they are awesome! Simon loves to pull the cans out and put them in the top.
For Elisabeth, I built a cabinet to go with her stove Daddy made, complete with silverware drawer. It's pretty cool - it'll be better after I make it so the door closes. She loves it and actually (believe me, it's true!) puts her toy food and dishes away!!!!
So today, after buying some toothpaste and shampoo on sale, but not yet needing it, I decided I need someplace to store it. I built a shelf and "drawer" for the under-sink cabinet in my bathroom. I still need to paint it, but I think it's so-o-o-o cool!
Yes, I know I need help; if you don't know that by now then you don't know me.
But seriously, I could easily spend $100 or more on what has cost me about $5 in good wood glue and my own labor. Brent has brought most of the cardboard home from work (his boss thinks I'm weird, too). Isn't that a much better use of my time than playing some computer game? The best part is my four-year old trying to help me and build her own things right next to me. She even helped paint her cabinet. Sometimes, I am frustrated with her help, but I'm glad she's learning.
I have been blessed with a great imagination; I am glad that I have a constructive way to put it to use (subtle pun). The many ways the Lord has blessed me is astounding, and I am frequently amazed by the variety. Now, I just need to put them back into His service.
Arts and Crafts at my house, anyone?
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
No Comparison
Life can be really hard sometimes, especially if we start comparing ourselves to others. It's easy to forget the blessings we have. I was just reading a post from The Frugal Find blog (This post). I understand the need for help to provide when times get tough, but seeing just how much more some people have for basic necessities was upsetting.
But then I have to look at my blessings. My husband works hard, and we don't need help to make ends meet. He is an amazing man. He helps around the house and spends time with our children. He is also very supportive and understanding. I wish more people could have spouses like him.
We have six beautiful children. Life may be tough and at times very tight, but we support them ourselves. They are intelligent kids. They sure complain about having to help around the house, but they are learning to work. Watching them learn and grow and become who they will be is fulfilling. I wish more people could feel those accomplishments.
My parents were amazing. Sure, there are things I think they could have done differently or better, but they did teach me to work hard and to be responsible. They taught me to plan and to budget. I learned to put needs before wants. But they also taught me to enjoy life. They still teach me so much and have been one of the greatest examples in my life. I wish more parents were like them.
I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I know he is my Savior and wants me to become the most I am capable of becoming. I know he'll help me achieve that by turning my weaknesses in to strengths. And he provides the path to change my life, to fix my mistakes and become a better me. He paid a great price for me. It doesn't really matter how much others do, believe, receive, or achieve. I'm not them and they aren't me. God loves me for who I am. I know that. I wish more people could have this comfort.
I'm very blessed to be me. I have a great life. My life is beautiful. I have a lot that others do not. When all is said and done, it's upsetting that more people can't experience the joy I know, because I truly have been blessed with the basic necessities of life.
But then I have to look at my blessings. My husband works hard, and we don't need help to make ends meet. He is an amazing man. He helps around the house and spends time with our children. He is also very supportive and understanding. I wish more people could have spouses like him.
We have six beautiful children. Life may be tough and at times very tight, but we support them ourselves. They are intelligent kids. They sure complain about having to help around the house, but they are learning to work. Watching them learn and grow and become who they will be is fulfilling. I wish more people could feel those accomplishments.
My parents were amazing. Sure, there are things I think they could have done differently or better, but they did teach me to work hard and to be responsible. They taught me to plan and to budget. I learned to put needs before wants. But they also taught me to enjoy life. They still teach me so much and have been one of the greatest examples in my life. I wish more parents were like them.
I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I know he is my Savior and wants me to become the most I am capable of becoming. I know he'll help me achieve that by turning my weaknesses in to strengths. And he provides the path to change my life, to fix my mistakes and become a better me. He paid a great price for me. It doesn't really matter how much others do, believe, receive, or achieve. I'm not them and they aren't me. God loves me for who I am. I know that. I wish more people could have this comfort.
I'm very blessed to be me. I have a great life. My life is beautiful. I have a lot that others do not. When all is said and done, it's upsetting that more people can't experience the joy I know, because I truly have been blessed with the basic necessities of life.
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