A New Passion for Tori

Opportunity Knocked

Well, after lots of prayer, conversations, and consideration, Jonah decided that he would not like to participate in the high school musical, after all.  I am proud of him for seriously considering the option, and I'm proud of the decision-making process he went through.

Being in the musical meant that he would be required to attend one class every day at school, and he would not be able to work at his occasional job or visit his grandparents, and he isn't willing to give up his freedom quite so quickly.  I think we all realized that school attendance just would not fit into our lifestyle. We are too spur-of-the-moment, flexible, fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants kind of people! But I wanted it to be his decision, and it was.  He did what he wanted to do.

Doing great with coupons: tonight at CVS I spent about $34 on about $92 worth of products.  I am adding to my stockpiles!  Here's what I got:

• (3) Axe Deodorants
• (3) Glade Spray Scents (normally $11.99 each)
• (4) Tubes Crest 3D White Toothpaste
• (4) 12-pks Coke 
• (2) Valentine's Day Hershey Kisses 8 oz. 
• (2) 9.5-oz Triscuits
• (2) 10-oz Wheat Thins
• (2) 6-oz Ritz Cheddar Crackerfulls
• (1) $10 CVS Gift Card

Since I have more time on my hands, I've been concentrating on using coupons wisely to stock up on things when they are on sale. Now, I just have to figure out a cheaper way to collect the coupons that I need. I've been buying 7 newspapers every week, but there has to be a better way.

Tomorrow night is basketball practice (my friend Angie and I are coaching a 2nd and 3rd grade team), and then Silas is going to Boy Scouts for the first time.  He doesn't know it yet...it's better that way.  He doesn't think Boy Scouts will be as fun as Cadets!

Today we did something I never thought we would do.

We went to the local high school to see if Jonah could register with them so that he could be a part of the high school musical.

Well, it wasn't a bad experience.  The vice principal was very nice and helpful.  He's going to do some research for us to see what we have to do to make this possible.  He thinks Jonah will just have to register for one class.

Not sure what I think about this right now.  It's an opportunity.

Please Accept My Apology!

Okay, okay...I know it's been a long time since you even heard a peep outta me. I'm sorry! It's just that I really have been busy.

We moved to a new state, started a new ministry, took another mission trip to Honduras and got through the holidays! I haven't had time to breathe, let alone blog!

So, to catch you up really quickly, everything is going fantabulous! I love the house we're renting (it's on a lake channel, twice the size of our old house and 1/2 the monthly payment, what's there not to love?), our new church has welcomed us with open arms, my brother & his family brought my mom for a visit last week, and I've lost 1.5 pounds over the last two weeks.

I do miss my friends, and sometimes I miss my old job, but not very often! The kids and I are finally getting into a good routine with schoolwork and household chores. Life is peaceful, exactly what I've wanted for so long...

Setting Your Kids Up to be Successful in Business-Part 1 "WHY?"

So, I've talked before about how much I love homeschooling and the freedom it has given our family.  Mostly, I love the freedom it gives my children to follow their interests and passions.  I also love it because homeschooling gives us the time to spend with our children, preparing them for their futures.

There's one thing in particular we've intentionally tried to promote in our kids' lives-- an avid entrepeneurial spirit.  This world is changing rapidly and our kids won't have the same kind of lifestyle we do.  My goodness, we don't even have the stable job continuity that our parents and grandparents enjoyed.  I want my kids to be prepared to  provide for their families in whatever way they can.  And we always tell them that it's so much better to be your own boss.  That way, YOU set the schedule, YOU call the shots, YOU are in control, and  YOU are not at the mercy of a "BOSS."

To that end, about 4 years ago we helped our kids launch their own business selling candy and renting inflatables.  While they haven't gotten "financially rich," what they have gained in knowledge, poise, confidence, and business sense is beyond value.

Here are our Top Reasons Why You Should Consider Setting Your Kids up in Business

• Hands-on-learning is the best kind of learning. Business skills don't come naturally. Your kids will learn important skills, i.e. how to handle money, deal with customers, fulfill obligations, handle inventory, etc. in a safe environment.  They aren't risking their house or life savings to see if they "like" running a business. You are there to guide them.  And I guarantee that you will learn a lot too!

• It will open up a whole new world to your family.  Our business is mostly a traveling business.  We don't have one set location; we travel to different fairs, festivals, block parties, birthday parties, athletic events, carnivals, concerts, etc.  Everywhere we've gone, my kids have made new friends of all ages, plus they've been presented with myriad opportunities to try new things.  One time when we had a booth at a certain athletic tournament, my youngest son spent some time with an older gentleman who teaches fly fishing to kids in schools. You guessed it....Silas is now addicted to fly fishing, which has led to great father/son bonding times.

• Your children will grow in confidence. When we are out, people are interested in what my kids are doing.  They ask a lot of questions, and they usually think it's pretty cool that the kids are running their own business. They compliment my children on their customer service and their initiative.  Plus here is nothing like earning your own way to pay for things, and  our kids have done all kinds of things with the money they have earned.  Their business paid for our first trip to Disney World, and helped to fund mission trips to Honduras and the Dominican Republic.  

• They will learn how to quickly make decisions.  Practical problem-solving will come more naturally to them because sometimes you have to make hard decisions when you are responsible for your own business.  For example, we mostly work outside.  The weather must always be considered.  Is our tent safe?  Will our inflatables get wet? One of our pieces is 800 pounds, and the weight increases dramatically if it gets wet.  A wet inflatable = problems! How much product should we purchase for an upcoming event?  Too much, and our profit margin goes down; too little and we run out.  These are all items that must be considered.

• You will be investing in their future in ways you can't even imagine right now.  Enough said. :o)