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Sunday, February 10, 2008

I Love Sunday's!!!




Sunday. I love Sunday's. It is such a relaxing day. We sleep in then get up in time for church. After church we go out to eat, usually to Mr. Gatti's or the Manderin. We are not particularly fond of either restaurants. However they are one of the few places in town a family of seven can actually afford to eat.

I have found that things such as eating out, movies, and other extra curricular activities present the most significant challenge to a large family. A movie with popcorn, candy, and drinks cost a family with one child about $25 to $30. Not to bad for a weekend outing. When you adjust that to a family of seven the price jumps up to $100. Now thats a huge difference. Eating out is the same way. A couple with one child can eat at a sit down restaurant for about $30. Where as it costs our family about $80. I find that we have to be creative inorder to enjoy these activities. We search out restaurants that provide kids eat free. I also look online and in the paper for coupons quiet often. Mr. Gatti's always hands out free kids buffets. We all eat there on Sunday for $17!!!! Movies are enjoyed at the $1.50 movies. Sure they are not the newest releases but we enjoy the entertainment just the same. We take our own water bottles and candy. We usually splurge and buy the movie popcorn. You just cant replicate that at home nor is the movie the same with out it. I found that buying family passes is definitly the way to go. We pay the same for a family zoo pass as we would if we all went and paid for a one day admission. I never feel like my kids are deprived. They do so much and are so blessed. It just takes a little more planning and creativity. It's kind of become a challenge for our family. We often try to see just how much we can do on as little money as possible.

I am so thankful to have a big family. Sure it brings its own set of challenges. But I enjoy working together to achieve our goals. This summer we are planning to go on a cruise to the Caribbean. We are working hard to save and earn money for our trip. We are having a HUGE yard sale. The kids are saving all their money. We are participating in several consignment sales. And everyone is taking on extra odd jobs. I am thankful that my children are learning that hard work has its rewards. This is a great opportunity for my children to learn and understand the value of money, hard work, and self control (no buying candy or cokes.) I am grateful that the Lord is allowing us to meet this challenge together as a family.

Today's Prayer
Lord help me to be a good steward of your money. Help me to set a good example for my children as we strive together as a family to meet our needs. Thank you for blessing me and our family with this vacation. Help us to use it to serve you and and glorify your name.

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