Frugal

         
             One of the things I pride myself upon is finding deals and saving money! Loving to shop and being frugal can be accomplished with some parameters. Let me be clear- I like nice things and I like getting people nice things. I wish I could buy everyone the most expensive gift they want but right now I have to live in my means. Until the Lord chooses to entrust me with a larger income,  I'm very content with off brands and taking extra time to find a good deal. To be honest, I do not think a whole lot about where my food or products are made. My value system does not include going green, buying certain foods in season, or sticking it to big name companies like Wal-mart because they are taking over the world. I value saving a dollar. 

Here are some ways I save money.

1. SHOPPING EARLY- Whether it be Christmas, baby shower, wedding, or birthday. I make sure to shop way in advance. For example, the earlier you shop a baby or bridal registry, the more likely you are to find something on it that you can afford, even if its only a spatula. Personally, the Christmas shopping scene overwhelms me. I love being in the malls during Christmas time but hate the pressure to find that one gift. I believe retail stores mark up their items during the Holidays then just put a SALE sign tops to trick people into buying. I'm not convinced you save a lot with "Holiday Sales".

2. OFF BRANDS- Some of the stores I buy off brands in are Hy-vee brand, Wal-mart brand, and Aldi's. While I do like Fareway, it hard to find off brands so I feel like I'm spending the same money at stores with an alternative brand. Things like paper products, bread, granola bars, milk, cheese and chips are a few items I think are all the same. I'm sure many will disagree which I can understand. For example, I don't buy anything but Hidden Valley Ranch.

3. COUPONS- This is a no brainer. I personally just look at the weekly sales ad. Sometimes I will use manufacturers coupons but I don't think they are really a great deal. I would just buy the off brand and save more than using a coupon on name brand. Although I've come to realize their deals are dwindling, every year I buy an Entertainment book. Really good buy one get one free deals for restaurants! Also remember that many places will accept competitors coupons. I interchange coupons between JoAnn's Fabric's and Hancock Fabric's all the time.

4. CONSIGNING- I love consignment stores! My new favorite is Stuff Etc in Ankeny. I bring the items in and then receive 40% of the selling price. The only downside is that it not immediate cash; you have to wait until your items sell. I also have bought a lot of toys and books at consignment stores. Even a few weeks ago I got brand new Crest floss for 99 cents. Many people do not feel like they get a good deal at consignment stores especially for children's clothes- this is why I start by posting my items on Facebook Swap pages. (I'll get there in a minute)

5. GARAGE SALE - Live up Saturday mornings! I went garage saling at least every other weekend this summer, even if it was only one garage sale. Try bartering for items but try to remember the Golden Rule. "Barter the way you want to be bartered with" - aka don't rip people off or low ball them.

6. FACEBOOK SWAPS- For those of you who have never heard of a Facebook Swap, these are groups on Facebook specific to cities that give you an opportunity to post pictures of items and sell them. You post the pictures into the group and list a price. The first person to comment on the photo may come pick it up from your house or you can meet somewhere. You control the price so people feel like they are getting a better return on their items. Beware though these groups have VERY specific rules, are a safety risk, and can be breeding ground for arguments.

Happy Savings!

Books!!

Being a teacher, you might think that I love reading. Well I do, but only if they have pictures- I'm serious!

High School and College killed my love of reading chapter books and especially non-fiction. My non-fiction reading mostly takes place on the internet. This is rare but usually stems from something I hear on the radio or see on tv. Immediately, I google the topic to find out more information. I prefer trusty websites like Wikipedia!

Perfect and enjoyable reading for me is under 20 minutes and swells up my heart with only happy emotions. Love - Humor - Cuteness - Compassion - Victory

So here are some of my most favorite books or ones that have helped me immensely in my time of need.

 

Favorite Board Book-I read it like a song because it has nice simple poetry. Also toddlers love to dance with the characters.

Favorite picture book- I always thought this story was so creative. Captures my attention every time. I even feel bad for the Wolf when I head the story of the 3 Little Pigs!

 

 

 

 

Chapter Book- Do I even need to explain myself? We all wanted to be them!

 

 

 

 

Woman's Book- Although I think it is a hard book to get through because it is not very exciting- I remember making personal connections to this book for the next year. Great lessons!

Christian Book- Whether you take this figuratively or literally - This book challenged me to examine my theology. No I don't think God is a large black lady but the emotions I had attached to each member of the trinity were inaccurate. It made me search scripture to investigate what God actually thinks of me and I discovered his tenderness!

Pregnancy Book- I read this before we got pregnant. It boosted my faith tremendously. Without this encouragement to give my conception, pregnancy, and pain to God in prayer, I don't even know if I would have had my son. Some parts of this book might not be for everyone but there are awesome truths in this book about pregnancy and conception. 

Non-Fiction - This is one of the few non-fiction books I've read. It tells you everything to what is in the vaccine, why people do or don't get the vaccine, and what diseases the shots are preventing. Also it gives you the statistics for contracting the disease and risk of seizures after the shot. No matter your beliefs- You need just as much faith to believe that God will protect your child against diseases without shots as you need faith that God will protect your child from harmful side effects of vaccines.

Happy Reading!!!

River, Riv, Rivey

River is changing like crazy. For one, he has baby tantrums consisting of arching his back and screaming. He chooses to share most of these emotions with his mother. Pre-pregnancy, I was overly confident about my future parenting skills. Between teaching and nanning I thought I had it all figured out- not true. We've tried different things to discipline him but he just laughs at us.

Mover- He loves to move and is frustrated that he can't do it on his own. He can do a 360 scooting his arms but he has no legs power. His favorite place is his walker or standing with support from mom or dad. Recently he was in his walker in the living room. I was in his room calling his name. He found his way back to me in 5 minutes and gave me huge smile when he found me.

Why do parents even buy toys? River's current favorite toys are Tupperware, plastic bottles, the remote, cell phones, and paper. Every other trip to the grocery stores involves him chewing or tearing up my shopping list. He squeals loud until he gets it into his hands. The nice things about having a lower quality tv is that the remote only works if you point to the sensor. Therefore, River can play with the remote without changing channels.

That's a little glimpse into the Vande Zandschulp home with a 7 month old boy!

Christmas Card Preview

A Little Spare Time

This I made for Christmas from Grandma's old Button Jars!

Wetbags for cloth diapering on the go- if you don't mind uneven lines and a zipper that only half opens- I'm your seamstress!

God Always Likes You

Last night I got home after conferences so excited to see River. It had been a long day with work and conferences in the evening. Dave had warned me that River was exhausted but he would hold him off on bedtime until I got home. So when I got home, River gave me a small smile then immediately started crying when he got into my arms. Getting him to sleep was a mixture of fussiness, screaming, sitting then standing, and on and off nursing. Normally this would have been a bad end to a long day but for some reason I was just elated to be with my son. Then I began to think about God. I struggle with believing that God is always disappointed with me when I'm emotional. As I held River , I felt like God was telling me, I always delight in you- even when you are emotional. It was like a smile from Heaven reminding me there is nothing I can do to make God not like me. He likes me/you and delights in me no matter how I'm acting that day :)

Baby Essentials at the VZ Home

Aden and Anais blankets have been lifesavers!!! During our four month nursing fight, this was one of the only ways I could get River to nurse. He loves it near his face for feeding and sleeping. We don't go anywhere without one.

Bum Genius Diapers are reusable diapers. I use them a couples times a week and then throw them into the washing machine. Every time I use them I save about 20 cents which adds up over time.

This I use a couple times a week when River wakes up congested. The nasal aspirator would be great too if River wouldn't fight me. It is the best booger sucker I've found besides the hospital ones.

You're probably confused. Unlike most moms with a 6 month old, I still get up about four times a night. I use these push lights when I get up to nurse River back to sleep--- perfect amount of light!

River currently does not like the high chair so we feed him in the bumbo. Also I think it helped him with head control and now trying to sit up. Disclaimer to new moms: it doesn't work as a bath seat in standing water.

I LOVE CHILDREN'S BOOKS!!! And now I believe my son does too. He grabs for it every time we read and is very talkative when you put a bath book in his hands. I like to think he is reading in all that babble.

Sophie the Giraffe- River first discovered her at daycare. It is a rubber toy that is great for teethers. Apparently everyone in Europe gets these for their babies. Yes, they are a little expensive for my taste but he LOVES it.

I'm sure with each new stage of life we will have another "essential" list.

River's Birth Story Part 3

The midwife rushes in and I begin to push as she get everything ready. More people began to fill the room. I remember the anesthesiologist popping his head in. I probably was thinking at that point “you are worthless.” Also I remember the baby warmer being set into place. Pushing was painful and at times I felt scared. I knew the pain wasn’t going away so I gave it all I got. My mom was saying I was doing amazing. I think she would have said that no matter what. The midwife said I was crowning and asked if I wanted to feel his head. I replied no- HA! Just a few pushes later, the baby’s head was on its way out to which I heard STOP from everyone. I tried my best to stop because I didn’t know why they were saying that. Seconds later the midwife sternly says PUSH. River was then laid on my chest and I was stunned. I couldn’t believe he was real and mine.

A second later he was grabbed from me. Dave went over to the baby warmer while my mom stayed by me. Little did I know that the cord was wrapped around his neck. The nurses were patting his back and using a sucker object down his throat. At the same time the NICU team swarmed into the room.  My mom explained all this to me while I lay watching so I wasn’t scared. Eventually River let out a big cry. Those few minutes were the longest of Dave’s life. Since the nurses were so focused on getting River breathing, no one was talking to Dave. He didn’t know in those minutes if his son was going to live. River was put on oxygen temporarily and had an iv on his arm. Soon they laid him back on my chest. I was still in awe that he was my son.

            The next hour included family coming in, lots of shaking, blood pressure checks every ten minutes and baby gazing. It was nice that the doctor ordered him not to be held by anybody but Dave and I. This was so his breathing would stabilize.  I had a second degree tear and that was proof to me that the epidural did not work. I felt everything post birth. I begged the nurse to take out the IV and really that was the most reliving part of post delivery besides being able to take a bath. Lots of family came to see River. We barely got any sleep those days because of all the excitement. I was so grateful to the midwife for basically saving my son. Initially, I was somewhat annoyed that the midwife on duty was the one lady I had the least appointments with. I kind of judged her as being young therefore the least proficient at delivery babies. So in the end, I was very humbled that she saved River and I also learned that she was ten years older than what I suspected. Looking back, the only thing I would have changed is getting nausea medicine instead of the epidural. I didn’t know at the time that nausea medicine existed and the epidural didn’t even work for me. All in all I’m grateful for a healthy baby, an incredible husband, a loving family, and a wonderful staff at Methodist.  PRAISE GOD!!

River's Birth Part 2

Every time I had a contraction, I felt like I was going to throw up. This emotionally drained me of having any mental strength. This went on for an hour or two. The midwife checked me again and I had only dilated to three centimeters from 8am to about 1pm. Feeling discouraged, I asked everyone to leave so I could talk to Dave alone. I told him I was ready for an epidural. He tried to talk me out of it. That is exactly what he should have done. He knew how much I wanted to do it without pain meds and I probably would have been mad later on that he so easily let me give in.  After awhile he finally understood that I was serious. We asked the midwife for an epidural to which she immediately ordered up. The anesthesiologist was very busy so they gave me fentanyl until he could get there. To get through the pain I just huddled up on my side and squeezed whosever’s hand was there. This too was painful with a stupid iv that hurt my hand the entire delivery. Since I didn’t open my eyes through all of this, I just patted my thumb and fingers together as a sign to someone to grab my hand. I don’t think I opened my eyes until the baby was born. At some point Dave or my mom would push on my tailbone during contractions, which would ease the pain a little. At some point while waiting for the anesthesiologist to arrive, my water broke. I remember them having to lift me to change the sheets, which would have been embarrassing in any other situation. As time passed, I had some really heavy breathing going on that eventually turned into a moan; similar to a dying cow.

AN HOUR LATER, the anesthesiologist arrived to do the epidural. He had to stick me 3 different times. He had a sarcastic personality, which I would have appreciated had I not been in labor. During this time, I bent over and squeezed the life out of the sweetest nurse during every contraction. Mid labor she was assigned to a different floor, which was sad because she was really awesome. I actually didn’t have any bad memories from being stuck three times for the epidural because the contractions were so strong. The only thing the epidural did was take away the nausea. I still felt strong back labor and was beginning to feel the onset of the need to push. The midwife checked me right after the epidural and I was an 8. All in one hour I had gone from a three to an eight- CRAZY!

For about another hour, I fought through contractions. A new nurse was assigned who was very nice and great throughout the rest of delivery. I still preferred the first nurse who had a warm mothering way about her. After the baby was born, she came back the next day to check in on me- so sweet! The new nurse then asked me if I was ready to push. I could have but I knew I needed a stronger feeling until I could wait any longer. About a half hour later I was ready and dilated to 10. I started pushing with Dave, my mom and the nurse with me. After about five pushes, the nurse told me I had to stop. She said the baby was going to come within a few pushes and the midwife was in another labor. Our poor midwife had five deliveries back to back that day. So while I waited, I tried to persuade my mom and the nurse that I had to push. I pleaded with the nurse to just deliver the baby herself. My mom told me to go for it but somehow I waited for 45 minutes. That was horrendous.

River's Birth Part 1

River Birth Story

Due Date: March 25^th

Birthday: April 2

            And the story goes…about a month before I was due, the midwives were telling me that I was measuring a week early. I continued to hear this for the next few appointments. Spring Break was just around the corner and I started not to feel good. I just assumed it was signs that I was about to deliver, therefore I took off two days of school. HR was very confused why I was taking time off and I told them I was measuring early and expecting to go into labor in the upcoming days. (Big Mistake = the baby came three weeks later) HR probably thought I was just trying to get out of work; not true.

            A week of spring break passed and then the week of my due date passed. I went back to the midwives a week after my due date. At that point I had the choice on whether to induce or not. Some of the deciding factors included my mother going out of town, feeling physically past my capacity, predictions of a large baby and honestly just plain personal anxiety. This whole process was very emotional because I wanted everything to happen naturally and without interventions.

So after Dave calmed me down, we decided to be induced the night of April Fool’s Day. We went to Spaghetti Works for my “Last Supper”. The day felt surreal as I kept in mind that we would no longer be just two. We went home to pack (for the fifth time). I tried to take a nap but to no avail. Before we went to the hospital, we stopped at Target and walked through every toy aisle. Each of us grabbed something from Starbucks and then we drove to the hospital. I can remember time moving so slowly as we parked in the parking garage and walked slowly through the skywalk into the hospital.  I kept thinking is this really happening; is it really the moment I’ve been waiting for?

            Every fiber in my being was excited even just to give the front desk our name. A real bubbly nurse checked us in and thank the Lord, we got a corner room (aka bigger room). They took some blood and hooked me up to all their oh so comfortable gadgets. I had to sleep overnight on Cervidil. It was hard to sleep with the anticipation of everything, plus I couldn’t move with all the wires. Dave didn’t get much sleep either.

            Morning came and we had hoped for some dilation because I wasn’t dilated at all. Unfortunately nothing had happened and they were going to start Pitocin. My all natural, no intervention birth plan was basically down the tubes. They start Pitocin at 2ml and then bump it up by twos gradually. I asked the nurse what the highest level of Pitocin they usually give was and she told me twenty. Well I didn’t feel anything until 12 which some might consider a good thing. But then it all hit at once. My mom was going to stop by on her lunch break but when she got there, I was starting to die of pain.

Life is Frail

Lately the frailty of life has been on my mind. Country Music is usually the instigator for me to get on the phone and remind Dave of how much I love him. It also makes me want to get home a little faster everyday to River. He is rolling over now and altogether very squirrelly. The days when I would rock him to sleep are now few. The days of spitting food, pulling off his socks, and screaming out of delight are now here. All this reminds me to count my blessings everyday. Yesterday I remembered an old song by Joy Williams "Every Moment". While its easy for me to cherish my family, I have to work at being grateful in other areas of life in which I'm a constant complainer. Altogether I know that I don't deserve the immense blessings the Lord has drowned me in.

Wrestling Those Feet

11 Blessings

11. My mini van is proving to be quite the blessing. I can pack a stroller, pack n play, groceries, other shopping bags, large furniture pieces, nurse in the car, and still feel it fits into normal parking spots without being a tank.
10. I having loving in-laws. They are very genuine, sincere and generous. I greatly admire how they serve their family. It is such a blessing that my son has a rich Christian heritage from both families.
9. My niece is sassy; she no different than any other woman in my family. She is two years old and I love that ridiculous things she says and repeats. Also I feel like we have a special relationship and I know she loves me.

8. My church refreshes me. I strongly believe that church is also a place to serve but I don't always walk away from churches feeling empowered, loved, or joyful. I do at my church. Its exciting to encounter God with people who believe he wants to act and is going to act.
7. I'm overwhelming blessed with great friends, a great mom, sister, cousin, and many real/adopted aunts. There are many women who listen to my nonsense emotions and do not make me feel stupid. I appreciate the sympathetic smile, words of encouragement and testimonies of your similar struggles.
6. I'm grateful for my brother who makes me smile and pee my pants laughing at stupid stuff and a dad who assist in my crazy projects. I'm lucky to have been introduced to tools and carpentry skills at a young age.
5. My house is my safe place. I can relax, sing loud in the shower, and express myself in my decorating. Its great not to have neighbors a wall away and I love having a backyard to enjoy yard games.
4. Food is one of my weaknesses but at the same time I believe God did create it for our enjoyment. I have a sweet tooth. I think I went crazy after giving birth because I had been so strict with my diet while I was pregnant. So thank you Lord for cookies, ice cream, and SONIC!!!!!

3. RIVER BABY- I could cry I'm so in love with that boy. I really try to cherish every moment, knowing I wont always be able to hold him forever. He smiles at me when he is suppose to be nursing. He face brightens up every morning when I get him out of bed. He now hold onto the back of my neck or hair when I'm holding him. I can't get enough.

2. Someone else I can get enough of is David James. He is God greatest gift to me. Just yesterday he looked at my and said "Why did you do your hair today?" I reply, "I didn't do my hair, I just threw it up in a pony tail." He proceeds to tell me I look beautiful :) I love his servant heart, silly humor and simple calming touch. I love every day with him. Growing old together will be full of laughter and fun.
1. I'm blessed to know God likes me. Shame, guilt and inadequacy use to characterize my faith. NOT ANYMORE. Thinking about God or singing in worship makes me feel happy now instead of wanting to hide. I know God delights in my love for my family, passion for me ESL students, and desire to be a mom. Thank you Lord for being a good God with an eternal loving smile towards me.

One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure

I found a dresser on the side of the road and now have big plans :). Also I am planning on making the ruler as a growth chart.

River Collage

A Diamond in the Dutch

Sorry it's been awhile. Since my computer is given back to the school for the summer, I can't load pictures to my blog from the ipad so it will be a few weeks until new pictures of River show up.

As many of you close friends know, nursing has been the hardest thing I've ever done, in the sense that my child doesn't like to nurse and I'm determined to see it through. Over the last two months, I've talked to 3 different lactation consultants, one is the best in the state, cried about every other day and tried every possible trick to get it to work. Basically I try everything and then start again at the top of the list when it doesn't work.

My husband has been SOOOOO good to me through all this. From the beginning he has supported me to try nursing even though the easier choice for everyone would be switching to a bottle permenantly. He's gets up with me in the middle of the night when the baby is too mad to acknowledge his extreme hunger and just cries. He never once has mentioned giving up or switching to the bottle. Dave has comforted me when I am discouraged and always reminds me to take it one day at a time.

But yesterday, he out did himself. I called him crying because the baby was again fighting me to eat. I was mad when he didn't respond after I told him everything that was going on, so I proceed to hang up. My instincts wanted to send Him a text saying "remind me to abandon you in your time of need' BUT the Holy Spirit reminded me of the Proverbs I read that morning about controlling your tongue/texts :) so I didn't and eventually the baby ate. Dave called after that about 4 times before I could get to the phone. Little did I know he left work early to come help me. WHAT A GEM! He helped me clean the house for a party and take care of River. All in one day I cried because I thought he was ignoring me on the phone (little did I know he was in the middle of a meeting) and I later cried because I was overwhelmed that he loved me enough to come home and help. The way he puts up with me is supernatural! I love that man to pieces and he is an incredible dad! LOVE YOU DAVID!!

Loving Conviction

So the last two weeks have been a little bit hard. River has been fussier and we've had a little trouble feeding.   My reaction to all this was to go to the internet...bad idea. I had him pegged with every kind of problem but none of them symptoms seemed to stick to make a conclusive judgement. Yesterday my husband forced me to have some quiet time. As I listened to the Lord, he revealed to me my idol of knowledge. I felt the need to  research everything and not once did I ask God for help. He lovingly reminded me that he is the maker of my son and knows better than the internet what my son needs. Amazingly after some prayer, River and I have had the most peaceful day. The little monkey just needed some sleep :) Thank you God for your gentle rebuke.