I'm doing what?!

Yes, my friends, My sweetheart and I are going out of country. No, not just out of country for a jaunt- no, more like life altering, time sacrificing, leaving our baby behind- out of country. But, in good faith; we know- without a shadow of a doubt that this is God's plan for us. It is scary, overwhelming, and hard. Where we are going there is likely be no air-conditioning, and the temperatures will be in the 90s(F) much of the time. We must take malaria medication (most have awful side-effects), and risk contracting all sorts of unspeakable things just by being there, living and working with the people.

But, It will be well beyond worth that we can see in this lifetime. We are anticipating joy beyond measure at being a part of God's bigger plan.

I look forward to stepping back from my every-day, limited view of the world- so I can get a glimpse of what God's bigger plan for my life, our family's life, and the world is- His great plan for man-kind. I know it is much bigger than I see everyday- because I read of it daily in my devotional time. I see a God who loves all peoples of all nations- I am thrilled and awed that He is allowing me to GO on mission overseas with Him.

So, We are going, my sweetheart and I (and 3 others from our church). 30 hours of plane rides and layovers. Leaving my 20 month old in the care of my (capable) family...
I am trying to live in "be anxious about nothing..." and I am struggling. But I am excited too. God is good. He has an ultimate plan for our lives. I know that we are walking in His truth, and there in I have no fear. Let me live there Lord!

Not Me Monday

I am sharing, with the prodding of mothers around the globe, spurred on by "My Charming Kids" MckMama. ...my imperfect Monday happenings.
You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not allow my 19 month old to stay in his PJs while we ran around town doing early morning errands, while I, nare an ounce of makup on my "perfect" (read PMS ridden) face ran around trying to get groceries, hoping no-one would notice my dirty hair or reworn clothes.
I did not open up the box of granola bars whilst in the shopping cart and let him eat two, just to quiet him, and keep him from throwing things overboard. No, not me. I did not let him eat several grapes from the bag for the same purpose. No, not me.
Later, I did not put him in his crib for a second nap early, just so I could finish starting dinner, with remnants of applesauce on his shirt...no, not me.'
No, I would never do these things, for I am a perfect, selfless mother, who is clean and efficient...

Organic Coupons!

Check out this page that has several sites to find Organic Coupons!
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/foodsavings/tp/Organic_Coupons.htm

P&G coupons and samples

Register with P&G Everyday Solutions and get a P&G Brand Sampler pack with your choice of samples and coupons!
http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/pg-brandsaver-samples-coupons.jsp

Thanks, $30 Weekly Grocery Challenge!

Freebies!

National Park Weekend
All 147 National Park Service sites that charge entry fees will waive them on August 15 and 16. The fees at these parks normally cost from $3 to $25.

Free Chocolate
Every Friday from now through September, Mars is giving the first 250,000 people a coupon for free chocolate. You can choose from M&Ms, Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Twix, Dove, and Milky Way. To get your coupon, visit Mars’ Real Chocolate Relief Act site at 9 a.m.-- be on time or you’ll be out of luck!

Free itunes
NYLON magazine and iTUNES are offering 22 MP3 songs by groups featured in their magazine for download in honor of NYLON magazine’s annual June/July music issue. Check it out: Just click to download -- and listen!

Free business cards
www.freeprintablebusinesscards.net has all types of business card designs, from corporate business to animal business to nature business to kids’ business card designs. All free.

Computer camp
Starting July 13, Apple stores around America are offering a series of FOUR different three-hour workshops during which kids will be introduced to MACS and Apple software and learn how to make a movie, create a slide show, write and record a sing or craft a presentation. It’s free, but space is limited and each child is limited to two workshops this summer. For more information and an Apple workshop location near you, go to www.apple.com/retail/camp.

Birthday Freebies
Cold Stone Creamery - free ice cream by signing up for their free My Coldstone Account · California Pizza Kitchen - free kids meal during the month of their birthday if you sign up in advance of the big day · Applebee's - free dessert on your birthday · Denny's - free meal and sundae for kids under 10, if you sign up in advance · TGI Friday's - free birthday dessert with purchase of an entrée · Quizno's - free cookie on your birthday · Wendy's - free kids meal on their birthday (plus, $1 off coupon for signing up on their Web site) · Burger King - join the BK Birthday Club to get a free BK Kids Hamburger Meal coupon All of these offers are subject to change without notice, so check with your local franchise.

Thanks to Walletpop.com and Dolans.com for posting- to find more deals check them out!

Free pastry at Starbucks!

To promote their new "all natural" pastries, Starbucks is giving them out- for free! Just print this coupon to get a free pastry from Starbucks, with the purchase of any beverage until 10:30 am tomorrow!!

http://www.starbucks.com/retail/free_pastry.html

Enjoy!

Grocery Goodies

Yay for Harris Teeter! Once again, I saved over 50% on my bill... and really thought I was going to have to get some full price items- 'cause we needed them-now! But, luckly they had their "clearance" buggies out, and I was able to score some Claritin, Tylenol, vitamins, and a few odds and ends and save over 75%! I had a few nice coupons, so even some of the needed full priced items were ok, and then a few double dipping; sales plus coupons, and I was able to get all household and grocery items needed for a while. Praise God- especially in a 5 week month!

I was able to score on some 7th generation products- they are on sale, plus HT prints coupons when you buy any 7th gen. product (I have some left over from many weeks ago) So, I ended up paying less for 7th generation then for regular on sale!
It makes me feel good knowing I am able to partake in whatever small amount to the greening of my house...and my planet. Not to mention the love of not having toxic chemicals for baby to get little hands on...!

Remember to go get your free Mocha tomorrow at McDs- they are teeny- but wonderful- and free!