How I Pay for Piano Lessons

I am so excited to tell you how I get free piano lessons for 2 of my children and guitar lessons for another.  I use a very old term that isn't used very much these days.  I barter. The definition of bartering is a type of trade, either between individuals or organizations, using goods and services rather than money. In these trying times where money is tight people are still finding ways to provide those "extras" in life without breaking the bank.  Today I am going to show you how I barter and how you can get started. 

I have always wanted my children to learn to play an instrument and learn music. I have some very talented friends.  One of those friends plays piano at church and I asked her if she was interested in teaching piano to 2 of my girls. She is great but it took a little convincing that she could teach.  When she said yes I asked her if she would take "stuff" as payment.  I told her that she could shop in my stockpile for anything she need.  We agreed that she would accept $10 worth of my stockpile for each lesson. You see she has 2 small boys and at the time both were in diapers.  She knows that I am a couponer and I have been able to get cheap diaper for her before.  I have paid with diaper, razors for her and her hubby, shampoo and a few other things.  Another one of my girls get guitar lessons.  My family has "adopted" a young bachelor from our church.  He has truly become part of the family.  He comes over for family night where we watch movies or play games.  He brings his laundry and before dinner as someone in the house is starting the washer he is giving my oldest daughter a guitar lesson.  He plays beautifully and love to teach as well.  What a blessing he is.

This is just 2 ways that I barter.  You can do it to.  The hardest part is asking but don't let that stop you. You could use your talents to barter but remember that it isn't just talent.  You could use coupons to add to your stockpile and let people "shop" at your house.  If you don't mind cleaning toilets and floors I know someone who would barter with you. ME!

Summer Break

Awesome playground in Solvang, CA

Well if you have been wondering what happened to me or where I've been well this post will explain it.  Life happened.  Summer was in full swing, kids where home and vacations came and went.  School started last Tuesday and I don't know how much I will be able to blog this school year.  I have decided after much prayer to help out at my children's school.  I guess it's more than helping out I basically will be running the ACE learning center.  I am super excited but that is another post. 

The next couple of post I want to talk about how we had a fun filled summer with very little money.  Practically the whole month of August we were on vacation and we did it all with cash.  There aren't any credit cards waiting to be paid off for months to come.  I drove over 4000 miles and stayed in some really nice hotels.  We've gone bowling, went to a water park, the beach and traveled to almost middle America.  I know there is more but I can't even remember all that we have done.

I'll start with the bowling.  If you remember when the summer started I told you all about the "Kid's Bowl Free" deal all across the country.  Well we went several times but it still cost us money in shoe rentals.  I am pretty sure that this great summer activity will come back again!  I won't be renting shoes next year though.  I have decided to start looking for bowling shoes throughout the year.  I remember at the beginning of this great deal I couldn't find any "deals" on shoes.  I searched Ebay and Craigslist and found that everyone was looking for the same purpose.  So skip ahead 2 months and what do you know, I found 2 pair of shoes for under $20 total!  I figured 2 things, the rush was over and parents were selling this years shoes before they out grow them.  I have 5 children and therefore I must continue to search for a few more deals.  I plan on giving them as Christmas presents (boy I hope my oldest daughter doesn't read this post). 

So there you have it the first update in awhile.  My next post will be about some other fun things we did this summer and how to prepare for next summer.

Taking a break

I know its been a few days since my last post.  I was very disappointed in myself for not keeping up my goal but then I realized that I wasn't having as much fun as when I first started blogging.  I have been reading lots of other blogs and I have been boggled as to how often they have post.  I started to compare myself to seasoned bloggers and was discouraged.  I was ready to give up.  That is when I decided to just have fun and post when I feel like it.  So from now on I'm going to do just that. 

Thought of the Day - 52

Go to a Farmers market.  There is just something fun about checking out all the local growers and getting samples of the produce.  I love to see all the local artist and crafters too.

Thought of the Day - 51

 

Take a ride on the bus.  Jump on the bus in your town and see a different way of looking at your town.  I plan on taking the kids to the mall and back just using the bus.  I will let you all know how it goes but I am sure it will be fun!

Thought of the Day - 50

Have a water day. Play in the Sprinkler This one is the most fun when mom joins in, but if you like, you can stay dry and work by a window where you can watch the fun. Water balloons, spray bottles, wading pool and water guns all add to the fun.

Thought of the Day - 49

 
Summer Concerts or Outdoor Movies
Many cities sponsor free concerts and sometimes even movies in parks and other outdoor spaces. Keep an eye on the local paper to find out if this happens in your area