Praise God!

Just got the call from our adoption agency and they have waived the required trip to Michigan! Praise God. We will send in all of our home study paperwork Tuesday of next week (Lord willing) and go from there! Thank you Lord and thank you for all of your prayers!

Because He Is... I will.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

He is God, the Creator of all. The One who holds the universe together. The One who holds me together. The One who will weave our baby together.

I will trust Him when I can not see the path before me. In the darkness He will be my guide. As I grope to find the next step, my hand will reach for His. Because He is. I will.

Prayer Request

The agency we are using for our adoption requires a trip to Michigan by Dane and I to begin the adoption process. They are in the process of setting it up to do the 3 hour informational meeting via a live internet feed, however, they aren't sure when that will be. Please join us in praying that the Lord would grant us favor and that this wouldn't be a hurdle for us, but that somehow we can get around travelling to Michigan.

Everything Rides on Hope Now

2.14.11
So today is the day, the day we sent in our preliminary application for adoption. I was struck with butterflies this morning at the excitement yet anxiousness of doing this. I ran after Dane as he was leaving for work and asked him to pray over mailing the application. I knew he already had, but I just needed him to do it again, I needed him to remind me Who we were trusting. I teared up during his prayer when he thanked God "for allowing us to take part in the work of Your kingdom by bringing home an orphan." Even know my eyes are welling up with tears knowing by faith that God has our baby in mind. I fell asleep last night praying all the situations out. Praying for our baby's mom, whereever she is, whatever she is doing, whatever she is going through. Chances are she hasn't even become pregnant yet... talk about weird, praying in faith about something and someone who hasn't even happened yet. How awesome though to know that God knows each of our stories from the beginning of time.

So after Dane left this morning the words to a song popped in my head. I finally googled the song as I wasn't sure he sang it. Apparently it's called "Hope Now" and from Addision Road. Singing it today as we drop our heart in a mailbox and ride on hope and faith in a God who is so much bigger than we will ever comprehend.

Hope Now-

If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of
When I call out Your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm Yours

I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter my from the storm

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

I am not my own
I've been carried by you all my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

You've become my hearts desires
I will sing Your praises higher
Your love sets me free
(Your love sets me free)
Your love sets me free
(You love sets me free)
Your love sets me free

Our New Journey

For eleven years I hoped to share two little words with those I love, and finally I get to:

We're pregnant! 

Paper pregnant that is... we have officially begun the adoption process. I've always thought that adoption was an incredible thing. I watched friends and other blogger's journey through adoption, but I've just never felt as though it is what the Lord has called us too. We have wanted to have more children since April 2000, two weeks after Dane had his vasectomy. I've shed so many tears, and prayed so many prayers. In December of 2008 we took the step of having a vasectomy reversal done. My hope was truly renewed and I truly thought that I would be pregnant within months. However, that was not what God had planned for us. 

At the turn of the year I shared a note on Facebook looking toward the coming year. I wrote the following: 

There are things we pray for and hope for this year, mainly another baby, but we know as always, God has His plans, and we will rest in that. 

Little did I know that the next day adoption would enter our lives. I won't go into the details of that story right now, but I will soon. When we moved to our current area  I blogged much of that journey and am encouraged looking back and all the Lord did to confirm and encourage us in His will. I want the same thing for this journey. I know there will be ups and downs, but I know that God is in control:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
      And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
      When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
      Nor shall the flame scorch you. Isaiah 43:2

Top Rite Aid Deals This Week... plus Target and Wal-Mart

Just thought I'd post the deals I plan to hit up this week at Rite-Aid, and since I plan on heading to the "city"  I thought I'd throw in my top picks from Target and Wal-Mart. These are mostly compiled from Hip2Save.com, so stop in to her blog and give some love.

Rite Aid

Single Check Rebates

Curel Body Lotion 7.5 oz. or 13 oz. $5.99
Get a $5.49 Single Check Rebate #6 when you buy both Sensitive Skin Remedy, 7.5 oz AND Targeted Therapy Hand Lotion 3.5 oz
Deal Scenario:
Buy 1 Curel Sensitive Skin Remedy 7.5 oz on sale for $5.99
Buy 1 Curel Targeted Therapy Hand Lotion 3.5 oz $5.49 (based on online price)
Total $11.48
Use 2 $2/1 coupons from the 10/10 SS
Pay $7.48
Get back a $5.49 SCR
Final Cost $1 each!

Kendall Gauze or Pads 10 ct., Bandages 10-24 ct. or Bandage Roll 2/$7
Get a $3 Single Check Rebate #77 (when you buy 2)
Use 2 $2.50/1 coupons found here (All You exclusive coupon)
Pay $2
Get back a $3 Single Check Rebate
Final cost FREE + a $1 moneymaker!

St. Ives Apricot Scrub, Collagen Moisturizer or Naturally Clear Cleanser or Scrub $3.99
Get a $3 Single Check Rebate #64 (valid 10/31-11/6 only!)
Use the $1/1 lotion coupon from the 9/19 SS (expires 10/31!)
Final Cost FREE!

SOYJOY Nutritional Bars 1.05 oz. 10/$7
Deal Scenario:
Use 5 Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupons from the All You October Magazine (there is also a Buy 2 Get 1 Free coupon from the 10/3 SS or a $2/10 coupon from the 8/22 SS)
Use the $1/5 November Video Values coupon
Final Cost $0.25 each!

Combos, Burger King, Chex Mix, Bugles, Gardettos or TGI Fridays Snacks 2/$3

Deal Scenario #1:
Buy 2 Chex Mix 2/$3
Use 2 $0.50/1 coupons found here or here
Pay $2
Get a $1 +Up Reward (when you buy 2)
Final Cost $0.50 each!

Deal Scenario #2:
Buy 2 packages of Combos 2/$3
Use the $1/2 coupon from the 9/12 RP
Pay $2
Get a $1 +Up Reward (when you buy 2)
Final cost $0.50 each!

 

Folgers, Chock Full O’ Nuts, Yuban Coffee or Splenda or Coffeemate $2.99
Deal Scenario #1:
Buy 1 Folgers Coffee 10.3-11.3 oz. $2.99
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 10/10 RP
Get a $1 +Up Reward
Final Cost $0.99!

Select Kellogg’s or Kashi Cereals or Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars 2/$4.88
Use the $1/2 Nutri-Grain bars coupon found here
Or use the various $1/2 Kellogg’s cereal coupons found here
Get a $2 +Up Reward (when you buy 2)
Final Cost $0.94 each!'

Clark, Hershey’s or Reese’s Single Serve Candy Bars 2/$0.88
Deal Scenario:
Buy 2 Hershey’s Bliss Bars 2/$88 (if this variety is available)
Use 2 $0.55/1 coupons from the 9/26 SS
Final Cost 2 for free!

CoverGirl Foundation, Powder, Concealer or Blush Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Deal Scenario:
Buy 2 CoverGirl Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush 0.4 oz. $10.49 each
Use the $5/2 coupon from the 10/10 PG
Final Cost $2.75 each!

Crest Toothpaste 4-6.2 oz., Oral-B 3D, Advantage or Stage Toothbrush or Scope 250 ml. $2.27
Deal Scenario:
Buy 1 Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste $2.27
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 9/26 PG (expires 10/31!) or the 10/31 PG
Use the $1/1 coupon from the Rite Aid Flu Coupon Booklet
Final Cost $0.27!*
* Spend $20 or more on select P&G products and Get a coupon for FREE Vicks Nyquil or Dayquil 10 oz. liquid or 20 ct. liquicaps redeemable on your next purchase

Gillette Fresh Collections Deodorant, Body Wash or Old Spice Body Spray 2/$7
Deal Scenario:
Buy 2 Gillette Deodorant 2/$7
Use 2 $2/1 coupons from the 10/31 PG
Final Cost $1.50 each!*
* Spend $20 or more on select P&G products and Get a coupon for a FREE Vicks Nyquil or Dayquil 10 oz. liquid or 20 ct. liquicaps redeemable on your next purchase

Tylenol Adult Liquid 8 oz., Advil Congestion Relief 10 ct., Benadryl Adult 24 ct. or Children’s 4 oz. $4.99
Deal Scenario:
Buy 1 Advil Congestion Relief 10 ct. $4.99
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 9/12 RP or 9/26 RP
Use the $1/1 October Video Values coupon or November Video Values coupon
Pay $2.99
Get a $1 +Up Reward
Final Cost $1.99!

Theraflu Value Packs or Triaminic Value Packs $7.99
Deal Scenario:
Buy 1 Theraflu Max-D Severe Cold & Flu Value Pack $7.99
Use the $2/1 coupon from the 10/17 SS
Pay $5.99
Get a $2 +Up Reward
Final Cost $3.99!

Any Icy Hot, Aspercreme or Capzasin No Mess 1 oz. $5.99
Deal Scenario:
Buy 1 Icy Hot No Mess Vaporgel $5.99
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 10/3 SS
Use the $1/1 October Video Values coupon
Pay $3.99
Get a $1 +Up Reward
Final Cost $2.99!

Clean & Clear Skin Care Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off

Deal Scenario (based on online price):
Buy 2 Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub 5 oz. $4.99 each
Use 2 $2/1 coupons found here
Pay $3.49
Get a $2 +Up Reward (when you buy 2)
Final Cost $0.75 each!

Colgate Total Toothpaste 4.2 oz., AquaFresh Toothpaste 5.6-6.4 oz., Colgate 360 or AquaFresh Toothbrush Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Deal Scenario:
Buy 2 Colgate Total toothpaste 4.2 oz.
Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 10/10 SS (expires 10/31) or 10/31 SS
Use the $1/1 November Video Values coupon
Final Cost ? (should be free or close to it!)

Eucerin or Aquaphor Skin Care Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off
Deal Scenario (based on online prices):
Buy 2 Eucerin Original Moisturizing Creme 2 oz. $5.29 each
Use 2 $1/1 coupons found here
Final Cost $2.97 each!*
*Spend $30 on products on page 7 of the weekly ad and Get a $5 +Up Reward

Colgate Total Advanced 5.8 oz., Total 7.8 oz. or Sensitive 6 oz. Toothpaste $2.99
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 10/10 SS (expires 10/31) or 10/31 SS
Use the $1/1 November Video Values coupon
Final Cost $0.99!*
*Spend $30 on products on page 7 of the weekly ad and Get a $5 +Up Reward

Tide Laundry Detergent 2X Liquid 50 oz., Powder 70 oz. or Stain Release 18 ct. $5.88

Use the $3/1 stain release coupon from the 9/26 PG (expires 10/31!)
Pay $2.88
Get a $1 +Up Reward
Final Cost $1.88!

Febreze Air Effects 9.7 oz., Noticeables Warmer or Set & Refresh Air Freshener $2.49
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 10/31 PG
Pay $1.49
Get a $1 +Up Reward
Final Cost $0.49!

Select products from Downy, Bounce, Tide, Swiffer and Cascade $3.99
Deal Scenario:
Buy 1 Tide Stain Release 20 oz. $3.99
Use the $2/1 coupon from the 10/31 PG
Pay $1.99
Get a $1 +Up Reward
Final Cost $0.99!

Dawn or Joy Dish Liquid 9.5-12.6 oz. or Puffs Facial Tissues 56-108 ct. $0.99
Use the $1/1 Dawn Hand Renewal coupon from the Organize in Style coupon booklet (if included)
(Or use the $0.25/1 Dawn coupon from the 9/26 PG– expires 10/31!)
Final Cost as low as FREE!

____________________________
Target


Buy 3 TGI Friday’s Skillet Meals on sale buy 2 at $5.99 get one FREE
Total = $11.98
Use the $4/2 Target store coupon found here
Plus, stack with 3 $2/1 coupons from the 9/26 SS
Final cost ONLY $0.66 each! What an awesome price!

Stove Top Stuffing $1 each
Use the $0.50/2 Target store coupon found here
Plus, stack with the $1/2 coupon found here (click on the “Coupons” tab– upper right side)
Final cost only $0.25 each!





Pepperidge Farm Soft Baked Cookies $2.50
Use the $1/1 coupon found here
Plus, stack with the $1/2 Target peelie coupon found on the cookies
Final cost $1 each!
**Keep your eyes peeled for Try Me Free Rebate offer peelies, too!
(Thanks, Heather!)


Glade Holiday Gift Card Deal Scenarios…
Scenario #1
Buy 10 Glade Holiday Jar Candles $2.50 each
Total = $25.00
Use 5 buy one get one free coupons from the 9/26 SS
Pay $12.50
Get back 2 $5 Target gift cards
Final cost ONLY $0.25 each!
Scenario #2:
Buy 5 Glade Holiday Scented Oil Glass Candle Holders $2.50 each
Total = $12.50
Use 5 $1/1 coupons from the 10/3 SS
Pay $7.50
Get back a $5 Target gift card
Final cost only $0.50 each!
*Don’t forget to buy additional items due to the Target gift card glitch.
 
Miracle Whip 12 oz $1.71 (Price Cut thru 11/20)
Use the $1/2 Kraft Products (Miracle Whip included) Target coupon found here
Plus, stack with 2 $1/1 Miracle Whip coupons found here (click on “Coupon” tab)
Final cost only $0.42 for 2!

Wrigley’s 5 Sugar Free 15 ct Single Pack of Gum $0.97
Use the $0.75/1 Target Mobile coupon
Final cost only $0.22!


Buy 2 Select P&G items = $5 Target gift card
Buy 2 Olay Refreshing Toners $2.84 each
Pay $5.68
Get back a $5 Target gift card
Final cost only $0.68 for both items (and no coupons needed!)
*Also, the Olay Gentle Foaming Wash is priced at just $3.50, so Only $1 each after you buy 2 and get back the $5 Target gift card!

Olay Beauty Bar (Single Bar) $0.97
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 10/31 PG
Final cost FREE!





Air Wick 40 Hour Candle Cherry Tart or Warming Spice Only $2.99
Use the $2/1 coupon from the 10/24 SS or found here
Final cost only $0.99!


________________________
Walmart


Olay/Secret Deal
Buy 1 Olay Body Wash 24 oz (Nice size!) on roll back for $5
Buy 1 Travel size Secret Deodorant $0.97
Total = $5.97
Use the $5/1 Select Olay product with Secret purchase coupon from the 10/31 PG
Final cost ONLY $0.97 for both items!

Kikkoman Soy Sauce (10 oz.) $1.42
Use the $1/1 coupon found here
Final cost only $0.42!

Del Monte Canned Vegetables $0.60
Use the $1/5 coupon from the 9/19 RP
Final cost only $0.40 per can!

Progress and History

We have been reading Diary of an Early American Boy for our science studies this year. It is definitely a boy's sorta book. The author includes his thoughts often reflecting on society and our supposed progress. I thought I'd share two that particularly spoke to me and got me thinking.

It is not that such information is no longer known or that we have not progressed immensely in our knowledge; the pertinent fact is that the average person doesn't know such things because they arr not necessary information. A child today might say, "Why would I want to know if there is an eclipse unless I may see it?" But Benjamin Franklin observed that "knowing only what is necessary, makes living dull and marks the regression of learning."Noah couldn't see it, for it occurred on the opposite side of the earth, yet he shows more interest that the average schoolboy of today... p.74.

Another favorite excerpt:

One time a young boy visited a museum of early American things. There were ladies' bustles and men's wigs and other obsolete things. There were tremendous planes and broadaxes that appeared much too heavy for actual use. There were whole aisles of kitchen equipment and farm tools that no one would dare to use now. To the boy, it all looked very much like a neatly arranged and well-cared-for junk yard. He wasn't quite sure what was meant by the title "Americana": all he could think of was, "How dreary life must have been in those days and how unhappy the people must have been, and how glad I am that I live today instead of then."

   I am sure that whoever collected and arranged those things did so to excite admiration for the old days;  he would have been very displeased with the boy's reaction. yet I cannot blame the boy, for just as in so many museums of early Americana, the chief attraction of the pieces was made to be just old age. 

   Even now (for I was the little boy), I can feel no reverence for old age. Respect is not due older people for their age and wrinkles or gray hair; respect is due them simply for the things they have learned and the their extra years of experience.

The old-time craftsmen would have been the very first to have junked crude or obsolete things, so why should we seek them and collect them for display as examples of early America life? Indeed, there are ugly things in all ages which should be discarded and forgotten. Only the good things either the past or the present are worthy of collection.

    The good things of the past were not so often articles as they were the manner in which people lived or the things that the people thought. - from the Author's Note