Tuesday, November 4

sometimes free means clutter

It's just like the mail you get offering a steal of a credit card deal, or the pizza coupons, or the sales ads...if you don't get rid of them immediately, soon you are swimming in stuff you don't need.

We have a missionary closet at our church where I can donate our freebies like toothbrushes, razors, shampoo, etc. if we find that our stockpile is overrunning our storage space. But lately, I've been saying "forget it" to the free candles, air fresheners, etc. simply because I don't need it and can't store it. I've come to realize that just because it's free does not mean it is for me!! I may have taken this a bit too far, as we are down to our last tube of toothpaste! ;-)

What do you do with your extras?

And because I'm curious about my readers, who are you voting for today?? Vote in the poll on my sidebar! Comment on this post that you voted in the poll and I'll add you to the drawing for a surprise election day gift (it will be something useful from my own stockpile)! Poll ends at 11:59pm, giveaway open to US residents only. If you comment that you voted in the ACTUAL election, you get two entries.

16 comments:

Mama Mia said...

I voted in the ACTUAL election this morning! I pray God's mercy on our country as we await the results.

Ben and April said...

I also voted in the actual election today and on your poll. We too are praying for God's mercy.

I an not sure if I have ever commented on your blog before, but i have it in my reader and enjoying reading it. I don't know how I came across it, but I know you are friends w/ Sarah Barker, so maybe that is it!


I am a huge advocate of natural childbirth and really enjoyed your post as you were deciding on the birth of your new little guy!

Stephanie said...

I voted in the actual election and in your poll. I am hoping to use my stockpile items to make gift baskets for those who are struggling financially. I also put together a basket with my stockpile items for guests to use when they stay over.

Jennifer said...

I voted in the actual election today. What an awesome responsibility and privilege! May God continue to bless our country!

You don't know me, but I came across it reading a blog from a Northland student. Your Works of God Monday is such a blessing. I enjoy your interesting accounts of your day.

May the Lord continue to bless your family.

christina said...

i voted in your poll and in the general election as well... surprisingly short lines in my precinct. but hey, when you're toting kids that's cool with me! ;) not surprisingly you have rather conservative readers. and i pray that outcome for our country.
i like to re-gift my goodies. i usually end up with lotions and spa stuff instead of toothbrushes, razors, etc. like you. hmm... maybe i should start following your freebie trail! i could use a new razor.... haha!!

Rosemary said...

Uncle Dale and I will be heading out to get in line at our polling location as soon as he gets home at 4:30. I heard that the lines are long - which is GOOD! - but don't know when we will get back, so I am 'voting' in your poll and commenting now. Hmm... I must not be in those marketer's target demographics... I never get offers for free stuff...just LOTS of catalogs for expensive toys and children's books ('they' apparently know that I am a GRANDPARENT!!).

Tricia said...

Ryan voted this morning and I'm going to vote as soon as he gets home tonight...I guess I could walk over there with the kiddos. We'll see, either way I'll get there today!

Rachel said...

I voted this morning, as well as in your poll on the side :) We are so blessed to live in the U.S.A.!!! I'm a big thrift store fan, and we have great ones up here in the mountains.. So I am constantly dropping my excess stuff there. It's always a challenge to not bring home more than I dropped off!

Unknown said...

Hey, girl,

We keep our freebies in a bin in the basement so we really don't see it or feel that it's there until we need something. And then it's so much fun to go "shopping" in our free bin!

I voted on your sidebar and in the real election. And you know I got around to starbucks and chick-fil-a for freebies since I voted. :)

suzanne said...

I voted in your poll and in the election today! I had an easy time. There was NO LINE AT ALL! I was very excited about that.

Katie said...

I voted on your sidebar and also in the general election. I was so thankful I could vote early and got it over last Thursday! I did have to wait an hour and a half though. (I got there at 5pm on the last day of early voting in IL.)

Where do you get all of your free stuff? Probably that CVS business, which I totally do not understand, but hope to some day. :)

Autum said...

I did both votes and am now trying to decide how late I am going to stay up and watch the returns, especially since I am likely to wake up at 5:30 again and I don't have to be up that early.

We ended up waiting about 30 to get to the table then had to wait for a booth to open, but just Russ and I. Amy Bolton Simpson was behind us in line so I had someone other than Russ or the boys to talk to while we waited, though I was pretty busy making sure little boys weren't bothering the other voters.

Karen said...

Hey, Jenny. I voted in your poll and in the actual election.
What a fun idea! I'm so glad all the hubbub is (almost) over.

Rachel said...

Hi Jenny - I voted in your poll and in the actual election. I proudly and unashamedly voted for McCain/Palin.

Kara said...

I was in line at 9am this morning- no line!

I voted for McCain even though a patient yesterday made me feel like crap for doing so. I'll get over it.

the johnson crew said...

i voted for mccain this morning in the actual election, and in your poll.

we don't have a "stock pile" of "extras" with six kids we fly through EVERYTHING!